There's this great magazine, called Radio Times. You should get it.
Poor old David Cameron! He's interviewed on the backpage and talks of a wonderful Xmas watching a classi Bond film on Xmas Day, and The Sound of Music. Neither of which get a look in. I mean, surely CR could get a showing. Let's hope his predictions for the economy are on a sounder footing.
Flat Champagne really. It looks sumptuous, esp the first half, and is the sort of film you could take your frail old mum to see. But it feels a bit like a 1960s Disney period romp, where they might burst into song any minute, it feels very second hand. Gone is the gritty, witty, Gothic gravitas of the first movie, or that 'guiding hand of intelligence' I referenced in my review two years ago. The humour is self-indulgent, a bit too broadly comic.
It is moved from the Jack the Ripper-style London as the plot involves bombs going off in Europe by radicals, this actually happened but it never caught the public's imagination as fiction somehow. This is the same era as the 1960s film The Assassination Bureau, same theme I think, but when the characters move to France it doesn't capture the belle epoque era much. There's gypsy woman, an underwritten role for the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo lady, and it might have been good to have her refer to how Baron Hausseman swept the medieval warren of houses away a few decades earlier. The history is a bit screwy too, did they have basic cars in 1891? Was the Sacra Coeur well on its way to being built? I have to say I did find it hard to care about this one, though Downey does a good English accent, the whole schtick is a bit tired already, plus he suddenly has reminded me of Brit actor Robert Lindsay.
Set in Mississippi during the early 60's when segregation was still a way of life, The Help tells the story of Skeeter Phelan, played well by Emma Stone, a recent college graduate who wants to become a writer. She decides to interview the black women who work for the upper class white families in Jackson, Mississippi. At first the women are fearful of being interviewed, worrying about losing their jobs or suffering even worse repercussions for contributing to a book written by a white woman, but eventually Aibileen, played by Viola Davis steps forward to tell her story. Later, after one of the maids is arrested and treated roughly, other women step forward.
What I liked about this film was that the characters are not painted with a broad brush, not every white family is racist, some are, some are less so and some are actually caring and friendly. The maids are intelligent, angry, scared, resentful, and sometimes, not so smart. The interaction between all these unique characters is fascinating and fun to watch.
The cast, which is just about all female, was excellent, not a bad performance anywhere. Emma Stone, who I have not seen before, was wonderful as the young writer who doesn't agree with the segregation policies of the time. Bryce Dallas Howard is great as Hilly, the society queen who seems intent on keeping the segregationist policies in place. Viola Davis will probably receive an Academy Award nomination for her role as Aibileen, the maid with courage to come forward and the intellect to help tell the story. There are others, as the film is filled with smaller roles that are compelling and aid in showing the subtleties of the various behaviors of the time.
Transformers 3 a few days ago - because I had to as my son's birthfay present! Quite entertaining actually and I do recall a member of the forum has a brother who played a part.
That's about as comprehensive a review as I can handle at the moment after another late night following another "just a quick drink" after work!
"The distance between insanity and genius is merely success"
Adventures of Tintin- brilliant, supperb, best movie Ive seen in a long shot. Jackson and Speilburg did so well with this movie, brought back heaps of memories of me reading the comics when I was younger
“The scent and smoke and sweat of a casino are nauseating at three in the morning. "
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
Very good. Not the best dialogue in a movie, but there was chemistry and great scenes overall. Definitely very little to be bored or annoyed by. Anyone who is a fan of Splinter Cell game might see this as the closest you'll get to a movie adaptation.
Tons of entertainment. All well done.
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
MI-4: Ghost Protocol
It was a good way to kill two hours. Very entertaining. Lot's of cool fights. A couple cool cars. This movie was just over two hours long, but it moved quick. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I only had two major disappointments:
Josh Holloway has a very short role in this movie. When I read he'll be in the movie I got excited. He was awesome in Lost. Sadly, his character in this movie was short lived. He was killed off quickly. Also wish Luther (Ving Rhames) had a bigger role. Oh well
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,769Chief of Staff
Took in Sherlock Holmes: Game Of Shadows the other day....
I can understand where Nap is coming from at times....this film had a lot to live up to and it couldn't rely on the gimmicks that made the first film so entertaining....it IS more comedic than the first film too...and, as Nap does point out, it IS sumptuous to watch too...where we disagee is that I loved this movie as much as the first...
Noomi Rapace is underused...but that's not too much of a bad thing as she was the one actor that just didn't quite 'fit' her character for me...Jarred Harris on the other hand is sublime as Moriarty....true menace lurked behind his eyes...and any movie that has a naked Stephen Fry in it has just got to be a winner )
Again, Downey and Law turn in good performances and do look as though they have chemistry together....not only that, but it's the first time in many a year I have heard the audience *gasp* with delight when Holmes turns up at the end...
A great film...I hope they do more...
YNWA 97
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,769Chief of Staff
Today I watched Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol....
Hmmm...it looks like they tried to be serious (and play it as a thriller) in a few scenes and then gave it all up for a spectacular romp of a film !
It's not a bad film, far from it...but it's not as good as it thinks it it either....and, as stated above, some really shoddy dialogue
And I'm still unsure IF this is a film or a two hour advert for Apple and BMW
Like I said...not bad...but I won't rush out to see the next MI movie...
Oh...and Simon Pegg steals the film )
When this film IS good is when it asks the audience to 'just go with it' and not to think too much...some lovely stunts and action sequences are thrown in there too...but can someone PLEASE buy Tom Cruise a shirt 8-)
I went in thinking it would be odd and maybe slightly shallow as it was Hollywood insisting on making films despite the novels having already recently been adapted. And well-received at that.
I was wrong.
First off. The opening titles were like a wild version of a Bond opening. Very interesting and a good way for the film to make a clean slate on its own terms.
I went in thinking Craig would get the attention and I wasn't really believing the glimpses of Rooney Mara in previews, but it ended up being a great duo. Mara is fantastic with a sympathy and vulnerability under her edgy and seemingly unapproachable outside. Craig plays the intelligent, but beat up journalist great. The film is dark considering the audience I had assumed it was for, being mainstream adults. I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this movie.
I loved the visual style, with almost no greens on the screen. Reds popped because of their rareness in the scenes as well. Reminded me of The Dark Knight With cold blues and grays dominating with highlighting of gorgeous warm lights in the Swedish snow-covered houses. It was a clear, cold look that added to the atmosphere alongside the music.
The story, as many know, is great and it translated well here. Despite being around 2hr 40m, I didn't find myself checking my watch once. I loved that it didn't feel American. There was an intriguing European winter sense that added to the great mystery, characters, and intelligence as it moved along. I couldn't help but love the darkness that joined the well-told tale.
Really hoping the sequels get made. Go see this one. I want sequels.
overly long, uninvolving and unpleasant. I just kept waiting for it to end..although the ending is weak. Its nicely photographed but not worth watching..certainly not on the big screen.
overly long, uninvolving and unpleasant. I just kept waiting for it to end..although the ending is weak. Its nicely photographed but not worth watching..certainly not on the big screen.
Awww. Come on. Don't listen to this guy, he is in the minority as far as opinion on this one goes ^
overly long, uninvolving and unpleasant. I just kept waiting for it to end..although the ending is weak. Its nicely photographed but not worth watching..certainly not on the big screen.
Awww. Come on. Don't listen to this guy, he is in the minority as far as opinion on this one goes ^
Go enjoy the bleak David Fincher charm. And I still want those sequels.
Why are people who have a different opinion than you not allowed to express an opinion? Unlike you I don't have some sort of agenda. I think the film's poor box office suggest its not most people's cup of tea. It runs for nearly three hours and you feel every solitary second of it.
overly long, uninvolving and unpleasant. I just kept waiting for it to end..although the ending is weak. Its nicely photographed but not worth watching..certainly not on the big screen.
Awww. Come on. Don't listen to this guy, he is in the minority as far as opinion on this one goes ^
Go enjoy the bleak David Fincher charm. And I still want those sequels.
Why are people who have a different opinion than you not allowed to express an opinion? Unlike you I don't have some sort of agenda. I think the film's poor box office suggest its not most people's cup of tea. It runs for nearly three hours and you feel every solitary second of it.
I was saying my 'Don't listen to him' in a tongue-in-cheek manner! Of course you can say you didn't like it and what you felt was wrong. I was just joking and wouldn't seriously tell people "Oh, shhhhh!"
That said, I was being serious when I was telling people to give it a shot. I disagree with your opinion that it is not worth others even seeing it. And I was simply pointing out that most people in the aggregation disagree with that negative opinion as well.
I promise, I wasn't trying to be an enemy of those who disliked it . Just an enemy of the don't-even-try-it notion! X-(
I saw Dragon Tattoo this afternoon. Yes, I found the last 20 minutes or so tough. . .I felt the movie proper had ended, and it just kept going and going. Overall, though, I found it a very good thriller--good performances, some tense sequences, and David Fincher's excellent atmospheric touch (though this movie pales next to Seven). Most of the complaints about the movie I've heard are from fans of the books and/or the original Swedish film. Being familiar with neither, I was satisfied.
Took in Sherlock Holmes: Game Of Shadows the other day....
Again, Downey and Law turn in good performances and do look as though they have chemistry together....not only that, but it's the first time in many a year I have heard the audience *gasp* with delight .... at the end...
Probably because they hadn't read your spoiler-filled review beforehand, Sir Miles...
Following on... I urge Pendragon to seek out the UK series of Sherlock, set in modern day with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, if she hasn't already. Three episodes so far, new series started this week.
To summarise, the Irene Adler from the movie I'd clean forgotten about by the time of movie 2, and didn't actually know who the character was but the Irene Adler of the TV series... Shocking, I'll say no more.
Saw Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows today. I loved it! Somewhat surprisingly because I don't recall enjoying the first film much. I liked the visual style, the sense of humour, the cast, basically everything in this one. I will go and revisit the first film though, to see if I enjoy it more this time around.
Besides the two male leads, I though Jared Harris was superb as Moriarty. I'm not familiar with Mr Harris, yet throughout the film I had a feeling I had seen him before - especially his voice. It was only when I read online that he is the son of Richard Harris that I realised I was hearing the voice of his father throughout! Also, I am a great fan of Stephen Fry, and enjoyed him in the film - although I couldn't help feeling I'd seen a bit too much of him! At least in the BBC series it is Irene Adler who gets her kit off!
This film has definitely got me interested in exploring the Sherlock Holmes mythos, which the first film failed to do.
Following on... I urge Pendragon to seek out the UK series of Sherlock, set in modern day with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, if she hasn't already. Three episodes so far, new series started this week.
To summarise, the Irene Adler from the movie I'd clean forgotten about by the time of movie 2, and didn't actually know who the character was but the Irene Adler of the TV series... Shocking, I'll say no more.
I saw this on Sunday - and was quite flabergasted at just how good it was. Thought the first 3 were good, well, you're in for a treat with this one....
And shocking Nap?
Damn right.... I think I have a bit of a girl crush now ;%
She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,769Chief of Staff
Took in Sherlock Holmes: Game Of Shadows the other day....
Again, Downey and Law turn in good performances and do look as though they have chemistry together....not only that, but it's the first time in many a year I have heard the audience *gasp* with delight .... at the end...
Probably because they hadn't read your spoiler-filled review beforehand, Sir Miles...
You guys act like I haven't seen and fallen in love with Sherlock :P been with it since it premired, and was finally able to see the episode last night.
Honestly, I wasn't too pleased with the way they characterized Irene in the show...but it did turn out well in the end, I guess. The rest of the episode was flawless, however.
Cool, did you get it on Netflix? Anyway, the good thing about the series is that they work as serials... imo this is how the Batman thing should be, so you get to know the characters. Moriaty has only fleetingly appeared in the series, but because we've seen his face a while back, we feel we sort of know him. In the movies, however, it gets truncated, we meet M' in the second film and it all gets ahead of itself, there's no sense of a relationship developing, without giving the ending away.
A letdown after Belgravia. As soulless, frenetic and confusing as any Doctor Who episode. I think it had a different writer and director. Getting tired of Holmes' schtick of being able to guess everything about someone from contrived details. Dull cinematography too.
Puss In Boots
I loved the character when it was first introduced in Shrek 2, so I thought I'd enjoy this little spin-off. For me it was a success, and I hope there will be another one.
The Adventures of Tintin
As a Tintin fan, I guess I'm a bit biased, but if you haven't already seen it, go and see it. It is absolutely fantastic.
Tower Heist
Not brilliant, but pretty damn good. Had a few genuine laugh out loud moments.
War Horse
Loved the film. I read one review saying that it focussed too much on the people that the horse came into contact with, rather than the horse itself, so it was perhaps a bit of a let down. I agree with that, but it was still a very, very good film.
The Iron Lady
I had troubles following it, as it seemed to jump from scene to scene, but it started to make sense in the end - it was all 'visions', a flash back to the past during a lonely night (or two) for Baronness Thatcher. Meryl Streep was absolutely superb in her role.
I'll be watching Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol on Wednesday, and would like to go and see Sherlock Holmes some time. I'm also interested in going to see The Descendants when it is released. This few months has seen so many great film releases.
Comments
Poor old David Cameron! He's interviewed on the backpage and talks of a wonderful Xmas watching a classi Bond film on Xmas Day, and The Sound of Music. Neither of which get a look in. I mean, surely CR could get a showing. Let's hope his predictions for the economy are on a sounder footing.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Flat Champagne really. It looks sumptuous, esp the first half, and is the sort of film you could take your frail old mum to see. But it feels a bit like a 1960s Disney period romp, where they might burst into song any minute, it feels very second hand. Gone is the gritty, witty, Gothic gravitas of the first movie, or that 'guiding hand of intelligence' I referenced in my review two years ago. The humour is self-indulgent, a bit too broadly comic.
It is moved from the Jack the Ripper-style London as the plot involves bombs going off in Europe by radicals, this actually happened but it never caught the public's imagination as fiction somehow. This is the same era as the 1960s film The Assassination Bureau, same theme I think, but when the characters move to France it doesn't capture the belle epoque era much. There's gypsy woman, an underwritten role for the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo lady, and it might have been good to have her refer to how Baron Hausseman swept the medieval warren of houses away a few decades earlier. The history is a bit screwy too, did they have basic cars in 1891? Was the Sacra Coeur well on its way to being built? I have to say I did find it hard to care about this one, though Downey does a good English accent, the whole schtick is a bit tired already, plus he suddenly has reminded me of Brit actor Robert Lindsay.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Saw it this afternoon with my buddy, and we both had a great time taking it in
mountainburdphotography.wordpress.com
Set in Mississippi during the early 60's when segregation was still a way of life, The Help tells the story of Skeeter Phelan, played well by Emma Stone, a recent college graduate who wants to become a writer. She decides to interview the black women who work for the upper class white families in Jackson, Mississippi. At first the women are fearful of being interviewed, worrying about losing their jobs or suffering even worse repercussions for contributing to a book written by a white woman, but eventually Aibileen, played by Viola Davis steps forward to tell her story. Later, after one of the maids is arrested and treated roughly, other women step forward.
What I liked about this film was that the characters are not painted with a broad brush, not every white family is racist, some are, some are less so and some are actually caring and friendly. The maids are intelligent, angry, scared, resentful, and sometimes, not so smart. The interaction between all these unique characters is fascinating and fun to watch.
The cast, which is just about all female, was excellent, not a bad performance anywhere. Emma Stone, who I have not seen before, was wonderful as the young writer who doesn't agree with the segregation policies of the time. Bryce Dallas Howard is great as Hilly, the society queen who seems intent on keeping the segregationist policies in place. Viola Davis will probably receive an Academy Award nomination for her role as Aibileen, the maid with courage to come forward and the intellect to help tell the story. There are others, as the film is filled with smaller roles that are compelling and aid in showing the subtleties of the various behaviors of the time.
One of the year’s best, highly recommend.
That's about as comprehensive a review as I can handle at the moment after another late night following another "just a quick drink" after work!
-Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
Very good. Not the best dialogue in a movie, but there was chemistry and great scenes overall. Definitely very little to be bored or annoyed by. Anyone who is a fan of Splinter Cell game might see this as the closest you'll get to a movie adaptation.
Tons of entertainment. All well done.
It was a good way to kill two hours. Very entertaining. Lot's of cool fights. A couple cool cars. This movie was just over two hours long, but it moved quick. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I only had two major disappointments:
I can understand where Nap is coming from at times....this film had a lot to live up to and it couldn't rely on the gimmicks that made the first film so entertaining....it IS more comedic than the first film too...and, as Nap does point out, it IS sumptuous to watch too...where we disagee is that I loved this movie as much as the first...
Noomi Rapace is underused...but that's not too much of a bad thing as she was the one actor that just didn't quite 'fit' her character for me...Jarred Harris on the other hand is sublime as Moriarty....true menace lurked behind his eyes...and any movie that has a naked Stephen Fry in it has just got to be a winner
Again, Downey and Law turn in good performances and do look as though they have chemistry together....not only that, but it's the first time in many a year I have heard the audience *gasp* with delight when Holmes turns up at the end...
A great film...I hope they do more...
Hmmm...it looks like they tried to be serious (and play it as a thriller) in a few scenes and then gave it all up for a spectacular romp of a film !
It's not a bad film, far from it...but it's not as good as it thinks it it either....and, as stated above, some really shoddy dialogue
And I'm still unsure IF this is a film or a two hour advert for Apple and BMW
Like I said...not bad...but I won't rush out to see the next MI movie...
Oh...and Simon Pegg steals the film
When this film IS good is when it asks the audience to 'just go with it' and not to think too much...some lovely stunts and action sequences are thrown in there too...but can someone PLEASE buy Tom Cruise a shirt 8-)
I went in thinking it would be odd and maybe slightly shallow as it was Hollywood insisting on making films despite the novels having already recently been adapted. And well-received at that.
I was wrong.
First off. The opening titles were like a wild version of a Bond opening. Very interesting and a good way for the film to make a clean slate on its own terms.
I went in thinking Craig would get the attention and I wasn't really believing the glimpses of Rooney Mara in previews, but it ended up being a great duo. Mara is fantastic with a sympathy and vulnerability under her edgy and seemingly unapproachable outside. Craig plays the intelligent, but beat up journalist great. The film is dark considering the audience I had assumed it was for, being mainstream adults. I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this movie.
I loved the visual style, with almost no greens on the screen. Reds popped because of their rareness in the scenes as well. Reminded me of The Dark Knight With cold blues and grays dominating with highlighting of gorgeous warm lights in the Swedish snow-covered houses. It was a clear, cold look that added to the atmosphere alongside the music.
The story, as many know, is great and it translated well here. Despite being around 2hr 40m, I didn't find myself checking my watch once. I loved that it didn't feel American. There was an intriguing European winter sense that added to the great mystery, characters, and intelligence as it moved along. I couldn't help but love the darkness that joined the well-told tale.
Really hoping the sequels get made. Go see this one. I want sequels.
overly long, uninvolving and unpleasant. I just kept waiting for it to end..although the ending is weak. Its nicely photographed but not worth watching..certainly not on the big screen.
Awww. Come on. Don't listen to this guy, he is in the minority as far as opinion on this one goes ^
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_girl_with_the_dragon_tattoo/
Go enjoy the bleak David Fincher charm. And I still want those sequels.
Why are people who have a different opinion than you not allowed to express an opinion? Unlike you I don't have some sort of agenda. I think the film's poor box office suggest its not most people's cup of tea. It runs for nearly three hours and you feel every solitary second of it.
I was saying my 'Don't listen to him' in a tongue-in-cheek manner! Of course you can say you didn't like it and what you felt was wrong. I was just joking and wouldn't seriously tell people "Oh, shhhhh!"
That said, I was being serious when I was telling people to give it a shot. I disagree with your opinion that it is not worth others even seeing it. And I was simply pointing out that most people in the aggregation disagree with that negative opinion as well.
I promise, I wasn't trying to be an enemy of those who disliked it
Probably because they hadn't read your spoiler-filled review beforehand, Sir Miles...
Roger Moore 1927-2017
To summarise, the Irene Adler from the movie I'd clean forgotten about by the time of movie 2, and didn't actually know who the character was but the Irene Adler of the TV series...
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Besides the two male leads, I though Jared Harris was superb as Moriarty. I'm not familiar with Mr Harris, yet throughout the film I had a feeling I had seen him before - especially his voice. It was only when I read online that he is the son of Richard Harris that I realised I was hearing the voice of his father throughout! Also, I am a great fan of Stephen Fry, and enjoyed him in the film - although I couldn't help feeling I'd seen a bit too much of him! At least in the BBC series it is Irene Adler who gets her kit off!
This film has definitely got me interested in exploring the Sherlock Holmes mythos, which the first film failed to do.
I saw this on Sunday - and was quite flabergasted at just how good it was. Thought the first 3 were good, well, you're in for a treat with this one....
And shocking
Damn right.... I think I have a bit of a girl crush now ;%
Spoiler filled review ?
Good job I didn't tell you about Titanic then !
Honestly, I wasn't too pleased with the way they characterized Irene in the show...but it did turn out well in the end, I guess. The rest of the episode was flawless, however.
mountainburdphotography.wordpress.com
Roger Moore 1927-2017
A letdown after Belgravia. As soulless, frenetic and confusing as any Doctor Who episode. I think it had a different writer and director. Getting tired of Holmes' schtick of being able to guess everything about someone from contrived details. Dull cinematography too.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Puss In Boots
I loved the character when it was first introduced in Shrek 2, so I thought I'd enjoy this little spin-off. For me it was a success, and I hope there will be another one.
The Adventures of Tintin
As a Tintin fan, I guess I'm a bit biased, but if you haven't already seen it, go and see it. It is absolutely fantastic.
Tower Heist
Not brilliant, but pretty damn good. Had a few genuine laugh out loud moments.
War Horse
Loved the film. I read one review saying that it focussed too much on the people that the horse came into contact with, rather than the horse itself, so it was perhaps a bit of a let down. I agree with that, but it was still a very, very good film.
The Iron Lady
I had troubles following it, as it seemed to jump from scene to scene, but it started to make sense in the end - it was all 'visions', a flash back to the past during a lonely night (or two) for Baronness Thatcher. Meryl Streep was absolutely superb in her role.
I'll be watching Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol on Wednesday, and would like to go and see Sherlock Holmes some time. I'm also interested in going to see The Descendants when it is released. This few months has seen so many great film releases.