good one Barbel!
Belushi's there too, as the Allen Klein type character, with Franken and Davis as his bodyguards
my understanding is Harrison gave Idle access to all the materials for an unmade official Beatles documentary
decades later that official documentary was finally completed as the Anthology miniseries
but for years the Rutles film was actually the closest thing there was ... ignore the jokes and it's a perfect history of the Beatles, though it does skip over my favourite albums
shot-for-shot replications of the Cavern Club footage, the Ed Sullivan appearance, and the five films, and probably a few other genuine Beatles archival films I did not recognise
I watched this to prep myself for the sequel out now, though from what I understand the sequel defies all logic in relation to the first anyway.
It's silly and vaguely degrading, but it entertains anyway, largely because of a superior cast.
Director Matthew Vaughan was up for the Casino Royale gig but got turned down, when he later said he'd be starting up a new spy franchise for the modern age I thought, yeah, right, but fair enough he delivered on his promise. This was a big hit, and it one scene has a dig at the modern films for being too serious -well, we can all do that. But Kingsman does kind of explain why the Bond films can't really take this outlandish approach any more. It's okay as a one-off, and a coming of age learning film (like Dirty Dancing and so on) but what do you do for a sequel? The whole gimmick is the young loutish spy making good. What then?
Also, I felt a bit put off by the concept of this extraordinarily well funded organisation putting the world to rights, like a bunch of flush freemasons. Why not put that money towards the NHS? Chances are that crowd created most of the mayhem in the world in the first place. For all that, the finale does somehow underline the overall feeling the Govt currently has towards the general public at large, that we are riff raff best culled. It all gets a bit Doctor Who at the end. Also reminded me of the last Road movie, which spoofed Bond as I recall, even the Bonds that hadn't been filmed yet like Moonraker.
The final gag about anal sex seems very odd, but the co screenwriter Jane Goldman is married to chat show host Jonathan Ross, and he's always been making jokes about that, so I guess it figures. Not sure you can get away with that in the current climate. Maybe it's a send-up of the anodyne sexascapades that traditionally end the official Bond series, but it is a bit weird.
I watched " who dares wins" last night on some obscure TV channel, I havnt seen this film for maybe 20 years and thoroughly enjoyed it, The late Lewis Collins was made for the role, and a decent supporting cast.
Thor - Ragnarok
this is directed by one of the writers from Flight of the Concords, so people who don't usually like this sort of thing might like this one
like its secret identity is twitchy awkward-com, but dressed up in a superhero costume to play the part of a bigbudget Asgardian epic
Hiddelston is so much better as Loki than he has ever been in any of the good-guy roles he keeps trying to do ... maybe he should be the next Blofeld?
and Cate Blanchett is awesome as Hela the Goddess of Death. She always does regal attitude well. Remember the scene in Fellowship... where Frodo offers Galadriel The Ring and for a few scary moments she is tempted, and we see what an Evil Galadriel might look like? well here we get a whole film of Evil Galadriel.
after seeing the Blade Runner sequel, I decided I better get familiar with Denis Villeneuve's older films, especially since yall keep saying he should direct the next Bondflick
conclusion: these films are all very impressive but I'm not seeing anything relevant, unless we want the next Bond film to be a lot more morally ambiguous and disturbing
watched Incendies and Sicario first. Both genuine ripped-from-headlines stuff, graphic violence, explicit atrocities in fact. Strong women protagonists in both. I especially like how in Incendies the lead character is introduced as someone's nutty mother, but her children find out who she really was.
Being somewhat action oriented, and dealing with international politics, these two are probably more relevant to a Bondfilm yet I could never imagine a Bond film going to these places.
I gather before these two Villeneuve did a film about the Montreal Massacre. I don't think I could watch that one, that's just a few steps too raw and real, and he's already making Lebanon and the Mexican Drug war uncomfortably realistic.
I accidentally watched Enemy out of order, but that's good as its a very different thing. Turns out he can also do trippy. This film makes Toronto look more like Toronto than any other film I've ever seen, playing up the anonymous condominium landscape that has come to dominate the city, and tying that in with the protagonists lack of a sense of identity. Feels a bit like some of J. G. Ballard's novels.
Then Arrival. Also trippy but with a much huger budget. Another strong female protagonist. For all its sci-fi imagery it turns out to be about linguistics, and the philosophy of language. Bonus points for that. Amy Adams was very good as the nerdy linguist, I didn't even recognise her as the sexy "English" woman from American Hustle
I would say this is easily the best of the hard sci-fi type films that have come out in recent years (eg The Martian or Interstellar) and much more memorable than his Blade Runner sequel. In fact I saw no clues in his earlier films that he had it in him.
but based on his body of work, what makes people think he'd be suitable for a Bondfilm? what are you hoping he will bring?
after seeing the Blade Runner sequel, I decided I better get familiar with Denis Villeneuve's older films, especially since yall keep saying he should direct the next Bondflick
conclusion: these films are all very impressive but I'm not seeing anything relevant, unless we want the next Bond film to be a lot more morally ambiguous and disturbing
watched Incendies and Sicario first. Both genuine ripped-from-headlines stuff, graphic violence, explicit atrocities in fact. Strong women protagonists in both. I especially like how in Incendies the lead character is introduced as someone's nutty mother, but her children find out who she really was.
Being somewhat action oriented, and dealing with international politics, these two are probably more relevant to a Bondfilm yet I could never imagine a Bond film going to these places.
I gather before these two Villeneuve did a film about the Montreal Massacre. I don't think I could watch that one, that's just a few steps too raw and real, and he's already making Lebanon and the Mexican Drug war uncomfortably realistic.
I accidentally watched Enemy out of order, but that's good as its a very different thing. Turns out he can also do trippy. This film makes Toronto look more like Toronto than any other film I've ever seen, playing up the anonymous condominium landscape that has come to dominate the city, and tying that in with the protagonists lack of a sense of identity. Feels a bit like some of J. G. Ballard's novels.
Then Arrival. Also trippy but with a much huger budget. Another strong female protagonist. For all its sci-fi imagery it turns out to be about linguistics, and the philosophy of language. Bonus points for that. Amy Adams was very good as the nerdy linguist, I didn't even recognise her as the sexy "English" woman from American Hustle
I would say this is easily the best of the hard sci-fi type films that have come out in recent years (eg The Martian or Interstellar) and much more memorable than his Blade Runner sequel. In fact I saw no clues in his earlier films that he had it in him.
but based on his body of work, what makes people think he'd be suitable for a Bondfilm? what are you hoping he will bring?
Did you see Prisoners? I think that's his best film.
after seeing the Blade Runner sequel, I decided I better get familiar with Denis Villeneuve's older films, especially since yall keep saying he should direct the next Bondflick
conclusion: these films are all very impressive but I'm not seeing anything relevant, unless we want the next Bond film to be a lot more morally ambiguous and disturbing
watched Incendies and Sicario first. Both genuine ripped-from-headlines stuff, graphic violence, explicit atrocities in fact. Strong women protagonists in both. I especially like how in Incendies the lead character is introduced as someone's nutty mother, but her children find out who she really was.
Being somewhat action oriented, and dealing with international politics, these two are probably more relevant to a Bondfilm yet I could never imagine a Bond film going to these places.
I gather before these two Villeneuve did a film about the Montreal Massacre. I don't think I could watch that one, that's just a few steps too raw and real, and he's already making Lebanon and the Mexican Drug war uncomfortably realistic.
I accidentally watched Enemy out of order, but that's good as its a very different thing. Turns out he can also do trippy. This film makes Toronto look more like Toronto than any other film I've ever seen, playing up the anonymous condominium landscape that has come to dominate the city, and tying that in with the protagonists lack of a sense of identity. Feels a bit like some of J. G. Ballard's novels.
Then Arrival. Also trippy but with a much huger budget. Another strong female protagonist. For all its sci-fi imagery it turns out to be about linguistics, and the philosophy of language. Bonus points for that. Amy Adams was very good as the nerdy linguist, I didn't even recognise her as the sexy "English" woman from American Hustle
I would say this is easily the best of the hard sci-fi type films that have come out in recent years (eg The Martian or Interstellar) and much more memorable than his Blade Runner sequel. In fact I saw no clues in his earlier films that he had it in him.
but based on his body of work, what makes people think he'd be suitable for a Bondfilm? what are you hoping he will bring?
High quality film making , interesting characters and a FRWL-type tense thriller.
This doesn't count yet but according to my father, this was a childhood favourite of mine, Ronin.
In terms of Bond connections, Pryce is a big backseat driver in the big chase.
I'd actually not seen this movie before, but for what it was, it wasn't bad at all. Definitely not Hitchcocks best, but even Hitchcock on autopilot is still Hitchcock. However, some of the stuff in Cuba moved a little slowly for me.
Could smell the Bond influence all over this one, and I'm not just referring to Karin Dor... I read that the lead was offered to Connery, and that would have been REALLY strange to watch. Still, this is as close to a Bond movie as Hitchcock would ever make, I guess- just heavy on realism and light on action. Repeat viewing factor fairly low though.
Recommended.
I'd actually not seen this movie before, but for what it was, it wasn't bad at all. Definitely not Hitchcocks best, but even Hitchcock on autopilot is still Hitchcock. However, some of the stuff in Cuba moved a little slowly for me.
Could smell the Bond influence all over this one, and I'm not just referring to Karin Dor... I read that the lead was offered to Connery, and that would have been REALLY strange to watch. Still, this is as close to a Bond movie as Hitchcock would ever make, I guess- just heavy on realism and light on action. Repeat viewing factor fairly low though.
Recommended.
What is your all time favourite ensemble cast?
"You're in the wrong business... leave it to the professionals!"
James Bond- Licence To Kill
I sak Kenneth Brennagh's (spelling?) version of Agatha Christie's classic story. The last time this crime mystery the had James Bond in the all star cast, this time the have M (Dame Judi Densh). Brennagh's movie portrais a more action-oriented Hercule Poirot, but thankfully he doesn't goo too far. He has also expanded the world of the story with scenes in Jerusalem, Istanbul and the area around the train. I'm not sure this is a good idea, since it takes away much of the claustrophobia of confining the action inside the train. It works better when the camera makes the most of the train in stunning landscapes in a was that reminds me of David Lean.
I enjoyed the movie, even though it's no modern classic. If you like old-fashioned stories told with old-fashioned filmmaking you will like this movie.
Ronin is amongst my all time favourites, even with prices over the top NI accent, and DeNiro mispronouncing Hereford, what's colour of the boathouse at hearford? There isn't one! it's just a great film, I love the BMW Peugeot Paris chase, how it's just engine roars and squeals, then the score kicks in, brilliant stuff.
Ronin, is one of my favourites too. The two main car chases are
simply stunning. Even the " How they filmed the car chase " extra
is fascinating, having to change the sound of the cars etc.
The N.Ireland accents are as funny as hell Their voice coach
must have been Mrs Brown.
"I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
I watched Blade Runner 2049 in the cinema last week. Really enjoyed it.
Also watched Angels and Demons on DVD. Better than I was expecting.
I enjoyed both. Though the last Robert Langdon yarn was a bit of a drag really.
We watched Wind River this weekend, a very well made film which moves along at a decent pace, stunning if stark location and another fine performance from the underrated jeremy renner.
Treated myself to Thor: Ragnarok in IMAX yesterday. What an absolute BLAST! Too many superhero movies are solemn and focused on their own mythology: this one is just flat-out-fun from start to finish. And it's also FUNNY. See it. See it again. And again!
Vox clamantis in deserto
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
"The War for the Planet of the Apes."
Very enjoyable wrap-up of the franchise prequel trilogy (presumably). Andy Serkis is truly the Charles Lindbergh of motion capture performance; he is positively brilliant. Very enjoyable.
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
Comments
Belushi's there too, as the Allen Klein type character, with Franken and Davis as his bodyguards
my understanding is Harrison gave Idle access to all the materials for an unmade official Beatles documentary
decades later that official documentary was finally completed as the Anthology miniseries
but for years the Rutles film was actually the closest thing there was ... ignore the jokes and it's a perfect history of the Beatles, though it does skip over my favourite albums
shot-for-shot replications of the Cavern Club footage, the Ed Sullivan appearance, and the five films, and probably a few other genuine Beatles archival films I did not recognise
I’ve got that as well...good film...and, as you say, great songs from Innes {[]
Chris et all will go Game of Death meets Kill Bill on you.
Still...how does that tie into anything?
I watched this to prep myself for the sequel out now, though from what I understand the sequel defies all logic in relation to the first anyway.
It's silly and vaguely degrading, but it entertains anyway, largely because of a superior cast.
Director Matthew Vaughan was up for the Casino Royale gig but got turned down, when he later said he'd be starting up a new spy franchise for the modern age I thought, yeah, right, but fair enough he delivered on his promise. This was a big hit, and it one scene has a dig at the modern films for being too serious -well, we can all do that. But Kingsman does kind of explain why the Bond films can't really take this outlandish approach any more. It's okay as a one-off, and a coming of age learning film (like Dirty Dancing and so on) but what do you do for a sequel? The whole gimmick is the young loutish spy making good. What then?
Also, I felt a bit put off by the concept of this extraordinarily well funded organisation putting the world to rights, like a bunch of flush freemasons. Why not put that money towards the NHS? Chances are that crowd created most of the mayhem in the world in the first place. For all that, the finale does somehow underline the overall feeling the Govt currently has towards the general public at large, that we are riff raff best culled.
The final gag about anal sex seems very odd, but the co screenwriter Jane Goldman is married to chat show host Jonathan Ross, and he's always been making jokes about that, so I guess it figures. Not sure you can get away with that in the current climate. Maybe it's a send-up of the anodyne sexascapades that traditionally end the official Bond series, but it is a bit weird.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
this is directed by one of the writers from Flight of the Concords, so people who don't usually like this sort of thing might like this one
like its secret identity is twitchy awkward-com, but dressed up in a superhero costume to play the part of a bigbudget Asgardian epic
Hiddelston is so much better as Loki than he has ever been in any of the good-guy roles he keeps trying to do ... maybe he should be the next Blofeld?
and Cate Blanchett is awesome as Hela the Goddess of Death. She always does regal attitude well. Remember the scene in Fellowship... where Frodo offers Galadriel The Ring and for a few scary moments she is tempted, and we see what an Evil Galadriel might look like? well here we get a whole film of Evil Galadriel.
Enemy
Sicario
Arrival
after seeing the Blade Runner sequel, I decided I better get familiar with Denis Villeneuve's older films, especially since yall keep saying he should direct the next Bondflick
conclusion: these films are all very impressive but I'm not seeing anything relevant, unless we want the next Bond film to be a lot more morally ambiguous and disturbing
watched Incendies and Sicario first. Both genuine ripped-from-headlines stuff, graphic violence, explicit atrocities in fact. Strong women protagonists in both. I especially like how in Incendies the lead character is introduced as someone's nutty mother, but her children find out who she really was.
Being somewhat action oriented, and dealing with international politics, these two are probably more relevant to a Bondfilm yet I could never imagine a Bond film going to these places.
I gather before these two Villeneuve did a film about the Montreal Massacre. I don't think I could watch that one, that's just a few steps too raw and real, and he's already making Lebanon and the Mexican Drug war uncomfortably realistic.
I accidentally watched Enemy out of order, but that's good as its a very different thing. Turns out he can also do trippy. This film makes Toronto look more like Toronto than any other film I've ever seen, playing up the anonymous condominium landscape that has come to dominate the city, and tying that in with the protagonists lack of a sense of identity. Feels a bit like some of J. G. Ballard's novels.
Then Arrival. Also trippy but with a much huger budget. Another strong female protagonist. For all its sci-fi imagery it turns out to be about linguistics, and the philosophy of language. Bonus points for that. Amy Adams was very good as the nerdy linguist, I didn't even recognise her as the sexy "English" woman from American Hustle
I would say this is easily the best of the hard sci-fi type films that have come out in recent years (eg The Martian or Interstellar) and much more memorable than his Blade Runner sequel. In fact I saw no clues in his earlier films that he had it in him.
but based on his body of work, what makes people think he'd be suitable for a Bondfilm? what are you hoping he will bring?
-{
High quality film making , interesting characters and a FRWL-type tense thriller.
I'm a fan of the Saw movies and was very happy with this "reboot" of the horror series. Not
the best, but a solid outing.
In terms of Bond connections, Pryce is a big backseat driver in the big chase.
James Bond- Licence To Kill
Topaz (1969).
I'd actually not seen this movie before, but for what it was, it wasn't bad at all. Definitely not Hitchcocks best, but even Hitchcock on autopilot is still Hitchcock. However, some of the stuff in Cuba moved a little slowly for me.
Could smell the Bond influence all over this one, and I'm not just referring to Karin Dor... I read that the lead was offered to Connery, and that would have been REALLY strange to watch. Still, this is as close to a Bond movie as Hitchcock would ever make, I guess- just heavy on realism and light on action. Repeat viewing factor fairly low though.
Recommended.
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
What is your all time favourite ensemble cast?
James Bond- Licence To Kill
I guess it'd be a toss up between Ronin and License To Kill...
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
And in film or tv in general?
James Bond- Licence To Kill
#1.TLD/LTK 2.TND 3.GF 4.GE 5.DN 6.FYEO 7.FRWL 8.TMWTGG 9.TWINE 10.YOLT/QOS
I sak Kenneth Brennagh's (spelling?) version of Agatha Christie's classic story. The last time this crime mystery the had James Bond in the all star cast, this time the have M (Dame Judi Densh). Brennagh's movie portrais a more action-oriented Hercule Poirot, but thankfully he doesn't goo too far. He has also expanded the world of the story with scenes in Jerusalem, Istanbul and the area around the train. I'm not sure this is a good idea, since it takes away much of the claustrophobia of confining the action inside the train. It works better when the camera makes the most of the train in stunning landscapes in a was that reminds me of David Lean.
I enjoyed the movie, even though it's no modern classic. If you like old-fashioned stories told with old-fashioned filmmaking you will like this movie.
{[]
Seriously, how good was Ronin?
I do wish Bean had a bigger part but it certainly is a masterpiece.
simply stunning. Even the " How they filmed the car chase " extra
is fascinating, having to change the sound of the cars etc.
The N.Ireland accents are as funny as hell
must have been Mrs Brown.
James Bond- Licence To Kill
Also watched Angels and Demons on DVD. Better than I was expecting.
We watched Wind River this weekend, a very well made film which moves along at a decent pace, stunning if stark location and another fine performance from the underrated jeremy renner.
Very enjoyable wrap-up of the franchise prequel trilogy (presumably). Andy Serkis is truly the Charles Lindbergh of motion capture performance; he is positively brilliant. Very enjoyable.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM