What about when they torture the guy for info on the rebels by playing that record near the beginning? )
The scene where they whip the guy's shadow in Take the Money and Run was even funnier. I also loved Woody's dog in Sleeper: "Woof, woof. Hello, my name is Rags." )
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
What about when they torture the guy for info on the rebels by playing that record near the beginning? )
The scene where they whip the guy's shadow in Take the Money and Run was even funnier. I also loved Woody's dog in Sleeper: "Woof, woof. Hello, my name is Rags." )
I remember my kid being a toddler and cracking up at that scene hysterically in TTMAR. He appeared to get the joke of it even at such a young age but what really cracks him up from that film is where Virgil Starkwell goes in to rob the pet store and he knows it's bad editing on that sequence and the gorilla chases him out. )
He used to yell and point: "Fake gorilla, fake gorilla!" )
All in all it's a classic take from Woody.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Erm, long. Beautiful to look at, so carries on that Casino Royale trend. Have to say with all these films, ie The Constant Gardener, they seem to turn into The Wild Geese in the end! All white man's burden metaphors, and racing for the plane at the end to escape the warring internecine black tribes/militia.
They missed a trick with last line of the film, where a guy gets up to address the American committee about conflict diamonds, he should have drawled "Ah had a charm in Arfricah..."
Enduring Love. Strong cast and good performances--especially from Daniel Craig, who really showcases his character's mental tailspin; and Rhys Ifans is creepy and believable as a stalker. Otherwise, I wasn't entirely impressed--the directing was unimaginative and sort of TV movie-ish, and the music was godawful. And several times I found myself asking questions like, "Well, why doesn't he call the police and get the stalker off his back?" and "Why does everyone else seem to not realize the stalker is even there?" I have the feeling there's a lot of stuff in the novel that just didn't make it to the screen. By the bye, EL's director, Roger Michell, was in talks to direct Bond 22, but he backed out. I'm not sure that's such a bad thing. . .
Vox clamantis in deserto
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
I disagree, Hardy. I thought the cinematography was absolutely gorgeous, and I've no idea what you mean when you say TV Movie-ish.
Night, I didn't criticize the cinematography, which is just fine. I found the direction TV movie-ish in that it emphasized tight close-ups (something you needed on the tube before HDTV because not as much detail is visible on TV as it is on film); too many jump cuts--most prominently used to show what Joe is seeing now and his memories of the balloon accident; and that grand old chestnut--the guy bolting upright in bed after a nightmare. To me, this is the stuff of television directing, not of cinema. But that's just an opinion.
But, again, my real problem is with the script. I've never read the novel, but all the time I was watching the movie I got the feeling I was missing something--that there was something in the characters' pasts, in their psychological make-ups, that explained their actions and motivations. From what I understand, the novel is a deep "psychological thriller," so I presume a good deal of it takes place in Joe's head; if so, not much of that made it to the screen.
Roger Michell, was in talks to direct Bond 22, but he backed out. I'm not sure that's such a bad thing. . .
I was happy to see him walk as well. Michell tends to make small intimate dramas, like his current film 'Venus,' which middlebrow critics rave about, but show little cinematic imagination. Eon can do better. Especially after the success of CR. Let's hope they use the BAFTA's to network. 'Excuse me Mr Scorsese. Are you busy next year.' After all, if he'll direct 'The Departed,' he must be for hire.
Anyway, a couple of films I've seen recently.
'OSS 117, Cairo Nest of Spies.' I've mentioned this elsewhere, but feel the need to spread the word. It's a French film that should appeal to fans of the Terence Young Bond films, as it borrows it's look from them and it's leading man mimics Connery's appearance and mannerism's perfectly. One problem is that there are no plans for a UK/US release as of yet, but if it ever becomes available, please take the opportunity to see it.
Also, Terry Gilliam's 'Tideland.' This was interesting, but did not make easy viewing. It's about a young girl who escapes into the world of her imagination after her drug-addict parents die and she is left alone in a ramshackle house in the middle-of-nowhere. It reminded me of other films that deal with lonely little girls, particularly 'Spirit of the Beehive,' and Bernard Rose's underrated 'Paperhouse.' I don't think 'Tideland,' is as good as either of those, but it was certainly compelling.
Night, I didn't criticize the cinematography, which is just fine. I found the direction TV movie-ish in that it emphasized tight close-ups (something you needed on the tube before HDTV because not as much detail is visible on TV as it is on film); too many jump cuts--most prominently used to show what Joe is seeing now and his memories of the balloon accident; and that grand old chestnut--the guy bolting upright in bed after a nightmare. To me, this is the stuff of television directing, not of cinema. But that's just an opinion.
But, again, my real problem is with the script. I've never read the novel, but all the time I was watching the movie I got the feeling I was missing something--that there was something in the characters' pasts, in their psychological make-ups, that explained their actions and motivations. From what I understand, the novel is a deep "psychological thriller," so I presume a good deal of it takes place in Joe's head; if so, not much of that made it to the screen.
For the record, I agree with Hardy, watched this movie with my wife and we both came away with the same feeling, lousy idiotic script and poor direction. As for the cinematography, the opening scene is fine, but much of the rest of the movie is inetriors, if I recall correctly. Thumbs down for me.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
I just can't agree guys. I could understand everything going through the head of Craig's character, and his acting brought the subtleties of the script alive.
The interiors aren't always exciting cinematography wise, but there are some cool, indie-like shots that come up every so often, such as the kind-of-first-person view of Craig's character running up the stairs towards the end of the film.
Forgive me if I'm not quite clear. I'm trying to develop my film-analysis skills as I'm hoping to take a class on it next year.
Continuing on my quest to see as many Oscar nominated films as possible, tonight I watched The Black Dahlia, which is nominated for best cinematography. The movie is great to look at, with classic Brian DePalma scenes like long stairways, bodies falling through the air and sex scenes shot through windows. Although great to look at, the plot is convoluted, with many minor characters that are hard to keep track of. The cast of Josh Hartnet, Hilary Swank, Scarlet Johansson and Mia Kirsner do well with what they are given, but I felt DePalma wasn't sure what kind of movie he wanted to make. The mystery gets neatly wrapped up at the end, but I would have to say I was disappointed.
Also saw 'The Black Dahlia.' Having read the James Ellroy novel on which this is based, I'd been looking forward to this film for a while. Unfortunately, 'Fight Club' director David Fincher left the project and was replaced by Brian DePalma, who a apart from a couple of decent movies, I really don't have a high opinion of. This hasn't helped. It dilutes the psychological aspects of Ellroy's novel, and instead just breezes through what always was a rather flimsy plot. It also contains an astonishingly dreadful performance by Fiona Shaw, that was so bad I nearly had to hide behind the sofa until she went away. She gets rave reviews in the theatre, but there you can get away with grand gestures and ludicrous facial expressions as long as the people sitting at the back can hear you enunciating the words properly. I hope I never see her in another film ever.
Monster House, one of three movies nominated for Best Animated feature along with Cars and Happy Feet. I was pleasantly surprised by this film. The animation was great with some real expressive faces, some funny dialogue and a story that held my interest. For the younger folks, some moments may actually be a little scary. If your a parent looking for something you can watch with the kids I would recommend this film.
An excellent job from Emilio Estevez, who wrote and directed the movie as well as being one of the all-star cast. Generation gap time: talking about the film with my daughter, I mentioned Anthony Hopkins, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore etc to which she replied, "Oh yes, Lindsay Lohan's in that."
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS
This remake starring Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams still holds weight-even after 30 years. The casting of Leonard Nimoy as the pompous shrink is perfect because you never really know when he was replaced by a pod in the midst of the mayhem. I love this picture.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
This remake starring Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams still holds weight-even after 30 years. The casting of Leonard Nimoy as the pompous shrink is perfect because you never really know when he was replaced by a pod in the midst of the mayhem. I love this picture.
My chemistry tutor loves this film.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
This remake starring Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams still holds weight-even after 30 years. The casting of Leonard Nimoy as the pompous shrink is perfect because you never really know when he was replaced by a pod in the midst of the mayhem. I love this picture.
My chemistry tutor loves this film.
Good man. It's showing all month on Showtime. I've watched it at least four times in the past week.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
What can I say other than it does what it says on the tin.
Pretty much a rehash of all the previous films but watchable non the less and when I hear that music I cant help but want to run up a load of steps and start working out )
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
Arabesque
Wonderful, gripping, intriguing. Like a Bond film in many respects, but not! Perhaps Bond mixed with Indiana Jones, in that the main character is an American teacher. Beautiful colors, wonderful acting, and a fun story.
Not quite sure about all these action films starring the ex wrestler the Rock (could he possibly be a new Arnie). Although I thought his performance was much better in this. Complimented with Christopher Walken and the brilliant Seann William Scott.
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
Not quite sure about all these action films starring the ex wrestler the Rock (could he possibly be a new Arnie). Although I thought his performance was much better in this. Complimented with Christopher Walken and the brilliant Seann William Scott.
That's a very intersting title. Here in the U.S. it's known as The Rundown
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
That's a very intersting title. Here in the U.S. it's known as The Rundown
It's also known as Welcome to the Jungle in Australia, so I would imagine that The Rundown is just its American title.
"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
Finally got around to Sin City, (what can I say, better late then never).
It's a cool flick and kept me entertained. At first I was really put off by the narration, which to me, comes across as a lazy device. After a while I went with the flow and it worked in a poetic dreamy sort of way.
All segments are terrific, though Mickey O'Rourke's "Marv" hands down won it for me. It was also good to see Rutger Hauer in a smaller role.
Clive Owen and Rosario Dawson were great too. Owen could have handled the CR duties quite well in my opinion, but yes, Craig is terrific.(another story)
Didn't know it was going to be this mature and bloody in content though. A pleasant suprise since I'd originally taken it for another gangster flick. Which personally I am quite weary of.
The CGI worked in places, and not so well in others. I realize a comic is going to need help for screen but after ten minutes into the film we already had more action then in most other movies all together.
Agreed but there will have to be someone who takes the place of him and Sly, when he finally retires.
In box office maybe, but never in quality. Arnie will always be King. -{ (Although I do like Stallone, I don't feel the same way about him, and so it's not really a concern for me if he gets replaced.)
"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
Agreed but there will have to be someone who takes the place of him and Sly, when he finally retires.
In box office maybe, but never in quality. Arnie will always be King. -{ (Although I do like Stallone, I don't feel the same way about him, and so it's not really a concern for me if he gets replaced.)
After watching Rocky Balboa the other night, I dont think Sly is going down without a fight! ... pun intended
Comments
Yeah, I remember that. I was never sure if Woody ran out of ideas or if it was a subtle in-joke.
- "Today, you are timid; someday you may be brave, like a lion."
- "Don't hold your breath. If you ever need a squirrel, call me."
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
The scene where they whip the guy's shadow in Take the Money and Run was even funnier. I also loved Woody's dog in Sleeper: "Woof, woof. Hello, my name is Rags."
I remember my kid being a toddler and cracking up at that scene hysterically in TTMAR. He appeared to get the joke of it even at such a young age but what really cracks him up from that film is where Virgil Starkwell goes in to rob the pet store and he knows it's bad editing on that sequence and the gorilla chases him out.
He used to yell and point: "Fake gorilla, fake gorilla!"
All in all it's a classic take from Woody.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Erm, long. Beautiful to look at, so carries on that Casino Royale trend. Have to say with all these films, ie The Constant Gardener, they seem to turn into The Wild Geese in the end! All white man's burden metaphors, and racing for the plane at the end to escape the warring internecine black tribes/militia.
They missed a trick with last line of the film, where a guy gets up to address the American committee about conflict diamonds, he should have drawled "Ah had a charm in Arfricah..."
I'll get my coat...
Roger Moore 1927-2017
I'll agree on the music.
But, again, my real problem is with the script. I've never read the novel, but all the time I was watching the movie I got the feeling I was missing something--that there was something in the characters' pasts, in their psychological make-ups, that explained their actions and motivations. From what I understand, the novel is a deep "psychological thriller," so I presume a good deal of it takes place in Joe's head; if so, not much of that made it to the screen.
Stop letting Jessica Simpson do films please.
One of those films you don't need to think or concentrate. You can watch it while your doing something else.
Few funny moments, but not nearly enough.
I was happy to see him walk as well. Michell tends to make small intimate dramas, like his current film 'Venus,' which middlebrow critics rave about, but show little cinematic imagination. Eon can do better. Especially after the success of CR. Let's hope they use the BAFTA's to network. 'Excuse me Mr Scorsese. Are you busy next year.' After all, if he'll direct 'The Departed,' he must be for hire.
Anyway, a couple of films I've seen recently.
'OSS 117, Cairo Nest of Spies.' I've mentioned this elsewhere, but feel the need to spread the word. It's a French film that should appeal to fans of the Terence Young Bond films, as it borrows it's look from them and it's leading man mimics Connery's appearance and mannerism's perfectly. One problem is that there are no plans for a UK/US release as of yet, but if it ever becomes available, please take the opportunity to see it.
Also, Terry Gilliam's 'Tideland.' This was interesting, but did not make easy viewing. It's about a young girl who escapes into the world of her imagination after her drug-addict parents die and she is left alone in a ramshackle house in the middle-of-nowhere. It reminded me of other films that deal with lonely little girls, particularly 'Spirit of the Beehive,' and Bernard Rose's underrated 'Paperhouse.' I don't think 'Tideland,' is as good as either of those, but it was certainly compelling.
For the record, I agree with Hardy, watched this movie with my wife and we both came away with the same feeling, lousy idiotic script and poor direction. As for the cinematography, the opening scene is fine, but much of the rest of the movie is inetriors, if I recall correctly. Thumbs down for me.
The interiors aren't always exciting cinematography wise, but there are some cool, indie-like shots that come up every so often, such as the kind-of-first-person view of Craig's character running up the stairs towards the end of the film.
Forgive me if I'm not quite clear. I'm trying to develop my film-analysis skills as I'm hoping to take a class on it next year.
A great film if it wasn't for the jokes I would have believed it was real.
Toby Stephens, what was he thinking signing up for this total utter crap!
An excellent job from Emilio Estevez, who wrote and directed the movie as well as being one of the all-star cast. Generation gap time: talking about the film with my daughter, I mentioned Anthony Hopkins, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore etc to which she replied, "Oh yes, Lindsay Lohan's in that."
This remake starring Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams still holds weight-even after 30 years. The casting of Leonard Nimoy as the pompous shrink is perfect because you never really know when he was replaced by a pod in the midst of the mayhem. I love this picture.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
My chemistry tutor loves this film.
Good man. It's showing all month on Showtime. I've watched it at least four times in the past week.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
What can I say other than it does what it says on the tin.
Pretty much a rehash of all the previous films but watchable non the less and when I hear that music I cant help but want to run up a load of steps and start working out
Wonderful, gripping, intriguing. Like a Bond film in many respects, but not! Perhaps Bond mixed with Indiana Jones, in that the main character is an American teacher. Beautiful colors, wonderful acting, and a fun story.
Not quite sure about all these action films starring the ex wrestler the Rock (could he possibly be a new Arnie). Although I thought his performance was much better in this. Complimented with Christopher Walken and the brilliant Seann William Scott.
That's a very intersting title. Here in the U.S. it's known as The Rundown
It's also known as Welcome to the Jungle in Australia, so I would imagine that The Rundown is just its American title.
Agreed but there will have to be someone who takes the place of him and Sly, when he finally retires.
It's a cool flick and kept me entertained. At first I was really put off by the narration, which to me, comes across as a lazy device. After a while I went with the flow and it worked in a poetic dreamy sort of way.
All segments are terrific, though Mickey O'Rourke's "Marv" hands down won it for me. It was also good to see Rutger Hauer in a smaller role.
Clive Owen and Rosario Dawson were great too. Owen could have handled the CR duties quite well in my opinion, but yes, Craig is terrific.(another story)
Didn't know it was going to be this mature and bloody in content though. A pleasant suprise since I'd originally taken it for another gangster flick. Which personally I am quite weary of.
The CGI worked in places, and not so well in others. I realize a comic is going to need help for screen but after ten minutes into the film we already had more action then in most other movies all together.
But Jessica Alba was hot so who really cares? -{
After watching Rocky Balboa the other night, I dont think Sly is going down without a fight! ... pun intended