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 Posted:   Jul 19, 2010 - 9:34 AM   
 By:   Cryogenix   (Member)

The Six Degrees of Helter Skelter - Without a doubt, the single-worst documentary I've ever seen. The narration was boring, there was no rare video footage, no rare photos, no in-depth probing into the mind of Mansen, etc. It was basically just a crappy, pointless tour of Los Angeles by a boring writer/narrator/host who shows us "This is where that happened! And that's where they stopped for gas! And over here is where she took a crap in the stairs!" Who cares? What a waste of $3. The writer/narrator/host had a serious hard-on for himself. The biggest steaming pile of self-indulgent bullshit ever put to celluloid... - 1

The Treasure of the Amazon - A great, over-the-top score (think H.G. Wells' The Time Machine) that kept me intrigued for about the first 15 minutes before boredum sunk in and I was about to fast-forward. Then, the leggy Ann Sidney appeared, so I watched a little more... But that still wasn't enough. Major snoozefest - 5

 
 Posted:   Jul 19, 2010 - 9:44 AM   
 By:   Ray Faiola   (Member)

SO DARK THE NIGHT Columbia 1946 with Steven Geray. 7 out of 10. Nice score by Friedhofer.

 
 Posted:   Jul 19, 2010 - 7:46 PM   
 By:   Josh   (Member)



The Twilight Samurai (2002), aka "Tasogare Seibei" (original Japanese title)

9/10

Amazing film. I almost shed tears at the end. Highly recommended.

 
 Posted:   Jul 19, 2010 - 8:29 PM   
 By:   TominAtl   (Member)

INCEPTION

Finally, a summer blockbuster that lives to the hype. But in all fairness, I don't really see it as a blockbuster film per se, but rather an excellent sci-fi heist film that is as smart as it is exciting that hopefully WILL become a blockbuster and make oodles of money, because it richly deserves it.

It's extremely safe to say that divulging the basic premise of the film will not in anyway spoil anyones enjoyment of it. In fact, I agree with Roger Ebert who said that even giving away the last scene wont spoil it because its the what goes on before the finale that really makes the film, in how we got there rather than where we arrived, which most people with a brain will expect.

The cast, cinematography, set design, and score are superb. And I will say that director Nolan and crew stage, in my view, one of the absolute coolest and thrilling action scene ever filmed. Its so simple yet expertly done that even if you saw a the one or 2 snippets in a trailer does nothing to ruin ones amazement while watching it. And Nolan does not go for the cheap quick edits and cuts but rather the camera hangs on the action longer than most do. The scene has a true "Ok, I know how they did it but HOW did they do it?"

Don't go in expect a thrills a minute ride. Rather, this movie makes you think and think hard. You really have to try and rap your head around its maze of a plot. Its not convaluted but intricate. The film is cool to experience and gives one a head buzz by the time its over, but it also has a heart and true emotion to it.

It was so refreshing that even after 2 days of seeing I am still talking about to those who have seen it and keep recommending it to those who have not. And yes, Zimmers music really is great as heard in the film. During the great buildup to its climactic end, Zimmer even goes for a Howard Shore style moment, as heard from "Se7en", that slow, methodic horn build up that keeps crescendoing. That adds so much suspense that it almost becomes unbearable.

So there you have it, my favorite film of the year and a blockbuster summer film that relies on a original script and smart, head spinng ideas. Way to go Nolan and crew!
9/10

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 20, 2010 - 12:53 AM   
 By:   filmusicnow   (Member)

"Iron Man 2" - I give it a 9. Robert Downey Jr. and the supporting cast are fine, but Mickey Rourke steals the show as the Russian villain Lenko. And the score by John Debney is great, too.

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 21, 2010 - 7:07 PM   
 By:   Michael24   (Member)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice - 5/5

Saw the movie this afternoon, and it was just plain fun. I've looked forward to it for a long time and was not disappointed at all. In a way, it reminded me of some the fantasy-adventure films I enjoyed as a kid, like The Neverending Story and Flight of the Navigator. The characters were colorful and well-played (Alfred Molina plays a great "mustache-twirling" bad guy, and I especially liked Toby Kebbell as his cronie), the special effects were solid, and the story moved at a brisk pace and never dragged. I also loved that the broomstick sequence from the original short was kept, along with the music. That was a nice surprise. And the tag following the end credits, featuring Mickey's sorcerer hat from the original, was nice. This will definitely end up on my DVD shelf.

I have to say, I'm very surprised that it's not doing better. It's a great film for families, so I'm wondering where they are. In any event, I think Disney stumbled onto something great when they started a partnership with Jerry Bruckheimer and Nicolas Cage. They are three for three now, and I'm so anticipating the third National Treasure movie. I would love to see a sequel to this with Dave continuing his training and perhaps traveling the world with Balthazar fighting evil, but I guess that seems unlikely already. frown

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 21, 2010 - 8:44 PM   
 By:   mrscott   (Member)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice - 5/5

Saw the movie this afternoon, and it was just plain fun. I've looked forward to it for a long time and was not disappointed at all. In a way, it reminded me of some the fantasy-adventure films I enjoyed as a kid, like The Neverending Story and Flight of the Navigator. The characters were colorful and well-played (Alfred Molina plays a great "mustache-twirling" bad guy, and I especially liked Toby Kebbell as his cronie), the special effects were solid, and the story moved at a brisk pace and never dragged. I also loved that the broomstick sequence from the original short was kept, along with the music. That was a nice surprise. And the tag following the end credits, featuring Mickey's sorcerer hat from the original, was nice. This will definitely end up on my DVD shelf.

I have to say, I'm very surprised that it's not doing better. It's a great film for families, so I'm wondering where they are. In any event, I think Disney stumbled onto something great when they started a partnership with Jerry Bruckheimer and Nicolas Cage. They are three for three now, and I'm so anticipating the third National Treasure movie. I would love to see a sequel to this with Dave continuing his training and perhaps traveling the world with Balthazar fighting evil, but I guess that seems unlikely already. frown


Maybe when they make the sequel they can double it up with The Adventures of Pluto Nash II and hope to double their audience. 5 out of 5? 5 what? Were you sober when you sat through this film? I was and ended up wishing I wasn't. Right up there with Bangkok Dangerous and Ghostrider for NC's greatest films.

 
 Posted:   Jul 21, 2010 - 8:44 PM   
 By:   gone   (Member)

Watched a few Kubrick films:

2001 (10/10) : Still visually dazzling, especially the HD transfer

A Clockwork Orange (5/10) : Overly long, lacks what is intended to be a compelling premise due to superficiality. In the end Alex is not cured, but who cares? The comedic flavor turns it into a semblance of a Monty Python production hoping to be more. And that is what saves what it has... Malcolm McDowell's spirited, disaffected performance.

Full Metal Jacket (6/10) : Starts very strong in boot camp, but doesn't have enough substance to fill in what ends up being merely a rather pointless voyeuristic experience.

Barry Lyndon (9/10) : Quite good, even with the distant and measured tempo. The remastered DVD is beautiful, the characters are compelling, and the journey is interesting. A great period piece.

Next up = Eyes Wide Shut, which generally has not received the credit it deserves

 
 Posted:   Jul 21, 2010 - 8:56 PM   
 By:   DeputyRiley   (Member)

House of the Devil: 7/10
The Crazies (2010): 9/10
The Burning: 7/10
The Stepfather: 6/10

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 21, 2010 - 9:08 PM   
 By:   Michael24   (Member)

Were you sober when you sat through this film?

Yes, I was. (I don't drink anyway.) It entertained me for an hour and forty minutes. That's all I wanted when I went in, and that's what I got. I liked it.

If you didn't like it, fine. But please, don't try to act like somebody who liked something you didn't has some kind of problem. It just comes off as childish.

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 22, 2010 - 3:58 AM   
 By:   Graham S. Watt   (Member)

MOGAMBO (USA 1953): 9/10

Clark Gable hunts wild animals. He adds Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly to his collection (but not in a "Zaroff" way).

I've read so many bad things about this remake of RED DUST that I watched it twice to make sure that my first impression was right and that it's brilliant! I was right - it's brilliant! Testosterone, oestrogen, manliness, wimpiness, nobility, desire, shagging... it's all here, and splendidly so. I prefered Grace to Ava by the way. That shot of her in the porch during the thunderstorm just oozes love-juice. John Ford at the helm. The only negative aspect is the unconvincing stock footage used for the animal scenes.

This gets my vote for the best film ever that nobody else thinks is great.

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 22, 2010 - 6:38 AM   
 By:   mrscott   (Member)

Were you sober when you sat through this film?

Yes, I was. (I don't drink anyway.) It entertained me for an hour and forty minutes. That's all I wanted when I went in, and that's what I got. I liked it.

If you didn't like it, fine. But please, don't try to act like somebody who liked something you didn't has some kind of problem. It just comes off as childish.


Thank you. That sums me up pretty much. My favorite film is Barney and the Magic Baloon.

 
 Posted:   Jul 22, 2010 - 11:01 AM   
 By:   gone   (Member)

Lost In Translation (8/10) :

When I initially saw this (in the wake of its media buzz) I liked Scarlett Johansson 's character but somehow Bill Murray didn't click with me. I have since totally changed my mind after buying an HD DVD version of the movie. Both actors are excellent in their roles and the screenplay truly is good. Add to that a lot of nice Tokyo night scenes transferred well to HD... and it is quite an interesting movie.

Another most excellent Scarlett Johansson film = "Girl With A Pearl Earring" which is a 10/10 in my book. smile

 
 Posted:   Jul 22, 2010 - 11:44 AM   
 By:   GreatGonzo   (Member)

Had a choice between INCEPTION at the theater and BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI at home.
Really a no-brainer these days .... 9/10 for BRIDGE, obviously.

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 22, 2010 - 1:30 PM   
 By:   shureman   (Member)

5 for Lawrence of Arabia. I'm 65 and didn't like it. Way too long and talky. Didn't like Jarre's repetitive score either. Alec Guiness seemed to be rehashing his role as Fagan. Glad I didn't rush out to see it in '62. However it was a BEAUTIFULLY restored HD print they screened....a pity I didn't like it more. I'll take any of Lean's 40's films over this time-waster...

 
 
 Posted:   Jul 22, 2010 - 5:58 PM   
 By:   Marlene   (Member)

Just watched "Maximum Overdrive" - 5/10. Hilarious dialogue, stupid editing. But it was funny in a strange way. Despite its flaws, I had a good time.

 
 Posted:   Jul 22, 2010 - 10:37 PM   
 By:   DeputyRiley   (Member)

The House on Sorority Row: 6.5/10
Black Christmas (1974): 9/10

 
 Posted:   Jul 22, 2010 - 10:40 PM   
 By:   DeputyRiley   (Member)

The Core - 8
Mindless fun, hokey dialogue, decent action, plot and special effects, and a cast made up primarily of excellent indie film veterans. Essentially the same exact plot as Armageddon, but a colossal, vast improvement. Christopher Young score. (When will this guy hit the big time?) No "BIG NAME STAR" taking all of the credit and attention, meaning that we can actually pay attention to the movie.

Vastly entertaining.


Just saw this, from 7 years ago...wow, I would give The Core a 10/10. I love it, I've probably seen it a dozen times or more. I don't know...I just love the whole package (particularly Young's score) and I never tire of watching it.

SERGE!!!

 
 Posted:   Jul 23, 2010 - 12:16 AM   
 By:   DeputyRiley   (Member)

The Hitcher (1986/2007): 9/10 / 10/10

 
 Posted:   Jul 23, 2010 - 6:12 AM   
 By:   GreatGonzo   (Member)

The Core - 8
Mindless fun, hokey dialogue, decent action, plot and special effects, and a cast made up primarily of excellent indie film veterans.


Also, tying in with my post in the STAR POWER thread: GREAT cigarette smoking by Stanley Tucci!

 
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