El Pollo Guerrera
Grimlock
His name has chicken in it, and he is good at makin' .gifs, so that's cool.
Status: Runner
Posts: 14,894
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Post by El Pollo Guerrera on Apr 14, 2008 2:01:16 GMT -5
I finished the last two from the Mario Bava box set... First, "Knives of the Avenger"Story: In a viking village, a mysterious traveller saves the wife and son of the missing (presumed dead) prince from the clutches of an evil warrior bent on ruling the people. The mysterious stranger has plans of revenge of his own... and a history in this village. Now, if it wasn't for the furs people were wearing, I'd swear that I was watching a western. Even the music reminded me of Clint Eastwood's spaghetti westerns. Good story, more involving than I expected... once I found out the truth about the stranger, I was hooked. One thing bothered me, though... Cameron Mitchell (the stranger) just looked odd... It's like he perned and coloured his hair, and shaved off his eyebrows and drew them back on for this movie. However, a good western viking story, good viewing for a rainy day. Recommended. Second... "Kill, Baby... Kill"Story: a doctor brought to a small village to perform an autopsy finds a village filled with fear, haunted by the spirit of a 7 year old girl. Incredibly creepy, well shot, and beautifully restored (I love Anchor Bay Entertainment). Filmed on a small budget, so no big effects, but still very moody and effective. This movie also contains my favorite scene from an old horror movie: When the doctor is chasing after a missing woman, he runs into a room and sees a door on the other side close. He runs to the door and bursts through and finds... that he's in the same room. And the door on the other side closes, and he hears her scream, so he chases through the door and finds... that he's in the same room... and so on. It goes on, but I won't ruin it for you. Highly recommended for fans of old horror.
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Post by katelin on Apr 14, 2008 2:49:18 GMT -5
American Gangster
So me and my dad decided to rent a couple movies recently and this was one of them. Some people might say it went on too long(it ran about 2 1/2 hours), but anyone who's seen any Ridley Scott film knows they run on for at least two hours, so that wasn't a surprise for me. Granted, there were a couple moments I thought could have been left out of the film, but nothing that bothered me to the point where I couldn't enjoy it fully.
The acting, for the most part, is good. Denzel Washington once again does an excellent job. Josh Brolin, who I had no idea was even in the movie beforehand, also does a great job. Russell Crowe I thought did good, but nothing I was starry eyed over once the movie was finished.
I found the story itself to be very interesting and I think Ridley Scott explored every aspect of it in a very intriguing fashion which kept me watching.
Overall, very good, and very solid, especially for a New York City crime drama.
4/5 stars.
No Country For Old Men
I went into watching this with very high expectations. I was not disappointed.
It's beautifully shot and has has a great suspense factor to it without being over the top or cheesy in the least. The acting is incredible. Javier Bardem was, of course, awesomely terrifying and very intense. Josh Brolin was great. I've always though he was very underrated and this movie proves it. But the person that I thought didn't get enough credit for their work was Tommy Lee Jones. I thought he was great and he got me invested in his character, which I love. There's also some Woody Harrelson thrown in. I've always been a big fan of his and I'll watch any movie he's in, so that was a big plus.
The story itself is interesting and I myself didn't quite understand it until I did a bit of research. Upon finding out what to make of the whole thing, I see what makes it amazing and so Oscar worthy. I'd elaborate, but I don't want to spoil anything.
Coen brothers FTW.
5/5 stars.
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Post by G✇JI☈A on Apr 14, 2008 4:01:35 GMT -5
Good Night, And Good Luck (2005)
This George Clooney film was on TV last night so I took the time and watched. A rather complex movie but really good. David Strathairn is great as TV journalist Ed Murrow. Great educational film if you doing researh into the Joseph McCarthy communist witch hunts.
Good film all round: 9.5/10
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Post by Throwback on Apr 14, 2008 4:40:16 GMT -5
I just watch the movie. The Dog who stopped the war. (1984)here is a review from www.canuxploitation.com/review/dog.htmlDuring "show and tell" just before Christmas break, a young, ethereal boy named Luke (Cedric Jourde) shows off a war bugle, a present from his veteran grandfather. After the children are dismissed for the year, Luke rounds up the gang and proposes the group split in two and engage in a mock war a "war of toques," as the French of the film title states. The group outlines the parameters of the battle, and it becomes clear from the start that Luke rules with an authoritarian fist. This angers some of the other members, causing a second, more democratic party to be formed in opposition, led by Mark (Julien Elie) and his dog, Cleo. Mirroring Canada's cultural mosaic (and making the film more marketable for international audiences—Ed.), Mark's group extends both the boundaries of race and gender, as he recruits nerdy Asian kid, Francois (Minh Vu Duc), and the new girl in town, Sophie (Marie-Pierre A. D'Amour).
Luke and Mark agree to do battle over a massive snow castle, with each group attempting to gain control over the fortress. Of course, complications ensue, as Luke, in a bid to spy on the enemy, ends up falling in love with Sophie. The feeling is mutual, but the two are forced to keep their love silent. because of their allegiances. Meanwhile, Mark must deal with the ailing health of his dog. Skirmishes ensue in preparation for the big battle, and both groups demonstrate more than a few tricks. Mark's gang concocts snowballs filled with dye, staining everyone they hit, while Luke's troop create rushing strategies and armor protection that would make Achilles proud. Watching on is the group's pacifist, nature lover, and ultimate voice of reason, ironically dubbed Nick "The Loon" (Mathieu Savard). Nick declines to join either side of battle, and as the two groups stage their final battle, Nick, Luke, Mark and the rest of the children must deal with the tragic loss of life and innocence as they end the war once and for all.It's a good movie IMO. but the ending is a little weak
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Post by thesam07 on Apr 14, 2008 4:51:24 GMT -5
The Brothers Solomon 2 brothers, Dean Solomon (Will Forte) and John Solomon (Will Arnett) find out their dad has gone into a coma. Their fathers last wish was to be a grandfather. Hilarity ensues as the 2 "loser" brothers do everything possible to become fathers. Hilarity ensues. An ok film if you enjoy Will Forte or Will Arnett or especially Chi McBride (James). But your better off renting this than owning it. ** out of *****
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Post by REDUNBECK~! on Apr 14, 2008 7:33:33 GMT -5
Henry & June
I get the feeling most people 'round here haven't read the book "Tropic of Cancer" but I'm sure a lot of folks have seen the Seinfeld episode where Jerry and George kept that book many decades past due (Library Detective~!) and heard of it that way. I bring this up because the movie Henry & June, based on a diary by French writer Anais Nin, is based on the story of "Tropic of Cancer" author Henry Miller's time in Paris while he wrote it. Not that the movie is much at all about the book. Instead, it's really mostly about sex. Anais having sex with her husband, with Henry, with Henry's wife June, Henry having sex with June, Anais cockteasing her friend Eduardo who has a crush on her...
This is SEX: the movie, basically, and while there's nothing hardcore, it's no wonder that this movie effectively forced the MPAA to invent the NC-17 rating. That said, is it any good? I thought so. Partially because it has nekkidness from Uma Thurman at the height of her sexiness, but honestly more because there is a story there. A weird, disjointed story told in a dream-like fashion, about Anais and Henry falling in love in the midst of their bed-hopping, but never finding it in them to leave their spouses for each other. Romeo + Juliet it's not, though, thank God.
So basically, if you like softcore sex, confused hearts, and "forbidden love" kind of stories I suppose you might enjoy it. Or if you just wanted to see Uma being hot...
It's an...uh...three thumbs up, I suppose.
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bigHEADinc
El Dandy
Wanted Conway Twitty as a special title.
lest we forget...
Posts: 7,711
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Post by bigHEADinc on Apr 14, 2008 20:54:57 GMT -5
21
I was going to write a longer review but it can be summarized thusly...
It went everywhere I expected...
I walked out 30 minutes before it ended...
The rating is only due to Kevin Spacey...
* out of *****
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Post by renzino on Apr 14, 2008 22:43:29 GMT -5
I'm going to give you two reviews for the price of one. The reviews are for License To Drive and Moving Violations because these were the last two movies I watched Saturday night. License To Drive (1988)For teenager Les Anderson (Corey Haim), the two most important things in life are getting his driver's license and getting together with the hottest girl in high school (Heather Graham in one of her first film roles). But when Les fails the exam, he 'borrows' the family's prized '73 Cadillac for his big date. An innocent girl. A harmless drive. What could possibly go wrong? Try a fearless best friend (Corey Feldman) with an insane plan, a high school hottie with too much to drink, angry drag racers, crazed militants, a police roadblock, a crash course in car theft, a very angry father (Richard Masur), a very, very pregnant mother (Carol Kane). Possibly one of my favorite movies movies from the 80s. The Coreys at their best and I believe this was Heather Graham's first movie (?). Everyone does a great job in this film. In my opinion this isn't a movie that you like based on nostaglia it really still holds up after 20 years. I give 4.5 out 5. Of couse I might be a little bias. Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4KJtDxTqWQMoving Violations (1985)A charming smartass (Bill Murray's younger brother John Murray), a spacey rocket scientist (Jennifer Tilly of SEED OF CHUCKY), a nebbish puppeteer (Brian Backer of FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH), a terminal hypochondriac (Wendie Jo Sperber of BOSOM BUDDIES), an auto 'doctor' (Fred Williard of A MIGHTY WIND), a blind old lady, a creepy gorehound and more, all have their licenses suspended and all sentenced to traffic school. But when a vengeful traffic cop (James Keach) and a crooked judge (Sally Kellerman) plot to sell everyone's impounded cars, the class hits the gas with their own plan for high-speed payback on a road full of MOVING VIOLATIONS! What can I say when I was growing up this movie was a big part of my childhood and think that's why I have a fondness for it (same with Beastmaster) in the fact that I just can't hate it. The movie does actually have some funny moments and James Keach as the vengeful is great and John Murray was pretty underrated. Also this was the first time I saw Jennifer Tilly in a movie. Plus you got to love the theme song Moving Violations! Recommended. I give it 3 out of 5. Trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKU85IV0_BwSynopsis are courtesy of DVDSpot.
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Post by Bob Schlapowitz on Apr 14, 2008 23:00:49 GMT -5
Those are classics, Renzino!
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Post by renzino on Apr 14, 2008 23:10:38 GMT -5
^ Thanks.
I really enjoy those two movies.
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Post by katelin on Apr 15, 2008 1:56:18 GMT -5
Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus(2006)Okay, so this movie bombed hard here in the states and from what I've heard from other people who have seen it, you either love it or hate it. I for one, loved it. The movie is about American photographer Diane Arbus(Google and/or Wiki her, her photography is actually quite interesting) and her journey from being a bored, lonely, sexually confused housewife trapped in a painfully conventional marriage to being one of the most world renowned photographers and falling in love with the most unexpected person and being set free, if you will, in the process. It stars Robert Downey Jr. and Nicole Kidman. Robert Downey Jr. alone makes this film full of win. It's ridiculous how much he acts with his eyes(which is a good thing) and he's amazing in this. Kidman, on the other hand, was alright. Not incredible, but not horrible either. But I've always been pretty neutral with her, so maybe I'm biased. For anyone that watches it, don't be turned off by the first scene(you'll see what I mean when you see it). It's a great story and it's acted out very well. 3.5/5
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Post by G✇JI☈A on Apr 15, 2008 3:41:34 GMT -5
The Godfather Part II (1974)
A true classic of the cinema.
Whose In It: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, Michael Gazzo and Bruno Kirby.
It's extremely rare when a you see a sequel better then the original which in my own opinion I find this film. Just about everyone knows this film but those that don't the story has two main plot points in two different time periods;
I) The continuing saga of Michael Corleone as head of the Corleone family. In this story he is all about business and his will to succeed in the business comes at a price at the expense of his family.
II) The rise of Michael's father Vito. From a child escaping a Don in Sicily to getting his start in crime after helping a young Clemenza and when a Don is responsible for getting him fired.
The film is one of my favorites of all time. Everyone acts well (although I do think that Gazzo overacts a bit). And the stories are great. I don't need to say much else.
I did notice for the first time Harry Dean Stanton in a very small role in the film. Never noticed him there before. Funny that.
Anyway Classic Stuff.
10/10
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bigHEADinc
El Dandy
Wanted Conway Twitty as a special title.
lest we forget...
Posts: 7,711
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Post by bigHEADinc on Apr 15, 2008 10:08:24 GMT -5
Robert Downey Jr. alone makes this film full of win. It's ridiculous how much he acts with his eyes(which is a good thing) and he's amazing in this. I don't know what it is about Robert Downey Jr. but all of a freakin' sudden this guy has been absolutely golden in anything he's in... Loved him in Charlie Bartlett and A Scanner Darkly and he looks ridiculously hilarious in Tropic Thunder... Of course, who can forget that Iron Man will be out shortly...
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EvilMasterBetty, Esq.
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Bird...Birdie...birdie......Tiger...Tiger Tiger.....
R2C2 Reporting for duty
Posts: 17,355
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Post by EvilMasterBetty, Esq. on Apr 15, 2008 11:00:20 GMT -5
A couple of DVD's that I've watched recently
Walk Hard
I LOVED this movie. It's absolutely hysterical. I thought the writing was great and the movie was well paced. Plus the music is actually very good and will have you singing it a few days later.
John C. Rielly was fantastic as Dewey Cox. But what really made this movie was the supporting cast. Everyone was perfect in their supporting roles and really added to the humor.
I'd definitely recommend this as a rental, and if you love Aptow films I'd buy it, although the DVD is extremely lacking on special features.
I guess I'd give it a 4.5/5
Sweeny Todd
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I'm a big fan of musicals, and I was a bit timid about having basically a non-musical cast tackle a Sondheim classic. But they did an admirable job. Johnny Depp was, again, fantastic as Todd (if he doesn't win an Oscar in the next 5 years it will be a crime) and has a pretty good voice. Helena Bohnam Carter was also good as Mrs. Lovett. And Alan Rickman is just awesome as playing an evil bastard (and the main reason I'm super-stoked about the next 3 Harry Potter movies.)
But what really makes this movie is the art and environment. It's dark, dreary, dirty. Perfect for a demon barber in industrial London. Oh and it should go without saying the score is excellent.
If you're a fan of the musical, no reason not to watch it. It's one of the better musical adaptations. Even if you don't, you should probably check it out and keep an open mind.
4/5
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4real
Wade Wilson
Posts: 28,700
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Post by 4real on Apr 15, 2008 11:10:02 GMT -5
[Rec]
A Spanish horror movie (wait come back) that was not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. But still good nonetheless. Basically firemen are called to a block of flats and everybody is blocked in due to a threat of spreading some sort of disease. The last 15 minutes or so though are bat shit scary.
It's also very much like Cloverfield as it's filmed from the point of view of a camera man who sees and films the whole thing. And it gets very Omen on your ass near the end.
So there you have it Cloverfield, every zombie film you've ever seen and The Omen all rolled into one. And The Fast Show if you wanna be funny about it.
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Millie D
El Dandy
Something VERY special.
I Love Glee!
Posts: 8,923
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Post by Millie D on Apr 15, 2008 15:43:06 GMT -5
NETWORK ( 1976)
ok I was not too enthused by this pick at first but then i started watching it and i have to say... I LOVED IT! For those who don't know this movie its about an aging reporter named Howard Beale( wonderfully played by Oscar winner Peter Finch) who is losing ratings and touch with his network and one night he loses touch with reality and yells bull**** about the news and they wanna can him..enter Max Schumacher and Diana Christensen ( played by William Holden and Oscar winner Faye Dunaway)...Max is beale's best friend who is worried about him and Diana is a money and ratings hungry network exec who wants to use Howard to get ratings...and she does...so one day Hpward loses his mind they all think and goes on air and tells everyone to yell that they are MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GONNA TAKE THIS ANYMORE and they all do because he is now their television prophet....I was loving Beale's character a lot and was grossed out by Max and Diane's love affair and felt bad for Max's wife Louise and i was so inot that plotline i forgot about the Terrorist Front....they played a BIG role in the end...BTW the end was SHOCKING to me and all in all it was all about ratings......
I highly recommend this film 5 out of 5
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Jiren
Patti Mayonnaise
Hearts Bayformers
Posts: 35,163
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Post by Jiren on Apr 15, 2008 21:13:43 GMT -5
The Mist
Frank Darabont did it again he made another classic King movie and the best IMO since "The Green Mile" (Also Darabont). It was superbly acted & it pulled so many emotions out of me, Anger, Sadness, Joy & fear.
I thought the ending was a bit TOO miserable though (And it felt Very "Tales from the crypt"), IMO i would have prefered the books ending.
But beyond that it was an awesome flick
8/10
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Post by katelin on Apr 15, 2008 21:20:59 GMT -5
Robert Downey Jr. alone makes this film full of win. It's ridiculous how much he acts with his eyes(which is a good thing) and he's amazing in this. I don't know what it is about Robert Downey Jr. but all of a freakin' sudden this guy has been absolutely golden in anything he's in... Loved him in Charlie Bartlett and A Scanner Darkly and he looks ridiculously hilarious in Tropic Thunder... Of course, who can forget that Iron Man will be out shortly... I feel like an 8 year old little comic book geek. I'm so excited for Iron Man. RDJ should be great, because, like you said, he's pretty much amazing in everything he's done in the last few years. Perhaps getting off drugs and stuff has stepped his game up. Oh, and Tropic Thunder looks like the most epic film in history.
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Jiren
Patti Mayonnaise
Hearts Bayformers
Posts: 35,163
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Post by Jiren on Apr 15, 2008 21:22:51 GMT -5
Batman & Iron Man are the two flicks i'm most looking forward to this year
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