What have you watched recently: Electric Boogaloo

ButtersSuki

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Based on the book by journalist Kim Baker who spent a time embedded as a reporter in Afghanistan in the early to mid 2000s. Tina Fey stars in a probably slightly moviefied version of her story. I wanted to see this when it was out in cinemas but for some reason it didn't actually get a Republic of Ireland release. The trailers, I think, made it look like a comedy, or at least more of a comedy than it actually is. It's not a hard hitting drama, by any means, but it has a bit more to it than the marketing people wanted you to think.

Really? I'm pretty sure I saw that screening somewhere? I like Fey's tv work (30 Rock was excellent) but her movie work is very hit and miss IMO. The trailers I saw for this looked weak and certainly have the feeling it was s comedy; I might seek it out based on your review though.

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

ButtersSuki wrote: »

Really? I'm pretty sure I saw that screening somewhere? I like Fey's tv work (30 Rock was excellent) but her movie work is very hit and miss IMO. The trailers I saw for this looked weak and certainly have the feeling it was s comedy; I might seek it out based on your review though.

I think it might have screened during the Dublin Film Fest but I remember looking for it after it's release date and couldn't find it in any cinema in the Republic. I asked the Scannain guys on twitter and they said it looked like it wasn't getting an Irish release.

Like I said, it's not a hard hitting drama but it's definitely not the comedy the trailer made it look like. Apparently the book it's based on was written with a lot of humour as a way to draw people in but still tell them these stories so they kept some of that in the film but I wouldn't class it as a comedy at all. There is some weird use of music in it though, I doubt you've ever seen Hary Nilsson's Without You used quite like this before.

8-10

TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: »

I think it might have screened during the Dublin Film Fest but I remember looking for it after it's release date and couldn't find it in any cinema in the Republic. I asked the Scannain guys on twitter and they said it looked like it wasn't getting an Irish release.

Like I said, it's not a hard hitting drama but it's definitely not the comedy the trailer made it look like. Apparently the book it's based on was written with a lot of humour as a way to draw people in but still tell them these stories so they kept some of that in the film but I wouldn't class it as a comedy at all. There is some weird use of music in it though, I doubt you've ever seen Hary Nilsson's Without You used quite like this before.

Yeah I saw it at the Film Fest, it was this year's secret movie. Didn't enjoy it at all personally

Fingers Mcginty

Just watched Eden Lake again after a few years. Forgot how good it is.
The Fassbender lad has some acting skills!

TICKLE_ME_ELMO

Serena

Starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence and directed by Susanne Bier. Based off the book by Ron Rash.

Very disappointing.

It's just a mess. I read that Bier signed up to do this before any actors were attached and had planned on making a character driven film about dark love and basically adapt the book but next thing you know the studios have got Cooper and Lawrence on board and she's being forced into making an entirely different film. Which is a real bloody shame because the book is fantastic. Serena is the central character who drives everything that happens. When I read it it reminded me a little of MacBeth except with the focus on Lady MacBeth and she's not above getting her hands dirty when her husband starts to waver. What the film delivers though is a barely there Serena who I'd hardly even describe as a supporting character. She appears briefly every now and then to cry and appear like a bit of a head case, has sex with her husband a few times, and the script wedges in one or two "I AM A STRONG LADY" scenes because everything else she does implies the complete opposite.

I would have loved to see Bier make this film without outside interference and with a better script. Lawrence would have been perfect as the Serena that Rash wrote in his book. I could have done without Cooper though. Real shame. Missed opportunity.

Chain Smoker

Paradise Alley
This is a film I've been meaning to watch for years and years, the vanity project Sylvester Stallone got to make after Rocky won the Oscars, flopped hard and led to Stallone never trying to be sincere again for decades (Cop Land and three Rocky sequels).
Staggeringly inept, tons of wisecracking lines that you'd barely let Rocky away with because he's thick as ****, except they're supposed to be actually clever this time and coming from a much less likeable character. Contains the most unintentionally funny suicide I've ever seen in a film and an ending that brought Wrestlemania 9 to mind. There were points where I was almost charmed by how ludicrously earnest it was, but something always pulled me back.


Unfortunately, nothing about the film matches up to Sly singing the theme song, which I've almost certainly posted here before.

Outlaw Pete

Seen The Light Between Oceans yesterday and really liked it.

Great story and well told.

The Black Oil

The Edge

Jaws on dry land, with a bear. Not bad.

The Mechanic

Went with the original. Pretty good. Similar to the likes of The French Connection, The Conversation, Columbo from around this era - the tone, use of camera, soundtrack, etc. The remake with Jason Statham (The Stath, yes?) is also on Netflix. Not sure how often his films make money.

The Maze Runner

Generally disappointing, a little dull.

The Package

80s Cold War thing. Stop the threat to POTUS. Big conspiracy. Tommy Lee Jones as a fugitive before he was in The Fugitive.

Ahem. Sorry.

But mostly Gene Hackman. Passable enough.

Harry Palmr

Hitchcock (2012) Dir Sacha Gervasi

Based on the book about Hitches experience making Psycho this is a somewhat fanciful (one suspects) and playful bio which passes the time well. Anthony Hopkins in truth looks little like the Master but just about gets away with it as an 'impression', Helen Mirren as Alma, his wife and right hand women is better catching the character of a women who is arguably too talented to "walk one step behind her husband" at the premiers. Scarlett Johansonn and esp Jessica Biel also fine as Janet Lee and Vera Miles.

Looper007

The Handmaiden (2016)

Park Chan-Wook's adaption of Sarah Walter's novel Fingersmith, which was already adapted into BBC Mini series with Sally Hawkins and Elaine Cassidy, which well worth seen (it's on YouTube) and is more faithful to the book then HandMaiden is. This film is the darker more adult version of Walter's book, most of the third act is different, certain characters are changed or in some cases given less to do. Park's film is certainly more sexual and violent, but some of the changes didn't effect the film at all, and it's beautiful shot. Great performances from Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo (from The Chaser and Yellow Sea) and Kim Tae-ri (who's film debut it is). Maybe not Park Chan Wook's best film but it's up there.

Ride With The Devil (1999)

Ang Lee's sadly neglected at the time American Civil War film, which stock has risen with Criterion Collection release of a Director's cut a few years back. It's a excellent film, with a Oscar worthy performance from Jeffrey Wright. Tobey Maguire (what happened to him?) is fine as the lead, Small roles from now famous and then unknown Mark Ruffalo and Simon Baker. A great villainous turn from Jonathan Rhys Meyers. The Battle scenes are fine and the film takes it time to tell it's story, it was always going to have a uphill battle having to follow highly acclaimed The Ice Storm and Oscar winning Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, been stuck between those two films isn't easy. But years later the film stands on it's own and is probably Lee's most underrated film.

Tony EH

I'd say part of the problem for 'Ride With the Devil' was Tobey Maguire. One of the most ineffectual leads in the last twenty years.

droidman123

Suburra (2015)
Stunning movie! Set in rome its about various gang factions involved in setting up a las vegas like strip on ostia coast,its a project worth millions and involves dodgy politicians as well.this movie is gripping and pulls no punches.its a little over 2 hours and will have you glued to your screen.the cinematography and acting are superb,as is the haunting soundtrack by M83. 10/10.

Vincent Vega

Mulholland Drive @ Lighthouse Cinema

I've loved this film a long time, but there was something about watching it on the big screen that was almost overwhelming. I think Lynch's sound design heard in full surround made a huge difference.

I've found that each time I've re-watched it, my interpretation of what has happened changes slightly. I say i've seen it 7 or 8 times now and I always find myself playing with different ideas afterwards. Lynch's own '10 clues to unlocking this thriller' are a good starting point for anybody looking to get the most out of it.

It seemed close to sold out tonight, and i'd be lying if i said i wasn't tempted to catch it again on saturday.

For anybody with a good eye who was there tonight, or come saturday, does it appear that Lighthouse have followed his suggestions on how to project it?

Looper007

Tony EH wrote: »

I'd say part of the problem for 'Ride With the Devil' was Tobey Maguire. One of the most ineffectual leads in the last twenty years.

Would have been interesting if they had Mark Ruffalo in that part, but Maguire best performances came in Lee films imo. Never thought Maguire was up to much as a actor, I'm sure it helped he was good friends with Leo DiCaprio behind the scenes. He was supposedly not a nice guy towards Jewel on set as she wasn't a actress. He looks out of place in this when he's next to Jeffrey Wright who towers over everyone, I do think the two leads actors (Skeet Ulrich, is the other one) let the side down in this film. But not to the point they make the film unwatchable.

Alcoheda

MichaelScarn wrote: »

Halloween so tried watching 28 days later by Danny Boyle.

Complete and utter garbage. 0/10

What am I not seeing about this movie? People rate it so highly!!

The shopping scene with all the product placement and the happy music makes me want to puke.

God awful cack.

Tony EH

Looper007 wrote: »

Would have been interesting if they had Mark Ruffalo in that part, but Maguire best performances came in Lee films imo. Never thought Maguire was up to much as a actor, I'm sure it helped he was good friends with Leo DiCaprio behind the scenes. He was supposedly not a nice guy towards Jewel on set as she wasn't a actress. He looks out of place in this when he's next to Jeffrey Wright who towers over everyone, I do think the two leads actors (Skeet Ulrich, is the other one) let the side down in this film. But not to the point they make the film unwatchable.

I agree. I like the film more than I should and dislike it more than I want to. Much of that is down to actor choices as it's an otherwise interesting story and a great attention to the period detail. I've seen it twice now and come away each time feeling let down but oddly entertained.

droidman123

I just watched another fantastic German movie called Sophie scholl (2005).it's the true story about the white rose movement in Germany during ww2.they were a movement totally opoosed to the the nazi socialism and the war and Hitler himself.the movie focus,s on a young girl (Sophie scholl) and her brother who were arrested and interrogated by the gestapo.her bravey in sticking to her beliefs is Immense.the judge during the court scene is unbelievable and will scare the living daylights out if you! This is a low budget Movie (no big explosions or grand effects) but it doesn't need them.it really is a moving film and highly educating and enjoyable at the same time.highly recommended

david75

Watching the original Muppet movie. Such a classic and still funny anyone with kids should give them this to watch:)
Trying to learn this on ukulele

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GBSsHKiWDs

Chain Smoker

Wiener Dog
Enough to not totally piss me off, Solondz continues being Solondz, but I think the should stick to doing films focused around one character, every time I was beginning to get immersed with a character, it moved onto another one.
Not quite as ****ing awful as his worst films but a drop from the levels of Solondz misery he was occasionally tapping into in Dark Horse.

Where to Invade Next
I'm a big Michael Moore defender, but, unless something as suited to his heavy handed schtick as Sicko arises again, he's really past the point where his films work. There's definitely but he could be doing much more interesting and impactful stuff by branching out a bit.

The House is Black
Extremely well edited. Very uneasy watch.. I didn't know lepers eyes went like that...

Don't Think Twice
Likely to have a bit more value to people who have taken an improv class at some point in their lives, I really liked it though. Small film, doesn't pretend to be more.

The Wanderers
Man, Phillip Kaufman... What were you doing making this ****ty American Graffiti copycat for?!

Harry Palmr

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

Wes Craven's second film is nearly as famous by reputation as his debut. Vietnam allegory (almost certainly) about an extended nuclear family who get stranded in the Nevada desert and they are not alone. Not bad though it does feature a dog of Scooby Doo like resourcefulness which tends to stretch the suspension of disbelief.

Tony EH

Harry Palmr wrote: »

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

Wes Craven's second film is nearly as famous by reputation as his debut. Vietnam allegory (almost certainly) about an extended nuclear family who get stranded in the Nevada desert and they are not alone. Not bad though it does feature a dog of Scooby Doo like resourcefulness which tends to stretch the suspension of disbelief.

Never understood the popularity of Wes Craven (although his popularity is largely contained to American audiences). His best output is limited to 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'The Serpent and the Rainbow' as far as I'm concerned.

His early stuff is shambolic though. This is especially true in the case of 'The Last House on the Left' which enjoys a reputation that far exceeds its content, some of which is astonishing in its inptitude (even for a low budget shocker). The atmosphere of that film is destroyed continuously by some of the most ill advised "comedy" I have ever seen as any of the hard hitting moments are diluted incredibly with attempts at levity that fail to either amuse or drive the story. So out of place are they that I made my own cut of the film, which is the only version I can watch now.

But, it's amazing to continually see the high place it retains in horror cinema lists. That goes for Craven himself I may add whose vast majority of work is an extremely lukewarm affair.

As for 'The Hills Have Eyes', the 2006 version is actually one of the few examples whereby the remake is vastly superior to the original.

rednik

Just watched Nighthawks on blu ray which I imported from the US recently. Good transfer from shout factory. Still a good watch after all these years.

Decuc500

Have to strongly disagree about Wes Craven. As far as I'm concerned he was one of a few directors who undersood horror. Several of his films are iconic in the genre. The likes of him, Carpenter and Romero changed horror cinema from the seventies onwards and gave it respectability.

Tony EH

I would absolutely agree that he was instrumental in "changing horror", I just think his output was very underwhelming, especially when compared to the two other directors you mention. Although, without his zombies, Romero doesn't have much to shout about either.

If people like Craven, I have no problem with that and he always came across as a genuine and likeable guy. But, his films were always disapointing to me (apart from the two I mentioned).

Decuc500

The Immigrant

It’s quite amazing that this film still hasn’t been given an official release in the UK/Ireland yet but I watched it on blu-ray recently. It’s a really beautifully made film, James Gray’s direction and the cinematography creating a very evocative New York of 1921. The performances from Marion Cotillard and Joaquin Phoenix are excellent. I loved the final shot which summed up the movie perfectly.

James Gray is quietly building an impressive body of work. Hopefully his next film, The Lost City of Z, will get more recognition here.

Looper007

Decuc500 wrote: »

The Immigrant

It’s quite amazing that this film still hasn’t been given an official release in the UK/Ireland yet but I watched it on blu-ray recently. It’s a really beautifully made film, James Gray’s direction and the cinematography creating a very evocative New York of 1921. The performances from Marion Cotillard and Joaquin Phoenix are excellent. I loved the final shot which summed up the movie perfectly.

James Gray is quietly building an impressive body of work. Hopefully his next film, The Lost City of Z, will get more recognition here.

I think it's the same with Snowpiercer and Enemy too, yet to get any release on any format over here. Shame. The Immigrant and Snowpiercer both having a hard time with Harvey Weinstein meddling, supposedly he had the Immigrant down as his Oscar bait film of that year but after it's lukewarm debut in Cannes, he totally buried it. Shame as I think it probably has Cotillard best performance in a American film and could have had a Oscar nod for it. It's flawed and a bit overblown but it's a fantastic film that deserved a wider release.


Gray has directed some fantastic films, my personal favourite is Two Lovers, probably has Phoenix best performance in it. But The Yards is another personal favourite of his.

Looper007

Loving (2016)

Jeff Nicol's second film of the year after the very impressive but underrated Midnight Special. This is probably Nicol's weakest film to date, even though Joel Edgeton and Ruth Negga both give fantastic performances. It's a little Oscar baity too. But it's heart is in the right place and even though it's his weakest film it's still a very watchable one. Interracial couple Richard and Mildred Loving fell in love and were married in 1958. they are banished from their home state of Virginia and it tells their story of their plight. A amazing true tale rather told in a safe way by Nicols. Great cameo from Michael Shannon though.

thegodlife

Watched Arrival at the weekend and it wasnt what I expected but did enjoy it and was still thinking about it the next day.

droidman123

Like crazy (2016)
Fantastic Paolo virzi movie . The Story revolves around two women who escape from a psychiatric facility in Tuscany who both have different emotional baggage.their characters are not really brought on until the middle of the movie onwards.the two women are played by Valeria Bruno tedeschi and micaela ramazzotti who give astounding performances,maybe some so called hollywood greats will watch them and learn how it's done.its an emotional roller coaster of a movie,it has its comic moments and it's serious and very emotional moments too.both actress,s are amazing but I can't remember seeing a performance as good as Valeria Bruno tedeschi ever.watching this movie was 2 hours of pure bliss.

Just on a footnote,if it comes across that every movie I watch is amazing,its not the case.i have watched my fair share of crap movies ,American and foreign language, but I tend to just review the movies that I really enjoyed.

Bus Boy

Just watched 'Hell or High Water' with Jeff Bridges. Thought provoking and Bridge's at his best as always. Well worth a watch.