Last Movie You Watched

[kishnevi]

Hi Ken - well, no singing in this version (BUT, there may be a sequel? ) - basically, a film about a dysfunctional family caught up in a minor planetary disaster -

One of my favorite scenes was after landing on Mt. Ararat (assume from the CGI graphics), Noah wanders off to live in a cave, finds some grapes, and then gets drunk on wine - LOVE it!  I'll have to re-read the bible on that one - AGAIN, I'm not recommending this film.  Dave 

Yes it is in the Bible complete with offensive behavior by Ham and Canaan.

[TheGSMoeller]

Took me way too long to finally watch The Master, especially being a fan of P.T.Anderson. Since I just finished The Master an hour ago I am still processing the film so I won't be able to discuss in length. But, I will say that I was totally enthralled by the story and characters. P.T.Anderson again has established himself as one of the true leading auteurs of cinema. The dialogue, images and pacing felt appropriate at all times and never felt forced. As with the ending of There Will Be Blood, the audience is left alone to speculate on the protagonist's current and future path, as is the case with Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), it's that touch of mystery that shows the brilliant worth of Anderson's storytelling.
Two things that stood out, first is Phoenix's mesmerizing and frightening performance, it deserves to be mentioned with the best of the past 10 years. Second is Jonny Greenwood's moody, atmospheric score.

[kishnevi]

I can never hear of that film without instantly expecting something related to Dr. Who.

[TheGSMoeller]

I can never hear of that film without instantly expecting something related to Dr. Who.

Which one? 

[ibanezmonster]

Thanks to Octave for leading me to Hukkle, part sociology, part puzzle, ALL VISUAL TREAT.  One of the most original cinematic experiences I've ever enjoyed.   

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I thought this was a picture of bacon for a second as I was scrolling down.

[Wakefield]

This 1st season of "Utopia" ranks, IMO, as some of the best TV series of the last years and the mother of all conspiracy theories, amazingly well filmed.

I have read that an American version is in preparation. But who needs this sort of thing when this British version is simply perfect TV, I wonder.

[Jaakko Keskinen]

Does he sing? By all that's holy, does he sing?

IIIIT ISCH EITHEEERRR VALJHEAANNNH OR JHAAAVVEEERRRTTT!

[ZauberdrachenNr.7]

I thought this was a picture of bacon for a second as I was scrolling down.

Kevin's sure getting older, no denying that (though his agent tries darn hard).  You hungry, Greg?

[Karl Henning]

I may be the last man of my generation to see The Matrix.  I liked it better than I thought I would;  but I still wish Keanu Reeves could act.

[North Star]

I may be the last man of my generation to see The Matrix.  I liked it better than I thought I would;  but I still wish Keanu Reeves could act.

Whatever you do, remember that they didn't make sequels.

[Karl Henning]

Whatever you do, remember that they didn't make sequels.

Your timing is superb;  just this moment, my brother tweeted "You finally took the red pill? Do yourself a favor and don't worry about the two sequels."

[Bogey]

Attempting to watch and episode of that groovy UFO tv series.  Love Anderson's vehicle designs and dig that mod furniture that they have on the sets.

       

Epiode 1 here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPl1OYpuI5w

[Jaakko Keskinen]

but I still wish Keanu Reeves could act.

To me it is not Keanu as Neo who ruins much of the otherwise an excellent movie - it's Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity. Though I'm still not sure if what ruins the character is her actress or whether she is just badly written. Probably a combination of both. But I agree, Keanu can't act.

[Brian]

To me it is not Keanu as Neo who ruins much of the otherwise an excellent movie - it's Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity. Though I'm still not sure if what ruins the character is her actress or whether she is just badly written. Probably a combination of both. But I agree, Keanu can't act.

Badly written. There's a great article on The Dissolve about "Trinity Syndrome," a prevalent movie problem where the interesting, forceful female lead exists only to enable a male character. Or, in the author's words, "For the ordinary dude to be triumphant, the Strong Female Character has to entirely disappear into Subservient Trophy Character mode. This is Trinity Syndrome à la The Matrix: the hugely capable woman who never once becomes as independent, significant, and exciting as she is in her introductory scene." The comments are great, too, and you'll learn Sidney Lumet's terrific definition of drama.

By the way, Roger Ebert reviewed Keanu as Neo in this way: "Keanu Reeves goes for the impassive Harrison Ford approach, "acting" as little as possible. I suppose that's the right idea." Heh-heh.

[Karl Henning]

The Wachowskis asked of Keanu Reeves no more than he could give: a mixture of a blank face and a "what the hell's going on?" look.

Badly written. There's a great article on The Dissolve about "Trinity Syndrome," a prevalent movie problem where the interesting, forceful female lead exists only to enable a male character. Or, in the author's words, "For the ordinary dude to be triumphant, the Strong Female Character has to entirely disappear into Subservient Trophy Character mode. This is Trinity Syndrome à la The Matrix: the hugely capable woman who never once becomes as independent, significant, and exciting as she is in her introductory scene." The comments are great, too, and you'll learn Sidney Lumet's terrific definition of drama.

By the way, Roger Ebert reviewed Keanu as Neo in this way: "Keanu Reeves goes for the impassive Harrison Ford approach, "acting" as little as possible. I suppose that's the right idea." Heh-heh.

Even this first go, I almost fetched the DVD out of the tray with the exclamation, This is what she's here for?  To bring Neo back via The Miracle of Love? Gyaaahhh.

[Bogey]

Even this first go, I almost fetched the DVD out of the tray with the exclamation, This is what she's here for?  To bring Neo back via The Miracle of Love? Gyaaahhh.

Ah, you made the mistake of concentrating on the "why" when they were hoping that you would focus on the how.  (See UFO post for more "how")

[Brian]

Badly written. There's a great article on The Dissolve about "Trinity Syndrome," a prevalent movie problem where the interesting, forceful female lead exists only to enable a male character. Or, in the author's words, "For the ordinary dude to be triumphant, the Strong Female Character has to entirely disappear into Subservient Trophy Character mode. This is Trinity Syndrome à la The Matrix: the hugely capable woman who never once becomes as independent, significant, and exciting as she is in her introductory scene." The comments are great, too, and you'll learn Sidney Lumet's terrific definition of drama.

Just found out that this same link, and same syndrome, are discussed in today's New York Times. It's in their review of Guardians of the Galaxy, which apparently flirts with the problem, but not as badly as most blockbusters.

[Cato]

Badly written. There's a great article on The Dissolve about "Trinity Syndrome," a prevalent movie problem where the interesting, forceful female lead exists only to enable a male character.

I am reminded of the recent movies from Disney/Pixar, where cartoon movies like Frozen  (the 2 princesses pretty much handle everything on their own), Tangled (Rapunzel wields an iron frying pan as a weapon although her tear does bring the hero back to life), and especially Brave (the warrior princess refuses to get married, seeing no reason to be subservient to a man, and resolves the central conflict on her own) do not tolerate such a theme!

[Bogey]

I am reminded of the recent movies from Disney/Pixar, where cartoon movies like Frozen  (the 2 princesses pretty much handle everything on their own), Tangled (Rapunzel wields an iron frying pan as a weapon although her tear does bring the hero back to life), and especially Brave (the warrior princess refuses to get married, seeing no reason to be subservient to a man, and resolves the central conflict on her own) do not tolerate such a theme!

Lasseter:

What were your priorities?
I think the prevailing sense was that audiences around the world had grown too cynical for these kind of movies — these musical fairytale movies. And I felt like, what is at the center of every Magic Kingdom? A castle. You can still tell these stories, but you have to tell them for today's audiences. Mainly, you've got to have strong female characters that can be aspirational for women today — mothers, their daughters, teenagers, everybody.

[Ken B]

Lasseter:

What were your priorities?
I think the prevailing sense was that audiences around the world had grown too cynical for these kind of movies — these musical fairytale movies. And I felt like, what is at the center of every Magic Kingdom? A castle. You can still tell these stories, but you have to tell them for today's audiences. Mainly, you've got to have strong female characters that can be aspirational for women today — mothers, their daughters, teenagers, everybody.

Bring back Barbara Stanwyck I say. And Bette Davis, Katharine Hepburn, Jean Arthur, Rosalind Russell, Myrna Loy.