Last Movie You Watched

[Iota]

A fascinating and powerful film about Norway's descent into Hitler's clutches in 1940. It focusses very effectively on a few days in the personal worlds of a few of those involved, including Norway's King Haakon VII, Curt Bräuer, a German envoy tasked with negotiating a peaceful handing over of power with him, and a 16-year-old Norwegian Guardsman, Fredrik Seeberg, the only one of the three still alive today. In Norwegian and German (with subtitles), superb filmmaking creating a vivid and memorable canvas.

[Karl Henning]

A fascinating and powerful film about Norway's descent into Hitler's clutches in 1940. It focusses very effectively on a few days in the personal worlds of a few of those involved, including Norway's King Haakon VII and the German envoy tasked with negotiating a peaceful handing over of power with him, to a 16-year-old Norwegian Guardsman, Fredrik Seeberg, the only one of the three still alive today. In Norwegian and German (with subtitles), superb filmmaking creating a vivid and memorable canvas.

An under-recounted subplot of that tangle of a war.

[Iota]

An under-recounted subplot of that tangle of a war.

It certainly was to me.

[Madiel]

A fascinating and powerful film about Norway's descent into Hitler's clutches in 1940. It focusses very effectively on a few days in the personal worlds of a few of those involved, including Norway's King Haakon VII, Curt Bräuer, a German envoy tasked with negotiating a peaceful handing over of power with him, and a 16-year-old Norwegian Guardsman, Fredrik Seeberg, the only one of the three still alive today. In Norwegian and German (with subtitles), superb filmmaking creating a vivid and memorable canvas.

I've seen that. I remember quite liking it. Though I do wonder whether people who can't hear the difference between Norwegian, German and Danish (there's also Danish if I recall correctly) would get as much out of it, because the process of communicating across languages is a fairly major part of the plot at times.

[71 dB]

FORBIDDEN PLANET (Fred McLeod Wilcox, 1956) German Blu-ray "Alarm Im Weltall"

Somehow I expected this to be a black and white movie so I was surprised to see it is in fact a color movie. I also expected mono sound, but this Blu-ray has 5.1 and the quality of the soundtrack is good for the age of the movie. Picture quality is also damn good on this. Acting on this is extremely wooden and even comical. Maybe this was an inspiration for Leslie Nielsen to become a comic actor later on? For a sci-fi movie dealing with an ancient civilization reaching an ultimate point in their technological advancement this movie contains tons of romance and kissing. The story is okay, but the way the story is told is lame and somehow misses the excitement of tramatic moments. I liked the colorful sets and underground tunnels. The early electronic music was cool. I can see how this has influenced shows like Dr Who and Star Trek and even George Lucas (Robby the robot being able to speak 187 languages => C-3PO with 6 million languages). This was more interesting to experience as a curiosity than a sci-fi movie. As such this wasn't a bad purchase at all.  0:)

THE INVISIBLE BOY (Herman Hoffman, 1957) Extra material on the  "Alarm Im Weltall" Blu-ray

I didn't know the Blu-ray had this movie as an extra nor had I ever heard about this "unofficial sequel?" to the Forbidden Planet. This movie is black and White and it is included at DVD quality only (soft image). This was very different kind of movie and clearly targeted for young audience. However, it was FUN to watch, because it is kind of like a fantasy in the head of a 10 years old boy (having a robot as friend, being able to troll your parents by becoming invisible, being able to fly and go to space in a rocket etc.). For other people the story is a nightmare of a super-computer taking over the World. This split was interesting. In the end of the movie the boy's fantasy and the nightmare of the adults "collide" in the rocket scenes giving absurdly silly results. This was a nice bonus on the Blu-ray.

[Iota]

I've seen that. I remember quite liking it. Though I do wonder whether people who can't hear the difference between Norwegian, German and Danish (there's also Danish if I recall correctly) would get as much out of it, because the process of communicating across languages is a fairly major part of the plot at times.

I'm not sure the impact of not distinguishing the difference between the languages would be too limiting in appreciating events, quite a bit is evident from dialogue and situation I think. Indeed one of the opening scenes is the German envoy with the responsibility of negotiating a peaceful handing over of power to Vidkun Quisling's collaborationist regime, listening to a Norwegian radio news broadcast and asking his wife to translate.
There is some Danish and even a bit of English as a lingua franca at one point.

On the subject of dialogue between languages, it's perhaps worth mentioning that Quisling's name became a standard word meaning traitor or collaborator in a number of languages after the war, so strong was the condemnation of his role in these events.

[Karl Henning]

FORBIDDEN PLANET (Fred McLeod Wilcox, 1956) German Blu-ray "Alarm Im Weltall"

Somehow I expected this to be a black and white movie so I was surprised to see it is in fact a color movie. I also expected mono sound, but this Blu-ray has 5.1 and the quality of the soundtrack is good for the age of the movie. Picture quality is also damn good on this. Acting on this is extremely wooden and even comical. Maybe this was an inspiration for Leslie Nielsen to become a comic actor later on? For a sci-fi movie dealing with an ancient civilization reaching an ultimate point in their technological advancement this movie contains tons of romance and kissing. The story is okay, but the way the story is told is lame and somehow misses the excitement of tramatic moments. I liked the colorful sets and underground tunnels. The early electronic music was cool. I can see how this has influenced shows like Dr Who and Star Trek and even George Lucas (Robby the robot being able to speak 187 languages => C-3PO with 6 million languages). This was more interesting to experience as a curiosity than a sci-fi movie. As such this wasn't a bad purchase at all.  0:)

THE INVISIBLE BOY (Herman Hoffman, 1957) Extra material on the  "Alarm Im Weltall" Blu-ray

I didn't know the Blu-ray had this movie as an extra nor had I ever heard about this "unofficial sequel?" to the Forbidden Planet. This movie is black and White and it is included at DVD quality only (soft image). This was very different kind of movie and clearly targeted for young audience. However, it was FUN to watch, because it is kind of like a fantasy in the head of a 10 years old boy (having a robot as friend, being able to troll your parents by becoming invisible, being able to fly and go to space in a rocket etc.). For other people the story is a nightmare of a super-computer taking over the World. This split was interesting. In the end of the movie the boy's fantasy and the nightmare of the adults "collide" in the rocket scenes giving absurdly silly results. This was a nice bonus on the Blu-ray.

Interesting.

[SonicMan46]

FORBIDDEN PLANET (Fred McLeod Wilcox, 1956) German Blu-ray "Alarm Im Weltall"

Somehow I expected this to be a black and white movie so I was surprised to see it is in fact a color movie. I also expected mono sound, but this Blu-ray has 5.1 and the quality of the soundtrack is good for the age of the movie. Picture quality is also damn good on this. Acting on this is extremely wooden and even comical. Maybe this was an inspiration for Leslie Nielsen to become a comic actor later on? For a sci-fi movie dealing with an ancient civilization reaching an ultimate point in their technological advancement this movie contains tons of romance and kissing. The story is okay, but the way the story is told is lame and somehow misses the excitement of tramatic moments. I liked the colorful sets and underground tunnels. The early electronic music was cool. I can see how this has influenced shows like Dr Who and Star Trek and even George Lucas (Robby the robot being able to speak 187 languages => C-3PO with 6 million languages). This was more interesting to experience as a curiosity than a sci-fi movie. As such this wasn't a bad purchase at all.  0:)

THE INVISIBLE BOY (Herman Hoffman, 1957) Extra material on the  "Alarm Im Weltall" Blu-ray......................

Hi Poju - many of these '50s sci-fi films often had weak plots, B-rated actors, and silly 'specials', as expected for the era - BUT, one of the main reasons to watch the Forbidden Planet is to gaze upon the young Anne Francis in her 'swimsuit-like' outfits, as below, although the second pic is much more alluring -    Dave
.
 

[Daverz]

It was all I thought, hoped it would be and more. The spirit of the book is magnificently captured. A triumph of a film. And it absolutely deserves to be seen on the big screen. 😎

I haven't read the book, but I thought the new film was excellent.  Beautifully filmed, and the CGI seemed seemless, but I'm only watching on a 40" TV.

I do have some issues with the world building, but my beef would be with Frank Herbert. 

[71 dB]

COMA (Michael Crichton, 1978) German Blu-ray

Michael Crichton is good at writing science fiction related stories with thriller/suspense elements. Some time ago I watched the movie "Runaway" (1984) written and directed by Crichton. I found the story good, but the directing messy. I thought I give him another chance with this older movie. Well, again the story had more potential than the directing has bang. Especially the scenes of drama are badly directed. Fortunately some other scenes are directed better. Jerry Goldsmith's music is surprisingly lame, but that might be due to the crappy mono sound. Genevieve Bujold in the lead role is pretty good as is Michael Douglas. Patients are put into Coma on purpose so that they organs can be sold for millionaires. Not a masterpiece of a movie, but I like movies from this era. How things look and feel.  0:)

[Madiel]

On the subject of dialogue between languages, it's perhaps worth mentioning that Quisling's name became a standard word meaning traitor or collaborator in a number of languages after the war, so strong was the condemnation of his role in these events.

Yes. Though as much as anything I think his name just sounded right for that role!  There's something about that word/name, quisling, that feels slimy.

[aligreto]

Lady Bird





This is a rite of passage type film. Nothing remarkable here for me.

[Iota]

Yes. Though as much as anything I think his name just sounded right for that role!  There's something about that word/name, quisling, that feels slimy.

Haha, true! In kind of queasy/drizzling territory.

Lady Bird





This is a rite of passage type film. Nothing remarkable here for me.

I agree, a disappointing film.

[SonicMan46]

Lady Bird


 


This is a rite of passage type film. Nothing remarkable here for me.

We streamed Lady Bird when the film became available (likely early 2018) and enjoyed, however, I have no need for a re-watch - below the award nominations and wins (much more at the link); good review on the Ebert Website for those wanting a more in-depth analysis.  For me a recommendation if the two links appeal.  Dave

P.S. loved the early scene above when she jumped from the car (available on You Tube).

The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2017, and was released in the United States on November 3, 2017. It received critical acclaim for Gerwig's screenplay and direction, and the performances of Ronan and Metcalf. It was considered by many critics as one of the best films of 2017 and one of the best films of the 2010s. Lady Bird was chosen by the National Board of Review, the American Film Institute, and Time magazine as one of the ten best films of the year.  At the 90th Academy Awards, it earned five nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (for Ronan), Best Supporting Actress (for Metcalf), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director. At the 75th Golden Globe Awards, the film won two awards—Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) and Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy (for Ronan)—and was nominated for two others. It was also nominated for three British Academy Film Awards. (Source)

[SonicMan46]

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) with the actors quoted below - just purchased the 4K version when the Amazon price dropped below $20 USD and watched last night - outstanding AV review HERE - can't believe the film is 44 years old!  I owned the BD which is just as good, although more specifics on the 4K improvements are provided in the link. Much of the production filmed at the Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming (one of the only six USA states that I've not visited) - highly recommended.  Dave

P.S. I had forgotten but Francois Truffaut died in 1984 at 52 years from a brain tumor. 

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a 1977 American science fiction film written and directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Melinda Dillon, Teri Garr, Bob Balaban, Cary Guffey, and François Truffaut. It tells the story of Roy Neary, an everyday blue-collar worker in Indiana, whose life changes after an encounter with an unidentified flying object (UFO).

 

[mahler10th]

6 Headed Shark Attack!



One of the best movies ever made!  (not)

[SimonNZ]

Superb but tragic and dispiriting documentary about burn victims from a nightclub fire dying unnecesatily due to corruption in the disenfectant company supplying the hospitals, which in turn exposes corruption at every level of healthcare and of the government. Strong stuff. It made for a really good conversation afterward. Remarkable access to the journalists uncovering the story and to the interim healthcare minister battling the system as best he can.

Might be worth showing to some Trumpists about what happens when unqualified cronies are put in charge of departments than then skim for their own benefit, creating a culture of cynicism, apathy and corruption at every level of the now infected system. The election scene was especially heartbreaking, showing unbelievably low turnouts from an electorate with no faith in government.

Wondering if Florestan has seem this and what he made of it with local knowledge.

[LKB]

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) with the actors quoted below - just purchased the 4K version when the Amazon price dropped below $20 USD and watched last night - outstanding AV review HERE - can't believe the film is 44 years old!  I owned the BD which is just as good, although more specifics on the 4K improvements are provided in the link. Much of the production filmed at the Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming (one of the only six USA states that I've not visited) - highly recommended.  Dave

P.S. I had forgotten but Francois Truffaut died in 1984 at 52 years from a brain tumor. 

 

Four years ago, CE3K was briefly re-eleased to selected theaters which had 4k capability, a chance to revisit a film l've always been enamored of.

First l saw it at the local AMC, and l honestly saw no difference between the new release and the bluray version I'd owned for years.

Then l decided to travel a bit further, to the nearest Alamo Drafthouse theatre which was showing the film, and the difference was quite noticeable.

Moral: If it's a film you care about, the venue matters.

[SonicMan46]

Dune: Part One - the new 2021 film just released - watched on HBOMax, which looked great on my 4K HDTV (not the big screen but not attending movie houses at the moment).  Obviously, quite different from the 1984 film which is about to be released as an expensive 4K version (more HERE), and of course a 'Part Two' will make this new version about 5 hours in length - but I enjoyed, however, despite the mixed reviews of the older film, the production has a brighter and often a comic feel for me.  Not sure when the second half of this 2021 beginning will appear but looking forward to a watch.  Dave

 

[Fëanor]

Dune: Part One - the new 2021 film just released - watched on HBOMax, which looked great on my 4K HDTV (not the big screen but not attending movie houses at the moment).  Obviously, quite different from the 1984 film which is about to be released as an expensive 4K version (more HERE), and of course a 'Part Two' will make this new version about 5 hours in length - but I enjoyed, however, despite the mixed reviews of the older film, the production has a brighter and often a comic feel for me.  Not sure when the second half of this 2021 beginning will appear but looking forward to a watch.  Dave

 

I say Dune 2021 yesterday.  I think it's a pretty descent film in it's own right but doesn't stand up so well for a decades-long Dune, (the Frank Herbert book), fan like me.  That is, against the 1984 version which is more dramatic and colorful, and against the 2000 miniseries which tells the book's story better, IMO.

The latest Dune suffers, IMO, both from added scenes not in the book or other versions, and also from missing colorful characters such as Princess Irulan, Duke Vladimir Harkonnen's evil mentat, Piter de Vries, and his nephew, Feyd, and others.

The added scenes in some cases give premature explanations for things which the book leaves veiled or ambiguous until later in the plot.  Some scenes involving Leto Atreides' retainer, Duncan Idaho, were seemingly added for no obvious reason than to play to the actor, Jason Momoa, (of Game of Thornes and Aquaman fame).  Almost needless to say there and gender and race equity swaps.

Nevertheless I'll be waiting for Part 2 and also, dare I hope, sequels covering Herbert's own book sequels, Dune Messiah and Children of Dune.  (The latter were cinematized quite well in the 2003 miniseries).