Last Movie You Watched

[Karl Henning]

One of my favourite films of all time 

+ 1

[steve ridgway]

Why then?

It's cultural imperialism; some of their Japanese subjects would become loyal to the Pope.

[Iota]

The main pleasure of this very enjoyable film for me, is its joyful celebration of the Beatles songs, though there are plenty of others - the hilarious roadie 'Rocky' whose comic timing is perfect, the generally excellent fit of everybody to their roles, the clever/funny script, and the 'wow, this is actually rather touching' moments, particularly towards the end.
If you don't know the conceit, it's about a guy who wakes up after a road accident in a world where the Beatles have never existed, and he's the only one who remembers.

[aligreto]

Waterworld:






I liked it a lot when it came out originally.
I did not enjoy it so much after not having viewed it for a long time.

[SonicMan46]

Waterworld:

 

I liked it a lot when it came out originally.
I did not enjoy it so much after not having viewed it for a long time.

Hi Fergus - my sentiments also - owned on DVD and discarded - liked it for an initial view, second time around - meh - the film has been released in 4K as a physical disc or a streamer ($14 on Amazon either way) - still don't plan a purchase despite a decent 4K review HERE - Dave

[aligreto]

Hi Fergus - my sentiments also - owned on DVD and discarded - liked it for an initial view, second time around - meh - the film has been released in 4K as a physical disc or a streamer ($14 on Amazon either way) - still don't plan a purchase despite a decent 4K review HERE - Dave

Perhaps we just grew up in the meantime, Dave 

[Florestan]

It's cultural imperialism; some of their Japanese subjects would become loyal to the Pope.

That's not what the book implies in the least. Most Japanese Christians were externely poor, downtrodden peasants whose only desire was to be left alone to worship at their improvised altars. They had no idea about a far away Pope and when martyrized died singing about the afterlife not crying "Long live the Pope!" They posed no threat to the power of warlords.

If the movie implies otherwise then it's a betrayal of the book's letter and spirit.

[DavidW]

That's not what the book implies in the least. Most Japanese Christians were externely poor, downtrodden peasants whose only desire was to be left alone to worship at their improvised altars. They had no idea about a far away Pope and when martyrized died singing about the afterlife not crying "Long live the Pope!" They posed no threat to the power of warlords.

If the movie implies otherwise then it's a betrayal of the book's letter and spirit.

The movie takes the same perspective that you take.  And I personally thought it was a great movie.

[Florestan]

The movie takes the same perspective that you take.  And I personally thought it was a great movie.

I haven't seen it yet. I must watch it asap.

[drogulus]

I haven't seen it yet. I must watch it asap.

     I think it's an excellent film, so be warned.

[geralmar]

1966

A "thinking man's" action drama, which means more talking than action.  Far more talking.  Too bad, really:  the rare action scenes are impressive, especially considering they were mounted long before CGI.  The "brown face" casting of Olivier would definitely be viewed askance today.  Also the historical accuracy is "fanciful" at best.

Watch Zulu (1964) instead. At 138 minutes only four minutes longer than Khartoum but the time flys by.  About the same level of preachiness, unfortunately; but one can't have everything in a1960s historical spectacular.

[geralmar]

The New Mutants (2020)
Maisy Williams, Alice Braga

Apparently, the last of the Fox series of X-Men movies. Lost this one in the shuffle.

VS

I'm sure it's just me; but I am reminded of this poster:

J
1956

[ritter]

Revisiting, after many years, Roberto Rossellini's Rome, Open City



Despite some (isolated) lines in the dialogues that today sound a bit forced or unnatural, this is as great a film as I remembered it to be. Stupendous cinematography, and great acting by Anna Magnani, Aldo Fabrizi, and the mainly non-professional supporting cast. This film fully deserves its legendary status.

[SimonNZ]

Second viewing of both

[VonStupp]

Star Wars: Phantom Menace (1999)
Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman

The girls first watched the 70's/80's Star Wars trilogy last summer. We are continuing on, although with trepidation from me.

I never really enjoyed 'Duel of the Fates' as a separate piece of music, but it works in the context of the film quite well.

VS

[bhodges]

Valley of the Dolls (1967, dir. Mark Robson) - My third time seeing this in the last year (don't ask), and it's as deliciously bad as you might have heard. Too many hilarious scenes to name, but at the moment, Susan Hayward valiantly singing "I'll Plant My Own Tree" -- amid a weirdly irrelevant set design that looks like bastardized Alexander Calder -- is the winner.

Definitely a good candidate for "Best Worst Movie of All Time."

--Bruce

[Karl Henning]

Valley of the Dolls (1967, dir. Mark Robson) - My third time seeing this in the last year (don't ask)

Okay, I'm not asking, but I admit it's a struggle.

I probably chanced on it, channel-surfing one day, and promptly moved on. Even as a period artifact, it might try my patience

[Florestan]

     I think it's an excellent film, so be warned.

I read the book and enjoyed it --- if that's the right term for such a sad, depressing work. If the movie sticks to the book's letter and spirit then I'll enjoy it too.

[DizzyD]

I had never seen this version. I dunno...

[bhodges]

Okay, I'm not asking, but I admit it's a struggle.

I probably chanced on it, channel-surfing one day, and promptly moved on. Even as a period artifact, it might try my patience

I can't blame you. To paraphrase, "one man's kitsch is another's torment" or something like that. And it does go on...and on...and on. For a silly melodrama, it definitely outwears its welcome.

But then you get Patty Duke, hilariously overacting, and everyone else in the cast following suit. With all the pre-publicity (e.g., Judy Garland bowing out, Susan Hayward not getting along with the rest of the cast, Jacqueline Susann calling it a piece of s***), it's as if everyone eventually realized, this movie is an utter disaster so we might as well just have some fun.

Or something. 

--Bruce