Last Movie You Watched

[Karl Henning]

Hadn't seen this one since the season it opened: Dressed to Kill. Stylishly shot, if at times mannered.  But the dialogue is embarrassingly sophomoric.

[JBS]

I like the style, the humor, the bluntness and the use of music in Tarentino's films. I kinda hear you on the violence issue. I couldn't make it through 10 minutes of Kill Bill. The films of his that I have seen and loved are the new one, Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction.

As for watching Marvel films, I'd rather watch almost anything else.

I made it through the first 30 minutes or so of Kill Bill, then bailed. The opening sequence was more violent than the story required, and having a woman hacked (in effect) to death in front of her toddler daughter was simply too much.

And that's been my only attempt to watch a Tarantino film.

[Karl Henning]

I wouldn't say I'm a fan, but for the movies I liked I appreciated his style and humor and pop cultural  references.  He is meticulous with getting the music and visuals right for the era he's shooting.

So say I.

[jess]

I needed a dumb brainless movie to watch so I watched D.E.B.S. last night and it was hilarious and gay and just what i needed lol

[milk]

I haven't seen the new Tarentino film, but I wonder what the love of Tarentino is really about. In my view, he's made one darn good film - Jackie Brown. All the rest that I've seen (including Pulp Fiction) have moments of goodness, but most of those films are not very good. I think I'd rather see a Marvel film than one of his (for the most part). I would say that is a bit of an insult. I don't find him all that innovative or creative, and he is very violent. What is it that you like about his films (because I am just not seeing it)?

What annoys me about him is how much his films are about film. That's something I just personally don't like. There's just too much winking. I tried to watch Pulp Fiction recently and didn't think it aged well. It seemed a biter more clever years ago.

[milk]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCNdTLHZAeo
Ricky Gervais's monologue at the Golden Globes was hilarious.

[AlberichUndHagen]

I'm not that interested in Tarantino either. However, I liked Once Upon A Time In Hollywood better than most of his other films. Although I liked it more in the sense of "an entertaining flick", not in the sense of "a great flick".

[Rinaldo]

I haven't seen the new Tarentino film, but I wonder what the love of Tarentino is really about. In my view, he's made one darn good film - Jackie Brown. All the rest that I've seen (including Pulp Fiction) have moments of goodness, but most of those films are not very good. I think I'd rather see a Marvel film than one of his (for the most part). I would say that is a bit of an insult. I don't find him all that innovative or creative, and he is very violent. What is it that you like about his films (because I am just not seeing it)?

Jackie Brown is my favourite (thanks to the performances of Pam Grier and the late Robert Forster, bless his soul), along with the second Kill Bill. Didn't care much for the first part but the second I find flawless and I'd recommend it even to people who couldn't stomach Volume 1. It's still VERY violent, for sure, but the tone is entirely different and there's that special ingredient that I liked about Jackie Brown so much – humanity.

It's also a perfect showcase of Tarantino's strenghts: the dialogues, the buildups and the payoffs.

https://www.youtube.com/v/gUq_nwW9AkY

[SonicMan46]

Over the last 4-5 days, an eclectic mix of new and old films:

The Aeronauts (2019) w/ Eddie Redmayne & Felicity Jones - streamed from Netflix (short time in the theaters) - first synopsis below; highly fictionalized bioptic about the 1862 balloon flight of James Glaisher (real British scientist although the ages were off by 20+ years and the woman a fictional character) - BUT, 'estimates suggest that he rose to more than 31,200 feet and as much as 35,800 feet above sea level' (Wiki) during the event depicted in the film; special effects are well done and film was entertaining - recommended if the topic is of interest.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) w/ Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer et al - second synopsis below - mediocre ratings and even 40% rotten on Rotten Tomatoes, BUT 95% by the audience!  I enjoyed the first film and actually bought the BD, so had to see the sequel which had great specials - did not like as much as the first one but enjoyed - not sure that I do much more than 3+* on Amazon, and a film(s) probably best enjoyed w/ young ones - recommended?  However, need to see the first one if you plan to watch the sequel, which would not make as much sense.

The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) w/ Kirk Douglas, Lana Turner, Barry Sullivan, Dick Powell, Walter Pidgeon, and Gloria Grahame; Vincente Minnelli, Director - last synopsis below - a new BD purchase for my collection - great B&W photography in a superb restoration; complete movie description including ending HERE - highly recommended.  Dave

In 1862 headstrong scientist James Glaisher and wealthy young widow Amelia Wren mount a balloon expedition to fly higher than anyone in history. As their perilous ascent reduces their chances of survival, the unlikely duo soon discover things about themselves -- and each other -- that help both of them find their place in the world.

In Disney's "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil," a sequel to the 2014 hit, Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies and dark new forces at play. The years have been kind to Maleficent and Aurora. Their relationship, born of heartbreak, revenge and ultimately love, has flourished. Aurora's impending marriage to Prince Phillip is cause for celebration in the kingdom of Ulstead and the neighboring Moors, as the wedding serves to unite the two worlds. When an unexpected encounter introduces a powerful new alliance, Maleficent and Aurora are pulled apart to opposing sides in a Great War, testing their loyalties and causing them to question whether they can truly be family.

Unscrupulous movie producer Jonathan Shields (Kirk Douglas) is a child of Hollywood who ruthlessly toils his way to the top of the studio system, discarding movie star Georgia (Lana Turner), director Fred Amiel (Barry Sullivan) and writer James Lee Bartlow (Dick Powell) along the way. Although Shields manipulates them and leaves each in despair, they find success in Hollywood, thanks in part to Shields, and must decide whether or not to repay him when he offers them a collaborative project.

   

[SonicMan46]

Boy, no one watching movies?   

1917 (2019) w/ George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, et al - loosely based on a 'true' story told the director by his grandfather (more HERE) - short synopsis below (check link for rest of 'spoiler' plot, if interested) - reviews: 8.7/10, IMDB; 89% Rotten Tomatoes - recent Golden Globe winner for Best Picture (Drama) & Best Director, Sam Mendes - the trench warfare imagery is excellent - the story takes place in early April when the Americans just entered WW I, so a British tale from start to finish - I'd probably do 4*/5* on Amazon - recommended (best on a BIG screen).  Dave

At the height of the First World War in April 1917 in northern France, two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake, are given a mission to hand-deliver a message to the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment, calling off their planned attack on the German forces. The Germans have feigned retreat to the Hindenburg Line and are prepared to ambush the battalion of 1,600 men, Blake's brother Joseph among them. (Source)

 

[Karl Henning]

Boy, no one watching movies? 

1917 (2019) w/ George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, et al - loosely based on a 'true' story told the director by his grandfather (more HERE) - short synopsis below (check link for rest of 'spoiler' plot, if interested) - reviews: 8.7/10, IMDB; 89% Rotten Tomatoes - recent Golden Globe winner for Best Picture (Drama) & Best Director, Sam Mendes - the trench warfare imagery is excellent - the story takes place in early April when the Americans just entered WW I, so a British tale from start to finish - I'd probably do 4*/5* on Amazon - recommended (best on a BIG screen).  Dave

 

I've just (at last) wrapped up Star Trek: The Next Generation. May go for a movie tonight.

[LKB]

I've just (at last) wrapped up Star Trek: The Next Generation. May go for a movie tonight.

Grats! The series look's terrific on bluray. I hope you've watched at least some of the bonus content as well.

Make it so,

LKB

[Papy Oli]

Ex Machina

hmmm... ok-ish....


[asin]B00S2LSALU[/asin]

[milk]

3 Women by Altman:
This is certainly a masterpiece. The more one reflects on the experience of it, the more magical it seems. These characters and actresses change completely 3 different times and do it effortlessly and coherently. Duval is an absolute revelation in this film.

We went for a related film after that.

Mulholland Drive:
Certainly a great film but a little plodding sometimes. I bet it was a great cinematic experience in the theater. Lynch is a master but sometimes a little campy.

[Karl Henning]

Grats! The series look's terrific on bluray. I hope you've watched at least some of the bonus content as well.

Make it so,

LKB

Did indeed.

[Karl Henning]

TD:

Life of Brian on Saturday night, Tarantino's Deathproof (or, Decline and Fall of a Bad Scout) last night.

[André]

3 Women by Altman:
This is certainly a masterpiece. The more one reflects on the experience of it, the more magical it seems. These characters and actresses change completely 3 different times and do it effortlessly and coherently. Duval is an absolute revelation in this film.

We went for a related film after that.

Mulholland Drive:
Certainly a great film but a little plodding sometimes. I bet it was a great cinematic experience in the theater. Lynch is a master but sometimes a little campy.

I saw Three Women at the theatre when it came out. It was in 1978 or 79. Apart from the general atmosphere, I recall only one shot, which I think is at the end: Shelley Duvall gets in her car, closes the door on her skirt, a portion of which is left out of the car, and she drives off. Her character was absent-minded if I recall correctly. IMO she stole the film from her co-stars.

[Madiel]

As predicted, watching Whiplash tonight.

Colossally disappointed.

This is as good an explanation as any as to why. https://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/whiplash-getting-jazz-right-movies

[milk]

Fascinating films: Altman's 3 Women and Mccabe and Mrs Miller

[mc ukrneal]

As predicted, watching Whiplash tonight.

Colossally disappointed.

This is as good an explanation as any as to why. https://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/whiplash-getting-jazz-right-movies

Well, the article seems to hate the movie because the author seems to hate Buddy Rich, who the author mistakenly refuses to acknowledge as a jazz musician. But ignoring the author's ignorance on this item and looking at the rest, I suppose there could be some truth to it. But then, it would be a different movie. And certainly, one could assume that some of the stuff the author protests were not in the film were occurring outside the scope of the film. Anyway, sorry you didn't enjoy it.