Last Movie You Watched

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Indiana Jones:  Raiders of the Lost Ark & the Last Crusade w/ the beautiful Karen Allen in the 'Ark' and Sean Connery in the other - my two favorites of the series and the only ones I own - had both on BD, but Amazon was offering 4K UHD versions for $10 each - they were spectacular on my 4K TV - listened to both on headphones (to spare my spouse - ) - the 'surround effects' were also amazing - wish I had a surround or Atmos system in my den to match the viewing on screen.  Now the jury is still out regarding 4K UHD physical disc vs. streaming (just one take HERE); the disc still provides better video/audio quality, but may not be available (these Indiana Jones 4Ks are only in the 4-disc box and I have no interest in the other two films), may be pricey, and require storage space; plus, I've had to return 3 or 4 glitchy 4K discs, a major irritation - SO, opinions seem to go in both directions - at the moment, I'm purchasing a mixture of 4K discs and UHD streamers.  Dave

 

Those two movies are also my favorites out of the lot.  Must be quite cool to watch and hear them in 4K!  Must admit, once I stumble across them on my t.v., I have an awfully hard time not watching them until the end. 

PD

[Irons]

West Side Story.



It is so long ago that I saw the original I'm unable to comment how the new Spielberg film compares. At two and a half hours I was slightly concerned my attention-span would be stretched but no worries as time flew by. Thankfully the setting was as the first film 1950's New York, with time and place perfectly caught. The highlight for me - beside Bernstein's music of course - was more dance then song. A very pretty Maria has a fine voice but I didn't think Tony was strong enough although my wife didn't agree with me. I think the violence perhaps a little too graphic for the type of likely audience, only a minor observation. A remake is always fair game for critics but I thoroughly enjoyed West Side Story. 

[aligreto]

A Closed Book:





A famous author/critic suffers a horrific accident which leaves him both blind and disfigured. Having retreated from the world he decides that he will write one more book and he advertises for an assistant to help him to accomplish this. What results is revealing. Although a serious film one notices very amusing details going on in the background once the assistant takes up her role.

[VonStupp]

Some Girls (1988)
Patrick Dempsey & Jennifer Connelly
André Gregory & Lila Kedrova

Patrick Dempsey never quite made a dent in the teen-idol film arena, but Can't Buy Me Love (1987) and Loverboy (1989) were affable enough.

Some Girls is completely bizarre. Strange characters doing odd things, and I am not sure after having seen it that there was a resolution as to why things were so bizarre.

Half bedroom farce with semi-supernatural elements and a Christmas in Quebec setting. So odd...

[SonicMan46]

'Tis the season to be jolly' -    Over the years I've collected many Christmas films and have avoided many of the 'cornier' ones (at least in my mind) - so being selective, wife and I have decided to watch just a portion of that collection this season - last night the two below (both now owned as HD streamers on Amazon):

While You Were Sleeping (1995) w/ Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Glynis Johns, and Jack Warden - owned this on DVD for years and just bought the Amazon HD version - short summary below (check link for more, if interested); this has been a favorite of mine for a long time, in large part because of the young spunky Bullock (Demolition Man w/ Stallone being another).  If you have not seen the movie and want a 'good feeling' holiday family film, then highly recommended.

The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017) w/ the actors in the second synopsis below - film about Charles Dickens and the writing of A Christmas Carol; now, I've seen virtually all of the Scrooge movies (and there are many!), but my favorite and the one I own is the 1984 TV Movie w/ George C. Scott - we likely will watch that one in the coming days.  Dave

While You Were Sleeping is a 1995 American romantic comedy film directed by Jon Turteltaub and written by Daniel G. Sullivan and Fredric Lebow. It stars Sandra Bullock as Lucy, a Chicago Transit Authority token collector, and Bill Pullman as Jack, the brother of a man whose life she saves, along with Peter Gallagher as Peter, the man who is saved, Peter Boyle and Glynis Johns as members of Peter's family, and Jack Warden as longtime family friend and neighbor. (Source)

The Man Who Invented Christmas is a 2017 Christmas biographical comedy drama film directed by Bharat Nalluri and written by Susan Coyne. Based on the 2008 book of the same name about Charles Dickens by Les Standiford, the joint Irish/Canadian production stars Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer, and Jonathan Pryce, and follows Dickens (Stevens) as he conceives and writes his 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. (Source)

 

[listener]

ILYA 'MUROMEC  (Murometz)  (1955)
The film is based on Russian epic tales about the famous hero. Ilya Muromets, like Dobrynia Nikitich and Alyosha Popovich, is a favorite character of Russian folklore.
Ilya Muromets is a heroic warrior who succeeded in protecting the Russian land from evil enemies, defeating their thousands-strong army. He saved Russia from various monsters, such as Nightingale the Robber and Gorynych the Serpent.
This was the first Soviet wide-screen motion picture. Participating in the shooting were 106,000 soldiers-extras and 11,000 horses – the record numbers in the history of world cinema (as documented in Patrick Robertson's "The New Guinness Book of Movie Records", published in 1993).
a German-dubbed edition with English subtitles, music not by Glière, selection of highlights quite different.
Not animated but lots of special effects

[Madiel]

The Purity of Vengeance (or Journal 64 if you follow the original title)



The fourth 'Department Q' film. Thoroughly Scandi-noir. Decent, and interestingly with more basis in real Danish history than usual, though I don't think the best of the series. Weirdly, they've released a 5th film this year where all the main cast are completely different from the first 4 films, not sure how that will work...

[SonicMan46]

Last night, Susan & I ended up watching two unexpected and quite different 'Christmas' movies:

Bad Santa (2003) w/ Billy Bob Thornton and the other performers in the first quote.  Now this is an R-rated film and not for young kids - read the link below and/or Roger Ebert's Review first if you've not seen the movie; surprisingly, this was a 'ladie's choice' pick (because of 60 holiday films rated by Esquire HERE, 'Bad Santa' was number 8 - WOW!); but she stayed awake, laughed, and enjoyed - watch at your own risk and keep the youngsters away - 

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977) - a Jim Henson production for TV - NOW at the other end of the holiday spectrum, a muppet 1-hour TV special first seen by our son when he was 4-5 years old - yet another 'ladie's choice' (and free to us on Amazon Prime) - I had not seen this show in decades and was delighted; the songs by Paul Williams (still alive at 81 years!) are just fabulous - if you've not seen this production, then will be a treat and make sure there are plenty of young ones around!     Dave

Bad Santa is a 2003 American Christmas black comedy film directed by Terry Zwigoff and written by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. It stars Billy Bob Thornton, with a supporting cast of Tony Cox, Lauren Graham, Brett Kelly, Lauren Tom, John Ritter and Bernie Mac. It was Ritter's last live-action film appearance before his death on September 11, 2003; the film was dedicated to his memory. The Coen brothers are credited as executive producers. (Source)

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is a 1977 TV special based on the children's book of the same name by Russell Hoban. Directed by Jim Henson, it features a cast of Muppet characters. It was produced by The Jim Henson Company and premiered on CBC Television. The special features several original songs written by songwriter Paul Williams. The special utilizes a number of different puppetry methods. The main puppets used are the usual Muppet hand puppets, but the characters are frequently represented by marionettes as well. It also utilizes the bunraku and Black Theater techniques. This is also one of the first Muppet productions to use radio control puppet effects, designed by Faz Fazakas. (Source)

   

[SonicMan46]

Boy, surprised no posted movies the last couple of days - our films the last few nights:

A Christmas Carol (1938) w/ Gene Lockhart (Bob Cratchit), Reginald Owen (Scrooge), Kathleen Lockhart (Bob's wife in the movie and in real life), Terry Kilburn (Tiny Tim); June Lockhart in uncredited role as one of the Cratchit daughters (far left in second top pic below) - she later became the mother in the LassieTV series - assume most know the story (movie link HERE) - there have been many 'takes' on this Dickens story over the decades and I've seen most but cannot remember viewing this one - streamed from Amazon; film is only 70 mins long, so some scenes from later productions are not included - however, my favorite remains the 1984 TV show w/ George C. Scott, but for a 'short version' this one was quite good - recommended.

Remember the Night (1940) w/ Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Beulah Bondi, Stanley Holloway, and others - short beginning quoted below; see link for more.  Fred and Barbara were always an attractive couple in their films together, and this is no exception; Bondi wonderful as usual in a mother's role (same as in It's a Wonderful Life, yet another holiday movie).  I really enjoy this film and watch most years around this time - own the BD which is well done.  Dave

Remember the Night is a 1940 American Christmas romantic comedy trial film directed by Mitchell Leisen and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray. The film was written by Preston Sturges. Lee Leander is arrested for stealing a bracelet from a New York City jewelry store. The assistant district attorney, John "Jack" Sargeant, is assigned to prosecute her. The trial begins just before Christmas, but to avoid facing a jury filled with the holiday spirit, Jack has the trial postponed on a technicality - see LINK!

 

 

[Karl Henning]

Boy, surprised no posted movies the last couple of days - our films the last few nights:

A Christmas Carol (1938) w/ Gene Lockhart (Bob Cratchit), Reginald Owen (Scrooge), Kathleen Lockhart (Bob's wife in the movie and in real life), Terry Kilburn (Tiny Tim); June Lockhart in uncredited role as one of the Cratchit daughters (far left in second top pic below) - she later became the mother in the LassieTV series - assume most know the story (movie link HERE) - there have been many 'takes' on this Dickens story over the decades and I've seen most but cannot remember viewing this one - streamed from Amazon; film is only 70 mins long, so some scenes from later productions are not included - however, my favorite remains the 1984 TV show w/ George C. Scott, but for a 'short version' this one was quite good - recommended.

Remember the Night (1940) w/ Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Beulah Bondi, Stanley Holloway, and others - short beginning quoted below; see link for more.  Fred and Barbara were always an attractive couple in their films together, and this is no exception; Bondi wonderful as usual in a mother's role (same as in It's a Wonderful Life, yet another holiday movie).  I really enjoy this film and watch most years around this time - own the BD which is well done.  Dave

 

 

Hey, Dave. I feel it's probably time I saw the geo. C. Scott Carol.

[SonicMan46]

Hey, Dave. I feel it's probably time I saw the geo. C. Scott Carol.

Hi Karl - well, if you've never seen Scott in this role, then about time!    And David Warner and Susannah York as the Cratchits are marvelous - I own the BD below which is on Amazon for only $7 at the moment (believe I paid nearly twice that amount when purchased about 10 years ago, and I've watched the film nearly every year - must be a fav!).  Dave

 

[Karl Henning]

Hi Karl - well, if you've never seen Scott in this role, then about time!    And David Warner and Susannah York as the Cratchits are marvelous - I own the BD below which is on Amazon for only $7 at the moment (believe I paid nearly twice that amount when purchased about 10 years ago, and I've watched the film nearly every year - must be a fav!).  Dave

 

I noted that the BD is improbably affordable Dave, so I have pulled the trigger, though probably not in time for delivery by (Western) Christmas

[SonicMan46]

I noted that the BD is improbably affordable Dave, so I have pulled the trigger, though probably not in time for delivery by (Western) Christmas

Well, must not be immediately in stock, usually w/ Prime, the items arrive w/i a few days - BUT, hope that you enjoy, and let us know - Dave

[Karl Henning]

Well, must not be immediately in stock, usually w/ Prime, the items arrive w/i a few days - BUT, hope that you enjoy, and let us know - Dave

Will report!

[aligreto]

The Whole Nine Yards:





This is an amusing take on the whole "HitMan" theme and all of the various intrigues around it. Recommended as quite a good way to spend some entertaining down time.

[Iota]

An extraordinary and much-garlanded film, though very depressing. Too depressing on the day for this milquetoast (seems to be the word of the moment ..) alas.

As many may know, it covers Hackman's private surveillance expert, who becomes uncomfortably entangled in a case he is working on. The surgical exposition of human dysfunction and despair however, seemed to actually outweigh for me the pleasure in its many virtues. Perhaps freed of the slightly claustrophobic effect of the pandemic my response would have been different.
 
Nonetheless particularly honourable mentions for Coppola's vision and his incisiveness in realising it, and for Gene Hackman who pulls off the trick of being charismatically uncharismatic (as the character requires) in memorable fashion. Interested that it was apparently Coppola's favourite of his films.

[VonStupp]

An extraordinary and much-garlanded film, though very depressing. Too depressing on the day for this milquetoast (seems to be the word of the moment ..) alas.

As many may know, it covers Hackman's private surveillance expert, who becomes uncomfortably entangled in a case he is working on. The surgical exposition of human dysfunction and despair however, seemed to actually outweigh for me the pleasure in its many virtues. Perhaps freed of the slightly claustrophobic effect of the pandemic my response would have been different.
 
Nonetheless particularly honourable mentions for Coppola's vision and his incisiveness in realising it, and for Gene Hackman who pulls off the trick of being charismatically uncharismatic (as the character requires) in memorable fashion. Interested that it was apparently Coppola's favourite of his films.

It may be pure balderdash, but I heard Gene Hackman's character in Enemy of the State (1998) was a quasi-continuation of his character in The Conversation.

VS

[Karl Henning]

An extraordinary and much-garlanded film, though very depressing. Too depressing on the day for this milquetoast (seems to be the word of the moment ..) alas.

As many may know, it covers Hackman's private surveillance expert, who becomes uncomfortably entangled in a case he is working on. The surgical exposition of human dysfunction and despair however, seemed to actually outweigh for me the pleasure in its many virtues. Perhaps freed of the slightly claustrophobic effect of the pandemic my response would have been different.
 
Nonetheless particularly honourable mentions for Coppola's vision and his incisiveness in realising it, and for Gene Hackman who pulls off the trick of being charismatically uncharismatic (as the character requires) in memorable fashion. Interested that it was apparently Coppola's favourite of his films.

Great flick, but a downer, yes.

[SonicMan46]

Well a couple more DVD replacements w/ HD Amazon purchases, one another classic Christmas film and the other a long time favorite:

Christmas in Connecticut (1945) w/ Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet (from Maltese Falcon fame), and S.Z. Sakall (a.k.a. 'Cuddles' - love him in whatever movie!); short summary below (more at the link) - a screwball holiday comedy - Stanwyck great in a comedic role - recommended!

People Will Talk (1951) w/ Cary Grant, Jeanne Crain and the supporting cast listed in the short synopsis below - I've enjoyed this film for decades and Jeanne Crain is absolutely scrumptious in this role; Finlay Currie also outstanding - check the link - highly recommended.  Dave

Christmas in Connecticut is a 1945 American Christmas romantic comedy film about an unmarried city magazine writer who pretends to be a farm wife and mother and then falls in love with a returning war hero. The film was directed by English director Peter Godfrey and stars Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greenstreet. (Source)

People Will Talk is a 1951 American romantic comedy/drama film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck from a screenplay by Mankiewicz, based on the German play by Curt Goetz. It stars Cary Grant and Jeanne Crain, with supporting performances by Hume Cronyn, Finlay Currie, Walter Slezak and Sidney Blackmer. It was nominated for the Writers Guild of America screen Award for Best Written American Comedy (Joseph L. Mankiewicz). (Source)

 

[Iota]

It may be pure balderdash, but I heard Gene Hackman's character in Enemy of the State (1998) was a quasi-continuation of his character in The Conversation.

VS

Haven't seen Enemy of the State, but if it works, it works, I guess .. Bach and Handel etc weren't above reusing material after all. And like them Hackman's base material is good, but unlike with them, I found the going a bit tough.

Great flick, but a downer, yes.

Quite pleased to read this, I thought my opinion might be a solitary one.