Last Movie You Watched

[SimonNZ]

Not sure how Stasi Guy can be labeled "A Good Man" at the end just because he took an interest in one guy and chose not to throw him to the wolves...after having personally sent hundreds or even thousands elsewhere to their doom.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I needed some escapism tonight so watched this which I thoroughly enjoyed. I saw it when it first came out in 1981 at the cinema. So much better than the later version and with a nice soundtrack by Laurence Rosenthal:

I haven't seen that one before, but I expect that it's a lot of fun.  Will have to see if it might be on my cable company's free movies to view.  Not certain what is up tonight; dinner will be late tonight due to computer issues/concerns and long talks with Apple.   

Ooh!  What about Excalibar for some fun?   

[vandermolen]

I haven't seen that one before, but I expect that it's a lot of fun.  Will have to see if it might be on my cable company's free movies to view.  Not certain what is up tonight; dinner will be late tonight due to computer issues/concerns and long talks with Apple.   

Ooh!  What about Excalibar for some fun?   

I love Excalibur - one of my favourite films, especially for Nicol Williamson's extraordinary performance as 'Merlin'. If you liked that you should like the 1981 version of 'Clash of the Titans', although 'Excalibur' is a darker film. Interesting use of Wagner's music in 'Excalibur' too.

[aligreto]

The Pursuit of Happyness





Based on a true story of a rise from rags to riches, this focuses very much on the rags phase. It is well worth a watch with an excellent performance from Smith.

[aligreto]

This one also I don't get why it received the amount of acclaim that it did, even if I did like it somewhat. This sort of social commentary in a realistic, every day setting is not really my thing, I guess. I liked stuff like Snowpiercer and The Platform, which take that theme to a more abstracted level.

I agree with your [highlighted] comment above.
Social commentary in a realistic, every day setting is something that does appeal to me but I felt that this was nothing special. It was interesting but certainly no masterpiece in my opinion.

[Karl Henning]

+1 - bought the Criterion BD earlier this year - superb 4K master transfer that looks and sounds great (review HERE, for those interested); comes w/ 2-discs containing a LOT of extras, plus an excellent booklet - yep, you do pay extra for Criterion productions but worth the money, IMO.  Dave :
.

Taking your cue, Dave, I've started to luxuriate in the extras on the 2nd disc.

[j winter]

I love Excalibur - one of my favourite films, especially for Nicol Williamson's extraordinary performance as 'Merlin'. If you liked that you should like the 1981 version of 'Clash of the Titans', although 'Excalibur' is a darker film. Interesting use of Wagner's music in 'Excalibur' too.

+1

[j winter]

Definitely subjective - one of my favourite sci-fi movies. On the other hand, Bladerunner 2049 really is super boring - I didn't last 20 minutes with it before giving up.

I have to admit, I really enjoyed Blade Runner 2049, much more than I thought I would.  Seeing it on Blu-Ray, I wish I'd seen it on the big screen.  It's not as good as the original (how could it be?), and I agree with Ridley Scott that the movie is too long and could use a bit of editing, but I thought it did a nice job of evoking the mood and flavor of the original while expanding the world and moving the story forward.  If you find yourself looking for something to watch these days, I'd suggest giving it another try...

[aligreto]

Julie & Julia





If you are interested in cooking this is an interesting one to watch. It spans two different time periods in parallel and follows the paths of two women in very different situations. One discovers the other and she bases one year of her life around a cooking blog. It is well done, entertaining and interesting.

[Karl Henning]

Taking your cue, Dave, I've started to luxuriate in the extras on the 2nd disc.

Daphne du Maurier: In the Footsteps of Rebecca was esp. wonderful

[vandermolen]

Not sure how Stasi Guy can be labeled "A Good Man" at the end just because he took an interest in one guy and chose not to throw him to the wolves...after having personally sent hundreds or even thousands elsewhere to their doom.

I suppose it shows that he's capable of some kind of redemption, although I see your point. In that sense his behaviour is a bit like that of Darth Vadar at the end of 'Return of the Jedi'!

[SonicMan46]

Streamed over the last week:

Beyond the Visible (2020) - documentary about the Swedish artist Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) who is now considered one of the 'founders' of modern abstract art (some of her art at the bottom along w/ her photo; the last image is an inexpensive giclee print that I bought online which is on its way) - the film has a mix of English and Swedish (w/ English subtitles, not always easy to read).  If you are into 'modern art', then a definite recommendation.

The Current War (2017) w/ Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Shannon, Nicholas Hoult, et al - short quote below; delayed production and released at the end of last year - mixed reviews w/ only 30% on Rotten Tomatoes from the critics - unfair?  I've always been interested in the emergence of electricity in the United States and the AC (Westinghouse & Tesla) vs. DC (Edison) issue - if fact when you take the 'downstairs tour' of Biltmore House in Asheville (built 1889-1895), George W. Vanderbilt put in both types of current because the choice was still 'up in the air'!  Bottom line - my kind of movie despite some production & story flaws - recommended to those w/ an interest in the topic!  Dave

BEYOND THE VISIBLE: HILMA AF KLINT.  After a century's worth of erasure, Swedish artist Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) is finally being credited with creating the first examples of abstract art.  Because her paintings were rarely seen during her lifetime, they have been prohibited at  modern retrospectives of the abstract art movement.  Halina Dyrschka's revealing documentary explores af Klint's life and the male-dominated art world which kept her masterpieces from receiving recognition.

Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse -- the greatest inventors of the industrial age -- engage in a battle of technology and ideas that will determine whose electrical system will power the new century. Backed by J.P. Morgan, Edison dazzles the world by lighting Manhattan. But Westinghouse, aided by Nikola Tesla, sees fatal flaws in Edison's direct current design. Westinghouse and Tesla bet everything on risky and dangerous alternating current.

 

   

[SimonNZ]

I suppose it shows that he's capable of some kind of redemption, although I see your point. In that sense his behaviour is a bit like that of Darth Vadar at the end of 'Return of the Jedi'!

Yeah, the first thing I thought of was Darth Vader getting into Jedi Ghost Heaven after all the stuff he did.

Then I remembered the Robot Chicken sketch where he's met there by all the Jedi Academy kids he killed in one of the prequels. "You Killed us when we were children!", they accuse him. "Awkward this is", says Yoda.

[aligreto]

First Reformed





This is a deep, dark, brooding film which deals with big issues. It will not be for everyone but I liked it.

[AlberichUndHagen]

Yeah, the first thing I thought of was Darth Vader getting into Jedi Ghost Heaven after all the stuff he did.

Then I remembered the Robot Chicken sketch where he's met there by all the Jedi Academy kids he killed in one of the prequels. "You Killed us when we were children!", they accuse him. "Awkward this is", says Yoda.

I had forgotten that sketch, thanks for reminding!

For what it's worth, in the Expanded Universe it is made quite clear that while Luke (and apparently Yoda and Obi-Wan) forgave Vader for all his atrocities, the rest of the galaxy most certainly did not. Leia for ex. was furious for some time at Luke that he would forgive someone who had tortured her and watched coolly when Tarkin blew up her entire home planet. Eventually even she forgave Vader but it took much longer. I know Expanded Universe isn't canon anymore, though... :/

[aligreto]

Running with the Devil





A lively thriller based on the drug trade. It has something different to offer and is definitely worth a look.

[aligreto]

Winter's Tale





A modern day fantasy in which the [Hollywood] universal truth that Good triumphs over Evil prevails. It also incorporates an interesting romantic tale along the way.

[SonicMan46]

Destry Rides Again (1939) w/ James Stewart, Marlene Dietrich, Brian Donlevy, Charles Winninger, et al - short synopsis below; just released Criterion BD (replaces my old DVD) w/ a 4K video restoration from a 35mm fine grain original + uncompressed monaural soundtrack - 5*/5* AV ratings HERE - bottom line after watching last night is that the restoration is spectacular - if a fan of this western w/ a comedic twist (which Mel Brooks was obviously fond of in view of Madeline Kahn's role in 'Blazing Saddles'), then probably a MUST BUY - highly recommended.

Life of the Bengal Lancers, The (1935) w/ Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone, C. Aubrey Smith, et al - just arrived BD replacement for an old and poor CD-R - a Kino Lorber production, so not always the best restoration, but purchase based on an excellent review of the restoration HERE - short second synopsis below - although somewhat 'dated', considered one of the best 'adventure' films of the era - nominated for 7 Oscars, including 'Best Picture', but won just one (Assistant Director) - now there was a LOT of competition that year!  If you're into films about British India and adventure/intrigue, then a strong recommendation!  Dave

Kent, the unscrupulous boss of Bottleneck has Sheriff Keogh killed when he asks one too many questions about a rigged poker game that gives Kent a stranglehold over the local cattle rangers. The mayor, who is in cahoots with Kent appoints the town drunk, Washington Dimsdale, as the new sheriff assuming that he'll be easy to control. But what the mayor doesn't know is that Dimsdale was a deputy under famous lawman, Tom Destry, and is able to call upon the equally formidable Tom Destry Jr to be his deputy. Featuring a career reviving performance from Marlene Dietrich as bar singer Frenchie, which could well have been the inspiration for Madeline Kahn's "Blazing Saddles" character, Lili Von Schtupp.

The 41st Bengal Lancers are stationed on the Northwest Frontier of British India, guarding against Afridi invaders led by wily Mohammed Khan. Experienced (though insubordinate) Lieut. McGregor is joined by two new arrivals, haughty Forsythe and callow Donald Stone...son of the commanding colonel. We follow the three through varied adventures and hardships. Will they uphold the honor of the regiment? Will Stone and the Colonel come to terms with their difficult relationship?

 

[SimonNZ]

Second viewing.

Such a deep bench of high quality actors in even the smallest of roles. Even more impressive on this viewing as many have since been more visible in various celebrated productions.

Interestingly there's no overlap at all in scenes with Killing Lincoln, and the two might make a good double feature.

[Todd]

The Death of Stalin.  Armando Iannucci applies his standard approach that worked so well in The Thick of It, In the Loop, and Veep to the aftermath of Comrade Stalin's death.  Delightfully miscast actors and actresses include Olga Kurylenko as Maria Yudina (!), Michael Palin as Molotov, Jeffrey Tambor as Malenkov, and Steve Buscemi (!) as Khrushchev (!!).  The movie is filled with Russian orchestral music and British satire.  Some of the bits are coolly funny - all the casual, um, liquidations - and the scene of the first meeting of the Central Committee after Stalin's death is hilarious.  The darkness of some of the humor is really quite remarkable, especially pertaining to Beria.  All of the actors and actresses are game, with Jeffrey Tambor and especially Steve Buscemi the standouts.  A most enjoyable flick.

And of course, one must marvel at the very Soviet change of one of the main posters that occurred after accusations of sexual impropriety were leveled at Jeffrey Tambor.  I just wonder if Iannucci had a hand in it, especially given the end credits of the movie.