Last Movie You Watched

[Octave]

Also saw LOOPER and was enthusiastic about it for a short while before my feelings cooled a bit; I think maybe the last act of the film let me down, though I'm not sure it can be compartmentalized that easily.  I agree with the assessment that the magic child was a weakness of the film, though oddly enough I was quite taken with the slo-mo passages, which tipped me toward pleasure rather than ridicule (the kid's face, for example, in one or two of those sequences, makes "ridicule" a temptation); it is possible that I am simply a sucker for old-fashioned slo-mo, punkt.  (Another of the 10-year-old pleasures of the ten-year-old BAD BOYS II, by the way: Michael Bay is quite skilled at slo-mo: apparently, (and it comes as a surprise to me, surprisingly) slo-mo is a skill.  Likewise the hardcore-porno/tragedy at the beginning of Lars von Trier's ANTICHRIST, like BB2 perhaps an acquired taste, or an acquired tastelessness.  Both impressive.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt might have brought silent cinema to mind here (LOOPER) because of his mouth; I found his face so different from the actor I've seen in other not-old films that I was shocked.  Is it age?  Plastic surgery?  Cosmetics?  His lips looked colored, as with gloss or lipstick, reminding me of silent cinema lips; somehow his face looked pinched and tight.  I had a hard time recognizing him even though he didn't seem disguised or prosthetized.
The musique concrète soundtrack was also pretty cool, though ~15 years after the first Matmos record, I don't think it should count as remarkable, just as accomplished and kitchen-sink refreshing; actually, concrète might be the status quo if sound design is counted as part and parcel of the score, or vice versa.  Still pretty cool.
I was pleased that the film seemed so different in tone and image from Rian Johnson's previous films; the variety pleases me, and it's nice that his writing doesn't stay too enamored of itself to change.  I hope he gets to keep making movies.

[Daverz]

I agree w/ Daverz - concerning the accuracy of the Canadian Embassy role in this rescue, they are in the film but their importance seemed to have been downplayed

And here's Jimmy Carter, who liked the film, but...

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/jimmy-carter-argo-was-good-but-inaccurate-video

[Lisz]

It is Oscar season again and so here are my reviews of the nominated films for Best Picture:

Argo: I know, plenty of inaccuracies in the film.  I say, "So what?"  I enjoyed it from start to finish and it kept me glued.

Bogey -- I would very much like to know more about the inaccuracies you found in the film. When you get a chance. Thanks!

[mc ukrneal]

Bogey -- I would very much like to know more about the inaccuracies you found in the film. When you get a chance. Thanks!

There was a big article about this recently and how the Canadians were very much downplayed in favor of the CIA(US) in the movie. Let me see if I can find it again...

EDIT: Here it is (and I am guessing there are others): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/22/canada-ambassador-slighted-argo_n_2745720.html

[TheGSMoeller]

Oscars are all about popularity and momentum, which Argo seems to have the advantage in both. The fact that Affleck has won just about every other directing award (mainly DGA and Golden Globe) and not nominated for an Oscar will bode well for the film itself being chosen as Best Picture, and might even give the actual directing winner of the Oscars a little bit of a but* when mentioned.

I'm not sure there has ever been a lock quite like Daniel Day-Lewis, but could be a lot of surprises elsewhere. Best Actress could be a shocker (Emmanuelle Riva could sneak in) as well as supporting actor (lookout for DeNiro).

[Lisz]

There was a big article about this recently and how the Canadians were very much downplayed in favor of the CIA(US) in the movie. Let me see if I can find it again...

EDIT: Here it is (and I am guessing there are others): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/22/canada-ambassador-slighted-argo_n_2745720.html

Thx so much, mc; appreciate the info!

[SonicMan46]

Godfather & Godfather II (1972 & 1974, respectively) - replaced my DVDs w/ Blu-ray discs based on great ratings HERE (GF, 4.6V, 4.4A; GF II, 4.8V, 4.4A - V=video; A=audio; 5 tops) for video & audio restorations (and a great price on Amazon w/ a gift card, i.e. about $5 each).  Godfather is now No. 2 on the AFI's 100 'Best Films' list, sandwiched between Citizen Kane & Casablanca - watched over 4 nights (3 & 3 1/2 hrs long, respectively).  After 40 years, these films seemed to have 'held up' well and the BD restorations are indeed excellent -

 

[Bogey]

There was a big article about this recently and how the Canadians were very much downplayed in favor of the CIA(US) in the movie. Let me see if I can find it again...

EDIT: Here it is (and I am guessing there are others): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/22/canada-ambassador-slighted-argo_n_2745720.html

Thanks, Neil.  My son and I watched it again last night.  It held up just as well as with the second viewing and he enjoyed it as well. 

As far as historical inaccuracies, Hollywood is filled with them (we shouldn't be shocked here).

Take these for instance:

http://history.howstuffworks.com/history-vs-myth/10-historically-inaccurate-movies.htm#page=0

For example, I enjoyed the likes of Chariots if Fire, but did not let certain facts stop me from enjoying the film.

http://www.totalfilm.com/features/40-historical-movie-errors/chariots-of-fire-1981

Any films that you folks bought into and were surprised to see other facts come out that diminished the film for you a bit.  One that was diminished a bit for me was Gettysburg.  Either way, I do not think that we have seen the end to Hollywood twisting history around.  Up to us to know the facts and then decide if we enjoyed the film as it was made and if left out or changed pieces effected our enjoyment.  As the character Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) said in Argo:  If I'm going to make a fake movies, it's going to be a fake hit.  Now that is irony. 

[Todd]

Robot & Frank.  The tale of an elderly man with declining memory who gets a robot assistant.  Oh yeah, he's a "retired" cat burglar.  Shenanigans couldn't possibly ensue.  Anyway, an enjoyable film with one small-to-medium plot twist that ends up being sweet rather than momentous.  Good for one viewing.

[Bogey]

LOL!    Dave

Today, Susan & I went to our downtown 'indie' theater to see the film below which came up earlier in this thread:

Quartet (2012) w/ Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, et al (many actually professional performers & musicians in retirement) - for us, a thorough delight!  The theater is small but was packed - the audience laughed, enjoyed, and even clapped @ the end.  Dustin Hoffman's first showing as a director.  For the Amazon viewers, 4.5*/5; Rotten Tomatoes, 79% (6.6/10) - this is a film that likely will me much more enjoyable to oldsters (like us - guess you have to be there to appreciate a lot of the humor) - I would do a 4* on Amazon (Susan seem to enjoy more than me, so my guess for her would be 4.5*) - if you're a 'senior', then a definite recommendation!  Dave

Not quite a senior Dave, but too many folks we enjoy on any screen to miss this one. Hope to catch it later this week.

[SonicMan46]

Not quite a senior Dave, but too many folks we enjoy on any screen to miss this one. Hope to catch it later this week.

Well, we attended a Friday matinee w/ mostly seniors in the audience, but the younger people around us seemed to laugh just as much - believe that you'll enjoy the film - Susan & I will probably stream it when available @ home - a fun & 'good feeling' film - Dave

[Bogey]

Well, we attended a Friday matinee w/ mostly seniors in the audience, but the younger people around us seemed to laugh just as much - believe that you'll enjoy the film - Susan & I will probably stream it when available @ home - a fun & 'good feeling' film - Dave

On the same theme? (not sure) we loved this one:

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel



and WILL watch again!

[mc ukrneal]

Here's another article on the subject of inaccuracies in film that you might find of interest...http://movies.yahoo.com/news/fact-based-films-much-fiction-ok-205249911.html

[Bogey]

Well, Argo it is. 

However, I found these particular ceremonies awful.  I thought the host was rude and crass.  To top it off, the last number about losers at the end was totally inappropriate.  Where have you gone Billy Crystal?

[Cato]

Well, Argo it is. 

However, I found these particular ceremonies awful.  I thought the host was rude and crass.  To top it off, the last number about losers at the end was totally inappropriate.  Where have you gone Billy Crystal?

I did not watch it, since I do not find Family Guy particularly funny.

Nikki Finke of Deadline: Hollywood had a line about how awful the quadrupleplusunfunny Seth MacFarlane was: If Abraham Lincoln had been at the show last night, he would have walked out early, and then John Wilkes Booth could have dealt with MacFarlane!   0:)

Bring back Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Kermit the Frog or even Bozo the Clown!

[mc ukrneal]

Well, Argo it is. 

However, I found these particular ceremonies awful.  I thought the host was rude and crass.  To top it off, the last number about losers at the end was totally inappropriate.  Where have you gone Billy Crystal?

They never should have picked this guy. He did what he does, but I would agree that he was entirely the wrong type for the Oscars.

[Cato]

They never should have picked this guy. He did what he does, but I would agree that he was entirely the wrong type for the Oscars.

Apparently after the first few "jokes" only crickets and frogs could be heard.

Also, the future and first woman president showed up: "Michelle 2016" !   

Get ready!  You just know some people are thinking about this.   0:)

[snyprrr]

Also, the future and first woman president showed up: "Michelle 2016" !   

Get ready!  You just know some people are thinking about this.   0:)

go chewbacca!! nom nom nom nom

http://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A2KLqICViitRA1gA6Qv7w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTBvcXNvNnBqBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDVjEzMw--?p=michelle+obama+stuffing+face+inauguration&vid=25ce99134d5903a871646a908dc1b082&l=3%3A27&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fts1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DV.4844135600947464%26pid%3D15.1&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DiB4TVvsW_mw&tit=Michelle+Obama+Eye+Roll%2C+Obama+Gum+Chewing+Light+Up+Twitter+...&c=0&sigr=11ap7akab&&tt=b

wow, what happened there?

[Bogey]

They never should have picked this guy. He did what he does, but I would agree that he was entirely the wrong type for the Oscars.

Bingo!

[Brahmsian]

I was very happy to see Daniel Day-Lewis and Christopher Waltz win.

DD-L is the first ever 3-time best actor winner.  History was made!