The Movies thread!

[njskaguy33]

I'm a huge horror/gore/etc fan and Ugh I hated the first movie. I thought it was pure garbage. I don't know how anyone was scared by that movie. It was two annoying characters with "did you hear that noise" moments. I was rooting for them to both get killed just so I didn't have to watch anymore. Hell nothing even happens in 98% of that first movie. I refuse to see the second one.

btw if anyone was legitimately scared by the first movie, I'm sorry but you're a pansy.

Interesting take on the first movie. While I've never seen the movie myself, as I will fully admit I am one of those aforementioned pansies when it comes to horror movies, I can see how the hardcore horror buff may not be swayed by the "bump in the night" scares of PA. That being said, if you need a really good scare this weekend, check out the lesser known REC and the newly released REC 2. My brother enoys the genre much more than I do and has said that the first REC is pretty fantastic and offers up a good amount of scares. That and the Japanese horror film Audition would be a great choice if you need the snot scared out of you for Halloween. Let's just say Rob Zombie found it disturbing and had a hard time getting through the movie...Rob freaking Zombie!

[njskaguy33]

New Movie Review

Jackass 3D

Once upon a time, in the days of yesteryear, an out of work actor, a circus clown, a professional skateboarder and a couple of dudes working at a boarding magazine combined to create a show that would be a testament to bad taste. Feeding off of our primal enjoyment at watching people hurt, maim and make fools of themselves, their show would quickly become a turn of the century phenomenon. A strange combination of skateboarder culture, gross out stunts and genuine comedy, the show known as Jackass would spawn a number of spinoffs, a generation of copycats and two very successful movies. Although the third and latest film in the series, Jackass 3D, provides more of the same rambunctious tomfoolery we’ve come to love from the boys, sadly, despite the 3D and super slow-mo effects, the result is a little stale but still satisfying.

Knoxville, Bam, Steve-O and the rest of the Jackass crew are back for one more round of action with long time director Jeff Tremaine behind the camera. Subtlety has never been a strong suit of the franchise and the bits reflect that, ranging from slapstick to gross out to downright surreal. While there are a few absolute gems in this film, such as the Super Poo Cocktail, the super glue sketches and the absolutely gut wrenching “train scene”, much of the film, while funny enough, is treading on familiar ground. Not to say watching a grown man getting gored by a ram isn’t funny, but an evening on YouTube could get you the same type of thrills.

That, in fact, is main enemy and ultimate downfall of Jackass 3D. Time. Back in the year 2000, when the original Jackass was aired, half of the country didn’t have Internet in their homes, those who did were dialing in and social video sites, like YouTube, didn’t exist yet. Turning on MTV expecting a Missy Elliot video and getting grown men stapling things to their scrotums was shocking and outrageous. Now, you can get the same effect on your cell phone if need be. The march of time and progress has dulled the Jackass experience a bit, and while Joe Shmo stuntboy can’t produce the type of shenigans a 25 million dollar budget can, it would have been nice to see the money used for more inventive bits as opposed to fancy cameras in three dimensions. Instead, we get Johnny dressed as an old guy (again), Steve-O drinking bodily secretions (again) and Pontius playing with his wiener (again).

Despite the repetition, Jackass is a well made film that provides a good number of laughs, even though we’ve seen the bit time and time again. Not for the faint of heart or stomach, Jackass 3D is a great time with a few drinks and a few friends. In regards to the question of how much more can this team of masochists can take, one look at the ending credits makes it seem like this is the final stanza and if so, good for them. In this critics opinion, it’s time for Steve-O to hang up his banana hammock, Bam to stick to boarding and Knoxville to find actual work. Jackass has had a great run and will always be a part of my adolescent years but if this third installment is any indication, better to quit while you’re still making me laugh my ass off.

NOTE : Sadly, the feature is only being shown in 3D, so my recommendation would be to leave this for the rental racks as the 3D effects are not worth the five dollar up charge. Hopefully, they release this film in theaters in the standard 2D, but until then, wait for DVD.

[devilsrule33]

New Movie Review

Jackass 3D

Once upon a time, in the days of yesteryear, an out of work actor, a circus clown, a professional skateboarder and a couple of dudes working at a boarding magazine combined to create a show that would be a testament to bad taste. Feeding off of our primal enjoyment at watching people hurt, maim and make fools of themselves, their show would quickly become a turn of the century phenomenon. A strange combination of skateboarder culture, gross out stunts and genuine comedy, the show known as Jackass would spawn a number of spinoffs, a generation of copycats and two very successful movies. Although the third and latest film in the series, Jackass 3D, provides more of the same rambunctious tomfoolery we’ve come to love from the boys, sadly, despite the 3D and super slow-mo effects, the result is a little stale but still satisfying.

Knoxville, Bam, Steve-O and the rest of the Jackass crew are back for one more round of action with long time director Jeff Tremaine behind the camera. Subtlety has never been a strong suit of the franchise and the bits reflect that, ranging from slapstick to gross out to downright surreal. While there are a few absolute gems in this film, such as the Super Poo Cocktail, the super glue sketches and the absolutely gut wrenching “train scene”, much of the film, while funny enough, is treading on familiar ground. Not to say watching a grown man getting gored by a ram isn’t funny, but an evening on YouTube could get you the same type of thrills.

That, in fact, is main enemy and ultimate downfall of Jackass 3D. Time. Back in the year 2000, when the original Jackass was aired, half of the country didn’t have Internet in their homes, those who did were dialing in and social video sites, like YouTube, didn’t exist yet. Turning on MTV expecting a Missy Elliot video and getting grown men stapling things to their scrotums was shocking and outrageous. Now, you can get the same effect on your cell phone if need be. The march of time and progress has dulled the Jackass experience a bit, and while Joe Shmo stuntboy can’t produce the type of shenigans a 25 million dollar budget can, it would have been nice to see the money used for more inventive bits as opposed to fancy cameras in three dimensions. Instead, we get Johnny dressed as an old guy (again), Steve-O drinking bodily secretions (again) and Pontius playing with his wiener (again).

Despite the repetition, Jackass is a well made film that provides a good number of laughs, even though we’ve seen the bit time and time again. Not for the faint of heart or stomach, Jackass 3D is a great time with a few drinks and a few friends. In regards to the question of how much more can this team of masochists can take, one look at the ending credits makes it seem like this is the final stanza and if so, good for them. In this critics opinion, it’s time for Steve-O to hang up his banana hammock, Bam to stick to boarding and Knoxville to find actual work. Jackass has had a great run and will always be a part of my adolescent years but if this third installment is any indication, better to quit while you’re still making me laugh my ass off.

NOTE : Sadly, the feature is only being shown in 3D, so my recommendation would be to leave this for the rental racks as the 3D effects are not worth the five dollar up charge. Hopefully, they release this film in theaters in the standard 2D, but until then, wait for DVD.

Couldn't agree more with your review.

[Cachorro Louco]

I just got word that the short "Broken Clouds" by Yuri Alves, will Premier in Newark at the "Esporte clube Portugues" on November 11. There is no fee for the event but a $10 donation is suggested.

After the screening will two after parties one at Hells kitchen the other at Monpau.

the short is about 20 min long, it was filmed mostly in NWK.

[njskaguy33]

Opening This Week – Nationwide

Saw 3D – The Final Chapter – Another Halloween, another Saw movie, this time in everybody’s favorite film going fad, 3D! The story remains the same: Jigsaw plays with the sordid lives of others by putting them in twisted torture devices in order to teach them a lesson in morality. While the first film was interesting and shocking, the subsequent sequels have gotten worse and worse, diluting the once interesting plot premise. Saw is a classic example of a franchise worn thin and just the fact they need to resort to the 3D gimmick to push sales, coupled with the movie not being released to critics all adds up to one big pile of fail. Sure, the movie will make money but I can’t give this one an honest recommendation.

Opening This Week – Limited

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest – The third and final stanza of the acclaimed Sven Larsson book series, Hornet’s Nest is getting some of the worst reviews of the series. Taking up where the second film left off, critics are saying that Larsson’s obsessive attention to detail in the books needed serious pruning in the script. Sadly, nobody bothered to do so, bloating the length of the film too almost two and a half hours. Where the first film felt fresh due to the thriller portions of it, critics have said Hornet plays more like a tiresome Swedish courtroom drama. Unless you’re a fan, I say skip it. Screening in limited theaters in NY and NJ

Welcome To The Rileys – Starring James Gandolfini, Kristen Stewart and Melissa Leo, Welcome is a drama about a grief stricken couple who, after losing their teenage daughter to a car accident, care for a drug addled stripper. The film has seen average reviews from the Sundance crowd with opinions ranging from, “meh, it’s not too bad” to “Wow, this is an overdramatic turd”. Maybe worth a rental, but not much else. Showing at AMC Loews Lincoln Center, Regal Union Square Stadium 14 and Clearview First & 62nd

Wild Target –Zany comedy about a middle aged assassin (Bill Nighy) who falls for one of his intended victims (Emily Blunt). Reviews have been largely negative with most saying actors of this caliber deserve much better material. Screening at AMC Loews Lincoln Center and Regal Union Square Stadium 14

Aftershock – Highly rated film about people struggling to survive the wake of the Tangshan earthquake in 1976. One of the 65 films up for the Best Foreign Language Oscar, Aftershock looks to be powerful and poignant. Playing at AMC Loews Village 7, AMC Loews Bay Terrace 6 (Queens) and AMC Loews Jersey Gardens 20.

Opening This Week – Indie, Art House and Small Screenings

Monsters – A combination sci-fi movie and love story, Monsters takes place in a near future when an alien species has been quarantined to a large portion of Mexico and a jaded journalist has to lead an American tourist to the safe zone. Low budget and intense, Monsters has been getting top marks for its indie ingenuity but some critics have blasted the film for being shoddily written and lazily directed. Still, I’m always willing to give a little indie that could a chance, so I say see it for yourself. Showing at Landmark Sunshine

Waste Land – Filmed over a three year period, Waste Land goes his native Brazil and witnesses a group of garbage artists who make realistic portraits of themselves with the refuse. This movie has a fascinating premise that could border on standard arthouse schlock but more than a few glowing reviews make this film my pick of the week. Playing at the Angelika.

Inspector Bellamy – Two kings of French cinema, director the late Claude Chabrol and Gerard Depardieu team up in this smirking comedy about a police commissioner who has trouble balancing his work and his home life. Critics have been praising the 50th and final work of the recently deceased director as a honorable coda to his career. Recommended if you enjoy French cinema. Screening at Lincoln Plaza Cinemas and the IFC Center

Jolene – Initially released in 2008, this film about a teenage runaway who travels cross country and all the characters she meets along the way has gotten very mixed reviews from critics. Check out the trailer before running to the cinema. Playing at City Cinemas Village East

The Kids Grow Up – Documentary chronicling the life of his daughter who now, at the age of 17, is set to leave for college. The filmmaker uses this opportunity to document the transition and has been getting favorable reviews from critics ever since its release. Showing at the Angelika

Opening This Week - Worth Waiting For

Amer – French “gialli” style film about a sensual woman whose hallucinations drive her to brink of madness. With this style of filmmaking, expect an almost kaleidoscope of random visuals and cinematography. While not for everybody, critics have enjoyed this film for what it is, so this may be worth checking out when it gets to our area.

My 3 To See

In lieu of my usual 3 To See and the coming Halloween holiday, I’m going to give you my top three Scary Flicks You Probably Haven’t Seen Yet…But Should. I mentioned two of these in a previous post but they are worth mentioning again! Just to give credit where credit is due, this list is thanks to my brother (btexperience) who digs this sort of thing much more than I do.

Audition – The flick so scary it made Rob Zombie soil himself, Audition starts slow but builds to a terrifying conclusion that’s graphic, shocking and disturbing. NOT for the faint of heart!

REC – Spanish horror movie about a firefighter who goes into a building to rescue an old lady, only to find the place is haunted beyond their imaginations. Filmed mostly from a POV style, this one has an amazing 96% rating on RT and has been labeled “pretty freaking awesome” by my brother. Check it out!

Nosferatu – The vampire movie that started it all, one of the few movies that still creeps the snot of out me even though it was made almost 90 years ago! And sorry, Max Schreck is a real freaking vampire…I don’t care what anybody says. Ignore the year it was made, check out the original!

[Satans Hockey]

I saw saw 3d this past weekend but that's only because I was in LA and it happened to be the movie playing at Grauman's Chinese theatre. That place is just awesome, the sound is amazing and the screen is fantastic. The movie was exactly what I expected it to be, some cool scenes of gore. The story is meh but like you said it's been that way since the sequel. I still detest the 3d, there was no reason for this movie to be in 3d. It sucks.

[njskaguy33]

I saw saw 3d this past weekend but that's only because I was in LA and it happened to be the movie playing at Grauman's Chinese theatre. That place is just awesome, the sound is amazing and the screen is fantastic. The movie was exactly what I expected it to be, some cool scenes of gore. The story is meh but like you said it's been that way since the sequel. I still detest the 3d, there was no reason for this movie to be in 3d. It sucks.

Yeah, we really need this 3D phase to peter out. While I didn't see Avatar in 3D, I hear that and How To Train Your Dragon were the only films who made good use of the 3D. Avatar created great fields of depth with it as well as fun flying sequences and Dragon just had some jaw dropping flight scenes. Other than that, they all have been disappointments. I'm hoping the upcoming Tron will make use of the technology, but if not, sound the death nell already.

New Movie Review

The Social Network

Approximately one minute after I finish this review for Rotten Tomatoes, a link to it will be posted on the social networking site known as Facebook. Via Facebook, friends I haven’t seen since Mrs. Clark’s fourth grade class will be able read it, like it or maybe even comment on it. My Halloween plans were figured out via Facebook, my local bar sends me drink specials via Facebook, and I find out who among my exes just got engaged via Facebook. Whether you’re for the site or rage against the world knowing your every waking thought, you can’t ignore the impact Facebook has had on everything from business to interpersonal connections. Rather than do a standard biopic of the website origins, the latest film from director David Fincher takes the more interesting approach of examining the mind behind the phenomenon and the result is one of the best films of the year.

The film has three distinct stories running through it and expertly cuts back and forth among them. The film opens with the germ of the idea being born in the mind of Mark Zuckerburg, played in a career performance by Jesse Eisenburg. Starting with an eye opening moment where Mark is arguing with his girlfriend, the film makes it very clear that this is a character study of a flawed genius. As for the lead, Eisenburg does a great job with the character, giving him an emotional complexity that jumps off of the screen. The character of Zuckerburg could have been very one noted but Eisenburg digs deep and finds the essence behind the snarky sarcasm in what could very well be an Oscar nominated performance.

As for the rest of the film, the story jumps between the creation of the site and two depositions, one between Mark and his CFO Eduardo (Andrew Garfield) and the other between the Winklevoss brothers, both played, via a feat of camera trickery, by Arnie Hammer. This allows the audience to see not only how Facebook came to be but the stark realities of being an overnight success. The juxtaposition of watching Mark create the site with Eduardo in their MIT dorm room and the ensuing legal battle is poignant and engaging. Even Justin Timberlake as Napster founder Sean Parker does a fine job in the role, bringing the right amount of world awareness and car salesman chutzpah to the character.

David Fincher has always been one of my favorite directors and he again does wonders with a brilliantly written screenplay by Aaron Sorkin. In fact, while I imagine Fincher will get a deserved nomination for Best Director, it’s Sorkin who deserves the trophy for Best Adapted Screenplay above all. The screenplay is smart, funny and emotional, all while keeping the audience engaged, despite the references to web site design and algorithms. The only negative I could possibly come up with is that I doubt Mike Zuckerburg is really as cold as the film makes him out to be. While I totally get that a film needs a catalyst, the movie is really pretty harsh on the genius towards the end. Luckily, both Eisenburg and Fincher make good decisions in softening the blows a bit. Sure, Zuckerburg comes off as a douche but at least his douchiness has an emotional center seeped in regret, a credit to both actor and director.

Despite very minor issues of character development, The Social Network is a triumph of modern filmmaking. Expertly paced, featuring wonderfully directed actors and an absolutely dynamite script, the film is an early contender for a number of Oscars. Facebook is universally accepted yet very polarizing, much like the mastermind who created it. By examining the person behind the concept, we not only gain an appreciation for how the site came to be technically, we understand the motivation behind it. In the end, we all want to be connected and in the same way Facebook connects us to the world, The Social Network connects us to its inspiration. This is a remarkable film that should be seen by Facebook devotes and adversaries alike.

[njskaguy33]

Opening This Week – Nationwide

Megamind – Also available in 3D and IMAX 3D – Brad Pitt, Tina Fey and Jonah Hill lend their voices to the latest animated 3D adventure to hit screens this year, Megamind. The story revolves around an evil genius who, after failing time and time again at the hands of local superhero, Metro Man, is tasked with actually helping out for once due to a new, more powerful threat. Reviews have been very blasé, with critics saying that it’s an amusing yet forgettable diversion. Laughs are to be had, the kids will be amused and adults won’t want to gouge their eyeballs out, but nobody is going to clamoring for second helping of this film either. I’m saying this is a see it for yourself, but just avoid the 3D if you do.

Due Date – The latest film from director Todd Phillips (The Hangover) stars Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis as a mismatched couple on a road trip to get to the birth of Downey’s first child on time. While the first trailer I saw had me laughing, the more exposed the film got, the worse I thought it would be. Shame too, given the quality of the cast and the pedigree of the director. Critics agree that the movie is largely derivative jokes from The Hangover and the Law of Diminishing Returns is in full effect with this one. Avoid in the theaters, maaaybe rent it.

For Colored Girls – Based off of the wildly popular play, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf (whew), For Colored Girls is the latest directorial effort of Tyler Perry. Starring Kimberly Elise, Oprah Winfrey and Janet Jackson, the story is billed as an exploration of what it is to be a woman of color in today’s modern world. Despite some decent acting and a adequate directing turn by billionaire Tyler Perry (it’s about time, he’s had enough practice…just sayin’), critics are still saying this is one to skip. Still, I feel that it’s become fashionable to hate on Tyler Perry, so I’m going out on a limb and saying see this for yourself. Fans of Perry’s work will already be in line for it, so I’m not going way out there but there maybe just enough here to warrant a viewing.

Opening This Week – Limited

127 Hours – One of the best reviewed films coming out this week, 127 Hours pairs director Danny Boyle and actor James Franco in what is looking to be another early Oscar contender. Franco plays a charismatic mountain climber who, after getting trapped under a boulder, has to go to extreme lengths to survive. Getting some of the best reviews of the year, critics have united in praise for this film, with most saying that it not only puts you right into a perilous and often gruesome situation, it still manages to touch your emotions as well. Playing at the AMC Lowes Lincoln Square 13 and Landmark Sunshine Cinemas

Fair Game – Well received political thriller starring Naomi Watts as a CIA operative and Sean Penn as her political correspondent husband. After a controversial op-ed piece concerning Bush’s involvement in the Iraqi War get released, Watts and Penn find themselves in a race against the government and themselves. Critics have been praising both the work of the leads and the frantic direction of Doug Liman but some of the more negative attitudes have been saying it’s too bland for its own good. Still I think those reviewers were looking for another film, so I say this is a see it this weekend. Showing at AMC Loews 72nd Street East, Angelika and Lincoln Plaza Cinemas

Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer – The searing documentary of former New York governor Elliot Spitzer has been widely praised by critics as interesting and informative. While the film does focus on his many “Emperors Club” trysts, the film does delve into why it was such a big hairy deal in the first place and enemies he made along his career that put his shenanigans in the limelight. Even though I bored of the story when it first hit papers, the film actually intrigues me, especially since it was done by documentarian extraordinaire, Alex Gibney. Playing at City Cinemas 86th Street East, Angelika and Lincoln Plaza Cinemas.

Opening This Week – Indie, Art House and Small Screenings

Four Lions – How do you take Islamic fundamentalism and make it fun? By making the assailants really bad at it, that’s how. First time director Christopher Morris directs a delicious black comedy that critics raving. Definitely worth checking out via this weekends screening or eventual DVD. Showing at the Angelika

Red Hill – Taut thriller about a small town police office who, upon his first day on the job learns of a prison break, has to take the law into his own hands. A viscerally interesting Australian B movie, critics have been mostly positive of this movie. Not exactly a must see but definitely worth a watch at some point. Showing at AMC Empire 25 and Clearview Chelsea

Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench – Shot in a stripped down 16mm black and white style yet featuring enchanting song and dance numbers, this French musical is getting high marks for its visual inventiveness and musical charms. Not for everybody but musical fans would do well to check it out. Showing at Cinema Village 12th Street

Ne change rien – Interesting sounding documentary about singer Jeanne Balibar and how she prepares, creates and realizes her music. Getting rave reviews from the few who have seen it, the film is getting top marks for it’s visual styling to the wonders of the singer’s Billie Holiday-esqe voice. Screening at the Anthology Film Archives

A Marine Story – This film about a gay Marine who heads home in the midst of 2008’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell scandal to mentor another gay man on the brink of boot camp has gotten mixed reviews from critics but might be worth a look, at least on DVD. Showing at Quad Cinema

Opening This Week - Worth Waiting For

William S. Burroughs: A Man Within – Documentary of the celebrated writer, featuring never before archival footage and interviews with friends, family and colleagues. Definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of his work.

My 3 To See

127 Hours – This is a great movie cocktail: take an amazing performance by James Franco, mix it with gritty brilliance of Danny Boyle and shake it all up in a frightening yet hopeful story of having passion for one’s life and you have movie gold. A must see!

Fair Game – Generally I recommend anything Sean Penn is in and this timely political thriller is no exception.

Four Lions – Call me crazy but bumbling insurgents who spend more time arguing about their ideologies than they do causing mayhem is a recipe for a great film.

Confused by the colors? Here’s the guide!

Green means that reviews are great, the trailer looks great, so this is definitely worth seeing!

Orange means reviews have been mixed but there’s enough here for me to say, “See It For Yourself”.

Red means this film should be avoided at all costs! Run, Devil fans, run!!

Edited November 5, 2010 by Bulletproof

[njskaguy33]

Opening This Week – Nationwide

Morning Glory - Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams star in this rom com about love, drama and relationships around a morning news show. Directed by Roger Mitchell (Notting Hill, Venus), critics have been giving this film fairly tepid reviews despite a universally praised performance by Rachel McAdams. While having a cast with this kind of caliber helps, as usually is the case in this genre, poor writing and clichéd staging ruins anything the actors are trying to do. Still, this is an inoffensive date movie that wont inspire future viewings but won’t leave you gritting your teeth while your date proclaims, “That was cute!” when it’s over. A cautious see it for yourself.

Unstoppable – Denzel Washington (OV-ER-RA-TED clap, clap clapclapclap) and Chris Pine (the new Captain Kirk) star in this action packed popcorn flick as two railway workers who have to stop a runaway train before is smashes into a train full of schoolchildren. The premise look to be seeped in cliché and obvious plot twists but critics have been eating this one up. Directed by Tony Scott, critics have been saying this is his best film in years. Don’t expect to learn anything from it, but if you’re looking for a damn good time in theaters this weekend, critics have been recommending Unstoppable, so I will too!

Skyline - What kind of disaster / alien movie does $10 million get you? Evidently, not too much. Skyline, the directorial debut of CGI masters Colin and Greg Strause (they worked on Avatar and 2012…’nuff said), Skyline looks to be all visuals and not a stitch of believable acting or storyline. The story frames like this: aliens come to Earth, start swallowing up the human population in tractor beams and a band of survivors have to…uh…survive, I guess. Only a few reviews for this as of right now, but they haven’t been pretty. Skip this turkey and wait for Tron to blow out your eardrums.

Opening This Week – Limited

Cool It – Director Ondi Timoner (We Live In Public) teams up with the controversial author of The Skeptical Environmentalist, Bjorn Lomborg to take a look at the current climate crisis and his solutions to stem the tide. Critics have been mixed on this despite praising the filmmaking chops of Timoner. The more positive critics have enjoyed it for that reason alone while the negative reviews liken Lomborg to an eco-friendly versoin of the Sham-WOW guy, more car salesman that activist. Still, there is a market for these impending doom style eco-docs, so if the environment is your thing, you’ll probably find something to argue about in this movie. Me, I’ll be concerned when the East River starts lapping up to my 4th floor apartment’s windows. Showing at the Angelika, AMC Empire 25 and Clearview First and 62nd.

Opening This Week –Indie, Art House and Small Screenings

Tiny Furniture – A cleanly made indie comedy about a 22 year old girl who returns home to her TriBeCa loft with a useless film degree, wondering what she’s going to do with her life. The rest of the film tracks her self discovery through the difficult “post-college” age that everybody goes through. First time director Lena Dunham casts and writes what she knows, casting her sister n the lead and filling the film with members of her family. The result is a brutally honest and engaging story that critics have been saying is a must see. Showing at the IFC Center

Helena From The Wedding – Indie film about a group of friend who, while celebrating New Years in a remote cabin, meet an uninvited house guest who threatens to tear the group apart. Billed as a mediation on marriage and fidelity, critics have been saying the film borders on too smarmy for it’s own good. Still, there aren’t enough reviews on this to give it an honest thumbs down, so watch a trailer or two before seeing it. Screening at the Quad Cinema

My 3 To See

Unstoppable – Trains, Denzel and Captain Kirk? Surrrre, sign me up! While Denzel will play the one of two characters he’s capable off (either tough yet loveable or loveable everyman), Chris Pine has really grown on me as a leading man. So I’m hoping this film is as good as critics have said it is.

127 Hours – Another early Oscar favorite, Danny’s Boyle’s latest critical darling starring James Franco is getting huge buzz and should be a must see.

Four Lions – Might see this tonight as I need a good laugh. Crappy Islamic fundamentalists just might do the trick.

Confused by the colors? Here’s the guide!

Green means that reviews are great, the trailer looks great, so this is definitely worth seeing!

Orange means reviews have been mixed but there’s enough here for me to say, “See It For Yourself”.

Red means this film should be avoided at all costs! Run, Devil fans, run!!

[Derek21]

Morning Glory is a great Oasis song about waking up with morning glory. haha Denzel overrated?

[njskaguy33]

Morning Glory is a great Oasis song about waking up with morning glory. haha Denzel overrated?

Yeah, don't think Denzel Washington is an exceptional actor...he's more of a personality than anything else. When you see him in a film, you know exactly what you're going to get. Naturally there are some exceptions, Glory and Malcolm X being the main ones, but everything else he does is playing to type. Even in Glory was he good not great. And don't get me started on Training Day...fine movie, but nowhere near an Oscar winner.

Again, he's not a crappy actor but he's not on that elite level most people place him. He's good, not great and vastly overrated.

[Satans Hockey]

Yeah, don't think Denzel Washington is an exceptional actor...he's more of a personality than anything else. When you see him in a film, you know exactly what you're going to get. Naturally there are some exceptions, Glory and Malcolm X being the main ones, but everything else he does is playing to type. Even in Glory was he good not great. And don't get me started on Training Day...fine movie, but nowhere near an Oscar winner.

Again, he's not a crappy actor but he's not on that elite level most people place him. He's good, not great and vastly overrated.

I saw Denzel in the Broadway play Fences, he was amazing in it, much better then any movie I've seen him in.

[devilsfan26]

Yeah, we really need this 3D phase to peter out. While I didn't see Avatar in 3D, I hear that and How To Train Your Dragon were the only films who made good use of the 3D. Avatar created great fields of depth with it as well as fun flying sequences and Dragon just had some jaw dropping flight scenes. Other than that, they all have been disappointments. I'm hoping the upcoming Tron will make use of the technology, but if not, sound the death nell already.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. I saw Saw last night and like SH said, the 3D aspect contributed absolutely nothing to the movie and it was annoying wearing the 3D glasses over my regular glasses. I didn't want to see it in 3D because I don't care that much about special effects, and I just wanted to see how the plot in the series closes (also I didn't want to pay $14 for a movie ticket) but unfortunately it seems like this one can only be seen in 3D.

I know most people think the series hasn't been so great since Saw II, but I thought the series was great, I love the way everything seems to fit together. The first one was definitely the best though, I don't think I'll ever forget being in the theater seeing the end of that movie.

Edited November 15, 2010 by devilsfan26

[njskaguy33]

New Movie Review

Red

Movies are a mixture. A concoction of actors, story, directors and editors whose united effort creates the goulash we know as film, movies ultimately depend on having the right ingredients in the right combination. Like any recipe, sometimes the stew is d’lish and sometimes it tastes like a giant mess of Crock Pot slop. While Red has a fun concept and great poster presence, the execution is a classic example of opportunity squandered. To stick with the analogy, Red doesn’t exactly make you want to wretch but this is not an entree that you’ll want to revisit anytime soon.

And, man, with this kind of talent on the movie poster, this should have been one tasty meal. Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman make up the team of retired-CIA operatives on a mission to prevent a budding conspiracy and, at the same time, prevent their own assassinations. The actors do the best they can with the material given. Willis is mildly believable as the head of the group, Freeman is average (despite the fact his average is most people’s excellent and Mirren shines every time she’s on screen. The main acting fouls are committed by Malkovich, who horribly overacts and Mary-Louise Parker as Willis’ love interest. While Malkovich has sadly become a caricature on the level of William Shatner, it’s Parker who is the biggest disappointment. Wooden, weird and unbelievable as Willis’ love interest, Parker does nothing with the meager script she’s given. Also, much of the comedic aspects rest on her shoulders and literally nothing that came out of her mouth made me laugh. Not a good start for a comedic action movie.

Unfortunately, the script didn’t help. Sloppily written and directed even worse, the film suffers from jarring time shifts, poor continuity and a shocking lack of laughs from this alleged “act-com”. Not to say much should be expected from the esteemed director of The Time Traveler’s Wife and Flightplan, but actors of this caliber deserve much better. In the end, Red is a barely passable diversion and not much else. Nothing pesters me more than when good actors struggle under sloppy direction and Red is a prime example of this. Not to say the film doesn’t have its moments of fun and madcap explosions, but if I have to suffer with one more scene of Parker and Willis trying to convince of me that they’re madly in love, in the midst of her “kidnapping” no less, I’m punching out, Maverick. Hokey, silly and ultimately a waste of 111 minutes, Red had the potential to satisfy my sweet tooth but the end result is nothing more than an inedible pile of mush.

[njskaguy33]

Opening This Week – Nationwide

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 – Also available in IMAX – Let’s face it, we all know somebody who is standing line right now for the midnight showing of this, the first part of the seventh and final film in the storied Harry Potter franchise. An odyssey that has taken use almost a decade to complete, this next to last film has been getting more than the usual amount of negative reviews, resulting in the lowest RT score of the franchise. Still hovering around 80% Fresh is still an excellent score what’s shaping up to be the prelude to an epic ending. The most negative of critics still maintain that the film, on its own, could be considered a let down but it almost has to be to set up Part Two. Mostly everyone agrees, though, that the movie is beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, making this a fan’s dream come true. Required viewing for fans and fanboys alike, this will be the only film anybody will be seeing this weekend…except for me, who will be seeing 127 Hours on Saturday. :-D

The Next Three Days – That other movie that’s coming out wide this weekend features Elizabeth Banks as a woman wrongly convicted of murder and Russell Crowe as the husband who will stop at nothing to break her out. The film has been getting a fair share of negative reviews, garnering a 45% rating on RT as of this posting. Critical consensus has dictated that the film, despite the leads doing their best, is saddled by poor directing and an implausible plot. Leave this for a Sunday morning rental, if that.

Opening This Week – Limited

Today's Special – Movie about a sous chef who dreams of moving to Paris to study culinary arts but instead gets stuck caring for the family Indian restaurant. Critics have been mixed yet positive about the film, saying it’s a quiet yet funny indie that entertains even though it doesn’t break any new ground. See it for yourself! Playing in Select Theaters in NY and NJ

Made in Dagenham – True story of a group of English seamstresses who band together to fight for women’s rights in the 1960’s. Getting fairly good reviews across the board, this film looks to be flatly directed but full of positive energy, enough for me to give this a recommendation, based on the trailer alone. Showing at the Angelika and Lincoln Plaza Cinemas

White Material – Probably the best reviewed film coming out this weekend, Whie Material is an interesting sounding story of a French woman who fights to keep the family coffee plantation in the midst of an African civil war. Expertly shot and finely acted, White Material has been getting high praise at every festival it’s been in and is a slam dunk recommendation. Playing at the Lincoln Plaza Cinema and IFC Center

Opening This Week – Indie, Art House and Small Screenings

Heartless – Another film getting mostly positive reviews is the British psychological thriller, Heartless. The story revolves around a young kid who, thanks to his disfiguring birthmark, is forced to wander the streets of London alone. However, when he comes across a gang of thugs that have similar deformities and realize they are less than human, he twists into a world of violence. Some critics have enjoyed it, some have said it’s needlessly violent so I’m going to say see it for yourself! Showing at the IFC Center.

My 3 To See

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 – You’ve sat through six of these, what’s two more?? The prelude to the final stanza coming in March is at must see status, just get in line now!

White Material – Getting high marks in both the festival circuit and in the critical world, this film about an English woman defending her families land sounds stirring and poignant.

Made In Dagenham – While it has the air of a standard biopic, good critical reaction and a strong message makes this another recommended film.

.

Confused by the colors? Here’s the guide!

Green means that reviews are great, the trailer looks great, so this is definitely worth seeing!

Orange means reviews have been mixed but there’s enough here for me to say, “See It For Yourself”.

Red means this film should be avoided at all costs! Run, Devil fans, run!!

Edited November 18, 2010 by Bulletproof

[njskaguy33]

New Movie Review

Unstoppable

Before I start this review of the latest film from director Tony Scott, I need to spend a minute talking about my different ratings systems. In my opinion, different genres of film require a different level of critical analysis. Dramas are mainly judged on the story the director is trying to convey on screen, comedies are based on belly laughs and some films are evaluated simply on how much I would spend to own it. For example, the Social Network is worth buying the 40 disc special edition, Crank is worth keeping if your aunt gave it to you for Christmas and I wouldn’t buy The Expendables if it were on the five dollar rack at my local Walmart and I had that exact amount left on a gift card. Welcome to another of my methods of film evaluation, the Popcorn System.

Reserved mainly for action films, the system is simple. When seeing a movie in theaters, due to diet, money and a host of other reasons, I limit myself to one small popcorn. The film in question then gets judged on how much of the crunchy stuff is left in the bag. The more the film does its job in sweeping me away, the more compulsively I munch. Conversely, if the flick is boring me to tears, I’ll have enough presence of mind to leave the stuff alone, saving me a few calories. Unstoppable features more clichés than an episode of Friends, hammy characterization and passable acting yet, guess what. At the end, my popcorn bag contained only a smattering of un-popped kernels. Despite all the silliness of the thing, Unstoppable is an exciting and enjoyable flick worthy of checking out on the big screen.

For a film of this ilk, it’s almost a waste talking about directing and acting, but despite the obvious plot contrivances, Unstoppable actually succeeds on both points. Director Tony Scott knows exactly how to make a roller coaster style film, as evidenced in flicks like Enemy of the State, True Romance and even the critically maligned Top Gun. Despite a script that has a shotgun’s blast worth of plot holes in it, the film has enough kinetic energy in it to keep the audience involved. Tony Scott succeeds again in giving audiences many reasons to gasp, perched on the edges of their chairs, even if their brains can take a little nap.

On the acting front, Denzel Washington and Chris Pine seem like they are having genuine fun making this one, important when the dialogue is so laughably corny. The duo has fine on screen chemistry, making their journeyman / newbie relationship believable and engaging. While Denzel is fine, if not unspectacular as the twenty eight year railroad veteran, Pine continues to impress me as a Hollywood leading man. Charismatic with enough acting chops to get through a script, Pine should have a bright future as a marquee name. While the script doesn’t require much heavy lifting or soul searching, this is a well cast movie in almost every respect, even if the characters border on caricature.

Throughout the movie, there are multiple moments that are so dependant on contrivance that you can actually predict the line before they come out of the actor’s mouth. At one point in the film, I was literally saying the next line before Denzel did. This would actually be a fine drinking game, if you were to see this at home. In spite of this weary narrative, Unstoppable hits its marks exactly where you’d expect it to, providing some nice thrills at furious pace. Sure, none of it makes sense in the real world but sometimes, a film can live in a world of its own. In this world, where speed limits are suggestions and everyone has a back story, is where Unstoppable lives and for that space in time provides great visceral thrills that rank as some of the best in Tony Scott’s career. Besides, that empty greasy popcorn bag never tells a lie.

[njskaguy33]

NOTE : In preparation for the extended Thanksgiving weekend, everything in wide release is coming out today instead of the usual Friday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Opening This Week – Nationwide

Tangled – Also showing in 3D – The latest animated film from Disney is the modern re-imagination of the classic Grimm tale, Rapunzel. Featuring the vocal talents of Mandy Moore as the long haired princess and Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider, the charming bandit who helps Rapunzel escape the tall tower, critics have been giving the film great reviews. Recommended for kids and adults alike, critics have been saying this movie is fun, endearing and well done all around. Check it out!

Burlesque – On the other side of the stink spectrum, is the latest dance film staring Christina Aguilera as a small town girl who comes to the big city to follow her dreams of being a dancer at an LA revue. Cher plays the head of the troupe who first pans Ms. Aguilera but, surprise, surprise, Cher hears the young starlets voice and puts her in the show. The trailers had a spark of interest in a Chicago kind of way, but initial reviews have been pretty much terrible, all around. Unless you absolutely love the campiness of having Cher, Aguilera and a whole bunch of lavish costumes in one film, you may want to see something else this weekend.

Love and Other Drugs – Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this raunchy rom com as a Viagra salesman who falls for a tough as nails Anne Hathaway. Despite getting universal praise for the leads, this film has been getting mixed reviews for pacing and story. While some viewers may want to see it just for the many sexual situations between the two leads, the lapses in story and pacing make it fall short of a recommend. Still, for a more adult rom com that offers a few laughs, I think you could do much worse.

Faster - The Rock stars in yet another high adrenaline action flick about some guy with a gun who wants to get revenge on a whole host of people for something to somebody he cared about. Seriously, nobody is going to see this for a gripping storyline but, like many films of this ilk, it just doesn’t hit hard enough to make up for it’s lack of story. Flicks like this need to be balls to the wall. If you’re going to write a crap story than I better sweating from the thrill a minute onslaught. Give me too much bad story, and I’m not going to care about the action. Sadly, it looks like Faster falls into this trap of trying to be more than a kick ass ride and the result is watered down. While a much better option would be Unstoppable, Faster is fine as a cheapo viewing or a rental.

Opening This Week – Limited

The Nutcracker 3D – Ready for this? You know the Nutcracker, right? March of the Wooden Soldiers, Sugarplum Fairy, the Rat King and all that? Well, take those basic characters and twist them into a story of a captured child fighting for her life in a post apocalyptic world. Oh and offer none of the music and no dancing. In 3D. Wow, who in the world greenlit this piece of trash?? Critics have been railing against this piece of junk ever since the previews and this an easy skip rating for me! Playing (if you dare) at Regal E-Walk Stadium 13, City Cinemas Village East, Kew Gardens Cinemas and AMC Loews Jersey Gardens 20

The King’s Speech – One of the best movies being reviewed this weekend, Colin Firth stars as the newly crowned King George VI if England who suffers from a debilitating speech impediment. Helping the young king through this career threatening problem is his wife (Helena Bonham Carter) and an eccentric speech therapist (Geoffrey Rush). Firth is again getting best actor buzz for a brilliant portrayal even though the film feels a little too much like a standard biopic. Still, with a cast as excellent as this, including Guy Pearce as the newly abdicated King Edward VII, makes this an easy recommendation. Showing at AMC Lowes Lincoln Square 13 and Regal Union Square Stadium 14

Opening This Week – Indie, Art House and Small Screenings

The Legend of Pale Male – Documentary about a rare wild Redtail hawk who takes residence above a swank Park Avenue co-op much to the delight of the New Yorkers below. Basically a documentary of convenience, as the filmmaker literally bought a camera and starting documenting this rare bird, the film quickly blossoms into the chronicling of a historic event. The few critics who have seen it have had mixed reviews, so I say see it for yourself. Showing at the Angelika

My 3 To See

Tangled – Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your long hair and all that. Getting the best reviews among the widely released films, Tangled should be a must see for parents with kids who need a break from the Black Friday mall rush.

127 Hours – Saw this last weekend and had to throw it up, just in case it moves to a wider release this weekend. Gritty, gross and inspirational featuring a sure to be Oscar nominated performance by James Franco, this film is a must see.

The King’s Speech – Despite how disappointed I was with A Single Man, none of that was the fault of Colin Firth and just his inclusion makes this an easy recommendation.

Confused by the colors? Here’s the guide!

Green means that reviews are great, the trailer looks great, so this is definitely worth seeing!

Orange means reviews have been mixed but there’s enough here for me to say, “See It For Yourself”.

Red means this film should be avoided at all costs! Run, Devil fans, run!!

[95Crash]

Just got one of those one-month Netflix trials and I've been trying to catch up on every Man's Man type of movie there is that I haven't seen yet. I started off with Bullitt (THAT'S how chase scenes are supposed to be made, Goddammit!), Dirty Harry (Clint Eastwood = badass) and Cool Hand Luke (my favorite of the three). I then decided to go with another Paul Newman movie, Butch Cassidey & The Sundance Kid and thought it was pretty good. But between those two, Slap Shot and Up In Smoke I realized that Strother Martin is the freaking man! I also watched Falling Down and now realize why everyone who wears a tie with a short-sleeved dress shirt looks like a maniac. That movie is tits!

So I'm looking for suggestions. I already threw together the following list:

The Dirty Dozen

The Magnificent Seven

True Grit

Patton

The Wild Bunch

The Great Escape

Spartacus

Ben-Hur

The Longest Yard

Enter The Dragon

Unforgiven

Road House

What am I missing? Keep in mind that there are some obvious ones missing that I have already seen. Die Hard, Rocky and Predator come to mind.

I guess I should rephrase ... What's on everyone's list of all-time manliest/most badass/whatever you wanna call it movies?

I agree with almost all of Bulletproof's picks. Don't know if you're still looking for suggestions, but here's a few more:

-- Deliverance (Reynolds, Voight, also my all-time favorite movie)

-- For a Few Dollars More (Eastwood)

-- High Plains Drifter (heck, just watch all of Clint's old westerns)

-- The Cincinnati Kid (McQueen)

-- Romper Stomper (Crowe)

-- Southern Comfort (1981)

-- North Dallas Forty (Nolte)

-- The Right Stuff (1983)

-- Billy Jack (1971)

-- Keep going with the Dirty Harry movies.

-- Bad Boys (Penn, 1983)

-- At Close Range (Penn, Walken)

Edited November 27, 2010 by 95Crash

[annabelle]

It's been out for awhile but I went and saw fubar 2..it SUCKED

[DaneykoIsGod]

I agree with almost all of Bulletproof's picks. Don't know if you're still looking for suggestions, but here's a few more:

-- Deliverance (Reynolds, Voight, also my all-time favorite movie)

-- For a Few Dollars More (Eastwood)

-- High Plains Drifter (heck, just watch all of Clint's old westerns)

-- The Cincinnati Kid (McQueen)

-- Romper Stomper (Crowe)

-- Southern Comfort (1981)

-- North Dallas Forty (Nolte)

-- The Right Stuff (1983)

-- Billy Jack (1971)

-- Keep going with the Dirty Harry movies.

-- Bad Boys (Penn, 1983)

-- At Close Range (Penn, Walken)

Excellent, thank you! And thanks to Bulletpoof too for his suggestions.

I have the whole spaghetti western trilogy that ends with The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and they're all pretty awesome in their own ways. I also have a couple of the other Dirty Harry flicks on my queue, but the rest of this list is new to me. Good stuff!

On a completely different note, I saw Megamind the other night. Bulletproof nailed it ... very unremarkable movie. When movies like this nail it, they're pretty awesome (like Wall-E). Then there's stuff like this that reminds me of the old Demetri Martin Joke: An OK movie is like an ex-girlfriend. It was alright at the time, but you don't really wanna see it again. Especially of the movie was kind of a bitch.

[njskaguy33]

New Movie Review

127 Hours

Every great filmmaker has that wonderful moment where potential equals production; where everything they have done up to that point is prelude to an artistic self realization. Where before, in the work of the director, you could only see glimpses of their vision, they’ve now reached a Zen where everything simply works on every level. Kubrick reached his with A Clockwork Orange, Scorsese did so with Raging Bull and Spielberg hit his with E.T. Naturally, the film doesn’t have to their best work, just the piece where you can tell they have become perfectly comfortable and confident with their craft. Director Danny Boyle has reached that level with his latest film, 127 Hours and the result is a gripping, funny, poignant and shocking movie that will be sure to garner a few nominations next month.

Going from triumph to tragedy in the space of twenty minutes, 127 Hours is the true story of free spirit Aaron Rogers, a wilderness enthusiast who goes off on his own to the barren wilds of Utah for some biking, some climbing and some exploration. At the start of the film, Aaron screams through the desert, meets up with a pair of lost female travelers and does some flirtatious base jumping, all filmed with the kinetic energy Boyle is known for injecting into his films. However, things take a drastic turn for the worse. When scaling a tight rock crevice, Aaron dislodges a boulder that cases him to fall, pinning his right arm between the boulder and the rock wall. Trapped, alone and having no way to get help, Aaron has to fight to stay alive having only the bare necessities to survive.

Much like this year’s other “trapped in something and can’t get out” claustrophobic thriller, Buried, 127 Hours primarily takes place in the cramped crevice Rogers is caught in. Unlike Buried, Hours goes deeper into the mindset of its prisoner, not only capturing the physical trauma of being stuck by a rock for five days but examining the state of mind necessary for survival. While trapped, Aaron, played exquisitely by James Franco, thinks back on lost loves, his family and the steps taken that lead him right into this situation. In the hands of a lesser director, this could have been a simple survival story, but Boyle makes it a humanistic tale, something that delves deep into the zest of life required to overcome the gravest of situations. Told through flashbacks and lost memories, Boyle makes sure that we not only feel the visceral pain of Aaron’s situation but get in touch with his humor, his regret and the shining spirit that sees him through.

But all that good intention would be nothing without a fantastic performance by James Franco in the lead role. Fully embodying the charismatic climber, Franco is in rare form. While I still think Milk was his defining supporting role, Franco shows he has chops to spare as a leading man and his turn in Hours may just be the best of his career. Deserving of a Best Actor nomination to be sure, Franco brings out every nuance of the real Mr. Rogers. The rest of the cast, while limited to the two girls he meets pre accident and flashbacks of a lost love, all do a fine job of coloring the world Aaron hopes to not leave behind. The soundtrack is also notable as music quite often plays a character in Boyle’s films and the same can be said in his latest.

Earlier I spoke about filmmakers reaching their zenith, a point where everything else they do from then on will be judged; some better, some worse, but judged all the same. If Danny Boyle glimpsed that moment with 2008’s Slumdog Millionaire, he has finally hit that high point in 127 Hours. Not only is it frighteningly claustrophobic and grittily graphic, almost too graphic for some viewer’s tastes, it takes the audience on an intensely emotional journey of self discovery. When the final credits roll, you’ve not only gone through a hellacious yet stirring journey with Aaron Rogers, you feel as though you’ve gone through a journey yourself. A film that made at least one film critic re-examine the things that are most important in life, 127 Hours is a triumphantly exuberant movie that is worthy of the highest praise and dare I say a few Oscars come February.

Danny Boyle, your apex has come. Can’t wait to see what you have for us next.

[HellOnICE]

Saw True Grit today.........

I'll give it a B.

No explanation though

Saw Blue Valentine too....

I'll give it an A.

[DaneykoIsGod]

Saw True Grit today.........

The new one or the old one? My copy of the old one just came in the mail yesterday. Gonna have to watch that tonight.

On a different note, please allow me to go off on a slight tangent. Several years back, I'm at my buddy's place, sipping some beers and channel surfing. We happened to stumble across perhaps the fight of the century: Gatti vs Ward I. If you never saw it, it's OK. You don't need to see it, but you should at least see the 9th round ... it's what boxing, and sports, are all about:

Needless to say, this fight changed the way I viewed boxing and, in large part, sports. The heart, the courage, the never-say-die attitude ... these two men were warriors in that moment. It was a shame one had to lose. I had never heard of either man before that night, but quickly became a fan of both. That's why Gatti's strange death last year hit home when I learned of it. It's also why I'm posting these:

Review

Trailer

Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward. Christian Bale as his brother. David O. Russell directing. Melissa Leo, Amy Adams ... yeah. The trailer looks great and the review is beyond glowing. I'm pretty pumped for this one.

And as a tangent on that, I just wanna make note of something that we've all discussed in this thread before. Few actors physically dedicate themselves to a role like Bale. Look at him in the trailer. He's gone from superhero to crackhead, and looks the part in both. That, by itself, is accolade-worthy. Say what you will about the Batman voice ... the man is as dedicated to his work as anyone out there.

[njskaguy33]

Saw True Grit today.........

I'll give it a B.

No explanation though

Saw Blue Valentine too....

I'll give it an A.

Looking forward to seeing both of those movies. From the trailers, True Grit looks to be a B level Cohen Brother's movie, so your grade sounds about right. Also, remakes always scare me. As for Blue Valentine, my brother has been clamoring to see that for a while, so we'll be checking that out once it gets released later this month. Early reviews are all giving it high marks, so we are definitely psyched for that one!

Here's a quick list of flicks I'm looking forward to seeing during the "prestige" season:

True Grit

Blue Valentine

The Fighter - Wasn't going to add this until DiG reminded me of it in his post...more on that in a bit.

Black Swan - Darren Aronofsky's latest flick starring Natalie Portman as a ballet dancer whose thrust in that ultra-competitive world....and somehow, I think it gets supernatural and, based on the trailer, I'm pretty sure she hooks up with Mila Kunis. The trailer is absolutely brilliant, check it out here

The King's Speech- Mentioned this is one of my previews and I'm very pysched to see this! Trailer here

DiG, thanks for that clip! You're right, heart doesn't even begin to describe those two fighters. Pretty amazing to watch. Even the announcer wanted to get in the middle of that!

As for the Fighter, I heard somewhere that Walberg trained with a professional boxing coach for four years to prepare for the role. Basically went though everything a real fighter has to go through; workouts, 5 AM training sessions, diet...pretty much everything! Also, considering he's producing the film as well just goes to show this is a labor of love. As for Bale, I know I've taken some dumps on him but I have a totally open mind when it comes to his latest. Still have yet to see The Machinist, but he was fine in American Pyscho and quite good in 3:10 to Yuma, so I'll just wait and see

Edited November 30, 2010 by Bulletproof

[DaneykoIsGod]

DiG, thanks for that clip! You're right, heart doesn't even begin to describe those two fighters. Pretty amazing to watch. Even the announcer wanted to get in the middle of that!

As for the Fighter, I heard somewhere that Walberg trained with a professional boxing coach for four years to prepare for the role. Basically went though everything a real fighter has to go through; workouts, 5 AM training sessions, diet...pretty much everything! Also, considering he's producing the film as well just goes to show this is a labor of love. As for Bale, I know I've taken some dumps on him but I have a totally open mind when it comes to his latest. Still have yet to see The Machinist, but he was fine in American Pyscho and quite good in 3:10 to Yuma, so I'll just wait and see

Yeah man, that fight coulda happened in a phone booth. Anyone who says boxing hasn't been good since Tyson's heyday, I point to that fight. Utterly insane.

That said, apparently The Fighter doesn't even follow Ward until this fight, so at first I was a little disappointed because I basically jump on any chance to revel in the glory that is that fight one more time. But, after thinking about it, it's probably for the better. Hollywood couldn't top that bout in a million years.

Boxing movies have sorta become cliche, but dangnabbit, I have a soft spot for them. The first Rocky is just epic. Cinderella Man was awesome. Raging Bull is some of DeNiro's best work. There's a lot of potential in a Micky Ward story. A perennial punching bag, used as a stepping stone for other fighters, trained by his crackhead brother and managed by his domineering mother. Boy meets girl. Brother goes to jail. Mother gets fired. Conflict between girl and mother/family. New management, new opportunities, a career rebirth. Redemption for the brother. Redemption for Micky. Throw in a lot of fine actors and a top-notch director and you have something that I'm really excited about.

I'm downright giddy about this one. Now I've gotta watch that fight clip again ...