What ELSE (other than KUNG FU) has everyone been watching?

[DragonClaws]

 

 

There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble - (2000) - It’s been over twenty years since this solid British drama hit cinemas. A decent feel-good film, about a young football fanatic Jimmy Grimble (Lewis McKenzie) and his dream to play for Manchester City. You don’t have to be a die-hard Football fan, to enjoy this movie.

 

It took three years to write from 1997 to 2000, with three different drafts of the script. Writer Simon Mayles screenplay is packed full of classic lines, and some very British humor. The story is set in Oldham Greater Manchester, where the production was also filmed. Noel Gallagher, The Stones Roses, Orbital, The Charlatans, Ian McCulluck and Frankie Goes To Hollywood are just some of the artists featured on fitting the soundtrack.

 

Robert Carlyle almost steals the movie, which was no easy feat when you consider some of talents he was performing with here. He can play a variety of varying characters convincingly. Carlyle does a great Manchester accent. Here he plays a former footballer, who once played for Manchester City in his prime. Now he struggles to get interested in the local School football team that he manages. Preferring to smoke and read the newspapers, whenever the locals games take place.

 

This all changes when Jimmy Grimble joins his team. A young bullied lad from a council estate, who’s home life is constantly changing. Things start to luck up for Jimmy, when he obtains a pair of old school football boots once worn by former Manchester City player Robbie Brewer. From a enigmatic homeless woman (Jane Lapotaire), who he befriends. Transforming him into a nimble footed ball magnet and general goal scoring machine.

 

British readers might recognize Samia Longchambon from Coronation Street. In a very early role as Jimmy’s no nonsense and stand-up friend Sarah. Ray Winstone, Gina McKee, Jane Lapotaire, and John Henshaw all deliver good supporting performances. First time actor Lewis McKenzie still holds his own, with the veteran cast. John Hay did a fine job as director, producing an entertaining sport themed movie with a little difference.

 

[Yihetuan]

On 6/5/2021 at 9:32 AM, DragonClaws said:

 

Gregory’s Girl -1980- Up-beat and quirky romantic Scottish comedy written and directed by Bill Forsyth(Local Hero). His script won a BAFTA in 1982, for best original screenplay. The story centres on 16 year old school boy and wannabe rock drummer Gregory(John Gordon Sinclair). Who’s life is turned upside down when his place on the School football team, is taken by a more highly skilled player in the form of Dorothy(Dee Hepburn). Showing her superior skills on the pitch, and holding her own with her male team mates.

 

In the context of today’s world, it’s hard to see how cutting edge, progressive and unique this movie was for its time. Now women rightfully play a bigger role in football, than they did during the early 1980’s. At the time there was a short burst of movies mostly from American studios, focusing on women in sport. Golden Girl(1979), Personal Best(1982), Quarterback Princess(1983), and Heart Like A Wheel(1983), to name a few.

 

Gregory’s Girl was the precursor to Bend It Like Beckham(2002). By 2002 attitudes toward ladies in sport had thankfully moved on a lot. In 1980, it was still a controversial subject. It’s a time capsule, from the days before the pressures of social media and the arrival of the mobile phone.

 

Its still a fun little film, with stars Dee Hepburn and John Gordon Sinclair each delivering great performances. Hepburn spent four weks with a local football team, to prepare for her role. You would never have thought the cast had such little experience performing in front of the cameras. With some superb support from fellow Scottish actors Clare Grogan, Jake D’Arcy, Allison Forster, and Billy Greenless. Most of the cast were hired from local Youth Theatres in the Glasgow area. Bill Forsyth’s script doesn’t just focus on football, but the highs and lows of teenage life and falling in love for the first time. A decent hour and thirty minute independent film, that still holds it’s comedic charm.

 

(Below) - Park bench dating, Susan(Clare Grogan) & Gregory(John Gordon Sinclair) in a scene from the film.

The link of the image isn't working for me? Anyway, I first saw this movie on the now defunct IFC channel on cable in the mid 90s and it was just as you described - quirky and charming. I had a crush on Clare Grogan after this movie and didn't realize she was the lead singer for Altered Images until much later.

[Yihetuan]

On 6/25/2021 at 12:06 AM, Cognoscente said:

I like Jennifer a lot. She was an upscale Phoebe Cates. It's bizarre that Jennifer had been in three films where she stood at the end of a pier - Dark City, Requiem for a Dream and House of Sand and Fog.

Who can forget that scene with Jennifer Connolly and the stripper at that drug fueled party near the end!   I'm not really a fan of Aronofsky but I really enjoyed his debut, Pi. I still feel that is his best film even though it was shot with a very limited budget.

[Cognoscente]

4 hours ago, Yihetuan said:

Who can forget that scene with Jennifer Connolly and the stripper at that drug fueled party near the end!
 

That was when I first learned about double-ended dildos!
 

4 hours ago, Yihetuan said:

I'm not really a fan of Aronofsky but I really enjoyed his debut, Pi. I still feel that is his best film even though it was shot with a very limited budget.

I agree. It seems like the budget forced him to reel in his indulgences.

[DragonClaws]

 

 

Zulu - (1964) – An epic adventure of courage in the face of incredible odds. Based on a true story it’s tells the amazing tale of 100 British, Welsh, Irish soldiers and handful of Colonial, volunteers. Who stood fast against an overwhelming force of 4,000 of the Zulu Nations mightiest warriors in the defence of Rorke's Drift in 1879 – Paramount Synopsis.

 

The word classic gets used a lot these days, but it truly applies to the first movie from Welsh born actor Stanley Bakers Diamond Films Company. Baker wanted more control over his movies, and there a strong personal connection to this story. There was a big presence of Welsh soldiers among the real Rorke's Drift garrison. This is also reflected in the casting of many Welsh actors in this 1960's production.

 

Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to some of the troops who stood their ground in Africa. The most ever awarded for a single battle?. I’m currently reading a great book by Michael Ashcroft - Victoria Cross Heroes, a complete list of every soldier who ever received the famous award for outstanding bravery. Only a few pages into this publication, and already two of the stories involve Rorkes Drift. I was lucky enough to be able to handle some items from this well known battle, at a Military convention. Including a a helmet worn by one of the Rorke's Drift soldiers.

 

It was the movie that put a young Michael Caine on the international movie map. He originally auditioned for the part of Hook, played superbly by James Booth. Instead, Caine was later cast as Lt Goneville Bromhead. Tugela River in South Africa, was the location used for Rorkes drift in the film. The actual battle took place 60km Northwest of this place. On the Buffalo-river near the remote hill of Isandhwana.

 

There’s a great sense of tension and impending doom throughout the picture. That slowly builds as the battle approaches. Especially as the Zulu army starts to implement its war chants and shield drumming. All thanks to Cy Endfields top direction. Both sides are given equal respect, in the way there represented on-screen. This isn’t a movie about showing one nation being superior to another. Both armies showed great courage and military tactics in their own right.

 

The Zulu forces often used a Buffalo like formation, to envelope and attack their enemies. It was the tight Military Square tactic, that helped the British army hold their own and not be entirely overpowered. It was an idea taken from the Romans, and may have been used by even older empires?.

 

Joining Baker and Caine are some top tier performers. Ulla Jacobsson, Nigel Green, Neil McCarthy, Jack Hawkins, Kerry Jordan. Not forgetting playwright Samuel Beckett’s favorite actor Patrick McGee. Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, come from a long line of Zulu warriors and Royalty. He played his Great Grandfather here, who was involved in the actual military battle. He was persuaded to play the part by top American director Cy Enfield.

 

The screen combat looks a little theatrical and stilted now, but it was groundbreaking for 1964. With a more gritty and realistic portrayal to warfare, than previous similar movies. There’s no denying the cast and crew gave it there all for the big battle sequence. The Zulu warriors created their own authentic costumes. With the British Military costumes made in London and shipped over to Africa.

 

There’s a big emphasis on the use of song and sound to intimidate the enemy. The Zulus create a strange train like rhythmic sound, that gets louder as they approach. While the British army soldiers sing to psych themselves up for the fight and block this chant out. Welsh singer Ivor Emmanuel’s talents were really made use of for this. 2nd unit director Bert Batt said, the location they used had some fantastic natural acoustics. Due to the surrounding mountains and hills.

 

“They got a good bass section, but no top tenor’s that’s for sure” PVT Owen (Ivor Emmanuel)

 

From Welsh actor Richard Burton’s opening monologue, to the closing credits. The story grips you and never let’s go. It’s an authentic film version of real events, with a little artistic license here and there. The bull stampede that-producers staged never actually occurred in the actual battle itself. Last but not least, John Barry’s (James Bond) excellent rousing score. Is up there with the best movie soundtracks of all time. Just another reason for vintage cinephiles to give this one a chance.

 

Lt Goneville Bromhead(Michael Caine) - Holds his ground, while facing a brave Zulu warrior.

Edited July 20, 2021 by DragonClaws

[DarthKato]

On 7/9/2021 at 8:10 AM, DragonClaws said:

 

 

Zulu - (1964) – An epic adventure of courage in the face of incredible odds. Based on a true story it’s tells the amazing tale of 100 British, Welsh, Irish soldiers and handful of Colonial, volunteers. Who stood fast against an overwhelming force of 4,000 of the Zulu Nations mightiest warriors in the defence of Rorke's Drift in 1879 – Paramount Synopsis.

 

The word classic gets used a lot these days, but it truly applies to the first movie from Welsh born actor Stanley Bakers Diamond Films Company. Baker wanted more control over his movies, and there a strong personal connection to this story. There was a big presence of Welsh soldiers among the real Rorke's Drift garrison. This is also reflected in the casting of many Welsh actors in this 1960's production.

 

Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to some of the troops who stood their ground in Africa. The most ever awarded for a single battle?. I’m currently reading a great book by Michael Ashcroft - Victoria Cross Heroes, a complete list of every soldier who ever received the famous award for outstanding bravery. Only a few pages into this publication, and already two of the stories involve Rorkes Drift. I was lucky enough to be able to handle some items from this well known battle, at a Military convention. Including a a helmet worn by one of the Rorke's Drift soldiers.

 

It was the movie that put a young Michael Caine on the international movie map. He originally auditioned for the part of Hook, played superbly by James Booth. Instead, Caine was later cast as Lt Goneville Bromhead. Tugela River in South Africa, was the location used for Rorkes drift in the film. The actual battle took place 60km Northwest of this place. On the Buffalo-river near the remote hill of Isandhwana.

 

There’s a great sense of tension and impending doom throughout the picture. That slowly builds as the battle approaches. Especially as the Zulu army starts to implement its war chants and shield drumming. All thanks to Cy Endfields top direction. Both sides are given equal respect, in the way there represented on-screen. This isn’t a movie about showing one nation being superior to another. Both armies showed great courage and military tactics in their own right.

 

The Zulu forces often used a Buffalo like formation, to envelope and attack their enemies. It was the tight Military Square tactic, that helped the British army hold their own and not be entirely overpowered. It was an idea taken from the Romans, and may have been used by even older empires?.

 

Joining Baker and Caine are some top tier performers. Ulla Jacobsson, Nigel Green, Neil McCarthy, Jack Hawkins, Kerry Jordan. Not forgetting playwright Samuel Beckett’s favorite actor Patrick McGee. Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, come from a long line of Zulu warriors and Royalty. He played his Great Grandfather here, who was involved in the actual military battle. He was persuaded to play the part by top American director Cy Enfield.

 

The screen combat looks a little theatrical and stilted now, but it was groundbreaking for 1964. With a more gritty and realistic portrayal to warfare, than previous similar movies. There’s no denying the cast and crew gave it there all for the big battle sequence. The Zulu warriors created their own authentic costumes. With the British Military costumes made in London and shipped over to Africa.

 

There’s a big emphasis on the use of song and sound to intimidate the enemy. The Zulus create a strange train like rhythmic sound, that gets louder as they approach. While the British army soldiers sing to psych themselves up for the fight and block this chant out. Welsh singer Ivor Emmanuel’s talents were really made use of for this. 2nd unit director Bert Batt said, the location they used had some fantastic natural acoustics. Due to the surrounding mountains and hills.

 

“They got a good bass section, but no top tenor’s that’s for sure” PVT Owen (Ivor Emmanuel)

 

From Welsh actor Richard Burton’s opening monologue, to the closing credits. The story grips you and never let’s go. It’s an authentic film version of real events, with a little artistic license here and there. The bull stampede that-producers staged never actually occurred in the actual battle itself. Last but not least, John Barry’s (James Bond) excellent rousing score. Is up there with the best movie soundtracks of all time. Just another reason for vintage cinephiles to give this one a chance.

 

Lt Goneville Bromhead(Michael Caine) - Holds his ground, while facing a brave Zulu warrior.

Awesome movie! Defiantly a classic. 

[AlbertV]

Hunting Emma aka Jagveld (2017): Another female-centric thriller, this one from South Africa. A pacifist kindergarten teacher on her way to visit her father in the Karoo witnesses a gang of six drug dealers shooting a cop. They kidnap her, but she escapes and soon finds herself unleashing a set of special skills that she had long hid from her past: her father is a former Commando who trained her as a child in survival skills. She uses these skills to face off against the six. Excellent performances and has a gritty feel as this was shot in the desert mainly. The film is on Tubi TV in Afrikaans with English subs.

Avocado Toast (2021): A married man with a job he hates goes on a "generational crisis" and decides to live like a millennial, with hilarious and disastrous results. Funny indie flick that just premiered on Amazon Prime. 

Benny Loves You (2021): A toy designer deciding to put his childhood in the past for good gets rid of his most beloved childhood possession, a red Elmo with ears named Benny....big mistake! British version of Child's Play is hilariously good as a horror film. The finale even had my jaw drop and laugh so loud with the moments it has. I believe this was the full intention and if it is the case, excellent job! I bought the Blu-Ray.

 

 

Edited July 12, 2021 by AlbertV

[DragonClaws]

 

The Crow - (1994) – A brutal & atmospheric gothic revenge tale, based on the 1980’s James O’Barr graphic novel of the same name. The plot revolves around the singer of alternative rock band Hangman’s Joke - Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), and his devoted wife to be Shelly (Sofia Shinas). Who are brutally murdered by a gang of vicious thugs on Devils Night. One year from the event, Draven come’s back to life as ghoul armed with supernatural powers and a big thirst for revenge.

I was still in my early teens, when a School, friend of mine introduced me to the movie. It’s been a favorite ever since. Known to be the last movie of the late Brandon Lee, son of Martial Arts icon Bruce Lee. Brandon tragically died during the making of this movie. After on-set accident involving a prop gun . He was just 27 at the time, and was set to Marry his girlfriend Eliza Hutton in the coming weeks.

It was originally to be filmed in black and white, with Johnny Depp in the leading role. Instead, the producers opted for colour, and cast a more athletic actor in Brandon Lee. Lee’s training partner and Martial Artist Jeff Imada, was also drafted in as knife consultant and stuntman on set.

James O’Barr wrote the original story while listening to The Cure and Joy Division. The Cure wrote ‘Burn’ specially for this movie. The band have only just recently started to add it to their live set lists though. He even named Ernie Hudson’s chain-smoking stoic cop character Albrecht. After Joy Division member Bernard Albrecht. Hudson supplied a first-rate performance, and its hard to imagine anyone else playing the role. The soundtracks packed to the rafters with great bands, listen out for tracks by Pantera, Rage Against The Machine, Stone Temple Pilots, Nine Inch Nails, & Medicine among others.

There’s so much you could say and talk about in terms of this production. It drips and oozes a unique vibe, mostly thanks to the work of the costume and set designers. Filmed almost entirely at night, with a constant and unrelenting rain throughout the story. The stunt team and coordinators, did a first-rate job of executing the many action scenes too.

The warehouse bullitt ballet, being just one sequence that stands out to me. When a bleak mood changing industrial score slowly weaves into the scene, and strobe lightening cuts in. The film was edited by the American censors to get R-Rating, the cut footage turns in up in the two work prints that are circulating out there among collectors. Showing extra footage from the ware-house scene and others. After Brandon Lee’s death, the big finale had to be scaled back for practical and budget reasons. John Wick director and close friend of Lee’s, Chad Stalhelski stood in for the actor in the newly shot footage.

Actress Rochelle Davis as street smart and tough Sarah, has the stand out supporting performance here. This was the first movie, for the then stage actress. She displays a natural talent for performing on-screen. Rochelle also had a lot of input into her costume and hair style. Suggesting they give her the early 90’s slightly shaved head male scater look. Instead of the more traditional looking one, the stylists had planned for her.

Brandon Lee was a big fan of The Warriors(1979), and was happy to see character actor David Patrick Kelly (Commando) among the cast playing T-Bird. Anna Thomas, Michael Masse, Angel David, Tony Todd and Jon Polito also deserve highlighting. Not overlooking Michael Wincott and Bai Ling, as incestuous killer siblings Top Dollar & Myca, who run the citys biggest crime syndicate. Both come very close to stealing the movie.

All said and done, its still Brandon Lee's charismatic and half crazed performance that stays with you. Right from the scene, where Eric Draven literally fights back from the grave. Emerging from the ground, like a zombie from a Lucio Fulci horror flick. Like his late father, his career was tragically taken from him, just as he was reaching his peak.

A few final facts, some of the original trailers feature a shot of Eric and Shelly hugging in a flowery field. This never made it into the final cut. I’m not sure if this footage was shot with Brandon Lee, or done with a double?. Bizarrely the birds used in the film, were not actually Crows but the much larger Raven. The Edgar Allen Poe poem ‘The Raven’ is misquoted in the Pawn Shop scene (See below).

“Suddenly I heard a tapping, as of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door, you heard me rapping right?” – Eric Draven

 

 

Edited July 12, 2021 by DragonClaws

[DarthKato]

Lets see: 

1. Solo: A Star Wars Story(2018): Well, I went into this movie with as low expectations as you could get, and was pretty surprised. It actually wasn't that bad. Sure, it doesn't rank up with the original six films and Rogue One, but I thought it was an okay, if flawed, movie. I enjoyed the characters( Alden Ehrenreich did a fair job as Solo) for the most part, with L3-37 being the sole character that I thought was annoying and who couldn't die fast enough(Glover's Lando was also kind of bleh, but wasn't bad enough for me to outright hate him). Please Disney, no more character's like L3. No one in their right mind goes into a Star Wars film wanting to be preached at about "Robot Rights". lol But yeah, it was far better than I excepted, and is nowhere near the cesspool that the Sequel Trilogy is. Rating: 3/5
2. Clash of the Titans(2010): I've had a copy of this for quite a while, but never got around to watching it. Finally got to it yesterday, and it was pretty good. Defiantly not the best Fantasy movie I have ever seen, but its solid, with good characters and action. It honestly felt almost like a God of War adaption at times, which was cool. Hopefully the sequel will be as good. Rating: 3/4

[shukocarl1441996347]

1984 (the John Hurt version)

The Boys (Season 2)

King Boxer

Dragon Warrior (UK title)

Fist to Fist

[AlbertV]

I revisited the three original Slumber Party Massacre films and while I like the 1st one, the 2nd one is my favorite...one of the most fun-loving killers with a rockabilly Andrew Dice Clay-looking serial killer with a drill bit at the end of his guitar. The 3rd one is essentially a rehash of the 1st one with some twists and turns involving the killer's backstory. The original film is getting rebooted this fall so I'm actually looking forward to seeing this updated take. 

[FightingFool]

Sledge Hammer...Loved this Dirty Harry parody as kid but dvd revisit was not so good experience. I know taste has not changed completely, still got lot enjoyment from season 1. But most episodes in 2nd season were just dull. Fun moments were rare...There was one great one tho, Humphrey Bogart one(sadly actor passed away recently) Took a look and it`s on tube.

 

 

[Super Ninja]

20 hours ago, AlbertV said:

I revisited the three original Slumber Party Massacre films and while I like the 1st one, the 2nd one is my favorite...one of the most fun-loving killers with a rockabilly Andrew Dice Clay-looking serial killer with a drill bit at the end of his guitar. The 3rd one is essentially a rehash of the 1st one with some twists and turns involving the killer's backstory. The original film is getting rebooted this fall so I'm actually looking forward to seeing this updated take. 

My fave is the 1st one and one of my favorite slashers. I've read only later on that the original intention was to kinda mock the genre from a feminist perspective. Somehow I'd prefer not knowing that, hope it won't change how I feel about the movie next time I see it.

[morpheus]

Investigation of A Citizen Above Suspicion (1970)

An Italian film of a police inspector who killed his mistress.  Interesting film circling around assumptions and stereotyping starring Gian Maria Volonte -better known outside Europe for playing Ramon and Indio in two of Sergio Leone's "Dollars" trilogy films.

 

Edited July 16, 2021 by morpheus

[Super Ninja]

23 hours ago, morpheus said:

Investigation of A Citizen Above Suspicion (1970)

An Italian film of a police inspector who killed his mistress.  Interesting film circling around assumptions and stereotyping staring Gian Maria Volonte -better known outside Europe for playing Ramon and Indio in two of Sergio Leone's "Dollars" trilogy films.

 

Great movie. Has Morricone's soundtrack if I remember correctly.

[DragonClaws]

On 7/14/2021 at 12:17 PM, morpheus said:

Interesting film circling around assumptions and stereotyping staring Gian Maria Volonte -better known outside Europe for playing Ramon and Indio in two of Sergio Leone's "Dollars" trilogy films.

 

One of the all time acting greats, I really need to see more of his work.

[shukocarl1441996347]

26 minutes ago, DragonClaws said:

 

One of the all time acting greats, I really need to see more of his work.

I think the only other film I've seen him in is  'A Bullet for the General'. A great actor I agree.

[nectarsis]

going thru a bunch of first time watches...starting with

 

[nectarsis]

movie #2

[nectarsis]

Watching another hole in my library for the 1st time

[shukocarl1441996347]

1 hour ago, nectarsis said:

Watching another hole in my library for the 1st time

With Bruce Le cameo no less!

[morpheus]

On 7/15/2021 at 10:26 AM, shukocarl1441996347 said:

I think the only other film I've seen him in is  'A Bullet for the General'. A great actor I agree.

He was also in Le Cercle Rouge (1970) with Alain Delon and Yves Montand.  Excellent film if you like Jean Pierre Melville.

[Django]

Death Rides A Horse

One of my absolute favorite Spaghetti Western, the only flaw is John Philip Laws dubbing. It ruins his performance completely. Some people think that his acting is stiff but I think he does the job of a nervous orphan seeking for revenge very well.. 

 

[shukocarl1441996347]

A Fistful of Dynamite (Duck You Sucker)

King Boxer

Hero of Shanghai

Villa Rides

[saltysam]

Pig

Tramp like Nicolas Cage lives out in a remote forest with his truffle pig as his companion, when it's stolen he comes out of seclusion vowing to get it back. This is garnering praise, i thought it was pretentious, boring crap that felt long even at 90 minutes,

Edited July 17, 2021 by saltysam