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

[DiP]

Friday the 13th (1980) - 8/10

Friday the 13th, Part 2 (1981) - 7.5/10

Friday the 13th, Part 3 (1982) - 7/10

[Drunken Monk]

Batman: Year One (2011) - Besides Ben McKenzie being a poor choice for Batman/Bruce Wayne, this short animated movie blew me away. It tells the parallel stories of Batman and Commissioner Gordon wonderfully and makes the whole thing very morally grey. Something I've always appreciated.
The action sequences are crisp and well made, even if I would have liked maybe one or two more. But it's not really about the action this time around. It's about the world and the characters.
Selina Kyle seems like somewhat of an afterthought but she doesn't hinder the story in any way. All in all it's slick little thriller and one of my favorite animated Batman tales so far.

[DragonClaws]

 

Almost Famous - (2000) – “A Mo-Jo, it’s a very modern machine that transmits pages over the telephone! It only takes eighteen minutes a page!”. Its 1973, the wild rock n roll business model is rapidly changing. When a young naive rock journalist William Miller (Patrick Fugit) gets the chance to write for Rolling Stone magazine. About an emerging rock band called Stillwater. Not to be confused with 70’s Georgia band of the same name. Written and directed by music writer turned filmmaker Cameron Crowe, based on and inspired by the experiences he had writing as teenager on the Rock scene back in the 1970’s.

 

- “You are not out there to party, we already have one Hunter S. Thompson"

 

Set during a time when rock n roll giants walked the earth. Cameron Crowes visual and audio love letter to an era long gone, is well worth seeking out. Opening up with some original hand drawn credits, featuring rock memorabilia from Cameron’s collections personal collection. Such as backstage passes for The Who and Black Sabbath etc. For anyone who didn’t live through this decade, its like a time machine back to another era. Not one that paints it all entirely in a nostalgic rose-tinted view either. The fact the director was involved with and experienced a lot of the 70’s rock scene in America. Means the audiences gets to see the many highs & lows of the business as seen from the inside. Showing the comedic, glamourous, wild and at times rawer reality of life on the road as an entertainer.

 

- “It’s just a shame you missed out on rock n roll”

- “You got here in time for the death rattle, the last gasp”

 

The movie contains some excellent cinematography and visuals by John Toll, inspired by early 70’s rock photographs of Joel Bernstein & Neil Preston. This movie manages to create a story about a fictional band, without turning into Spinal Tap. This fictional screen-group is more of a homage than a parody. Cameron Crowe and his wife singer song writer Nancy Wilson (Heart), wrote the brand-new songs for the mock up 70’s band Stillwater. Which blend nicely with the other real 70’s songs used from artists and bands of the period. Adding to the music and visual approach, are the vintage costumes created by Betsy Heinmann (Reservoir Dogs).

 

- “Listen to Tommy with a candle burning and you will see your entire future”

 

Hard rocking band Stillwater consist of singer Jeff BeBe (Jason Lee), guitarist Russel Hammand (Billy Crudup), Drummer Ed Valencourt (John Fedevich) and Bassist Larry Fellows (Mark Kozeleck). For a group of non-musicians, they do commendable job of convincing you their 70’s rock group. They all capture four different personalities, along with the constant power struggle, tensions and mistrust between two of its band members. Who both seem to want to be the center of the young Rolling Stone writer’s attentions? Thrown in with all the other problems of navigating the cutthroat music scene. Glam rock was pushing its way across the Atlantic, and the arrival of Punk rock was only a few years away.

 

- “You also missed Kindergarten, I taught it to you when you were four”

 

What makes this film stand out among so many of the Rock pictures in existence. Is Cameron Crowes funny, and touching script that’s filled with material inspired by talking to Keith Richards and his wilder experiences interviewing musicians as a young journalist. The late Steve Marriott singer from The Small Faces and Humble Pie offered him a can of Heineken and half a joint. Or the time he witnessed the late Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris singing together at famous western Los Angeles hotel The Continental Hyatt House. Which played a big role in the American music scene in 1973. Or when a Radio host played by Kyle Gass, passes out live on air. A scene which is only featured in the extended 155-minute Un-Titled Cut, first released by Cameron Crowe on DVD in 2002. The originally omitted DJ scene which was inspired by a Neil Young story, when he was left live on air with a DJ who had passed out. You would have to write a whole book just to cover this part of Crowe’s life and the artists he met.

 

- “If you think Mick Jagger will still be out there trying to be a rock star at age fifty, then you are sadly, sadly mistaken.”

 

It’s actress Kate Hudson as the 1970’s version of Penny Lane Trumball, combined with other characters of the 70’s music scene. Paired with Patrick Fugit as the writer William Miller, who deliver the central performances. It might be my slightly biased view on the film, but you can’t really highlight every actor involved in the production. However, its Hudson and then newcomer Patrick Fugit who are the focus off the story. Both are really convincing in their performances of two very different characters with a passion for music. Special mention goes to Frances McDormand, Philip Seymour Hoffman as writer Lester Bangs, Zooey Deschanel, Bijou Phillips, Anna Paquin and Jimmy Fallon. Not forgetting Noah Taylor, as the high kicking English rock manager Dick Rosswell. If you enjoy 1970’s music this is one to watch if you haven’t already. There are two versions, the more common 118-minute Cinema version. Or the 155-minute Untitled Cut put together by Director Cameron Crowe, with an additional thirty-seven minutes of footage and alternative scenes. If I was to recommend one edition, it has to be the longer cut.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 4, 2022 by DragonClaws

[DragonClaws]

 

The Duellists - (1977) – Ridley Scott’s visually stunning and austere period film adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s short story The Duel, published in 1907. Based on actual events of a ten-year long feud between two Army officers that were printed/documented in the pages of nineteenth century newspapers. Printed in southern France between 1784 and 1813. “Two contrasting cavalry officers of Napoleons army Armand deHubert (Keith Carradine) & Gabriel Feraud (Harvey Keitel), violently confront each other in a series of duels. The encounters begin as a minor incident and escalate into an all-consuming passion that rules the lives of both men for a period of 15 years”. The information in this write-up, is sourced from the director’s DVD audio commentary track.

 

“I’m going to be killed responsibly on horseback, as a compliment to the cavalry”

 

This was director Ridley Scott first feature length movie, after years of directing working in the visual world of T.V advertisements. All experience that would help him a lot with him a lot when working on this very visual production. Even re-using some old stock footage from an advert, he filmed in Sweden, for one Russian set sequence in this film. There’s no real way of describing this movie, and its certainly not your run of the mill colour by numbers mainstream production. With its minimalist use of dialogue, and the fact there’s no real story or plot. With only the two fanatical main characters and their violent obsession with honor and pride to tie it all together. The reason for the duel which inspired the Joseph Conrad story, was not even known at the time it actually happened. Which is represented here in Gerald Vaughan-Hughes solid script, by the fact the cause of the original fall out becomes long forgotten.

 

“In six years’, time the emperor’s army re-grouped for Armageddon”

 

It’s all brought to life in a series of beautiful moving paintings/shots. Ridley Scott was heavily inspired by artwork from the early nineteenth century. It’s lavish visual style, is similar to Barry Lyndon (1975) later movie Amadeus (1984), The Draughtman’s Contract (1982). Not because of the historical similarities, just how the films lit and captured. Here there’s no use of artificial sets or soundstages. Filmed in and around the eye-catching countryside surrounding Sarlat la Caneda, in the south west of France. Look out for the ruined 11th century castle, that plays the backdrop in some scenes. The French scenery was captured by cinematography and long-term Ridley Scott collaborator Frank Tidy.

 

“You make dueling seem like some pastime in the garden of Eden”

 

What the movie might lack in scope and extras, it more than make up for in detail. The costumes were designed by Tom Rand. While the authentic military costumes worn by the two main characters, were designed and created by a Russian company called Peruzzi and cost £19,000. No other movie historical film from this era, looked as authentic as this production. Showing how the production team did a fantastic job on this one. The platted hair styles of the two cavalry officers, is one example of the many historical correct touches. Hussars copied their Russian Cusack rivals, by having thick pig tails in their hair. Which could deflect/soften the strike of your enemy’s Sabre/sword.

 

“A proper Generals poodle”

 

Filmed entirely during the Autumn and Winter months, which gave the movie a whole different mood and vibe. This was not the original intention; the production was originally set shoot during the summer but it was held back until late September. British actors Oliver Reed & Michael York were the original choices for the two main characters, played by Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel. Both actors had to persuaded to take on the roles. Ex-Marine turned actor Harvey Keitel wasn’t too keen on playing a Hussar. He felt he lacked the sword fighting skills to look convincing on-screen during the fight scenes.

 

“I’m not fanatical enough, to persevere with this absurdity”

 

After watching the film its hard to see anyone but Harvey Keitel in the role of officer Gabriel Feraud. A half-crazed fanatical soldier, who enjoys violence so much he’s willing to start a duel over nothing. Which is also woven into a complicated history of honor among the Armed forces. When the pair randomly bump into each other, while trying to survive a merciless Russian winter night. Feruad is so filled with anger for his rival, that he’s willing to challenge him. Rather than just focus on surviving like his fellow comrades. This story shows the ill effects of violence and how it can corrupt some people. Rival officer Armand deHubert even loses his girlfriend Laura (Diana Quick) over the fact he becomes so consumed by his rivalry with Feruad.

 

“On the watch Sir, always on the watch, they all don’t fight like fine gentlemen”

 

There’s some gritty stand out fight scenes, among the hour and half runtime. Watch out for Alec Guiness's son playing Harvey Kietels characters first opponent. Though it’s by no means an action movie, there’s a lot more going on than just the duels themselves. Which all staged under a certain code of nor and conduct, which much be respected by both people involved. During one fight, the two foes are too tired to even swing a sword at each other. Which is a realistic touch that was added to the film. When they begin to wrestle on the floor, there suddenly broken up. There’s not enough time to explain the whole history of duel, and the various rules. Fight choreographer Bill Hobbs’s and sword master Tito Tomassini were the people behind the film’s PG rated swordfights. The actors did a great job, with very little in the way of training. Shooting one sequence in a stone barn, in just forty-five minutes. These movie fights were not supposed to be all out brawls, but fought by two people who had been professionally taught the art of fencing/sword fighting.

 

“Five years passed, the map of Europe had changed, and so had military fashions”

 

Actor Keith Carradine got a jolt, when staging one of the fight-scene. Which required him to strike a wall rigged with lightly charged hidden chicken wire. Which would allow sparks to fly when his sword strikes the wall, in one scene. Look out for various cameos from well-known actors Pete Postlethwaite, Meg Wynn Owen, Alun Armstrong, Edward Fox, Cristina Raines and Tom Conti. Albert Finney agreed to take on a minor role, in exchange for a case of champagne. Special mention goes to American actor Stacy Keach, who’s narration keeps the story tied together. Not a movie for everyone, but one to view if you enjoy the work of Ridley Scott.

 

 

Edited June 8, 2022 by DragonClaws

[nectarsis]

 

 

tonights twofer

 

[DragonClaws]

 

Gladiator - (2000) – Haunting two hour plus Roman epic directed by Ridley Scott, and based on a story by David Franzoni. After being betrayed by an incestuous false emperor Commodus (Jaoquin Phoenix). Honest former Roman general Maximus (Russell Crowe) is out to get his vengeance. Only its not going to be an easy task. He’s forced into slavery, when his exhausted half dead body is picked up by slave traders & poacher’s. He end’s up becoming the property of former grisly gladiator turned rogue trader Proximo (Oliver Reed). Who runs his own Gladiator stable, making his living providing fighters for the tiny arenas in the small provincial villages and towns.

 

“Are you in danger of becoming a good man Proximo?”

 

From Han’s Zimmer & Lisa Gerrards stirring score over the stark opening credits. You know this is going to be a good movie. Safe to say, if historical movies are not your thing, then you won’t stick out this extended action-adventure saga. The opening epic battle scene, was filmed in Bourne Wood on a British military base in Farnham. Doubling for the cold, grey woods of ancient Germany, where the movies opening sequences take place. The scary heavily bearded Germanic tribe leader, who carries a severed Roman head. In a display of some of the best non-verbal communication I’ve seen. The character was played by Scottish born stunt coordinator and combat performer Chick Allen. Who just one of many who worked on helping to stage the film’s opening battle sequence? Sadly, one of his scenes fell afoul of the American film censors (MPAA).

 

“Today I saw a slave become more powerful than the Emperor of Rome”

 

Many of the Northern tribes of Europe would never really fall into line with the real Marcus Aurelius Empire. There’s a number of Roman wells in my local woodland, left behind by after their presence here. Which had been built around much older water sources. It had been that same local water supply, that made it so hard for Romans to conquer some of Northern England. They couldn’t always cut off their enemy’s supply, a popular tactic of theirs. Random history lesson aside, the movies bloody & fiery opening sets the bar high and it’s maintained throughout. My only minor gripe with the opening scene is, there should be more extras. Then again, this was set towards the end of a very long campaign, would both armies have been at full strength.

 

“Five thousand of my men are out there in the freezing mud. Three thousand, of them are bloodied and cleaved. Two thousand will never leave this place. I will not believe that they fought and died for nothing”

 

As the story progress’s, the battle goes from the frontline of Rome to the small coliseums. The action scene set a new standard back in 2000, in the way historical battle could be staged on-screen. Some scenes of violence were removed from this for the U.S release. These cuts have been maintained for all home media releases ever since. The Extended Edition released in 2005, was not done officially by director Ridley Scott. Only deleted scenes, featured as extras from the films first DVD & later Blu-Ray releases. Were poorly inserted back into the film, with no real concern to where the  sequences were supposed to be originally. The MPAA violence cuts were never restored for any release. The scene where Hagen (Ralph Moeller) impales a gladiator on spike on a wall. There was an alternative shot used in current versions. If you search through the cut scenes, on some releases. You can find the original uncensored shot. Other reductions include, Maximus severing the arm of a man he’s chained to. The death of the German tribal chief was shortened. The shot of Maximus severing a soldier’s head, was shortened to an establishing shot along with other reductions and changes.

 

“Thrust this into another man's flesh, and they will applaud and love you for that. You may even begin to love them”

 

You can’t go wrong with the two hour and thirty-minute theatrical version, and maybe one day someone will go back and restore these shots. Before I bore everyone with further post production alterations. Let’s take a look at the heavyweight cast of acting and the vivid performances they bring to the screen. Connie Nelson has a strong regal presence as Lucilla, the sister trapped with an immoral scheming brother Commodus. Played with a real flesh creeping style by talented American actor Jaoquin Phoenix. The make-up artists darkened his eyes and paled his skin, to add to his unnatural debauched complexion. Which only gets worse as the story unfolds. Djimon Hounsou stands out as the athletic former African Hunter turned Gladiator Juba. Not forgetting Richard Harris’s cameo as Marcus Aurelius and Dereck Jacobi as Gracchus.

 

"Have you ever embraced someone dying of plague, sire?"

 

The production was shot in 1999 in Morocco, South Africa, and England, with the majority of the shoot taking place in Malta. Where a team of 300 British and Maltese set builders, built a near life size replica of the first tier of Coliseum in Rome. The base and ground level were all built up by hand, with CGI used to complete the iconic Roman theatre of death. Which remains a marvel of architectural design and engineering to this day Late actor Oliver Reed gave his final performance in this movie, as the wayward and brave Proximo. He passed away aged sixty-one, while drinking on the Island with friends. Despite his hellraising public image, Reed helped a local landlord run his pub while he was recovering from cancer. Challenging and beating members of the Royal Army Navy crew at arm wrestling on the day of his death according to locals. The original story had to be re-written in order to change Proximo’s fate. With the use of CGI, they managed to give Oliver Reed a suitable cinematic send-off. He holds his own against the much younger Russell Crowe. That said, its Crowe’s character and performance that drives everything forward. Look out for the Spartacus (1966) reference, when Maximus throws his sword at the rich blood thirsty Roman crowd.

 

“Are you not entertained? Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?”

 

Giant German bodybuilder turned actor Ralph Moeller, was just one of many former bodybuilders and strongmen employed on the Malta set. Helping to fill out the supporting roles and extra parts in various scenes. Moeller requested that his character have at least a decent death scene. Arnold Schwarzenegger's old training partner Sven Ole-Thorsen, also appears as veteran gladiator. Fighting Maximus, while surrounded by tigers on chains. Late British Southampton strongman and ex Royal Marine Ian Walker. He held records in powerlifting, and was a British and European champion. One of his many roles on the set, was to double for Oliver Reed after the actor had passed away. The pair where good friends, with Reed always having an interest in strength contests. Source- https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/.../5595259.gladiator-star.../.  With a $120 million dollar budget movie like this one, there’s a lot not covered here. The extensive stunts, costume and special effects teams. Which are almost as big as the cast lists on some other movies combined. There are some classic lines from John Logan & William Nicolson’s script, adapted from David Franzonis story.

 

 

Edited June 14, 2022 by DragonClaws

[morpheus]

La Piscine "The Swimming Pool" (1969)

Starring Alain Delon, his one-time partner Romy Schneider and close friend Maurice Ronet.

 

 

[nectarsis]

 

movie time

 

[Coliseum1972]

watched some films with Helga Line , who shouldve been a bigger star and also a 007 girl if you ask me

Mummys Revenge 3.5/6 , its a bit stale.....typical mummy plot : evil man gets killed and swears revenge should he be resurrected. Stars spanish horror icon Nachy. 

In a Colts shadow 4/6

HL plays a saloon woman in this one , the villain is the bank owner. Just something to pass time with for me , run of the mill films imo

3 Bond anniversaries coming up now : YOLT 55 (first i ever saw back in '88 on vhs....little did I know id get to meet several 007 actors and visit locations then......met Dor in '15 , she only did 1 con) , TSWLM 45 (among Moores best ?) , TLD 35 (Daltons first)

(and 40 yrs since Oddjob and Stromberg passed , RIP)

 

 

 

 

Edited June 18, 2022 by Coliseum1972

[Cognoscente]

I've been watching a TV series called Todd and the Book of Pure Evil. One of the sight gags involves a nunchaku that is shaped like a double-ended dildo.

[Koravec]

Couple comedies

Grind- Really great skateboard themed comedy that I hadnt seen since 2008, held up the same. Remembered it scene for scene. A friend I watched it with back then reminded me of it, and mentioned how it was free on youtube. Bam margera and tom green cameos. Vince Vieluf is the driving force of this movie, the ‘cool guy’ of the main squad is an entertaining character too, seems to be inspired by matt mconauhy’s character from dazed and confused.

Club Dread- After such a good time throwing on a comedy thought Id pop this on. Summer beach slasher with stoner elements I thought theres no way to go wrong. WRONG, I Never stop movies partially without plans of returning later. I just turned this off. What a terrible movie. The few jokes that are present are bad. Really nothing of redeeming qualities in this flick, nothing. Watched asylum’s Jolly Roger Massacre (about a killer jack sparrow-esque pirate) and not even that was as bad as this stupid movie, and I wish I could use stupid as a tongue in cheek compliment. Low on slasher content, low on jokes, low on anything interesting, no character development, etc.

And I hear this is by the same group that made Super Troopers, I also picked that one up recently a bit excited to check it out. I know it cant be as bad as this but this makes me ‘dread’ throwing it on.

Bio dome- Another pretty bad comedy starring pauly shore and stephen baldwin. Enjoyable at times. Saw after I watched that its considered one of the worst movies ever made. A masterpiece compared to club dread.

Edited June 21, 2022 by Koravec

[morpheus]

The Bodyguard (2004)

I've watched this and the prequel a number of times.  Petchtai Wongkamlao (aka Mum Jokmok) looks damn cool with a gun. 

 

[DragonClaws]

 

“Up North in the never, never, where the land is harsh and bare, there’s a mighty hunter called Mick Dundee, who can dance like Fred Astaire”

Crocodile Dundee - (1986) – Australian construction worker and bridge painter turned T.V Comedian Paul Hogan. Co-Wrote and starred in this cult 80’s comedy film, that left its comedic mark on pop culture history. Parts of the story were inspired by a real-life event with an actual bushman Rod Ansell. Who was attacked by a crocodile in 1977, in the Australian outback. Writing the screenplay with Hogan was long time collaborators and fellow T.V writers Ken Shadie and John Cornell. The story is simple enough “Michael J. “Crocodile Dundee (Paul Hogan), is a free-spirited Australian bushman/hunter, who wrestles crocodiles with his bare hands, and stares down giant water buffaloes, and can drink mere mortals under the table. But he’s about to face the ultimate torture test – when tenacious quick thinking reporter Sue Charlton (Linda Kozlowski) invites him to New York City. For his first ever Holiday abroad.

 

- “Which tribe did you say you were from Gus?”

- “Harlem Warlords”

 

Crocodile Dundee’s fish out water culture clashing story is by no means a masterpiece in filmmaking. It is however, a decent comedy film that still holds a lot of a charm and funny one-liners. It was the highest growing film of 1986, behind Top Gun. This production has been heavily copied and mirrored in the years since its release. When Paul Hogan become bored with writing short T.V comedy sketches for Australian T.V. He started to develop the idea for the Crocodile Dundee character. When he wrote a 30-minute sketch, whilst staying in a New York hotel room. Inspired by his personal feelings of being isolated in a strange new environment. Hogan said the sketch just kept getting longer, until it become more of a short story. Paul Hogan and his co-writer John Cornell, had just finished working on one of Australia most successful Holiday advertising campaign. The two had also previously wrote and starred in the highly successful Paul Hogan Show during the 1970’s.

 

- “How old are you?”

- “I don’t know, what years is this?”

- “You mean, you don’t know”

- “Time doesn’t mean much here up here Miss; the Aborigines don’t have calendars”

- “I was raised by Aborigines, they just told me I was born in the summer”

 

This might have been Paul Hogan firsts time acting on the big screen, but he brought all the stuff he learned from his years of experience working in front of the local T.V cameras. Along with the veteran production crew that worked alongside him. Led by Director Peter Faiman, who was rumored to have directed the 1983 T.V movie Paul Hogans England?. Which dealt with the same kind of culture clash comedy situations. It’s clear this quick witted well put together script wasn’t just a fluke, but the product of experience.

 

“See the Aborigines don’t own the land; they belong to it”

 

One of my favorite scenes, features the Aboriginal character Nev, who lives in the city but still respects the ways of his knowledgeable ancient people. Nev’s played by a famous Aborigine tribal dancer and first- rate actor David Gulpilil (Mad Dog Morgan 1976 – The Proposition 2005). Peter Best catchy opening score is also inspired by the music and instruments used by Aboriginal tribes. Along with many other tracks that are used for beautiful outback set scenes. Such a sequence, where Mick Dundee takes on a group of drunken City poachers. The band INXS invested money in the movie and contributed one song ‘A Different World’ to the soundtrack.

 

“Imagine, seven million people all wanting to live together, yeah, New York must be the friendliest place on earth”

 

American actress Linda Kozlowski plays dedicated New York reporter/photographer Sue Charlton. Like her co-star, this was her first time acting in a big screen movie. Linda is a classically trained actress who learned who had already performed on Broadway by the time she appeared here. Both Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski’s different approaches to acting, works nicely on-screen. With Hogans free style approach, contrasting with Linda’s educated drama education in the Juilliard School drama division.

 

“Hey you in the black hat, the lady down there wants to speak to you”

 

The scenes were all filmed in sequence according to director John Faiman. Which he said actually captured a genuine growing off-screen chemistry between the two actors. The two main characters, despite being so very different to each other. Always seem to be equally matched, with the pair surviving in two very different kinds of jungle. If you are looking for some light hearted 80’s nostalgia, then this might be one for you. Special mention goes to actors John Meillon as (Walter Reilly) & Reginald VelJohnson (Gus). Look out for cameos from Paul Greco & John Snyder, who both appeared in The Warriors (1979). Most of the information in this write-up has been sourced from a (2019) ABC Paul Hogan Special.

 

 

Edited June 22, 2022 by DragonClaws

[nectarsis]

 

Raimi delivers yet again

 

[shukocarl1441996347]

The Spy Who Loved Me (4k Theatrical)

[AlbertV]

Glasshouse  - a tense South African thriller that meshes inspirations from Stephen King and VC Andrews about a family forced to live in the titular structure when the outside world has a toxin that causes victims to lose their memories. 

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness - loved this sequel. Raimi pulls out all the stops, introduces some new MCU characters and ones we saw come to life from What If?
 

Spoiler

Loved seeing Charlize Theron debut as Clea and John Krasinski needs to lead the new Fantastic Four.

The Prey: Legend of Karnoctus - a band of soldiers and two mercenaries are caved in and must work together to escape but find more trouble when the titular creature begins wreaking havoc. Fun popcorn film.

The Final - High school revenge meets Saw when a group of bullied teens set up a party for their tormentors and after drugging them, subject them to torture. Really good, at times cringey, but hand it to lead Marc Donato (as the leader of the revenge seeking teens) to really churn out the terror for his tormentors. 

Edited June 24, 2022 by AlbertV

[WangYu]

As a non Marvel watcher will I be able to enjoy or follow the plot of what’s going on in Sam Raimi’s doctor strange?

I wanna watch it because  is strays from the formula apparently, it has horror elements and it is direct by Raimi

Edited June 24, 2022 by WangYu

[FightingFool]

I know what you did last summer season 1.

Basic is same to movie, youngsters hit by car someone on the road and year later stalker appears who knows what they did last summer.

Have mixed feeling of this, mystery is quite well done. It keeps addicted, watched all  episodes in less than day. On the other hand actors are quite bad. And worse almost every character is written to be kind of type will either hate or don`t care. Also far too often story goes back to what happened in graduation party.  It was ok but it won`t bother there will not be season 2.

[DragonClaws]

 

“Lefty's a dynamite guy there's no doubt about it, he looked after me when I was in the can and that's something I don't forget, something I will never ever forget”

Donnie Brasco - (1997) - Tense, gritty, and at times touching, two-hour crime movie directed by Mike Newell starring Al Pacino, Johnny Depp & Anne Heche. Based on the true story of an FBI undercover agent Joseph D. Pristone (Johnny Depp) who became connected Jewel thief Donnie Brasco. In order to infiltrate one of New York’s biggest Mob families in the late 1970’s. Donnie maneuvers his way into the confidence of loyal aging hitman, Lefty Ruggiero (Al Pacino) who trusts Donnie and vouches for him to the mob. But Lefty & Donnie become friends when they should be enemies.

 

“You scared that guy, that cracks me up, I’ve got twenty-six hits under my belt and he’s scared of you”

 

Among the many classic crime movies, this one often gets overlooked. A condensed version of Joseph D. Pristone stoic six-year uncover operation, as a member of the Bonanno crime family. One of five different families who were running New York’s underworld during the 1970’s and 1980’s. If you want to know more about this, then seek out the book Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia (1988) written by Pristone & Richard Woodley. Johnny Depp spent a lot of time with the former FBI agent turned author, who was the movies technical advisor as well. Adding a lot of real touches to his on-screen portrayal. Such as the scene where he is seen using free weights.

 

“They’ve got twelve diplomas on the wall, and they can’t tell you a fucking thing”

 

Both Depp and co-star Al Pacino bring two very different convincing performances to the screen. Johnny Depp playing a character who has to act in order to survive each day, without being caught out. While Pacino as Lefty Ruggiero, has nothing to hide as hitman who is not known to snitch or double cross his friends. While the film lays bare the violence behind the crime, it also shows the loyalty between some friends in a world where nobody can really trust anyone. I like the added touch, of having Lefty enjoy watching nature programs on T.V. Mostly with a keen focus on animals being stalked or killed, which suit his character and the profession he’s chosen. Lefty can be simultaneously the friendly, loyal family man but also very violent and cold.

 

“You think I hate you? I don't hate you. This job is eating me alive”

 

Director Mike Newell did a good job of showing the different and shared pressures, on the two characters. The tension keeps building up like a pressure cooker. The violence isn’t the focus of the story, and it’s never presented in an overly glamorized way. A few scene’s/clips did fall foul of the MPAA during post production. There a 2007 studio cut that was released on DVD in 2007, but it doesnt restore all the censor cuts. All the violence has consequence, often with innocent people being the collateral damage. Such as the emotional toll on Donnie Brasco loyal and loving wife Maggie Pristone, brought to life with a great performance from Anne Heche. Whose character is raising a family as a single mom, while her husband is undercover in the Mafia. Special mention goes to actress Ronnie Farer, who plays Lefty’s equally loyal wife Annette. Who has a much smaller presence in this version of the story.

 

“You said it was going to be three months it’s been two years”

 

One of the reasons the dialogue and script by Paul Attanasio is so authentic and expletive laden, is becuase he had access to the genuine audio recordings of Joseph D. Pristones wire-taps. With material from the six-year run he had inside two of New York’s biggest criminal societies. In one of many memorable scenes Lefty gets a real-life Lion, just like real life New York gangster Joey Gallo (1927 – 1972). Who had a pet tiger that he would get his men to take on walks. Bob Dylan wrote a song about him, that he released on his 1975 album Desire. On the subject of music, Patrick Doyles soundtrack sets the tone and films pace perfectly. From the opening credits, featuring black and white footage and stills. That are made to look like old surveillance footage from the era the story’s set in. Cinematographer Peter Sova, is said to have used a different colour lenses in each district of New York the crew filmed in. In order to give each area its own look and feel.

 

- “It like the army, a chain of command”

- “Bullshit. The army is some guy you don't know telling you to go whack some other guy you don't know”

 

Filling out the cast, is a solid list and who’s who of 90’s crime cinema. Robert Miano (Hitman’s Run) stands out as the sinister truck hijacking Sonny Red. His intimidating on-screen brother Bruno, is played by Brian Tarantina (Carlitos Way). Michael Madsen (Strength & Honour, Reservoir Dogs) holds his own with all acting heavyweights, as Lefty’s stand-up friend and Boss Sonny Black. Not forgetting Bruno Kirby as one of Sonny’s gang members Nicky, James Russo (Paulie). There’s great scene/moment between actors Robert Milano & Michael Madsen. When Sonny Blacks gang sees, Sonny Red and his brothers in their nightclub. This 90’s big screen adaptation of a courageous story, is well worth viewing if your fan of crime cinema. Al Pacino & Johnny Depp bring a lot of life and presence to their characters Donnie & Lefty.

 

 

 

Edited June 26, 2022 by DragonClaws

[shukocarl1441996347]

Looking For Mr. Goodbar (1977)

[AlbertV]

Press Play: A time travel romance film about a woman who four years after the death of the man she loves, discovers a mixtape he made. When she plays the tape, she finds herself back in time with a chance to save her true love. Pretty original concept in terms of using a mixtape as a time travel device, and the chemistry between Clara Rugaard and Lewis Pullman (who is a dead ringer for his dad Bill) is aces with Danny Glover as Pullman's boss. Feature film directorial debut for Greg Bjorkman, who gave The New Mutants director Josh Boone story credit who pitched the idea to him a decade ago when they worked together on Boone's debut film.

A Town Full of Ghosts: Homage to the found footage film with a dash of Stephen King. A couple buys a ghost town in Texas and things begin to occur at night. The husband slowly descends to madness and goes a Jack Torrance route with intimidating his wife. No kids involved in this one, but enter the husband's cousin and his girlfriend do and they get involved. Runtime is only 65 minutes. 

 

[nectarsis]

 

its a family affair

 

[nectarsis]

 

todays movie #2

 

[nectarsis]

 

time to annoy the wife

 

[Drunken Monk]

Last Night in Soho (2021) - An incredibly well directed, if a little laborious, ghost story. The characters are interesting and the plot carries a nice air of mystery, but the film doesn't really go anywhere for the first hour. It's all style over substance. It all makes for a somewhat frustrating movie watching experience. We know who the victim is, we know who the killer is (both past and present) and all that's needed is that killer's comeuppance. It just seemingly takes a lifetime to get there. The interminable breakdown of the lead character wears thin in a matter of minutes and feels awfully cliched.
But I don't want to dwell on the negative too much. The casting is wonderful (even if Anya Taylor-Joy isn't given an awful lot to do) and the backdrop of modern and 60's London really is something to behold. 
All in all, it's the weakest of Edgar Wright's films so far. Visually strong but we've seen it all before. The twist is a delight I didn't see coming but it was all a case of too little, too late.