Movie Reviews

[lexbarker]

I borrowed an old classic movie, The Graduate from the 60s.
Great movie but all I could only remember were 2 scenes, the rest was new to me except for the theme.

[amzz]

I saw 'Columbiana' last nite.

while it may seem to be a typical revenge story, it had some good action sequences and they spent a lot of time developing the lead character played by the muy muy sexy Zoe Saldana

based on what i saw in the preview I guess that the character development would only add to the impact of the revenge .. hoping to see it this weekend

[vaio]

Jumping the Broom - nice movie

[snowbird]

Spy Kids / 'Aromavision' / 4D

Aroma vision? what a load of crap...the 6 year olds might think this is ....sooooooooo cool.

Scratch and sniff ......coooooool?..... give me break....these movie makers will do anything to 'suck these little kids in'.

My money well wasted.....

[amzz]

scratch and sniff..wat iz dat?

[kemist]

I went to see Immortals dis morning.
(BW was correct - no lines on a sunday morning!)

Action sequences were terrific.
The Greek mythology displayed is not what we're accustomed to, but in keeping an open mind, the plot was great but the ending fight scene didnt make much sense...still was good to watch tho.

****SPOILER ALERT****
Was wondering if the Titans had powers too, and if so, why didn't they use those powers in their fight with Zeus et al?
Secondly, if Zeus could have just crumbled the mountain and fly or transport out of there, why even bother to fight with the titans?
Where were the other greek gods during that fight?

[BW]

so I went to see The Sitters this morning at MT POS. Great movie. Jonah Hill (of Knocked Up, Get Him to the Greek and The 40-year-old Virgin fame) delivers his signature brand of smart, deadpan comedy in a much more evolved and self-aware feature offering. Sitters refuses to use stock comedy punches, instead opting to bring fresh delights to the table in the 81 minutes of a supremely savory adult-targeted plot. The film contains no nudity and has only mildly coarse language, but carries an 18+ rating on the grounds of depicted drug-use and other adult themes.

BW's 5 star rating: 4/5 (recommended)
Rotten tomatoes rating: 22%

[BW]

So last night I viewed Antichrist, a dark and supremely artful 2009 independent film from acclaimed director Lars von Trier. Antichrist is a film far off the beaten hollywood path, taking viewers through scenes of alternating gore, violence, sex, self-mutilation and religious themes. The film is made for adults, and should be viewed exclusively by adults. The darkness inherent in the script is captured with Von Trier's undeniable technical excellence in creating artful cinematography; Antichrist is simultaneously beautiful and repulsive throughout the 108 minutes of runtime. The film is packed with symbolism and character depth- lending itself to multiple viewings if one can stomach the graphic content.

BW's 5 star rating: 4/5 (Recommended)
Rotten tomatoes rating: 48%

[BW]

So I watched Twilight: Breaking Dawn (Part 1) last night on television. Great movie for those of us who have followed the series: lots of strong character interactions adds depth to those we already know and love. I clapped when Bella saw Edwards at the alter. I cried when the fates set against them.

I have doubts if someone new to the series would enjoy the movie. There is minimal wolf/vampire fighting.

[Sirius]

Figured I would resurrect this thread.

Two must-see movies currently in cinemas are John Carter and The Hunger Games.

John Carter

The story of a confederate soldier who finds himself on the surface of the planet Barsoom (Mars). Contrary to popular belief, the planet is not in fact dead but rather is dying with its factions at war. He begins the first part of his journey that would make him John Carter of Mars rather than John Carter of Earth. The story is based on book one of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic Barsoom series, "The Princess of Mars". Burroughs is probably better known in popular culture as the creator of Tarzan. The movie is fun and well made. To some it may seem derivative but keep in mind that Burroughs postulated these ideas long before modern science fiction stories. You are actually seeing the original inspiration behind some of today's ideas.


The Hunger Games

This movie is based on book one of the trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Collins was also involved in the screenplay of the film, which honestly blew me away. A post-apocalyptic tale, The Hunger Games takes place in Panem, a nation that sits in what is today North America. Panem consists of the Capitol and 12 districts, who in the past rose up against the Capitol. As retribution, each year every district must put up one boy and girl between 12 and 18 years of age. The 24 individuals would compete in a fight to the death until one is left standing. The plot follows District 12's female candidate, Katniss Everdeen, as she prepares for and participates in the 74th annual Hunger Games.

The movie is well made and though based on a young adult series, boasts a plot and experience for all ages. The full trilogy is planned for the big screen with "Catching Fire" planned for release next year, followed by "Mockingjay".

[straphanger]

I saw hunger games- liked it...could have been a tad bit better though
it didnt stray that far from the book with the exception of a few things

i heard john carter is good

looking forward to mirror mirror

[Sirius]

I saw hunger games- liked it...could have been a tad bit better though
it didnt stray that far from the book with the exception of a few things

i heard john carter is good

looking forward to mirror mirror

Have yet to read the Hunger Games books - but I plan on doing so.

As a fan of all the animated stuff I'm looking forward to Disney/Pixar's "Brave" quite a bit.

[straphanger]

Once you start reading hunger games you would not be able to put it down

i love reading books when the entire series is already out. you can read all in one shot and you dont have long waits in between the books

[vaio]

i've been hearing some not-so-good reviews on John Carter, but if you say it good i'll go and see it over the weekend

[snowbird]

scratch and sniff..wat iz dat?

Sorry, never saw your question......


Aroma-Scope or the 4 D is a very cheesy way to try to attract kids to these movies.

... all it is really is a 'scratch and sniff' card that the kids are handed when they enter the movie.
... at certain times during the film.... they will 'flash' the number on screen..... if you scratch the corresponding number on the card.... you can 'smell' what you are seeing on screen..... like flowers, or pop-corn

...... Very cheesy, and very, very silly.

[guyguy]

"Acts of Valor" was okayish.

"The Descendants" was lousy.

[straphanger]

i've been hearing some not-so-good reviews on John Carter, but if you say it good i'll go and see it over the weekend

i didnt see it
i heard good things about it
i like movies like that so i dont mind checking it out....but mirror mirror coming out this week too, so i might opt for that

[Sirius]

The Hunger Games is an absolute must-see and a good trilogy to read, too (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay).

In a post-apocalyptic future, the nation of Panem sits where North America once stood. The gleaming Capitol holds its twelve surrounding districts under an iron fist, luxury upheld by oppression. Following an uprising 74 years prior, it was decreed that once every year each district will give up one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to be trained and participate in a fight to the death. The winner receives fame and fortune.

Meet Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl turned breadwinner of her family. When the baby sister who is her world is drawn to participate in the Hunger Games, she makes the ultimate sacrifice and volunteers herself instead. There, in the view of the Capitol and the 12 districts of Panem, she will become the unwitting symbol of a new rebellion.

The movie carries not only the powerful storyline of the novels but locks you in, making you forget about time. It is emotive; touching and fierce. The actors do a great job and the special effects are used only where they are needed. A shaky cam feel that can be somewhat annoying in the beginning becomes an effective storytelling tool. This is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

[Fumas]

Hunger games is a rip off of Battle Royale. That film was much beter and so was the manga it was based on. but i wouldn't recommend it to everyone if you are easily offended.I just see the Avengers movie, i'd have to say it was good but i was a little underwhelmed by it. All this big build up in the previous Marvel movies and the actual film just seem lightweight to me. Wasn't the "knockout" film from Marvel that i wanted to see.

[straphanger]

^^ battle royale is the japanese movie about the school kids?
my co-worker was telling me about it

[Fumas]

^^ battle royale is the japanese movie about the school kids?
my co-worker was telling me about it

Aye, and in my opinion it was more plausiable premise than Hunger games. because the plot was about the state sending unruly kids to a secret place to kill eachother. Of course not all the kids were unruly but they didn't care.

[Sirius]

^ Note that The Hunger Games is a post-apocalyptic world where the districts have to sacrifice their children in retribution for a past uprising. It's the first of a trilogy, where essentially a girl thwarts the rules of the games (first book) and in so doing becomes the symbol of a new uprising to topple the Capitol. The books were fantastic and I look forward to the second and third films in the saga: Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Most stories have similarities to other stories so I really wouldn't go so far as to call it a ripoff - it's not a clone of Battle Royale. At the end of the day it's an exceptionally well made movie based on an excellent trilogy of books.

I finally saw Immortals; I'm not sure what to say about it. It was enjoyable but did not strike me as having lasting appeal. Great effects and action but not something to buy on Blu-ray...

[Aurea]

Can't wait to see "Dark Shadows" with Johnny Depp! I love the man, and I mostly love everything he has ever been in!

Aurea

[vaio]

Any review on Avengers yet?

[Fumas]

^ Note that The Hunger Games is a post-apocalyptic world where the districts have to sacrifice their children in retribution for a past uprising. It's the first of a trilogy, where essentially a girl thwarts the rules of the games (first book) and in so doing becomes the symbol of a new uprising to topple the Capitol. The books were fantastic and I look forward to the second and third films in the saga: Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Most stories have similarities to other stories so I really wouldn't go so far as to call it a ripoff - it's not a clone of Battle Royale. At the end of the day it's an exceptionally well made movie based on an excellent trilogy of books.

I finally saw Immortals; I'm not sure what to say about it. It was enjoyable but did not strike me as having lasting appeal. Great effects and action but not something to buy on Blu-ray...

Sorry but it is a rip off,they're both set in the future, they're both about the state using kids to kill each other for entertainment and they're both about rebellion. The manga which Battle Royale is based on, covers all these premises and much better than HG has. Just because HG is popular doesn't mean the author didn't rip it off just because he changed a couple of things around.