Really I haven't seen all that much recently to warrant putting this up, but this "Recent Watches" category should be up so that everyone can throw in their two cents, so here goes...
What I have seen so far is Snatch for a third time (the value of this film keeps diminishing on me as well) and Donnie Brasco for a second. I had recently watched Carlito's Way for a second time too and always tied the two together in my mind, so I wanted to pick which one I really appreciate more... only to watch both, enjoy both, and be stuck basically in the "damn these are both good movies" section again.
As for first time viewing, pickings are slim. Saw Pirates 3 and Knocked Up but everyone knows how I feel on those already. I'll elaborate on Knocked Up if Chachi does end up posting something of a review of it.
Other than that, there was the dreadful Sandra Bullock-starring Premonition. There were so many idiotic things that happened throughout the course of that movie, I just sat back slapping my own forehead over and over until it finally finished. On top of which, Bullock REFUSED to show anything resembling an emotion throughout the course of the film. It's hard to do, but that movie made her so unappealing that I couldn't even imagine being around her. Ugh.
And on TV... I finally caught up with "Heroes." Which, while good, is far from the level of "Lost." Whereas "Lost" has the same type of cross-cultural cast, it does a much better job of fleshing out personalities. In "Heroes" the actors (who themselves aren't exactly great) are pretty much defined by their superhero ability. Maybe this is a calculated decision by the creators, but it doesn't leave me all that interested in the characters. The one episode being the exception was the "5 Years in the Future" one, where we actually get to see what these characters had become. It was the one episode I loved in a season of solid-but-unspectacular ones. And people claiming it's the best show on TV are just insane.
Now, what are you guys watching?
11 comments:
Caught "Hannah and her Sisters." I can see why Woody is deemed one of the best writers. He is so adept at writing realistic situations, yet making them very charming and witty. I loved the use of the character's narration to convey their thoughts. Very well acted as both Michael Caine and Dianne Weist got an Oscar for the supporting roles. Allen also won for screenplay. Can't really disagree.
Saw Run Lola Run for the second time. Such a fun movie. Great style and great use of animation. Very simplistic concept, but the direction invigorates you with such energy that it makes the mundane seem so alive. Also extremely funny movie to boot.
The Third Man is a classic and deservedly so. Welles is so perfect as Harry Lime. Carol Reed's direction is perfect. It really is nearly a perfect movie if not for the fact that our lead played by Joseph Cotten isn't nearly as interesting as Harry Lime.
I absolutely love Toy Story. Pixar makes such wonderful movies. They really cemented themselves not just by making the first computer generated animated feature, but by cherishing substance over style.
Also watching Battlestar Galactica. Fantastic show. I wish Commander Adama was my father. Great acting, great concept, and one helluva an FX budget. It looks as good as most movies. A drama that happens to take place in space.
Also caught a couple eps of Rescue Me. Looks to be another great show to catch up on. After Battlestar though.
Had the day off. Many would do productive things. Me? Nope! I'm going to sit on my fat ass, never see the sun, and watch movies all day.
I managed to squeeze in three, all the while watching Seinfeld Season 8 DVD intermittently.
First I saw "Metropolis." I can see why it is deemed a classic, but I also found it kind of hard to sit through. Not because it is a silent film, but because the plot kinda of generates it own rules as the story goes. Visually it holds up, even by today's high standards. And you can certainly see how it revolutionized the genre and created many of the conventions that we still expect from a sci-fi flick. Th acting was good except from the lead actor whom, even in silence, always seemed to be doing a Shatner impersonation with his over exaggerated movements. Many scenes are lost forever, and in there place, we get text explaining what is going on, which I also found annoying, but that is the best they could do I guess.
Next up, I wanted some actual spoken dialog and in an American film, so I watched "Gun Crazy." Deemed one of the quintessential film noirs by many. I thought it was good, but not great. The plot is basically Bonnie and Clyde, but without the great chemistry Dunaway and Beatty had. The actors here were competent, but always seemed like there could be someone better for the role. Some of the cinematography is wonderful though particularly the climax which takes place in a foggy marsh. Quick paced and stylish enough. But after seeing "Double Indemnity", "Third Man" and "Touch of Evil", it just can't compare.
Finally I wrapped up my night with one I've never seen, but always wanted to. Fellini's "8 1/2"! I have a lot of catching up to do with Fellini. I've seen "La Dolce Vita" and "La Strada," but have so many more to go. This is considered his masterpiece and a turning point in his career. I don't think I can say anything profound that hasn't already been said before. It really is a wonderful film about life, death, childhood, love, happiness, and of course, the movie industry. Fellini clearly had something to say, but I think the beauty of it is I don't think he realized it till once he made the movie. I can just imagine him struggling with whether or not he was saying something or if he was just running in circles, but than when the film fills that void he was searching for, he finally realized his purpose in making it. It also is really funny. Not knee slapping kind of laughs, but there is no doubt he is a funny man. One of the best openings ever with Guido dreaming in traffic. So beautiful and surreal. Also one of the most poignant endings ever that doesn't lay it on thick, but allows you to interpret the motives behind his action. Timeless classic. Must see for anyone who loves/lives film or anyone who finds themselves in a creative rut.
Chachi, you're shaming me. I haven't seen pretty much every film you've posted about in your second post. Metropolis, Gun Crazy, 8 & 1/2. Not a one. Hell, I haven't even seen La Dolce Vita yet.
What I did see was somewhat less esteemed and obviously much more recent...
Ocean's Thirteen. And for what it was, it wasn't any better than Ocean's Twelve. It takes an extrodinarily long time to set up and it has a lot of unnecessary stuff thrown into it.
It's okay. Same as Twelve. A barely positive B- grade in my book.
Pacino isn't used all that much. And while Ocean's Eleven found something for everyone to do because it was written that way, Thirteen, like Twelve, feels like they're desperately trying to come up with things for everyone to do.
But what it does well, it does really well. Matt Damon's Linus steals the movie... again. Casey Affleck has a great spot (although largely unnecessary towards the plotline). And Soderbergh just knows how to shoot a damn pretty movie.
Unfortunately the movie suffers from the same fate as Pirates and Spider-Man 3 in that it just drags on and on and on.
I'm just about to write off 3's for movies entirely. Bourne Ultimatum better come around and change my mind.
I agree entirely with your sentiments about Oceans Thriteen, but I liked it alot more than Twelve.
It does take forever to set up the plot. Way too long. And there were few fun spots during the whole time.
Once again, they couldn't find an effective way of using everyone and their talents. Is all Saul good for is for impersonating foreigners? Why did Bernie Mac need that dominos game? What did Rusty do during the entire heist?
But once the grand opening happens, I was totally riveted. I was having a lot of fun seeing how they were going to pull it off. Nowhere near as good as the first, but I think much better than the second. But I hope this puts the story to rest.
Also saw Hostel Part II. If you didn't like the first, than you won't like this one. I admire some of the things it tries to do, but it squanders them later. At least he didn't try to go for the same thing over again and at least spiced it up somewhat. But I think this one was much gorier and more masochistic than the last. One scene in particular really offended me and it takes a lot to offend me. I kind of hope they make a third just to see him wrap up the story, but I won't be sad if he doesn't.
Recently I've kinda been dealing with some stuff that I don't really wanna talk about on the boards, but I haven't had all that much time for film and/or TV. I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I've been around as much as I possibly can be.
Recently however, I caught up with the first 6-7 episodes of "Undeclared." Which I briefly wanted to comment on and say was fully entertaining. I don't think it's the masterpiece that some seem to think, but it's a very good show that never should have been taken off the air (next up: "Freaks and Geeks"). The cameos by Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell, while great, seemed to be unnecessary for anything besides picking up viewers (a task it doesn't appear to have succeeded with).
It's a funny show. I'd recommend it to anyone in college or recently graduated from college. I'm only hoping "Freaks and Geeks" holds as much interest from high school.
Also, I saw "Next" with Nicolas Cage which seems like a complete letdown. I'm a total Cage apologist. I make excuses for "The Weather Man," "Lord of War," and even "National Treasure." But "Next" is taking it a little far. It's like the "Bourne" series, but instead of the character being smart, he's just blessed with the ability to see everything that happens in the future (thereby killing any suspense that any audience member may have had). "Bourne" does it by smarts. "Next" does not. Advantage, "Bourne."
I don't think you should have to apologize for Nic Cage for choosing Weather Man, Lord of War, or even National Treasure.
What you should apologize Nic Cage for is Wicker Man, Ghost Rider, Snake Eyes, 8MM, Captain Corelli's Mandolin, and the Family Man. Those are far worse films.
Hahahahahaha. I knew I could have Chachi around to keep me in the correct perspective.
You're right. I won't apologize for Nic Cage, not even in his current "accept-any-offer" state of affairs.
But I defend Snake Eyes as a bad film that COULD HAVE been great. And although it came up well short, I never regret having seen it. I definitely wouldn't group it together with the crap that is Captain Corelli's, 8MM or The Wicker Man remake.
Quite a busy day for me. Managed to squeeze in five films.
First, I saw "Harsh Times" featuring Christian Bale. I'm offended that some think this is a film Scorsese would make because he would have done it a lot better. Bale is great as usual, but I hated how they talked in this film. Too many "dogs" and "dudes." Interesting but uneven. Is it just me or isn't it always hard to tell when Latino actors are overacting or not?
Next I saw "Out of the Past." If an alien came to our planet and wished to understand the film noir genre, I would show the little green bastard this flick over any other. It really covered ever convention of the genre perfectly. Robert Mitchum was great as our protagonist whom thinks one step ahead, but unfortunately the femme fatale played by Jane Greer thinks two steps ahead. Not the best cinematography ever, but some great dialog. Still prefer "Double Indemnity," but this is definately quintessential film noir
Next up was "La Moustache." I heard about this one in Rolling Stone awhile ago and it peeked my interest. It tells a story of Marc whom one day shaves off his mustache. His wife, Agnes, doesn't recognize the void above his lip, which only lead Marc to fall into an identity crisis. They really stretch the premise as far as it can go, but the actors pull it off. Could have been a really terrific short film, but not enough here to be a movie.
I managed to catch the sneak of "Ratatouille." Two of the reels were switched so I really can't pass full judgment on it since it was so discombobulated for about thirty minutes, but I can say that Pixar definately has scored again. I swear these guys have made a pact with the devil. Even there sub-par films kick the ass of nearly every other animated flick of the last twenty years.
Finally I got to see "Waitress." A wonderfully sweet movie with great performances from the cast. Keri Russell could be a star if given the right roles. Nathan Fillion...I would have his baby! Andy Griffith saying horny things is just about the most surreal thing you will ever witness. Even Jeremy Sisto doesn't play the abusive husband quite the same as it is always portrayed. Nothing revolutionary, but a really sweet sincere story. Made me really hungry for some damn pie though. But than again, I'm always hungry for some pie. Hard for anyone to hate this film, but I bet Myth will somehow find some fault in it. Also really sad to see Adrienne Shelly up on the big screen when you know she was brutally murdered. Quite depressing, but she went out with a bang.
Also saw "2001" the other day. I think it is impossible to overstate just how remarkable that film is. Outstanding visuals. Outstanding music. Outstanding execution. Outstanding movie. True classic that deserves its acclaim.
Now I'm going to go finish the first season of Futurama and go to bed. It's been a long day, but a good one.
Chachi, I think I hate you. How you get to see all these films when I can barely cram 2-3 in a week, I'll never know. Maybe it's because I waste too much time re-watching Season 1 of "The Sopranos" over the past 3 days?
Nah, it's never wasting time to watch "The Sopranos." And yes, I even defend the finale. Screw everyone who wanted a nice, tidy ending. I loved it. David Chase always said he was writing real life, and it finished just like real life. Some storylines continued, some ended, life goes on. Beautiful storytelling.
Anyways, the most recent watch for me is Big Night, based mostly on the pretty regular recommendation of the "Filmspotting" team. And I gotta say, it was another The Commitments all over again. Asshole characters who you can't root for and don't care about with far too little humor mixed in. The first couple scenes are great, and Campbell Scott has a nice, too-brief cameo, but otherwise? Tucci has been better and Shalhoub was pretty one-note throughout (besides the great scene where he completely flubs a date invitation).
But overall, I don't see the great appeal of it. What the whole film amounts to is 'The American Dream' fails. And since it happened to people as shitty as these, who cares?
As with Mr. Mulligan, I too have spent much of my recent spare time catching up on TV shows I never bothered to watch when they were on. I'm just starting the Sopranos. 4 whole episodes in...and trying my hardest not to have the series finale spoiled for me. It's good so far. Excited to finally catch up with it.
I also recently finished the first season of The Wire. I really started hearing about this show maybe a couple years back, and. since then, I've heard only two thing. A: It is the best show on TV. B: It is the best show on TV ever. Quite a lot to live up to. And it does. At least to the first one (I'll have to watch the rest of the seasons to give my opinion on the latter.)
It's unlike anything on TV right now. Sounds cliche. But true. It's real. It feels real. It feels dirty and gritty and slimy and corrupt. You'll want to shower afterwards (and since it's set in Baltimore, you'll want to use bleach and a brillo pad). It's frustrating. You feel the bullshit of bureaucracy and political agendas more than West Wing ever could illicit.
It's a very very slow fuse. I watched the first 3-4 episodes and told Chachi that nothing had happened...but somehow I was hooked. By the end of the season, you realize what those episodes were for. Stuff did happen...maybe not big "Ta-da!" Lost style moments....but little things that later on become so important to character development and story arches that you can't imagine how it seemed insignificant at one point.
This is powerful TV. Solid writing. Solid acting from mostly unknowns or character actors recognizable by face only. This is TV at its finest. No doubt. It may not have the glitz or glam that shows like Lost or Heroes have...but it weaves a story more intricant in its allegiances, its definitions of right and wrong, its complex human interactions than anything else on the tube today. Pick it up. It's expensive...but totally worth it.
I'm currently at work...so I'm not gonna push my luck...I'll be back with my review of Rescue Me season 1...and a few movies I've snuck in.
Last day of June I guess warrants my last comment on Recent Watches.
There are a lot here that I have yet to post on so once again Mulligan, it will probably put you to shame. I'm juggling a bunch of "marathons" including Woody Allen, Fellini, film noir and now the Coen Bros. I try to get one in a week for each so it can rack up a lot of classics quickly.
Woody Marathon:
Melinda and Melinda- interesting concept that ends up coming off more as a gimmick. Will Ferrell is sweet, but essentially plays Woody. Radha Mitchell was terrific in the comic side of the story, but in the dramatic I didn't care for her all that much. But in the end, I preferred the comedy a lot more than the drama. Far from his best, but far from his worst. Catch it on cable.
Stardust Memories- I really liked this one. Whenever Woody is in conflict between women, it always comes off as his most sincere stuff. Great visuals. Didn't think the actresses were the best. There wasn't as much chemistry here as between Woody and Mia Farrow or Diane Keaton. Nothing spectacular, but one of his better flicks.
Coen Bros:
Miller's Crossing- best thing Barry Sonnenfeld ever did was his cinematography for the Coens. Great look. Takes a little while for the plot to rev up, but the acting is always very fun to see. Bryne, Turturro, Buscemi, Gay Harden, Polito, all have there moment to shine. But the best moment is Albert Finney as he hunts down his would-be assassins. Also Sam Raimi cameos long enough to get riddled with bullets.
Barton Fink- second time I've seen this flick and it is no less weird. Yet it is so compelling and funny. Goodman steals the whole damn movie along with Lerner as the studio exec. The movie takes a left turn and never comes back as it tells this weird allegory about Hollywood, passion, and honesty. Can I make sense of it? Not at all. Is it fun to watch? You bet your ass it is.
The Man who Wasn't There- my fav of the three. Billy Bob is gold as the barber caught up in murder. Great visuals. Great ending. Loved how the plot unraveled. Also could be in my next marathon....
Film Noir:
Touch of Evil- we've talked about it before. Amazing opening. Phenomenal visuals. Orson Welles in a fat suit, before he got fat. Great story about racism and justice. Only quibble is I've never been a fan of Charlton Heston.
Asphalt Jungle- another "classic" noir. The plot is fun to see unravel as each gangster involved in a bank heist is brought down by either themselves or another. Problem is the acting is pretty bad. Sterling Hayden was okay, but much better in Dr. Strangelove. Marilyn Monroe shows up for a minute or two and makes out with a old fogie. I didn't understand why Doll loves Dix when he is such a dick to her. Definitely worth checking out for the serpentine plot, but not anywhere near as memorable as some of the other great noir flicks.
Fellini:
La Strada- wanted to see this one again to recall what it was about. Couldn't rememeber. Don't know why because it tells a heart breaking tale of love between a washed up traveling showman and his female sidekick. Fellini's wife plays the sidekick named Gelsomina, while Tony Quinn plays Zampano. The first hour builds up the attraction even as Zampano remains rough and hostile. Once the fool shows up to cause a love triangle, than the story really kicks in. The ending is tragic and moving as only Fellini can do.
At the movies:
Evan Almighty- harmless entertainment...not funny, but certainly good for the whole family type of crap. I liked Carell. Don't pay money for it, but catch it on cable. The FX are pretty good though. I don't see how you can hate something like this when it doesn't offend anyone. It's like hating Ellen Degeneres.
1408- really liked this movie. Proved to me you can create a chilling experience in a PG13 format. Cusack is forced to do a one man show and he succeeds. Manages to squeeze in some really tough emotional scenes. My only quibbles is there are no rules. Anything can happen in this room simply because it is "an evil fucking room." I don't need an explanation, but when it caves in from a flood, I thought it was simply going for visual effect rather than psychological like it was doing. Still great stuff. Worth paying for.
Silver Surfer- okay the surfer looks pretty good, but T2 did that 15 years ago. The surfer stuff is good, and the plot is a bit better, but it still sucks. Reed's stretching has never looked worse. Alba still can't act her way out of a paper bag. Thing and Johnny are once again okay, but the whole plot about switching powers is stupid. The whole world is about to be eaten and nobody cares. I don't want to talk about this movie anymore.
Live Free or Die Hard- this movie needs its own post (be it from me or someone else)
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