Films The Official bit-tech Movie Thread - What have you seen lately?

Battle Royale 10/10

I had to watch this again after watching The Hunger Games, and although there are many similarities, BR is just in a different league... a totally different movie.

 

In the middle of watching
DeathNote 1 8/10 (so far)

Bought the Blu-ray special edition (Deathnote 1 & 2 Blurays and DVDs) in February, and they finally arrived yesterday (out of stock).
I've watched season 1 of the Anime a while back and really enjoyed it and so far the film is a damn near perfect copy of the series (a couple of minor changes, from what I can remember - I'm going to have to re-watch it). I've just got passed

Spoiler

the FBI guys fiancés death

. The only thing I'm not sure about is L, he looks right, but... there's something that is bugging me about him and I can't put my finger on what it is.

I'll update after I finish watching it tonight.

 

Project X
3/10
Mindless.drivel.
Also: Not sure that teenagers should watch this rubbish. Morally completely questionable, and the lesson behind it underplayed. The fact that they tried to pass this off as "real life amateur footage" is about as retarded as it gets.
hot chicks though - so bonus point(s) for that. And more watchable than, say, Sesame Street on a Tired and braindead Sunday afternoon.

Dark Shadows
6/10 - maybe
I do enjoy Tim Burton, and I enjoy Johnny Depp.
This movie, while watchable is a bit "Interview with a vampire 1.5", but with somewhat less substance.
However, a star-studded cast makes it mo0re watchable, and Depp and Burton gel extremely well, as always. Funy one-liners, Depp's occasionally quirky comments and Helena Bonham Carter save this film from the "meh" category... barely.

 

Wrath of the Titans
2/10

Some movies are only enjoyable once you unplug your brain - this movie was not enjoyable even after I did that.

Much like its predecessor, it's brainless and flashy, but now rather than just boring, number 2 actually makes little sense if you try to follow the storyline beyond the overall synosis.

If you have a tin of paint at home, rather watch that.

 

The Negotiator 10/10

This is probably the second time I've reviewed this film here - I watched it again with my family on Saturday night and it is definitely one of my favourite movies... I think it's one of Samuel L Jackson's best, and Kevin Spacey kicks ass in it too. Brilliant.

 

The Master 9/10
My only real issue with the movie is that it feels unnecessarily long. But all things considered PTA's latest is a great work that everyone should see.

 

Lawless 7/10

Plot pretty much a condensed boardwalk empire, Enjoyable acting from Tom Hardy and a bad guy that you instantly hate makes this film.

Gary old man playing criminal was fun but only appears for 10 mins of the film.

 

I watched Men in Black 3 recently and I am pleased to say that it was actually good. The second film was a let down, but the third is not.

Seen Snow White and the Huntsman too. Surprisingly good I thought. There were a few points that they could have improved upon, but definitely worth a watch..Disney it aint. And I loved the way the film showed the Queens magic for the nastiness it is.

 

The Untouchables 7/10

I dunno if it's because Sean Connery bugs me, but I was really underwhelmed by this movie. It's good alright, but just good...not great.

 

For me, it's not so much Sean Connery but Kevin Costner's voice that bugs me in The Untouchables. It's just so dull and it's the same bloody voice he uses in Dances with Wolves and every other movie. At least SC manages to put some emotion into his voice, KC just drones on and on and on.

 

I've watched Blade 1,2 &3 recently as I hadn't seen them before.
Blade 1 - 8/10
Blade 2 - 7/10
Blade 3 - 6/10

The special effects are laughable as they are far from modern, which I don't mind but pulled me out of the film watching trance. Each one has a lot of fast fighting and a fair share of villians so I guess they all score highly on that. The story was a bit samey between them all though, which let it down to the scores I gave.

 

Fright Night 8/10

Thoroughly enjoyed this, thought David Tennent was good as Peter Vincent and Colin Farrel was brilliant as Jerry the vampire. The expression on his face as he's stuck outside the house hoping to get an invite in was priceless.

 

The Pacific 9/10
(TV series)

Its an amazing series that really tugs at the emotions and fear that (I would imagine) that WW2 would have brought. The acting is very good and the story lines are captivating. It is a 10 part 45minute series following the 1st Marines from 1940 to 1945 and their struggle through the Pacific.

I am not ashamed to say that many a tear was brought to my eyes watching this. What those men went through for the sake of our liberty was horrific.

What makes it even more potent is that it is true stories.

If you haven't seen this, get onto Amazon and buy the box set, you won't regret it.

edit: I am tempted to 10/10 this. But I think it might just be because of my post V-day euphoria.

 

Falling Skies - TV Series 9/10

One of the best tv series I have seen in a long time. Noah Wyle is a great actor and the first season certainly did not dissappoint! I am looking very much forward to the second season which is on its way to me. And the third season will air this spring.

 

I had a spot of time last week, so I rewatched the first two of the Godfather Trilogy (for the first time in about 10 years) and threw in Goodfellas for good measure.

The Godfather & The Godfather: Part II 10/10 -- Spoilers below
There's a reason these films are constantly on greatest film lists, and having not seen them for some time, the reality of this struck me harder than ever before, square between the eyes. They can only be described as cinematic perfection, really - every scene so well judged, wonderfully acted and gorgeously shot.

The first one edges it for me (although I give both 10/10). This is primarily because of Brando's intimidating portrayal of the family's figurehead, juxtaposed against the genuine warmth he has towards his family. Add to this the breathtaking arc that Pacino's Michael has, from family outsider and one who is not entirely enamoured of the 'family business', to cold-blooded killer and tactically astute leader of the next generation of the family. The final scene of him being greeted by his capos as Don Corleone, whilst the door shuts on Kay and the Godfather Waltz plays sends shivers down my spine.

The sequel is no less spectacular and, in many cases, even outdoes its predecessor in ambition and delivery. The rise of Vito being a wonderful story to parallel Michael's rise in power and cementing himself as the coldest and most richly successful head of the family. A position secured as he orders the death of his older brother Fredo for betrayal ("I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart! YOU BROKE MY HEART!" What a scene.)

Goodfellas 10/10
The most entertaining, seat-of-your-pants ride. Martin Scorcese takes you on a fantastically well-cast, superbly shot, thrillingly-paced, alarmingly accurate to the truth (I recommend you read the book that the story was based on, Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi) rise and fall of a gangster associate to the Lucchese family of New York from the 60s to the 80s.
Where the Godfather waltzes along like a richly-rewarding novel, Goodfellas shows you the sharp end of life as a Mobster. I can't say enough good things about this movie, the acting, the sound-track, the unlikely events and the insight it gives.

I'd recommend all of the above to anyone who has any interest in this genre, or even those who just like good films. Easily in my top-10 list (If I had one)

 

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 8/10

Watched this movie two nights ago. I'd been wanting to see it since the trailer enticed me some months ago. The film is about a handful of British pensioners thinking they're retiring to a newly restored hotel in Jaipur, India. The cast is stellar, with Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Dev Patel, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup and Penelope Wilson. It's a sweet comedy about the travails of getting older, wanting to stay young at heart and adjusting to changes in a foreign country.

It is definitely not an "action" film, although some of the motorbike scenes were nicely filmed to give a flavor of the area. When it ended, myself and companion remarked it felt as though we had been somewhere else for a couple of hours, which was a pleasant surprise. The characters are well-written and well-played, of course. This is a movie you could watch with family (especially your nan.)

I really enjoyed both seasons one and two. Anxious to find out what will be happening as long as it gets renewed!

 

I watched this a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it too - although Penelope Wilton's character really, really annoyed me

 

Oh how I love Goodfellas. I'm a big fan of most mobster movies, granted I still need to watch Casino from start to finish, and I've never seen the 2nd half of the 2nd Godfather and none of the 3rd.

Dexter Season 1 - 8/10 I started watching Dexter, the idea seemed interesting but I wasn't all excited to watch it. Friend lent me the first season, just over 1/2 way through and I'm really liking it. The thing that bothers me most about the show, its lengthy and odd introduction.

Sons of Anarchy - Season 5 - 9/10 The 5th season just started and its only 3 episodes in but there's a lot of action and I've really enjoyed the series so far. There's a couple nice twists, and I just like the entire theme of it. I like how it entangles "family" with the bike club and how everything just spins out of control but in the end most of the characters make decisions that are best for the collective group.

 

The Sweeny - 8/10

Great film, loved every minute of it. Ray Winston is an absolute gem in this film. Well worth the £7 I paid for me and the Mrs to see it!

 

Agreed, I wanted to slap some sense into her!