Good films I watched this weekend (Vol 2)
Discussion
Bullett said:
Sabotage - Not sure what to make of this one, I think it sneaks in here (just).
I think there is a good film trying to get out but it's been sabotaged by the lead being too old, all the other characters being essentially unlikeable (sorry, morally ambiguous) the violence/gore being ott and the plot not really making much sense. That said, something made me watch to the end and it did improve after the first 20 awful minutes. I'll avoid spoilers for what they are worth but I think think the main issue was they led the viewer too much, keeping information back and letting the pictures tell the story as the character learn would have been a better approach.
6/10
I didn't think it as awful as the reviews made out. I think there is a good film trying to get out but it's been sabotaged by the lead being too old, all the other characters being essentially unlikeable (sorry, morally ambiguous) the violence/gore being ott and the plot not really making much sense. That said, something made me watch to the end and it did improve after the first 20 awful minutes. I'll avoid spoilers for what they are worth but I think think the main issue was they led the viewer too much, keeping information back and letting the pictures tell the story as the character learn would have been a better approach.
6/10
I love all of David Ayer's stuff - Training Day, Harsh Times, End of Watch etc.
What I like about it is the 'reality' of the story, the grittiness and the characterisation where it's clear he does seem to have some inside knowledge into law enforcement and the reality of what goes on.
I think it was a mistake casting Arnie. He's not a real person. He's larger than life. It also had an effect on the movie itself. Sabotage was different as exactly as you've said all the subtlety was lost in this film.
I thought the concept itself was great, and believable with a great twist. As I understand it, an hour or more of this film was cut for release, so a tense, subtle film ended up with the audience being led from scene to scene. Maybe they cut it as the clientele for an Arnie film expect 90 minutes? Who knows.
I give it 7/10 as it's not the best, and the worst of Ayer's films, but better than a lot of dross out there.
The Norwegian film, Headhunters, is on BBC4 at 9pm tonight. Well worth a watch if you haven't seen it.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
dub16v said:
The Norwegian film, Headhunters, is on BBC4 at 9pm tonight. Well worth a watch if you haven't seen it.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
Great film, but some fIMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
ked up scenes!dub16v said:
The Norwegian film, Headhunters, is on BBC4 at 9pm tonight. Well worth a watch if you haven't seen it.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
Oh yes - great film!IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
It's a good starter for people who have not delved into 'foreign' films.
This one's like a Hollywood film, but with subtitles. It's even got the Kingslayer from Game of Thrones as the lead.
A strong 8/10 from me.
dub16v said:
The Norwegian film, Headhunters, is on BBC4 at 9pm tonight. Well worth a watch if you haven't seen it.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
One of my favourite films,just gets better and better as it progresses.IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
dub16v said:
The Norwegian film, Headhunters, is on BBC4 at 9pm tonight. Well worth a watch if you haven't seen it.
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
Brilliant filmIMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1614989/
"An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary."
Have read the book as well which is slightly different I think.
Sure there is meant to be an American remake, which I am sure will be worse
Boyhood.
Long, very slow start, zero plot, kid turns out to be well worth a watch, performances are very believable. I don't think in any other recent years this would be up for an oscar for best film, (2014 being mostly a dog), however, it has a good feel and there are some moments that feel completely real late in the film. It was a cool idea to do 12 years - guess the novelty works with Hollywood. Understandable.
It would have been SO much better (for us) if it had been done in bits of South Yorkshire, not bits of Texas!
Very difficult to give an 'out of ten'. It would mean so much more to those who had bought up kids in America. For me 6.5/10
Great work and nice idea mind.
Long, very slow start, zero plot, kid turns out to be well worth a watch, performances are very believable. I don't think in any other recent years this would be up for an oscar for best film, (2014 being mostly a dog), however, it has a good feel and there are some moments that feel completely real late in the film. It was a cool idea to do 12 years - guess the novelty works with Hollywood. Understandable.
It would have been SO much better (for us) if it had been done in bits of South Yorkshire, not bits of Texas!
Very difficult to give an 'out of ten'. It would mean so much more to those who had bought up kids in America. For me 6.5/10
Great work and nice idea mind.
Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 22 January 15:44
GetCarter said:
Boyhood.
Long, very slow start, zero plot, kid turns out to be well worth a watch, performances are very believable. I don't think in any other recent years this would be up for an oscar for best film, (2014 being mostly a dog), however, it has a good feel and there are some moments that feel completely real late in the film. It was a cool idea to do 12 years - guess the novelty works with Hollywood. Understandable.
It would have been SO much better (for us) if it had been done in bits of South Yorkshire, not bits of Texas!
Very difficult to give an 'out of ten'. It would mean so much more to those who had bought up kids in America. For me 6.5/10
Great work and nice idea mind.
Hmm, I too thought it was novel idea and actually quite enjoyed the early parts but as time passed it went further and further up its own arse to the point where it became beyond tedious.Long, very slow start, zero plot, kid turns out to be well worth a watch, performances are very believable. I don't think in any other recent years this would be up for an oscar for best film, (2014 being mostly a dog), however, it has a good feel and there are some moments that feel completely real late in the film. It was a cool idea to do 12 years - guess the novelty works with Hollywood. Understandable.
It would have been SO much better (for us) if it had been done in bits of South Yorkshire, not bits of Texas!
Very difficult to give an 'out of ten'. It would mean so much more to those who had bought up kids in America. For me 6.5/10
Great work and nice idea mind.
Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 22 January 15:44
1/10 yes that sounds harsh but after forcing myself to watch it to completion I felt a bit like one of the passengers sitting next to Ted Striker listening to his stories.
John Wick 6/10
Nothing new or exciting pretty straight forward revenge flick but enjoyable enough if you're in the mood for a bit of brain off action.
chrismcg1 said:
Django Unchained - yup I know it has been available for ages but watched it on Amazon Prime and loved it. Always rate Tarantino (well apart from Jackie Brown) and this was quality.
It's on my Amazon Prime Video watchlist as it has been recently added. I may try it on the weekend. 
Edited by JonRB on Thursday 22 January 22:24
JonRB said:
chrismcg1 said:
Django Unchained - yup I know it has been available for ages but watched it on Amazon Prime and loved it. Always rate Tarantino (well apart from Jackie Brown) and this was quality.
It's on my Amazon Prime Video watchlist as it has been recently added. I may try it on the weekend. Edited by JonRB on Thursday 22 January 22:24
DuncanM said:
I watched 'The Great Beauty' and loved it, 9/10
Yes, beautifully shot. I liked it, and would give it a strong 8/10.
That said, I would add that this is a film not for everyone. If you thought Lost in Translation, or Somewhere were well paced, then you'll like it.
Shots linger, and you just sit back and chill and let the story unfold.
However, the reason I say it's not for everyone, as I'm sure that for as many people that love it there will be as many that say 'Nothing really happens, and I don't like subtitles.'
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