Good films I watched this weekend (Vol 2)
Discussion
This weekend I have spent way more than I should have at the cinema and seen:
Foxcatcher
"The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances."
This was actually pretty good, though I don't think its as good as some people are saying, it was very slow and subtle but very good, I think Steve Carell was brilliant and definitely deserves his Oscar nomination. I hope this wins the award for best hair and makeup, as it really transformed Carell.
Unfortunately it did drag in parts and some scenes were a little boring. Still, I did enjoy myself!
7/10
American Sniper
"Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind."
Another good film, decent acting all round with a decent script. Like Foxcatcher, this was based on a true story - which I love and it definitely kept be engaged throughout. I've read a lot of reviews that have said that this was similar to a Nazi Propaganda movie, which I'd disagree with as it didn't really glorify the main character but really show how all his killing has affected him.
The CGI was absolutely diabolical though. I'm not saying CGI is essential to make a good film, but when its as bad as this it really takes you out of the moment.
It did miss that 'spark' that Black Hawk Down and Saving Private Ryan have, hence why I didn't rate it 9.
8/10
Birdman
"A washed up actor, who once played an iconic superhero, battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of a Broadway play."
This was fantastic.
The whole film was edited to look like one continuous shot which took a while to get used to and did feel a bit gimmicky but the more I think about it, the more I think it helped you invest in Keaton's characters depression. Its one of those films that is simple, straight forward and easy to understand BUT actually has a lot of depth and ambiguity.
I don't think it was as good as Whiplash, but I do hope Keaton gets the award for best actor, which previously I'd wanted Eddie Redmayne to win.
9/10
I still need to see the Imitation Game, Selma and The Grand Budapest Hotel before the Oscars!
Foxcatcher
"The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances."
This was actually pretty good, though I don't think its as good as some people are saying, it was very slow and subtle but very good, I think Steve Carell was brilliant and definitely deserves his Oscar nomination. I hope this wins the award for best hair and makeup, as it really transformed Carell.
Unfortunately it did drag in parts and some scenes were a little boring. Still, I did enjoy myself!
7/10
American Sniper
"Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind."
Another good film, decent acting all round with a decent script. Like Foxcatcher, this was based on a true story - which I love and it definitely kept be engaged throughout. I've read a lot of reviews that have said that this was similar to a Nazi Propaganda movie, which I'd disagree with as it didn't really glorify the main character but really show how all his killing has affected him.
The CGI was absolutely diabolical though. I'm not saying CGI is essential to make a good film, but when its as bad as this it really takes you out of the moment.
It did miss that 'spark' that Black Hawk Down and Saving Private Ryan have, hence why I didn't rate it 9.
8/10
Birdman
"A washed up actor, who once played an iconic superhero, battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of a Broadway play."
This was fantastic.
The whole film was edited to look like one continuous shot which took a while to get used to and did feel a bit gimmicky but the more I think about it, the more I think it helped you invest in Keaton's characters depression. Its one of those films that is simple, straight forward and easy to understand BUT actually has a lot of depth and ambiguity.
I don't think it was as good as Whiplash, but I do hope Keaton gets the award for best actor, which previously I'd wanted Eddie Redmayne to win.
9/10
I still need to see the Imitation Game, Selma and The Grand Budapest Hotel before the Oscars!
DuncanM said:
JustinP1 said:
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.'
After watching A Good Year with Russell Crowe a couple of weeks back, I thought my wife might like French Kiss with Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan - another story of a man back in France with vineyards as a motivator.
It isn't the greatest film ever, and if I'm honest, Mega Ryan isn't as appealing as I once thought she was but Kevin Kline manages to make his character as French as any Frenchman I've ever met. He is truly a genius - one of those actors I wonder why hasn't dominated films for the last 35 years.
The film wasn't as much fun as I remember but I enjoyed watching KK's subtle stereotyping (note: I love the French).
7/10
It isn't the greatest film ever, and if I'm honest, Mega Ryan isn't as appealing as I once thought she was but Kevin Kline manages to make his character as French as any Frenchman I've ever met. He is truly a genius - one of those actors I wonder why hasn't dominated films for the last 35 years.
The film wasn't as much fun as I remember but I enjoyed watching KK's subtle stereotyping (note: I love the French).
7/10
toasty said:
Whiplash - To add to the above. Quite possibly one of the most engrossing films I've ever seen. The ever increasing drive for excellence was captivating and both lead actors deserve the acclaim they'll get for this. Approaching a 10/10.
Got to agree, the GF and myself watched this last night, normally when watching a film, we may get distracted briefly, reply to a text, chat, get up to the toilet etc. Not with this film tho, not a word was spoken, could not tear my eyes off it, fantastic.Whiplash - 9/10
I echo all of what's been said about the film. It was awesome! I did get some odd looks from people in the audience as I went with a mate who I went to music school with (both drummers) and we were laughing at some bits that were just like some of our rehearsals. Although the MD it reminded us of never went as far as throwing a stand at us! Thoroughly enjoyable watch.
I echo all of what's been said about the film. It was awesome! I did get some odd looks from people in the audience as I went with a mate who I went to music school with (both drummers) and we were laughing at some bits that were just like some of our rehearsals. Although the MD it reminded us of never went as far as throwing a stand at us! Thoroughly enjoyable watch.
dudleybloke said:
Adrian W said:
Trading places, on now comedy Central, silly film but makes me smile
Brilliant film. AstonZagato said:
dudleybloke said:
Adrian W said:
Trading places, on now comedy Central, silly film but makes me smile
Brilliant film. I watched Homefront http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2312718/?ref_=nv_sr_1
If you fancy watching Jason Statham, playing Jason Statham in a Sylvester Stallone film then this would be right up your street!
It's naff, predictable daft tosh, but I enjoyed it.
6.5/10
If you fancy watching Jason Statham, playing Jason Statham in a Sylvester Stallone film then this would be right up your street!
It's naff, predictable daft tosh, but I enjoyed it.
6.5/10
Black Hawk Down
Watched this on Saturday whilst recovering form a minor op.
Not only is it a fantastic movie(probably one of the top ten war films ever made in my opinion. There are so many well known faces in there. Every time I watch it I recognise another actor that has subsequently become an leading actor. On this viewing it was the guy who plays Mr Selfridge (not that impressive) and Jamie Lannister (more impressive).
Very impressive film though and doesn't appear to have aged at all. Classic.
9/10
Watched this on Saturday whilst recovering form a minor op.
Not only is it a fantastic movie(probably one of the top ten war films ever made in my opinion. There are so many well known faces in there. Every time I watch it I recognise another actor that has subsequently become an leading actor. On this viewing it was the guy who plays Mr Selfridge (not that impressive) and Jamie Lannister (more impressive).
Very impressive film though and doesn't appear to have aged at all. Classic.
9/10
budfox said:
I watched Unstoppable this morning as I recorded it yesterday. It was completely brilliant and also utterly ridiculous.
This is one film I've watched I thought was just bloody plain old pathetic! I just wanted to drive alongside it myself, jump on and stop the bloody train just to end it early 
The only good scenes in this were in hooters
Reel Steel – 7/10 I rated this on the movie thread when it came out but it was on the BBC at the weekend (well nearly missed it as BBC 2 Scotland was showing River f
king City).
Anyhoo, its cheesy, pathetic, hopelessly ridiculous and yet, still a good fun movie.
Don’t expect a titillating plot, its brain out harmless fun. And bloody good at that too.
king City).Anyhoo, its cheesy, pathetic, hopelessly ridiculous and yet, still a good fun movie.
Don’t expect a titillating plot, its brain out harmless fun. And bloody good at that too.
Equalizer - Think I would go for a combined 8/10 (combined between the 2 of us watching it) I really liked it, friend (woman) also really like it, including the fight scenes.
John Wick - combined score of 8.5/10 (again 2 people one male one female watching) I "knew" I was going to like it, female "wasn't sure". We both loved it to be honest. At times (maybe just me) it was almost comedic and almost black humour / dark comedy mixed in (yeah, give a whoosh if that's what is meant) Nutshell though, very good, and even the laughable lines are fine in as much as the way the overall film was done.
One thing, about half way through, I thought it was a Statham film, but they forgot him, due to the genre and plot, but actually, pitting a skinny guy into the role actually makes it a whole lot better.
John Wick - combined score of 8.5/10 (again 2 people one male one female watching) I "knew" I was going to like it, female "wasn't sure". We both loved it to be honest. At times (maybe just me) it was almost comedic and almost black humour / dark comedy mixed in (yeah, give a whoosh if that's what is meant) Nutshell though, very good, and even the laughable lines are fine in as much as the way the overall film was done.
One thing, about half way through, I thought it was a Statham film, but they forgot him, due to the genre and plot, but actually, pitting a skinny guy into the role actually makes it a whole lot better.
UNBROKEN - Jack O'Connell is a very good young British actor I have to say! However, I just couldn't connect with the film, great premise and story, poorly done for me, but still well worth a watch. 7/10
THE IMITATION GAME - what a fantastic film! Best thing I've seen all year Cumberbatch was outstanding, had me blubbing at the end 10/10
THE IMITATION GAME - what a fantastic film! Best thing I've seen all year Cumberbatch was outstanding, had me blubbing at the end 10/10
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