Pranzo Oltranzista
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- Oct 18, 2017
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Movies: Last Movie You Watched and Rate it | {Insert Appropriate Seasonal Greeting Here}
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Jussi
Registered User
Was planning to watch Avatar 2 on Apple TV+ during the weekend, only to find out it costs 17 euros. So I watched 65 instead. I'll give it 6½/10.
Rodgerwilco
Entertainment boards w/ some Hockey mixed in.
- Feb 6, 2014
- 8,190
- 7,793
Continuing on my list of classic films featured in Metal Gear Solid 3 I scratched another classic horror film off the list.
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) - 7/10
A group of scientists conducting research in the Amazon jungle come across an unidentifiable fossil which resembles a humanoid webbed hand which appears to be a missing link between aquatic and land-roaming life. The main research group consists of Dr. David Reed (Richard Carlson), his girlfriend and fellow scientist Kay Lawrence (Julia Adams), and Dr. Mark Williams (Richard Denning)
A live member of the species to whom the fossilized hand belongs to begins taking an interest in the expedition and begins his attack by taking out two assistants, their deaths attributed to a jaguar... After almost giving up their research the group decides to continue down the tributary to the titular Black Lagoon. The creature, colloquially dubbed "Gill-Man" (this name is never stated in the film, only when discussing it) then begins picking off the researchers and crew one by one.
The lead researchers are at odds about how to proceed with the more science-devoted David wanting to observe and study the creature, while the more gruff Mark wants to kill it and bring it back with them, claiming the reason that no one would believe what they found. (Personally I side with Mark). After losing too many men the crew decides to get out of there, only to find that Gill-Man has trapped the boat in.
Gill-Man has taken quite a shine to Kay by this point and attempts to kidnap her and take her back to his lair. The crew follows them back and unloads their weapons on the creature, who sinks to the bottom of the lagoon.
All in all, I really enjoyed the film. While it does get somewhat repetitive, it laid some groundwork for many horror films after it. The score was excellent and the acting was good for its time. I was impressed with how the Gill-man was portrayed, I didn't find it to be too goofy looking, even by today's standards. The ending of the film leaves it open-ended, and spawned two sequels.
After reading the movie I learned that apparently Guellermo del Toro had quite a fascination with the film, attempting to re-boot it multiple times from the creature's point of view. According to an interview he always wanted the creature to be able to get the girl. His plans for remakes eventually spawned the wildly successful and critically acclaimed film The Shape of Water. Kinda weird.
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) - 7/10
A group of scientists conducting research in the Amazon jungle come across an unidentifiable fossil which resembles a humanoid webbed hand which appears to be a missing link between aquatic and land-roaming life. The main research group consists of Dr. David Reed (Richard Carlson), his girlfriend and fellow scientist Kay Lawrence (Julia Adams), and Dr. Mark Williams (Richard Denning)
A live member of the species to whom the fossilized hand belongs to begins taking an interest in the expedition and begins his attack by taking out two assistants, their deaths attributed to a jaguar... After almost giving up their research the group decides to continue down the tributary to the titular Black Lagoon. The creature, colloquially dubbed "Gill-Man" (this name is never stated in the film, only when discussing it) then begins picking off the researchers and crew one by one.
The lead researchers are at odds about how to proceed with the more science-devoted David wanting to observe and study the creature, while the more gruff Mark wants to kill it and bring it back with them, claiming the reason that no one would believe what they found. (Personally I side with Mark). After losing too many men the crew decides to get out of there, only to find that Gill-Man has trapped the boat in.
Gill-Man has taken quite a shine to Kay by this point and attempts to kidnap her and take her back to his lair. The crew follows them back and unloads their weapons on the creature, who sinks to the bottom of the lagoon.
All in all, I really enjoyed the film. While it does get somewhat repetitive, it laid some groundwork for many horror films after it. The score was excellent and the acting was good for its time. I was impressed with how the Gill-man was portrayed, I didn't find it to be too goofy looking, even by today's standards. The ending of the film leaves it open-ended, and spawned two sequels.
After reading the movie I learned that apparently Guellermo del Toro had quite a fascination with the film, attempting to re-boot it multiple times from the creature's point of view. According to an interview he always wanted the creature to be able to get the girl. His plans for remakes eventually spawned the wildly successful and critically acclaimed film The Shape of Water. Kinda weird.
Chairman Maouth
Retired Staff
Cocaine Bear
My love affair with Elizabeth Banks, which began during an episode of "Scrubs" many years ago, continues. I have yet to tell her of this.
"Cocaine Bear" doesn't have the greatest acting.
It doesn't have the greatest script.
It doesn't have the greatest cinematography.
It doesn't have the greatest special effects.
It doesn't have the greatest music score.
However, in my opinion it's still better than "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Elvis", but not as good as The Banshees of Inisherin. The former two make for an easy bar to clear, the latter not so much.
It's based on true events but taken to a ludicrous level by filmmaker Elizabeth Banks. If I can suspend disbelief for Ted Lasso, this movie's a piece of cake, and I can come to terms with a fake bear being the best actor in a major motion picture.
That's all this movie is. It's not going to win any awards. It's not going to educate you or leave you in awe. It's just a drugged-up bear that likes to eat people and with a supporting cast whose members are thrown into hilarious situations. It is, in fact, the perfect date movie. Cocaine Bear may not get the juices flowing quite like sperm in Cameron Diaz's hair, but it's not far off. It's entertaining B movie fare that doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is, a ludicrous romp through a 136 minute long vision belonging to the decadent Elizabeth Banks.
If you want to take a girl on a movie date or have her over for dinner - I recommend this film. You will both laugh, she might clutch at your chest and bury her face in your neck in horror at some of the gorier parts, and you might score almost as well as a bear that stumbles across a stash of cocaine in the forest.
My love affair with Elizabeth Banks, which began during an episode of "Scrubs" many years ago, continues. I have yet to tell her of this.
"Cocaine Bear" doesn't have the greatest acting.
It doesn't have the greatest script.
It doesn't have the greatest cinematography.
It doesn't have the greatest special effects.
It doesn't have the greatest music score.
However, in my opinion it's still better than "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Elvis", but not as good as The Banshees of Inisherin. The former two make for an easy bar to clear, the latter not so much.
It's based on true events but taken to a ludicrous level by filmmaker Elizabeth Banks. If I can suspend disbelief for Ted Lasso, this movie's a piece of cake, and I can come to terms with a fake bear being the best actor in a major motion picture.
That's all this movie is. It's not going to win any awards. It's not going to educate you or leave you in awe. It's just a drugged-up bear that likes to eat people and with a supporting cast whose members are thrown into hilarious situations. It is, in fact, the perfect date movie. Cocaine Bear may not get the juices flowing quite like sperm in Cameron Diaz's hair, but it's not far off. It's entertaining B movie fare that doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is, a ludicrous romp through a 136 minute long vision belonging to the decadent Elizabeth Banks.
If you want to take a girl on a movie date or have her over for dinner - I recommend this film. You will both laugh, she might clutch at your chest and bury her face in your neck in horror at some of the gorier parts, and you might score almost as well as a bear that stumbles across a stash of cocaine in the forest.
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KallioWeHardlyKnewYe
Hey! We won!
- May 30, 2003
- 15,813
- 3,891
Crimes of Passion. Ken Russell is one of the great purveyors of movie perversity. This might be his masterpiece on that front. Kathleen Turner plays fashion designer Joanna by day and prostitute China Blue by night. She's stalked both by a surveillance expert tasked to learn her secret and Anthony Perkins' unstable street preacher who's developed a perhaps deadly obsession with her. Darkly funny. Over-the-top. Kinda absurd. Stagey but in a stylish sorta way. Completely committed performances from Turner and Perkins. Turner especially. I can't think of an actor at a similar point in their career (early) who'd commit to such a bonkers and edgy story. Some truly spectacular lines and line readings in this.
Game Night. I know this has its fans but it really didn't gel for me. Clever concept for sure and I thought pretty much everything out of Jesse Plemmons and Billy Magnussen's mouths was funny. The lead duo of Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams didn't do much for me though. Borderline grating, honestly. And it's a sin to have ridiculously funny people like Lamorne Morris and Sharon Horgan in this and give them almost nothing to work with.
Bodies Bodies Bodies. I thought the last 20-25 minutes of this approaches some near-Heathers level satire. First two-thirds wasn't doing much for me though. I honestly don't understand why the game they play would be so divisive.
Game Night. I know this has its fans but it really didn't gel for me. Clever concept for sure and I thought pretty much everything out of Jesse Plemmons and Billy Magnussen's mouths was funny. The lead duo of Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams didn't do much for me though. Borderline grating, honestly. And it's a sin to have ridiculously funny people like Lamorne Morris and Sharon Horgan in this and give them almost nothing to work with.
Bodies Bodies Bodies. I thought the last 20-25 minutes of this approaches some near-Heathers level satire. First two-thirds wasn't doing much for me though. I honestly don't understand why the game they play would be so divisive.
Or two talking rocks like in Everything, Everywhere.
I lost my Oscar pool by one point this year because I chose Banshees over Everything Everywhere. They were my one-two picks for Oscar wins but I went with my heart to pick Banshees over Everything, even though the last round of media reports were all picking Everything in the last week.
It's weird, how I had to defend these movies all year against people dumping on them for various reasons. Banshees was considered 'too depressing', Everything was dumped on for being 'too strange and weird', Even Aftersun was considered 'too slow'. And of course tons of complaints about the Academy chasing too many film projects for the sake of diversity issues. I don't remember a year when people were railing so much against films, even those up for awards. Maybe people were grumpy after the pandemic, or maybe film quality dipped for a year during the pandemic? But there was a lot of moaning and bitching this year (and last).
Pranzo Oltranzista
Registered User
- Oct 18, 2017
- 4,029
- 2,941
Oh it's been too long since I saw that one. Agree 100%.
ItsFineImFine
Registered User
- Aug 11, 2019
- 3,770
- 2,429
Lady Snowblood (1973) - 7/10
Yeah I prefer Kill Bill tbh but this feels more authentic and better looking despite some of the cheesiness. A revenge story which is as relatively satisfying and inevitable in its ending as revenge stories tend to. The action scenes are somewhat sparse imo but good, they would be better had the focus been on the actual sword movement and less on showing the fake blood shooting out.
It also has a great surprise 'father' reveal though maybe not on the level of Empire Strikes Back.
Yeah I prefer Kill Bill tbh but this feels more authentic and better looking despite some of the cheesiness. A revenge story which is as relatively satisfying and inevitable in its ending as revenge stories tend to. The action scenes are somewhat sparse imo but good, they would be better had the focus been on the actual sword movement and less on showing the fake blood shooting out.
It also has a great surprise 'father' reveal though maybe not on the level of Empire Strikes Back.
Spring in Fialta
A malign star kept him
I'm a little confused here about what you are trying to say. How is memory the antithesis of aftermath? I think of forgetfulness as the antithesis of memory, and. dunno, maybe foreshadowing as the antithesis of aftermath. Could you unpack your idea a bit, please.
Spring in Fialta
A malign star kept him
Anthesis means the flowering of a plant. I just saw a link between the two films that I hadn't seen before where the former seemed the be the moment itself and the latter as its remembrance after the fact. I think you think I meant to use antithesis, which rightfully would have confused you. I was also drunk.
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Winchester ‘73 (1950)
3.25 out of 4stars
“A tale about the journey of and a cowboy's obsession with a stolen prized rifle, leading to a bullet-ridden odyssey through the American West.”
A great western that is highly entertaining. At the age of 42, James Stewart noted this film as saving and redefining his career, which was a huge box office success (where I’ve found mixed numbers from it earning 2.5 to almost 5 times its budget). Well cast across the board with great dialogue and a great sense of humor. Tells a journey style story that greatly balances its memorable characters and variety of settings, while giving the audience a feel of the era and happenings of the time. Endless amounts of classic western action and elements ensue including a shooting contest, poker game, cowboys and indian encounters, multiple horse/carriage chases, and lots of gunfights. Also, in smaller roles from earlier in their careers, cameos almost if you will, you can see a young Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
3.25 out of 4stars
“Wrongly convicted James Allen serves in the intolerable conditions of a Southern chain gang, which later comes back to haunt him.”
A great noir that successfully shows the injustices of the chain gang system within the penal system. Based on a stranger than fiction true story, this film had a powerful impact for its time, and still today is effective cinema. The film generated public outrage enough to cause nationwide appeals and releases for prisoners in chain gangs, including the film’s real life protagonist, to go along with chain gang reformations and investigations. The film is a bit deeper than that though. Personal impact of the recession(s) after World War I is duly noted, with some regard to the potential of imprisoned peoples and corruption of the appeal system. Muni’s great in this Oscar nominated role, especially his facial expressions throughout. Ends with a famous line, that I won’t ruin, that culminates the film excellently. Supposedly one of the earliest films that told a sympathetic tale for convicted prisoners.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
3.10 out of 4stars
“After being mistaken for an actor, a New York thief is sent to Hollywood to train under a private eye for a potential movie role, but the duo are thrown together with a struggling actress into a murder mystery.”
A great neo noir black comedy that is very witty, very satirical, and features a well twisted crime story. Caught my eye when Kallio reviewed this within the last 6months and Shadow1, so I finally was able to give it a chance. I see where Kallio notes its possible faults, a lot of low-hanging fruit and not politically correct humor alongside a ton of Robert Downey Jr, but I also see why Shadow loved it. Its frenetic style and Robert Downey Jr playing to his overbearing strengths are not for everyone, but I enjoyed them after the film set itself up along with all the coincidental/situational humor and dialogue. Kilmer knocks his role out of the park almost effortlessly, as the gay detective with biting dialogue, and Monaghan is solid as the attractive ‘damsel in distress’. It’s frequently hilarious, and the film as a whole is kind of funny in an odd way. It’s at times childish and coarse and does try a little too hard sometimes, but it's far from stupid with most notably a quality mystery written/played-out at its core and multi-genre/topic satirizing hitting targets left and right. This should be infectiously fun and funny for anyone with an open mind and wide sense of humor.
The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh (1971)
3.10 out of 4stars
“In Vienna, an unfaithful diplomat’s wife finds herself hunted by a razor-wielding maniac.”
A great giallo horror that is erotic, suspenseful, and thrilling. Starting off with a Freud quote about bloodlust being in human nature, it paints a picture off the bat about what to expect: our female protagonist’s nympho and sadomasochistic past and thoughts alongside her external relationships and killer problem. Above average in mostly all giallo elements across the board. More noteworthy things include dream sequences/flashbacks, Fenech for both her appearance and acting, and the very eerie repeated use of a vocal noise over organ backdrop during tense or shocking sequences. Springs all the right emotions with its mix of paranoia, obsession, stalkery, mystery, murder, and sensuality. And finishes with a great ending. As Pranzo puts it “a fun film with twist after twist”. Ranked 8th overall in Pranzo’s gialli thread.
3.25 out of 4stars
“A tale about the journey of and a cowboy's obsession with a stolen prized rifle, leading to a bullet-ridden odyssey through the American West.”
A great western that is highly entertaining. At the age of 42, James Stewart noted this film as saving and redefining his career, which was a huge box office success (where I’ve found mixed numbers from it earning 2.5 to almost 5 times its budget). Well cast across the board with great dialogue and a great sense of humor. Tells a journey style story that greatly balances its memorable characters and variety of settings, while giving the audience a feel of the era and happenings of the time. Endless amounts of classic western action and elements ensue including a shooting contest, poker game, cowboys and indian encounters, multiple horse/carriage chases, and lots of gunfights. Also, in smaller roles from earlier in their careers, cameos almost if you will, you can see a young Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
3.25 out of 4stars
“Wrongly convicted James Allen serves in the intolerable conditions of a Southern chain gang, which later comes back to haunt him.”
A great noir that successfully shows the injustices of the chain gang system within the penal system. Based on a stranger than fiction true story, this film had a powerful impact for its time, and still today is effective cinema. The film generated public outrage enough to cause nationwide appeals and releases for prisoners in chain gangs, including the film’s real life protagonist, to go along with chain gang reformations and investigations. The film is a bit deeper than that though. Personal impact of the recession(s) after World War I is duly noted, with some regard to the potential of imprisoned peoples and corruption of the appeal system. Muni’s great in this Oscar nominated role, especially his facial expressions throughout. Ends with a famous line, that I won’t ruin, that culminates the film excellently. Supposedly one of the earliest films that told a sympathetic tale for convicted prisoners.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
3.10 out of 4stars
“After being mistaken for an actor, a New York thief is sent to Hollywood to train under a private eye for a potential movie role, but the duo are thrown together with a struggling actress into a murder mystery.”
A great neo noir black comedy that is very witty, very satirical, and features a well twisted crime story. Caught my eye when Kallio reviewed this within the last 6months and Shadow1, so I finally was able to give it a chance. I see where Kallio notes its possible faults, a lot of low-hanging fruit and not politically correct humor alongside a ton of Robert Downey Jr, but I also see why Shadow loved it. Its frenetic style and Robert Downey Jr playing to his overbearing strengths are not for everyone, but I enjoyed them after the film set itself up along with all the coincidental/situational humor and dialogue. Kilmer knocks his role out of the park almost effortlessly, as the gay detective with biting dialogue, and Monaghan is solid as the attractive ‘damsel in distress’. It’s frequently hilarious, and the film as a whole is kind of funny in an odd way. It’s at times childish and coarse and does try a little too hard sometimes, but it's far from stupid with most notably a quality mystery written/played-out at its core and multi-genre/topic satirizing hitting targets left and right. This should be infectiously fun and funny for anyone with an open mind and wide sense of humor.
The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh (1971)
3.10 out of 4stars
“In Vienna, an unfaithful diplomat’s wife finds herself hunted by a razor-wielding maniac.”
A great giallo horror that is erotic, suspenseful, and thrilling. Starting off with a Freud quote about bloodlust being in human nature, it paints a picture off the bat about what to expect: our female protagonist’s nympho and sadomasochistic past and thoughts alongside her external relationships and killer problem. Above average in mostly all giallo elements across the board. More noteworthy things include dream sequences/flashbacks, Fenech for both her appearance and acting, and the very eerie repeated use of a vocal noise over organ backdrop during tense or shocking sequences. Springs all the right emotions with its mix of paranoia, obsession, stalkery, mystery, murder, and sensuality. And finishes with a great ending. As Pranzo puts it “a fun film with twist after twist”. Ranked 8th overall in Pranzo’s gialli thread.
Chili
Where's the Walrus?
- Jun 10, 2004
- 8,892
- 5,105
The Rules of the Game (La Règle du Jeu)-1939 (Subtitles)
A wealthy group meets at a country estate for a party and fun. The opening shot is impressive, a Charles Lindbergh type pilot arriving after a long succesful flight to a throng of media and well wishers. The early part of the film seemed like a remake of Grand Hotel with a mix of lovers, friends and the Marquis' staff but the story gets serious later on. The film came out just as WWII was brewing in Europe and there is alot of symbolism. Bugs Bunny & friends would have to shield their eyes in the hunting scene. The director Jean Renoir also plays one of the lead roles. Loved the use of sound. A thought provoking film.
Up the River-1930
'I'd like a cell with windas and southern exposure'
Some funny stuff from three legends of film, early in their careers. Spencer Tracy seems to have a get out of jail free card that he uses when needed, a young looking pal (Humphrey Bogart) who has taken a fancy to a new girl inmate on their side of the prison &directed by John Ford in one of his early talking films, his only one with Bogart. Hokey but some good fun, the trick would be to find a quality print which may no longer exist (sadly a number of splices in the copy I watched). Was still worthwhile, splices and all to see Tracy & Bogart's only film together.
Inherit the Wind-1960
“He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind” (Proverbs 11:29).
Creation vs Evolution on trial, with two prime actors on opposite sides. From a play based on a real case of a teacher being charged with teaching his students Darwin's theory. Beyond the subject, well worth watching as Spencer Tracy & Frederic March passionately confront each other. What an era for courtroom films (Twelve Angry Men, Witness for the Prosecution, Judgement at Nuremberg, Anatomy of a Murder, To Kill a Mockingbird....). Powerful drama.
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Unholy Diver
Registered User
Renfield - 7.5/10
I love Nic Cage, and he gave a very Nic Cagey performance, Hoult and Awkwafina were fine also, lots of fun ridiculous action sequences and buckets of blood
I love Nic Cage, and he gave a very Nic Cagey performance, Hoult and Awkwafina were fine also, lots of fun ridiculous action sequences and buckets of blood
Watched
Ring: Kanzenban (1995)
Ring (1998)
Spiral (1998)
Ring 2 (1999)
The Ring Virus (1999)
Honestly only 2 of those are pure horror movies the ring 1998 and ring 2 1999.
Kanzenban is just a mystery thriller with barely anything scary at all
Spiral is also just medical thriller withouth anything scary.
and The Ring Virus felt more like mystery film although end of the movie had that scary scene. Struggling to decide whether to add it or not to my watched horror films list.
Oh well onto the next ring movies.
Ring: Kanzenban (1995)
Ring (1998)
Spiral (1998)
Ring 2 (1999)
The Ring Virus (1999)
Honestly only 2 of those are pure horror movies the ring 1998 and ring 2 1999.
Kanzenban is just a mystery thriller with barely anything scary at all
Spiral is also just medical thriller withouth anything scary.
and The Ring Virus felt more like mystery film although end of the movie had that scary scene. Struggling to decide whether to add it or not to my watched horror films list.
Oh well onto the next ring movies.
ItsFineImFine
Registered User
- Aug 11, 2019
- 3,770
- 2,429
Out of Sight (1998) - 7.5/10
Smooth Soderbergh film I'd argue is maybe better in parts than Ocean's 11. The climax isn't but it feels more believable and unpredictable in everything before that. George Clooney top of his game and Jennifer Lopez was apparently a decent actress. Some overusage of flashbacks and time jumping like in Soderbergh films but it works as a whole. I think this is becoming a forgotten 90s film because I rarely see it mentioned online but it's worth a watch anyways as something that holds up well and a reflection of sharp 90s/00s film-making.
Smooth Soderbergh film I'd argue is maybe better in parts than Ocean's 11. The climax isn't but it feels more believable and unpredictable in everything before that. George Clooney top of his game and Jennifer Lopez was apparently a decent actress. Some overusage of flashbacks and time jumping like in Soderbergh films but it works as a whole. I think this is becoming a forgotten 90s film because I rarely see it mentioned online but it's worth a watch anyways as something that holds up well and a reflection of sharp 90s/00s film-making.
Ah, this eases my confused mind considerably; plus I have learned a new word.
Air (2023) Directed by Ben Affleck 3A
Air is the ultimate "dad" movie.. Except for old white guys, I can't imagine who would want to see this movie. Why anyone younger would be interested in watching a two-hour hymn to Nike shoes and high-profit capitalism is beyond me? Sonny Vaccaro (a very paunchy Matt Damon) decides to go on a holy mission to sign the young Michael Jordan to what will become an epic shoe contract. He has to convince his quirky boss (Ben Affleck), skeptical fellow executive (Jason Bateman), and, most importantly, Jordan's shrewd mother (Viola Davis). That's the movie, folks. Affleck as director mucks around with busy camera movement for no reason and creates a lot of phone-call filler to pad the woefully thin story. Michael Jordan is air-breshed out of the movie despite being the story's reason for existence. What does it say about us as a society that Hollywood now is making movies about marketing schemes and selling them as entertainment? I can't decide whether that's the height of cynicism or stupidity. And yet again we have a movie about a black cultural icon populated almost exclusively by white people. Surely Affleck and Damon can come up with better, more worthy stories to tell than this vapid two-hour Nike infomercial.
A thought: perhaps people who like this movie should be called "Airheads."
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Rodgerwilco
Entertainment boards w/ some Hockey mixed in.
- Feb 6, 2014
- 8,190
- 7,793
This was my take-away from the film as well. I was really disappointed with them. They've teamed up for some really great movies, but this one just felt kind of beneath them.
Jussi
Registered User
Not saying anything about the quality/theme of the movie but the real life story gained more interest with The Last Dance documentary series and HBO series "Showtime" where it was glanced from Magic Johnson's career viewpoint. Magic admitted on the documentary series "Legacy - the LA Lakers story" that he was really pissed off about the choice he made in hindsight.
Air (2023) Directed by Ben Affleck 3A
Air is the ultimate "dad" movie.. Except for old white guys, I can't imagine who would want to see this movie. Why anyone younger would be interested in watching a two-hour hymn to Nike shoes and high-profit capitalism is beyond me? Sonny Vaccaro (a very paunchy Matt Damon) decides to go on a holy mission to sign the young Michael Jordan to what will become an epic shoe contract. He has to convince his quirky boss (Ben Affleck), skeptical fellow executive (Jason Bateman), and, most importantly, Jordan's shrewd mother (Viola Davis). That's the movie, folks. Affleck as director mucks around with busy camera movement for no reason and creates a lot of phone-call filler to pad the woefully thin story. Michael Jordan is air-breshed out of the movie despite being the story's reason for existence. What does it say about us as a society that Hollywood now is making movies about marketing schemes and selling them as entertainment? I can't decide whether that's the height of cynicism or stupidity. And yet again we have a movie about a black cultural icon populated almost exclusively by white people. Surely Affleck and Damon can come up with better, more worthy stories to tell than this vapid two-hour Nike infomercial.
A thought: perhaps people who like this movie should be called "Airheads."
Spring in Fialta
A malign star kept him
There's little more overrated than The Dark Knight trilogy in the 21st century.
KallioWeHardlyKnewYe
Hey! We won!
- May 30, 2003
- 15,813
- 3,891
Unholy Diver
Registered User
I saw a trailer for a movie about the creation of The Blackberry the other day before Renfield, so there could be worse, less worthy stories too
KallioWeHardlyKnewYe
Hey! We won!
- May 30, 2003
- 15,813
- 3,891
Spanglish. Fascinating movie in one sense — Tea Leoni gives a truly committed (and arguably good?) performance playing one of the most horribly written characters I've ever encountered in a movie. She plays a deeply unlikable, unsympathetic woman. This is a James L. Brooks dramedy and her character is of a clear and obvious lineage with previously "difficult" (and Oscar winning) characters played by Shirley MacLaine and Jack Nicholson. But here's the catch ... Brooks either forgot to or thinks he did bring her to some sort of turn or redemption, but he really doesn't. Not even close. The cards are so stacked against this character — every one else in the film from put-upon husband Adam Sandler to kind-hearted maid Paz Vega to the beatific children to the comic-relief-drunk Cloris Leachman — are positively saintly. It's a bad movie for many reasons even beyond what I'm rambling about here. But it's also a really WEIRD one given how left out to dry Leoni's character is. Brooks probably thinks there's an arc for her here, but damned if I saw it. Oh and Sandler makes an absolutely amazing looking sandwich in this. That's a positive.
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