Into The Wild
Very good
quote:Originally posted by patespo1:quote:Originally posted by Redhawk:quote:Originally posted by patespo1:quote:Originally posted by Redhawk:
I just returned from viewing The Force Awakens. Although I have been an avid fan of the Star Wars universe, I wasn't terribly thrilled with this one.
Would like to discuss with you via eamil. Had a few minor quibbles but otherwise thought it was very good. Interested to hear your thoughts
email sent. did you get it?
Yeah Red, figured I would give you a few days to recover from the Bama game
Response coming today
It will be a while before I recover from that game.
quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
Into The Wild
Leonard Knight dies two years ago. His Salvation Mountain remains one of the great works of large scale folk art in the US.
Far From the Madding Crowd
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
Into The Wild
Leonard Knight dies two years ago. His Salvation Mountain remains one of the great works of large scale folk art in the US.
Agreed. I am thankful to have met him on a visit there about ten years ago.
And, agree with you WIML. I love this film--more than the book--and LOVE the haunting soundtrack.
quote:Originally posted by indybob:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
Into The Wild
Leonard Knight dies two years ago. His Salvation Mountain remains one of the great works of large scale folk art in the US.
Agreed. I am thankful to have met him on a visit there about ten years ago.
And, agree with you WIML. I love this film--more than the book--and LOVE the haunting soundtrack.
We have a 30 minute video of him giving me, my wife, and at the time 13 year old, getting a tour. He also gave my daughter a miniature model mountain/pen holder he made.
Darling
The Poet of Havana
The Poet of Havana
quote:Originally posted by Redhawk:quote:Originally posted by patespo1:quote:Originally posted by Redhawk:
I just returned from viewing The Force Awakens. Although I have been an avid fan of the Star Wars universe, I wasn't terribly thrilled with this one.
Would like to discuss with you via eamil. Had a few minor quibbles but otherwise thought it was very good. Interested to hear your thoughts
email sent. did you get it?
Saw it today. Super sucks.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
Muscle Shoals
Good documentary. Really enjoyed it.
A must see for Seaquam.
Saw it last night. We loved it, just as we've really enjoyed Wrecking Crew, 20 Feet from Stardom, Standing in the Shadows of Motown, and a couple of others in that genre.I love learning about the stories behind the stories behind the music I was weaned on.
quote:Originally posted by Jcocktosten:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:
A Fistful of Dollars
For a Few Dollars More
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Once Upon a Time in the West
Reaffirmed my belief that as much fun as GBU is, Once is his masterpiece. And don't mention "...in America."
Agree with this entirely. Once Upon a Time in the West is a brilliant movie. The score and use of the score is exceptional
Different director, but I also like Hang 'Em High in a similar vein, and especially like the rest of the cast.
quote:Originally posted by Seaquam:quote:Originally posted by Jcocktosten:quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:
A Fistful of Dollars
For a Few Dollars More
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Once Upon a Time in the West
Reaffirmed my belief that as much fun as GBU is, Once is his masterpiece. And don't mention "...in America."
Agree with this entirely. Once Upon a Time in the West is a brilliant movie. The score and use of the score is exceptional
Different director, but I also like Hang 'Em High in a similar vein, and especially like the rest of the cast.
He was also in a movie about a professional baker who comes to a town in the old west. It's called High Plains Sifter.
Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me. A moving tribute to a legendary musician. I'm not a country fan in general but the country songs I do like are all Glen's.
I think his "Gentle on my Mind" is one of the greatest.
quote:Originally posted by Board-O:
I think his "Gentle on my Mind" is one of the greatest.
Written by the great John Hartford. I saw him -- Hartford not Campbell -- and the Earl of Old Town in Chicago and he was very entertaining.
And So It Goes
Average at best.
Average at best.
quote:Originally posted by Javachip:
Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me. A moving tribute to a legendary musician. I'm not a country fan in general but the country songs I do like are all Glen's.
I really enjoyed this movie too. It was shown at the documentary film festival in my home town of Hot Springs, AR. Of course, I'm a big fan of his and not just because he is from my home state. The film was very touching.
Oslo, 31 August
Wonderful. Heartbreaking .
Wonderful. Heartbreaking .
The Trip to Italy
I enjoyed it. Mostly back and forth comedy between Coogan & Brydon. However, what got me was the setting. They basically have 6 dinners throughout Italy starting in Piedmont then Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri. Lots of places many here have seen and even dined including myself. First place they dined at was Trattoria della Posta in Montfort d'Alba. I recognized it instantly. I'm sure several here have dined there.
Currently streaming on Netflix.
I enjoyed it. Mostly back and forth comedy between Coogan & Brydon. However, what got me was the setting. They basically have 6 dinners throughout Italy starting in Piedmont then Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri. Lots of places many here have seen and even dined including myself. First place they dined at was Trattoria della Posta in Montfort d'Alba. I recognized it instantly. I'm sure several here have dined there.
Currently streaming on Netflix.
quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
The Trip to Italy
I enjoyed it. Mostly back and forth comedy between Coogan & Brydon. However, what got me was the setting. They basically have 6 dinners throughout Italy starting in Piedmont then Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri. Lots of places many here have seen and even dined including myself. First place they dined at was Trattoria della Posta in Montfort d'Alba. I recognized it instantly. I'm sure several here have dined there.
Currently streaming on Netflix.
Did you see The Trip (the one that takes place in England)? Predecessor to this
quote:Originally posted by Jcocktosten:quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
The Trip to Italy
I enjoyed it. Mostly back and forth comedy between Coogan & Brydon. However, what got me was the setting. They basically have 6 dinners throughout Italy starting in Piedmont then Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri. Lots of places many here have seen and even dined including myself. First place they dined at was Trattoria della Posta in Montfort d'Alba. I recognized it instantly. I'm sure several here have dined there.
Currently streaming on Netflix.
Did you see The Trip (the one that takes place in England)? Predecessor to this
And much better and less scripted than the Italy one. Also more emphasis on the food. And of course has the wonderful Michael Caine-off Blow the Bloody Doors Off
quote:Originally posted by Jcocktosten:quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
The Trip to Italy
I enjoyed it. Mostly back and forth comedy between Coogan & Brydon. However, what got me was the setting. They basically have 6 dinners throughout Italy starting in Piedmont then Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri. Lots of places many here have seen and even dined including myself. First place they dined at was Trattoria della Posta in Montfort d'Alba. I recognized it instantly. I'm sure several here have dined there.
Currently streaming on Netflix.
Did you see The Trip (the one that takes place in England)? Predecessor to this
Yes. I sure did. I enjoyed it a little more.
The Big Short
Quite enjoyed this film. The story is fascinating, and it is told well (if not in a quirky way). The acting is terrific, with Christian Bale knocking it out of the park with a great performance and Steve Carrel and Jeremy Strong put is strong performances as well.
Quite enjoyed this film. The story is fascinating, and it is told well (if not in a quirky way). The acting is terrific, with Christian Bale knocking it out of the park with a great performance and Steve Carrel and Jeremy Strong put is strong performances as well.
quote:Originally posted by Jcocktosten:quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
The Trip to Italy
I enjoyed it. Mostly back and forth comedy between Coogan & Brydon. However, what got me was the setting. They basically have 6 dinners throughout Italy starting in Piedmont then Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri. Lots of places many here have seen and even dined including myself. First place they dined at was Trattoria della Posta in Montfort d'Alba. I recognized it instantly. I'm sure several here have dined there.
Currently streaming on Netflix.
Did you see The Trip (the one that takes place in England)? Predecessor to this
Seen both, and while I think the first one was funnier, I really enjoyed the food and settings of the Italian trip. Never been to Italy, but that movie is a great travelogue.
quote:Originally posted by mneeley490:
Seen both, and while I think the first one was funnier, I really enjoyed the food and settings of the Italian trip. Never been to Italy, but that movie is a great travelogue.
Ah, but have you seen the best? The Trip
quote:Originally posted by mneeley490:quote:Originally posted by Jcocktosten:quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
The Trip to Italy
I enjoyed it. Mostly back and forth comedy between Coogan & Brydon. However, what got me was the setting. They basically have 6 dinners throughout Italy starting in Piedmont then Liguria, Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi and Capri. Lots of places many here have seen and even dined including myself. First place they dined at was Trattoria della Posta in Montfort d'Alba. I recognized it instantly. I'm sure several here have dined there.
Currently streaming on Netflix.
Did you see The Trip (the one that takes place in England)? Predecessor to this
Seen both, and while I think the first one was funnier, I really enjoyed the food and settings of the Italian trip. Never been to Italy, but that movie is a great travelogue.
I saw both on an airplane. While I would agree the first was a little better, I enjoyed the second film more based in Italy for the very reasons WIML stated. I have been to Italy numerous times and it brought back fond memories including places we have visited and enjoyed greatly.
Star Wars - The Force Awakens
Shocked at how derivative this was. It also felt like a Marvel comics origin movie. I am optimistic that some good movies will be made with all the planned sequels and spinoffs but hope they don't get lazy.
Shocked at how derivative this was. It also felt like a Marvel comics origin movie. I am optimistic that some good movies will be made with all the planned sequels and spinoffs but hope they don't get lazy.
Pumping Iron
Reminds me of the good old days when I was pumping iron at Gold's Gym twice a day.
Reminds me of the good old days when I was pumping iron at Gold's Gym twice a day.
Here are a few short reviews, I'll post a few more tomorrow, most likely.
Spotlight A great film with a critical flaw. The film is about the Boston Globe's investigation into the priest abuse scandal 15 years ago. It is the only film I can think of comparable to All the President's Men in terms of its energy and intrigue with regards to long-term print journalism where we already know how the story will end.
The portrayal of Boston is also dynamite. The supporting performances, most notably by Paul Guilfoyle, who's face you've probably seen a million times without knowing his name, were exceptional. Of the more lead performances I particularly like Liev Sheiber's. I don't generally enjoy his performances as I often find an underlying malice or creepiness to them -- even if none is intended. Here, that did not happen and he plays a capable out-of-town Jew in a sea of home town Catholics with a deft touch.
Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci and Michael Keaton -- all actors I already adored -- were brilliant.
Alas, there was a cracked egg in the basket. And, it was distracting. It isn't that Mark Ruffalo didn't do a good job acting. He played it as an actOr; in a melodrama. And he is good. A mannered performance of a neurotic. But he isn't Daniel Day-Lewis good and he didn't fully inhabit the character as he set out to play him. The slight hunch changes a centimeter scene-to-scene. The quiver in the upper-right lip is just slightly different as well... But all of this could be overlooked; as I said, Ruffalo is a good actor. But, the performance was so different from the straight and lived-in performances of the rest of the cast that it was completely jarring. I'm not certain if Ruffalo didn't know that this was a film about investigative journalism and thought it was a film about the abuse, itself. But it was as if John Travolta playing Vincent Vega walked onto the screen during a Merchant-Ivory film. Or as if halfway through a John Eliot Gardiner original instrument concert of the Brandenburg concertos, Pavarotti leaped onto the stage and started singing Puccini. And the director has to take some of the blame -- he should have seen what was going on.
This film had the potential to be the easy best film of the year. I'm upset that one performance took me so far out of it.
B+
Brooklyn A little too slow, but heartwarming in a way that only Nick Hornby (screenplay) and *maybe* Richard Curtis (not involved) are currently writing for the screen.
I've never seen the main boy in the film before. But he reminded me of a younger, less ominous/rape-y, Mickey Rourke circa Diner.
The official film running time is 111 minutes. If you figure 4 minutes of end credits, that makes 107 minutes of true film. So of those 107 minuites, Saoirse Ronan is on the screen for about 106 of them. And she's perfect.
The film is exactly what you think it is, with the conflict exactly what you think it is going to be -- and if there is any doubt, it becomes obvious about 2 minutes into the film. But, it is lovely. The supporting cast are all great, especially the co-boarding girls.
I didn't *love* this film, but I think it is EXACTLY the film it was trying to be -- and for that it deserves serious recognition.
B+
The Big Short There is a TERRIFIC film with Steve Carell as the main character buried somewhere in this thing. THAT film is a character-based film. It is funny and gut wrenching -- making the audience at once livid over the outrages leading up to the financial crash of 2008 and also rooting for the main character to profit from it. That film is honest and tender and shows a complicated and bright man struggling with unfairness of the world and his own unhealthy relationship with money and excess.
I wouldn't have even minded the cutaways to Margot Robbie and Selena Gomez if that was all the "Ooooo... look at me!" nonsense of the film. They're hot and they did help explain stuff.
But the constant cutaways became the basis for the film. Pop culture and self-awareness ruled. (eg. Brad Pitt's back is deliberately towards the camera for the first minute he is on screen just so there can be a "reveal".)
I became upset watching this film because I wanted to watch the awesome Steve Carell film and every time I thought it was letting me, it just cut away. Still, there is an awesome Steve Carell film in there.
Also, Jeremy Strong was excellent.
B-/B
I am watching films in overdrive right now, having not done my traditional viewing earlier in the year, but I gotta say right now, I might actually give film of the year to the completely un-nomminated Mistress America. That or Spotlight. Hopefully one of the remaining few films I catch this weekend will supplant them.
Spotlight A great film with a critical flaw. The film is about the Boston Globe's investigation into the priest abuse scandal 15 years ago. It is the only film I can think of comparable to All the President's Men in terms of its energy and intrigue with regards to long-term print journalism where we already know how the story will end.
The portrayal of Boston is also dynamite. The supporting performances, most notably by Paul Guilfoyle, who's face you've probably seen a million times without knowing his name, were exceptional. Of the more lead performances I particularly like Liev Sheiber's. I don't generally enjoy his performances as I often find an underlying malice or creepiness to them -- even if none is intended. Here, that did not happen and he plays a capable out-of-town Jew in a sea of home town Catholics with a deft touch.
Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci and Michael Keaton -- all actors I already adored -- were brilliant.
Alas, there was a cracked egg in the basket. And, it was distracting. It isn't that Mark Ruffalo didn't do a good job acting. He played it as an actOr; in a melodrama. And he is good. A mannered performance of a neurotic. But he isn't Daniel Day-Lewis good and he didn't fully inhabit the character as he set out to play him. The slight hunch changes a centimeter scene-to-scene. The quiver in the upper-right lip is just slightly different as well... But all of this could be overlooked; as I said, Ruffalo is a good actor. But, the performance was so different from the straight and lived-in performances of the rest of the cast that it was completely jarring. I'm not certain if Ruffalo didn't know that this was a film about investigative journalism and thought it was a film about the abuse, itself. But it was as if John Travolta playing Vincent Vega walked onto the screen during a Merchant-Ivory film. Or as if halfway through a John Eliot Gardiner original instrument concert of the Brandenburg concertos, Pavarotti leaped onto the stage and started singing Puccini. And the director has to take some of the blame -- he should have seen what was going on.
This film had the potential to be the easy best film of the year. I'm upset that one performance took me so far out of it.
B+
Brooklyn A little too slow, but heartwarming in a way that only Nick Hornby (screenplay) and *maybe* Richard Curtis (not involved) are currently writing for the screen.
I've never seen the main boy in the film before. But he reminded me of a younger, less ominous/rape-y, Mickey Rourke circa Diner.
The official film running time is 111 minutes. If you figure 4 minutes of end credits, that makes 107 minutes of true film. So of those 107 minuites, Saoirse Ronan is on the screen for about 106 of them. And she's perfect.
The film is exactly what you think it is, with the conflict exactly what you think it is going to be -- and if there is any doubt, it becomes obvious about 2 minutes into the film. But, it is lovely. The supporting cast are all great, especially the co-boarding girls.
I didn't *love* this film, but I think it is EXACTLY the film it was trying to be -- and for that it deserves serious recognition.
B+
The Big Short There is a TERRIFIC film with Steve Carell as the main character buried somewhere in this thing. THAT film is a character-based film. It is funny and gut wrenching -- making the audience at once livid over the outrages leading up to the financial crash of 2008 and also rooting for the main character to profit from it. That film is honest and tender and shows a complicated and bright man struggling with unfairness of the world and his own unhealthy relationship with money and excess.
I wouldn't have even minded the cutaways to Margot Robbie and Selena Gomez if that was all the "Ooooo... look at me!" nonsense of the film. They're hot and they did help explain stuff.
But the constant cutaways became the basis for the film. Pop culture and self-awareness ruled. (eg. Brad Pitt's back is deliberately towards the camera for the first minute he is on screen just so there can be a "reveal".)
I became upset watching this film because I wanted to watch the awesome Steve Carell film and every time I thought it was letting me, it just cut away. Still, there is an awesome Steve Carell film in there.
Also, Jeremy Strong was excellent.
B-/B
I am watching films in overdrive right now, having not done my traditional viewing earlier in the year, but I gotta say right now, I might actually give film of the year to the completely un-nomminated Mistress America. That or Spotlight. Hopefully one of the remaining few films I catch this weekend will supplant them.
quote:Originally posted by winetarelli:
I gotta say right now, I might actually give film of the year to the completely un-nomminated Mistress America. That or Spotlight. Hopefully one of the remaining few films I catch this weekend will supplant them.
Hoping to see Mistress America tonight. Felt the same as you about The Big Short.
Last night we saw Sicario. Not sure what the point of it was, except to come away with the not so revelatory realization that nasty, above the law sh*t happens on both sides, but the CIA & special ops dudes are just more righteous about their justifications. The film was full of sound and fury...
Ran
Don't think I had ever managed to sit through this completely before. Beautifully filmed, but I kept expecting Godzilla to show up.
Smile
Nassty, politically incorrect, satire with a nubile Melanie Griffith. What's not to like?
Don't think I had ever managed to sit through this completely before. Beautifully filmed, but I kept expecting Godzilla to show up.
Smile
Nassty, politically incorrect, satire with a nubile Melanie Griffith. What's not to like?
quote:Originally posted by steve8:
Ran
Don't think I had ever managed to sit through this completely before. Beautifully filmed, but I kept expecting Godzilla to show up.
I don't get this. Because it was in feudal Japan?
Smile
Nassty, politically incorrect, satire with a nubile Melanie Griffith. What's not to like?
First (and one of only two) movies I ever walked out on.
quote:Originally posted by The Old Man:
I don't get this. Because it was in feudal Japan?
Something like that. I just found it hard to take seriously at times, especially since it is so highly thought of. The father looked like a made up Johnny Depp.
First (and one of only two) movies I ever walked out on.
Had I paid for it I probably would have been upset too. Definitely not worth seeking out, but there were a couple of chuckles at the expense of certain groups. Little Miss Sunshine did it better 30+ years later.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E
Total waste of time. Guy Ritchie's worst movie.
Casting, plot, acting, we're all subpar.
Total waste of time. Guy Ritchie's worst movie.
Casting, plot, acting, we're all subpar.
quote:Originally posted by winetarelli:
Spotlight A great film with a critical flaw.
It isn't that Mark Ruffalo didn't do a good job acting. He played it as an actOr; in a melodrama. And he is good. A mannered performance of a neurotic. But he isn't Daniel Day-Lewis good and he didn't fully inhabit the character as he set out to play him. The slight hunch changes a centimeter scene-to-scene. The quiver in the upper-right lip is just slightly different as well... But all of this could be overlooked; as I said, Ruffalo is a good actor. But, the performance was so different from the straight and lived-in performances of the rest of the cast that it was completely jarring. I'm not certain if Ruffalo didn't know that this was a film about investigative journalism and thought it was a film about the abuse, itself. But it was as if John Travolta playing Vincent Vega walked onto the screen during a Merchant-Ivory film. Or as if halfway through a John Eliot Gardiner original instrument concert of the Brandenburg concertos, Pavarotti leaped onto the stage and started singing Puccini. And the director has to take some of the blame -- he should have seen what was going on.
We saw Spotlight a couple of nights ago, and were very impressed. We didn't go to a lot of movies over this last year, but this was the best one we saw.
I thought Ruffalo's performance was stellar, and that his role was the standout performance in an excellent cast. He's a bit more neurotic than his teammates in the investigation, and I thought he played that brilliantly. I don't want to provide a spoiler, but I got the impression that there could have been something dark in the character's past that led to his slightly off-beat behaviour. I found the performance realistic and powerful.
Different strokes, huh?
quote:Originally posted by DoktaP:
The Man from U.N.C.L.E
Total waste of time. Guy Ritchie's worst movie.
That would take some doing since he was responsible for Swept Away.
About Elly
Excellent.
Excellent.
quote:Originally posted by DoktaP:
The Man from U.N.C.L.E
Total waste of time. Guy Ritchie's worst movie.
Casting, plot, acting, we're all subpar.
Harsh!
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
About Elly
Excellent.
I see it is on Netflix streaming. I've added it to my watch list.
Frozen
Cute. Wish I had some grandchildren to watch it with me.
Cute. Wish I had some grandchildren to watch it with me.
quote:Originally posted by wineismylife:
Frozen
Cute. Wish I had some grandchildren to watch it with me.
I guess I know which Frozen you're talking about!