Saturday, July 23, 2016

Weekend Open Thread

I like the loud beats and the shouting!

Happy weekend, everyone! Summer is back on track for a short time. Enjoy it!

Our Star Trek Beyond podcast will be out this week if you can wait a few days to talk about it. Until then, talk about anything you want.

96 comments:

  1. I liked Star Trek: Beyond mostly for the cast as usual. I was a tad worried the first few minutes by what looked like CG borrowed from the Hobbit, and there are some poorly edited action sequences especially early on where you can't tell what's happening, but aside from that it was fun. There's not much to the plot overall but that's better than the mess of Into Darkness. They still play on nostalgia in Beyond a bit, but with a more valid reason this time being the first Trek movie after the death of Nimoy, and it worked on me well enough that I've started watching all the movies with the original cast for the first time in many years.

    I haven't watched Lights Out yet but I fully intend on getting around to it. I did watch Dogfight though, which I'm ashamed to say was my first time seeing it. It's not like River Phoenix did a ton of movies, but this was just somehow under my radar until the other day when a series of events caused me to come across it. This same series of events also involved me ordering a movie on VHS despite not having owned a VCR since I made the switch to DVD's, but that's a longer story. Anyway Dogfight was wonderful which I'm sure doesn't come as a surprise to most of the people here who have probably already seen it at some point in the last 25 years. There's just such a great development of a relationship in this movie, which I could only follow up by watching Saturday Night Fever.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you saw Dogfight. I wrote anarticle about it for the site when I first started here. I love that movie!

      Delete
    2. Yeah, after I had watched it and spent some time thinking about it, I checked here to see who's written about Dogfight. I think my immediate reaction when seeing your headline was "Of course Adam Riske loves this movie" followed quickly by "I'm glad this beat out TMNT 2: Secret of the Ooze for his favorite movie of '91."

      Really liked your article.

      Delete
    3. I'm catching up on the original movies too. I watched The Voyage Home (4) this week, first time. I always thought the "whales" thing was a trekkie in joke. It was fun though. I've already seen 6, and still want to watch First Contact before the new one.

      Delete
  2. Peer pressure from Mr Elric kane just made me purchase "Things" 1989!
    I have a feeling it could be a bad one, and I had to import it so it wasent cheap, is anyone else out there crazy enough to of seen it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my fucking god, Dennis, I don't know if you're ready for that one or not. Brace yourself! It's one of my all-time favorites.

      Delete
    2. I'm all in, ordered it, it must have something special in it if its one of your all time favourites, and Elric kane loves it too

      Delete
    3. Things was one of the best "new to me movies" last year. It's a masterpiece!

      Delete
    4. I hope they accept returns Dennis.

      Delete
    5. Damn this one is really Polarizing, it could go either way?
      Any other views anyone?

      Delete
    6. I'll say this about Things, it's almost fun in the way We Wood films are fun, but I find nothing endearing about the actors. I watched it maybe 3 years ago after Red Letter Media did an episode on it, it's fun while you're watching it, but I never want to see it again.

      Delete
    7. Don't listen to them, Dennis! You're gonna love it. Elric, Chaybee and I all love it. What more do you need?

      Delete
    8. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    9. Cheers guys, I like the mixed reviews this gets, I'm kinda looking forward to it now, life would be boring if we all liked the same films, of it were up to me we would just talk about Xtro every weekend

      Delete
    10. BK on twitter, also bought the film because of Elric and BK hated it

      Delete
    11. I'll say this: your mileage may vary. Things is not an entry-level Bad Movie; it's Advanced Studies. Getting through it can be a challenge, but it's an infinitely rewarding one. :)

      Delete
  3. So it was just (like in the last few days, but I've just found out!!) announced at Comic-Con that the new Adam Wingard movie originally called 'The Woods' is actually a Blair Witch sequel and I've lost my shit a little bit. I was already pretty pumped for a new Wingard joint after how much I loved 'The Guest' and 'You're Next' but now I'm having a full-fan-freak-out. Is it just me or is this crazy exciting news?!?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sort of excited because of the creative team involved but so many parts of the trailer are just retreads of stuff from the original. It's early and it's a trailer and hopefully they've got some surprises up their sleeves, but the idea of a new Blair Witch movie isn't something that inherently excites me.

      Delete
    2. Same. I heard the news and was kinda looking forward to just an original Wingard movie and not a Blair Witch 3. I am hearing good things from some early screenings at comic con, so I'll remain neutrally optimistic.

      Delete
    3. I couldn't tell from the trailer. Parts looked like it, but there were definitely cinematic shots that were not found footage.

      Delete
    4. This is the craziest exciting/disappointing news I've heard in a long time - I'm completely torn.

      Delete
    5. Well, shit...impossible to avoid spoilers.

      Delete
    6. I think the fact that it wasn't spoiled until the moment the film-makers themselves wanted it to be should be seen as a minor miracle!!

      Delete
    7. Yeah. Fair enough. And since I read horror movie sites it was inevitable. I'm kind of bummed but still, I'll watch anything Wingard does.

      Delete
    8. Nothing could be less interesting to me than another Blair Witch movie, except for one directed by Wingard and written by Barrett. Still, right now I´m rather disappointed about this news.

      Delete
  4. Star Trek Beyond is really good. Loved the planet and the sets - so classic Star Trek. Also Sophie Boutelle needs to be in every action movie. Idris Elba really goes in too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Does anyone know what podcast/write up "The Book of Eli Effect" gets coined? It gets referenced in so many podcasts that I'd like to know the full back story if it's out there. I mean, who doesn't love a good origin story...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There used to be a glossary page that explained some of the running jokes. I believe it started in an "This year so far" or a "Underrated, overrated, and worst" podcast. If I remember correctly, Patrick and JB were talking about how many movies they were disappointed by in 2010, to the point that movies like Book of Eli (that were originally just "fine"), were starting to look better as the year progressed.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Patrick! I do believe I found the episode considering Denzel's face is right in the thumbnail. And yes, it's "Overrated, Underrated and Ugly Movies of 2010".

      Delete
  6. Two observations from this week:

    - I highly enjoyed Star Trek Beyond. It's well worth people's time.

    - Have you seen the new Wonder Woman poster that Gal Gadot tweeted out?! It's bad ass!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Quiet week compared to last week's titles.

    Most of my time was spent watching Stranger Things on Netflix. Really really enjoyed it. If you let the show take you for a ride it's one of the most enjoyable television experiences I've had in a while.

    As for movies this week, I watched:
    Lady Snowblood (Liked it), You Only Live Twice (Enjoyed parts of it, but didn't love it), On Her Majesty's Secret Service (bad first act, but the rest of the movie really redeems it).

    ReplyDelete
  8. I watched Sing Street this weekend... twice. I absolutely adore it. What a wonderful film.

    I found Star Trek: Beyond a frustrating dissapointment. I'm really curious for the podcast.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I decided to continue slogging through the Alien series and watched Alien vs Predator 2: Requiem. I should probably keep this to myself, by I quite enjoyed it. Sure, the characters are pretty 1D, but are there mostly to run around and get killed. Unlike the previous installment, AvsP, where the humans and Predator become BFF's, the predator in this one is hunting Aliens, but is quite happy to blast humans if they show up. There was much more of a sense of horror/dread throughout the movie, and I was enjoying the mayhem of the Aliens/Predator/humans all being stuck in close quarters. Creature effects were really well done too. Reading afterwards, there seemed to a lot of complaints that the lighting was too dark, but I found the darkness and rain added to the atmosphere.

    Now on to Prometheus, which I remember liking, but have heard so many people shit on since, it'll be nearly possible to go into with a clear mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't intend to give AvP2 such high praise!?! But there you have it. My expectations were low and I had a good time.😛

      Delete
    2. My Boyfriend has an insane soft spot for that movie, and he really likes Prometheus. You are not alone, though he does far a lot of mocking from me, but it is done with love.

      Delete
    3. Not that I am mocking you, we like what we like. I love the odd stuff everyone including what my BF likes. Just sometimes like teasing him about some of the odd script choices when we are watching it. Sorry just re-read that post and it sound really mean to you.

      Delete
    4. naw, that's okay. It wasn't a movie I loved, just one I enjoyed. I'm not going to die on a hill defending it, but I found it way better than the "rotten" critics gave it credit. Faint praise, I know.

      I wish I was more loving with my GF's choice of movies I absolutely hate...well not hate, but hate to have to sit through because they aren't for me.

      Delete
    5. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    6. I don't hate AVP: R, but my biggest issue with it is that the lighting is so dark I can't tell what's going on half the time. Other than that it's a fun, serviceable B-movie that we'd all probably like more if it didn't sully the names of two partially-beloved franchises.

      Delete
  10. I'd like to champion an indie Canadian film I watched called "The Interior". I loved it. It's not for everyone and might leave people frustrated but for a debut I thought it was beautifully shot, surprising at times and really had me thinking about what it was saying. Highly recommended.

    ON the flip side, I watched a debut indie called "Pink Zone" which couldn't have been more of the opposite. It was ugly, terribly acted and boring.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I watched the original Rocky, first time. What a great movie! I'm going to work through the series. I think the only one I've seen is 5.

    The Saturday Night Movie Sleepover podcast had a Rocky episode really worth checking out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had so much fun watching the whole franchise for the first time a couple years ago - enjoy - there's some maybe not great movies in there, but if you love Rocky, which you can't not after seeing the first one, you'll probably have a good time with all of them.

      Delete
    2. Report back when you've seen them, I'd be curious to know your thoughts as a first-timer. Especially on Rocky IV, which is not a good movie but it's a movie I deeply love, not despite its ridiculousness but because of it.

      Delete
    3. I was surprised as well by how much I enjoyed them. It was when Stallone finally clicked with me. And Mikko you are right with IV it's the ridiculousness that makes it work. It was something Heath Holland said when he was talking about Rocky III, you follow along with Stallone's career. By IV he's at his Cobra and Over the Top best.

      Delete
    4. Aside from Creed, my favorite sequel is still Rocky Balboa. Not sure what that says about me or where I am in my life, but there it is.

      Delete
  12. Oh, Darling! So glad I trusted in Patrick (and Chaybee) and gave this a go because I loved it. Especially LAC's performance - totally forgot she was in The Woman (meaning it's been too long since I watched that favourite), I kept thinking she was the best part of the first V/H/S; i.e. The Flying Date-Raper Eater, but I apparently not. Definitely get Patrick's review of this being a perfectly executed vision - it begs a rewatch and I'll be doing that soon - a Top 10'er of the Year for me so far.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It seemed like Patrick was waning on his affection for this movie but he shouldn't. It's terrific and Lauren Ashley Carter is unbelievable.

      Delete
    2. I'm not actually waning. I'm just worried it's not as good as I first thought and have been reluctant to revisit it because I don't want to find out that it's not. Glad to hear I don't need to be worried.

      Delete
    3. Just to play devil's advocate (since this place is just too damn positive :) ,) I really disliked Darling, and Carnage Park as well. I haven't seen Pod yet, but I just don't trust this Mickey Keating guy. His movies really seem like he's just trying to come across as cool and clever above all else, but he could just be so meta that he's flying over my head. There's almost no circumstance in which emulating Tarantino speaks favorably to me about a filmmaker, and ripping off the opening credits to Enter the Void is also a huge red flag for me (though honestly the only other people I've seen do that are Tara Subkoff and Kanye West.)

      Delete
    4. I'm only here to keep you carefree and full of whimsy!

      Delete
  13. Holy hell. The just-unveiled Wonder Woman Comic-Con 2016 Trailer looks phenomenal and the one thing Warner DC superhero movies haven't been in a long time: FUN! It looks and feels very "Captain America: The First Avenger," and that's not a bad superhero origin film to emulate. Call me cautiously optimistic this and "Spider-Man: Homecoming" will kick ass in 2017. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Except for the speed ramping, I loved that trailer. The Justice League one is pretty decent, too. Happy to see DC turning things around from the looks of it.

      Delete
    2. The trailers actually have fun and personality. I'm shocked! DC might actually be learning lessons. If Suicide Squad is good, I might have some faith in these.

      Delete
    3. Really loved when the theme kicked in at the end. Enough of the trailer worked for me to be excited.

      Delete
    4. Agreed on both of the trailers! They certainly have raised my spirits about the whole DC situation.

      Delete
    5. "I can't let you do this."
      "What I do is not up to you."

      I'm sure the internet is going to be JUST FINE with that.

      Delete
    6. @Rob that was easily my favorite moment in the trailer. Made me want to stand up and cheer even though I was watching it alone in my living room. Also, loved seeing the lasso in action.

      Delete
  14. I never like to complain, i don't see the point, shout out about what I love and keep quiet about what I don't is my thing, but last night I was genuinely let down
    I bought a limited edition Bluray Steelbook 2 disc version with a disc of extras paying top price for QT's The Hatefull 8, the best versioni could find, I like to support who I love, the bonus disc had two bonus features on it, a Behind the scenes featurette of the film and Sam Jackson's look at glorious 70mm, Wow, Steelbook, bluray, Double disc, Stunning artwork, nice looking extra features, I'm IN
    I have been saving the bonus disc for the right night, it was last night,
    The behind the scenes feature was 7 mins long, Sam's look at 70mm was 5 mins, and that was it, that was the total features of the bonus disc! I had planned a full evening to be immersed in the film watching the bonus disc with only 12 mins of extras, this has to be the the worst bonus disc ever? Was it even worth doing the extra disc?
    I'm used to Arrow and Scream factory and Callum Waddell and full length features, maybe its me? But I was really let down by this Double Disc Bluray, I paid top price for the best edition and I was really looking forward to watching, is Heath holland right? Had I built it up in my mind higher with Hype or am I right and we need more on the extra features front from expensive Bluray Double Disc editions? This is by far the worst extra disc I own
    Sorry for being negative. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You got the movie no? That's the best pat.

      Delete
    2. Yeah, the movie is fantastic, that is why I paid for the best version hoping for lots of behind the scenes stuff, I wanted to hear them chat about the famous Guitar accident, I just did not see the point of a two disc edition with hardly anything on the second disc

      Delete
  15. Yet still the nicest negative rant. I can understand why you would eb disappointed if you had an evening planned

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lindsay, I felt ripped off, when we buy double disc editions we expect a fuller second disc, more than 12 mins!
      It was like a scam, selling a double but with a blank second disc, am I over reacting? It must be the worst bonus disc I own, I can't think of any others with less

      Delete
    2. Of course you expect more, and I don'think you are over reacting at all. You were expected one thing bought it, and got well only 12 min

      Delete
    3. Well, Dennis, I think you just got swindled, unfortunately. The special features on your limited edition bluray are standard features on the single disc Region A version, but it looks like they weren't included on the Region B, for some reason, and some marketing genius touched on the idea of selling them as a whole separate disc; it seems more like one of those situations where a retailer will offer an 'exclusive' disc of dinky special features if you buy the movie from them instead of the other guy. You really paid for the packaging, which, truth be told, is pretty bad-ass packaging, man!

      Delete
    4. The packaging is superb, I agree, I'm gonna shut up now, I hate sounding negative, ESADD is on my level here, it a bit of a spin on selling, i was only a bit gutted because I was really looking forward to watching the bonus stuff, on a positive the film transferred from 70mm or 65 to be exact looks amazing on Blu, its gorgeous to watch

      Delete
  16. I usually don't post here, but I do listen to the podcast every week and I wanted to contribute my 2 cents this weekend.

    I just wanted to tell you that I saw Crimewave yesterday and it blew my mind. It's hilariously over the top and is just a joy to watch from start to finish. It's the Oscar of Sam Raimi's career, can't wait to pick it up from Scream Factory so I can rewatch it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes!! So cool to hear somebody say this! At twelve years of age, Raising Arizona was the turning point in my life that made me start treating movies like real serious business, and catching a late night showing of Crimewave on HBO (which I specifically made a special effort to stay up for, with the volume low my disapproving parents asleep only ten feet away from me) was my first step further into their filmography. I've had a special place in my heart for it ever since.

      Delete
    2. There are so many lines and moments I love in Crimewave. It might not add up to a cohesive whole but I really enjoy this movie. Take a last good look at God's sweet Earth mister, cause you'se about to meet the being what made it!

      Delete
    3. The dialogue is for sure great. Most of it is insane, but my favorite line/moment was when Vic tells Nancy that he knows he she can take care of herself, but taking care of eachother is the important thing. It is such a sweet line in such a crazy movie.

      Delete
  17. Good choice, you should watch Intruder next, not many movies where Sam raimi has a death scene, Intruder and Body bags are the only two I can think of, but Intruder wins for sure

    ReplyDelete
  18. I have seen Intruder actually, I think the deaths in that movie are spectacular (especially Raimi's), but overall the film feels kind of dry. I'll for sure watch Body Bags too at some point

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the description of Crimewave as Sam Raimi's Oscar. Very apt. The Blu-ray is interesting because it gets into how awful the experience was for Raimi -- he still doesn't really talk about or acknowledge the movie much because it was completely taken away from him (they wouldn't even let him cast Bruce Campbell as the lead like he wanted to).

      Another Raimi onscreen death: Thou Shall Not Kill...Except, a really entertaining action exploitation movie in which he plays a crazy cult leader. There's a really good Blu-ray of it available.

      And thanks for listening and commenting Sebastian! Stick with us!

      Delete
    2. Forgot about that one, excellent, yes Welcome to the party, come comment more often, you have good taste

      Delete
    3. Ps
      My favourite Raimi film after the Evil dead of course is A Simple Plan, I think its his best made film

      Delete
    4. I'm currently working my way through Sam Raimi's filmography so I will watch a Simple Plan soon enough. Maybe I will post my thoughts next weekend open thread.

      My favorite not Evil dead film so far is probably Crimewave, but I really need to rewatch Spiderman before I can say for sure.

      Delete
  19. I'm watching Tony Robbins I Am Not Your Guru on Netflix. It's powerful but also sort of making me feel icky.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I just read an article about Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (what an awful title) and in the article it mentions "Ambitiously planned to potentially span six films..." WHAT?! Warner Brothers is insane! Is anyone excited for this movie? I feel like no one cares but could be wrong and WB's track record as of late is to constantly keep shooting themselves in the foot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It just reminds me of Fuqua's King Arthur and First Knight. 35 years later and nobody has done a better adaptation of King Arthur than Excalibur.

      Delete
    2. I actually think the trailer looks like tons of fun, but now I'm afraid it's going to be franchise/universe building trash.

      Delete
    3. The trailer will change your mind. It still might not be a great movie but the trailer is pretty sweet.

      Delete
  21. This is the best song ever, it gets better the more I listen to it
    It for all us growing up and being a Horror kid, Friday the 13th homage
    Here comes Jason, Here comes Jason
    Give it a try, I love it

    https://youtu.be/qG8iAtpavK4

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was a really well done vid. Thanks for sharing, Dennis.

      Delete
    2. You are that kid Chaybee, I am that kid, we all were that kid, the song gets better and better the more I listen

      Delete
    3. I actually meant to bring that up too - I was late listening to the Shockwaves podcast that mentioned it so just watched it last week and man, I love it. Jon Lajoie is a Canadian and I've followed his work for quite awhile but this is next level stuff for him. Really captured a feeling there and the kid is pretty great - has totally made me reconsider how open I'll be to my own kid watching horror movies as young as I did. I'd like to spare him the knowledge that you can get stabbed to death in the eyes with hedgeclippers for as long as possible.

      For a chuckle, I'd also recommend some of his early stuff like "Regular Everyday Normal Guy", "Show Me Your Genitals", "High as F***" and the Chatroulette song to name a few.

      Delete
    4. I heard them talking about it but I never checked it out. It's fantastic. The song is just fucking great and the video is perfect. Part 5 keeps movin' up the ladder...

      Delete
  22. I highly doubt anyone else here is watching this show, but I'm in the middle of Grace & Frankie Season2 with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston. This show is amazing for so many reasons. I learned that women in their 70s still masturbate? And that can be a problem when they have arthritis? I realized I know almost nothing about old people. I like that this show is about people who are having to relearn how to live when they already have a lifetime of being the same. I can't help feeling so much is on the line for Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin here, and every vulnerable and embarrassing scene- many to do with their age, appearances and being female - has a lot going on under the surface. I'm not a fan of character development confined to this episodic format, and almost all the subplots are trash just like in any sitcom, but like I said, there seems to be so much going on and at stake in the intimate scenes - because these are people, with limited options, reflecting on their pasts from the other side of the hill, and their nearly lifelong marriages- that I respect what it's doing, a lot. I have not one wrinkle yet and I'm worried about that first inevitable one. These women are in their 70s! I just have so much compassion and respect for Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin doing this. They're so brave. Plus the show is best- and it knows it- when it focuses on the women's friendship and acknowledges that they both have to change in order to live harmoniously without relying on romance, even in their 70s. It's not like the Golden Girls (which I loved but it never dealt with real issues), or Friends, which was written by the same writers. It's doing something different, in my opinion anyway. Respect, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly just WATCHING female actors in their 70s...feels amazing.

      Delete
  23. Watched my first movie that I think I've ever seen from Thailand called
    Dorm (2006). It's about a young kid who gets brought to a boarding school. It starts off with the kids telling ghost stories about the place. There is some creepy imagery and some genuine scares. After a little while it switches into almost a different movie. I gotta say that I loved this movie. It wasn't what I thought it was but it didn't matter. It really got to me. The kids were amazing, especially the lead. Asian horror is one of my weakest sub genres but to me, it's one of the better ones I've seen. I blind bought it and I'm glad I did.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Catching up on some movies I think I saw a ton of shit this weekend...or I just wasn´t in the right mood.
    Entourage - Never saw the series but the movie was pretty bad and unfunny. And don´t get me started with it´s view on women.
    Pain and Gain - Right up the same alley. Dwayne Johnson was fun but everything else was exactly as bad as I expected from Michael Bay. His view on women is well known...
    Big Game - lots of interesting actors in a pretty dumb movie, although the action was ok.
    A field in England - Strange Ben Wheatley movie, interesting but ultimately not really satisfying.
    Robot Overlords - Well, it was fine but sadly only half as funny as "Grabbers" from the same director.
    Best of all was The F-Word aka What if, starring Daniel Radciffe and Zoe Kazan. That was sweet, entertaining and very well played. So the movie I was least interested in surprised me with being the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael GiammarinoJuly 25, 2016 at 8:43 PM

      Which one surprised you, because it sounds like you were meh on all of them.

      Delete
  25. Closed out my weekend by watching Batman: The Killing Joke. It's odd in that a large chunk of the beginning is completely new material focusing heavily on Batgirl and then the rest is a fairly faithful adaptation of The Killing Joke. The new material didn't really work for me and the rest of it just made me want to reread the graphic novel instead.

    ReplyDelete