A heads up: Texas Chainsaw 2 is on Amazon Prime as of this week, in case anyone (like me) couldn't snag a copy to enjoy Patrick's commentary. Eaten Alive is also on there, for more Tobe Hooper goodness.
Saw A Quiet Place last night. It's good, I think everyone should see it. It is, however, very contrived. To a point where it hindered my enjoyment a little. Part of that is it's still very hard to take John Krakinski serious as a dramatic actor. Especially when he's sssslllloooowwwwllllyyyy telling someone to sush.
I also watched Teen Wolf for the first time. Charming, but it's a comedy that didn't make me laugh once. If anything, it taught me the importance of slowing your offense down to protect a lead.
Also watched Justice League this morning, for the sole purpose of listening to Redlettermedia's commentary. It's bad, truly very bad. Even with an enjoyable commentary track.
Really liked A Quiet Place. Super intense. The fact that I loved the way it was executed and really cared for the characters made me less annoyed with the CGI. Not saying it was done badly, quite the opposite, I just don't really like CGI creatures most of the time. Highly recommend seeing this in the theater.
Yeah the monsters were really well designed, but maybe got a little too much time in bright light. I'll be interested to know how much practical creature work here was. I think Krakinski did a really amazing job as a director, I hope he continues to challenge himself with movies like this, even if I wasn't totally engaged by it.
I don't know Krasinski's background in regards to if he loves Horror flicks, but I was really surprised that he nailed a lot of what is good about the genre and I felt like he restrained himself from falling into cliche aesthetic decisions that the genre is littered with.
From what I've read, he's not especially a horror guy, which is why I'm delighted that he was able to make something so precise. It honestly felt like something made by an experienced horror veteran like Ti West. He may not do a horror film next, but I'll be interested in whatever it is.
Watched "Lowlife" last night on Patrick's recommendation. I'm a huge fan of ambitious directorial debuts ("Too Late" comes to mind as it was my fav film of 2016) and this one was really good. The comparisons to "Pulp Fiction" are unfounded, however. Only the structure, chapter cards and *perhaps* the music felt a little similar, but I can think of numerous films that have done the same such as "Kill List" and "Scalene" to name a couple. It felt more to me like "Way of the Gun" or "U-Turn" or "Place Beyond the Pines" more than "Pulp Fiction". It even reminded me a little bit of "I don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore" (my 2nd fav film of last year) in it's pace and defined characters, though not as fun, funny or entertaining. Still, everyone was great it in though and I really enjoyed the film. Thanks for the heads up, Patrick.
Also watched "Hurricane Heist" and, man, was that something! :P
I thought A QUIET PLACE was pretty amazing. I've always been a fan of John Krasinski and I'm so happy to see him become a truly exciting voice in filmmaking. I had no difficultly taking him seriously, he and the entire cast gave terrific performances. Especially Emily Blunt. God, she's the best.
BLOCKERS is fun and sweet. A good choice if you need a date movie, otherwise I'd rent it. It's good enough!
Only saw four movies this week. Two of them weren't very good and the other two were Brosnan Bonds. So what I'm saying is, none of them was very good.
The one worth mentioning is The Similars, a Mexican horror/scifi/thriller from 2015. It's trying its hardest to be an extended Twilight Zone episode, but does very little with the runtime. Maybe it would've worked better as a 25 minute short. When things start getting weird, the simple effect is freaky and effective, but then the story doesn't really go anywhere and the ending is a big fat letdown. And the look of the film doesn't help, the picture has been artificially "aged" to match the 1960's setting, but it just looks like a cheap Instagram filter. So some good and a lot of bad there, I guess.
On the other hand, Tomorrow Never Dies and The World Is Not Enough, while by no means good, are easy to watch. I'm always in the mood for almost any Bond. I'm easy to please, I guess.
Dreamgirls: my girlfriend said I would like it, my girlfriend was wrong. I won't say I hated it, but it was easily forgettable.
Disco Godfather: got on a bit if blacksploitation kick as of late and this features Julius J. Carry III (Sho'nuff) in his debut feature. Awfully cheesy but loads of fun.
Black Belt Jones: Jim Kelly of Enter the Dragon Fame in an even more campy blacksploitation film than Disco Godfather. Ends in what felt like a half hour fight in soap. Skippable.
La Femme Nakita: excellent action film with tons of characterization and a great female lead.
Reign of Fire: was looking for fun action, I got it in places, nothing special.
Hero: I was sad to hear Patrick and Adam aren't fans of this film because I absolutely love it. Easily my favorite Wuxia film. The art direction is just awe inspiring. Jet Li is serviceable as an actor, but itsi really the visuals that bring this one to incredible heights. I put this one above even the highly touted Crouching Tiger.
The Disappearance of Alice Creed: watched this one based on a reccomendation from last weeksw thread. Wanted to love it but never got invested. Impressive for itsi limited sets and only containing three actors.
The Killer: when I first saw this years ago it became one if my favorite action films, this time it somewhat dissapointed. I've since watched a few John Woo films (Dace/Off) so I suppose I've just become a bit desensitized to his stylized action. This film still has more characterization than most action films of the time.
WETLANDS (2013)- I guess this German production could be described as a coming-of-age film, yet there are times it feels more like a character study or a shock film. I liked the filmmaking but did not enjoy spending time with the main character. To put it mildly, she can come across as a jerk. Moreover, I see enough self-destructive behavior around me.
CRAWLSPACE (1986)- There is Klaus Kinski and then there is the rest of the film. Kinski gives a memorably demented performance as the homicidal landlord. He definitely committed to this role. Why anyone would rent from this man is beyond my comprehension. As for the other aspects of Crawlspace, they do not rise above nondescript 1980s schlock.
THE STRANGER ON THE THIRD FLOOR (1940)- Some have made the case that this is the first film noir. I will leave the noir debates to the scholars. I have watched better examples of film noir (Out of the Past, The Set-Up, Double Indemnity), but the brief time Peter Lorre appears on screen made it worthwhile. The Lorre style of sinister is indefinable; he could communicate a lot in a glance or a gesture. With a running time of just over an hour, the film moves along quickly.
A Most Wanted Man - Strong cast with an empathetic performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman.
The Congress - Interesting concept poorly executed. I was willing to go along, but it falls apart.
Glengarry Glen Ross - Great cast.
Bull Durham and No Way Out - Watched back to back with mixed reactions. Thirty years later [era] both feel somewhat cliche and filled with movie shorthand.
A heads up: Texas Chainsaw 2 is on Amazon Prime as of this week, in case anyone (like me) couldn't snag a copy to enjoy Patrick's commentary. Eaten Alive is also on there, for more Tobe Hooper goodness.
ReplyDeleteSaw A Quiet Place last night. It's good, I think everyone should see it. It is, however, very contrived. To a point where it hindered my enjoyment a little. Part of that is it's still very hard to take John Krakinski serious as a dramatic actor. Especially when he's sssslllloooowwwwllllyyyy telling someone to sush.
ReplyDeleteI also watched Teen Wolf for the first time. Charming, but it's a comedy that didn't make me laugh once. If anything, it taught me the importance of slowing your offense down to protect a lead.
Also watched Justice League this morning, for the sole purpose of listening to Redlettermedia's commentary. It's bad, truly very bad. Even with an enjoyable commentary track.
Going to A Quiet Place tomorrow morning. Looking forward it.
DeleteLet us know what you think? I'm gonna rent Lowlife tonight based off yours and Patrick's recomnendation. Hoping I like it as much as everyone else.
DeleteReally liked A Quiet Place. Super intense. The fact that I loved the way it was executed and really cared for the characters made me less annoyed with the CGI. Not saying it was done badly, quite the opposite, I just don't really like CGI creatures most of the time. Highly recommend seeing this in the theater.
DeleteYeah the monsters were really well designed, but maybe got a little too much time in bright light. I'll be interested to know how much practical creature work here was. I think Krakinski did a really amazing job as a director, I hope he continues to challenge himself with movies like this, even if I wasn't totally engaged by it.
DeleteI don't know Krasinski's background in regards to if he loves Horror flicks, but I was really surprised that he nailed a lot of what is good about the genre and I felt like he restrained himself from falling into cliche aesthetic decisions that the genre is littered with.
DeleteFrom what I've read, he's not especially a horror guy, which is why I'm delighted that he was able to make something so precise. It honestly felt like something made by an experienced horror veteran like Ti West. He may not do a horror film next, but I'll be interested in whatever it is.
DeleteWatched "Lowlife" last night on Patrick's recommendation. I'm a huge fan of ambitious directorial debuts ("Too Late" comes to mind as it was my fav film of 2016) and this one was really good. The comparisons to "Pulp Fiction" are unfounded, however. Only the structure, chapter cards and *perhaps* the music felt a little similar, but I can think of numerous films that have done the same such as "Kill List" and "Scalene" to name a couple. It felt more to me like "Way of the Gun" or "U-Turn" or "Place Beyond the Pines" more than "Pulp Fiction". It even reminded me a little bit of "I don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore" (my 2nd fav film of last year) in it's pace and defined characters, though not as fun, funny or entertaining. Still, everyone was great it in though and I really enjoyed the film. Thanks for the heads up, Patrick.
ReplyDeleteAlso watched "Hurricane Heist" and, man, was that something! :P
Yeah I had a blast with this one. The violence is quite shocking but there is enough, unforced, comedy to make this really click. I loved it.
DeleteI just found Purple Rain for 5$. I never saw it, but at that price it'll be worth it at least
ReplyDeleteSteal.
DeleteI thought A QUIET PLACE was pretty amazing. I've always been a fan of John Krasinski and I'm so happy to see him become a truly exciting voice in filmmaking. I had no difficultly taking him seriously, he and the entire cast gave terrific performances. Especially Emily Blunt. God, she's the best.
ReplyDeleteBLOCKERS is fun and sweet. A good choice if you need a date movie, otherwise I'd rent it. It's good enough!
I have a soar bottom
ReplyDeleteI just had the pleasure of a Evil Dead marathon at a beautiful movie theatre
I had never seen some of them on the big screen
All 4 movies including the remake
Bum numbing but good fun
That's one of the best soar bottom ever
DeleteThat sounds like a good time, well worth a little discomfort.
DeleteA dream come true for me, not many opportunities to see film like this on the big screen, I take them when no can
DeleteSo jealous, happy for you! I wish I lived near a theater that did these sorts of showings!
DeleteOnly saw four movies this week. Two of them weren't very good and the other two were Brosnan Bonds. So what I'm saying is, none of them was very good.
ReplyDeleteThe one worth mentioning is The Similars, a Mexican horror/scifi/thriller from 2015. It's trying its hardest to be an extended Twilight Zone episode, but does very little with the runtime. Maybe it would've worked better as a 25 minute short. When things start getting weird, the simple effect is freaky and effective, but then the story doesn't really go anywhere and the ending is a big fat letdown. And the look of the film doesn't help, the picture has been artificially "aged" to match the 1960's setting, but it just looks like a cheap Instagram filter. So some good and a lot of bad there, I guess.
On the other hand, Tomorrow Never Dies and The World Is Not Enough, while by no means good, are easy to watch. I'm always in the mood for almost any Bond. I'm easy to please, I guess.
I dug "The Similars" and agree it was just an extended TZ episode. Well done though.
DeleteWatched several things since last weekend:
ReplyDeleteDreamgirls: my girlfriend said I would like it, my girlfriend was wrong. I won't say I hated it, but it was easily forgettable.
Disco Godfather: got on a bit if blacksploitation kick as of late and this features Julius J. Carry III (Sho'nuff) in his debut feature. Awfully cheesy but loads of fun.
Black Belt Jones: Jim Kelly of Enter the Dragon Fame in an even more campy blacksploitation film than Disco Godfather. Ends in what felt like a half hour fight in soap. Skippable.
La Femme Nakita: excellent action film with tons of characterization and a great female lead.
Reign of Fire: was looking for fun action, I got it in places, nothing special.
Hero: I was sad to hear Patrick and Adam aren't fans of this film because I absolutely love it. Easily my favorite Wuxia film. The art direction is just awe inspiring. Jet Li is serviceable as an actor, but itsi really the visuals that bring this one to incredible heights. I put this one above even the highly touted Crouching Tiger.
The Disappearance of Alice Creed: watched this one based on a reccomendation from last weeksw thread. Wanted to love it but never got invested. Impressive for itsi limited sets and only containing three actors.
The Killer: when I first saw this years ago it became one if my favorite action films, this time it somewhat dissapointed. I've since watched a few John Woo films (Dace/Off) so I suppose I've just become a bit desensitized to his stylized action. This film still has more characterization than most action films of the time.
Oh and I hope I'm not the only hyped up for WrestleMania tomorrow night!
Delete"Put your weight on it."
DeleteIf you found Disco Godfather fun, you should see The Human Tornado, which is another Rudy Ray Moore movie.
Should I see Dolemite first?
DeleteThe Human Tornado is not a sequel to Dolemite, so watching Human Tornado first does not spoil anything. They just feature the same character.
DeleteAlright cool. Might check those out soon.
DeleteWe did a podcast on Hero way back when: http://www.fthismovie.net/2015/02/f-this-movie-hero-2002.html
DeleteKnow what I'm listening to during my drive tomorrow.
DeleteVery enjoyable listen.
DeleteA QUIET PLACE was terrific. Classic, bold, fresh, cinematic. A perfect film IMO. Lots of audible gasps, no's and genuine claps.
ReplyDeleteBLOCKERS was really good too. Laughed way more than I thought I would.
WETLANDS (2013)- I guess this German production could be described as a coming-of-age film, yet there are times it feels more like a character study or a shock film. I liked the filmmaking but did not enjoy spending time with the main character. To put it mildly, she can come across as a jerk. Moreover, I see enough self-destructive behavior around me.
ReplyDeleteCRAWLSPACE (1986)- There is Klaus Kinski and then there is the rest of the film. Kinski gives a memorably demented performance as the homicidal landlord. He definitely committed to this role. Why anyone would rent from this man is beyond my comprehension. As for the other aspects of Crawlspace, they do not rise above nondescript 1980s schlock.
THE STRANGER ON THE THIRD FLOOR (1940)- Some have made the case that this is the first film noir. I will leave the noir debates to the scholars. I have watched better examples of film noir (Out of the Past, The Set-Up, Double Indemnity), but the brief time Peter Lorre appears on screen made it worthwhile. The Lorre style of sinister is indefinable; he could communicate a lot in a glance or a gesture. With a running time of just over an hour, the film moves along quickly.
Color me interested for The Stranger On The 3rd Floor
DeleteDamn, INTO THE NIGHT is damn good
ReplyDeleteA Most Wanted Man - Strong cast with an empathetic performance by Philip Seymour Hoffman.
ReplyDeleteThe Congress - Interesting concept poorly executed. I was willing to go along, but it falls apart.
Glengarry Glen Ross - Great cast.
Bull Durham and No Way Out - Watched back to back with mixed reactions. Thirty years later [era] both feel somewhat cliche and filled with movie shorthand.
River's Edge - Early Keanu is good and Crispin Glover is wack.
ReplyDeleteNight Moves - Good little indie drama that exploits Jesse Eisenberg's brooding.