Little Big League (1994): i love baseball. Make a movie with baseball in it and i'll automatically love it, drama or comedy, i don't care. This movie is no exception. The kid (played by Luke Edwards, which i never realized was the younger brother in The Wizard) is not great. But, a good montage of baseball stuff and i'm all in. Plus, we have a couple of legit baseball all-stars and they're used perfectly... just to play baseball, no shitty acting involved.
Rookie of the Year (1993): might as well do this one too. It's another fun one, and the kid is good, so that's a bonus. He understands what movie he's in and is clearly having fun. Contrary to the previous movie, this one makes ZERO sense, but it's baseball, so who cares. Plus, John Candy is doing the game announcer.
Major League 2 and 3: apparently i was in the mood for baseball movies. I've seen the obvious ones a million times: A League of Their Own, Durham Bulls, The Sandlot, etc... ML1 is awesome, the sequels are not as awesome, but still fun, because... you know... baseball... 😎. These movies wouldn't be the same if not for the hilarious announcer, it's worth it just for him.
The Straight Story (1999): Maggie Mae Fish is doing a new podcast on Lynch's films (available on Nebula, Youtube in about a week). The first episode is about this movie. I have opinions on the podcast, but it did make me want to rewatch this. So i pulled out my japanese blu-ray and rewatch this magnificent piece of cinema. It stands out in Lynch's filmography, but at the same time it doesn't. When you get past the usual weirdness of his other movies, you realize this one fit perfectly well with the others. Richard Farnsworth is the movie and i can't think what it would be like without him. Considering his health at the time and what happened a year after, it's a bit sad
Riddle of Fire (2024): the kind of independant movie like they don't make anymore. Not afraid to be quirky. Not afraid to make a movie with kids and not show them as morons or way too smart. The kids are kids and do kids stuff with kids imagination and conversations. Not afraid to not use digital and instead going with 16mm, it seriously looks good. Not all actors are the best in their craft, but the kids are fun. The poster is great, the score is very good. The main issue is the length, should've been 90 minutes and we're nearing 120 minutes. The whole thing kind of reminded me of The Kings of Summer from 10 years ago, but it's also in the line The Goonies. That being said, it's not exactly a kid movie. By today's standard, the language and a couple of gunshots (no blood or gore) might be a bit much for certain people (from what i read on imdb), there's also l a cult involved. I'll probably get it when Vinegar Syndrome releases it (they appear in the credits), but for now go rent it on Apple TV.
ok...this one is a tricky one to review...it is, hands down, one of the craziest non stop action flicks ive seen in a while. That should be enough to warrant a solid suggestion BUT im not sure i can recommend because the style of shooting is chaotic/frenetic/fast-edited to the point of substantial distraction. the plot, as much as i can understand it, is a man with amnesia must save a child whose blood may be the key to curing a quick spreading rage-virus. after that its all tough to follow with no real protagonists or antagonists but more just action fodder. heavy cgi'd scenes of non stop creative set pieces. its a mixed bag but never boring and some truly over-the-top concepts for action.
Believer (2018 netflix)
This is a far more grounded police thriller style flick. It follows a bit of a rogue policeman going undercover to try and bring down a drug syndicate responsible for the death of one of his informants. I liked this movie quite a bit as it features several quirky villains and some (slightly predictable) twists and turns. Its a tad long but has alot of strong performances.
Believer 2 (2023 Netflix)
Cant really review this as im only 1/2 way thru but its a disappointing sequel. It tries to pick up where the first movie left off however it replaces the actor of one of the main characters, poorly so. Also it sort of retcons major discoveries from the finale of the first movie, poorly so. Not really digging it.
I also like Red Sparrow, which i kinda consider it the Black Widow movie that should've been
Thinker Tailer Soldier Spy is also good. You have the remake with Gary Oldman, but also the BBC mini series with Alec Guiness. And the sequel, Smiley's People
Ice Station Zebra is fun. Can't go wrong with submarine action
Of these, Iʻve only seen Bridge of Spies, which I liked, too. Iʻm looking for some fun spy movies for students so Iʻm checking these out this weekend. :)
It is a long time since I watched it, but the 1965 British film The Ipcress File does come to mind. Michael Caine is the spy at the center of the story.
I've been meaning to watch Ice Station Zebra and nearly threw it on a few times recently (but finally opted for something else.) The Ipcress File looks good! And I've never heard of it. Will watch soon.
I am slowly getting back into a movie mood. Work took me out of life a lot recently, so I am trying to shift my focus back to movies.
So far I am half-way through HOLLYWOOD DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES: THE ROBERT ENGLUND STORY (2023) on Prime. It is a typical talking heads-style documentary centered around Robert Englund's anecdotes and stories. Familiar faces like Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss, and Mick Garris pop up from time to time.
I finished the THE ASSASSINATION BUREAU, a lavish and entertaining 1969 adventure film set during the period before World War I. Oliver Reed leads an international organization that conducts assassinations. When he gets challenged by a young woman (a charming Diana Rigg) to go against his colleagues in an assassination competition, he gladly takes up the challenge. Oliver and Diana travel across Europe in a journey full of plenty of stereotypes. Telly Savalas looked like he had a good time playing the main villain. The costumes and sets are spectacular and frequently steal the show. There are a lot of the influences (the Bond films, the Victorian fad) of the era on display. The commentary with Kim Newman reminded me that there are many of these Victorian/Edwardian themed movies from the 1960s.
I might have to wait to go to the Mahoning Drive-In. The owner, Jeff Mattox, passed away this week. It will be strange not hearing his voice announcing the show for the evening. I am sure Virgil and company will get everything settled to get the season going, but that might take a little time.
Such a shame about Jeff! Looks like they're pushing the opening back a few weeks, but it also sounds like they have some nice memorializing planned. I'm excited to go back.
For any Canadians out there, Cineplex is playing all of Kubrick's movies now. I think they've been playing for the last week, but I just realised. Wish it was better advertised. I was AT the cinema, and didn't see any ads anywhere, and only happened to stumble upon it on the website after scrolling way way way down to the bottom of "now playing".
I'm not sure how much longer it will last, but hopefully I get the chance to see 2001 or Barry Lyndon.
Little Big League (1994): i love baseball. Make a movie with baseball in it and i'll automatically love it, drama or comedy, i don't care. This movie is no exception. The kid (played by Luke Edwards, which i never realized was the younger brother in The Wizard) is not great. But, a good montage of baseball stuff and i'm all in. Plus, we have a couple of legit baseball all-stars and they're used perfectly... just to play baseball, no shitty acting involved.
ReplyDeleteRookie of the Year (1993): might as well do this one too. It's another fun one, and the kid is good, so that's a bonus. He understands what movie he's in and is clearly having fun. Contrary to the previous movie, this one makes ZERO sense, but it's baseball, so who cares. Plus, John Candy is doing the game announcer.
Major League 2 and 3: apparently i was in the mood for baseball movies. I've seen the obvious ones a million times: A League of Their Own, Durham Bulls, The Sandlot, etc... ML1 is awesome, the sequels are not as awesome, but still fun, because... you know... baseball... 😎. These movies wouldn't be the same if not for the hilarious announcer, it's worth it just for him.
The Straight Story (1999): Maggie Mae Fish is doing a new podcast on Lynch's films (available on Nebula, Youtube in about a week). The first episode is about this movie. I have opinions on the podcast, but it did make me want to rewatch this. So i pulled out my japanese blu-ray and rewatch this magnificent piece of cinema. It stands out in Lynch's filmography, but at the same time it doesn't. When you get past the usual weirdness of his other movies, you realize this one fit perfectly well with the others. Richard Farnsworth is the movie and i can't think what it would be like without him. Considering his health at the time and what happened a year after, it's a bit sad
Riddle of Fire (2024): the kind of independant movie like they don't make anymore. Not afraid to be quirky. Not afraid to make a movie with kids and not show them as morons or way too smart. The kids are kids and do kids stuff with kids imagination and conversations. Not afraid to not use digital and instead going with 16mm, it seriously looks good. Not all actors are the best in their craft, but the kids are fun. The poster is great, the score is very good. The main issue is the length, should've been 90 minutes and we're nearing 120 minutes. The whole thing kind of reminded me of The Kings of Summer from 10 years ago, but it's also in the line The Goonies. That being said, it's not exactly a kid movie. By today's standard, the language and a couple of gunshots (no blood or gore) might be a bit much for certain people (from what i read on imdb), there's also l a cult involved. I'll probably get it when Vinegar Syndrome releases it (they appear in the credits), but for now go rent it on Apple TV.
F This unexpected Korean Action Movie Week....
ReplyDeleteCarter (2022 Netflix)
ok...this one is a tricky one to review...it is, hands down, one of the craziest non stop action flicks ive seen in a while. That should be enough to warrant a solid suggestion BUT im not sure i can recommend because the style of shooting is chaotic/frenetic/fast-edited to the point of substantial distraction. the plot, as much as i can understand it, is a man with amnesia must save a child whose blood may be the key to curing a quick spreading rage-virus. after that its all tough to follow with no real protagonists or antagonists but more just action fodder. heavy cgi'd scenes of non stop creative set pieces. its a mixed bag but never boring and some truly over-the-top concepts for action.
Believer (2018 netflix)
This is a far more grounded police thriller style flick. It follows a bit of a rogue policeman going undercover to try and bring down a drug syndicate responsible for the death of one of his informants. I liked this movie quite a bit as it features several quirky villains and some (slightly predictable) twists and turns. Its a tad long but has alot of strong performances.
Believer 2 (2023 Netflix)
Cant really review this as im only 1/2 way thru but its a disappointing sequel. It tries to pick up where the first movie left off however it replaces the actor of one of the main characters, poorly so. Also it sort of retcons major discoveries from the finale of the first movie, poorly so. Not really digging it.
TAI CHI MASTER (1993) Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, Yuen Woo-ping. I mean, come on.
ReplyDeleteLABYRINTH (1986) You remind me of the babe...
INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984) Something something chilled monkey brains something.
THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS (1991) Wes Craven goodness!
13 ASSASSINS (2010) Two words: Heck, yeah.
When i read Tai Chi Master, i read Man of Tai Chi, which is an equally awesome movie
DeleteAnyone have any favorite Cold War spy movies?
ReplyDeleteThe Spy Who Came In From The Cold (1965)
DeleteThank you, Kunider! I have NOT seen this, Iʻm going to check it out this weekend.
DeleteNo problem. I really like that movie
DeleteI also like Red Sparrow, which i kinda consider it the Black Widow movie that should've been
Thinker Tailer Soldier Spy is also good. You have the remake with Gary Oldman, but also the BBC mini series with Alec Guiness. And the sequel, Smiley's People
Ice Station Zebra is fun. Can't go wrong with submarine action
I like Bridge of Spies too
Those are the ones i have, and remember 😁
Of these, Iʻve only seen Bridge of Spies, which I liked, too. Iʻm looking for some fun spy movies for students so Iʻm checking these out this weekend. :)
DeleteOh, don"t watch Red Sparrow then. It's pretty grim and is a solid R for nudity
DeleteThanks. Iʻm gonna filter and choose scenes from diff films that will be a good fit. Iʻm sure theyʻd love the ones with nudity, but yeah, no.
DeleteOOOO ive never seen The Spy Who Came In From the Cold either...must add it to my list!
DeleteIt is a long time since I watched it, but the 1965 British film The Ipcress File does come to mind. Michael Caine is the spy at the center of the story.
DeleteThanks, Casual! I love Spy Michael Caine so much.
DeleteI've been meaning to watch Ice Station Zebra and nearly threw it on a few times recently (but finally opted for something else.) The Ipcress File looks good! And I've never heard of it. Will watch soon.
DeleteI am slowly getting back into a movie mood. Work took me out of life a lot recently, so I am trying to shift my focus back to movies.
ReplyDeleteSo far I am half-way through HOLLYWOOD DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES: THE ROBERT ENGLUND STORY (2023) on Prime. It is a typical talking heads-style documentary centered around Robert Englund's anecdotes and stories. Familiar faces like Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss, and Mick Garris pop up from time to time.
I finished the THE ASSASSINATION BUREAU, a lavish and entertaining 1969 adventure film set during the period before World War I. Oliver Reed leads an international organization that conducts assassinations. When he gets challenged by a young woman (a charming Diana Rigg) to go against his colleagues in an assassination competition, he gladly takes up the challenge. Oliver and Diana travel across Europe in a journey full of plenty of stereotypes. Telly Savalas looked like he had a good time playing the main villain. The costumes and sets are spectacular and frequently steal the show. There are a lot of the influences (the Bond films, the Victorian fad) of the era on display. The commentary with Kim Newman reminded me that there are many of these Victorian/Edwardian themed movies from the 1960s.
I might have to wait to go to the Mahoning Drive-In. The owner, Jeff Mattox, passed away this week. It will be strange not hearing his voice announcing the show for the evening. I am sure Virgil and company will get everything settled to get the season going, but that might take a little time.
Such a shame about Jeff! Looks like they're pushing the opening back a few weeks, but it also sounds like they have some nice memorializing planned. I'm excited to go back.
DeleteFor any Canadians out there, Cineplex is playing all of Kubrick's movies now. I think they've been playing for the last week, but I just realised. Wish it was better advertised. I was AT the cinema, and didn't see any ads anywhere, and only happened to stumble upon it on the website after scrolling way way way down to the bottom of "now playing".
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how much longer it will last, but hopefully I get the chance to see 2001 or Barry Lyndon.