View Full Version : Now Screening - What Are You Watching Right Now?
Spectral Morn
02-05-2012, 20:48
Agreed. Sadly Hipatia's cruel death was far worse than was depicted in the film. And to think Cyril was later canonised!
I had a look into the history and while the film creates stuff as metaphors (the Library etc) it is mostly accurate. I hate what fundamentalist loonies do. Yes its ok to say I don't believe in x and y and I think if you do x and y, z will happen but to kill people :( truly terrible. Sadly part of what is depicted is the beginning of replacement theology which saw the Jews kicked out of Gods plans of redemption (in some Christians understanding, if not in actual reality, as their place is secure) and out and out persecution. Sadly no New Testament as such to read at that stage, as the books were still being debated over what was Canon.
The crazy thing is if it was not for the Jews of Alexandria, the Greek speaking world would not have had the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament. A project set up and sponsored by Alexander the Greats General Ptolemy, after Alexander had died.
I find it horrific that this Cyril (and I have his writings here along with other Church Fathers) was someone who helped form the early Church. From what I saw of his actions (and films do mess around with facts) as depicted in the film, which were mostly bang on; he and his followers (note I say his followers, they were in my opinion not followers of Jesus) were the equivalent of the Taliban. Frankly these people were no more true Christians than the man in the moon.
The movie has by some been labelled anti Christian....well sadly the actions of those portrayed happened and they must stand as being fact and among many terrible actions through history, something to be ashamed of, in my opinion. As I watched I personally felt deeply ashamed of the history of the Christian Church and very sad.
Yes Hipatia's death in reality was awful and if she was half the woman portrayed in the film then a massive loss to the pursuit of knowledge. The debates in the film re the working out of the earths orbit round the sun etc was very interesting. True or not, her murder was an act of utter brutality perpetrated by those who compared to her were mere ants.
The film upset me quite a lot Barry but still it was interesting.
I feel the same as you Neil. I was glad to have seen the film, but like you, it upset me and angered me in equal measure.
Though not a Christian (I don't follow or practice any faith), I wouldn't describe the film as being anti-Christian. Seems to me Jesus's original teachings have become so corrupted by the Church over the centuries, that the Church has lost all creditability. Certainly, of the world's major faiths, Christanity (as promulgated today) has my least respect and sympathy.
I put a lot of the blame for this on Paul - but I'm no expert.
Spectral Morn
02-05-2012, 21:53
I feel the same as you Neil. I was glad to have seen the film, but like you, it upset me and angered me in equal measure.
Though not a Christian (I don't follow or practice any faith), I wouldn't describe the film as being anti-Christian. Seems to me Jesus's original teachings have become so corrupted by the Church over the centuries, that the Church has lost all creditability. Certainly, of the world's major faiths, Christanity (as promulgated today) has my least respect and sympathy.
I put a lot of the blame for this on Paul - but I'm no expert.
I think that the problem with all religion regardless of which one is people Barry, we are all deeply flawed and it is people that get in the way. I too agree that most Christian denominations to varying degrees have added stuff that was not there originally, intended or required.
The topic of Paul is a complex one Barry and I am sure the good folks of AOS don't want this thread to delve into the depths of theological discussion that might result.
My reaction was much the same Barry to yours and I guess probably for similar reasons.
Reid Malenfant
05-05-2012, 20:20
BBC DVD Supervolcano, should shut me up until I go comatose :eyebrows:
:wow: This processor is awesome :stalks::stalks::stalks:
See you all tomorrow :wave:
Reid Malenfant
06-05-2012, 19:56
Deep Jungle, pretty sure this was broadcast on ITV a few years back :scratch: Needless to say I recorded it onto a DVD recorder via Freeview :)
Looks like it's available on DVD (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Deep-Jungle-DVD-PAL-Region-2-New-/190343564694?pt=UK_CDsDVDs_DVDs_DVDs_GL&hash=item2c515c4d96), I may well invest :eyebrows:
Reid Malenfant
07-05-2012, 20:34
Time for a good laugh I reckon :eyebrows: Evolution (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0251075/) on DVD..
:cool:
See you all tomorrow :D
James Clavell's 'Shogun' - all nine hour's worth, spread over three nights.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FHHZZ8X6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Spectral Morn
08-05-2012, 17:02
James Clavell's 'Shogun' - all nine hour's worth, spread over three nights.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FHHZZ8X6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Excellent Barry :)
I love that series when I first saw it. This was my first introduction to Historical Japan (just as the Water Margin was to China) and from there I got into lots of original Japanese movies and Chinese ones as well.
First one I saw was Akira Kurosawa's Kagemusha in the cinema; believe it or not.
Reid Malenfant
08-05-2012, 20:10
James Clavell's 'Shogun' - all nine hour's worth, spread over three nights.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FHHZZ8X6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
I remember watching that when I was a sprat :) Very good it was to...
Which brings me to another TV series I watched as a kid & had to buy...
The Martian Chronicles (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080242/)
Only nearly five hours of this though :)
Excellent Barry :)
I love that series when I first saw it. This was my first introduction to Historical Japan (just as the Water Margin was to China) and from there I got into lots of original Japanese movies and Chinese ones as well.
First one I saw was Akira Kurosawa's Kagemusha in the cinema; believe it or not.
Hi Neil,
Yes it was ground breaking at the time. It was Clavell's intention to try to present, and explain, the Japanese 'mind set' or psyche. You have to remember he was a prisoner of war in a Japanese camp for about three years (and was not treated well). It's still difficult to grasp and understand, let alone to forgive, but the same could be said concerning the behaviour of the Crusaders.
Other films, such as 'Goodbye Mr Lawrence', based on the experience of J.G. Ballard, tried to do the same, but were not, in my opinion, as successful as the TV series based on Clavell's book (which I thoroughly recommend reading).
It was by watching the series (and later reading the book) that I learnt a little Japanese, which I was able to put into practice recently.
I love the work of Akiro Kurasawa. I'm still eagerly awaiting the DVD release of 'Dodes'ka-den'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodes'ka-den
Spectral Morn
08-05-2012, 21:32
Hi Neil,
Yes it was ground breaking at the time. It was Clavell's intention to try to present, and explain, the Japanese 'mind set' or psyche. You have to remember he was a prisoner of war in a Japanese camp for about three years (and was not treated well). It's still difficult to grasp and understand, let alone to forgive, but the same could be said concerning the behaviour of the Crusaders.
That's easy Barry..... in my opinion and others.
In the Macro The church was trying to manipulate Prophecy by taking the land and Jerusalem into the control of the new 'chosen people' (replacement theology as the Jews are still the Chosen people not the Christian Church) and thus get Jesus to return....crazy. In the Micro those who went on Crusade were promised much re salvation and told the more they killed the better it would go for them in the afterlife. That sounds familiar ? How crazy, so being a good Christian in the time of the numerous Crusades was rendered down to killing and killing as many as you could.... :( Sad the Bible was not available for the common man to read, if he could; if it had been those being manipulated would have seen easily that this was totally screwed up and wrong and this mindset was no more Christian than the man in the moon.
Other films, such as 'Goodbye Mr Lawrence', based on the experience of J.G. Ballard, tried to do the same, but were not, in my opinion, as successful as the TV series based on Clavell's book (which I thoroughly recommend reading).
Good films but not great films and I agree they don't get into the mind of the historical Japanese. The period of Shogun and the mindset presented in it very much echos and gives light to the mindset during the war. The renewed interest in Bushido (reason WW2 allied prisoners of war were treated so badly by the Japanese. To surrender rendered one worthless and not worthy of any respect. The only way in Bushido was to die fighting, with honour, to surrender killed ones honour.) and worship of the Emperor.
It was by watching the series (and later reading the book) that I learnt a little Japanese, which I was able to put into practice recently.
Me too but I have forgotten most of it.
I love the work of Akiro Kurasawa. I'm still eagerly awaiting the DVD release of 'Dodes'ka-den'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodes'ka-den
He is sadly missed.
Hi Neil,
You have put into words what I already know and think (both concerning the Crusades and Bushido (The Way of the Warrior)). Nonetheless, both are so different to what most of us today now think and feel, they still come as a shock and require carful consideration - if only to get inside the medieval mind, European or Japanese.
What is your opinion of the film 'Kingdom of Heaven'? I think it gets a little closer to the situation of the time, but is not, in my opinion, a great film.
Without wishing to harp too much upon the Crusades, the more I read about them, the more respect I have for Saladin. No 'saint', but he did recognise the rights of those that surrendered and would allow them safe passage and access to the injured.
Regards
Spectral Morn
08-05-2012, 22:18
Hi Neil,
You have put into words what I already know and think (both concerning the Crusades and Bushido (The Way of the Warrior)). Nonetheless, both are so different to what most of us today now think and feel, they still come as a shock and require carful consideration - if only to get inside the medieval mind, European or Japanese.
What is your opinion of the film 'Kingdom of Heaven'? I think it gets a little closer to the situation of the time, but is not, in my opinion, a great film.
Without wishing to harp too much upon the Crusades, the more I read about them, the more respect I have for Saladin. No 'saint', but he did recognise the rights of those that surrendered and would allow them safe passage and access to the injured.
Regards
Despite its many Historical flaws and there are many, I do actually like Kingdom of Heaven. It gives a reasonable insight into the time period and if anything I hope would inspire those who watched it to find out more about the subject matter. The directors cut is better Barry and this does help the movie but adds a fair wack to the running time.
I would agree in the main, as Saladin was portrayed in the film, there was more honour in him than that displayed by many so called Christians of the time.
Reid Malenfant
09-05-2012, 21:28
The Martian Chronicles (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080242/)
Only nearly five hours of this though :)
Last part of Ray Bradburys Martian Chronicles...
I appear to have gotten though over 3.5 hours yesterday evening :eyebrows:
Reid Malenfant
11-05-2012, 21:24
Frank Herberts - Children Of Dune on DVD (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Frank-Herberts-Children-Dune-DVD/dp/B0000C24DM)
Glad I didn't buy the blu ray :)
Spectral Morn
12-05-2012, 07:10
War of Arrows
Excellent Historical Korean action film.
Frank Herberts - Children Of Dune on DVD (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Frank-Herberts-Children-Dune-DVD/dp/B0000C24DM)
I rather liked that.
Rare Bird
12-05-2012, 09:17
Colossus: The Forbidden Project
Reid Malenfant
12-05-2012, 15:35
I rather liked that.
Hopefully I'll get to watch PTs 2 & 3 this evening. Stunned by the picture quality through the iScan. As I say, I'm glad I didn't buy the blu ray, it's only a single disc so I can't see how it'd be such an improvement :scratch:
Colossus: The Forbidden Project
Don't you mean the Forbin Project?
Good film, one of my mad computer favourites :D
I didn't realise there was a widscreen edition though as mine is 4/3 or 1.33:1 :( Guess I'll hunt it down...
Reid Malenfant
12-05-2012, 20:03
Frank Herberts - Children Of Dune on DVD (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Frank-Herberts-Children-Dune-DVD/dp/B0000C24DM)
Glad I didn't buy the blu ray :)
PT 2 & maybe 3 this evening :)
Just watched Senna, a little choked right now, will comment later . . .
Watched Senna last night - an amazing and emotional documentary, and reminded me of the golden era (for me) of F1 on many levels. Such a tragic loss, (and Ratzenberber, of course) - though some comfort from the safety improvements since.
Spectral Morn
16-05-2012, 12:48
Legendary Amazons :( :steam:
http://sean.thewhatsgoodconspiracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/legendoko.jpg
What a total pile of dung. Sped up action sequences that look ridiculous and don't sync with normal dialogue bits.
Well this is my second Jackie Chan movie the first being the Myth and I didn't much care for it either. Lots of money spent on this beautiful sets and lovely looking ladies but its not to my taste and its no classic.
£1 would be too much for this and £9 way too much.
File under... don't bother and I certainly will not be buying another Jackie Chan film again.
http://www.comingsoon.net/gallery/60379/The_Divide_1.jpg
The Divide :eek: :vomfest:
New York destroyed in a nuclear attack, terrorists, enemy country, who knows its never revealed. The American army act like thugs, for what reason, who knows its never revealed. In fact it could be said that nothing is revealed in this film except for man's terrible inhumanity to man and woman. This is hard going and at times awful, in a stomach churning way. There is no sense to the violence inflicted upon each other by the survivors, nor that by the American soldiers. Too be honest this film's director seems to set scenes up just to allow moments of what amounts to torture porn but without ever giving reasons or answers for what has happened.
Not for the weak of stomach and frankly after 107 mins of it, I was left thinking it would have been better if they had all died in the first 3 mins of the movie. Frustrating.
http://welivefilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Underworld_Awakening_welivefilm.jpg
Underworld - Awakening :)
Not bad but not as good as the first two or even the third film, but in my opinion, not as bad as a few critics have made out. If you liked the others you will like this but just not as much as the others. Maybe wait till its on a two for £10 deal latter in the year.
Poor old Kate Beckinsale - I think she must have been at least kissed by a vampire, as she seems doomed to only appear in these sort of films for all eternity.
Surely she can do other genres? The only one I know of was her debut (?) role in 'Shooting Fish'.
Spectral Morn
16-05-2012, 14:52
Poor old Kate Beckinsale - I think she must have been at least kissed by a vampire, as she seems doomed to only appear in these sort of films for all eternity.
Surely she can do other genres? The only one I know of was her debut (?) role in 'Shooting Fish'.
She was also in another film recently Whiteout, which was okay but not great.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiteout_(2009_film)
Reid Malenfant
16-05-2012, 17:04
Poor old Kate Beckinsale - I think she must have been at least kissed by a vampire, as she seems doomed to only appear in these sort of films for all eternity.
Surely she can do other genres? The only one I know of was her debut (?) role in 'Shooting Fish'.
She was also in Pearl Harbour (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Pearl-Harbor-Blu-ray/190/#Review) which wasn't too bad actually :)
She was also in Pearl Harbour (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Pearl-Harbor-Blu-ray/190/#Review) which wasn't too bad actually :)
That was a dreadful film - full of technical and historical inaccuracies.
Reid Malenfant
16-05-2012, 17:29
That was a dreadful film - full of technical and historical inaccuracies.
:lol: That's true, the effects, audio & video were pretty stunning though so I guess I kind of forgave it.
There are some films I won't watch though, simply because I know that they are historically inaccurate before even seeing them.
The Americans do love to try to re-write history, I have no idea why :scratch:
Hereafter
Thought provoking film directed by Clint Eastwood, whose films are always worth watching, and starring Matt Damon and a rather gorgeous Cecile de France.
Not that I believe in an afterlife of any kind, but the story was spun well and the settings in different locations kept the interest up. The opening tsunami scene is extremely well done and rather harrowing.
If you like action films or have the attention span of a gnat, move on.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SIUL8EbikTs/TMRZ5aPvI9I/AAAAAAAABSo/4DLbO7GQEH8/s1600/hereafter.jpg
Reid Malenfant
16-05-2012, 21:25
Hereafter
Thought provoking film directed by Clint Eastwood, whose films are always worth watching
Indeed, I'll look out for this one, while he was never a top notch actor (though I enjoyed a lot of films he starred in) he definately has the pulse as a director I find :)
Cheers Martin.
while he was never a top notch actor
I would say that he was every bit an excellent actor in The Bridges of Madison County.
She was also in Pearl Harbour (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Pearl-Harbor-Blu-ray/190/#Review) which wasn't too bad actually :)
You're kidding, right? It sucked so badly they made a song about it...:lol:
Spectral Morn
17-05-2012, 12:10
http://images1.asianwiki.com/images/thumb/4/42/Hara-Kiri-_Death_of_a_Samurai-p2.jpg/250px-Hara-Kiri-_Death_of_a_Samurai-p2.jpg
Hara - Kiri: Death Of A Samurai
When Bushido meets humanity. This is an incredible film, from its fantastic measured acting, the beautiful score by Ryuichi Sakamoto and a battle scene at the end which is incredible. This film is both moving and thought provoking 10 out of 10
I have not seen the original but I enjoyed this a great deal.
I would say that he was every bit an excellent actor in The Bridges of Madison County.
and Gran Torino
and Gran Torino
Oh yes, that too.
Oh yes, that too.
and Million Dollar Baby and what have the Romans ever done for us?
Reid Malenfant
17-05-2012, 17:20
You're kidding, right? It sucked so badly they made a song about it...:lol:
Ah, well I don't listen to the radio so I wouldn't have heard it :eyebrows:
Reid Malenfant
18-05-2012, 21:18
I would say that he was every bit an excellent actor in The Bridges of Madison County.
Not sure if I have seen that?
and Gran Torino
I have two of his collections here on blu ray, the whole Dirty Harry series I have watched. But I also have Gran Torino, Flags Of Our Fathers, Letters From Iwo Jima, Mystic River & Unforgiven (which I have seen), must find the time :doh:
and Million Dollar Baby and what have the Romans ever done for us?
Ok, ok... :lol:
I just think he has been astonishing as a director, though yes, he's still a great actor.
Perhaps it's just me, but I never expected him to make that leap, though he certainly did & bravo!
I guess he felt lucky - punk :D
Just in case you missed it
p9jS4gppIFs
I would say that he was every bit an excellent actor in The Bridges of Madison County.
One of my favorite films. ;)
Romance for men. ;)
The Bridges of Madison County.
That is a class film and amongst my all time favourites - I'm not afraid to admit I have a damp eye everytime and I have lost count of the number of times I have watched it :D
One of my favorite films. ;)
Romance for men. ;)
Indeed!
That is a class film and amongst my all time favourites - I'm not afraid to admit I have a damp eye everytime and I have lost count of the number of times I have watched it :D
Agreed, and wasn't Meryl Streep alluring? They made a great, and very believable, couple.
Spectral Morn
21-05-2012, 16:50
Timeslip on VHS tape.
Despite being a childrens tv show, and at times a little too upper class for its own good, this is fun sci-fi presented in a fairly adult way.
Reid Malenfant
21-05-2012, 21:11
Andr'es recent posting of a certain film made me give it another spin... Superb psychologically scary sci fi film...
Colossus:The Forbin Project (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064177/)
Seeya tomorrow folks :)
Reid Malenfant
24-05-2012, 20:01
It's kind of warm, so here I am heading into the mountains & snow :eyebrows:
Jeremiah Johnson (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068762/)
Absolutely superb film, not your usual Hollywood stuff though :)
See you all tomorrow sometime :D
https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLSaLr-5wBxccdGeKkqYtcbSoiBvVwb86JVOfTA6QaR3z1geYE-A
Epic stuff... :D
Followed by:
https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRCouy0yLUGr1SQlrRwOSc37aI-jFbHkK9bThbHmpV0WE4bQET3
I've watched both versions of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and preferred the original to the Hollywood remake, so thought it was time to continue through the series. Top class movie making in evidence here and the acting is classy too...
I've watched both versions of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and preferred the original to the Hollywood remake, so thought it was time to continue through the series. Top class movie making in evidence here and the acting is classy too...
Totally agree, Dave. The Swedish trilogy is superb. Looking forward to seeing Noomi Rapace in Prometheus.
House the final episode. In a few minutes' time. <sob>
Last night I watched 'Surrogates'
UGwQ74cH5O0
A sci-fi film I hadn't seen before and was impressed. No "gee-whizz effects"-only film (such as 'Terminator'), but one intelligently exploring a potential social and philosophical issue.
Rare Bird
25-05-2012, 00:26
Earlier on...Le Mans - Steve McQueen
Last night I watched 'Surrogates'
A sci-fi film I hadn't seen before and was impressed.
Yes, I was impressed with that too.
Spectral Morn
29-05-2012, 18:07
Iron Sky
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6f/Iron_sky_poster.png
Despite the terrible (yes terrible Revolver, you should be ashamed of yourselves)way the UK film company have released this film (one day in the cinema and straight to DVD :doh::eek: + no extras on the DVD (apparently there are loads)this Finnish-German-Australian science-fiction comedy film is in my opinion very good.
Nazi's went to the moon at the end of the war and return in 2018 to save us from ourselves..... sort of.
Fantastic special effects achieved on a low budget. Acting is good to poor as is some of the dialogue but overall it is still a good film and if you liked, say Mars Attacks, this is in a similar vein.
Reid Malenfant
29-05-2012, 18:20
Cheers for the heads up Neil, I'll have to see about finding the DVD of this. I doubt it's out on BD if that's how they did things :rolleyes:
I'll look though ;)
Spectral Morn
29-05-2012, 18:54
Cheers for the heads up Neil, I'll have to see about finding the DVD of this. I doubt it's out on BD if that's how they did things :rolleyes:
I'll look though ;)
Yes its on Blue Ray as well.
Hope you like it I enjoyed it but some of the jokes fall flat and others are frankly crazy but still I laughed a fair bit. However there is part of me wishes it had been done as a more serious film.
I thought Mars Attacks was a hoot so if this comes in anyway close I'm sure I'll enjoy it, cheers Neil... :cool:
Dominic Harper
29-05-2012, 22:06
Ive just started watching Appropriate Adult on BBC iplayer, It a 2 part series about Fred and Rose West and 5 mins in and I'm already starting to feel sick.
Natalie
Spectral Morn
30-05-2012, 14:00
I thought Mars Attacks was a hoot so if this comes in anyway close I'm sure I'll enjoy it, cheers Neil... :cool:
Its in a similar vein. I watched it again today as I read online about an extra bit at the end (yes I could have just gone to the end but ..... I didn't) and yep I missed a bit :doh: Not saying what it is though.....
Spectral Morn
30-05-2012, 14:02
Ive just started watching Appropriate Adult on BBC iplayer, It a 2 part series about Fred and Rose West and 5 mins in and I'm already starting to feel sick.
Natalie
I watched a bit of this on tv and I was thankful it was done the way it was, as otherwise it would have been a video nasty of epic proportions. However I am not into true crime stuff or even crime movies so I didn't watch much of it.
chris@panteg
01-06-2012, 07:52
Prometheus , went to a midnight screening , awesome movie , really liked fassbender's performance ! Thrilling stuff.
Covenant
01-06-2012, 08:03
Prometheus , went to a midnight screening , awesome movie , really liked fassbender's performance ! Thrilling stuff.
Wetting myself with excitement waiting to see Prometheus. Going on Saturday evening. There may be a sequel as well.
Me too, going to see it at the Showcase Reading for its fab digital projection.
Iron Sky
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6f/Iron_sky_poster.png
Despite the terrible (yes terrible Revolver, you should be ashamed of yourselves)way the UK film company have released this film (one day in the cinema and straight to DVD :doh::eek: + no extras on the DVD (apparently there are loads)this Finnish-German-Australian science-fiction comedy film is in my opinion very good.
Nazi's went to the moon at the end of the war and return in 2018 to save us from ourselves..... sort of.
Fantastic special effects achieved on a low budget. Acting is good to poor as is some of the dialogue but overall it is still a good film and if you liked, say Mars Attacks, this is in a similar vein.
I'm off out down to Blockbuster to see if they have this for sale yet. Will pick up some donuts on the way...
Spectral Morn
02-06-2012, 18:54
I saw Prometheus on Friday.
I think its a mess, and I am very frustrated and disappointed in it. I think the directors cut DVD release will probably fix this but the cinema release makes no sense, there are plot holes you could drive a bus through and all the history of the Aliens, that has gone on since, shoved in the bin.
chris@panteg
02-06-2012, 19:06
I saw Prometheus on Friday.
I think its a mess, and I am very frustrated and disappointed in it. I think the directors cut DVD release will probably fix this but the cinema release makes no sense, there are plot holes you could drive a bus through and all the history of the Aliens, that has gone on since, shoved in the bin.
I don't agree at all , Don't think of it as an Alien prequel ! Its not intended to be , Scott did say as much , some of the characters are a bit underdeveloped but I really enjoyed it :)
Reid Malenfant
02-06-2012, 19:07
Cheers Neil, saves me a trip to the cinema :D
I was considering going to see it, I'll wait for the blu ray, no doubt it'll be out before christmas :lol:
Spectral Morn
02-06-2012, 21:02
I don't agree at all , Don't think of it as an Alien prequel ! Its not intended to be , Scott did say as much , some of the characters are a bit underdeveloped but I really enjoyed it :)
underdeveloped.... :doh: Very few were more than 2 dimensional (some so paper thin they nearly didn't exist at all) and they did and said things totally out of keeping with their positions in the crew. Either bits were cut out, long scenes removed etc or it was just simply poor imho.
And considering we saw the origin of the Aliens, their evolution in the future not the past that removes the time line we have already seen.
If its a standalone with Alien, fine, but if not then it does not work. It left me totally frustrated and really hacked off.
Spectral Morn
02-06-2012, 21:05
Cheers Neil, saves me a trip to the cinema :D
I was considering going to see it, I'll wait for the blu ray, no doubt it'll be out before christmas :lol:
You may disagree with me, Mark.
Knowing of Ridley Scott's love of directors cuts I hope that will fill in the bits that left out made the film not really work.
Reid Malenfant
02-06-2012, 21:14
You may disagree with me, Mark.
Knowing of Ridley Scott's love of directors cuts I hope that will fill in the bits that left out made the film not really work.
:) Yes I think I know where you are coming from.
There is one of the Bladerunner films I prefer over the other versions, & there are enough of those - I have five I think on blu ray in one box set :eek:
Actually looking at my local cinema didn't exactly make me jump for joy. I don't really want to see the 3D version & there are far fewer 2D viewings available. So while I'd like to go & see it, I'm kind of put off by wondering if the 2D versions will be packed out :rolleyes:
So stuff it :cool:
Spectral Morn
02-06-2012, 21:17
:) Yes I think I know where you are coming from.
There is one of the Bladerunner films I prefer over the other versions, & there are enough of those - I have five I think on blu ray in one box set :eek:
Actually looking at my local cinema didn't exactly make me jump for joy. I don't really want to see the 3D version & there are far fewer 2D viewings available. So while I'd like to go & see it, I'm kind of put off by wondering if the 2D versions will be packed out :rolleyes:
So stuff it :cool:
I went to the 2 D showing 3D looks false to me, so I am not interested in it....its a gimmick imho.
I prefer the first version with the voice over.
Reid Malenfant
02-06-2012, 21:20
I prefer the first version with the voice over.
Which if you are refering to Bladerunner, I think that's the one to :)
Spectral Morn
02-06-2012, 22:07
Which if you are refering to Bladerunner, I think that's the one to :)
Yes Blade Runner. I like the film noir feel to it.
I prefer the first version with the voice over.
But that misses out the all-important dream sequence, giving meaing to the origami horse/unicorn.
chris@panteg
03-06-2012, 10:27
I went to the 2 D showing 3D looks false to me, so I am not interested in it....its a gimmick imho.
I prefer the first version with the voice over.
The voice over is terrible , I hated that :scratch:
I prefer the voice-over version. It holds it together and gives it a futuristic Raymond Chandler feel.
Spectral Morn
03-06-2012, 11:23
I prefer the voice-over version. It holds it together and gives it a futuristic Raymond Chandler feel.
Exactly. Its a film noir sci-fi film and the voice over, narration works well.
@Martin
The dream sequence to me does not work, it looks tacked on; which it is and as such does not fit well with the original release. Once again though we have the issue of remodelling work after the original is ingrained in the public concious and while it can make something poor better I for one love the original release and think it works well as was.
I think we will have to agree to differ on this one.
I couldn't get Iron Sky at Blockbuster. They have none for sale and only 3 rental copies which are all out. Bummer, :(
Covenant
03-06-2012, 18:16
I don't agree at all , Don't think of it as an Alien prequel ! Its not intended to be , Scott did say as much , some of the characters are a bit underdeveloped but I really enjoyed it :)
Just seen Prometheus and am hugely disappointed. Agreed about the characters being undeveloped, The way that girl recovered from her Ceasarian was just laughable. Lots of holes in the story, just one that springs to mind was her reaction after finding out she had an alien inside her. David was aware of it so would become, effectively, an enemy.
No moody lighting just explosions and special effects. overall 4 out of 10.
bobbasrah
04-06-2012, 09:31
2011 - Too Big to fail. A renactment of the high fliers in the Lehman collapse, and fallout that is still being felt today. Watched it twice over the weekend, and hasn't improved my opinion on the banking circus...
Some plausible interpretations on what went on (or may have) behind closed doors in the corridors of power, pulling few punches, apart from GWB being detached from the whole debacle. Brilliant acting and tension maintained to the precipitous end. Scary stuff, but wonderfully done and thoroughly recommended....
chris@panteg
04-06-2012, 15:45
Just seen Prometheus and am hugely disappointed. Agreed about the characters being undeveloped, The way that girl recovered from her Ceasarian was just laughable. Lots of holes in the story, just one that springs to mind was her reaction after finding out she had an alien inside her. David was aware of it so would become, effectively, an enemy.
No moody lighting just explosions and special effects. overall 4 out of 10.
You may as well rubbish the finale to Aliens , Ripley climbing up out the air lock was also laughable was it not ? At least Prometheus is a massive improvement on Alien 3 and 4 which were truly awful .
Just seen Prometheus and am hugely disappointed. Agreed about the characters being undeveloped, The way that girl recovered from her Ceasarian was just laughable. Lots of holes in the story, just one that springs to mind was her reaction after finding out she had an alien inside her. David was aware of it so would become, effectively, an enemy.
No moody lighting just explosions and special effects. overall 4 out of 10.
I quite liked it, once you've accepted it for what it is... Did you see the film in 2D or 3D? I rather enjoyed the 3D experience :cool:
Marco.
Matthew Hopkins, Witchfinder General. Vincent Price camping it up hugely - great stuff :lol:
Exactly. Its a film noir sci-fi film and the voice over, narration works well.
@Martin
The dream sequence to me does not work, it looks tacked on; which it is and as such does not fit well with the original release. Once again though we have the issue of remodelling work after the original is ingrained in the public concious and while it can make something poor better I for one love the original release and think it works well as was.
I think we will have to agree to differ on this one.
My ideal version would be the Director's cut (including the dream sequence) with the Chandler-esque voice-over.
The theatre version is unsatisfactory. The 'happy ending', with Deckard and Rachael setting off 'into the sunset', or rather off to the New Worlds, is contrived and was imposed on the director by the studio after screening to focus groups.
Deckard was a specialised replicant and the dream sequence/origami unicorn reference makes it clear.
Last night watched '3:10 to Yuma' starring Russell Crowe & Christian Bale. Not a bad little western, Crowe is good as always. He really does remind me of Richard Burton in his acting style, sounds a bit like him too when he is doing a British accent.
Rare Bird
05-06-2012, 12:58
Don't you mean the Forbin Project?
Good film, one of my mad computer favourites :D
Just noticed this :doh: yeh i must have had Forbidden planet on the brain at the time :D
Avatar - Collector's Edition [Blu-ray]
The additional scenes in this edition (170 mins) really help with the back-story and furthered my enjoyment immensely. The HD image quality is quite stunning, the picture looking vibrant and three-dimensional without any 3D bollox. Very enjoyable.
Avatar - Collector's Edition
I have to say I really enjoyed Avatar.
I'm about to start watching series 2 of The Shield
Reid Malenfant
06-06-2012, 20:30
Avatar - Collector's Edition [Blu-ray]
The additional scenes in this edition (170 mins) really help with the back-story and furthered my enjoyment immensely. The HD image quality is quite stunning, the picture looking vibrant and three-dimensional without any 3D bollox. Very enjoyable.
Amen :)
It makes a whole lot more sense as things that are said have a background you can refer to. This should have been the original release!
Wim Wender's Paris: Texas.
Nearly three hours long and you have to wait for the only really interesting part occuring in the last 50 minutes!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b9/Alien3_poster.jpg/220px-Alien3_poster.jpg
Am I the only person in the world who likes this movie? :eyebrows:
I'll get my coat... :door:
Spectral Morn
07-06-2012, 09:41
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b9/Alien3_poster.jpg/220px-Alien3_poster.jpg
Am I the only person in the world who likes this movie? :eyebrows:
I'll get my coat... :door:
I like the Directors Cut version, it works much better than the original cinema release.
Reid Malenfant
07-06-2012, 11:56
Ray Bradburys' The Martian Chronicles, to be followed by Fahrenheit 451 (both on DVD) :)
Rare Bird
07-06-2012, 20:01
Nice Mark
Watching the new Beatles 'Yellow Submarine' DVD that popped throught the letterbox this morning.
Just finished watching the second instalment of the BBC's excellent Punk Britannia series. It is very sobering to hear the protagonists of the Punk movement dissect what it was all about some 35 years later. Although it shouldn't have come as a surprise to me, I found myself somewhat shocked and saddened at how many of my former heroes now look like middle-management dudes. Damn I feel old... :eyebrows:
You can find the first episode of Punk Britannia here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00s81jz/Punk_Britannia_PrePunk_19721976/) :cool:
how many of my former heroes now look like middle-management dudes
Do you know, Dave, I lived through the punk period and, to me, it's mostly best forgotten. I don't think of them much as heroes. A few notable exceptions, such as Siouxsie Sioux, but not many.
I was never a Pistols fan Martin although I did like some of the stuff Lydon did with PIL. I was into The Clash, The Damned, Ian Dury & the Blockheads and Siouxsie & The Banshee's mainly ;)
You need this:
http://img11.nnm.ru/d/c/8/a/a/3bf3238968b0782df4e8ea9ae2b.jpg
It has some great performances from that period: Blondie, The Damned, The Ramones, PIL, The Adverts, Siouxsie, The Undertones, Tom Verlaine (one of my favourites), The Jam, Dr Feelgood. Plenty of other non-punk greats, too.
Prometheus
Thoroughly good Ridley Scott film, a great prequel to Alien and fits well with that universe. Some lack of characterisation but it's clear that the film was cut to fit with audience expectations of no longer than 2 hours. Stand by for the Director's Cut. I love the vistas that RS creates, he really has an eye for a great scene. Strong cast, great action sequences. An opening for a follow-up, too. Doubt that RS will make it, so where's James Cameron?
I'm planning on going to see it this week Martin.
chris@panteg
19-06-2012, 07:18
Prometheus
Thoroughly good Ridley Scott film, a great prequel to Alien and fits well with that universe. Some lack of characterisation but it's clear that the film was cut to fit with audience expectations of no longer than 2 hours. Stand by for the Director's Cut. I love the vistas that RS creates, he really has an eye for a great scene. Strong cast, great action sequences. An opening for a follow-up, too. Doubt that RS will make it, so where's James Cameron?
:)
Last night I watched the forgotten children of the Ukraine on BBC HD , pretty upsetting at times but enlightening and uplifting too ! Worth watching.
Covenant
19-06-2012, 07:46
I quite liked it, once you've accepted it for what it is... Did you see the film in 2D or 3D? I rather enjoyed the 3D experience :cool:
Marco.
Yea, saw it in 3D Marco. Since watching it I have read some commentary about it on Reddit and now understand it a bit more including the religious significance. A directors cut would improve things. Guess I will revise my score to 6/10.
This is worth a read:
http://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/uswn1/prometheus_everything_explained_and_analysed/
Good link, thanks Jerry.
I watched it in Sony 4k hi-res 2D digital projection and it was fab. They can keep their 3D shite :rolleyes:
I couldn't get Iron Sky at Blockbuster. They have none for sale and only 3 rental copies which are all out. Bummer, :(
I ordered a copy from Amazon and it arrived here at work today! Should have time to watch it in between getting home and the footie starting - hopefully it will make me forget my pre-match nerves :)
The Thing (2011) [Blu-ray]
The original The Thing (1982, John Carpenter, itself a remake) was an icon of the horror/SF genre and one of my all-time favourite films. It features a very strong cast, real build up of suspense, some very unnerving scenes, a feeling of impending doom, great soundtrack (Morricone), excellent special effects for its time and something convincingly other-worldly and uniquely horrible in the portrayed creature. I challenge anyone to watch it without feeling for the predicament of the base scientists or being bloody unnerved by it. Only Carpenter could have made it, and it stands tall as a relatively low budget but superb achievement.
This prequel, set in the Norwegian camp that discovers the alien ship, has none of these attributes. Disappointment began fairly early on as I realised that it doesn't build any suspense, it takes no great care of characterisation, the special effects are weak because the creature looks like something from a nightmare and not something we simply could not conceive of. In the Carpenter film, you 'know' the characters (or at least their type) because they are so skillfully introduced. In this one, you really couldn't care less about any of them. There is precious little soundtrack to help with any suspense created. It is so standard as a B-grade horror film that I could barely bring myself to finish it.
Get the 1982 The Thing on Blu-ray and relish a cinema great.
Disappointment began fairly early on as I realised that it doesn't build any suspense, it takes no great care of characterisation, the special effects are weak because the creature looks like something from a nightmare and not something we simply could not conceive of. In the Carpenter film, you 'know' the characters (or at least their type) because they are so skillfully introduced. In this one, you really couldn't care less about any of them. There is precious little soundtrack to help with any suspense created. It is so standard as a B-grade horror film that I could barely bring myself to finish it.
Get the 1982 The Thing on Blu-ray and relish a cinema great.
Well said, sir! :thumbsup:
I thoroughly agree with you Martin. The 1982 version is a masterclass on how to build suspense in a movie. I think what makes it so impactful is that the viewer has no idea what form the creature is going to take next or from where it will appear. When I watched it for the first time, the scene where a head turns into a spider unnerved me a great deal. It wasn't so much that it became a spider, more that I just wasn't expecting it. In fact there's a hell of a lot going on in that scene which sets everything up for the appearance of the spider, so upon first viewing it's almost a case of sensory overload with a big payoff at the end. As I said, it's masterful scene construction on Carpenters part.
Covenant
19-06-2012, 18:21
Great opening sequence if I remember correctly-a dog being chased by a helicopter. The dog makes it to the camp and then the trouble starts.....
Great opening sequence if I remember correctly-a dog being chased by a helicopter. The dog makes it to the camp and then the trouble starts.....
...and the superb Ennio Morricone score, with it's boom-boom motif, chills the spine to perfection.
Great opening sequence if I remember correctly-a dog being chased by a helicopter. The dog makes it to the camp and then the trouble starts.....
And that's how the new one should have ended. But it did'nt.... Or did I miss something? I was only paying about 10% attention by that stage! :rolleyes:
John Carpenters own musical scores aren't bad either, really adds to the tension in 'Assault on Precinct 13'
dantheman91
20-06-2012, 17:08
Rory gallagher - live in montreux
Explorers (DVD): I borrowed this off my daughter who bought it recently from Amazon.
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQIRgRgly1Y0hJ9RfmOB6DBa5y_Futk2 0wrlG5foCV4u2qyhqI-jSMWxkzw
This is my first viewing of Explorers since I went to the pictures to watch it back in the early 80's. I like everything about this movie, the storyline, the cinematography, the excellent score written by Jerry Goldsmith. It has been described by some as The Goonies in Space. Not too far off the mark that, but I reckon Explorers is even better. I like its irreverence and how it captures the ambience of adolescent friendships.
I think I identify with this film so well because it describes the sort of relationships I had with my friends as I grew up. We were always building camps in old Bramble bushes and kitting them out with discarded furniture and kitchen appliances. We would cook meals in them with our Primus stoves and after, pretend we were crewing huge, Galaxy class starships plying the space lanes looking for new civilizations. And yes, going places no man has ever been before. Ah, the innocence of yoof!!! 9/10 :)
Flight Of The Navigator (DVD): Again, borrowed off my daughter who acquired it from Amazon.
https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQVLfK5sOEfgPDkKDKyqAIRClpTtKSW7 NKFIN636OSy1o7JqwCO
Is it possible for a film to be cheesy, fun and moving? Well, yes it is as FotN plainly demonstrates. At it's heart it is a powerful and moving story about a victim of alien abduction although not in the 'traditional' sense, but that is far removed from the board on which the cheese sits. There is some good acting going on in this movie and the lad who plays the main character, David, deserves praise here as he outshines the more experienced adult cast members.
The film tells the story of a 12 year old lad from a middle class suburb of Miami who is sent out by his Mum to look for his mischievous younger brother who is on his way home from a friends house. During his journey David takes a tumble into a wooded ravine near his home and is knocked unconscious. He wakes up eight years later. David is unaware of the march of time and returns home to find it occupied by strangers (This is one of the best scenes in the movie which is well acted and it can't fail to pluck at the heartstrings).
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city a sleek, silver, seashell like spaceship is captured by NASA after it crashes into an electricity pylon. It is recovered and transported to a NASA facility (presumably somewhere on the Cape) where it is deposited in a hanger attached to a lab. Obviously the NASA personnel are excited at such a find and they begin to examine the craft. They quickly discover that there appears to be no way to enter the craft so they resort to brute force to no avail. The story winds on from here detailing David's subsequent adventures and his eventual return home.
This is a wonderful movie which is very well executed. It does get a little cheesy in places but quite honestly it all adds to the fun factor and never strays too far into the realms of silliness. The CG effects utilised for the spacecraft were cutting edge at the time (1984). The next time we'd see a shape-shifting chromium entity on the big screen would be a few years later in Terminator 2, so I like to think that James Cameron drew his inspiration for the T1000 from Max's craft.
https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQlHDttuOiJIb1mLPX0H71KYJx1-IB6TAT77duFYLrZo20DAqVXdQ
There is a remake of FotN currently under production. I know nothing about it but I dearly hope it will be handled sensitively and not ruined. If there is one minor criticism I would level at the original it is that it pandered a little too much to a younger audience. It would be quite possible to harden up the storyline a little to allow the power and despair of David's predicament to grow in stature thus bringing out the plots inner thriller. 10/10
The Last Starfighter (DVD):
https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ43xaviopDWMuK3Pp6Cn8c27Slyha29 X7Ilrsxb5_qKJ1E-GlE
Ah! Well now, we seem to have found that cheeseboard I alluded to earlier, and do you know what, it rounded off the meal perfectly. :D
This is a fun sci-fi romp with no pretensions whatsoever. It is what it is and for that I appreciate it. Alex is an 18 year old kid stuck living on his mums trailer park. He dreams of going to university but feels guilty because if he does leave, his mum will lose her erstwhile site handyman. To complicate matters even further the love of Alex's life, Maggie, seems quite content with her lot in the sticks. To escape his dilemma Alex immerses himself in The Last Starfighter, a video game console located next to the entrance to the trailer parks diner and shop. What Alex doesn't know is that the game has been designed by Centauri, an alien Arthur Daley character, for the purpose of recruiting talented pilots for the Rylan Star League to defend against the evil Ko-Dan Empire.
It is a well thrashed plot straight off the back of any 1980's computer game box, but the irony works in this context. This was the first hit movie to use extensive CGI throughout, although not exclusively as a good part of the movie is live action. The CGI effects are very clunky by todays standards but they were groundbreaking for the time and it certainly wowed the audience that I was a part of. The casts acting ability isn't exactly Shakespearian in stature but it is just about acceptable. No, it would be terribly unfair to criticise this film because in fact what it was, was a showcase for what was to come. In 1984 this was a statement that CGI had arrived and what it said was, "Things will never be the same again..." 6/10
bobbasrah
21-06-2012, 07:47
Well reminded Dave, quite forgot about these....
Never saw Explorers and will look out for it in the bargain bins, but agree with your comments on the other two.
I remember trying to watch both with my kids, and however cheesy, it was indeed fun, even if it was Dad who seemed more engaged with them at times....
The Last Starfighter seemed to have every part of the leftover wardrobe from every Scifi film that had been made for some reason, and the sets seemed similarly "borrowed", but the late Robert Preston's hammed up performance was priceless, even if totally different from anything he had done before....
Yes, I too think 'Flight of the Navigator' is a good film, and although aimed at children, actually contains some good science fiction ideas.
I loved the 'shape shifting' alien spacecraft.
Spectral Morn
21-06-2012, 22:26
I liked all three films at the time, but the Last Starfighter has aged really badly. I agree with all of your ratings. Nice mini reviews :)
Marco, this might be one for you. ;)
I recently watched “God Bless America”.
I think it’s rather well done.
daytona600
25-06-2012, 15:21
watched iron sky & new muppets last night could not get two more diffrerent films
Mr Kipling
25-06-2012, 18:55
Hi,
This has had me amused. Quite like the music.
http://youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en&client=mv-&v=BsQlK7D0VdU
Kind Regards,
Stephen
Reid Malenfant
25-06-2012, 19:08
I have been going through a few DVDs recently :)
Started off with Surface (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452718/), which was broadcast on TV in widescreen & I recorded it in the same format from freeview to DVD. Decided to purchase the original DVD set (quite a while ago) only to find it was in 4:3 :scratch:
Never mind, it was a great Sci Fi series imo..
Next up was Invasion (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460651/), which is also pretty entertaining if you like that sort of thing :D
Last night I watched The Triangle (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452573/), which while on an 8.5Gb dual layer DVD (recorded from freeview) is now going to be replaced with a 2 disc version which I won on ebay yesterday :cool:
Give me a good sci fi & it'll keep me happy... Whether that is a book or film :lol:
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/lb.jpg
'Star Wreck'
From the director of 'Iron Sky'. Essentially, a screwed-up Star Trek universe invades a screwed up Babylon 5 universe through a wormhole - with hilarious results. Would probably be funnier if it wasn't in Finnish but the subtitles do contain some amusing mis-translations to add to the fun.
Spectral Morn
01-07-2012, 09:08
I have been going through a few DVDs recently :)
Started off with Surface (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452718/), which was broadcast on TV in widescreen & I recorded it in the same format from freeview to DVD. Decided to purchase the original DVD set (quite a while ago) only to find it was in 4:3 :scratch:
Never mind, it was a great Sci Fi series imo..
Next up was Invasion (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460651/), which is also pretty entertaining if you like that sort of thing :D
Last night I watched The Triangle (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452573/), which while on an 8.5Gb dual layer DVD (recorded from freeview) is now going to be replaced with a 2 disc version which I won on ebay yesterday :cool:
Give me a good sci fi & it'll keep me happy... Whether that is a book or film :lol:
The sad thing is that neither Surface nor Invasion were finished as both series got cancelled. I liked Surface a lot but was a little less fussed on Invasion.
The other series from in and around the same time that never saw completion was Odyssey 5 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey_5 Which was imho fantastic but got killed off as well :(
Odyssey 5 was really excellent and I was annoyed that it got canned.
Last night I watched the original Swedish version of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo'.
Not for the faint-harted, I found it a gripping and well filmed 'detective' story.
Agreed, Barry, and better than the Hollywood remake.
Spectral Morn
01-07-2012, 21:28
I have tried watching it and gave up. I will try again, but I found it very dry and matter of fact and a tad boring. I watched the first 45 mins or so
I have tried watching it and gave up. I will try again, but I found it very dry and matter of fact and a tad boring. I watched the first 45 mins or so
It takes a while to get going but it is worth it in the end. :)
Spectral Morn
02-07-2012, 00:14
It takes a while to get going but it is worth it in the end. :)
I will Barry its just I don't have a lot of free time at the minute to watch it again but I will; some day, week, month, year...... :mental:
Reid Malenfant
02-07-2012, 19:20
The sad thing is that neither Surface nor Invasion were finished as both series got cancelled. I liked Surface a lot but was a little less fussed on Invasion.
The other series from in and around the same time that never saw completion was Odyssey 5 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey_5 Which was imho fantastic but got killed off as well :(
I agree entirely with your sentiments Neil, I really liked Surface, when I missed recording episode three due to it switching channels I nearly popped a fuse :steam: I did manage to source it though thankfully.
I find just about every series that I get interested in gets killed off :( I bought the blu ray of Stargate Universe (series one), only to find that they killed it after series two & only released series two on DVD :steam:
I got really pi**ed off when they didn't go ahead with Flashforward series two, which is when I gave up watching broadcast TV :rolleyes:
I might have to look into this Oddysey 5.
I watched all of Stargate Universe and it was generally of high quality with an interesting story arc. The cast were strong and it had great promise. A real shame, that one.
Reid Malenfant
02-07-2012, 20:29
I watched all of Stargate Universe and it was generally of high quality with an interesting story arc. The cast were strong and it had great promise. A real shame, that one.
I still haven't lined up the second series yet, thought I had, but looking through the collection it appears I haven't as yet..
The DVD will be fine, the DVDO iScan scaler makes DVDs a thing to behold even on a full HD TV :)
Watching a few series two on ebay as I type :cool:
Spectral Morn
02-07-2012, 20:59
I agree entirely with your sentiments Neil, I really liked Surface, when I missed recording episode three due to it switching channels I nearly popped a fuse :steam: I did manage to source it though thankfully.
I find just about every series that I get interested in gets killed off :( I bought the blu ray of Stargate Universe (series one), only to find that they killed it after series two & only released series two on DVD :steam:
I got really pi**ed off when they didn't go ahead with Flashforward series two, which is when I gave up watching broadcast TV :rolleyes:
I might have to look into this Oddysey 5.
Flashforward was an interesting idea but to be honest for me it had begun to become a sort of Lost and I lost interest in it.
Stargate Universe was poor imho. It got better towards the end but that was to little too late. Sad but there you have it. Sci Fi series always struggle to survive BSG nearly didn't make it fully and while it was a success the follow up Caprica was awful. I hope the next one is better. Babylon 5 was nearly cancelled several times but at least it made it through, more or less to the end :)
Oddysey 5 was very tasty, great ideas and quite scary ones at that. I enjoyed it and was pretty pissed off when it got axed.
Reid Malenfant
03-07-2012, 19:39
Oddysey 5 was very tasty, great ideas and quite scary ones at that. I enjoyed it and was pretty pissed off when it got axed.
I have the complete series on DVD winging it's way to me as I type :)
Looking at the reviews on IMDB & your & Martins comments about it proved too much to resist :D
Anyone taken a look at Primeval? I didn't know it existed until I caught something in the TV section of Weekend magazine (Daily Mail). Checked it out on Youtube, then bought the series 1 - 3 DVD box set for just over £8 delivered on fleabay...
Lets say I was happy for the money :cool:
Spectral Morn
03-07-2012, 21:43
I have the complete series on DVD winging it's way to me as I type :)
Looking at the reviews on IMDB & your & Martins comments about it proved too much to resist :D
Anyone taken a look at Primeval? I didn't know it existed until I caught something in the TV section of Weekend magazine (Daily Mail). Checked it out on Youtube, then bought the series 1 - 3 DVD box set for just over £8 delivered on fleabay...
Lets say I was happy for the money :cool:
Primeval has been frustrating, good and bad, sometimes at the same time. Its ok but I had hoped for more with the reboot after it had been saved from the axe, but so far I am not that impressed. I like the premise but too little is being revealed about the nature of the time portals.
I will keep watching in hope it gets better.
Reid Malenfant
03-07-2012, 22:19
Primeval has been frustrating, good and bad, sometimes at the same time. Its ok but I had hoped for more with the reboot after it had been saved from the axe, but so far I am not that impressed. I like the premise but too little is being revealed about the nature of the time portals.
I will keep watching in hope it gets better.
As I'm not up to date on things I can only comment on what I have seen ;)
I think I saw the second episode of series five on Youtube, I wasn't impressed with the effects, yet I see the earlier series are quite good in that respect :scratch:
I have series five here on blu ray, but I'm waiting for the forth to get here (again on blu ray - £5 sealed :)) before I go any further.
I just wish they hadn't killed off Cutter in the third series :rolleyes:
While I can understand you are frustrated about the anomalies, from what I have seen so far, more is being revealed, but gradually..
Still I can't moan at very many hours of entertainment for less than £20, not forgetting I can spin them again (& I have done) :)
Mike The Knight on CBeebees... I don't watch TV, but should get back into watching films for sure.
'The World's Fastest Indian'
Not just a film for the petrol heads out there, but a life-affirming film about a man and his ambition. And one which says that thaose 'of an open heart' will benefit from the 'comfort of strangers'.
A wonderful warm-hearted film, much in the same way as the film 'Mediterraneo'.
'The Plank'
Watched in tribute to the late Eric Sykes who died a couple of days ago. A sad loss - he was the last link to The Goons, having written many of the scripts with Spike Milligan.
The Plank is a slapstick comedy, based on the simple story of a couple of workmen, who upon finding they are one plank short of the number required to finish laying a floor, set off to the builder's yard. For an inanimate object, the plank seems to have a remarkable life of it's own!
There were a couple of versions made. The best one, in my opinion, is the 1968 version starring Eric Sykes and Tommy Cooper (another sad loss).
H2RoudtrVv8&feature=related
bobbasrah
09-07-2012, 16:57
Agreed on both your posts Barry.
Hopkins played Bert perfectly.... The script and sets were wonderful, and on HD, stunning. I swore I could hear the salt crystals crack on the Salt Flats.... Brilliant film, sadly underrated....
Sykes and Cooper were from the same comedic mould as Chaplin etc., taking their craft from vaudeville stage to film.... Future classics for sure...
At least they left behind their finely crafted creations to be admired in future....
Must dig them out again this evening after your reminder....
Cheers
'The World's Fastest Indian'
Not just a film for the petrol heads out there, but a life-affirming film about a man and his ambition. And one which says that those 'of an open heart' will benefit from the 'comfort of strangers'.
A wonderful warm-hearted film, much in the same way as the film 'Mediterraneo'.
A truly wonderful film this. I saw it for the very first time about six months ago and decided to watch it on the sole premise that it starred Anthony Hopkins. I am so glad I did. All the better for it being a true story too ;)
bobbasrah
14-07-2012, 09:03
A quirky film from 2010, which Will Ferrel carries off with panache, abetted by a surprising cast...
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1386588/
Not the usual frenetically paced special effects laden stuff, almost slow, but full of comedic comments and moments all too easily missed.
Fully deserving of a second viewing for all that....
'The Hill'
An all time favourite of mine and a film I come back to watch every so often despite I have seen it so many times I can repeat the dialogue verbatim.
Black and white pic from 1965, directed by Sidney Lumet and shot on location in North Africa. Here is the IMDB link that gives the gist of the story:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059274/
It's set in the war but it is not a war film and there is no 'action' as such. It is a character study and a study of the workings of the military machine and the insanity it becomes when it is taken too far. Everything about this film is outstanding. The perfomances are out of the top draw, everyone concerned did their best work on this one. Yet despite that Ian Hendry still stands out as as a total acting genius (just watch how throughout he uses nothing more than his facial expressions to develop his charater).
If you haven't seen this one before you really need to, it is up there with the best of Kurosawa's work. It is a film that will blow you away with its power and intensity.
http://img.imaginecasting.com/blog/convoy.jpg
Watched this earlier, I haven't seen it for years. Reminds me of me yoof when I was into CB Radio and I enjoyed it as much as I did back then, 10-4 good buddy!!!
Cowboys & Aliens - panned by the critics, but I rather enjoyed it.
Mr Kipling
16-07-2012, 22:46
Still Game. Absolute hoot! Never get tired of watching this episode:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CcWesuj7mBI
Man on a Ledge - should have been absolute crap, but it was cleverly built up so that the reason for him being on a ledge is only slowly unfolded. Stylish and more enjoyable than I expected.
Spectral Morn
19-07-2012, 22:18
Just back from seeing The Amazing Spider Man and well :scratch: not so amazing. Frankly Tobey Maquire is Peter Parker the new guy is well....naff imho.
sq225917
20-07-2012, 19:20
Saw Batman 1st thing this morning- oooh it's good....lots of redemption.
Man on a Ledge - should have been absolute crap, but it was cleverly built up so that the reason for him being on a ledge is only slowly unfolded. Stylish and more enjoyable than I expected.
I've been teetering (excuse the pun) over whether to watch this or not and then the excellent Phonebooth starring Colin Farrel, Forest Whittaker & Kiefer Sutherland came to mind which I enjoyed immensely. Man On A ledge seems to be in a similar vein so perhaps I should give it a go...
http://jackasscritics.com/images/movies/phone_booth_01.jpg
Not watched it yet but will next year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeSTmsNq13g
(watch it in 1080p full screen with sound turned up)
wow, NOT what I expected...
and alternative trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zld8i2mRxb0
Still Game. Absolute hoot! Never get tired of watching this episode:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CcWesuj7mBI
Pint a Guiness.... :)
Poor Victor.
'Twin Peaks'. Still awesome after all these years.
Reid Malenfant
11-08-2012, 21:04
I have been watching The Event (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/The-Event-Blu-ray/27005/) of late, not a bad series at the end of the day :) Certainly ok for £9 off of fleabay ;)
Off to carry on where I left off.
:cool:
HighFidelityGuy
11-08-2012, 21:38
I thought The Event was pretty good too. It's a shame it was cancelled before season 2. :(
guyhayton
11-08-2012, 22:56
cannot believe it.. two rubbish films in one night.
High Fidelity and The Expendables
shame as I thought the book of High Fidelity by Nick Hornby was excellent.
even Catherine Zeta Jones couldn't maintain my interest in that film!
I disagree Guy, I thought High Fidelity was a rather good film and own a copy. :)
Having been glued to the Olympics for the last couple of weeks, I've developed a rather bad habit of following the evenings viewing by watching a DVD (that is, if not playing music).
Over the last couple of weeks, I have watched:
Gorky Park
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Z3B9JMXVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Manhunter
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415f6CCEtpL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
The Fabulous Baker Boys
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31GJJZQFNCL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
American Beauty
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HJ06Y1ZNL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Memento
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZX871V6FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
The Machinist
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51HFT20HK0L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
and several episodes from Jeeves and Wooster
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514VAD4CS6L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Your first five films are all tremendous, Barry. You must have rather enjoyed your post-Olympics viewing.
Spectral Morn
12-08-2012, 14:11
Not watched it yet but will next year!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeSTmsNq13g
(watch it in 1080p full screen with sound turned up)
wow, NOT what I expected...
and alternative trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zld8i2mRxb0
Please not another reboot, I am sick of reboots :steam:
Spectral Morn
12-08-2012, 14:13
Having been glued to the Olympics for the last couple of weeks, I've developed a rather bad habit of following the evenings viewing by watching a DVD (that is, if not playing music).
Over the last couple of weeks, I have watched:
Manhunter
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415f6CCEtpL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Man hunter is fabulous film, I especially love the way music is used in this film.
Michael Mann - he always uses music well in his films.
I disagree Guy, I thought High Fidelity was a rather good film and own a copy. :)
And me!
Reid Malenfant
12-08-2012, 20:01
And me!
Does John Cusack star in it? If so I thought it was rather good to :)
Mr Kipling
12-08-2012, 20:20
Hi Mark,
Nice to see your name showing up again. Just want Mike (Jac Hawk) back now. Then again, The Codfather (El Marco) doesn't seem to have put in an appearance since waiting for a Nak to arrive.
Kind Regards,
Stephen
Reid Malenfant
12-08-2012, 20:25
:rfl: @ The Codfather :lol:
Cheers Stephen, I'll hopefully be about daily, though I doubt I'll be online for as long as I normally would have been previously. At least not for a while at any rate.
Slowly, slowly catchy monkey :)
All the best!
Mr Kipling
12-08-2012, 20:32
He mentioned his parents having a fish & chip when he was a young 'un!
Reid Malenfant
12-08-2012, 20:51
He mentioned his parents having a fish & chip when he was a young 'un!
Aye, that certainly rings some bells :)
Off to watch some Jericho (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0805663/), this is rather good if I do say so myself :eyebrows:
I picked up the Decisive box set (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jericho-The-Decisive-Box-Set/dp/B003N18O9W) recently, a guy has to have something to do when he can't do a great deal :D
Ebay to the rescue yet again :eyebrows:
guyhayton
12-08-2012, 21:27
Does John Cusack star in it? If so I thought it was rather good to :)
Okay.. I stand alone on thinking that High Fidelity was poor.
Each to their own - I preferred the book.
Good thing about a Netflix subscription is that I could try it and not feel any real regret other than some lost time.
Okay.. I stand alone on thinking that High Fidelity was poor.
.
No, you don't. ;)
The main problem is that the central character is such a wuss it is impossible to be sympathetic to him.
Not sure what the book is like, never read it as I'm not much for Nick Hornby in general.
bobbasrah
14-08-2012, 09:46
Sat through two films yesterday evening, Bernie and The Dictator.
Jack Black was interesting in the role of Bernie, if a little overplayed. A most enjoyable portrayal of a real story, in semi-documentary style. Observations and comments by the real townsfolk were priceless.
Sacha Cohen's latest 'masterpiece' was apart from the first few minutes, a turgid pile of crap. Not sufficiently bad to switch off, simply because if it was paid for I was damned well going to watch it in it's entirety. The few clever bits could not make up for the rest IMHO. Not my taste, and a waste of time and money....
Reid Malenfant
16-08-2012, 20:02
Off to lay down & watch the last four episodes of Jericho (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0805663/), on season two now....
Rare that something gets past season one these days :rolleyes:
I'll be watching this lot again...
Let The Right One In [dvd]
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MJdcgKxEL.jpg
A slow burning, mesmerising, wonderfully performed and chilling love story. Boy-meets-vampire. If you like good Scandinavian drama (The Bridge, the original Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Wallander) then you'll love this. I haven't enjoyed a film as much as this one for a long time.
Let The Right One In [dvd]
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MJdcgKxEL.jpg
A slow burning, mesmerising, wonderfully performed and chilling love story. Boy-meets-vampire. If you like good Scandinavian drama (The Bridge, the original Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Wallander) then you'll love this. I haven't enjoyed a film as much as this one for a long time.
Fantastic film Martin. Avoid the dreadful American version.
I think you need to read the book, as that explains the brief non sequitur shot which shows the vampire child plainly is a girl.
I think you need to read the book, as that explains the brief non sequitur shot which shows the vampire child plainly is a girl.
Ah, I did wonder about that.
Reid Malenfant
17-08-2012, 20:35
Off for a lay down & a film :eyebrows: As I appear to have been watching a series about a load of nuclear bombs going off in USA, I might as well carry on with a film of the same :D
The Day After (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085404/)
Hopefully see you all again tomorrow folks :cool:
Spectral Morn
17-08-2012, 21:37
Just watched The Boy In The Stripped Pyjamas :( One of the most harrowing films I have seen in quite awhile because it is so subtle in how things are portrayed - such terrible horrors being seen through the eyes of a child. It could be said that the camp commandant gets his just deserts in what happens but Bruno is such a lovely innocent, caring child............ I take my hat off to the writer of this book for such a kick to the guts ending.
Yes, that film had a powerful effect on me too, Neil.
Reid Malenfant
18-08-2012, 20:26
I need a rest... Hard day catching up on work around the house, back aching like a biatch, so off to lay down & go start going over Fringe season 3 (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Fringe-The-Complete-Third-Season-Blu-ray/16106/) once again :)
Twas good fun :D
See you all tomorrow, hopefully :cool:
Have a good one Mark and rest that back.
Good to see the old avatar back too, its like a comfy pair of slippers ;)
That's how I feel about avatars too, Tim. I like that one, Mark, and I just had to go back to my trusty old one too.
Beechwoods
18-08-2012, 21:46
I couldn't change mine either :)
It took me a while to learn who yours is, Nick.
It took me a while to learn who yours is, Nick.
Looks like Laura Nyro to me?
Looks like Laura Nyro to me?
:)
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTU4MTQ2MzA1Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODE3NTgwNA@@._ V1._SY317_CR0,0,214,317_.jpg
Just going to watch this :scratch: Not sure when or indeed if I ever did ordered this from TescoDVD and maybe when LoveFilm took over, my list got screwed - I sure can't remember putting it on my rental list, but who knows?
Apparently the band Grizzly Bear scored the film who funnily enough I am going to see in 2 weeks!
Reid Malenfant
19-08-2012, 19:39
This heat is killing me :steam:
I need air conditioning I reckon :(
Off to watch some more Fringe. In a cooler room :D
See you all tomorrow :wave:
My entire house appears to have become a sauna and I can't seem to find the controls :steam:
I need to get into a fridge.
Beechwoods
19-08-2012, 20:16
Try the windows Martin, old-school, but effective!
Beechwoods
19-08-2012, 20:42
Analogue!
Spectral Morn
19-08-2012, 20:55
Only if there is a breeze blowing :( and there isn't one doing so here.
London Boulevard
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9gXfIiOFGw/TtllQXdT7fI/AAAAAAAAXMY/CPRFlIwrkfA/s1600/2.bmp
Stylish thriller in which Colin Farrell is released from prison and just can't seem to keep straight. A gorgeous Keira Knightley, looking reminiscent of her part in The Jacket, is the person who tries to give him a job but falls for him instead. Anna Friel plays her heart out as his drug-drink-sex ridden sister and Ray Winstone plays a variant of every part he ever takes as a mob ganster. Great scenes and a superb music score make it very watchable. However, no-one is coming through this one unscathed and just watch out for the build-up to the grande finale.
Reid Malenfant
20-08-2012, 19:23
Off for some more Fringe in a cooler room (with windows that open), like Martins abode, it's just too hot in here :rolleyes: The windows are open as well, though none in here as I can't open them :doh:
Think I'll buy a big fan, remove the gas fire (I never use it) & blow the hot air out up the chimney :lol: :hmm: :idea: Cool air enters room, hot air drawn out...
My entire house appears to have become a sauna and I can't seem to find the controls :steam:
I need to get into a fridge.
You could try my Fridge Martin, but it's hot in there to :eyebrows:
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/tie-1.jpg
(proper sci-fi!)
Haven't seen that one in years, Roy :)
Reid Malenfant
25-08-2012, 20:49
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/tie-1.jpg
(proper sci-fi!)
Haven't seen that one in years, Roy :)
Likewise, think I'll spin the DVD of Robinson Crusoe On Mars tomorrow :)
Meanwhile, time to finish off the last three episodes of Fringe season 3 on BD...
Bye for now :wave:
Spectral Morn
28-08-2012, 20:19
Zulu
Stunning film :)
MikeMusic
29-08-2012, 15:17
Once
Still on BBC iplayer if you move fast
I didn't realise it was a musical
Nice film or should than be fillumm :)
Some nice surprises in it
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova you may know..
brilliant film with some great music in it. I loved it when I saw it at our local theatre. Can't recommend it enough...
CoSL_qayMCc
Spectral Morn
30-08-2012, 14:23
Just back from watching the new Total Recall
Well its pretty good - not sure how faithful to the Philip K Dick story it inspires - but its a much better film than Arnie's one was.
I'm going to find a copy of this all we need is a blue ray player.
Time to step up from my 15 year old Sony DVD it still dose a wonderful job it was a really good one at the time and has a lot of hours on it.
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTcwMzA4NDAyOF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwOTQ0NjYyMw@@._ V1._SY317_CR2,0,214,317_.jpg
(2005) Directed by Robert Schwentke and produced by Brian Grazer, Flightplan (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408790/fullcredits#cast) is a mystery/thriller starring Jodie Foster and Sean Bean amongst others. It's not the best thriller I've ever seen but it was entertaining none the less. Foster is on form as always and despite some wooden acting by a few of the remaining cast members the plot moves along at a fair old clip. Because all the action takes place on a plane flying from Germany to the US a sense of claustrophobia pervades which ramps up the tension. There's a nice twist towards the end, however the writers introduced it a little prematurely in my opinion leaving the plot to flop around like a landed fish for the remainder of the film.
http://vhmorales.com.ar/wp-content/uploads/pulse21.jpg
RKVJicTW9rc
Pink Floyd Live At "Earls Court Stadium" [1994] ~ PULSE
Just back from watching the new Total Recall
Well its pretty good - not sure how faithful to the Philip K Dick story it inspires - but its a much better film than Arnie's one was.
Thanks, Neil, I was wondering whether to bother, knowing that the Arnie film was poor.
Spectral Morn
03-09-2012, 21:57
Thanks, Neil, I was wondering whether to bother, knowing that the Arnie film was poor.
It has had mixed reviews Martin but I liked it.
Reid Malenfant
04-09-2012, 21:02
Strangely the music that I just listened to, reminded me of a certain film....
Music here (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showpost.php?p=358892&postcount=5255) :)
Film here - Sunshine (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Sunshine-Blu-ray/12218/), the first blu ray I ever bought...
Loved it :D
Off to enjoy it...
The Hunger Games [Blu-ray]
Really surprisingly excellent action drama set in a post-apocalyptic North America. I was all set to write this off as another shallow teen vehicle, but I found myself well and truly drawn in. I like that the story throws you wholesale into the world, assuming full acceptance of the grusome central idea without attempting much back-story. This heightens the shock value. Very well played by the whole cast and Jennifer Lawrence was a good choice as a striking but not beautiful natural survivor.
If it's thought provoking I usually rate a film as good. This one sets up a future that is repugnant, rather like Starship Troopers, but makes you think about it.
The lovely end credit song by the Civil Wars is a bonus.
Spectral Morn
07-09-2012, 20:47
The Hunger Games [Blu-ray]
Really surprisingly excellent action drama set in a post-apocalyptic North America. I was all set to write this off as another shallow teen vehicle, but I found myself well and truly drawn in. I like that the story throws you wholesale into the world, assuming full acceptance of the grusome central idea without attempting much back-story. This heightens the shock value. Very well played by the whole cast and Jennifer Lawrence was a good choice as a striking but not beautiful natural survivor.
If it's thought provoking I usually rate a film as good. This one sets up a future that is repugnant, rather like Starship Troopers, but makes you think about it.
The lovely end credit song by the Civil Wars is a bonus.
Sounds interesting. We are always been asked in the bookshop - I work in - for this series of books by both teenagers and adults. I will check it out when it becomes cheaper.
Reid Malenfant
07-09-2012, 21:01
Zulu
Stunning film :)
100% agreed :) Apparently the BD is a masterpiece of remastering, I can't wait to get a copy at a decent price :)
Just back from watching the new Total Recall
Well its pretty good - not sure how faithful to the Philip K Dick story it inspires - but its a much better film than Arnie's one was.
Now I'm not sure about this, as I'm not sure how it compares to the book (as I haven't read it :doh:). But which is closer to the original...
After all, the remake has zero mention of Mars, it's all based on Earth :scratch:
Ok, so that doesn't mean it's not good or entertaining :eyebrows:
Meanwhile, I'm off for some monster fun that I haven't had for an age :lol:
Monsters Vs Aliens (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Monsters-vs-Aliens-Blu-ray/5359/#Review)
Looks incredible on a 21/9 TV, please don't comment if you don't happen to have one.. :cool:
Reid Malenfant
08-09-2012, 22:22
Pretty sure that this is a Philip K Dick thing to... Paycheck (http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Paycheck-Blu-ray/4330/) :)
Well after the film I mentioned last night I watched The Day The Earth Stood Still, the 2003 version with Mr Wooden - Keanu Reaves :eyebrows: Perfect as an alien...
Time for another wooden actor, Ben Affleck, fun film though :cool:
Bye for now :wave:
I'll be interested to hear what you think of Paycheck, Mark. I've read most of the PKD novels and follow all the films that have so far been made.
Blade Runner remains on the highest perch.
Anna Karenina [cinema 8k]
I was fully expecting a half decent update to the story with great cinematography and PQ. Well, I got the great PQ (the 8k digital cinema system is excellent) but precious little else. If it wasn't for Keira Knightley's ability to hold screen attention, and her very expressive acting, I would actually have fallen asleep. The film didn't engage me at all and that's not just because of the wilfully odd semi-staged stylised presentation and slightly comedic delivery. Some scenes - such as the big ball dance where some dancers froze in position mannequin-style in order to focus on the main couple - worked quite well. But the overall effect was much less than the sum of its parts.
Only for the very curious.
The Awakening
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EZLV4fRrL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Just off to watch this as soon as Eric Bibb has stopped spinning.
MikeMusic
15-09-2012, 08:28
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LagwonLphg&feature=g-vrec
Stumbled across this - hilarious
Adult. Not for kids or work
chris@panteg
18-09-2012, 10:44
A man for all Seasons , an old classic but a brilliant movie with a masterful performance by the late Paul Scofield .
One of the key scenes for me .
A-nJR15e0F4
I don't watch much TV or many fillums for that matter, but someone gave the missus and I something to watch over the weekend and it was a total :wanker:
Give "Battleship" a very wide berth as it takes to excess the cheesiness of the good old American hero who saves the world unaided. The first part of the film is dedicated to showing how inept and incompetent the 'hero' is and his main aim is to ask the Admiral (Played to my surprise by Liam Neeson - must NEED the money) for his blessing to marry his daughter. Between him and that remote eventuality is an alien invasion which needs some high tech swashbuckling to deal with against a highly advanced and formidable opponent.
A good way into the film we discover that not only is our 'hero' a snot-nosed inept buffoon, he is also a ranking officer of a US Navy warship no less. I had to read the DVD cover notes and take the DVD out of the player twice to make sure I was watching what the film purported to be. It then turns into a classic 'against all odds' type of losing battle betwixt alien and the might of the US forces who seem almost powerless to stop the onslaught.
It culminates with taking out of mothballs a WWII battleship complete with archaic shell firing guns AND a complete crew of retired veterans, led by guess who? Despite massive opposition from others who also sincerely believe our hero is a nitwit, he makes this ancient warhorse perform a one-in-a-million gun salvo and saves the world. Now he is the hero and has shaken off his idiot mantle, he then asks the Admiral if he can marry his daughter.
I don't mind a bit of USA cheesey endings, but this takes the piss in a big big way. Avoid.
Canetoad
18-09-2012, 14:21
Even your synopsis was annoying Frank! :lol:
Even your synopsis was annoying Frank! :lol:
Happy to be of service :lol:
Saw Dredd at the weekend...
Holey moley what a film. :eek:
Brutal adult sci-fi action, not an ounce of fat on it.
Best use of 3D I've seen, beats even Avatar.
awesome.
electric beach
21-09-2012, 08:00
Watched Karate Kid last night, mainly intrigued to see how they would tackle such a project and escape with any credibility. Personally I thought they've done really well with the new characterisation on the original vehicle. The young mr Smith shows talent beyond his years, portraying the 12 year old's attitude so well that I found myself cheering when he got a well deserved slap :lol: Seriously, he's a joy to watch act but top marks from me go to Jackie Chan's reserved and introspective supporting role. One to watch with the kids that you can enjoy.
Arabian Nights (1001 Nights) (1974, restored/remastered 2009)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51r3I-kbI3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Beautifully shot, poetic and one of Pasolini's better films. Typically Pasolini: a lyrical quest for long lost idylls (if it ever existed) and very adult (with frequent nudity and sex scenes).
Watched because it was filmed in Ethiopia, Yemen, Iran and Nepal. All places I have visited, so location spotting was fun.
Shall be watching this shortly:
The King's Speech
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qWbWGvBUL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
May be apocryphal, but I read somewhere that to play the part, Colin Firth spent so much effort to learn to stammer, he has developed, post hoc, a mild stammer himself. :eek: Method acting taken too far?
It's a good film, Barry. Enjoy!
Finished my marathon Lethal Weapon watch last night with number four. Heroic quantities of beer were consumed. These are not the sort of films to watch if you are the sort of person, like me, who likes to point out plot holes and inconsistencies. Apparantly the United States has no equivilant of the UK's Police and Criminal Evidence Act. Car doors offer excellent protection from close range automatic weapon fire. (A real 'don't try this at home'). And across all of the 4 films Riggs and Murtaugh are captured multiple times by the bad guys who never simply shoot them dead when they have the chance but instead always leave them to die in some desperate situation from which they easily escape...still it's all in good fun.
In case you were wondering, 2 is far and away the best and not just because of the lovely Patsy an her faux-Afrikaans accent.
Sex Pistols:There'll always be an England
Spectral Morn
26-09-2012, 21:20
The Raid :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
I have to watch the end yet but so far so very good but bloody hell this movie is relentless in its action...........
Spectral Morn
27-09-2012, 10:59
The Raid :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:
I have to watch the end yet but so far so very good but bloody hell this movie is relentless in its action...........
Just finished it.
The Raid is hailed as being the next thing in action films :scratch: Well if that includes films with no real plot or story then I will opt out. The Raid is certainly full of battles, fights and uncompromising violence but its not much more. Fun to watch but I prefer films with a story.
Rare Bird
29-09-2012, 00:50
tbh i don't find the time for TV. i try squeeze things in but moosik is more than my staple diet!!
Just about to watch this again . . .
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51A4%2BVdfHjL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
contains one of my favourite lines in a film "So long and thanks for all the fish"
TTFN
I prefer "due to a huge error in scale, the entire battle fleet was swallowed by a small dog". From memory. :lol:
My recollection of that film (and I've tried to blot it out of my memory so traqumatic was it) is that they took out pretty much all of Adam's original, funny material and replaced it with unfunny crap. And the funny material they left in was poorly handled and so wasn't funny. The old TV series did it a lot better for about one thousandth of the budget.
Still, enjoy ;)
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss68/Lodger56/lhao.jpg
pvoW26QzmNI&feature=relmfu
The old TV series did it a lot better for about one thousandth of the budget.
Couldn't have put it better myself Martin. I have only seen this one once before (I still haven't started it yet!) and wanted to refresh my recollection, it will be even more interesting to critique it again now.... and I'm going to start it now.
The old TV series did it a lot better for about one thousandth of the budget.
Agreed, the TV series was far better than the film.
Agreed, the TV series was far better than the film.
Well having watched it again I have to agree, I like it for what it is as a concept, but the execution is poor in this film. I don't care for Martin Freeman's style, either in this, or The Office. Still enjoyable though for Marvin as I'm a Rickman fan and I also really like Bill Nighy. The whole thing fells a little contrived TBH, they almost tried too hard.
Going to seek out the TV series as I have not seen that for years.
bobbasrah
01-10-2012, 08:32
Well having watched it again I have to agree, I like it for what it is as a concept, but the execution is poor in this film. I don't care for Martin Freeman's style, either in this, or The Office. Still enjoyable though for Marvin as I'm a Rickman fan and I also really like Bill Nighy. The whole thing fells a little contrived TBH, they almost tried too hard.
Going to seek out the TV series as I have not seen that for years.
Although not strictly AV, I fondly remember the Radio series which started the whole THHGTTG ball rolling, which I religiously glued myself to the radio to hear each and every episode... Seem to recollect the voice of Peter Jones as the narrator/book.:cool:
MikeMusic
01-10-2012, 08:34
Although not strictly AV, I fondly remember the Radio series which started the whole THHGTTG ball rolling, which I religiously glued myself to the radio to hear each and every episode... Seem to recollect the voice of Peter Jones as the narrator/book.:cool:
The best for me too
Canetoad
01-10-2012, 09:15
I have the complete audio box set. It's fantastic! :)
Now these are good tips, going to look them up for sure - thanks guys :)
Canetoad
01-10-2012, 10:08
Here! (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitchhikers-Guide-Galaxy-Complete-Radio/dp/0563504196/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349086057&sr=1-4)
Here! (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hitchhikers-Guide-Galaxy-Complete-Radio/dp/0563504196/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1349086057&sr=1-4)
:doh: now you are spending my money too ;)
Thanks Bernie . . . I think.
Canetoad
01-10-2012, 11:41
Tim,
Sorry about that :lol:
You might be able to pick up a box set 2nd hand on the bay. It also includes an interview with the author. For a radio series it was very good. I love it!
StanleyB
05-10-2012, 21:02
ELO Live in Wembley stadium 1978 now on BBC4. The first proper use of laser in a show.
twickers
05-10-2012, 21:18
ELO Live in Wembley stadium 1978 now on BBC4. The first proper use of laser in a show.
Sounds nice through my bushmaster dac stan:)
StanleyB
05-10-2012, 21:39
Sounds nice through my bushmaster dac stan:)
Speak up. I can't hear you :rave: :lol:
MikeMusic
06-10-2012, 08:46
ELO Live in Wembley stadium 1978 now on BBC4. The first proper use of laser in a show.
I was there !
Magnificent, stunning, awesome
Just about to watch this . . .
The Hunger Games
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KIivfI0uL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Hope you enjoy it, Tim.
Hmmm, it was OK I guess, wouldn't want to watch it twice (seen Monsters about 6 times now!), which for me is always a marker for a good film. I enjoyed it a little more once it got going, but as a concept I thought Battle Royale was better.
Good music though :)
Monsters is superb, probably an unfair comparison.
aquapiranha
08-10-2012, 20:59
Just about to watch this . . .
The Hunger Games
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KIivfI0uL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
I quite liked that. I thought it was for kids really but it is a bit gruesome and maybe a bit deep for younger ones I thought. I thought I regognised the main character but couldn't place her until IMDB came to the rescue and told me it was she out of Xmen first class.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.