General Movie Thread

[Chris L]

Watched THE SUN, Aleksandr Sokurov's movie about Hirohito during the final days of WWII.  Features a strange but fascinating lead performance by Issei Ogata ("Is he going to be making those fish faces with his mouth the whole time," I quickly wondered. Yes).  The tone is almost Beckett-like as he whiles away the days in his bunker with his slavish servants, occasionally emerging to study marine biology and have awkward meetings with Douglas MacArthur (played by a mediocre ex-pat actor with a B-52-sized forehead). There's also an ambitious sequence where he envisions giant flying fish dropping bombs on Japan.  A flawed but very interesting film (one not visually suited to Netflix instant though).

[Joe Rogaine]

Just watched Mother, wow don't know why i slept on that one when it was in the theater. Its the kind of movie Larry David would have nightmares about.

[Matt]

Saw CERTIFIED COPY last weekend and was absolutely mesmerized by it. A genuine masterpiece. Another viewing is in order, since I was so emotionally wrapped up in what was going on that I neglected to fully engage with the movie's more intellectual qualities, which are considerable. As it stands, it's easily the best movie I've seen so far this year.

I also saw HANNA yesterday. Man, this movie is an absolute blast. I had zero interest after viewing the trailer, but the eggheads at the Criterion Forum were raving about it, so I decided to check it out. They were right. It didn't reinvent the wheel or anything, but it's immensely stylish and full of weird little touches and interesting scenes. Two scenes in particular stood out to me: Hanna escaping from an underground CIA bunker (not a spoiler - it happens in the first third of the movie), and Cate Blanchett meeting an entertainingly Germanic Tom Hollander in a bar. The score is great. And it has both Cate Blanchett AND Olivia Williams in it, which automatically makes it better than 95% of the other garbage out now.

[Paul DeLouisiana]

According to the annoyed sighs and verbal criticisms at the roling of the credits, I was apparently the only one in the theater who liked Meek's Cutoff. I'm a big fan of Reichardt and this change of format made me nervous, but it worked out well. It is one of those movies that grows on you. I saw it on Friday and it's still resonating with me. It was refreshing to see one of these modern western films that didn't set out to capitalize on the beautiful cinematography.

[jbissell]

Saw CERTIFIED COPY last weekend and was absolutely mesmerized by it. A genuine masterpiece. Another viewing is in order, since I was so emotionally wrapped up in what was going on that I neglected to fully engage with the movie's more intellectual qualities, which are considerable. As it stands, it's easily the best movie I've seen so far this year.

Finally caught it on Saturday and I totally agree.

[crumbum]

According to the annoyed sighs and verbal criticisms at the roling of the credits, I was apparently the only one in the theater who liked Meek's Cutoff. I'm a big fan of Reichardt and this change of format made me nervous, but it worked out well. It is one of those movies that grows on you. I saw it on Friday and it's still resonating with me. It was refreshing to see one of these modern western films that didn't set out to capitalize on the beautiful cinematography.

I loved it. As time goes on I no longer believe it's a masterpiece (saw it at the Toronto Film Fest last year), but nonetheless one of the most thought-provoking and beautifully made movies to come along in a while.

[AllisonLeGnome]

Midnight in Paris was kind of disappointing- not that I was particularly expecting much, now that I think about it.

[Louis Lame]

really looking forward to the new Malick flick

[jbissell]

According to the annoyed sighs and verbal criticisms at the roling of the credits, I was apparently the only one in the theater who liked Meek's Cutoff. I'm a big fan of Reichardt and this change of format made me nervous, but it worked out well. It is one of those movies that grows on you. I saw it on Friday and it's still resonating with me. It was refreshing to see one of these modern western films that didn't set out to capitalize on the beautiful cinematography.

The reaction in my theater was similar. I liked it a lot, though I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending.

[Paul DeLouisiana]

According to the annoyed sighs and verbal criticisms at the roling of the credits, I was apparently the only one in the theater who liked Meek's Cutoff. I'm a big fan of Reichardt and this change of format made me nervous, but it worked out well. It is one of those movies that grows on you. I saw it on Friday and it's still resonating with me. It was refreshing to see one of these modern western films that didn't set out to capitalize on the beautiful cinematography.

The reaction in my theater was similar. I liked it a lot, though I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending.

I thought the ending was intense. When Michelle Williams looking through the tree. The overwhelming decision they had to face.

[Denim Gremlin]

According to the annoyed sighs and verbal criticisms at the roling of the credits, I was apparently the only one in the theater who liked Meek's Cutoff. I'm a big fan of Reichardt and this change of format made me nervous, but it worked out well. It is one of those movies that grows on you. I saw it on Friday and it's still resonating with me. It was refreshing to see one of these modern western films that didn't set out to capitalize on the beautiful cinematography.

that's awesome to know. I was really excited to see this, I can't wait to check it out. I've always thought of Kelly Reichardt as one of the best directors right now that no one ever talks about. It's exciting to see her expanding into new territory.

[wood and iron]

Just watched A Woman Under the Influence. I wasn't particularly thrilled by it. I recognized the amazing performances by Gena Rowlands and Peter Falk. However, I feel like the movie never really develops the story of Mabel's insanity. It was two and a half hours of her acting loopy and Peter Falk alternating between kissing her and hitting her. This was my first Cassavettes film. Am I missing something?

[masterofsparks]

Story is not usually the focus of any Cassevetes movie. Killing of a Chinese Bookie is probably the most story-centric, but in general, if you're looking for a compelling story, I'd steer clear of further Cassavetes stuff.

[wood and iron]

Story is not usually the focus of any Cassevetes movie. Killing of a Chinese Bookie is probably the most story-centric, but in general, if you're looking for a compelling story, I'd steer clear of further Cassavetes stuff.

I'm not looking for story per se. I'm quite happy in character study stuff. However, I thought this particular movie the characters just kept doing the same stuff.

[fonpr]

Story is not usually the focus of any Cassevetes movie. Killing of a Chinese Bookie is probably the most story-centric, but in general, if you're looking for a compelling story, I'd steer clear of further Cassavetes stuff.

I'm not looking for story per se. I'm quite happy in character study stuff. However, I thought this particular movie the characters just kept doing the same stuff.

MEI (My Experience Is) that's life.