WolfAtTheDoor's movies that he definitely should've seen before... review.

Anteater · 10-12-2009, 09:39 AM

Spirited Away, despite several obvious flaws, is one of those rare films that transcends being a movie entirely at times, culminating in that train sequence in the second half. Well, at least for me anyway.

storymilo · 10-12-2009, 09:43 AM

^^ Yes.

I love Spirited Away. To me it's just an incredible movie. I won't try to talk you into it, because I think it's one of those movies you can't really analyze very well without detracting from it. I just think it's a magical film and any flaws it may have don't really matter when compared to the rest of it.

WolfAtTheDoor · 10-12-2009, 09:47 AM

I agree on the part with the train, it was an artistic highlight. But I couldn't shake the feeling that the second portion of the film was largely disappointing when compared to the breathtaking first.

jackhammer · 10-12-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfAtTheDoor

This Is Spinal Tap

The whole genius of the film is in the deadpan deliveries and spot on accents. If you would never know you would swear it was a British film in terms of tone and delivery.

WolfAtTheDoor · 10-12-2009, 02:06 PM

I don't think it deserves the amount of credit it receives because of its leanings towards British humour. Even though the acting is applaudable, the fact that the cast is mainly comprised of Yanks portraying Brits does not make the gags any funnier.

jackhammer · 10-12-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfAtTheDoor

I don't think it deserves the amount of credit it receives because of its leanings towards British humour. Even though the acting is applaudable, the fact that the cast is mainly comprised of Yanks portraying Brits does not make the gags any funnier.

I think that IS the reason why it works so well. I love twists like that. I think Bad News and More Bad News are better though. Funny as fuck. Good review for Spirited Away too. You should checkout Princess Mononoke by the same guy. It is superb.

kouki · 10-12-2009, 06:57 PM

Apocalypse Now is a crazy film(good). Ive talked to a POW of that war.He told me the Vietnamese would attach bombs to babies and American soldiers(not knowing)would try to save the babies and well

He also told me about some of his buddies (also POW) where taken on a chopper and interrogated. Whether they told them what they wanted to hear or didnt,they where thrown off the chopper.Oh yeah he was working at a Mcdonalds with me,that blows.

WolfAtTheDoor · 10-18-2009, 01:26 PM

Groundhog Day

Upon hearing the premise of Groundhog Day, I found it to be an unappealing pitch. The inclusion of Bill Murray was somewhat intriguing but the thought of repetition being an occuring theme in a comedy was too bland to warrant any further interest. However, after finding the time to sit down and embrace it for what it is, I have finally succumbed to its charms.

Groundhog Day manages to successfully do the unthinkable - combine genuine humanity with a romantic comedy. Although it begins as a foray into modern life and the routine that accompanies it, the story steadily reveals its true colours as the bond between Phil Connors (Murray) and Rita, played by an excellent Andie MacDowell, begins to emerge. This love story is both heartwarming and deeply grounded in reality, with Phil's initial attempts to pursue her leading to a hilarious slapping-montage and a date in the snow that showcases Murray at his most sarcastic and cynical.

As you would/should expect, Murray elevates Groundhog Day from a good film to a great film. His understanding of the subtleties of comedy perfectly merge with the dark humour of the script, and as Phil Connors plunges further into a downward spiral, we watch Murray's playfulness with the character escalate. He's on the screen every minute, and every minute you cannot take your eyes off of him. Although the role isn't particularly a stretch for Murray considering the vast repertoire of similiar characters that he has portrayed over the years, it should be argued that when the character in question is this entertaining, the formula needn't be altered.

Groundhog Day exceeded all of my expectations and instead of being a farcical comedy wrapped in a bland gimmick, it is instead an intelligent visual metaphor for the trials and tribulations of the working man stuck in a bottomless pit of routine and responsibility. It is an absolutely essential watch and increases my belief in the theory that Bill Murray is the finest actor of his generation.

Rating:

8 lovable groundhogs.

lucifer_sam · 10-20-2009, 09:05 AM

wow...some great choices here, a few of which i agree with.

while i thought Apocalypse Now was an awesome movie i still think Full Metal Jacket blows it out of the water, and hence i can't really come to terms with it as the "definitive" Vietnam War era movie.

i agree completely with you about the Usual Suspects, i found it dull and intentionally slow at times. in addition, it has absolutely no replay value. try watching it again -- i guarantee you'll shut it off within ten minutes.

Spirited Away was a good, but not great movie. if you want to see Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece you have to watch Princess Mononoke, which i can say with my full confidence that it's the best anime flik i've seen. at least in comparison to Spirited Away it's much darker, much bolder, and intended for an older audience.

This Is Spinal Tap may be a hallmark classic of the eighties, if not just for the fact that it parodies the music culture of the time so ****ing well. you might not appreciate the anachronisms here and there but honestly i feel like it does better to convey the sense of desperation which occurred at the time than any outright "hilarious" movie could do.

i still have yet to see City of God and Groundhog Day myself so i can't really comment on them...

WolfAtTheDoor · 10-21-2009, 11:59 AM

Twilight... yes, really.

With the sexual awakening of another batch of pre-pubescent girls just around the corner (or, as some call it, 'New Moon') Twilight is firmly unavoidable, handsome vampires embedded into our culture as much as binge-drinking and First Class Stamps. It would be extremely easy to write Twilight off without ever having actually viewed it, based upon the criticisms it received upon release by every publication that didn't aspire to be Heat Magazine. The sight of those 14-year old lips quivering just as they did when High School Musical first reared its incredibly beautiful head was enough to put anyone off, especially those of us who didn't claim ownership of a vagina.

So, the good news and the bad news. The good news is that after sitting through 120 minutes of ripped abs and Robert Pattinson's hair, I have managed to maintain my heterosexuality. The bads news is that not only did I sit through the whole 120 minutes of ripped abs and Robert Pattinson's hair whilst maintaining my sexuality, I also actually enjoyed it.

Although Twilight never excels into greatness and remains a distinctly mediocre piece of film-making, the fact that it even managed to slightly exceed my expectations is commendable. Granted, the plot was wafer-thin and the central lovestory was devoid of charm, but as a forgettable piece of popcorn-fodder it was entertaining.

As the two leads, Kristen Stewart and Pattinson do a good job squeezing likeability out of two characters that are relatively unlikeable. However, Pattinson falters somewhat in portraying the mystique and magic that would be expected of a vampire, and his haunted 'look' is easy to mistake for a menacing scowl. This makes the chemistry between Bella and Edward seem a little awkward and forced. Twilight is definitely at its most entertaining when it finds itself combining reality with fiction. Bella's introduction to the Cullen's at the hands of a typical American high-schooler is a highlight, along with the field trip with a vampire. The cinematography is also good, perfectly capturing the gloomy aesthetic of the village.

As you know, Twilight is now officially a global phenomenon. Whilst it lacks the credentials to truly be a cinematic success, its cult fanbase will ensure that it continues penetrating the pop-culture consciousness. Even though it will always have its detractors, it is admittedly refreshing to see an original entry into the overcrowded chick-flick genre.

Rating:

5 Twilight fangirls.

10-12-2009, 09:47 AM	#23 (permalink)
WolfAtTheDoor ironing your socks Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: I'm in a rocknroll band. huh. Posts: 396	I agree on the part with the train, it was an artistic highlight. But I couldn't shake the feeling that the second portion of the film was largely disappointing when compared to the breathtaking first. __________________ *press your space face close to mine, love* Last edited by WolfAtTheDoor; 10-12-2009 at 12:26 PM.

10-12-2009, 02:06 PM	#25 (permalink)
WolfAtTheDoor ironing your socks Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: I'm in a rocknroll band. huh. Posts: 396	I don't think it deserves the amount of credit it receives because of its leanings towards British humour. Even though the acting is applaudable, the fact that the cast is mainly comprised of Yanks portraying Brits does not make the gags any funnier. __________________ *press your space face close to mine, love*

10-12-2009, 06:57 PM	#27 (permalink)
kouki Music Addict Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Devils armpit (aka Phx,AZ) Posts: 126	Apocalypse Now is a crazy film(good). Ive talked to a POW of that war.He told me the Vietnamese would attach bombs to babies and American soldiers(not knowing)would try to save the babies and well He also told me about some of his buddies (also POW) where taken on a chopper and interrogated. Whether they told them what they wanted to hear or didnt,they where thrown off the chopper.Oh yeah he was working at a Mcdonalds with me,that blows. __________________ It jiggles when he wiggles-Fez

10-18-2009, 01:26 PM	#28 (permalink)
WolfAtTheDoor ironing your socks Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: I'm in a rocknroll band. huh. Posts: 396	Groundhog Day Upon hearing the premise of Groundhog Day, I found it to be an unappealing pitch. The inclusion of Bill Murray was somewhat intriguing but the thought of repetition being an occuring theme in a comedy was too bland to warrant any further interest. However, after finding the time to sit down and embrace it for what it is, I have finally succumbed to its charms. Groundhog Day manages to successfully do the unthinkable - combine genuine humanity with a romantic comedy. Although it begins as a foray into modern life and the routine that accompanies it, the story steadily reveals its true colours as the bond between Phil Connors (Murray) and Rita, played by an excellent Andie MacDowell, begins to emerge. This love story is both heartwarming and deeply grounded in reality, with Phil's initial attempts to pursue her leading to a hilarious slapping-montage and a date in the snow that showcases Murray at his most sarcastic and cynical. As you would/should expect, Murray elevates Groundhog Day from a good film to a great film. His understanding of the subtleties of comedy perfectly merge with the dark humour of the script, and as Phil Connors plunges further into a downward spiral, we watch Murray's playfulness with the character escalate. He's on the screen every minute, and every minute you cannot take your eyes off of him. Although the role isn't particularly a stretch for Murray considering the vast repertoire of similiar characters that he has portrayed over the years, it should be argued that when the character in question is this entertaining, the formula needn't be altered. Groundhog Day exceeded all of my expectations and instead of being a farcical comedy wrapped in a bland gimmick, it is instead an intelligent visual metaphor for the trials and tribulations of the working man stuck in a bottomless pit of routine and responsibility. It is an absolutely essential watch and increases my belief in the theory that Bill Murray is the finest actor of his generation. Rating: 8 lovable groundhogs. __________________ *press your space face close to mine, love* Last edited by WolfAtTheDoor; 10-25-2009 at 08:25 PM.

10-20-2009, 09:05 AM	#29 (permalink)
lucifer_sam Unrepentant Ass-Mod Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,921	wow...some great choices here, a few of which i agree with. while i thought Apocalypse Now was an awesome movie i still think Full Metal Jacket blows it out of the water, and hence i can't really come to terms with it as the "definitive" Vietnam War era movie. i agree completely with you about the Usual Suspects, i found it dull and intentionally slow at times. in addition, it has absolutely no replay value. try watching it again -- i guarantee you'll shut it off within ten minutes. Spirited Away was a good, but not great movie. if you want to see Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece you have to watch Princess Mononoke, which i can say with my full confidence that it's the best anime flik i've seen. at least in comparison to Spirited Away it's much darker, much bolder, and intended for an older audience. This Is Spinal Tap may be a hallmark classic of the eighties, if not just for the fact that it parodies the music culture of the time so ****ing well. you might not appreciate the anachronisms here and there but honestly i feel like it does better to convey the sense of desperation which occurred at the time than any outright "hilarious" movie could do. i still have yet to see City of God and Groundhog Day myself so i can't really comment on them... __________________ first.am

10-12-2009, 09:43 AM	#22 (permalink)
storymilo Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,845	^^ Yes. I love Spirited Away. To me it's just an incredible movie. I won't try to talk you into it, because I think it's one of those movies you can't really analyze very well without detracting from it. I just think it's a magical film and any flaws it may have don't really matter when compared to the rest of it.

10-21-2009, 11:59 AM	#30 (permalink)
WolfAtTheDoor ironing your socks Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: I'm in a rocknroll band. huh. Posts: 396	Twilight... yes, really. With the sexual awakening of another batch of pre-pubescent girls just around the corner (or, as some call it, 'New Moon') Twilight is firmly unavoidable, handsome vampires embedded into our culture as much as binge-drinking and First Class Stamps. It would be extremely easy to write Twilight off without ever having actually viewed it, based upon the criticisms it received upon release by every publication that didn't aspire to be Heat Magazine. The sight of those 14-year old lips quivering just as they did when High School Musical first reared its incredibly beautiful head was enough to put anyone off, especially those of us who didn't claim ownership of a vagina. So, the good news and the bad news. The good news is that after sitting through 120 minutes of ripped abs and Robert Pattinson's hair, I have managed to maintain my heterosexuality. The bads news is that not only did I sit through the whole 120 minutes of ripped abs and Robert Pattinson's hair whilst maintaining my sexuality, I also actually enjoyed it. Although Twilight never excels into greatness and remains a distinctly mediocre piece of film-making, the fact that it even managed to slightly exceed my expectations is commendable. Granted, the plot was wafer-thin and the central lovestory was devoid of charm, but as a forgettable piece of popcorn-fodder it was entertaining. As the two leads, Kristen Stewart and Pattinson do a good job squeezing likeability out of two characters that are relatively unlikeable. However, Pattinson falters somewhat in portraying the mystique and magic that would be expected of a vampire, and his haunted 'look' is easy to mistake for a menacing scowl. This makes the chemistry between Bella and Edward seem a little awkward and forced. Twilight is definitely at its most entertaining when it finds itself combining reality with fiction. Bella's introduction to the Cullen's at the hands of a typical American high-schooler is a highlight, along with the field trip with a vampire. The cinematography is also good, perfectly capturing the gloomy aesthetic of the village. As you know, Twilight is now officially a global phenomenon. Whilst it lacks the credentials to truly be a cinematic success, its cult fanbase will ensure that it continues penetrating the pop-culture consciousness. Even though it will always have its detractors, it is admittedly refreshing to see an original entry into the overcrowded chick-flick genre. Rating: 5 Twilight fangirls. __________________ *press your space face close to mine, love* Last edited by WolfAtTheDoor; 10-25-2009 at 08:29 PM.

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