I forgot I had seen another movie yesterday in-between "TMNT" & "The Prestige"... "Grizzly Man".

I saw this with my mother & this guy was a wierdo. I was expecting an interesting documentary on the lives of grizzlies & the tragic death of a man who was trying to study & protect them, but this guy truly had mental problems. He knew nothing of bears & put himself on dangerous ground at all times. Even some of the people interviewed said he was nuts. He really looked like an idiot when he was making a big deal out of a "dead bee, who died while working", but then it moves, making everything he just said ridiculous. (I would have erased that entire section. ) The MOST awful & disgusting scene was when he played with the feces of a grizzly. "Here's her poop! It just came out of her butt! I can feel it! Feel the poop? It's warm & it just came out of her butt! I'm touching the poop that was inside of her! It's her LIFE!" WTF? This dude is acting like Steve Irwin over sh*t! That is WAAAAAY too sensitive! This isn't for animal lovers! F-

I guess I forgot about this tripe BECAUSE it was so awful! My mother called & brung it up just now, bringing this "movie" back to mind. (By the way, she hated it, too. She bought it under the same presumptions as I had.) So, my statement in my last post was wrong. My luck just ran out!

I really liked Grizzly Man as a doco, because the director Werner Herzog rarely makes boring films, but the central guy whose name escapes me right now was certainly a nutcase to put it mildly, and he annoyed me immensely.

quote:

Originally posted by Ishmaels coffin:
I really liked Grizzly Man as a doco, because the director Werner Herzog rarely makes boring films, but the central guy whose name escapes me right now was certainly a nutcase to put it mildly, and he annoyed me immensely.

Timothy Treadwell... That's his name just so you know

300 was... spectacular, even if my experience in the movie theater sucked (as usual). It's probably a love-it-or hate it film but I see it as one of the best action films of the decade; heart-pounding, rousing, and an incredible ride. That said it won't appeal to film snobs who can't shut their brain off for a few hours, as it's pretty stupid and "style over substance". You spend two hours of your life seeing incredible things and getting a direct injection of testosterone, and that's it. I won't argue that the film is any deeper than that, and it doesn't need to be.

****/****

Happy Feet
It was a fun and safe animated film about Penguins that had some great dance scenes but the ending didn't have enough effort put into it. Elijah Wood wasn't really impressive as far as voice acting goes. Although, Robin Williams was hilarious as the leader of the amigos.
7/10

My most recent include two films which would probably make a normal human cry, but probably for two different reasons.

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone, 2006, Grade: B) (MIKE, this is for you!)

Stallone takes all the Rocky mythology, turns it over once again into a BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE flick, colors it with worthy nostalgia, makes it modern, both in subject matter and technique, and just basically creates a solid film for movie watchers of all ages. The older you are, the more you'll cry!

Happy Feet (George Miller, 2006, Grade: B)

This is a sly cross between Babe and March of the Penguins, but even though I've never watched American Idol, I can't help believe that it's also part of that show. I loved the voice work, the animation, the dancing and the theme. I really don't understand why this isn't more important to more people. It's humorous, yet also a major blubberfest, especially for families or people who believe in families.

Today I saw two movies that I had already seen before, but I was reminded at how funny they were:
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan--This movie is hilarious. Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat comes to life in this gem of a movie. It is funny and you can't help but laugh at what a unique and diverse country this is. However, I think it was mark who said that some of the deleted scenes should have been kept in and I concur. Some of the scenes would have made sense with the film and didn't need to be deleted at all, either way, it is great loads of fun.

And,

George Lopez' Why You Crying?--Another funny movie. Although more of a stand-up comedy concert than a full-length feauture, this is truly great stand-up stuff. Lopez mocks and pokes fun at everything that makes someone a Hispanic and he does it so well. A lot of stuff I just sat there thinking, "Wow that is exactly how it was in my family" or "This is really how some of us are." A great party pleaser, it is a great watch for anyone that wants to laugh. I am sure all of you have seen the former movie but if you haven't seen this one, I highly recommend it. Or you can watch The Original Latin Kings of Comedy which features George Lopez. Plus it was filmed here in my home town!

The Last Kiss

This is a weird movie. I mean what was the point of making it? Was it to teach us that if you cheat on your significant others, whether you are married or even having a baby together that the other person will always take you back? That you shouldn't try to work things out with the person you have a child with? That most guys just like to have random sex with any girl and when she wants to get serious the guy always runs away?

This was a poorly-acted, poorly-written film. The lines were clunky and not even funny and I don't see why you would want to make it. I have not seen the original but it has to be better than this. And either of the alternate endings would have fit better than the ending they did use. I don't recommend this one.

Children of Men

Remarkable film, as stunning as it is gripping. A great movie from start to finish, never dragging, smartly written and acted with such skill and talent, strikingly directed by a first-class filmmaker, it is a wonder to watch. Michael Caine and Clive Owen give memorable performances with Owen growing into a fine actor with each film he does. One a side note, he deserved that Best Supporting Oscar for Closer that he lost to Morgan Freeman in one of the Academy’s redemption awards. This was a breath of fresh air, a great film that gives you a lot to think about.

Mulholland Drive by David Lynch
This movie is absurd yet haunting. David Lynch creates this dark world filled with violence, betrayal, and sex (Watch out for those lesbian scenes). Mulholland Drive is a perfect example of a movie that starts as a frightening saga of events and ends as a journey through one woman's pyschological problems. The ending is just absolutely insane but it will definitely leave you speechless.
10/10

"Grindhouse" was fantastic! The movie had only one preview attached, the rest were fake & hilarious! The entire theater was laughing! "Planet Terror" was gory & nasty as all to be darned! If you don't like blood & gore, stay away! "Death Proof" was a Tarantino movie all the way, tons of dialouge before any action takes place. Don't go expecting a thought provoking piece, just sit back & enjoy ! Remember, this film is paying homage to those 1970's drive in flicks. They weren't masterpieces by any means, just a mindless night out. This one gets an A for Authenticity!

Grindhouse (Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino)

Everyone must go watch this film whenever they get the chance—a couple of brilliantly directed, brilliantly written films. Rodriguez and Tarantino push the envelope and created something that too many Hollywood filmmakers are too afraid to even attempt. They re-created a genre that is often dismissed, stayed accurate to the original way these films were made and truly made a masterpiece. I can't wait for the Director's Extended version DVD, word is they will include the "missing reels." Rose McGowan is dazzling as the only actor to appear in both films and is simply beautiful.

Planet Terror is a zombie movie filled with laughs, gruesome, grisly gore and intense action. Rodriguez plays out the movie with astute ease making sure that the viewer is always enthralled. He even picked out his own music and edited it himself, a true hands-on director that knows what he is doing.

Death Proof is Tarantino at his very best. He proves that he is still at the very top of the top of director/writers out there. He knows how to expressively and fluently write and uses the perfect diction and syntax to convey whatever it is he wants. Whether it is a male or female talking, the words just effortlessly flow. A modern day Hemingway/Salinger, he is the cream of the crop—that doesn't even cover what an exceptional director he is. The way everything is shot, the car scenes, the discussion-filled scenes, the scenes in the restaurants and bars are all flawlessly and impeccably directed.

There aren't enough superlatives to describe how I feel about this remarkable double-feature aptly titled, Grindhouse. Do yourself a favor and go see this move as soon as possible.

Black Book (Paul Verhoeven, 2006, Grade: B+)

Verhoeven's big WWII thriller finally comes to my neck of the woods, and it's a real movie-movie. Well, what do you expect from Verhoeven? The twist is that he went back, after 20 years in the U.S., to his native Netherlands to make a Dutch-language film about a young Jewish woman (the excellent Carice van Houten) who becomes embroiled in an unbelievably-twisty tale about helping the Dutch Resistance thwart the Nazis in 1944.

I don't really want to get into the plot, but it's full of memorable characters. Verhoeven still crams as much suspense, narrow escapes, double crosses, duplicitous motivations, graphic nudity, sex and violence, beautiful photography/music, and old-fashioned storytelling panache as he ever has, and the two and one-half hours fly by. But this time, he's got a female heroine.

I don't really get the negative reviews of the movie. I mean, I get them because they are slamming the director and not the film, but many prejudiced people shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a position of swaying people's opinions on how to pass their time. Sure, they can have an opinion, no matter how ill-informed or -referenced, but they don't need another platform to publish their idiotic ramblings...

Wait a minute; strike that. I want this to stand.

quote:

Posted by FKA
A modern day Hemingway/ Salinger....

FKA...i'm curious, how much money is tarantino paying you to be his PR guy?. Just kidding man....but a modern day Salinger??

The Ish says...hmmmmmmmmm.

Recent movie i liked: The War Tapes. Un-embedded soldiers make their own doco of the war in Iraq. excellent.

quote:

Originally posted by Ishmaels coffin:
FKA...i'm curious, how much money is tarantino paying you to be his PR guy?. Just kidding man....but a modern day Salinger??

The Ish says...hmmmmmmmmm.

Well I get paid for every new positive adjective I can use. But right now, along with my union, we are trying to push for salary so I can get some stability you know?

Haha anyways Ishy, I know you don't like him, but he might be the best filmmaker we have today and he is my favorite. Every time I see one of his films I am shocked at what a special person he truly is. If I were you though I would back up with the negative comments before I get another Ozzie like my good friend Bob (A.K.A Ambassador Duke) to hunt ya down!

quote:

Posted by FKA
I know you don't like him

In all seriousness, I really like True Romance; I like parts of Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. Jackie Brown was an ok version of Leonard, but it wasn't his dialogue ultimately.

In my book, he's overrated, but I am actually thrilled that you like him so much, because as I said b4, passion for an artist is an admirable quality.

Recent Film: The Fountain. Weak. Played like a first draft, script wise. Some amazing visuals tho', and mercifully short. Worth seeing Jackman as a conquistador ha ha. (go the aussies)

Jonestown: The Life and Death of the Peoples Temple
A very good film that is very disturbing. Jim Jones was an absolute nutcase.
9/10

Just saw Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit

I didn't really like it, contrary to so many others. Everything was unoriginal, un-funny, no magic, orginality, creativity as Spirited Away or Finding Nemo.

Just got through watching the Director's Cut of "Payback" & I have to tell you, this is a completely different movie, all together! It has a new score, no narration, Kris Kristofferson's role is gone, a much darker tone, & the film is bleached out! Gone is the blue tint of the original, the colors are brighter. The movie has a more 70's feel to it, which is what the director was originally aiming for. After he had made his version, he was basically forced off of the project & they changed & added quite a bit. If you loved the wit of the original theatrical version, you may not like this one. As with most Director's Cut's, you have a little more character development, but unlike others, he has cut out alot of the original. This version is 11 minutes shorter than the theatrical version. The director truly wanted a bleak 70's crime movie & it really shows. Since I've seen & enjoyed the original so much, I'm not sure how to look at this one. If I had seen it first, I'm sure I would have liked it more. Compared to the wit of the theatrical cut, it's not as great to me, but it's still a good movie & I did enjoy it. Especially, since I'm still in my nostalgic "Grindhouse" mindset. I do recommend that you check it out, to at least see what the director really wanted for this film. B+

I was a little disappointed with "Happy Feet." I didn't think it was nearly as good as Cars.

I watched "The Last King of Scotland" last night and thought Forest Whitaker's performance was spectacular, but the movie was kind of boring.

Also just watched "Notes on a Scandal." Cate Blanchett has never been a favorite of mine, but Judi Dench is and she was so good and so evil. Not much plot, but if you like character studies like I do, you'll like this one.

I'm think of seeing "Fracture" this weekend. Has anyone seen it?