I know that a lot of you rent and watch lots of movies, but maybe you're embarrassed to share your tastes or describe what you think about something. Please don't be afraid; I'm mellowing with age.

Anyway, I'm just as interested in seeing what people plan on watching, even if you never get around to watching them.

My latest movie rentals (today's) are:

King & Country (Losey, 1964)
Robinson Crusoe (Bunuel, 1954)
The World's Fastest Indian (Donaldson, 2005)

Please share yours with us, and remember to go here if you want to discuss them more fully after your viewing.

Since it's TV season, we don't rent as much as during Summer. Right now at home we have Kung Fu Hustle and Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself.

I don't rent much; I tape off the TV, mostly TCM, Sundance & IFC.

I did join Netflix, which does have DVDs even the video store with the most comprehensive selection in NYC doesn't stock, and my most recent rental from them was SHOPPING FOR FANGS, which didn't receive a theatrical run.

My next Netflix film will be RETURN OF A MAN CALLED HORSE.

I also rented a couple of films from Blockbuster last Saturday, THESIS, a Spanish flick from the director of THE OTHERS & TAKE MY EYES, and John Carpenter's IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, which I didn't see on its original theatrical run.

In my mailbox lass night from Netflix, THE PROUD ONES, an obscure oater from '65 starring the *great* Robert Ryan.

I just received The Break-Up from Netflix. My wife and I alternate titles. This was one of hers, but I like Vince Vaughn so despite what I've heard I'm not too worried. I just came across a film called Neverwas that has a helluva cast. Anyone seen it?

I recently upgraded by Netflix membership to two films at a time. The film that should arrive today is THE RING, an obscure, low-budget boxing yarn from the 1950s. I've long wanted to see this film, which never pops up on TV and as far as I know never made it to VHS, though it did make it to DVD. Off the top of my head, I think Ricardo Montalban stars as the boxer and I believe Rita Moreno is his love interest. I am anxious to see this movie. For whatever reason, of sports movies, those that tackle boxing have been the best.

I have a Netflix membership and have two, as they say, in the mail. I am chomping at the bit to get my sweaty hands on UN COEUR DE HIVER, a French film from 1992 that I missed on its original theatrical run. It stars Emmanuelle Beart, for my money the most beautiful actress in the world.

I also plan to get LUST FOR GOLD, an obscure oater from the late 40's that stars Ida Lupino & Glenn Ford. I learned about this film from critic Dave Kehr, who reviews DVDs every Tuesday in the "New York Times." He recommended the film, which I hadn't even heard of before I read his review.

Since UN COEUR isn't due for a video release until 11/7, my third choice is HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD, a film from '75 directed by Joe Dante, who, I believe, directed GREMLINS. I don't know much about HB other than the fact that it has been on my "want to see" list for years.

I hope you enjoy all three movies. I'd give them each about a C, but I'd be interested in any other opinions.

I'm still waiting for HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD (it is due today) but finished LUST FOR GOLD between football games yesterday.

Next up is STREET OF NO RETURN by cult director Samuel Fuller. When his Hollywood career dried up in the mid 1960s, Fuller took up the ex-pat's life and relocated to Paris. He made at least three films in France, including STREET, which I've never seen, though it doesn't have a good reputation. I haven't seen THIEVES AFTER DARK either, which he also made in France and which is not out on DVD (nor was it ever released on tape as far as I know). I did see DEAD PIGEON ON BEETHOVEN STREET on tape years ago, but it was kind of a clunker.

Next up for me now that I am about to return HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD is INNOCENTS WITH DIRTY HANDS a Claude Chabrol film that I don't think was distributed in the U.S. I no nothing else about the film.

Joyeux Noël (2005)
Once Upon a Time in the West
The Young in Heart
Frenzy
Brighton Rock

quote:

Originally posted by mark f:
Joyeux Noël (2005)
Once Upon a Time in the West
The Young in Heart
Frenzy
Brighton Rock

I remember seeng BRIGHTON ROCK a number of years ago and there was a very young and very baby faced Richard Attenborough in it. I also remember looking forward to the film, but feeling slightly disappointed in it. It is what is known as a "spiv" film.

FRENZY was the first Hitchcock film I caught on original theatrical release. I remember I was a kid and my father would take us to the drive-in (remember those) every Friday night and FRENZY was one of the films I saw back then. It was Hitch's best late career film.

Dead of Night (1945)
The Queen of Spades (1949)

Rented four dvds today and watched two of them tonight.

Didn't care much for The Da Vinci Code. I had hoped the movie was better than the book but it was still muddled. Both Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou seemed robotic and mumbling their words, so much so I had to turn on the captions.

Also saw Woody Allen's Scoop which, though predictable, was also fun. Can't complain with Scarlet Johanssan on the screen so much.

Watched my other two dvd rentals today. First up was Robert Altman's A Prairie Home Companion which I thoroughly enjoyed (loved the "Dirty Jokes" song performed by Woody Harrelson and John C. Reilly).

Next up was Lady Vengeance, the third installment in Chan-wook Park's series of revenge-based films (the other two being Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Oldboy. Enjoyed this movie as well, not as much as Oldboy but it's definately worth viewing. Excellent lead performance from Yeong-ae Lee.

The End
Monster House
Superman Returns

quote:

Originally posted by mark f:
Monster House

How'd you like this one, mark? I've thought about renting Monster House, Cars and Over The Hedge.

I haven't watched it yet, but I'll post when I do. I'm going to try to watch it with my daughter tonight. I still haven't seen Over the Hedge. I thought Cars was too long, but the last half hour was so good that I gave it a B, so that's a recommendation.

I watched most all of Monster House. My daughter had to pause it to watch "The Gilmore Girls". Even so, Monster House is a scary, sophisticated amalgam of The 'burbs and Poltergeist. I easily will give it a B. I just wouldn't show it to anybody too young, unless they're macho eight-year-olds.

I guess I'll get to Over the Hedge next.