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Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 8, 2018 Låt den rätte komma in (2008)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139797/

Oskar, an overlooked and bullied boy, finds love and revenge through Eli, a beautiful but peculiar girl.

This movie was pretty neat. Sound mixing felt a little off with how loud some of the passive breathing and sound effects were but maybe that was to build upon the somewhat bestial nature of the characters. The bizarre deaths were a plus such as a woman mauled by vampiric cats.

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 9, 2018 Lost Highway (1997)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116922/

After a bizarre encounter at a party, a jazz saxophonist is framed for the murder of his wife and sent to prison, where he inexplicably morphs into a young mechanic and begins leading a new life.

Couldn't get invested in this at all. Structured to make the narrative needlessly confusing, of course it is David Lynch but an inferior Blue Velvet in the end. The first act didn't seem to have anything to do with the rest except for the broad details.

2/5
Chintam

smh wrote:

yesterday i watched
A Quiet Place (2018)

my second best movie so far for 2018, behind Annihilation (2018). this movie is a horror movie that heavily rely on audio, and it is 100% recommended that you watch in a small and/or empty theater. not gonna spoil the story on this one, but i like it very much.


A Quiet Place was the first horror movie I've watched in the cinema. I absolutely loved it, although there were a few things niggling at me, like why the hell did they get pregnant.

I really like the use of sound, or lack of.
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
First month down.
April 10, 2018 The day the earth stood still (1951)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043456/

An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets.

A pretty simple premise testing the conflict between human ideals and the way they behave. Unfolds predictably. Really enjoyed Michael Rennie's performance

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 11, 2018 The Devil's backbone (2001)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0256009/

After Carlos - a 12-year-old whose father has died in the Spanish Civil War - arrives at an ominous boys' orphanage, he discovers the school is haunted and has many dark secrets that he must uncover.

This movie was all over the place. In an attempt to do to much it came across as confused to what it wanted to be. With more development on motivations and relationship I could see this being really good but the attempts at horror within the first act cloud this.

2/5
abraker
4 pages in and still no 5/5 movie
Topic Starter
Green Platinum

abraker wrote:

4 pages in and still no 5/5 movie
I'm an elitist, every perfect score I give out reduces my life by 1 year. Remember a 1/5 is considered an average score so a 4/5 could be extrapolated to a mostly perfect score for a regular person.

April 12, 2018 Harry Brown (2009)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1289406/

An elderly ex-serviceman and widower looks to avenge his best friend's murder by doling out his own form of justice.

With all the ideas of youth crime, police incompetence and vigilantism this movie could have been excellent however it fails to deliver. First act is great but falls to basic as soon as the major conflicts begin to occur. Taxidriver from earlier was the same idea but better.

2/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 13, 2018 Inland Empire (2006)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460829/

As an actress starts to adopt the persona of her character in a film, her world starts to become nightmarish and surreal.

Very much a more haunted and thrilling version of Satoshi Kon's Millenium Actress. While Friday the Thirteenth is suited to much more of a horror film this one does have it's nightmarish moments, the scenes with the rabbits are pretty weird in that way. This movie is not for everyone and especially long at 3 hours but recommended if you like weird stuff.

4/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 14, 2018 Idiocracy (2006)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/

Private Joe Bauers, the definition of "average American", is selected by the Pentagon to be the guinea pig for a top-secret hibernation program. Forgotten, he awakes five centuries in the future. He discovers a society so incredibly dumbed down that he's easily the most intelligent person alive.

It has been a long time since I saw this. The premise which everybody knows demonstrates how great an idea it is but the movie itself is really mediocre. Of course any criticism of how dumbed down the plot is can easily be met with "That's the point" but was the narrator really necessary? How this film comes up in discussions leaves much to be desired.

2/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 15, 2018 The Maltese Falcon (1941)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033870/

A private detective takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar, and their quest for a priceless statuette.

I'm not a big fan of mystery, too often they are poorly structured and built on conspiratorial reasoning or otherwise they are boring and predictable. It is only once this film becomes a discussion on trust and a narrative 'prisoner's dilemma' does it's value truly shine. However this is only in the last 30 minutes and too late.

2/5
Faust
Recent films I've watched include "Blade of the Immortal (2017)",
"13 Assassins (2010)" and "A Quiet Place (2018)".

I'd recommend these though the latter 2 really shine out within their respective genres.
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 16, 2018 Mulholland Dr. (2001)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166924/

After a car wreck on the winding Mulholland Drive renders a woman amnesiac, she and a perky Hollywood-hopeful search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality.

An enjoyable film. Still a few details elude me and am still confused about parts of the plot. That lesbian sex scene was really unexpected.

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 17, 2018 From Dusk till Dawn (1996)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116367/

Two criminals and their hostages unknowingly seek temporary refuge in a truck stop populated by vampires, with chaotic results.

Pretty stupid. Wish I watched this with friends, it's that kinda movie. The corpse guitar and cheap effects were especially amusing.

1/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 18, 2018 The Elephant Man (1980)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080678/

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man who is mistreated while scraping a living as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous facade, there is revealed a person of intelligence and sensitivity.

Naturally what you'd expect from a film about acceptance and appearance not being the end all of a person. Interesting for a film made in 1980 to be entirely in black and white but it suited the era the film was going for as well as being somewhat reminiscent of Freaks which I reviewed earlier in this thread whether intentional. It also had a very theatrical flourish to it, a good choice considering how the theater is an important element to the film.

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 19, 2018 The Pilgrim (1923)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0014358/

The Tramp is an escaped convict who is mistaken as a pastor in a small town church.

Didn't capture me at all and after seeing The great dictator I cannot recommend this. The only upside is it's extremely short.

1/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 20, 2018 Memento (2000)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0209144/

A man juggles searching for his wife's murderer and keeping his short-term memory loss from being an obstacle.

I think this story would make a great tv series with the constant revelations and mini cliffhangers. As well as it's engaging story the insight it provides into memory and how people tend to treat mental illness is great. The action is the least desirable part since they don't take advantage of the primary gimmick but it's forgivable since they are short.

4/5
B1rd

Green Platinum wrote:

abraker wrote:

4 pages in and still no 5/5 movie
I'm an elitist, every perfect score I give out reduces my life by 1 year. Remember a 1/5 is considered an average score so a 4/5 could be extrapolated to a mostly perfect score for a regular person.
If 1/5 is average, then you have a real problem with your rating system. Rating systems are intuitively supposed to have average as the middle value with equal numerical representation for below average and above average.


Today I watched The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail, an old Japanese film by Akira Kurosawa. The plot was pretty simple, it involved a paranoid clan leader suspecting his younger brother of treachery. Thus the younger brother took a small band of retainers disguised as itinerant priest to escape to a different country, but first they have to get through a guarded pass. In doing so, they had to bluff their way through, and it was really quite good and entertaining watching the acting and dialogue, with the retainers masterfully bluffing with perfect poker faces under the immense tension and pressure, in contrast to their mountain guide who seemed to have exaggerated emotions written across his face at all times. The movie elements were quite similar to what happens in a game of mafiascum, and I enjoy the act of creating elaborate deceptions and making people believe them.


Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 21, 2018 12 Monkeys (1995)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114746/

In a future world devastated by disease, a convict is sent back in time to gather information about the man-made virus that wiped out most of the human population on the planet.

Accidentally edited this post and lost what I wrote....

2/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 22, 2018 The Magnificent Seven (1960)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054047/

An oppressed Mexican peasant village hires seven gunfighters to help defend their homes.

This really moved at a snails pace without building any tension as was likely the objective. The cast wasn't particularly distinct and many individual character moments ended mixed together. Otherwise some decent themes and messages just delivered in an incomplete package.

1/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 23, 2018 28 Days Later (2002)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289043/

Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the UK, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary.

Something of a modern classic in the zombie apocalypse genre. Keeping the zombies as somewhat of an environmental hazard and leaving humans to be the real threat always works better. A decent chunk is also spent on slice of life and basic survival allowing for the setting to be much better explored. Not a complete disaster but zombie fatigue still kicks in with any of these movies.

1/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 24, 2018 Blazing Saddles (1974)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071230/

In order to ruin a western town, a corrupt politician appoints a black Sheriff, who promptly becomes his most formidable adversary.

All over the place. Much better when it goes all meta and self aware. Otherwise just a solid comedy all around.

2/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 25, 2018 Get out (2017)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5052448/

A young African-American visits his white girlfriend's parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point.

The horror movie that seemed to surprise everybody last year. The uncanny awkwardness during the setup is great and the escalation is very good. The ending and resolution feel rushed and could have packed more punch.

2/5
B1rd
>28 days later is 1/5

Horrible taste.
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 26, 2018 2001 A Space Odyssey (1968)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062622/

Humanity finds a mysterious, obviously artificial object buried beneath the Lunar surface and, with the intelligent computer H.A.L. 9000, sets off on a quest.

This film is a artistic masterpiece and captures what I wish film would strive for. Massively innovative and has managed to stand the test of time and could not exist in any other medium. While the story is rather simple the creativity used to execute it is it's true raison d'etre.

5/5
abraker
wow a 5!
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 27, 2018 The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032551/

A poor Midwest family is forced off their land. They travel to California, suffering the misfortunes of the homeless in the Great Depression.

A depressing look at the state of poverty and unemployment during the great depression. All's not miserable however as it still hoists up the silver lining of the American Dream and despite my cynicism towards particular relevant attitudes I think optimism is important particularly for that time. Aspects can come off as rather repetitive although it is the constant grind of failure and uncertainty that was important for this film to capture.

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 28, 2018 The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031455/

In 15th century France, a gypsy girl is framed for murder by the infatuated Chief Justice, and only the deformed bellringer of Notre Dame Cathedral can save her.

Never actually seen the Disney version so I don't have the typical point of comparison. Rather slow with themes and characters feeling undeveloped. The Hunchback never felt very pitiable which I assumed was their goal. I'd probably recommend The Elephant Man instead.

1/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 29, 2018 Lord of the Flies (1963)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057261/

Lost on an island, young survivors of a plane crash eventually revert to savagery despite the few rational boys' attempts to prevent that.

A classic film exploring the base nature of humanity within us all. Naturally a film with so many child actor can get pretty grating especially the round table discussions. Really apart for the acting and general datedness my only problem it how there is no real sense of time, are these kids lost for a week or months? the reality could really change the intended perception for me.

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
April 30, 2018 The man who knew infinity (2015)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0787524/

The story of the life and academic career of the pioneer Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan, and his friendship with his mentor, Professor G.H. Hardy.

Without being somewhat of an expert you can never really know the truthiness of biographies like this. Ramanujan was a brilliant mathematician and I am glad to see he is appreciated in such a way. The film is both engaging and enjoyable just hold some skepticism for the extent of some particular details.

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
May 01, 2018 Zabriskie Point (1970)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066601/

At Zabriskie Point, United States' lowest point, two perfect strangers meet; an undergraduate dreamer and a young hippie student who start off an unrestrained romance, making love on the dusty terrain.

Given the political climate a film starting with a student activism meeting is one way to lead my interest astray. Gladly the politics didn't last however the characters and story never really engaged me. Maybe I just need more insight into the hippie movements of the era to appreciate the film's context and would like it then. The ending was rather artfully done and the best part.

1/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
May 02, 2018 Beasts of the southern wild (2012)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2125435/

Faced with both her hot-tempered father's fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient aurochs, six-year-old Hushpuppy must learn the ways of courage and love.

Really interesting film as seen through the eyes of a naive child as her family is subject to the whims of nature which she can't understand. The world feels almost fantastical as well lending credibility to my interpretation. Love the references to the initial monologue at the end as well as the themes of tenacity and community.

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
May 03, 2018 Plan 9 from Outer space (1959)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052077/

Evil aliens attack Earth and set their terrible "Plan 9" in action. As the aliens resurrect the dead of the Earth to destroy the living, our lives are in danger.

A huge mess attempting to do too much at once. This movie is largely regarded as among the worst around and it is certainly one of the worst I've seen. It feels like it is attempting to do a "The day the Earth stood still" but with zombies and humanity solving their problem with violence it comes across as tone deaf.

0/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
May 04, 2018 The girl with the dragon tattoo (2011)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1568346/

Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker.

No Star Wars today. Well executed and rather gruesome. Preferred the crime thriller uncovering the nazi family secrets beginning. The film tends to drag considerably once it gets to tying up the loose ends.

2/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
May 05, 2018 Pulp Fiction (1994)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/

The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.

A crazy and entertaining ride. Love all the characters and the chaos that ensues.

4/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
May 06, 2018 Ex Machina (2014)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0470752/

A young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breath-taking humanoid A.I.

Good movie although rather layman regarding AI and turing tests. I prefer a broader scope to the ideas surrounding this film however. Beautiful locations as well.

2/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
May 07, 2018 The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly (1966)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060196/

A bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery.

Westerns have been done to death and is the one that combines all the western elements together the best. The start feels rather cliche but as the character's are introduced and allowed to follow their own paths does it shine. The feels rather episodic in it's structure as it doesn't spend much time restricted to a single location for better or for worse.

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
May 08, 2018 Arrival (2016)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164/

A linguist is recruited by the military to communicate with alien lifeforms after twelve mysterious spacecrafts land around the world.

A very clever film. With all the diversity of human languages and the difficulties that come from translating them one can't imagine what we'd face with aliens. Purely focusing on something often conveniently skipped in alien movies makes this one worth checking out. I was scared of this movie degenerating into just war but it managed to steer clear although picking up some Hollywood sci-fi bs along the way.

3/5
Comfy Slippers
Gonna break the chain with Solaris by Tarkovsky. I'm partially biased due to my love for russian avant-garde. One of the coolest things about this flick, to me, is that Tarkovsky's meditative style creates an ambiguity that could lead to different interpretation and feelings unique to the viewer in the same way that Solaris creates unique guests and introspection for the characters of the film. Good sci-fi with inconsistent pacing, but it doesn't take away from the greatness of Tarkovsky. Shame he fled from Russia to further his career, as I believe it was a step back.
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
May 09, 2018 Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1856101/

A young blade runner's discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard, who's been missing for thirty years.

Certainly deserved it's Oscar nominations for it visual flair especially loved the intense orange colouring for the second half. I am still partial to the original but this one does impress and is not a pathetic tone-deaf reboot/remake like so many others. Just absorbing the cyberpunk setting is more important than the storyline here.

3/5
Topic Starter
Green Platinum
2 Months now

May 10, 2018 Wild at Heart (1990)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100935/

Young lovers Sailor and Lula run from the variety of weirdos that Lula's mom has hired to kill Sailor.

Felt nothing from this. Just dragged on and on. Not to mention I dislike Nicholas Cage although he does fit in with the eccentric cast here.

1/5
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