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Last Movie you Watched?

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  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    Posts: 17,997
    ClarkDevlin wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    It's a cool poster alright!

    Although, as a warning, I wouldn't advise you to expect much from it. Not that the film is slow-paced, just hurt by the low budget production it was made around. It offers a very witty dialogue, however, an outstanding and charismatic performance by Anthony Hopkins (when that man isn't charismatic?!) and a terrific soundtrack composed by Angela Morley (credited as Walter Scott). Otherwise, it's not action-heavy at all, but an actioner regardless.

    There's more than one Bond connection to this spy thriller.

    I saw it in the theatre- I remember liking it, almost as much as Puppet On A Chain, but I probably need to see it again for a proper adult opinion...
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    chrisisall wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    I saw it in the theatre- I remember liking it, almost as much as Puppet On A Chain, but I probably need to see it again for a proper adult opinion...
    Loved both of those myself.

    Looking forward to your review.
  • Fire_and_Ice_ReturnsFire_and_Ice_Returns I am trying to get away from this mountan!
    Posts: 25,770
    ClarkDevlin wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    It's a cool poster alright!

    Although, as a warning, I wouldn't advise you to expect much from it. Not that the film is slow-paced, just hurt by the low budget production it was made around. It offers a very witty dialogue, however, an outstanding and charismatic performance by Anthony Hopkins (when that man isn't charismatic?!) and a terrific soundtrack composed by Angela Morley (credited as Walter Scott). Otherwise, it's not action-heavy at all, but an actioner regardless.

    There's more than one Bond connection to this spy thriller.

    I'll look out for the film, I still have A Bridge Too Far on Bluray to watch which I bought a few months back, Hopkins was great in that movie.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    edited May 2018 Posts: 17,904
    ClarkDevlin wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    Watched it for the first time a few years back on a VHS quality and it was bad. But, I did enjoy it. Bought the BluRay recently because I did like the film as I remembered, now I love it even more. It's the type of film that grows on you.

    Didn't need to grow on me! Will have to watch it again sometime soon - only this time on DVD/Blu-ray. Shame they didn't make more than one film with Hopkins' character.
    chrisisall wrote: »
    show previous quotes

    I saw it in the theatre- I remember liking it, almost as much as Puppet On A Chain, but I probably need to see it again for a proper adult opinion...

    Watched Puppet on a Chain a couple of months ago. The boat chase was the highlight of that one, if you ask me! Have a few Alistair MacLean novels lying around. Wonder if Puppet on a Chain is one of them.
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    edited May 2018 Posts: 15,423
    Torgeirtrap wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    Didn't need to grow on me! Will have to watch it again sometime soon - only this time on DVD/Blu-ray. Shame they didn't make more than one movie with Hopkins' character.
    Indeed. A series was planned with the Philip Calvert character in the wake of the rumours and assumptions that the Bond series would end as soon as Sean Connery quits the role, hence something was cooked up to "capture the Bond fans" by Katsner and Gershwin. But, sadly, the film wasn't commercially and critically successful. Shame it really didn't. I would've loved to see Hopkins playing Calvert for many more films.
  • Mathis1Mathis1
    Posts: 8,099
    ClarkDevlin wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    It's a cool poster alright!

    Although, as a warning, I wouldn't advise you to expect much from it. Not that the film is slow-paced, just hurt by the low budget production it was made around. It offers a very witty dialogue, however, an outstanding and charismatic performance by Anthony Hopkins (when that man isn't charismatic?!) and a terrific soundtrack composed by Angela Morley (credited as Walter Scott). Otherwise, it's not action-heavy at all, but an actioner regardless.

    There's more than one Bond connection to this spy thriller.

    I have that dvd too. It's a movie that BBC would show early Saturday evening! Hopkins is very good in it as is the great Robert Morley.
    Love the main theme too.
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    Mathis1 wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    I have that dvd too. It's a movie that BBC would show early Saturday evening! Hopkins is very good in it as is the great Robert Morley.
    Love the main theme too.
    I upgraded it to BluRay. Believe me, it's definitely worth it.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    Posts: 17,904
    ClarkDevlin wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    Indeed. A series was planned with the Philip Calvert character in the wake of the rumours and assumptions that the Bond series would end as soon as Sean Connery quits the role, hence something was cooked up to "capture the Bond fans" by Katsner and Gershwin. But, sadly, the film wasn't commercially and critically successful. Shame it really didn't. I would've loved to see Hopkins playing Calvert for many more films.

    It somehow didn't feel like a standalone film. As if the Calvert character would have benefitted from a sequel, at least - which was their intention, of course. If the film had been more successful, I wonder if this could have been a 70's Harry Palmer to the Bond series.
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    Posts: 15,423
    Torgeirtrap wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    It somehow didn't feel like a standalone film. As if the Calvert character would have benefitted from a sequel, at least - which was their intention, of course. If the film had been more successful, I wonder if this could have been a 70's Harry Palmer to the Bond series.
    Comparison-wise, indeed. Although, it definitely would've been something akin to the Bond character as a man of action rather than an intelligence officer like Palmer. Alistair MacLean always had the element of fast-paced thriller into the heart and soul of his stories, hence he's my favourite writer of all time.

    I don't know why exactly, but the ending of the film always sends a chill down my spine. I find it very cool that Calvert stands his ground:

    "To quote a late friend of mine: It's what I do best."
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    It is one of MacLean s better books.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    edited May 2018 Posts: 17,904
    ClarkDevlin wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    Comparison-wise, indeed. Although, it definitely would've been something akin to the Bond character as a man of action rather than an intelligence officer like Palmer. Alistair MacLean always had the element of fast-paced thriller into the heart and soul of his stories, hence he's my favourite writer of all time.

    I don't know why exactly, but the ending of the film always sends a chill down my spine. I find it very cool that Calvert stands his ground:

    "To quote a late friend of mine: It's what I do best."

    I was of course only thinking comparison-wise, with both being gritty, less glamorous equivalents to Bond. The differences between Palmer/Calvert are there, of course. The most interesting thing about those two characters perhaps, is the men who portrayed them. Hopkins and Cane aren't your usual B-actor who might have starred in a Eurospy film (at that time)!

    Quite liked the ending. Leaves you wanting more, of course.

    ___________
    Apart from the wartime MacLean films, and When Eight Bells Toll/Puppet on a Chain; what are best films to watch, based on the MacLean books? Can't remember that many. Death Train and Night Watch are the only ones I remember - mostly because Brosnan starring in them.
  • GerardGerard
    Posts: 6,110
    Bear Island is quite good. Ice Station Zebra takes quite a lot of liberties with the original novel, but Patrick McGohan is in it, so that counts for something. Breakheart Pass is just a vehicle for Charles Bronson. For Bondians, The Hostage Tower features the TMWTGG lovelies, Maud Adams and Britt Eckland, but is not a masterpiece.

    What I regret is that what I consider as McLean's best novel, his first one, HMS Ulysses, was never made as a movie. I think it would have been a classic.
  • ClarkDevlinClarkDevlin Martinis, Girls and Guns
    edited May 2018 Posts: 15,423
    Torgeirtrap wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    I was of course only thinking comparison-wise, with both being gritty, less glamorous equivalents to Bond. The differences between Palmer/Calvert are there, of course. The most interesting thing about those two characters perhaps, is the men who portrayed them. Hopkins and Cane aren't your usual B-actor who might have starred in a Eurospy film (at that time)!

    Quite liked the ending. Leaves you wanting more, of course.

    ___________
    Apart from the wartime MacLean films, and When Eight Bells Toll/Puppet on a Chain; what are best films to watch, based on the MacLean books? Can't remember that many. Death Train and Night Watch are the only ones I remember - mostly because Brosnan starring in them.
    Oh definitely. Although, despite the setting, I wouldn't go as far to say When Eight Bells Toll is that gritty, as the finale at the castle was rather fantastical. And I definitely agree the ending makes you want more. Such a damning shame to this day they haven't released the soundtrack album to the film, because they should.

    Other films based on MacLean's books I recommend are The Satan Bug, a great spy thriller, and only to gain experience on some of his work, try Ice Station Zebra. It bears an ensemble cast and a very big budget production quality, but it isn't as exciting as you'd think. Patrick McGoohan of the Danger Man and The Prisoner fame stars in it as the cryptic British spy opposite Ernest Borgnine and Rock Hudson.
    Thunderfinger wrote: »
    It is one of MacLean s better books.
    Agreed. It's definitely a great book.
    Gerard wrote: »
    Bear Island is quite good. Ice Station Zebra takes quite a lot of liberties with the original novel, but Patrick McGohan is in it, so that counts for something. Breakheart Pass is just a vehicle for Charles Bronson. For Bondians, The Hostage Tower features the TMWTGG lovelies, Maud Adams and Britt Eckland, but is not a masterpiece.

    What I regret is that what I consider as McLean's best novel, his first one, HMS Ulysses, was never made as a movie. I think it would have been a classic.
    You, sir, beat me to it.
  • TorgeirtrapTorgeirtrap
    Posts: 17,904
    Gerard wrote: »
    Bear Island is quite good. Ice Station Zebra takes quite a lot of liberties with the original novel, but Patrick McGohan is in it, so that counts for something. Breakheart Pass is just a vehicle for Charles Bronson. For Bondians, The Hostage Tower features the TMWTGG lovelies, Maud Adams and Britt Eckland, but is not a masterpiece.

    What I regret is that what I consider as McLean's best novel, his first one, HMS Ulysses, was never made as a movie. I think it would have been a classic.

    Noted! Can't remember watching any of those films. I do actually have The Hostage Tower book, but haven't read it. Didn't know Maud Adams and Britt Ekland starred in the film!
    ClarkDevlin wrote: »
    show previous quotes
    Oh definitely. Although, despite the setting, I wouldn't go as far to say When Eight Bells Toll is that gritty, as the finale at the castle was rather fantastical. And I definitely agree the ending makes you want more. Such a damning shame to this day they haven't released the soundtrack album to the film, because they should.

    Other films based on MacLean's books I recommend are The Satan Bug, a great spy thriller, and only to gain experience on some of his work, try Ice Station Zebra. It bears an ensemble cast and a very big budget production quality, but it isn't as exciting as you'd think. Patrick McGoohan of the Danger Man and The Prisoner fame stars in it as the cryptic British spy in it opposite Ernest Borgnine and Rock Hudson.

    The ending at the castle wasn't that gritty, no. The setting in Scotland probably added a few notches to the overall grittiness, as well. I guess with a setting in the French Riviera for example, the film wouldn't feel any more gritty than Dr. No. Think they made good use of the locations in When Eight Bells Toll.

    Interesting you should mention the soundtrack. Was just about to do a search for it!

    Will have to check out The Satan Bug and Ice Station Zebra. I've had the latter on my to-watch list for quite some time, but have yet to see it.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,574
    I'm rather fond of Ice Station Zebra. It's a solid spy / adventure film.
  • mattjoesmattjoes Paul King for Bond 26
    edited May 2018 Posts: 7,109
    Agent007391 wrote: »
    show previous quotes

    Executive Decision is my favorite Die Hard clone, to the point I actually like it more than Die Hard. It's an excellent film that I occasionally pop in the DVD player when I need to kill 2 hours.
    I can see myself preferring this to the original Die Hard. Not 2 and 3, though!

    You know, Kurt Russell one of those actors that, if he's in a film, it generally means it's worth your time. This is no exception! I should've also mentioned Oliver Platt, who I've also recently seen in another movie. Good comedic actor.
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 14,119
    "I want to tell you that I was not too old for this job. It was the younger men that went under first."
    Capt. R.F Scott, March 29th 1912

    Scott Of The Antarctic (1948)
    John Mills stars as Capt. R.F Scott in this account of Scotts doomed Terra-Nova expedition to the South Pole that ended in disaster. I'm going to be honest, before watching Scott Of The Antarctic, I knew next to nothing about this expedition. I knew two things, 1) it ended in disaster, and 2) Oates' famous last words (“I am just going outside and may be some time”). I suppose the mark of a good film of this type, is that it has made me want to know more about the expedition.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,808
    What does that quote mean at the top.
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    edited May 2018 Posts: 14,119
    It's from a letter that Scott wrote to a friend, Admiral Sir Francis Bridgeman. From what I understand, the letter shows that near the end, Scotts thoughts were not about himself or his remaining team, but that his and their families would be cared for (knowing that they would never leave that tent.
  • SharkBaitSharkBait
    Posts: 2,107
    Only Lovers Left Alive
    Space Cowboys
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,574
    @Birdleson, I agree with that criticism. I guess I'm more forgiving towards it, seeing how "typical" of certain anime subgenres that is.
  • Mathis1Mathis1
    Posts: 8,099
    Gerard wrote: »
    Bear Island is quite good. Ice Station Zebra takes quite a lot of liberties with the original novel, but Patrick McGohan is in it, so that counts for something. Breakheart Pass is just a vehicle for Charles Bronson. For Bondians, The Hostage Tower features the TMWTGG lovelies, Maud Adams and Britt Eckland, but is not a masterpiece.

    What I regret is that what I consider as McLean's best novel, his first one, HMS Ulysses, was never made as a movie. I think it would have been a classic.

    There's also 'Fear is the Key', an enjoyable thriller with a great Roy Budd soundtrack and it has an epic car chase in it!
  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    edited May 2018 Posts: 15,736
    Deadpool 2 (2018)

    More action-packed than the first, funnier and gorier, it was an absolute blast for the 2 hours runtime. A lot of hilarious self-aware jokes (even some aimed at Disney and the DC Universe, some very unexpected cameos, and with all due respect to Ryan Reynolds, but Josh Brolin as Cable totally stole the show - can't wait for Sicario 2 next month. And be sure to stay for end credits - even more fun to be found there. The soundtrack was an absolute killer too. Whether the next film will be Deadpool 3 or an X-Force film, I'll be there day one for it.
  • barryt007barryt007
    Posts: 19,339
    SaintMark wrote: »
    The Mist (2007) excellent movie with a killer ending.

    Agreed.

    Edge of the seat stuff all the way through.
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    DaltonCraig007 wrote: »
    Deadpool 2 (2018)

    More action-packed than the first, funnier and gorier, it was an absolute blast for the 2 hours runtime. A lot of hilarious self-aware jokes (even some aimed at Disney and the DC Universe, some very unexpected cameos, and with all due respect to Ryan Reynolds, but Josh Brolin as Cable totally stole the show - can't wait for Sicario 2 next month. And be sure to stay for end credits - even more fun to be found there. The soundtrack was an absolute killer too. Whether the next film will be Deadpool 3 or an X-Force film, I'll be there day one for it.

    I haven t seen it yet, but my son said it was ok and better than the first.
  • JamesBondKenyaJamesBondKenya Danny Boyle laughs to himself
    Posts: 2,730
    @Thunderfinger you have a son? I thought you were 15.
  • FoxRoxFoxRox
    Posts: 12,639
    I'm excited for Deadpool 2. The first was a terrific, fun surprise, and the second looks to deliver much of the same. I will be seeing this probably next week.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 41,113
    JamesBondKenya wrote: »
    @Thunderfinger you have a son? I thought you were 15.

    We're all the sons and daughters of @Thunderfinger.
  • j_w_pepperj_w_pepper Born on the bayou, but I now hear a new dog barkin'
    Posts: 9,203
    I got a brudder.
  • RevelatorRevelator
    Posts: 2,954
    Small world.
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