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  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    I must have had Downey on the brain recently, having watched Iron Man 3 again and not long after that, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows this past weekend.

    I don't know what it is about Iron Man 3 that made me feel this way, but after having been through the roof with it on my first viewing I wasn't as pleased with it this time. As is common with this series, the villains and their plot aren't at all fleshed out, and where the story takes Tony and the crew doesn't help to make it feel like an Iron Man movie. It almost feels like the ugly duckling of the bunch because it departed so differently from the Iron Man style we were accustomed to seeing, but then again that is the point of the film: taking Tony out of his comfort zone. I think the main reason I was more underwhelmed this time was because I knew what was coming. When you watch the film the first time and go in not knowing what to expect, it's thrilling, and I think this type of film isn't suited for repeat viewings if you are expecting to always have that same rush of adrenaline. I said several months ago that this could be my favorite of the trilogy, but now I'm not so sure...

    A Game of Shadows on the other hand continues to improve in my mind whenever I pop it in again. I absolutely love this film. I think it takes what worked in the first Ritchie Holmes film, improved on what needed fixing and overall supplied an experience that is superior in just about every way to the original, though I love that one too. The action is more brutal and hard hitting, the staging of the sequences more dynamic and clever and the presentation of Holmes much more in tune with Doyle's character (though not all the way there yet). It's such a great ride, and I love constantly going back to it. I have said it once and I will say it again: Jared Harris is my favorite Moriarty that I have ever seen. His portrayal is right on the money with Doyle's Napoleon of Crime, and I love how he has been adapted here. The great chess game he and Holmes constantly have in this film is thrilling, right out of The Final Problem, a story it adapts beautifully. The action is clever and heart-stopping, but the large amounts of symbolism and thematic content that this film has raises it above just another blockbuster type film and into a whole new arena. I enjoy it more and more every time I return to it, not only for how thrilling a ride it is, but also with how they portray the great dynamic Holmes and Watson have (with Robert and Jude having great chemistry), the way the film highlights Moriarty and Moran's dynamic as a foil to that pairing, and the very well written plot of the entire film that is so clever I wish I'd thought of it. It's just such a bloody clever film and I hope we get more of the same when/if Sherlock Holmes 3 releases in the future. Fingers crossed.
  • 001001
    Posts: 1,575
    XXX wrote:
    I just saw Gravity and oh my word would you look at Sandra Bollocks legs.

    It's probably cgi enhanced legs. :)
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    SaintMark wrote:
    The Mission, an impressive movie starring Liam Neeson, Jemery Irons & Robert De Niro with a awesome soundtrack by Ennio Morricone.

    Have not seen that since it hit the theatre in 86 sadly, but remember it as a great film.
  • XXXXXX Banned
    Posts: 132
    Admit, you would get CPU enchancned legs too if you could afford it
    001 wrote:
    XXX wrote:
    I just saw Gravity and oh my word would you look at Sandra Bollocks legs.

    It's probably cgi enhanced legs. :)
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    @0BradyM0Bondfanatic7, that's how I have always felt with 'A Game of Shadows,' though I hated it when I saw it in theaters. It was coming out on blu-ray a few months later at a really low price, so I figured "Why not," and decided to purchase it. Popped it in and it was so much better than I had recalled. Watched it a few more times after over the months, and it just gets better and better with each viewing. I would love to see a third one, just to witness how they tackle:
    The Reichenbach fall with Sherlock's return.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Creasy47 wrote:
    @0BradyM0Bondfanatic7, that's how I have always felt with 'A Game of Shadows,' though I hated it when I saw it in theaters. It was coming out on blu-ray a few months later at a really low price, so I figured "Why not," and decided to purchase it. Popped it in and it was so much better than I had recalled. Watched it a few more times after over the months, and it just gets better and better with each viewing. I would love to see a third one, just to witness how they tackle:
    The Reichenbach fall with Sherlock's return.

    And let's not forget that as the film ends
    Moran is still out there. Moran's actions in London (like in Doyle's story) could be what brings Holmes back, and it'd be a great opportunity to let Watson and Moran go head to head, military man against military man.
  • justice league: flashpoint on Amazon prime - quite good.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    Personally, I think it would be great if the third opened up with:
    Watson returning to the typewriter to see that Sherlock typed something he did not, and Sherlock is still in the chair, ready for a witty retort. Having Moran head the third as the main villain would be great, in my eyes. I loved watching Watson vs. Moran in 'A Game of Shadows.'
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Creasy47 wrote:
    Personally, I think it would be great if the third opened up with:
    Watson returning to the typewriter to see that Sherlock typed something he did not, and Sherlock is still in the chair, ready for a witty retort. Having Moran head the third as the main villain would be great, in my eyes. I loved watching Watson vs. Moran in 'A Game of Shadows.'

    Yes, and they're two perfect foils to each other.
    Moran is Watson if he went down a criminal path, just as Moriarty is that foil to Holmes. I also love the symbolism of Moriarty as the devil throughout the whole film, constantly referenced from the tarot cards to the Don Giovanni play that features in the film. Downey's Holmes also grows to be more like Doyle's original creation. The last ten minutes of the film where Holmes faces Moriarty alone and sacrifices himself to end his evil is very much in touch with Doyle's Holmes who was more than willing to die if it meant stopping the Napoleon of Crime for good. The look of horror on Moriarty's face contrasted with the calm and focused expression of Holmes as they fall over the edge is the most Holmesian Downey has ever been in the role, and it's such a beautiful scene that stays so true to Doyle's original work. I love what they have done with the characters, and can't wait to see more.
  • XXXXXX Banned
    Posts: 132
    Complete agreement from me, good job.
  • Posts: 11,189
    Caught ALONG CAME A SPIDER last night on Film 4. A fairly standard thriller from everyone's favourite Bond director Lee Tamahori. During the first act you can pretty much tick off the cliche's that appear, however things liven up a little in the second half and the climax.

    5/10

    Plus, what is it with that man and poor special effects? The opening car crash scene looks terrible. He really needs to hire a new team.
  • edited March 2014 Posts: 2,107
    Robocop

    Went in with a low expectations and wasn't disappointed. A lot better than I thunk.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    SharkBait wrote:
    Robocop

    Went in with a low expectations and wasn't disappointed. A lot better than I thunk.

    Sometimes that's the best way to see a movie. I was like that almost all summer and was only disappointed with two out of the fifteen films I saw in theaters.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    I went home for Spring Break and decided to stop by Redbox to catch up on some movies I've missed:

    'Mud'

    I thought it was really great. McConaughey and the two boys in it were phenomenal, and although the film was pretty slow at points, it all concluded quite nicely. McConaughey has managed to really impress me lately, with 'Dallas Buyers Club' and now this.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Creasy47 wrote:
    I went home for Spring Break and decided to stop by Redbox to catch up on some movies I've missed:

    'Mud'

    I thought it was really great. McConaughey and the two boys in it were phenomenal, and although the film was pretty slow at points, it all concluded quite nicely. McConaughey has managed to really impress me lately, with 'Dallas Buyers Club' and now this.

    I am eager to see Matthew's newest work as well. It seems his "McConaughaissance" is in full effect. ;)
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    Absolutely. I have a bit of favoritism towards Leo and really want him to win an Oscar, but I can most certainly see why McConaughey took it home that night.
  • 001001
    Posts: 1,575
    Gravity (2013)
    great cgi and not a bad story. 8/10
    Sandra Bullock seems too have a lot of make up on or maybe she has had some botox?
    She looks different, wrinkle free.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    'Riddick'

    Thoroughly enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Diesel was great in it, had a very cool supporting cast, and the plot surprised me as I didn't think it would focus so much on the buildup. Didn't particularly care for the weak CGI, but other than that, very entertaining movie.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    Posts: 17,798
    @Creasy47 Thanks, I was planning on renting it, now I think I'll just buy it!
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    edited March 2014 Posts: 40,968
    chrisisall wrote:
    @Creasy47 Thanks, I was planning on renting it, now I think I'll just buy it!

    Which film?

    'Oldboy' (2013)

    Man, I had a huge feeling that it was going to be nowhere near as good as the original, but I had no idea that the film would be atrocious. Bad pacing, horrendous way of tackling the reveal, CGI blood (which seems like a lame complaint, but given the 2003 version's excessive use of gore and gritty realism, it's a big complaint), a weak script, yet great acting in an overall terrible film makes this one steaming pile of trash.

    If you've seen neither the original nor the remake, I beg of you, see the original. One of the best films you can watch with (literally) the craziest twist I've ever seen in a film. I've never been so blown away as I was with the original, don't spoil such a great story by viewing the remake.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    edited March 2014 Posts: 17,798
    Creasy47 wrote:
    Which film?

    Riddick.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    @chrisisall, I think my only big complaint was the CGI. Other than that, really enjoyable, and it had one of THE coolest (albeit a bit corny) kills I've seen in a film before.
  • chrisisallchrisisall Brosnan Defender Of The Realm
    Posts: 17,798
    Creasy47 wrote:
    @chrisisall, I think my only big complaint was the CGI. Other than that, really enjoyable, and it had one of THE coolest (albeit a bit corny) kills I've seen in a film before.
    I'm there. Thanks my friend. :)>-
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    edited March 2014 Posts: 40,968
    chrisisall wrote:
    Creasy47 wrote:
    @chrisisall, I think my only big complaint was the CGI. Other than that, really enjoyable, and it had one of THE coolest (albeit a bit corny) kills I've seen in a film before.
    I'm there. Thanks my friend. :)>-

    You're quite welcome! I'm thinking about making the purchase myself, now. But, after having bought all three seasons of 'Game of Thrones' in the matter of a day, I might be best saving my money.

    EDIT: 'Escape Plan'

    Mediocre at best. Figured as much from the trailer (which made the film predictable from start to finish), but I really liked Arnie in this. Entertaining if you want to mindlessly blow a little under two hours, but I could think of better films to watch.
  • Posts: 2,402
    "Nothing is written."

    Lawrence of Arabia

    lawrenceofarabia-05.jpg

    I watched this last night with my parents for the first time in years. We watched it on the 50th anniversary Blu-ray on our HDTV, and it truly was like watching a movie that was made yesterday.

    I really was just so struck by this film, to the point where I couldn't write my review of it last night because I had to think deeply about the moving, powerful piece of cinema I had just experienced.

    Lawrence of Arabia is a film I think every human being should see at least once in their lifetime. When I think about "essential" cinema, this is quite possibly the first film that springs to my mind every time.

    This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing films ever; the only film I could consider placing above it in that regard is Blade Runner, and even that I'm not sure of. Because, where Blade Runner just looks spectacular from beginning to end, it's the individual moments in Lawrence that I can point out as some of the most iconic and greatest in the history of film: Gasim frantically stumbling through the desert as the sun begins to rise; the tracking shot of the Arabs overtaking Aqaba, settling on a single, deserted cannon in the city's fortifications; Lawrence riding his camel on the coast of the Red Sea at sunset; Sherif Ali riding across the mirage; any shot that has the Arabian sun in it.

    I could go on for hours about the visuals of this film and how, 52 years later, few - if any - have outdone it. And watching it on Blu-ray, it only looks even better now. To David Lean, who I salute as one of cinema's greatest directors; and to Freddie Young, whose cinematography will surely be considered among the greatest fifty more years from now.

    Similar to the cinematography, the editing is really something to be admired. I've cited several scenes where the editing is also top-notch. For example, when Gasim is in the desert: it cuts from him, sweating and slowly nearer and nearer to collapsing; to the glaring sun; to the calmness of the Arab camp at the oasis; and then back to Gasim and the sun again before he finally succumbs to the heat and dehydration and falls over.

    But most of all, the one piece of editing that everyone talks about, and which I truly consider to be the greatest piece of editing in the history of film: Lawrence blowing out his match, abruptly cutting to the desert at sunrise as the sun begins to peek out of the horizon. From purely an editing standpoint, I think no film, before or since, has ever come close. Anne V. Coates is a genius, and absolutely deserved the Oscar that year.

    The supporting cast are all beyond stellar: after I first saw this film however many years ago, Obi-Wan Kenobi was no longer the role I associated Alec Guinness with; Anthony Quinn gives arguably the greatest performance of his remarkable career as Auda abu Tayi; Claude Rains as Mr. Dryden gives a very gentlemanly performance in contrast to the rougher-around-the-edges characters of Lawrence, Ali, and the majority of the Arabs; there are numerous other standout performances and the only reason I exclude them is so that this paragraph doesn't stretch out too long: Arthur Kennedy as Jackson Bentley; Anthony Quayle as Brighton; the boys Daud and Farraj. The list goes on.

    But perhaps the sole greatest element of this film, and the one I've saved for last, is the late Peter O'Toole's impeccable turn as T.E. Lawrence. His portrayal of an ambitious officer, eagerly biting off more than he was permitted to chew by his superiors and then later a hero of the Arabs who is reduced to little but a dejected shell of a man when he is relieved of his duties in Arabia goes from compelling to frightening. Every facial expression, every line of dialogue, every movement is infallible and I am almost disgusted that this man was never given an Oscar over the course of sixty years of cinema. Quite possibly this is my pick for the all-time greatest performance ever put on screen.

    Overall, I'm really just still in shock by how I've re-discovered this film that was already in my all-time top five. I think The Godfather just got bumped down one; I'm almost entirely confident that I now consider Lawrence of Arabia to be the greatest film of all time. Its' four-hour running time never seems like it's dull or dragging on; for a film so long, its' pace is incredible and I once again credit David Lean, Freddie Young and Anne V. Coates for this.

    If you haven't seen this movie, I urge you to watch it. It is essential.

    10/10
  • QsAssistantQsAssistant All those moments lost in time... like tears in rain
    Posts: 1,812
    The Last Days On Mars 7/10
    Worth a rental but nothing spectacular. It's about the first astronauts to go to Mars and just before they leave for Earth they find a virus that turns them in to zombie like monsters.

    The Matrix 10/10
    I forgot how great this movie is. It was one of my favorites as a kid and it's still one of my favorites today. Original story with great special effects and fantastic action sequences.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    @QsAssistant, funny you mention 'The Last Days On Mars,' I was looking at movies to rent on Redbox last night and I debated getting that one. It got pretty mediocre reviews, but I heard the quality was pretty astounding given the budget. Worth a $1.29 rental, then?
  • Posts: 2,402
    Oh, if only I'd waited for one more post to write my Lawrence review... now nobody's going to see it! Haha
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,968
    Oh, if only I'd waited for one more post to write my Lawrence review... now nobody's going to see it! Haha

    Don't worry, I read it! I've never seen the film and I saw a massive collector's edition blu-ray for it for dirt cheap a while back and debated buying it, but I've made too many blind buys lately so I passed on it. I've been meaning to watch it for so long now.
  • edited March 2014 Posts: 2,402
    Creasy47 wrote:
    Oh, if only I'd waited for one more post to write my Lawrence review... now nobody's going to see it! Haha

    Don't worry, I read it! I've never seen the film and I saw a massive collector's edition blu-ray for it for dirt cheap a while back and debated buying it, but I've made too many blind buys lately so I passed on it. I've been meaning to watch it for so long now.

    Oh, you have to. Truly an absolutely faultless film. Don't let the length turn you away, it goes by in a flash. There's never a point where the pacing is at a crawl, or dull, and yet they're never rushing through anything. Every shot, every scene, every bit of dialogue is crafted perfectly. For every other movie in my top ten, there are perfectly reasonable arguments that can be made against them (though in almost all cases I disagree with them); Lawrence has no such arguments.

    EDIT: THIS is my 1,000th post.
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