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  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    edited October 2018 Posts: 4,043
    Apostle 2018

    Gareth Evans doesn't so much as dip his toe into horror than actually leap head first into it's depths for his fourth film.

    Thomas Richardson's (Dan Stevens) sister has been kidnapped and is being held for ranson by a sinister cult on a remote island led by Michael Sheen's Prophet Malcolm. Richardson must journey to the island undercover and rescue his sister.

    Apostle is a very different propostion to his Raid films and is a dark brooding beast of a film. Evans is very much assisted by cinematogapher Matt Flannery and also the menacing score by Aria Prayogi & Fajar Yuskemal.

    Evans builds suspense from the get go with his collaborator and there is more than a flavour of The Wicker Man on display here and I detected somewhat of a slither of Enter The Dragon in a few scenes.

    The director no stranger to gore, plunges the viewer into some blood soaked mayhem. Though the story takes an unexpected turn that you may or may not be willing to follow.

    It's not going to be to everyone's taste and the first hours leisurely but never boring first half might force some to give up, although Evans rewards with a thrilling final hour that builds to a violent and bloody crescendo.

    There is some great support from Michael Sheen and Mark Lewis Jones is terrifying. Although it is the films star Stevens that really sells this. Stevens has shown that leaving Downton Abbey early was indeed a wise move, he has been building up quite a varied CV, is charimatic turn in The Guest being his most notable alongside a live action Disney smash.

    His wild eyes and tightly wound persona here keeps you transfixed and he commands the screen. I don't really see a better actor out there at the moment to take on the mantle of a certain secret agent when it's current incumbent hangs up the tuxedo.

    With Evans declaring recently that he is done with the Raid and the once proposed 3rd film has now been abandoned, who knows where he'll go next. Apostle isn't going to set off the same reverberations as The Raid, although it showcases a hugely talented film maker who it would be a shame to lose to the hollywood machine. Having him directing comic book films or franchise fodder would be a real waste.

    He has a unique vision that deserves to be mined and not diluted, long may he be able to exercise that.

    4/5
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,976
    I sadly wasn't that impressed with Apostle. It had a very "been there, done that" feel to it, and it seemed rather obvious where it was headed after 10 or 15 minutes. It was outstanding on a technical and performance level though: brilliant acting, and the set design and costumes were superb. I also really enjoyed the randomness behind the flashbacks, too.
  • mattjoesmattjoes Julie T. and the M.G.'s
    Posts: 7,021
    SharkBait wrote: »
    Henry's crime

    Did you like it?
  • Posts: 2,081
    The Man Who Looks Like Me (Minu näoga onu) (2017)
    A humorous Estonian film about a tricky relationship between an adult son (a music critic) and his somewhat offbeat and bohemian father (a musician). Enjoyable, great actors.

    Leave No Trace (2018)
    Debra Granik's drama about a father with PTSD (Ben Foster) living in a forest with his daughter. Good.

    The Green Fog (2017)
    A movie made by using clips from a lot of other movies. It was... strange.

    Museo (Museum) (2018)
    A Mexican movie about two guys who steal invaluable objects they then are unable to sell. Gael García Bernal stars, also has Simon Russell Beale in a supporting a role. Pretty good.

    Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool (2017)
    A based on a true story movie, directed by Paul McGuigan, co-produced by Barbara Broccoli. Annette Bening and Jamie Bell are both really good here.

    Puzzle (2018)
    A lovely movie about fitting pieces into right places. Kelly Macdonald as the lead, Irrfan Khan and David Denman supporting are all excellent. Really liked this.

    Sink or Swim (Le grand bain) (2018)
    A French movie about a group of middle aged men with various issues and problems who take up synchronized swimming. Their young female coaches also have problems. A warm movie with humour, I liked it. Features Mathieu Amalric, Guillaume Ganet, etc.

    First Reformed (2017)
    This is a heavy movie to watch, with a strange ending. Ethan Hawke as the lead does a great role.

    Diamantino (2018)
    A quite surreal Portuguese movie about a not very bright sports star and, and those attempting to take advantage of him.


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    Arctic
    Mads Mikkelsen (very good as usual) as a man trying to survive after a plane crash in the Arctic - a realistic, not an action movie take on it. Intense, held my attention.


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    The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales (Le grand méchant renard et autres contes...) (2017)
    An adorable, funny, entertaining French animated film. Absolutely loved this.

    Tigers Are Not Afraid (Vuelven) (2017)
    A Mexican movie about children who've lost their parents due to the drug war - not as depressing to watch as that probably sounds. Combines fantasy and horror elements to more realistic depiction. with sprinklings of humor thrown in, too. I liked it a lot.

    Ága (2018)
    This really should be seen in theatre, and I'm glad I did. About an elderly inuit couple, living in an isolated place in a traditional way while the world is fast changing.
  • Posts: 16,169


    Excellent watch, not because it is among the best Dracula movies, but more to do with the era it was made. The set pieces, the photo, lighting, and above all the score add to the intriguing qualities it does have, despite its sillyness. I kept thinking Lon Chaney (who here plays the Wolfman) was a better fit as Dracula than John Carradine.

    A one-time watch, though.

    I'm a pretty big fan of HOUSE OF DRACULA. Depending on my mood I sometimes prefer it to HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, simply for it's more compact and streamlined structure. I love the sets, lighting and music. Great performances by all involved. Funny thing here, Lon sports his suave mustache. This must have been shot while he was doing the Inner Sanctum series.
    I always liked John Carradine's Dracula. I actually enjoy his Count in BILLY THE KID VS DRACULA more in some ways than in this film. Good shout out to Lon Chaney, though. Completely underrated in SON OF DRACULA, I thought.
  • Posts: 12,473
    The Patriot (2000). Always been a fan.
  • ShardlakeShardlake Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
    Posts: 4,043
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    I sadly wasn't that impressed with Apostle. It had a very "been there, done that" feel to it, and it seemed rather obvious where it was headed after 10 or 15 minutes. It was outstanding on a technical and performance level though: brilliant acting, and the set design and costumes were superb. I also really enjoyed the randomness behind the flashbacks, too.

    I wasn't blown away and maybe the it was more the technical level and performances that impressed the most. I agree it wasn't wholly original.

    I did enjoy the slow building menace of it and boy did it look gorgeous, the cinematogaphy and production design made the most of it's budget.

    I can't say I noticed personally where it was going that soon but Stevens is just magnetic and like I say he blows all the competition away for the next Bond in my view.

    He's got that steely look in his eye, a great voice, the right build and looks to pull it off.
    He has the charisma as well, he's shaping into a real great actor in my view.

    Granted if you want another Brosnan like in the shape of Cavill then so be it, I don't and I think Stevens could offer a rounded portrayal that doesn't just have to be like Craig he could pull off dead pan humor and also I'm sure he wouldn't disappoint the ladies.

    As long as he doesn't suddenly go stratospheric between now and when they need the next Bond I can't see a better candidate out there.

    Although on the evidence here and other roles I wouldn't be surprised if someone snaps him up for a role that could do just that before the position is vacant.
  • edited October 2018 Posts: 3,333
    I do concur @Shardlake. Stevens and Aidan Turner are still my own personal choices to takeover 007 duties. Cavill would be a less-of-a-risk studio type choice, IMHO. I like Stevens and I like his voice, looks and especially his height. Though I agree with @Creasy47 that the Apostle wasn't particularly original, that doesn't dissuade me from choosing Dan Stevens as a potential future Bond. For those that like to bang the Fassbender drum, they should really take a close look at Stevens body of work as he's not that dissimilar to Fassbender in looks and stature. Most importantly, he's much younger.
  • Posts: 4,617
    "How it Ends" (2018) Netflix

    Really good first half but, ironically, the script writer could not answer their one question. A movie with no ending...........
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    Avengers Infinity War (2018)
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    First viewing for me of this epic entry in the Marvel superhero ensemble saga since its theatre release, and in glorious 4K to boot. The film is better than I remembered it. The Russo brothers really do a wonderful job of bringing it together, and all the actors and characters are on point and memorable. There is a sense of dark foreboding which permeates the film, beginning with the first scene of carnage on the Asgardian spaceship and carrying through as the Titanic Thanos fulfills his ambition to rebalance the universe using the Infinity Stones. Every crisp detail is beautifully displayed in this enhanced viewing format, and Alan Silvestri's score matches the on screen proceedings perfectly. If there's one minor criticism I have, it's that The Black Order don't get enough screen time, and the Wakandan jungle finale isn't quite to my liking (I would have preferred something in the city, similar to the post-credits scene with Fury and Hill). I'm nitpicking though. Overall this is a top notch film worthy of its 2018 box office crown.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,976
    @Shardlake @bondsum agreed with you both, there was something so electric and mystifying about his performance in Apostle; for a random Netflix horror movie, he really shined in this one. He's not at the top of my list, but I've always felt he'd make a good Bond since seeing him in The Guest some years back.
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    BUD ABBOTT AND LOU COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN
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    I loved those guys as a kid, but that is what it is-for kids. The title is misleading. Their names in the movie are Wilbur and Chic and they don t meet Frankenstein, but the monster. Typical misconception.

    By the way, is Patton Oswalt related to Abbott?
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  • Posts: 12,526
    Solo A Star Wars Story.

    I was surprised at out how much I enjoyed it. Shocked and confused to see Darth Maul though.
  • ThunderfingerThunderfinger Das Boot Hill
    Posts: 45,489
    RogueAgent wrote: »
    Solo A Star Wars Story.

    I was surprised at out how much I enjoyed it. Shocked and confused to see Darth Maul though.

    He should have been more in it, it might have saved it.
  • edited October 2018 Posts: 19,339
    Black Panther .

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    Loved it, not as much as some of the other Marvels ,not one I would buy,but very enjoyable.

    I think it needed a better score n theme to it x the end theme score was awful.
  • Posts: 12,473
    Getting into the thick of October, the horror bug is getting me again. I’ll have to watch some good ones in between Bond films.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited October 2018 Posts: 23,883
    The Da Vinci Code (2006)
    WRR8gE4.jpg

    I had been looking forward to revisiting this Dan Brown adaptation for some time, but held back until I could get a copy of the film in 4K format. The original blu ray, released around the time the format took off, isn't the best, with excessive grain. This version is far superior, but is still not quite up to the best this format can deliver. There are a lot of stylish night time scenes here, which benefit from the minor upgrade. While I much prefer the pace and action in sequel Angels and Demons, Ron Howard directs his first Brown outing with confidence, deftly weaving in required flashback exposition with polished contemporary scenes. It's a movie which makes one think, and Avika Goldman's screenplay provides sufficient room for it to breathe. The film drips with atmosphere and is ably supported by an absolutely first class emotionally uplifting Hans Zimmer score (Chevaliers de Sangreal is a masterpiece, and doubly so when playing opposite scenes of Paris at night). The entire cast is on point and carries the entry above the mundane; Tom Hanks as always brings an everyman weariness to his excellent portrayal of Professor Robert Langdon, the famous symbologist. Audrey Tautou is also superb as Police Nationale cryptologist Sophie Neveu, who is more than she seems. Other noted scene chewing supporting thespians include Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jürgen Prochnow, Jean Reno & Paul Bettany, and all are in top form. The Brown adaptations capture a lot of elements that I enjoy in Bond films (intelligent hero, beautiful smart co-star, exotic Euro trash villains, dark forces, subterfuge, ambiance, stylish locations, wonderful cinematography and score etc. etc.).
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 24,183
    @bondjames

    I love THE DA VINCI CODE, even though (or maybe because) I have never read a Dan Brown novel and even though I am typically not into farfetched conspiracy theory plots. Yet the film grabbed me almost immediately. I agree with all the great elements you listed.

    What I find astonishing, however, is that this film also attracted a lot of damning reviews and, in fact, was banned and boycotted in some parts of the world. Certain Catholic groups responded by posting lists of errors and such online; others protested against the film. This is particularly funny since the Catholics produce their own films which try to sell us some biblical hocus-pocus like it's the real thing. So the liars are calling someone else a liar. Wow. Look, I don't care which parts of the film are "true" and which are completely fictional. A convincing script is a convincing script and never mind if it's true or not. The sequel's main plot device is scientific nonsense too, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the film or feel an urge to boycott it. So each time I watch and enjoy THE DA VINCI CODE, the added bonus of annoying some Catholic bishop in America puts a smile on my face.

    Besides, I think that when you actually do some thinking, something Catholics bishops rarely seem to do, THE DA VINCI CODE rather promotes faith in my opinion, albeit in a liberal form of sorts and not tied to the dogmas of the Church. I must admit that my initial response when walking out of the theatre was one of soft appreciation for certain groups within the religious community. And then the responses to the film got published and I was back at square one. ;-)

    I also like ANGELS AND DEMONS and INFERNO, but THE DA VINCI CODE will remain my favourite. I guess Sir Ian McKellen is partially responsible for that.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited October 2018 Posts: 23,883
    @DarthDimi well said and I'm pretty much in the same boat as you (although I perhaps don't have the same level of disdain for the church ;) ). Like you I haven't read a Brown novel either and also suspect that's why I enjoy the films so much (I think I just experience it more open mindedly).

    I too was disappointed (but of course not entirely surprised) with the boycotts and backlash which occurred upon the film's release. You're on the money in saying that the film (and successor Angels and Demons) do indeed promote a sort of 'free thinking' faith, as opposed to strict dogma. It's subtly there in how Langdon reacts to the church and to the elements within it which he comes up against. He understands how insignificant we all are in the universe and the awe inducing magnificence of it all. He also feels an obligation to inform people of their inherent cognitive biases and typical irrational misconceptions.

    One of my favourite scenes in the series is his opening speech to students, where he points out how we can misread symbols. I also love the scene in Angels and Demons when he is walking down the Vatican corridor, accompanied by Olivetti and Vincenzi of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, commenting on Pope Pius's 'great castration':

    "Are you anti-Catholic, Professor Langdon?" "No. I'm anti-vandalism."

    I think one of the reasons I really enjoy these films so much is that I can relate to Langdon. Hanks makes it easy of course. These are intelligent thrillers which also dish out enough of the red meat to be successful.

    I love this film, and the supporting cast (including Sir McKellan) is certainly a large part of that. I really hope they adapt Origins, but given Inferno didn't do as well, it may not happen.
  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    edited October 2018 Posts: 15,718
    bondjames wrote: »
    "Are you anti-Catholic, Professor Langdon?" "No. I'm anti-vandalism."

    I think one of the reasons I really enjoy these films so much is that I can relate to Langdon. Hanks makes it easy of course. These are intelligent thrillers which also dish out enough of the red meat to be successful.

    @bondjames That is precisely what I really enjoy about actors like Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington and Liam Neeson. Whether they are in films aiming for Oscars glory (Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Training Day) or in the thriller/action film genre (Angel & Demons, The Equalizer, Non-Stop), they always deliver top-notch performances.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    Absolutely @DaltonCraig007. They are able to project a natural empathy which makes them especially compelling actors. They are very relatable.
  • Posts: 9,847
    arthur

    Well I guess I am caught between the moon and New York it’s crazy but it’s true...

    I sat down to watch this 81 Classic with my in laws and my wife it was an ok film I find Moore some times tiresome but I love his genuine moment with the butler over all a weak recommend

    Films I have seen in 2018 (I don't think I am splitting up bond and non bond this year as I don't know how many I am actually gonna see)
    1. Batman Begins
    2. Casino Royale
    3. The A-team
    4. Mission impossible fallout
    5. The final girls
    6. Clue
    7. A simple favor
    8. The Saint
    9. Taken 2
    10. The Shadow
    11. Batman Under The Red Hood
    12. Batman Gotham Knight
    13. The Meg
    14. Big trouble little China
    15. Taken
    16. Ferris buller's day off
    17. Valley girl
    18. Nonstop
    19. Batman Mask of the Phantasm
    20. Unknown
    21. Classic Artists presents Yes
    22. Stand By Me
    23. Before Sunrise
    24. A walk among the Tombstones
    25. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
    26. Arthur
    27. Goonies
    28. 9012live
    29. Before Midnight
    30. Revenge of the nerds
    31. Grease
    32. Before Sunset


    Before series
    1. Before Sunrise
    2. Before Midnight
    3. Before Sunset

    Stephen King movies
    1. Stand By Me

    Corey Feldman movies
    1. Stand by me
    2. Teenage mutant ninja turtles
    3. Goonies

    Movies from 2018
    1. Mission impossible fallout
    2. The Meg


    Taken Series

    1. Taken 2
    2. Taken

    Liam Neeson (sort of) retrospective series
    1. Batman Begins
    2. The A-team
    3. Taken 2
    4. Taken
    5. Non Stop
    6. Unknown
    7. A walk among the tombstones

    Batman/Dc films ( as I can guarantee I will see more then just Batman Begins this year)
    1. Batman Begins\
    2. Batman Under the red hood
    3. Batman Gotham Knight
    4. Batman Mask of the Phantasm

    Films in 2018
    1. Mission Impossible Fallout
    2. A simple favor
    3. The Meg

  • JamesBondKenyaJamesBondKenya Danny Boyle laughs to himself
    Posts: 2,730
    All this talk of Hostiles made me hungry so I watched HOSTILES for the third time. Now I’ve always liked this movie, and some of the more minor flaws were still present, but now on the third go around I really appreciated the more thematic elements of the film. It touched me quite a bit this time and I think this film doesn’t get the attention it deserves because it is quite good

    8/10
  • Posts: 12,473
    1408 (2007). Really enjoyed this.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited October 2018 Posts: 23,883
    Venom (2018)

    Dear me, what is this crap? It was even worse than I feared. I was persuaded by a friend but now want my two hours back.This is one more film I've seen recently (the other one being The Meg) which is making bucketloads of moola for reasons which are unfathomable to me. I suppose there could be some pent up demand for cheap creature scares for some reason (JW2 was a huge hit this year also) but still... On a positive note, Hardy is very watchable in this and further confirms my view that he is a versatile actor. His bemused Eddie Brock is almost likable and one sympathizes (slightly) with his predicament. Michelle Williams is also great as always. However, it's just not good enough I'm afraid. The only salvageable element for me is some humour here and there. Best to avoid.
  • Posts: 4,617
    "Wind River" (2017)

    Better than I expected and a good performance by Renner. He does need better roles like this. Plus stunning scenery.

  • Last_Rat_StandingLast_Rat_Standing Long Neck Ice Cold Beer Never Broke My Heart
    Posts: 4,589
    patb wrote: »
    "Wind River" (2017)

    Better than I expected and a good performance by Renner. He does need better roles like this. Plus stunning scenery.


    Caught this a few months ago. Great film
  • Posts: 2,107
    mattjoes wrote: »
    SharkBait wrote: »
    Henry's crime

    Did you like it?

    It was okay. Nothing special about it.
  • Posts: 5,767
    Shardlake wrote: »
    Creasy47 wrote: »
    I sadly wasn't that impressed with Apostle. It had a very "been there, done that" feel to it, and it seemed rather obvious where it was headed after 10 or 15 minutes. It was outstanding on a technical and performance level though: brilliant acting, and the set design and costumes were superb. I also really enjoyed the randomness behind the flashbacks, too.

    I wasn't blown away and maybe the it was more the technical level and performances that impressed the most. I agree it wasn't wholly original.

    I did enjoy the slow building menace of it and boy did it look gorgeous, the cinematogaphy and production design made the most of it's budget.

    I can't say I noticed personally where it was going that soon but Stevens is just magnetic and like I say he blows all the competition away for the next Bond in my view.

    He's got that steely look in his eye, a great voice, the right build and looks to pull it off.
    He has the charisma as well, he's shaping into a real great actor in my view.

    Granted if you want another Brosnan like in the shape of Cavill then so be it, I don't and I think Stevens could offer a rounded portrayal that doesn't just have to be like Craig he could pull off dead pan humor and also I'm sure he wouldn't disappoint the ladies.

    As long as he doesn't suddenly go stratospheric between now and when they need the next Bond I can't see a better candidate out there.

    Although on the evidence here and other roles I wouldn't be surprised if someone snaps him up for a role that could do just that before the position is vacant.
    @Shardlake, I couldn't agree more on Stevens and Bond. I might be fantasizing, but for at least the first half of Apostle I got a very strong Fleming Bond vibe, the tall, lean man on a secret mission operating in the midst of enemies, trying to find some friend and succeed in his job.
    I enjoyed a lot how the tension built slowly but not tormentingly slow, and the feeling of danger right from the start. I also liked the acting and cinematography, despite everything being a bit bleak.
    I was positively surprised by the ratios of thriller, horror, realistic violence, and over-the-top violence. Everything was there in the right amount for my taste.
  • edited October 2018 Posts: 11,189
    Watched The Darkest Hour last night.

    Never knew Winston Churchill went on the London Underground and charmed members of the public
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