http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/life_aquatic/
I hope I enjoy it. Seems like it could go either way for any one person.
I hope I enjoy it. Seems like it could go either way for any one person.
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I'm worried about The Life Aquatic
- Thread starter Socreges
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Late Stage Marxist
Member
"This is one of the most irritating, self-conscious and smug films of the year, working neither as a dark comedy nor a character study." -- Richard Roeper
Pretty much what I gathered from watching the trailer.
Pretty much what I gathered from watching the trailer.
Ned Flanders
Banned
"I'm worried about starving to death!"
"I'm worried about being blown in half!!"
Socreges said:
You've really got your priorities straight, don't you Socreges? Thoughtless bastard..
Socreges said:Because my opinion will necessarily align with yours? Not to mention that I've read your posts aaaand....
What the mother fuck is that supposed to mean? I do not take this lightly, sage! The only comments I've made about films since I've been here is that Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions suck (which they do), that Phantasm was better than any live action Batman movie and that House of Flying Daggers is better than HERO but that HERO has fantastic cinematography... that's it? Which of those do you disagree with?
No, of course your opinion won't necessarily align with mine. But you made a thread about being worried about Life Aquatic and I'm telling you, based on my own personal experience, that's it's really very good. But hey if you don't want my view...
FINE! I won't talk to you anymore! I will cry myself to sleep
Oh, I don't know. I wasn't really serious. Just your Gaming Forum personality that's a little irksome. Granted, a needle in a haystack.Amir0x said:
Well, don't get me wrong. I appreciate your comment. Just consider how you posed it. That I "shouldn't worry" because it's "really very good". Not exactly comforting after I've just seen ~50 opinions split roughly down the middle, y'know? Like, "No worries! Mine's the right one!"
Socreges said:
Now I'm curious. What, exactly, makes my forum personality "irksome." I haven't had problems with anyone, I mean... I argue in a fairly heated way but afterwards it's all gravy.
Socreges said:Well, don't get me wrong. I appreciate your comment. Just consider how you posed it. That I "shouldn't worry" because it's "really very good". Not exactly comforting after I've just seen ~50 opinions split roughly down the middle, y'know? Like, "No worries! Mine's the right one!"
Well, of course mine is the right one! It's from me! I'm the all important, all knowing master of movie criticism.
But seriously, I just thought that you'd like a movie fans opinion on it rather than someone who sits around chronically splitting atoms over every shadow in a movie. That's the only reason I said don't worry
But imho, it's really good. I've just been reading reviews and the only complaint I can really get behind is that there are a few tedious moments. But most of the time I was very engrossing (for me).
www.dictionary.comAmir0x said:Now I'm curious. What, exactly, makes my forum personality "irksome." I haven't had problems with anyone, I mean... I argue in a fairly heated way but afterwards it's all gravy.
Alright, fair enough. For what it's worth, any positive comments ARE comforting.Well, of course mine is the right one! It's from me! I'm the all important, all knowing master of movie criticism.
But seriously, I just thought that you'd like a movie fans opinion on it rather than someone who sits around chronically splitting atoms over every shadow in a movie. That's the only reason I said don't worry
But imho, it's really good. I've just been reading reviews and the only complaint I can really get behind is that there are a few tedious moments. But most of the time I was very engrossing (for me).
Ned Flanders
Banned
Will you guys just shutup and make out already? You're pracically penis jousting for god's sake..
Socreges said:
I wasn't really upset, FYI
I got curious when you said I was irksome (your dictionary didn't help me since I knew what irksome meant btw) but I wasn't upset.I'm just bored and tired and there's not much going on so I decided to run with the conversation when I had the chance
Anyhoo, I'm going on a movie purchasing quest today. Collateral will be mine!
mattiewheels
And then the LORD David Bowie saith to his Son, Jonny Depp: 'Go, and spread my image amongst the cosmos. For every living thing is in anguish and only the LIGHT shall give them reprieve.'
Saw it last night...I tried not to compare it to the others too much, and I thought it was really good. Lots of really great moments (a few awkward one's, too), and the characters weren't as great as in Tennenbaums, but still better than so many movies. I just would've liked to have seen Owen Wilson as a screenwriter.
Agent Dormer
Dirty Drinking Smoker
If you're looking for a film to change your life... The Life Aquatic is not it. However, if you're looking for a film about adventures on the high seas with an obssessed Bill Murray and wonderful acting from Jeff and William, this has it.
There are a couple parts that drag a little, and I think the script suffers a tad from Owen Wilson not having any part with it, but there are still many hilarious scenes.
"Dude, we fucking stole it!" Hahaha :lol
There are a couple parts that drag a little, and I think the script suffers a tad from Owen Wilson not having any part with it, but there are still many hilarious scenes.
"Dude, we fucking stole it!" Hahaha :lol
Mario_Hugo
Lisa Edelstein's dad touched my private parts. True fact.
Quick, 'cause I have to study for a final.
Okay, here is my take on the film. I love Bottle Rocket, love Rushmore, and love the Royal Tenenbaums--though Rushmore is easily my favorite. I like melancholic quirk more than anything. In fact, it's one thing I consistently strive for in my own work. I was really skeptical about Life Aquatic after watching the trailers, even half an hour into the film..
I also don't mind contextually judging work, so I'll compare it to the others in brief.
The fact of the matter is, it doesn't do some things as well as they've been done in other Anderson films. It is so overbearingly silly at times that it becomes difficult to associate with characters--I just felt personally disengaged throughout the entire film (though I was enjoying it), namely because Owen Wilson's character just isn't there. I formed only vague attachment to Murray's character during the film, and only really recognized his humanity afterwards. I'd like to see the film again, very soon. Nobody in this film struck me as a Max, Mr. Blume, Dignan, Royal, etc., but I'll give Zissou a second shot.
Pacing is a bit odd too, though I don't know that I'd say it really bothered me. It occasionally detracted from story elements, which I appreciate much more after contemplating the film afterwards a bit.
I wish he'd simplify and eliminate a couple characters. No character was particularly bothersome, but I prefer the relative simplicity of Rushmore's main three. I'd feel more attachment if I wasn't being bombarded with superflous characters.
This film does do some things better. Easily the most humorous of his films to date--the audience laughed consistently and frequently in hysterics. The cinematography is simply incredible--this is pretty much the only thing the trailer is indicative of. I really appreciate the choice to avoid CG and go with claymation--it helps maintain that general vague melancholy the film's got. Soundtrack, particularly the Seu Jorge and the Vampires is fucking great (though I wouldn't say "better").
Anderson is a bit out of his element, but the film isn't at all a misstep. Critics are being, well, critical, because the film is awfully smug and perhaps even more self-aware than Tenenbaums. I don't mind, but I can easily see why the film is getting beaten up. It's one of my favorites of the year, and I've every faith I'll enjoy the film much more after having realized it's limitations.
B+
Okay, here is my take on the film. I love Bottle Rocket, love Rushmore, and love the Royal Tenenbaums--though Rushmore is easily my favorite. I like melancholic quirk more than anything. In fact, it's one thing I consistently strive for in my own work. I was really skeptical about Life Aquatic after watching the trailers, even half an hour into the film..
I also don't mind contextually judging work, so I'll compare it to the others in brief.
The fact of the matter is, it doesn't do some things as well as they've been done in other Anderson films. It is so overbearingly silly at times that it becomes difficult to associate with characters--I just felt personally disengaged throughout the entire film (though I was enjoying it), namely because Owen Wilson's character just isn't there. I formed only vague attachment to Murray's character during the film, and only really recognized his humanity afterwards. I'd like to see the film again, very soon. Nobody in this film struck me as a Max, Mr. Blume, Dignan, Royal, etc., but I'll give Zissou a second shot.
Pacing is a bit odd too, though I don't know that I'd say it really bothered me. It occasionally detracted from story elements, which I appreciate much more after contemplating the film afterwards a bit.
I wish he'd simplify and eliminate a couple characters. No character was particularly bothersome, but I prefer the relative simplicity of Rushmore's main three. I'd feel more attachment if I wasn't being bombarded with superflous characters.
This film does do some things better. Easily the most humorous of his films to date--the audience laughed consistently and frequently in hysterics. The cinematography is simply incredible--this is pretty much the only thing the trailer is indicative of. I really appreciate the choice to avoid CG and go with claymation--it helps maintain that general vague melancholy the film's got. Soundtrack, particularly the Seu Jorge and the Vampires is fucking great (though I wouldn't say "better").
Anderson is a bit out of his element, but the film isn't at all a misstep. Critics are being, well, critical, because the film is awfully smug and perhaps even more self-aware than Tenenbaums. I don't mind, but I can easily see why the film is getting beaten up. It's one of my favorites of the year, and I've every faith I'll enjoy the film much more after having realized it's limitations.
B+
I'd have to mostly agree with Mario_Hugo (mostly because I saw the movie with him :lol ).
The Life Aquatic is in many ways both a completely different animal from his other films and very much the same thing he has been doing all along. It's quirky, strange, and consistently off-beat.
It lacks SOME of the humanity of Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaums, but I think that is at least partly by design. It is much more fantastical overall, which can be clearly seen by the bizarre animated marine life in the movie. It's blatantly aware that it's a movie (and that it's a Wes Anderson movie to boot) and at times won't even attempt to hide the fact that it is on a set (basically any scene involving the cross-section of the Belafonte). And if that didn't detach you even, the absolutely ludicrous (I mean that in a good way) action scenes will).
All that being said, it is almost certainly the funniest of his films, and if you see it with an audience that "gets it," then it's going to bea hell of a lot of fun. I really wonder how it will play to a more casual audience, though. My case is there will be many stone-faced people in the crowd who don't understand that they're supposed to be laughing when it opens wide on Christmas.
In the end, I would say it's probably Wes Anderson's most polarizing film to date. Many people will hate it, some will absolutely love it. I loved it. If I had to compare it to any of his other films, I'd say it's something of a weird hybrid between Royal Tenenbaums rather pretentious (in a good way) presentation and Bottle Rocket's more absurd humor. But that doesn't really explain it well either. It's a strange movie.
The Life Aquatic is in many ways both a completely different animal from his other films and very much the same thing he has been doing all along. It's quirky, strange, and consistently off-beat.
It lacks SOME of the humanity of Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaums, but I think that is at least partly by design. It is much more fantastical overall, which can be clearly seen by the bizarre animated marine life in the movie. It's blatantly aware that it's a movie (and that it's a Wes Anderson movie to boot) and at times won't even attempt to hide the fact that it is on a set (basically any scene involving the cross-section of the Belafonte). And if that didn't detach you even, the absolutely ludicrous (I mean that in a good way) action scenes will).
All that being said, it is almost certainly the funniest of his films, and if you see it with an audience that "gets it," then it's going to bea hell of a lot of fun. I really wonder how it will play to a more casual audience, though. My case is there will be many stone-faced people in the crowd who don't understand that they're supposed to be laughing when it opens wide on Christmas.
In the end, I would say it's probably Wes Anderson's most polarizing film to date. Many people will hate it, some will absolutely love it. I loved it. If I had to compare it to any of his other films, I'd say it's something of a weird hybrid between Royal Tenenbaums rather pretentious (in a good way) presentation and Bottle Rocket's more absurd humor. But that doesn't really explain it well either. It's a strange movie.
Scrow said:
Well they are my friends, I just hate how trendily untrendy they can be at times. Just because they are my friends doesn't mean I can't be a little critical of them.
Oh yeah, and I have never seen Bottle Rocket although I heard it was good. And I love Bill Murray and Owen Wilson, they are both excellent and hilarious actors.
smirkrevenge
Member
having seen it as well:
rushmore >>>>>>>> royal tenenbaums > life aquatic >= bottle rocket
even though bottle rocket has it's moments and is no way an inferior film. i need to see life aquatic again...it's definitely one of those movies where you leave and quote different scenes a lot and laugh at with friends. good times.
rushmore >>>>>>>> royal tenenbaums > life aquatic >= bottle rocket
even though bottle rocket has it's moments and is no way an inferior film. i need to see life aquatic again...it's definitely one of those movies where you leave and quote different scenes a lot and laugh at with friends. good times.
enjoy bell woods
Banned
I saw it yesterday at a screening. These are the same reviewers who put Garden State's average around 89% (worst movie ever) on Rotten Tomatoes. Ignore them.
If you like Wes Anderson, you'll like this. I can't imagine how a previous fan of his films couldn't at least like, if not love, this movie. Me, I loved it. I'm seeing The Life Aquatic again on Friday, and I can't wait.
If you like Wes Anderson, you'll like this. I can't imagine how a previous fan of his films couldn't at least like, if not love, this movie. Me, I loved it. I'm seeing The Life Aquatic again on Friday, and I can't wait.
Foreign Jackass
Member
Ebert and Roeper both brought the movie down, and said it was Anderson's first major misfire. Supposedly, the movie has no heart, and is keeping its distances with the spectator, and acts as if it was knowingly funny. Anderson's movies have been dangerously close to this as far as I'm concerned, and I think most Anderson fanboys are just really interested by being a fan of something quirky, as if it was something misunderstood by the mainstream.
I hate Roeper, but tend to agree 70-75% of the time with Ebert, especially with offbeat movies like this.
I think I'm gonna wait for DVD, as there are a lot of movies I want to see before it this xmas season.
I hate Roeper, but tend to agree 70-75% of the time with Ebert, especially with offbeat movies like this.
I think I'm gonna wait for DVD, as there are a lot of movies I want to see before it this xmas season.
enjoy bell woods
Banned
Yeah, Foreign Jackass, that's it! Form your opinion based on a TV show, and then criticize people who've actually seen the movie. Awesome.
FortNinety
Member
Mario_Hugo said:
Yikes. I loved Bottle Rocket, really dug Rushmore, and simply could not stand Tenenbaums due to it being a complete lovest with itself. I was hoping this new one was going away from that, but I guess not.
I'll still see it of course.
enjoy bell woods
Banned
Napoleon Dynamite is just terrible.
I think the biggest mistake people are making is worrying about a movie they were looking forward to in the first place.
I think the biggest mistake people are making is worrying about a movie they were looking forward to in the first place.
SlickWilly223
Time ta STEP IT UP
Nice avatar, pal. I'm a big Moleculo fan. Hell, that's my name down at Opa-Age
enjoy bell woods
Banned
Precisely!nitewulf said:
I guess I didn't make myself clear? I've never been one to adopt the opinions of movie critics, but the fact that many consider this relatively poor is dismaying, without question. Perhaps I'll love it. Or maybe I'll find myself agreeing with the other 50% and be disappointed. I'm worried, however little, that it may be the case.
Bill Murray was awesome on Conan tonight. He barely tries, but he cracks me up.
Bill Murray was awesome on Conan tonight. He barely tries, but he cracks me up.
I finally got to see The Life Aquatic today, and overall I enjoyed it. It definitely is not as good as Wes Anderson's other films, though. The main problem I had with it is the characters. Bill Murray is great in his role. Unfortunately, he doesn't really have anybody to go with him. I liked some of the supporting characters, like Willem Dafoe's and Jeff Goldblum's, but there weren't any other strong main characters to go with Murray. Owen Wilson's character especially was a disappointment. I have no problem with him playing a more serious role, as he has generally been playing the same type of character. But in this he was pretty dull. Cate Blanchett wasn't bad, but there was something missing, probably a stronger character from Wilson.
But again, it definitely is worth seeing if you're a fan of Wes Anderson and Bill Murray. The premise and the story are interesting, and it's got a fair share of funny moments. I found the beginning to be a little boring (I nearly fell asleep to be honest), but it really picks up in the second half and finishes strongly. Just don't go in expecting a Wes Anderson masterpiece.
But again, it definitely is worth seeing if you're a fan of Wes Anderson and Bill Murray. The premise and the story are interesting, and it's got a fair share of funny moments. I found the beginning to be a little boring (I nearly fell asleep to be honest), but it really picks up in the second half and finishes strongly. Just don't go in expecting a Wes Anderson masterpiece.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
I liked this movie. Indeed incredibly sad. Also, almost subversively, this was a more traditional narrative than Anderson's other movies. When you get past some of the oddity, it has a very conventional story and resolution.
Watching it, I had mixed feelings, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. This may end up being my favorite of his movies with time. Reminds me of a Wim Wenders movie, how it's not necessarily that much fun while you're watching it, but it stays with you a long time after.
Watching it, I had mixed feelings, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. This may end up being my favorite of his movies with time. Reminds me of a Wim Wenders movie, how it's not necessarily that much fun while you're watching it, but it stays with you a long time after.
hahahaha MOTY
this movie was hilarious. specially that ambigiously eastern european guy.. Klauss was it?
Klauss: "Wait do it over I completely screwed up" hahahahah
Oh and then the part where Owens confronts Murray about the girl
Murray: "Is something wrong" *sarcastically*
Blanchett: "No nothing"
Murray: "oh that is sooo arrogant"
hahahahha
I loved it. Go see it now.
this movie was hilarious. specially that ambigiously eastern european guy.. Klauss was it?
Klauss: "Wait do it over I completely screwed up" hahahahah
Oh and then the part where Owens confronts Murray about the girl
Murray: "Is something wrong" *sarcastically*
Blanchett: "No nothing"
Murray: "oh that is sooo arrogant"
hahahahha
I loved it. Go see it now.
I caught it last night. I enjoyed it, but I have mixed feelings. My first reaction is that I wish more characters were developed. We saw a bunch of characters that never really got any development. I feel like The Royal Tenenbaums managed to let us get inside more people in more significant ways.
That said, my theater experience was anything but ideal, so I'm going to wait for the DVD, pick that up and watch it alone in my apartment. People kept checking their fucking phones and annoying me with their blue glows. The screening's sound was a bit off and muddy, which sucked, and then a friend kept distracting me and asking questions or making random comments.
I just need to see it again and let it wash over me without distraction. Then I might be able to come closer to a real conclusion about it.
That said, my theater experience was anything but ideal, so I'm going to wait for the DVD, pick that up and watch it alone in my apartment. People kept checking their fucking phones and annoying me with their blue glows. The screening's sound was a bit off and muddy, which sucked, and then a friend kept distracting me and asking questions or making random comments.
I just need to see it again and let it wash over me without distraction. Then I might be able to come closer to a real conclusion about it.
Agent Dormer
Dirty Drinking Smoker
pollo said:
Other good quotes:
"Dude, we fuckin' stole it."
"How many glocks did we give the interns?"
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