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Movies You've Seen Recently |OT| June 2017
- Thread starter Divius
- Start date
Since I'm catching Wonder Woman tonight, this was a nice way to get me into the mood for anything DC.
Batman & Bill: Featuring the only known footage of anyone smiling while watching Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice! While the ending should come as no surprise to anyone that was paying attention to DC's big 75th anniversary extravaganza for ol' Bats, the story leading up to Bill Finger's long overdue acknowledgement on the world stage is truly compelling and has more twists and turns than the usual plots he wrote for as a ghostwriter. The doc is as much about learning Finger's personal and professional history as it is about the people involved in righting a decades-long wrong, as it turns out that both are inextricably linked to the eventual triumph. Despite the title, the documentary is really about three major protagonists, with author/Finger evangelist Marc Tyler Nobleman's tireless detective work making up a big chunk of the story being told here, largely as he tells most of it, which eventually put him in the path of finding Bill's almost completely unknown granddaughter Athena, who was instrumental in sealing the deal of ensuring Finger's rightful place in the history books. Combined with Bill's own tragic story, there's an electrifying level of escalation as we jump from one protagonist to the next, all of whom come with their own baggage to sort through that complicates matters more and more, especially when it concerns a pivotal figure in Finger's own son Fred, whose personal life and own tragic death winds up as essential glue to piece everything together. And what of Bob Kane? Despite what one thinks of him in light of the full story of Batman's creation finally being out there for all to see, he's certainly a strong enough subject on his own that he does deserve his own documentary, and while the approach here can't help but paint him as the villain of the piece, it does do so in a diplomatic and even-handed manner, though some of the subjects that are interviewed throughout make no mistake about their own feelings about him. All of this is tied together with a professionally made talking heads-style documentary that is punctuated with some rather appropriate motion comic sequences that reenact pivotal moments in the lives of all the important figures. With a strong sense of pacing, a wealth of information about the major players and a terrific emotional core, this does justice to a man that was brushed under the rug for far too long and regardless of how much you might have known about the story beforehand, it's bound to surprise and delight even the most knowledgeable of comic book fans.
Batman & Bill: Featuring the only known footage of anyone smiling while watching Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice! While the ending should come as no surprise to anyone that was paying attention to DC's big 75th anniversary extravaganza for ol' Bats, the story leading up to Bill Finger's long overdue acknowledgement on the world stage is truly compelling and has more twists and turns than the usual plots he wrote for as a ghostwriter. The doc is as much about learning Finger's personal and professional history as it is about the people involved in righting a decades-long wrong, as it turns out that both are inextricably linked to the eventual triumph. Despite the title, the documentary is really about three major protagonists, with author/Finger evangelist Marc Tyler Nobleman's tireless detective work making up a big chunk of the story being told here, largely as he tells most of it, which eventually put him in the path of finding Bill's almost completely unknown granddaughter Athena, who was instrumental in sealing the deal of ensuring Finger's rightful place in the history books. Combined with Bill's own tragic story, there's an electrifying level of escalation as we jump from one protagonist to the next, all of whom come with their own baggage to sort through that complicates matters more and more, especially when it concerns a pivotal figure in Finger's own son Fred, whose personal life and own tragic death winds up as essential glue to piece everything together. And what of Bob Kane? Despite what one thinks of him in light of the full story of Batman's creation finally being out there for all to see, he's certainly a strong enough subject on his own that he does deserve his own documentary, and while the approach here can't help but paint him as the villain of the piece, it does do so in a diplomatic and even-handed manner, though some of the subjects that are interviewed throughout make no mistake about their own feelings about him. All of this is tied together with a professionally made talking heads-style documentary that is punctuated with some rather appropriate motion comic sequences that reenact pivotal moments in the lives of all the important figures. With a strong sense of pacing, a wealth of information about the major players and a terrific emotional core, this does justice to a man that was brushed under the rug for far too long and regardless of how much you might have known about the story beforehand, it's bound to surprise and delight even the most knowledgeable of comic book fans.
Rhomega Beta
Member
Dr. Strangelove (Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb): I'm sorry, but I guess I'm not seeing the genius with this movie. It feels like Fail Safe with jokes sprinkled in. Now I do love the performances of Streling Hayden, George C. Scott, Slim Pickens, and of course, Peter Sellers in a triple role. I love the design of the War Room. There's the President's first phone call to Dmitri. Other than that, I just feel like I've seen it all before.
Freeza Under The Shower
Member
I can see that if you watched Fail Safe first, yeah. They're extremely similar in plot, but Strangelove plays up the insanity of it whereas Fail Safe keeps it straight. I think most people -myself included - saw them the other way around, so the satire wasn't diminished. Sellers is such a delight in that movie though.
Which version did you watch though? I once caught the Richard Dreyfuss version by coincidence, but I still need to watch the original.
Which version did you watch though? I once caught the Richard Dreyfuss version by coincidence, but I still need to watch the original.
brianjones
Member
they were released the same year and kubrick wanted his first
people didn't take fail safe seriously because it came after
~ imdb trivia ~
people didn't take fail safe seriously because it came after
~ imdb trivia ~
Rhomega Beta
Member
I'm assuming I saw the original.
Are you talking about something that feels life-affirming? I'd look at some Italian Neo-Realism movies, maybe. Umberto D gets me every time. But I love doggos.
Another go-to and maybe more optimistic is Amelie.
Also Life is Beautiful. Spirit of the Beehive too but it's been a while since I've seen that.
Life-affirming is a good way to describe it. The nostalgia/remembrance of childhood aspect is also something I'd be interested in seeing more of since when it's done well it's very moving.
I've seen Amelie and Life is Beautiful and enjoyed both. I'll check out the others. Thanks for the recommendations.
Ah, childhood themed.
My Life as a Dog.
Stand By Me.
The Spirit of the Beehive.
Pather Panchali
Kolya
Kikujiro
I feel those might be what you're looking for, it's hard to describe those types of movies but I think I get it.
Thanks for the recommendations Sean. They all sound great.
It's definitely a hard theme to categorize. Nostalgia/sentimental/coming of age/childhood.
Fancy Clown
Member
Also The Best of Youth, if you got seven hours to spare, is great.
This looks fantastic. I love these long form stories. Will definitely check it out when I have time.
brianjones
Member
KraftyKrankins
Member
I'm rewatching La La Land again. 5th time I think. Help.
Another example of the kind of movie (book) that I'm talking about above would be Angela's Ashes. The movie is pretty average but the book is fantastic.
I just listen to the Epilogue off the soundtrack to relieve the whole experience in a more condensed 8 mins. I've only seen the movie itself twice....
I just listen to the Epilogue off the soundtrack to relieve the whole experience in a more condensed 8 mins. I've only seen the movie itself twice....
Net_Wrecker
Member
Please, you probably just came off a 7 hour Netflix + GAF binge
About to watch Logistics in one sitting brb
KraftyKrankins
Member
I'm also going to the "In Concert" version of it in August at Wolf Trap and by now know most of the lyrics by heart. To call it an obsession would be an understatement.
BaronLundi
Member
The Best of Youth is absolutely fantastic and you don't have to watch it in one sitting (originally intended as a 4 part miniseries).
Also in very different genres that might fit your request (all very good movies anyway):
- Cria Cuervos
- The Virgin Suicides maybe?
- The 400 Blows
- The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
- Rushmore
- Dazed and confused
- Picnic at Hanging Rock
- Ghost world
- Au revoir les enfants
- Murmur of the Heart
- The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
- Life is sweet
- Kes
- Jeux interdits
- Tomboy
- Fanny and Alexander
- L'argent de poche
- My neighbour Totoro
- Empire of the Sun
- Pelle the conqueror
Also in very different genres that might fit your request (all very good movies anyway):
- Cria Cuervos
- The Virgin Suicides maybe?
- The 400 Blows
- The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
- Rushmore
- Dazed and confused
- Picnic at Hanging Rock
- Ghost world
- Au revoir les enfants
- Murmur of the Heart
- The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
- Life is sweet
- Kes
- Jeux interdits
- Tomboy
- Fanny and Alexander
- L'argent de poche
- My neighbour Totoro
- Empire of the Sun
- Pelle the conqueror
6.5!
But yeah, it's great, and there's a break halfway through, so you can watch it in two 3-hour parts.
KraftyKrankins
Member
Another vote for Best of Youth. It's nothing you haven't seen before, but absolutely perfected. It's in my top 10.
It also has one of the best "Pretty people stare at each other while there's music in the background" scenes of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZVNtCtnOSI
It also has one of the best "Pretty people stare at each other while there's music in the background" scenes of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZVNtCtnOSI
MidnightCowboy
Member
Only Yesterday is all about nostalgia and it's beautiful movie.
Fancy Clown
Member
True, and somehow simultaneously less and more douchey than that implies. Maybe just as douchey, but in a good way.
AngmarsKing701
Member
Mostly this. There's some bits that aren't that douchey, but yeah it hits a lot of the 80s douchey "I'm in college on a sports team" schtick.
I know what you're talking about, it's also my favorite kind of a movie but there's no word for it. Everyone's already made great suggestions, I'll add Paper Moon.
Baroquemantic
Member
Raw
Don't really have much to say about it. I liked it, though it wasn't what I expected.
6.5/10
Don't really have much to say about it. I liked it, though it wasn't what I expected.
6.5/10
Discotheque
Banned
Yeah
Also I think I might just prefer it over dazed and confused. Although that was funnier
Insane Metal
Member
Wonder Woman
Yeah, it was cool... that's it. I really don't think it's all that people are saying it is.
Whatevs.
Yeah, it was cool... that's it. I really don't think it's all that people are saying it is.
Whatevs.
brianjones
Member
flow catching up on his memes during his sabbatical
Split 2016
★★★★
What happens when you give James McAvoy 23 personalities and let him have fun? One entertaining movie would be the result. I had the ending spoiled for me, but that didn't take away from the experience. It is definitely a scary situation, and the Horde are no joke.
Alien: Covenant 2017
★★★
First the crucial information: this movie is better than Prometheus for sure. The movie has some stellar moments but it is dulled by the stupidity of the crew members and the predictability of the plot. David was by far the star of the movie, and the aliens were a lot wilder than I remember. Overall the alien fans are going to see this regardless but for those on the fence it makes for a fun watch.
Top 5 new watches
1.A brighter summer day
2.Kagemusha
3.Ran
4.Alien
5.Aliens
Haven't watched much due to my B-day, and catching up on shit ton of shows. One would be Twin peaks. The show is good, but overhyped imo. Like the best thing about this show is Cooper, and the amazing music that weaves through the show. Two more episodes till season 2.
Also guys all of Andrei Tarkovsky is on filmstruck. might dive into his work.
★★★★
What happens when you give James McAvoy 23 personalities and let him have fun? One entertaining movie would be the result. I had the ending spoiled for me, but that didn't take away from the experience. It is definitely a scary situation, and the Horde are no joke.
Alien: Covenant 2017
★★★
First the crucial information: this movie is better than Prometheus for sure. The movie has some stellar moments but it is dulled by the stupidity of the crew members and the predictability of the plot. David was by far the star of the movie, and the aliens were a lot wilder than I remember. Overall the alien fans are going to see this regardless but for those on the fence it makes for a fun watch.
Top 5 new watches
1.A brighter summer day
2.Kagemusha
3.Ran
4.Alien
5.Aliens
Haven't watched much due to my B-day, and catching up on shit ton of shows. One would be Twin peaks. The show is good, but overhyped imo. Like the best thing about this show is Cooper, and the amazing music that weaves through the show. Two more episodes till season 2.
Also guys all of Andrei Tarkovsky is on filmstruck. might dive into his work.
there are only like 14 active movie-Gaf members so when someone gets banned you notice it way more
MidnightCowboy
Member
Flow you're back.
Balance restored.
I take Movie-GAF bans poorly.
Balance restored.
I take Movie-GAF bans poorly.
Man with Knife
Member
Amarcord is the first movie that came to mind, maybe my favorite Fellini too.
Movies like Once Upon A Time In America and 1900/Novecento (to stick with italian directors) have nostalgic childhood scenes too, but they're also brutal and tragic, so I don't know if they fit your criteria.
I'm gonna try to be more active in this thread from now on. I normally just lurk and gather suggestions of movies to watch, but now I'm gonna actually start keeping a list of what I've seen.
May top 5 (in no particular order):
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
The Red Shoes
King Kong (1933)
Double Indemnity
Dead of Night
Every Powell and Pressburger film that I've seen thusfar has blown me away.
May top 5 (in no particular order):
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
The Red Shoes
King Kong (1933)
Double Indemnity
Dead of Night
Every Powell and Pressburger film that I've seen thusfar has blown me away.
Cripplegate
Member
Well, tackling Tarkovsky's work would be a small investment, given that he only directed, like, eight features. And one doesn't even count, because he lost and/or destroyed it on purpose. So seven.
Andrei Rublev and Stalker are my favorites. (I still haven't seen his last two films, however.)
edit -
Draconian said:
The Red Shoes is off the hook, no doubt. I need to see more from them, as well.
oo which one doesn't count!? I also wonder if the Stalker Filmstruck has for streaming is the new restored one, or the older one.
not psycho
Member
La La Land
Broadway Melody of 1940
Swing Time
I loved La La Land. It wears its inspirations on its sleeve (well, it wears Jacques Demy on every item of clothing), and partly because this reflects Seb's views on jazz, it works perfectly.
Also watched Moana. There are plenty of criticisms I can make about it, and it did feel like more standard Disney, but at the same time it was an immensely joyful experience that left me invigorated. Kind of shocking that The Rock had such a good song. I like Zootopia a lot, Kubo and The Little Prince less so, but Moana is my animated film of 2016.
Along with Sing Street, 2016 was outstanding for musicals.
Anyone know a way to watch The Tales of Hoffmann in the US without a region free Blu-ray player? I'm guessing no streaming?
I've heard it described as being similar to that scene in The Red Shoes and I'm thinking I may need a new player just for it.
Top 5 new watches of May:
1. Tokyo Story
2. The Handmaiden
3. Late Autumn
4. Apocalypto
5. They Live
Fast Forward
Member
In theaters? Wonder Woman. Really good, despite flaws. Left me wanting more from Diana, which is the best compliment I can give to any piece of entertainment.
Home media? Re-watched Passengers on Vudu. Not a perfect movie, and why I totally get the problems people have with this movie, personally, I really enjoy it. It helps all the leads do a good-to-great job, setting is great, and I'm a mark for Sci-Fi.
Home media? Re-watched Passengers on Vudu. Not a perfect movie, and why I totally get the problems people have with this movie, personally, I really enjoy it. It helps all the leads do a good-to-great job, setting is great, and I'm a mark for Sci-Fi.
MidnightCowboy
Member
Is his stuff on Filmstruck?
TheOnlyOneHeEverFeared
Member
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 was never going to get the same reaction from people as the original did really. At the end of the day, James Gunn was always going to struggle to recreate that feeling of 'Wow, I had no expectations for this film cos its a bunch of weird Marvel characters even people who read comics don't know about it, and its cool and off beat and a lot of fun to watch and hang out with these characters'
Fortunately, Gunn and the team working on the film and the cast haven't let them stop creating another excellent and cool space adventure, which while no its not as good as the first, is still a whole lot of fun and suceeds in yet again, getting me to care about Bradley Cooper's Raccoon character, a tree voiced by Vin Diesel, etc etc.
It's a 70's/80s style sci-fi adventure that while the main plot is kinda obvious and won't surprise anyone, its really more of a vehicle that gives plenty of opportunity for character development in lots of neat small ways that really makes the film stand out by not drawing too much attention to it, which feels the best way to do a sequel like this.
And it does that without losing an inch of the charm or humour or pop culture references that made the first film so great. Or the eclectic fantastic musical score, or the great chemistry between the cast, or the way the newcomers slip into the group so easily.
Like with the way the character development is done, its the smaller subtler ways the humour and charm manifests itself that makes the film way more than it could have ended up being. Great way to do a sequel.
On the flaws side, the big villain plot that kicks off act three looks great and feels very much informed by the aforementioned character development, but the villain really wasn't that interesting, although Kurt Russell did a great job playing Ego for it.
Great film, that while it doesn't match the original, really doesn't try to but creates its own unique space in the marvel universe. Neat.
Fortunately, Gunn and the team working on the film and the cast haven't let them stop creating another excellent and cool space adventure, which while no its not as good as the first, is still a whole lot of fun and suceeds in yet again, getting me to care about Bradley Cooper's Raccoon character, a tree voiced by Vin Diesel, etc etc.
It's a 70's/80s style sci-fi adventure that while the main plot is kinda obvious and won't surprise anyone, its really more of a vehicle that gives plenty of opportunity for character development in lots of neat small ways that really makes the film stand out by not drawing too much attention to it, which feels the best way to do a sequel like this.
And it does that without losing an inch of the charm or humour or pop culture references that made the first film so great. Or the eclectic fantastic musical score, or the great chemistry between the cast, or the way the newcomers slip into the group so easily.
Like with the way the character development is done, its the smaller subtler ways the humour and charm manifests itself that makes the film way more than it could have ended up being. Great way to do a sequel.
On the flaws side, the big villain plot that kicks off act three looks great and feels very much informed by the aforementioned character development, but the villain really wasn't that interesting, although Kurt Russell did a great job playing Ego for it.
Great film, that while it doesn't match the original, really doesn't try to but creates its own unique space in the marvel universe. Neat.
Heeeeeeeeee's backkkkkkkkkkk!
I watched Stalker a while back and I'm eyeing Solaris. Stalker was a bit underwhelming, but that said it's stuck with me. Very much worth a watch and I may revisit it. Solaris is just a bit long so I have to find a weekend to plug it in.
No, I've not finished Kurosawa, something something excuses. I've turned Hidden Fortress on twice and shut it off within minutes. Just haven't been in the mood and don't want to force it.
Fancy Clown
Member
Well lookie who's back
It has the new restored version, that's how people found out it was being restored and with Criterion in the first place.
BaronLundi
Member
AngmarsKing701
Member
Got eldest son home last night after he ran spotlight for Smokey Joe's at Theatre Raleigh. Youngest son had already gotten home from post high school party after finishing finals. It was 10:30.
Checked Fandango. I said, "Dudes, we can get to see Wonder Woman at Crossroads at 11:40!"
I was psyched. I was like, "Let's do it!" Just spontaneously get up and go go go!
But ... no.
"Not tonight, dad."
"Nah, I wanna play video games."
Bummer. Don't you hate when you get all hyped up to do something just out of the blue and everyone around you is like "nah."
Checked Fandango. I said, "Dudes, we can get to see Wonder Woman at Crossroads at 11:40!"
I was psyched. I was like, "Let's do it!" Just spontaneously get up and go go go!
But ... no.
"Not tonight, dad."
"Nah, I wanna play video games."
Bummer. Don't you hate when you get all hyped up to do something just out of the blue and everyone around you is like "nah."
yes both are on filmstruck. In the mood for love, and chungking express are on there as well.
Different directors I know
sweet
ah gotcha, and may I recommend "The last samurai" since it is on netflix.
old manatee
Banned
Power Rangers The Movie (1995): I asked my nephew if it was too scary for him and he said "It's too cool!"