Watched Amsterdam last night, the new David O. Russell film with Christian Bale, John David Washington, and Margot Robbie.
It had such potential...but it didn't know what kind of film it wanted to be. It felt like two films with different styles and pacing smashed together. Wildly inconsistent from scene to scene, and the acting was even noticeably inconsistent........
I didn't enjoy it either. I kept on trying to narrow in on the feel or style and realized it was halfway through and it hadn't become clear. The delivery of the dialogue seemed forced to accommodate this style but it wasn't enjoyable or effective. The overall story could have and should have been interesting but it teetered on outlandish at times and I could never grasp what they were going for.
I kept on wondering how O Russel sold this project to this cast, how did he explain it and get them on board?
My one takeaway is that Christian Bale is incredible, if it wasn't for him it would have been a complete waste of time. I may also be a little tired of Margot Robbie being cast in everything, the trailer for "Babylon" seems promising but I'm tired of her.
Never been a huge fan of David O Russel but this is by far my least favorite of his films. Would not recommend.
Another week another list of horror movie recommendations. Today I'm staying close to home with Canadian horror movies. Here are a few of my favorites:
My Bloody Valentine (the original)
Come True - despite being filmed in Edmonton this film isn't no good, it's a great horror film that is tops of my recommendations.
Blood Quantum
The Witch
Ginger Snaps
Pyewacket
Pontypool
Cronenberg films get their own list, the man is a master of horror. While I haven't seen all his films these are the ones I've seen and I enjoyed them all.
The Fly
Videodrome
The Dead Zone
Rabid
Shivers
Scanners
Crimes of the Future - 2022
Dead Ringers
Watched Stallone's new flick, Samaritan, last night.
A total waste of time. Horrible acting, plot and likely the worst super hero movie I've seen.
Take a big pass on this one.
2/10
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I find it hard to understand people like Stallone. DOes he still need to work to support his lifestyle? Is he scared of fading into obscurity? Not like he is making quality or relevant films. They just seem like cash grabs. The guy is in his 70's.
Or maybe making these fils isn't much work at all and it's easy money. The equivalent of retired business executives sitting on a Board and giving it a token effort.
I find it hard to understand people like Stallone. DOes he still need to work to support his lifestyle? Is he scared of fading into obscurity? Not like he is making quality or relevant films. They just seem like cash grabs. The guy is in his 70's.
Or maybe making these fils isn't much work at all and it's easy money. The equivalent of retired business executives sitting on a Board and giving it a token effort.
I don't know about his financial situation but he's probably well set up. I imagine living the good life gets a little boring and making films is a way to keep going while making some money. I would imagine that acting/directing is like any job where if you do it for a long time and get good at it, that things get easy and you can coast.
I find it hard to understand people like Stallone. DOes he still need to work to support his lifestyle? Is he scared of fading into obscurity? Not like he is making quality or relevant films. They just seem like cash grabs. The guy is in his 70's.
Or maybe making these fils isn't much work at all and it's easy money. The equivalent of retired business executives sitting on a Board and giving it a token effort.
Probably same reason the Rolling Stones is still touring or why Terry Pratchett was still writing on his deathbed. They all are (or were) way past the point where they need (or needed) more money or more recognition.
Probably same reason the Rolling Stones is still touring or why Terry Pratchett was still writing on his deathbed. They all are (or were) way past the point where they need (or needed) more money or more recognition.
Some people just really love what they do.
Or...now hear me out here...after going through a pandemic recently, has anyone really remembered what its like to do literally nothing for a while?
Its pretty soul crushing.
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If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.
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Went into my own video vault for spooky season and came out with the Spanish version of Dracula from 1931. It was shot on the same sets as the Bela Lugosi version (English filmed during the day, the Spanish crew came in at night) and is about 30 minutes longer. Pretty much the same movie, but the Spanish version makes better use of the sets and costumes. Carlos Villarias is a Bela Lugosi lookalike but doesn't quite have the same presence. Pablo Alvarez Rubio makes for an excellent Renfield, though (Dwight Frye is the original is hard to top, but Rubio does it). It's worth a look if you're a classic monster fan.
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I'm not the biggest fan of the horror genre but I do appreciate the concept and mythology of this franchise. I've seen the first two original ones and assuming the rest are hot garbage, I see this property as something that is conceptually and visually awesome but poor in execution.
This reboot/remake is a decent watch and gives a little more backstory to the hellpriest, cennobites, puzzle and the Leviathan. Ultimately though, it's got poor acting, non-sensical decision-making, and unlikeable characters. I see this movie as something that is conceptually and visually awesome but mediocre in execution.
2. In America:
This movie came and went like a fart when it ran the Oscar/award season race way back in the early-2000's. I rarely hear anyone ever talk about it anymore which is a shame because it's directed by Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, The Boxer, etc...) and is such a good story of self-preservation, grief, and new immgigrants (without being all preachy about it).
Paddy Considine (for the GOT nerds), Samantha Morton (won as Oscar for this) are in it along with a very good Djimon Hounsou (nominated for an Oscar for this).
This one is probably one of the best movies I've watched/re-watched in recent memory.
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Recommendation for Athena on Netflix. Stunner of an opening scene, and remains tense as #### throughout. There's a couple of plot turns I didn't care for, but otherwise an amazing technically impressive tour-de-force. Don't watch it dubbed like some of you weirdos are wont to do.
Bunny Lake is Missing is a great 1960s British psychological thriller. The story is about a single women who drops her kid off at school and when she goes to pick her up at the end of the day there is no sign the kid was ever there. Wonderfully shot, and great story that keeps you guessing until the end, highly recommend this little known gem. Also fun fact, the director played Mr. Freeze on the Adam West Batman tv show
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This movie came and went like a fart when it ran the Oscar/award season race way back in the early-2000's. I rarely hear anyone ever talk about it anymore which is a shame because it's directed by Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, The Boxer, etc...) and is such a good story of self-preservation, grief, and new immgigrants (without being all preachy about it).
Paddy Considine (for the GOT nerds), Samantha Morton (won as Oscar for this) are in it along with a very good Djimon Hounsou (nominated for an Oscar for this).
This one is probably one of the best movies I've watched/re-watched in recent memory.
I do love this one. You'll get the full gamut of emotions watching it. The carnival scene is one of the most stressful scenes I've watched in a movie.
It's available on Disney+ if anyone's interested in watching it.
Last edited by KTrain; 10-12-2022 at 03:15 PM.
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I have been exploring the free Tubi TV channel lately, it's like watching old fashioned TV, you get 3 or 4 ads every 20 minutes, but it has some nice old movies, Hobsons Choice and Moby Dick, the original Dunkirk from 1953, I'd recommend all of them but John Hustons Moby Dick is outstanding
Probably same reason the Rolling Stones is still touring or why Terry Pratchett was still writing on his deathbed. They all are (or were) way past the point where they need (or needed) more money or more recognition.
Some people just really love what they do.
I get that. But Stallone as an example just seems to make really bad films for the most part. The kind of films that seem to be mainly just money grabs.
Kind of like if the Stones were writing music for commercials or something.
This movie came and went like a fart when it ran the Oscar/award season race way back in the early-2000's. I rarely hear anyone ever talk about it anymore which is a shame because it's directed by Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, The Boxer, etc...) and is such a good story of self-preservation, grief, and new immgigrants (without being all preachy about it).
Paddy Considine (for the GOT nerds), Samantha Morton (won as Oscar for this) are in it along with a very good Djimon Hounsou (nominated for an Oscar for this).
This one is probably one of the best movies I've watched/re-watched in recent memory.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KTrain
I do love this one. You'll get the full gamut of emotions watching it. The carnival scene is one of the most stressful scenes I've watched in a movie.
It's available on Disney+ if anyone's interested in watching it.
I’d never heard of this movie. Based on these recommendations, I suggested this movie for my mom who relies almost entirely on me to navigate the hellscape that is multiple streaming services nowadays to find her good shows/movies. She’s always complaining there aren’t enough movies she likes being made (not stupid rom-coms and not comic book movies).
If she hates it, I’m blaming you guys.
Might even watch it myself.
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I’d never heard of this movie. Based on these recommendations, I suggested this movie for my mom who relies almost entirely on me to navigate the hellscape that is multiple streaming services nowadays to find her good shows/movies. She’s always complaining there aren’t enough movies she likes being made (not stupid rom-coms and not comic book movies).
If she hates it, I’m blaming you guys.
Might even watch it myself.
Put me down as a fan of In America as well. Good movie.
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That's actually a good jumping off point for a list of great watches that nobody remembers / nobody has seen.
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That's actually a good jumping off point for a list of great watches that nobody remembers / nobody has seen.
I'll play. These aren't GOAT movies or anything but they are some of my favorites to watch (and rewatch) post-2000:
1. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Very simple coming of age love story that takes place over one day. I don't meet too many people who have seen this and those who do dismiss it as a run-of-the-mill romcom. It is not. Very likable leads (Michael Cera/Kat Dennings) with a slew of very funny cameos. I always thought that if I had the talent to make/write a movie it would be similar to this one. Killer soundtrack.
2. Defendor
Canadian-made movie that stars Woody Harrelson playing a mentally challenged homeless man that thinks he's a super hero. Good heart to the movie as it doesn't minimize the disability or situation.
3. Harry Brown
Geriatric John Wick. Admittedly there's a lot less violence but Michael Caine is very, very good in this film and highlights how underserved and ignored seniors are.
4. The Water Diviner
Ok, so I've only seen this Russell Crowe movie once but I was surprised by it. He directed it and takes place after WW1 where he goes to find the bodies of his dead sons. No, the premise isn't exactly chipper but I liked this one because it's a very rare adventure movie. You don't see those very often anymore.
5. The Highwaymen
This is a Netflix movie so I assume lots of people saw it but I haven't met a single one. Has Woody Harrelson and Kevin Costner (who, btw, I'm loving this late-stage grumpy Costner revival). Is about the people who caught Bonny and Clyde. I got slight Road to Perdition vibes.
