https://ift.tt/3eLoyJL via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3sN0yy9
Nicolas Cage has been in 100 narrative feature films. I watched all 100 in 2021.
At the beginning of the year, my goal was to watch 30 films from a different actor/actress every month. I ripped the idea off a friend who came up with a "30 Days of Costner" list, which I then preceded to steal his list and complete that task. I then did months for Marion Cotillard, Meryl Streep, Danny DeVito, and Nic Cage. It was at this point that I knew that doing this every month wasn't going to be sustainable, so instead I decided that I would simply continue on with the rest of Cage's filmography, daunting as it may be. Here's the results:Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) - Quite possibly the GOAT comic book movie. 5/5Raising Arizona (1987) - Is it possible to adore Holly Hunter anymore than I already do? Likely not. But yeah, a great comedy that gets a bit crazy when it needs to, and with some terrific supporting performances. 5/5Adaptation. (2002) - Probably my favorite Nic Cage performance? Also, Chris Cooper was creepy as hell in this and was just perfect. Like most Kauffman films, still not fully comprehending the movie even after a rewatch. 4.5/5Pig (2021) - Come for the Nic Cage absurdity, stay for the gorgeous slow-burn examination of existentialism. 4.5/5Wild at Heart (1990) - This movie went *insert heavy meal riffs* from zero to 100 pretty fast. Thought the scenes with the mom *insert heavy metal riffs* could've used some trimming and not be so f'n weird. *Insert heavy metal riffs* Obligatory stanning of Laura Dern. 4.5/5National Treasure (2004) - "Snorkel. See, I can do it, too. Albuquerque" Is it dumb? Yes. Am I being biased because of nostalgia? Also yes. But is this still extremely entertaining and fun? Also, yes. I might need to go on a Sean Bean kick here soon, because I'll be damned if the man isn't one of the best at delivering lines, no matter how ridiculous they are. 4.5/5Joe (2013) - The third act could've used some re-writing, but overall a really solid film and one of Cage's better performances.4/5Lord of War (2005) - I've seen this plenty of times before, still pretty entertaining each time. 4/5Rumble Fish (1983) - Oh man, so many things to enjoy about this movie. The stylization, the score, the casting. I also think this is my introduction younger Mickey Rourke, which is...something. 4/5The Rock (1996) - What a cast. Third act was a little bit if a let down compared to the rest of the movie. 4/5Leaving Las Vegas (1995) - Well that was grim. Cage was pretty great here, no qualms with him getting an Oscar for this. Elizabeth Shue was great as well. 4/5Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) - Another one that is likely receiving a bias booster, but this is my Nic Cage list and I'll do what I want. 4/5Kick-Ass (2010) - Cage is having a blast with this role, and I love it. 4/5Red Rock West (1993) - Dennis Hopper plays such a great bad guy. Also, unexpected Dwight Yoakem is unexpected. 4/5Matchstick Men (2003) - I definitely didn't recognize Alison Lohman. I also didn't realize Ridley Scott directed this, although the more I think about it, the more the humor and sensibility reminds me of A Good Year, so there's that. Also, I did not see the twist coming, at all. It really got me. It boomed me, even. It was so good. 4/5Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018) - What a surprise this was. Highly entertaining, and the humor came from a million different directions. 4/5The Croods: A New Age (2020) - I was surprised by the first one and enjoyed it, but this one is even better. It was fun and had plenty of laughs. It did exactly what it wanted to do. 4/5Moonstruck (1987) - Well, that was fairly underwhelming, considering it's reputation. Cher was great, as was Dukakis. Cage couldn't seem to decide how to play this one? Script was sharp, but again, good but not great. 3.5/5Face/Off (1997) - Enjoyed the absurdity of the set-up and most of the second act, but the final 40 minutes didn't mesh as well. 3.5/5Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) - This was a re-watch, and I definitely enjoyed it more this time around. 3.5/5The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009) - For a movie that's two hours long, it certainly rushed through everything at the end there. Pacing was on point for the rest of the movie, though. Could've done without Cage's peekaboo accent. 3.5/5The Cotton Club (1984) - Man, what a cast assembled for this. Watched the encore version, which apparently has a lot more dancing? It's a shame they were mostly cut in the original, because they're great here. Also, James Remar being only 30 when he filmed this is absolutely hilarious to me. Just not something I was expecting to see. 3.5/5The Croods (2013) - Enjoyed this much more than I thought I would. Visuals were pleasing, and while the comedy was hit or miss, enough of the jokes landed to keep me entertained. 3.5/5Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) - Kathleen Turner was something else, wasn't she? I didn't care for Cage's performance here. Like, I know why and how the nasal voice makes sense for what he wanted to do, but that doesn't mean I have to like the execution. 3.5/5Con Air (1997) - I know Michael Bay is known mostly for collisions and explosions, but the amount of them in a movie that takes place primarily on an airplane is really something. 3/58MM (1999) - Decent little thriller, younger Joaquin was fun to watch. 3/5Snake Eyes (1998) - This movie pretends that it has twists, which is pretty funny. 3/5Bringing Out the Dead (1999) - Thought this one just meanders around too much. Solid supporting cast, especially Goodman. 3/5The Weather Man (2005) - A decent chunk of the humor didn't land correctly, holding the movie back. 3/5Kiss of Death (1995) - Nic Cage got yoked for this this. He was terrifying. Also, obligatory stanning of the Tucci. 3/5Mandy (2018) - When this came out in 2018, I gave it a *checks notes* 4.5?!?!? Woof, what was I thinking? Cage does his best to get back into it, but the first half of this is ROUGH. 3/5Racing with the Moon (1984) - Penn and Cage work well off each other. The movie flirts with several themes but doesn't fully commit to each one. Dialogue also left more to be desired when it wasn't being delivered by Cage. 3/5Birdy (1984) - For as weird as the movie is overall, this is one of the more straightforward performances by Cage. Big props to Matthew Modine as well. 3/5Drive Angry (2011) - I can definitely see why people call this one a stinker, but the ridiculous camp in this just hits the right note for me. Until the third act, that is. Not sure if the movie changed gears too much, or if I just grew tired of it. 3/5Primal (2019) - Typical Cage B movie elevated by Kevin Durand chewing up scenes as the bad guy. What doesn't this guy star in more movies? Fincher, how has this man not been a lead in your movies yet? 3/5Brubaker (1980) - An okay movie elevated by Robert Redford being one of the best. 3/5Astro Boy (2009) - They managed to get one hell of a voice cast for this. 3/5Amos & Andrew (1993) - Cage and Sam Jackson pull their own weight here, and while the subject of some of the satirical jokes are still issues today, the script didn't do much and leaves the movie in the land of mediocre. 2.5/5City of Angels (1998) - Didn't so anything for me, but it wasn't bad either. The tagline of "She didn't believe in angels, until she fell in love with one" certainly pegs the film into the right hole, quality wise. 2.5/5World Trade Center (2006) - One of Cage's better performances. Pretty deep cast, including a few who weren't quite famous yet. 2.5/5Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021) - "Don't make me karate chop you" There was some decent/interesting world building here, but it also felt like they didn't go far enough in actually using it? Cage has his moments, but I was also expecting him to be more unhinged in this? 2.5/5It Could Happen to You (1994) - A movie full of characters making questionable decision after questionable decision. Rosie Perez was terrific. 2.5/5Dog Eat Dog (2016) - Schrader trying to be edgy for the sake of being edgy is some of the most eye-rolling stuff out there. Dafoe and Cage work well together. 2.5/5Windtalkers (2002) - Pretty solid cast, but what in the blazes was that soundtrack? I was legitimately laughing at it several times throughout the movie. 2.5/5Color Out of Space (2019) - So, Annihilation but with more drugs and colors? 2.5/5The Family Man (2000) - Chasing down someone you love in an airport for the climax, how original. 2.5/5The Trust (2016) - Was fun at times, but couldn't keep anything going consistently. 2.5/5Bangkok Dangerous (2008) - Was pleasantly surprised by this one. The entire third act is a bloody mess, and the cutting for the entire thing was sloppy, but this wasn't half bad. 2.5/5National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) - Gonna go out a limb here and say that it wasn't as good as the first one. 2.5/5Ghost Rider (2007) - Not as bad as I remembered, but still not good. 2/5Guarding Tess (1994) - Come on, Shirley, you're better than this. 2/5Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001) - This is to "Quo Vadis, Aida", what "Pearl Harbor" is to "The Thin Red Line". Never knew Christian Bale was in this, he was serviceable. John Hurt was easily the best part. 2/5Army of One (2016) - The self-awareness on this one kept throwing me for a loop. At points, it seemed like brilliant satire. And then 30 seconds later, it would deliver some of the most garbage dialogue that I couldn't tell anymore. That being said, this might be one of Cage's top 5 most absurd performances, which is really saying something. 2/5Stolen (2012) - Pretty decent cast, but this movie made very little sense. 2/5Valley Girl (1983) - Movie was filled with creeps and insufferables. 2/5Snowden (2016) What a waste of a pretty solid cast. 2/5Vampire’s Kiss (1988) 33 years later, has anybody figured out what exactly Cage was doing here? Does he know? 2/5Honeymoon in Vegas (1992) - For a movie that that has a fairly predictable ending, the plot points to get there were rather surprising. And other than Cage being Cage, that's about all the credit I can give to the movie? It's a clunky mess that is cheap on the laughs. This being nominated for best film at the Globes is funnier than any joke in the movie. 2/5Trapped in Paradise (1994) - Had some great jokes, but few and far between. I typically enjoy Dana Carvey, but didn't do anything for me here.G-Force (2009) - Plenty of eye-rolling went on here, and for all intents and purposes, this should have a lower grade, but Sam Rockwell's voice acting here is great and deserves a couple of stars by itself. He should do more voice work. 2/5The Frozen Ground (2013) - I watched that entire movie without realizing that was Vanessa Hudgens, lol. Anywho, pretty forgettable movie. 2/5Running with the Devil (2019) - There for a while, every five minutes a new character actor showed up and surprised me. Overall it wasn't terrible, but also the plot seemed rather meaningless? Also, the "twist" was the most obvious thing in the world. 2/5Fire Birds (1990) - Basically 85 minutes of Nic Cage yelling while flying around in helicopters while Tommy Lee Jones grumbles. 2/5The Runner (2015) - It has the political intrigue, but they try to cover way too much ground in too little time. 2/5The Boy in Blue (1986) - A rather dull biopic, but Cage is absolutely jacked here. I mean, it makes sense given that it's a movie about a watersport athlete, but DAMN. 2/5Willy’s Wonderland (2021) - Movie tried wayyy too hard to be the next great cult classic. 1.5/5Seeking Justice (2011) - There were other signs before, but I knew this movie was in real trouble when I saw what they did with Guy Pearce's hair and makeup. 1.5/5Kill Chain (2019) - Cage is a supporting character here despite being the only person the poster. It starts off interestingly enough, but then tries to do too many things at once and gets lost. 1.5/5Sonny (2002) - Only movie that Cage directed. Definitely an intriguing story there, but almost nothing else works here. It completely blowing my mind that this made $120 million, almost all of which was pretty evenly divided between the US, Greece, Spain, and Hong Kong. 1.5/5Dying of the Light (2014) - Cage looked bored in this; that makes two of us. 1.5/5The Ant Bully (2006) - An all-star cast, but that's about it. 1.5/5The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010) - I'm going to send a letter to the UN, requesting that they implement a law that makes wasting a performance by Alfred Molina a war crime. 1.5/5Between Worlds (2018) - Starts off with a weird premise that's never fully explained, and then goes off the rails about halfway in. Cage was definitely trying to channel his 90s self here, but it didn't work. 1.5/5A Score to Settle (2019) - Pretty sure I won't remember this one a year from now. 1.5/5Christmas Carol: The Movie (2001) - 73 versions of this film are out there, this might be the worst one I've seen. 1.5/5Time to Kill (1989) - There's no rhyme or reason to most of this movie, I genuinely wonder how much if it was made up on the fly by Cage. 1/5Never on Tuesday (1989) - Ummmm...wut? 1/5Arsenal (2017) - I might do a dissertation on the relationship between how horrible Cage's hair/makeup is and how crazy his performance it is, because I'm telling you, after about 80 of his movies, I think I'm starting to see a pattern. 1/5Deadfall (1993) - The most Nic Cage has ever Nic Caged. Almost as if someone was playing a caricature of him. 1/5Outcast (2014) - Of all the "interesting" accent choices that Cage has made, this is certainly near the top. 1/5Season of the Witch (2011) - Plenty of things wrong with this, but the camera work was especially disastrous. 1/5Rage (2014) - What a mess. 1/5Pay the Ghost (2015) - Another bland supernatural horror film. 1/5Grand Isle (2019) - None of the choices by the characters make a lick of sense. 1/5Vengeance: A Love Story (2017) - What in the R rated Lifetime movie was that? 1/5Inconceivable (2017) - This was the third one star movie in a row for Cage, my man was laying turkey eggs. 1/5The Humanity Bureau (2017) - Nicolas, buddy, who hurt you? 1/5Zandalee (1991) - Steve Buscemi was probably the best part about this movie, and he's barely in it. 1/5Trespass (2011) - Nicole, you should know better. 1/5Mom and Dad (2017) - I like the premise here, and this could've been a lot of fun, but it's so terribly made, I had to resist the urge to shut it off several different times. 1/5Next (2007) - "I like the rain""Whaaaaa? You like rain? *I* like the rain! Am I starting to fall in love with you?"The special effects in this were laughably bad. So were many other aspects of thisThe Wicker Man (2006) - Woof. 1/5Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011) - Quite possibly the worst cinematography that I've ever seen in a big budget film, yikes. 0.5/5211 (2018) - Cage's agent should be fired. 0.5/5Jiu Jitsu (2020) - At one point, the camera inexplicably switches over to POV during a fight scene, and somewhere Roger Deakins had a heart attack without knowing why. 0.5/5Looking Glass (2018) - "No way this could be as bad as Alice Through the Looking Glass", I said to myself naively. I was wrong. 0.5/5USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016) - Look up the word excellent and know what you'd find? The definition of excellent, which this absolutely was not. 0.5/5Left Behind (2014) - Some of the worst acting that I've ever seen, so it has that going for it? 0.5/5Comparing my ratings to the average on Letterboxd, movies with Nic Cage get an average score of 2.37 from me, while Letterboxd gives an average of 2.73 for the same movies.Comparing my grade to the average on Letterboxd, here's what they say I graded the harshest:Mom and Dad12.9-1.9Looking Glass0.52.1-1.6USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage0.52.1-1.6Vampire’s Kiss23.4-1.4Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance0.51.9-1.4And here's what I graded more kindly:National Treasure4.53.21.3Gone in 60 Seconds42.91.1Primal32.10.9Wild at Heart4.53.70.8The Croods: A New Age43.20.8If you made it this far, thanks for reading! I'm undecided if I'll try another actor's filmography in 2022, but I'll certainly take suggestions.https://ift.tt/32ym8vV is my Letterboxd if anyone wants to follow. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3qGGbA2
Taron Edgerton not being nominated for Best Actor in Rocketman a year after Rami Malek won for Bohemian Rhapsody is criminal.
I am mostly upset that Edgerton’s performance wasn’t even recognized with a nomination considering that he actually sang in the movie. Taron crushed that performance. The Malek comparison is just there because he did less than Taron. Malek didn’t sing for his film and in that same year, beat out an actor that did sing (B. Cooper). via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3sOIZOm
Jenny hits different as a traumatised adult just trying to get by in life.
I recently watched Forrest Gump, Last time I watched it I was probably about 13/14, I'm now 28. I remember as a kid not liking Jenny as a character because of the obvious reasons - e.i, Jenny being a neurotypical functioning adult who crossed a boundary with someone with impaired mental abilities who she strung along for decades. But, watching it as an adult, I saw a deeply traumatised and very human person dealing with her own trauma in a turbulent time of human history.I think if the film was from her perspective we'd all think differently of her but the perspective is from Forrest who had a very narrow view of the world and didn't understand nuances, like he didn't even understand than Jenny was being abused by her father. She was too fucked up and traumatised to commit to someone like Forrest, but as a society we see women as care takers so we believe she should've just been with him for his sake cus we feel bad for him for pining after her.Forrest never had a bad thing to say about Jenny and he loved her with her flaws and all til the very end, so why can't we as the audience? Why do we believe that Forrest was owed Jenny? Why do believe that she deserved all the bad things that happened to her and castrate her for the decisions she made?With saying all that I still got annoyed when she slept and left, I wish the movie explored her reasons more but hey, you get what you are given. Maybe the book goes into more detail? Anyway, that's my thoughts on Jenny. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/32PNe10
Encanto's attention to detail is amazing.
I am a natural born and raised Colombian and watched Encanto a few days ago, I decided to re-watch it to look for plot holes and issues (there's a couple that cannot be ignored). But in general it's amazing just how many little nods to Colombian culture there are.For example, when Antonio gets his gift, Camilo is in the background and you see him doing a hand movement (sort of like waving your hand with your index and your thumb touching, hard to describe). Well, that's actually a colombian thing among young people, I never learnt to do it properly but it will make a clapping sound and is used to convey strong emotions, just like Camilo being excited for his little brother.It lasts for maybe a couple of seconds, they really did not need to add that to the movie, the fact they did shows the amount of attention they put into things. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3JuHfQh
The 2nd act of Matrix Revolutions (battle of Zion) is simply exhausting. Are there any other action movies that "lost you" like this?
I'm almost finished with the original Matrix trilogy right now, since I had never seen the sequels before. Reloaded was... good, would've been a lot better if it weren't as bloated and unsatisfying in the end.But holy shit, Revolutions really shit the bed after a fairly cool 1st act. Once the battle of Zion starts, it becomes a mosh pit of ugly, colorless CGI with no "fun" factor. There's nothing exciting or interesting going on, it's just a full 40 minutes of bland "pew pew".Are there any other films that made you think this? via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3Ju7BBM
Who’s the most unbearable character you’ve come across?
In other words, if you had to spend time with a movie character, who would drive you insane?For me it’s gotta be John Cusack’s character in High Fidelity. The whole time I couldn’t get over how much of a prick he was. I loved the movie and his character because I was able to be so roused by him, but god damn I was thinking the whole time how he’d be the last person I’d want to be at a social gathering with. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3pIdvrn
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1958) is a MONUMENTAL film. One of those cases where the Academy got it right and awarded Best Picture to a film that deserved it.
I recently saw the Bridge on the River Kwai on 4K. I've got to say, this is one of those movies that lives up to its reputation.The movie presents an incredible twist. Col. Nicholson opposes Saito at the beginning, only to then make friends with him and cooperate. He decides that even though he's an enemy, the British must make a good impression.Toward the end of the film, he sees a dying Shears. He had presumed him to have died. Seeing this prisoner who managed to escape from the camp, Nicholson realizes he's done something abhorrent. He's aided the enemy. "What have I done?". In the previous scene, we see him tell Saito about his life. He wants to leave something of a legacy behind. It's only upon seeing the dying Anerican that he realizes, he has made a mistake. He's betrayed his country.It's a story where there could never have been a good conclusion, if you think of it. The ending words by Clipton, "Madness... Madness!" correctly emphasise that. The movie has been accused of downplaying the severity of Japanese war crimes/prisoner treatment. But the ending scene serves to show how awful war can be. Saito, Nicholson, Shears, and the young Brit, all dead because of some bridge.This is an example of an older film where you can actually go watch it 60 years later and think, "Oh, yeah, this is a good film, this one deserved the praise".Not to mention the incredible performances by Guiness and Hakeyawa. "You speak to me of code? What code! The coward's code! What do you know of the soldier's code, of bushido? Nothing!".Have you seen the film? What did you think of it? via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3HpvubM
What are the best examples of heroes trying their best and being defeated?
I find this to be a really intriguing and exciting concept. My two favorite examples are :The Matrix : Morpheus vs Agent SmithSpider-Man : final fight with Green GoblinHeroes, for the most part, always win the fight with minimal consequence or damage/danger. These two examples for me elevated those films even higher, showing big stakes and palpable danger. What are some of your favorite examples of this scenario?P.S. Yes, Goblin does get taken out, but after the fight is over, Peter loses that last fight, in spectacular fashion. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3ewYodO
In honor of the late John Madden who passed away yesterday, I give you one of my favorite movies from the year 2000, The Replacements
The Replacements is my guilty pleasure movie that I can almost always have playing in the background. And that's saying something, with Memento, Gladiator, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, X-Men, Space Cowboys, Erin Brockovich, Billy Elliot, Men of Honor, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, and Almost Famous also on my favorites of the beginning year of the millennium. It was also John Madden's largest film role, and after re-watching it last night, it's incredible how he really put himself into calling these "games." via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3pBD8tK
The careers of Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg form a fascinating contrast with each other.
As the two big holdouts of directors who began their careers in the New Hollywood era, the filmography of Scorsese and Spielberg always fascinated me especially the contrast between both of their careers.Both of them were snubbed for Best Director for their breakout films ( Jaws and Taxi Driver) even though the movie was nominated for Best Picture in favour of acclaimed foreign directors ( Fellini and Bergman) whose movies weren't nominated for Best Picture.Both of them suffered their biggest setback in the late 1970s with 1941 and New York, New York and made an immediate comeback with their next films in the early 80s which are considered to be one of the best of their career ( Raiders of the Lost Ark, Raging Bull). This is in contrast to someone like Coppola or Friedkin who were sunk quite badly for a long time by One from the Heart or Sorcerer.In the 80s there is a interesting contrast between the two directors where Spielberg is the king of box office yet critics refused to see his movies as prestigious or adult while Scorsese movies are considered to be prestigious or adult but aren't earning any money at the box office.It took till the 90s where both directors were able overcome this image. Scorsese movies like Cape Fear and Goodfellas start earning decent money for their budget while Spielberg made Schindler's List which immediately shut everyone up about his movies not being prestigious or adult.The most nominated editors for Oscars along with the ones who have won the most Oscars for editing are Micheal Kahn and Thelma Schoonmaker, both of whom have won 3 Oscars each for movies directed by Spielberg and Scorsese respectively. Both of them have been nominated 8 times, out of which 7 nominations are for movies directed by Spielberg and Scorsese respectively.Scorsese is the 2nd most nominated director for Best Director Oscar while Spielberg is the 3rd most nominated director for Best Director Oscar. Even if Spielberg is nominated again for West Side Story for Best Director, he will still be the 3rd most nominated director after Scorsese.Both of them have recently gotten controversy over their statements over recent trends in movies. With Spielberg it was regarding his comments about Netflix movies should not be nominated for Oscars while Scorsese got controversy for his comments on the MCU films. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3z6hhOa
If you haven’t seen the movie “Incendies”, please go watch
This movie only came up on my radar cause I’ve recently binged Denis Villeneuve movies (sicario, prisoners, and arrival), which were all amazing. Incendies is not as well known by him, but I decided to watch it cause I’ve enjoyed his other work so muchAnd oh my god.... that movie was a roller coaster of emotions. I’ve never felt so shaken after watching a movie. I won’t mention anything about the plot cause I think it’s best you watch going in blind. But holy shit! I literally have no words for how incredibly beautiful but yet dark and haunting that movie is.I watched it alone and have no one to talk to about it, so I decided to share my thoughts here lolEasily a top 5 movie I’ve ever seen and I think Denis’ best work. Please, if you need a movie to watch, watch Incendies. The first 45 minutes or so were hard to get into just cause it’s in 2 different languages and the timeline jumps around a bit but you get used to it. Anyway, go watch this movie. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3pAJgCu
10 Cloverfield Lane has the best opening of any of the three cloververse films.
spoilers for the cloverfield series belowBeen rewatching these films and man, they’re a treat.Of all three, the introduction to 10 Cloverfield Lane is the best. My first time viewing this film, I remember being mostly concerned with how these films connected. Now I have gone back and watched them again, it’s opening is quite strong.The story opens with Michelle (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead) leaving her life behind. Just in those opening minutes we learn she is the type to run from problems rather than confront them head on. When she is abducted to live in the bomb shelter, she is finally forced into a problem she simply can’t run from. She is forced to face this problem and by the end of the film, she even runs toward the new threat (the human resistance against the aliens).While I love the cloverfield films, I doubt there will be another on par with 10CL.Let me know what you think about these films. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/32vcn1m
I don't think I've seen a redemption arc as strong as the father in Little Miss Sunshine
At the start of the movie I vehemently despise the father's character. He's a stupid, close-minded motivational speaker who only encourages people to be "winners" in stupid ways. I will never forget the scene where he guilts his own daughter into not eating the ice cream.But by the end of it, we've seen his character get trashed by the other motivational speaker, and realize the faults in his ways. By the end, he's one of the first people to realize how silly the pageant is and is the first to start dancing with his daughter. I don't think you need me to explain the plot that much, if you've seen it you know it.My point is I don't think I've seen a character I hated so much in the beginning and grew to love by the end via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3FzVJM9
Inside Man (2006) kicks so much ass
What a great fucking movie. I love most if not all of Spike’s movies, and even though this probably the outlier of his career it might be my 2nd or 3rd favorite of his.-Denzel giving one of his all time best “fuck you, I’m a movie star” performances (in a career full of them)-Clive Owen in the middle of an amazing run of films & at the top of his game (I have not watched The Knick, though)-So many small parts being played by excellent actors-Brilliant heist-Some great, great cinematographyWatching it for the umpteenth time right now and just had to talk about itedit: fixed formatting via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3JoDLPf
Legion(2010) the perfect B movie.
I remember the previews of this movie and I noped out, but now 11 years later I saw it was on Netflix, gave it a go, and it's just so great I'd you love old scifi films, cheesy films, it actually has some depth, and fantastic actors doing the best with what they have.Fucking Paul and Dennis moments are great.My perfect B movie...well, and the mist. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3pybw8Q
New Every Frame a Painting Video Essay in Netflix Series Voir
For anyone who is or used to be a fan of Tony Zhou and Taylor Ramos' Youtube channel Every Frame a Painting, this is a PSA that they contributed new video essays to the recently released Netflix series Voir. I couldn't find any posts on here about it so I figured I would make one for those of you, like myself, are fans of their work. Tony's episode in the series focuses on Park Chan-wook's Sympathy for Lady Vengeance and the genre of revenge films. It feels like he had a lot of control over the editing of the episode because it is formatted very similarly to his other video essays.For anyone who has no idea what I'm talking about, Every Frame a Painting was a youtube channel that was an early pioneer of the video essay, and some consider them the best to ever do it. Their videos are still worth a watch to this day, including his episode on Voir.EDIT: As many in the comments are pointing out, and in hindsight, I should have felt more necessary to include in the original post, Taylor Ramos is the other half of Every Frame a Painting and also has narrating and directing credits on Voir. This post was to bring awareness to new work from the Every Frame a Painting team and so both their work on multiple episodes should be properly credited in this post. The episode mentioned above is just the only one narrated by Tony Zhou. His and Taylor's work is featured on other episodes as well. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3FMtl9G
Sequels that start immediately where the first movie ends?
I've been thinking about this for a few days. I'm wondering how many sequels that pick up right after the conclusion of the first movie.A couple examples I can think of off the top of my head is:Karate Kid II. Starts in the parking lot right at the end of the tournament in the first Karate KidHalloween II is a continuation of the events at the end of Halloween I when Michael Meyers disappears.Are there any others that I am forgetting? via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3mCzvSm
1978 Dawn of The Dead is completely impossible to find on any streaming service. Kinda sad so many people are missing such a classic and fantastic movie, unless you own it. High prices for purchase as well. WTH?
I guess I'm extremely lucky that years and years ago was able to pick up the multi disc dvd version.The different cuts of the film all have their own uniqueness to them. The Argento cut, the extended cut, the theatrical version (which was romero's preferred version)shocking that you can't find it anywhere other than I dunno for free on you tube or something.I checked all my streaming services and nothing and then looked online and not even amazon prime has it for rent. I would think it would kinda be a gold standard movie for Shudder but nope.How many of you are lucky to own it ? I'll be breaking out my dvd copy to watch it.according to amazon it looks like there's a Blu Ray version for sale but WOW !! 107.39??what is going on with this movie the "ultimate edition is over 200 dollars. Anyone know what's going on with this movie or why its so dam expensive or hard to find?? via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3ewtHpb
Considering the time and budget, Chronicles of Riddick doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves for what it is
I know this is one of those movies where some love it and some say it’s just a stupid movie. But considering what it is, the budget it had, the time it was made, it’s actually a good watch, especially if you haven’t seen it in a long time.I don’t think many mid-budget movies have been so ambitious with so much world building and establishing fresh lore. This franchise isn’t based on any source material. No novels, no comic books, no games. Just Pitch Black and then this one. Considering the epic failures of some movie franchises trying to adapt books and other material, the effort put into these movies, and especially COR, is genuinely impressive, and even if you don’t like the movie, you should respect the effort and want more of it. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3z27KaV
What’s the Best CGI Creation Ever Put to Screen?
Been seeing people dunk on bad CGI, what about the best effects you’ve ever seen in movies?For me, the two standouts were the Rachael replicant model in Blade Runner 2049 and Maurice from the Planet of the Apes prequels. Those effects actually made me question whether they were real/practical or not for a hot second. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3z1E11C
Would you say the Shining deserves a place in top 100 films of all time?
Would you say the Shining deserves a place in top 100 films of all time?Hey. I haven't watched that many films in my life, but I am trying to correct that. Just recently, I watched Vertigo and the Bridge on the River Kwai for the first time.Now, there's something that bothers me. The AFI list of 100 greatest films ever made does not include the Shining.Do you think that's deserved? Why wouldn't the Shining be in top 100 instead of, say, Amadeus?I think the Shining deserves a spot, what do you think? Do you disagree? via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3EvXNUr
If every major director has a singular story, theme, or message they tell and re-tell, what is the story your favorite director tells and re-tells?
After watching Nightmare Alley yesterday my husband and I got into an interesting discussion about the stories that directors tell and re-tell throughout their works. It's my theory that most artists have a single theme/story/message (which can be summarized in one sentence), and I summarized Del Toro's 'story' as "Monsters are human and humans are monsters"We then got into a lively back and forth about other directors and what story they tell and retell:James Cameron: "Be careful what machines you build and what you do with them"Wachowskis: "A mask or illusion both harms and helps you"Woody Allen: "Can you ever really be your true self around a lover?"Quentin Tarantino: "Storytelling itself is an art worth preserving"Spielberg: "The wonder and magic of childhood is the best part of humanity"Darren Aronofsky: "True art, love, and genius is a kind of transcendent torture"I would love to hear more ideas and suggestions on what message/theme/story your favorite director tells---especially ones with far-flung catalogs like Ridley Scott (my idea is "To find your inner hero, you must accept that you are truly alone in the world" but that's not quite perfect) via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3Hgfaue
Why do people dislike Adam McKay's style?
Many people don't seem to like his work. Why do you think this is it? What are your thoughts on his style and directing approach? I'm talking especially about his last three movies directed, The Big Short, Vice and Don't Look Up. So, I just finished watching Don't Look Up, and even if it is not his best movie I really liked it. I like him as a director. I feel like many people are distracted by his aggressive way of directing, and I get it, it isn't for anybody, but that's actually what makes his movies appealing. I find very paradoxical when people say he's mainstream, I may be wrong, but I don't think so. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3yXFrKC
When did Hollywood stop using people well into their 20s to play teenagers?
When I grew up in the 80s and 90s, high school teens were played by people well into their 20s. Sometimes they played even younger teens. It always looked strange to me, even when it was the norm.Today kids play kids, teens play teens. It gives a much more naturalistic feeling to films. When did this shift happen and do we know why it wasn’t always like this? via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3JlHg8Y
Name a movie sequel you had no idea existed
When browsing through Netflix the other day, I came across Benchwarmers 2: Breaking Balls. This completely took me by surprise. A sequel to The Benchwarmers? A comedy movie from 2006 got a sequel in 2019? Not to mention Jon Lovitz is the only returning cast member from the original. I mean, are Rob Schneider, David Spade, Jon Heder, and Nick Swardson up to anything to these days?What are some movies sequels you had idea existed that made you just scratch your head and go: "What were they thinking?"Here are some other examples:Bigger Fatter Liar (2017): This is more of a remake than a sequel to the Frankie Muniz comedy Big Fat Liar from 2002. It's basically a low-budget remake of the original.Jingle All the Way 2 (2014): A sequel to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Christmas comedy from 1996. Larry the Cable Guy really hasn't had that much success in movies outside of Cars has he?Unbroken: Path to Redemption (2018): The sequel to the Angelina Jolie's 2014 movie Unbroken. None of the original cast or crew return and it was released by Pure Flix (now Pinnacle Peak Pictures), who make and distribute Christian movies. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/32s0ARh
What is the Best Film You Watched Last Week? (12/19/21-12/26/21)
The way this works is that you post a review of the best film you watched this week. It can be any new or old release that you want to talk about.{REMINDER: The Threads Are Posted On Sunday Mornings. If Not Pinned, They Will Still Be Available in the Sub.}Here are some rules:1. Check to see if your favorite film of last week has been posted already.2. Please post your favorite film of last week.3. Explain why you enjoyed your film.4. ALWAYS use SPOILER TAGS: [Instructions]5. Best Submissions can display their [Letterboxd Accts] the following week.Last Week's Best Submissions:FilmUser/[LBxd]FilmUser/[LB/Web*]"Spider-Man: No Way Home”i-only-see-daylight"Death at a Funeral” (2007)Partial_Potato"The Lost Daughter"Moviewatch310“The Happiness of the Katakuris”feet_hands“The Power of the Dog”Baacipitus“Eyes Wide Shut”lifeisawork_3300“Tick, Tick, Boom!”bangbnah"Rushmore”[Noises In A Quiet World*]“The French Dispatch”cajun_kick_ass“Perfect Blue”[zacer9000]"Love Story” (2021)neith_of_says“Fargo”spacednlost“Wood Job!"Yankii_Souru"The Killing Fields”Garizard1“The Other Guys”an_ordinary_platypus"Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable”[JSkyTip]“Thirst"onex7805“The Tragedy of Macbeth” (1948)endhits“Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project"ilovelucygal“Rome, Open City”ProblemWithVersion77 via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3mAPal7
What are some big budget movies with inexplicably bad CGI?
So yeah, what do you think are some Hollywood films with a big budget that have CGI scenes that just don't hold up compared to what was being released around that time?I'll get a few of the most boring answers out of the way first so we can have a more interesting conversation:The Mummy Returns (2001) Scorpion King sceneDie Another Day (2002) Windsurfing sceneOG Star Wars (1997) special edition changes via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3mAlaWu
How is intelligent alien life explained in Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986)?
Basically the title, since it seems in both movies they don’t bat an eye at “derelict alien ship”, which seems to indicate it’s not a novel concept or somehow not surprising?The “mom and pop survey team” casually discovers what appears to be a non-human ship and don’t hesitate going in?Also, the marine platoon complains about the mission being “another bug hunt” during the briefing on the Sulaco, so non-intelligent alien life is pretty much a given?I’m asking specifically about the two movies since Prometheus retcons the Engineers / Builders into the lore.LE: Some of the comments made me think / revisit Aliens (1986), here are some clues: - early in the movie the marines mention "Arcturian poontang", it stands to reason that species would be at least at the human level of intelligence (hopefully...)the platoon is hoping for a "stand up fight" instead of "another bug hunt", which I see as them having routinely faced off against non / less intelligent life forms in the defense of Earth's space colonial interests; some comments think of "bug hunt" as rebels, but I find it unlikelyRipley states getting the organism past "ICC quarantine would be impossible" and in the same scene Burke mentions "the rights to it would be worth millions to the company's bio-weapons division"; this would indicate there is a plethora of alien life for such a division to exist as well as for quarantine procedures to be in place for protection and / or as result of previous exposure;there is a line at the hearing at the start of the movie when the smoking lady says they've not seen "anything like this in over 300 surveyed worlds", which can also be interpreted as having found life on those worlds, but not threatening to humans or not such an exotic one.There are more lines indirectly tied to alien life and the overall tone is always casual and nonchalant so I think it safe to assume that while not explained directly: - non-intelligent life is fairly common and of limited threat to humans (but enough to require military intervention here and there): - intelligent life is present and somewhat common with at least one specific example in the Arcturians; they are also physiologically close / compatible with humans via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3mxpRR2
Looking for a Movie Similar to "Knives Out" (2019)? Here's 40 Movies That May Scratch That Itch.
Since the movie came out 2 years ago, I've seen dozens of posts on this sub asking for similar movie recommendations. And rightfully so, it is a great movie.The other day I was trying to come up why the movie is so rewatchable, why it's a genre you keep going back to and wanting more of. And I came up with the 6 below characteristics:Is Overall FunIs Well WrittenHas a Mystery/CrimeHas Comedic MomentsIs Easy to Follow/DigestHas an Ensemble CastSo based on these 6 characteristics, I looked through movies over the last ~30 years that fit the bill. The below list of 40 movies is by no means perfect and by no means is exactly the same type of movie as Knives Out. But overall I think they all provide the same outcome you're looking for when you want to watch a movie like Knives Out.I broke them down into different subcategories to make it easier to review. Hopefully this helps anyone looking for some movie recommendations. Feel free to include any I missed in the comments. There were plenty of other movies I could've included in the list, but I only included movies I actually enjoyed. If I didn't like the movie, I did not include it.Match Well and Are Great MoviesThe Nice GuysKiss Kiss Bang BangHot FuzzSeven PsychopathsOcean’s Eleven (01)Kid DetectiveMore of a Comedy, but Decent Mystery and Solid MovieGame Night21/22 Jump StreetLogan LuckyPineapple ExpressHangoverClueMore of a Crime/Thriller but Some Comedic MomentsMatchstick MenOut of SightGet ShortyMore of a Horror/Mystery but Some Comedic MomentsWolf of Snow HollowCabin in the WoodsWerewolves WithinGood Movies, but Quirkier than Knives OutGrand Budapest HotelWild TalesI Love You Phillip MorrisA Little Too Much Action, Not a Ton of ComedySneakersEdge of TomorrowMission Impossible 3-6Iron ManGuy Ritchie Films (More Adult Content)SnatchThe GentlemenLock Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsSherlock HolmesRocknRollaLucky Number Slevin (I know he didn’t make this one, but it fits here)Animated (Less Adult Content)ZootopiaHoodwinkedNot the Best, but Not the Worst Movies, and Tonally SimilarDuplicityTower HeistThe Italian Job (03) via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3FnSF5T
BILL AND TED might have made Keanu Reeves famous but SPEED was the film which made him a star and a sex-symbol
From 1988 to 1994, he was known for BILL AND TED and for being a lousy actor, the jokes at his expense for Bram Stoker's Dracula were endless, but when SPEED came out with his muscled body and that shaved head, he went from being the geeky dude to the hottest male star in Hollywood and that was the image he became famous for.Oddly enough, Reeves never played the same type. Even in the action films he did, every role was different. I also respected the fact he chose not to do SPEED 2, having Jason Patric take over (big mistake!).I like how he now is a beloved movie star since he had such bad periods,. Before JOHN WICK, he was pretty much a has-been. via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3myeLey
Had Truman been anything other than an average, good-natured person, The Truman Show could've been a much darker film
Just sat thinking about this while trying to hide how tipsy I am from the in-laws, but I realised that had Truman been say, a narcissist or a psychopath, or been born with any number of medical conditions, The Truman Show could've been a very dark film.Imagine, for instance, had Truman been a Ted Bundy-like, luring women into dark corners, unknowingly other cast members, to do with what he wished. Or a Unabomber -type, sending mail bombs to the different parts of the town set.Would the production team have interfered? Would they have scrapped the production to protect themselves and their staff? Or would they let it continue, for the sake of good television? Obviously they're shown during the film interfering with the production for the sake of their plot lines, but what would they have done in such dramatic circumstances? via /r/movies https://ift.tt/3emY1CI
