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What did you watch this week? (07/30-08/05)

posted 8 years ago by StoneKeeper (28334)
41 replies | jump to latest

Hi everyone, hope y'all had a good week.

Here are my views, comment on those you've seen:

Pixels (2016 Netflix): I went in with very low expectations and for the first 20-30 minutes I thought it was not bad at all. After the last terrible Netflix-Adam Sandler movies, it was nice to see him ‘’acting normal’’ again. But then the Centipede game part came and from there it just got more and more ridiculous. There were a few funny ideas but the whole thing became pointless to a point it was almost insulting. 4/10

Dunkirk (2017 Cinema): Is it a bad movie? Not really. Is it a war masterpiece? Not at all. The first minutes took me right in and got my blood pumping but unfortunately, it was ephemeral. My first problem; the music (if we can call it that) was atrocious. The sound of a ticking clock for over 50% of the movie drove me nuts and I don’t think there was one single scene that went without an exaggerated soundtrack behind it, as if trying to make it epic. As for the story, here’s the resume: There is a 3 VS 3 plane fight, a few boats getting shot by planes and people jumping in or out from them. Add to this a young boy that gets dramatically pushed down a three steps staircase, also in a boat. The acting was good and the cinematography and FX did look great. The plane scenes were cool but quickly became redundant. Sadly, I did not feel the strong emotions I expected and the finale left me on my appetite. I remember feeling the same exact way as I watched Captain Phillips. I think I might not be a naval movie kind of guy. When I saw grass for the first time, near the end, it was such a relief after all the wet, claustrophobic sceneries. Bottom line is, like a said, it’s not a bad movie, plus it made for a great outing with my dad so: 6-6.5/10

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016 Netflix): I found the story pretty standard and filled with countless clichés. The acting was average and I didn’t really care for the characters. The addition of Donnie Yen and his martial arts was cool but strange. But here is the good thing, the last 40 minutes of this movie is a straight up, full on blast of awesome galactic action. The graphic, the settings, the editing… just great! 6.5-7/10 (I preferred The Force Awakens)

Votez Bougon (2016 DVD): ‘’An ex-blue-collar city employee tries to blow the whistle on corruption, along with the members of his family as they live a life of screwing the system. He enters the world of politics and funds his new party with illegal donations.’’ This is a spin-off from one of my favorite show that aired from 2004-2006 and the characters clearly did not get any younger. The TV show episodes could brilliantly bring up one or two genius ideas in their 30mins length. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t bring more to the plate than a single episode. I rate it 6.5/10 but mostly because I was so happy to find the crew again.

Honeymoon (2014 Netflix): ‘’ A newlywed couple finds their lake-country honeymoon descend into chaos after Paul finds Bea wandering and disoriented in the middle of the night.’’ The couple annoyed me for the first 20 minutes but I stuck with it to see how weird it would get. It got pretty weird indeed, enough for me to stick t’ill the end. I think this movie was a good metaphor on the married life. Things are all nice and shiny at first but then you lose your mind as you descend into madness. Haha, kidding, but…. not kidding. The movie is not bad but the actors did an average job and I thought something was missing to make it really good. 5.5-6/10

True Memoirs of an international assassin (2017 Netflix): I wanted to check the first minutes of this Kevin James/Netflix Original to see if it deserved to enter my watchlist but I ended up watching it all the way ‘til the end. I liked the characters, especially the bad dudes; The charming megalomaniac El Toro and his devoted assistant Juan, the incorrigible and detestable Anton Masovich, The General Javier Ruiz and, finally, El Presidente. The movie could’ve easily been a hot convoluted mess but it managed to stay fun and simple. 6.5/10

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[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

It Follows (2015 Netflix): A beautiful cinematography, solid acting, a great soundtrack and settings that evoked a familiar feeling could not save this movie from a terribly boring story. For the first half of the movie, barely anything happens and for the second half, it just never fully reaches its potential. A teenage girl sleeps with a guy, then a spirit start following her in the form of walking human. If it touches her it will kill her but it can’t run or use vehicles so there really is no sense of dread or intensity, as proposed by the critics. The spirit does like to chill naked on rooftops thought, if that scares you. To get rid of the spirit she must sleep with someone else. (Change the spirit by herpes and you got a pretty cool infomercial.) Another disappointment with a Metascore of 83. For me, the best part of the movie is when she drives of the road in a corn field. That’s about it folks. 5/10

Madame Brouette (2002 DVD): This little treat of a movie is the first film from a Senegalese director (in collaboration with Quebec producers) to hit the big screen and win some awards in Paris and Berlin. It’s a heartfelt, low-budget story of love, corruption and murder in Senegal. The music was good and deserved the awards. Inevitably, the acting was floppy at times but it also gave an element of credibility to the tale. 6.5/10

[–] [deleted] 8 years ago

You were tough on Dunkirk - I haven't seen it so I can't comment
It Follows was such a letdown - a lot of people seem to think it will be a cult classic - not me
Honeymoon - I would give it a 7/10 - it kept me interested
Star Wars - I have never watched one and never will. Someone stop the madness

[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

I don't see why I would go soft on it. Because it's Mr. Nolan? Nop, I'll even be more severe because of expectations.

Yep, It follows won't even deserve a rewatch for me so, Cult classic? Faaar from it.

Honeymoon; I was maybe though on that one. Should round my rating to a 6 but the actors/characters were too common/average for me.

I strongly suggest you at least give a try to The Force Awakens. It's a really fun movie, Star Wars or not.

[–] [deleted] 8 years ago

Silence (2016) - very long movie based on a obscure novel. Pretty boring to be honest with you. If you are a devout Christian you may like this. The acting was good. 7/10 is generous.

Lion (2016) - I enjoyed this - great acting by the young Saroo. A solid movie all around. 8.5/10

The Lost City of Z (2016) - This was a letdown - very few surprises - overall a weak film with very little tension. 6.5/10.

Detour (2016) - A law student hires a man to kill his stepfather while he is in Las Vegas. Not everything is as it seems. This is an entertaining thriller/road trip movie. A diamond in the rough. 8/10

The Belko Experiment (2016) - A bunch of office workers in Columbia are suddenly locked in and must start killing each other if they are to survive. Reminded me of The Purge. 7/10

Kidnap (2017) - Halle Berry can't get decent roles anymore. This movie is just unrealistic from beginning to end and I thought Berry's acting was terrible. 5.5/10

[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

You just made me realize that I haven't heard nor seen anything about Silence since it came out. (nothing but silence...HA!) I even forgot about it, now I will put it on my radar.

Lion does look like something I'd like.

I think I added Detour on me NEtflix watch list.

[–] [deleted] 8 years ago

Silence seemed to disappear - after watching it I can understand why

[–] Barclays (960) 8 years ago

It Follows was a good horror movie. I always felt a sense of dread at a demonic spirit taking the form of its previous victims, always following you around walking at a steady pace. It never stops either. It never gets tired. It wants to rape you to death unless you offer it another victim. Scary stuff. It's been like two years since I have seen it, I need to watch again.

[–] croft_alice (12180) 8 years ago

Good morning,raiders! I just come back from southern mexico and when I still resting,I decided to see some movies

Left behind(2014),it has some elements from the Leftovers...quite interesting

Resident evil : the final chapter...I still don't know why is so much hate for this movie

Prison break ( season 5 ),it was pretty rushed...I had to see it twice to understand something.

A week-end full of tombs to all raiders😉

[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

I wonder... Do you love Lara Croft and Alice because they were played by Milla or do you love Milla because she played Lara Croft and Alice?

I know, I know, it's a universal mystery but still, I wonder.

[–] croft_alice (12180) 8 years ago

Alright,Stonekeeper...let's clear this mistery for you...first : Milla didn't play Lara ( I wish she did,she's way better then jolie ),second : I love Milla for what she did in playing Alice...she has a way to play a strong character...I don't know how to explain better,but she have...a style...I saw some behind scenes for resident evil movies and I liked what I saw...she isn't like other actors,you know,arogant and rude with other people...anyway I love Alice because she didn't seek a fight,she only want a normal life,but umbrella doesn't agree with that😉...oh and about Lara...I like that even she was a teenager until she become a grown women,she like archeology and history...like me and if others want to stole something from her...well,some extreme measures are needed to get it back😉

[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

Oups, that was a rookie mistake on my part.

Now, I don't want to start any fight with you but I have to let you on a little secret of mine;

Ever since the Fifth Element, with her orange hair and all, I had a fantasy about Milla. I don't own all her movies but quite a few and love some unappreciated work from hers (.45 for exemple)

[–] croft_alice (12180) 8 years ago

You just told this secret in public, Stonekeeper,now the all people know😂😂😂...anyway,in a interview back in 2012 after the release of retribution,she admitts that the worst project of hers was : the return to the blue lagoon...and I agree with her.Anyway she did two things that other actors don't or can't do it,so she have my respect.

[–] godewey (16472) 8 years ago

👻

[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

Videodrome: I only saw parts of this when I was a kid and I was too young. I don't know what I would think of it now. I almost bought it a few times but I'm still hesitating.

Mike and Dave: almost bought this one too but the critics discourage me .

Samurai Rebellion sounds great.

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

I have to say I found Everest utterly forgettable and I didn't much care for the characters either.

Videodrome I liked a lot when I saw it, but I don't think I really understood most of it. I recently caught the end bit on TV, so I might re-watch it sometime properly. I might "get it" then.

Mike and Dave... is just horrible.

[–] godewey (16472) 8 years ago

👻

[–] godewey (16472) 8 years ago

👻

[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

I'm finishing season 10 at the moment. A quick report when I'm done with it but this week I watched The gang misses the boat and Mac killed his dad.

I'm not a huge Star Wars fan but I think you should give the force awakens a chance. I had fun watching it.

[–] Apis (1624) 8 years ago

Dunkirk: What a gripping movie. Not at all what I expected. We don't see one single enemy soldier in the movie, which is a novel approach, I presume. I can't think of any other war movie that did that before. (I mean war movie with actual battles, not the movie that takes place in time of war)

Now, about the soundtrack. I watched it in IMAX which has louder sound, and it sounded really exaggerated in the beginning until I got used to it. Once I got used to it, I realized that it fits the movie perfectly. Makes everything look more raw and genuine. I guess this was Nolan's idea when he opted for that soundtrack. Cinematography is top notch. 9/10

War for the planet of the Apes: Well made movie with a very slow build-up. So slow that it occasionally crossed the line between slow and boring. It picks up speed later, but unfortunately I had to leave the cinema before the ending (not the movie's fault, I had every intention to watch until the end, but things happen which are beyond our control) so I can't exactly comment on the whole movie. But from what I saw, this is the worst part out of the 3 Planet of the Apes movies. Maybe my impression will change after I watch the ending somewhere. 7.5/10

[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

Hi Apis,

we agree on the cinematography but thats it. Nothing gripped me in the way the story unfolded or the way the characters were presented.

I never saw any POTA movies but bought two of them so I shall see them someday.

[–] arvin g borkar (2854) 8 years ago

I watched some episodes of World' Strictest Parents on youtube. Then I hit a point where one of the episodes was missing. Usually when that happens to a t.v. series, I just stop watching all together. It ruins it for me.

https://moviechat.org/tt1451362/Worlds-Strictest-Parents

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

I've been sucked in reality shows on Youtube as well. All those episodes of Hell's Kitchen and Toddlers and Tiaras (which is just a terrifying show)...

[–] arvin g borkar (2854) 8 years ago

It's crazy that those shows would be on youtube as well because World's Strictest Parents was like years ago. Those two shows are recent. I guess we should just be grateful that no one has taken them off due to copyright.

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

Yeah, sometimes they take them off, then they pop back up again. Happens with some of the UK panel shows (or whatever you called them). But it is neat for people abroad, where some of these shows aren't available. Not that it's quality television, but we all enjoy some junk food every once in a while.

[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

Like two years ago I was ecstatic to find my fav childhood show (Watatatow) on youtube and when I was right in the middle of it all it got canceled. Since it never got released on DVD I literally felt like crying.

[–] arvin g borkar (2854) 8 years ago

I guess that is somewhat similar. I meant that the series or the season was over and that I could not find that missing episode. I hate that!

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

I've seen Honeymoon, but that's all I remember in relation to it. It Follows I liked more that you, but I don't think it's the masterpiece it's proclamed to be either. Still I liked the idea and execution, but I'm past the point where something like this would make me scared.

My Dinner with Andre (1981)
Wally and Andre have a chat during dinner. That is it. A greatly crafted film, but I was disinterested in the topics of the conversation.
https://moviechat.org/tt0082783/My-Dinner-with-Andre

Junction 48 (2016)
Kareem is a rapper. Manar in an independent woman. They live in a Palestinian ghetto in Israel. Life is hard, but there is also room for creating and love and people coming together. The film deals with the life of young Palestinians (and their parents) in Israel. I really liked that the social criticism wasn’t in-your-face, but achieved by simply showing us the day-to-day life of the characters. It was an excellent film!
https://moviechat.org/tt5140182/Junction-48

Guibord s'en va-t-en guerre (Going to War with Guibord, 2015)
Souverain, a young Haitian man, lands an internship with Guibord, a Canadian MP, just in time for him to become an important deciding vote if the country should go to war. To make his decision Guibord is faced with tempting propositions, discontent from members of the community, and his family, and has to overcome a big fear of flying. As for Souverain, he is ever helpful and idealistic, and seems to have half of Haiti discussing the intricacies of Canadian government. Great political satire and a very funny film. I really enjoyed it.
https://moviechat.org/tt4116116/Guibord-sen-va-t-en-guerre

...

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

...

I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore. (2017)
Two hapless people get in over their head after a robbery. I did see it after your review last week! I laughed, I gasped, I went “NO!” I really liked the characters (the wife especially, she was a hoot and a half). Also, I’m always surprised at how tiny Elijah Wood is! It was just a trilling film. And the whole time it felt a bit similar to Blue Ruin. Turns out the guy who directed this, is the same guy that was the lead in that, and also produced it. I was very pleasantly surprised by that, and the film as a whole.
https://moviechat.org/tt5710514/I-Dont-Feel-at-Home-in-This-World-Anymore

[–] StoneKeeper (28334) 8 years ago

Honeymoon came out barely 3 years ago, I guess you did not enjoy it if you don't remember it.

My dinner with Andre: Only saw that clip where he literally express the way our world is now.

Junction 48 looks great, is it on Netflix?

Guibord...: Hey I own this movie and it's from my province, Quebec! Did you know Patrick Huard prior to that? are you a Quebecker too? Anyways, since you watched one from my list I shall watch this one this week. We'll see if I enjoy it too!

Really glad you enjoyed IDFAHITWA!!

Cheers

[–] MinaVladimir (4086) 8 years ago

I might have enjoyed Honeymoon when I was watching it, but it sure didn't stick with me.

I saw Junction 48 on Cinemax, so it would be on HBO GO here. It might be on Netflix for you though. I thought it was really great, I hope you can find it (and like it as well :D).

I didn't know Huard prior, but I liked him in Guibord.... I see he's also in Bad Cop Bon Cop, and I've been meaning to see that one for years now, so I might finally check it out. Anyway, I'm interested to read what you think of it, with you being a local :). I hope you enjoy it!

IDFAHITWA was excellent! Thanks for recommending it!

[–] LeiaOfLothlorien (1980) 8 years ago

Well, I only saw one movie this week again.

Ghost in the Shell (2017): I haven't seen the original, so I don't know how this compares, but I thought it was pretty good. Great special effects. Action, suspense, some existential themes, and a nice slow reveal. 8/10

Also, I agree with you that Force Awakens is better than Rogue One, but we seem to be in the minority. Chirrut and K2SO were the best part of R1 and made up for some of its flaws, imo. Covering up a big plot hole with a handful of smaller ones doesn't really solve the problem.