this is right up there with about schmidt! im sure some people would say wolf was one of his worst but personally i liked it. what do you consider to be jacks worst films?
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call me snake...
His best:
1. Blood and Wine
2. About Schmidt
3. Ride in the Whirlwind
4. The King of Marvin Gardens
5. The Shooting
6. As Good as It Gets
Jack's worst:
1. Reds
2. The Shining
3. The Bucket List
4. The Two Jakes
5. The Departed
6. Chinatown
I know my list goes against the grain, particularly YOUR grain, but so what!
the shining? you may as well stab me in the heart! lol so which list would you put wolf on?
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call me snake...
Nicholson wasn't terribly impressive in this movie - Caine gave the more memorable performance by far.
However, I would say that Man Trouble was by far Nicholson's worst recent film (I'm not counting the many B-movies that he did early in his career). I also thought that As Good as It Gets was claptrap - Nicholson wasn't acting in that movie, he was just dragging his canned "Jack" persona along for another ride.
For films where Nicholson actually acts, there's The Pledge, About Schmidt, Hoffa, and many more.
"As Good as It Gets" was claptrap indeed -- the kind of claptrap that unfortunately wins Oscars. Jack pretty much left the acting to his persona in that film.
I think he's decent here, though Michael Caine, Judy Davis and Stephen Dorff are much more engaging. Jack's much better in "The Crossing Guard," "About Schmidt" and the earlier Rafelson films like "Five Easy Pieces" and "The King of Marvin Gardens."
I have never seen Jack give a bad performance, but "Anger Management" and "The Bucket List" were pretty wretched films in my book.
I have never seen Jack give a bad performance, but "Anger Management" and "The Bucket List" were pretty wretched films in my book.
You missed nothing at all with "Anger Mangement." I found it completely cringe-inducing. It seems like Jack makes three or four "paycheck" films for every one quality film, and that's the bottom of the bucket (list).
There are actors I respect whose films I will see no matter how bad, but after "Anger," Jack's not one of them. But when he shines, he shines – you just have to wait three or four films for him to do it.
There are actors I respect whose films I will see no matter how bad, but after "Anger," Jack's not one of them. But when he shines, he shines – you just have to wait three or four films for him to do it.
Michael Caine and Marlon Brando are excellent comparisons of veteran actors who never coasted on their image.
I suspect Caine, who continues to be one of the most prolific actors today, creates his unique characters to keep himself from being bored. He's made a few so-so films (someone that busy is bound to), but I've never seen him give a bad performance. And there is no Michael Caine "type" of character because he's constantly reinventing himself on film.
As for Brando, his later performances were interesting often for his ego, which made for a lot of very strange movies. Did you see his remake of "The Island of Dr. Moreau," where his face is covered with flour? How about the bedroom popcorn scene in "Don Juan DeMarco"? I'm not the biggest Brando fan, but I have to say his orneriness made for some interesting films.
I suspect Caine, who continues to be one of the most prolific actors today, creates his unique characters to keep himself from being bored. He's made a few so-so films (someone that busy is bound to), but I've never seen him give a bad performance. And there is no Michael Caine "type" of character because he's constantly reinventing himself on film.
Yes and yes! I've seen both of those films, but thankfully, I had forgotten Michael Caine was in them. Those were definitely a product of the studios' warped priorities: the first the forced sequel, the second the tail end of the era of Irwin Allen's disaster epics.
shareYou didn't see Ironweed and The Crossing Guard? Ironweed and King of Marvin Gardens are the best films in my opinion. I don't care for Jack personally (Never met him or anything) but no one can say that he ain''t one terrific actor.
This films interesting cause I'll watch anything with Judy Davis in it.. Love that woman.
Hey Ya'll, Mama's Fryin' Taters!
I've seen both "Ironweed" and "Crossing Guard," though the latter not for a while. I think you love "Ironweed" more than I do, though I liked that film. I also love "King of Marvin Gardens" because it has the divine Ellen Burstyn in it.
Definitely check out "Blood and Wine." It's much better (in my opinion, of course) than the folks on this board give it credit for. Judy Davis is outstanding as Jack's long-sufferin wife, and Michael Caine has a wonderfully quirky role. It's not one of Jack's strongest performances, but as a film it's hauntingly good. Even Jennifer Lopez give a tolerable performance here.
And no, I don't think I'd like Jack personally, but the man is an acting treasure. Ditto for Judy Davis – another star with a less-than-stellar reputation.
Hey Warperd Longtime No see! I thought Ellen Burstyn was maaaarvelous in Marvin Gardens. I remember Roger Ebert's review of that movie in one of his books was "This is a movie you sit and watch not knowing why you don't walk out on it and then as the end credits are rolling you know you have to sit and watch it again." I think it was Ebert that said that!
Blood and Wine was good but I was interrupted about a third of the way through. I hate that! Now I have to wait to see it again.
Did you hear they are making another biopic of Judy Garland? This time satrring Anne Hathaway... I say, forget it! Nobody could come even remotely close to Judy as Judy ..
Hey Ya'll, Mama's Fryin' Taters!
Hello, CJ. Sorry for being out of touch. I was on the road to see my family, and now I'm back in the saddle again.
Were you ever able to watch "Blood and Wine" again? It's a fine film, much better than I expected. The real standouts are Michael Caine and Judy Davis more than Jack Nicholson, though. And even Jennifer Lopez is tolerable in it, which is saying a lot.
I never saw Judy Davis playing Judy Garland, and honestly, I don't get the adoring throng for that woman (Garland, not Davis, whom I adore). Anne Hathaway just gives me the willies, much like Julia Roberts does.
Say, do you ever bake with instant coffee crystals, like a brownie cake or something? I love coffee, and I have a couple unopened jars of instant coffee that I'd love to put to use. Any links for good recipes?
Have a great week!
http://baking.about.com/od/brownies/r/texas.htm
Basically the same as my own recipe. I make cakes using coffee too.
When making the recipe above, make sure your coffee is strong. Doesn't need to be caffeinated or anything ..just strong. Those brownins are de-lick-ous ! (I use more chocolate in mine)
I believe Judy Garland was adored for her staying power, and it was nostalgia also that kept her so loved. The Wizard of Oz is one of the (if not the first) movie most of us ever saw! She made it in 1939 ! Judy is part of the great American landscape. Her voice was unbelievable tho. Her life was one of the greatest comic tragedies of all time. The woman was a powerhouse. A True Phoenix Rising From the Ashes! She could be half dead right before going on stage and when she walked out there.. BANG ! But ..she wore down and died at the tender age of 47, alone on her bathroom floor a couple months after alnother unthoughout out marriage. The woman couldn't be alone. She had no idea who she was.
She came to the Factory once.. two people helped her out of that elevator and walked (carried) her over to the desk.. she wanted to meet Andy Warhol and find out what all the Hoopla was about.. They hardly gave her the time of day there. Amazing isn't it? I thought it was. The guards had truly changed. I have read the book Edie by Jean Stein recently. Edie Sedgwick has captured my imagination. It's an excellent read War-Ped.. Your library probably has it.
No, I haven't got to see Blood and Wine again but FOX movies plays it sos I will look for it. I hate to miss any part of a film. If I do, I ususllay just lose interest for that sitting.
I'll find ya some more recipes. I only link you ones I know will come out good for you. Ones that I've tried myself and got raves for.
Hey Ya'll, Mama's Fryin' Taters!
Thanks for the recipe, CJ! I likes my coffee strong, so that will be no problem.
Judy Garland's legend is set in celluloid, and I know she's important, but she's just not one I connect with when I see her onscreen. I just bought an Andy Warhol documentary called "Superstar," and that should be entertaining viewing.
Is Pappas still hanging in there? Hopefully he's not messing up your house.
Well, it's way late here, and I don't have the strength to write more. Have a great day!
Oh yeah, Pappas has found a home alright ! There's kids around here now since skooool's out, and he is in his glory! He's got a little bed made from a big bamboo basket that the handles came loose on. (no matter how many times I tried to throw that basket away there was always somebody bringin' it back to me - "Hey, MsShel, Here, your basket was in the trash." So, I found a decent use for it. Pap sleeps in it.. along with a couple of my socks and a tee shirt with "I Got the Tunica Blues" written on it. It shut him up. The kids love him and he loves the kids. I hope he don't get run over by the drunk-ass teenagers that travel this road at night screamin and thowing "Bud" cans out the windows. I try and keep him in the screened up porch at night but once in a while he gets curious.
I haven't seen that Superstar thing. The "Edie" book is good. I especially appreciated the history of the Sedgwick family. Did you know Kyra Sedgwick is Edies cousin? I guess she has a mad streak too. It seems the mental illness is intergenerational. Kyra seems to be a bit on the boring side tho.
Those browniies are really good. I have a delicious spice cake recipe that calls for expresso powder - not instant crystals (or I would write it down for ya.) I drink instant coffee myself.
Hey Ya'll, Mama's Fryin' Taters!
Glad to hear Pappas is mingling with the locals. Hopefully he'll be big and strong enough to fend for himself soon, because it sounds like he'll have to grow up fast in your neighborhood.
I didn't know Kyra Sedgwick was Edie's cousin, but that's not surprising to me. I find her wooden onscreen and plastic in appearance, and the fact that she's Mrs. Kevin Bacon and makes obligatory movies with him is disarming.
For as much coffee as I drink, I really should crack open these two cans of instant and give them a chance. I wind up brewing a cup or two at 6 in the evening, rather than just boiling water and mixing in the crystals. I never have caffeine overload, but I have caffeine withdrawal in the morning before I've had my first cup. Jack Nicholson probably knows the feeling.
He is growing fast ! it's amazing. I don't know what kind of dawg he is but he must come from a family of giants!
Kyra -Oh, I can't stand that screwed up face of hers and she's NOT a very nice person at all. I watched somebody try to interview he recently and brought up the fact that she and her husband lost money by way of that Bernie madoff guy and her temper flaired.. her eyes turned flaming and she pursed her lips. Bacon was asked about it too.. He acted okay. It's not a secret afterall..
I also find Holly Hunter utterly repulsive. That slurring drunken hillbilly swagger in her voice and that serious attitude she's got. That swisted smile and that square jaw. That woman is plain ugly!
She certainly must possess some kind of complex.. Pappas's ass is prettier than her
Coffee is not good for you! Do you smoke cigarettes too? Lard is good. Coffee, cigarettes, candy corn and lard - Breakfast of champions!
I saw Blood and Wine - It was excellent!
Have you ever had -> http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/St-Louis-Toasted-Ravioli/Detail.aspx
Hey Ya'll, Mama's Fryin' Taters!
Ooooh, Pappas much have a really purdy ass if it's better-looking than Holly Hunter. Sorry, but I like her, though lately, like a lot of actresses that age, she's relegated to the "co-worker" or "older best friend"-type roles.
I visited the pound yesterday and saw Poncho, described as a "German shepherd mix" but looking more like a Dalmatian with tan spots instead of black ones. A beautiful sweet dog, only six months old, and like me, he's fixed and playful. I might go back today or tomorrow.
I don't smoke cigarettes, or anything else these days, but that reminds me of a line from "One Day at a Time" when Ann Romano is trying to give up smoking and starts drinking a lot of coffee instead. Schneider gets concerned about her coffee-drinking and suggests she have a cigarette. Oh well, guess you had to be there.
I'm playing Townes' "A Far Cry From Dead" now, and it's a brutal but brilliant album. Can't believe I found this for $4.99. "Sanitarium Blues" is like watching "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in three minutes. I think you mentioned this earlier, saying it's not one of his best, but I like it.
Thanks for that recipe. Sounds very easy and tasty, as long as I don't have to make the ravioli also.
Glad you finally saw "Blood and Wine." It's much better than people on this board give it credit for. Judy Davis and Michael Caine are the real standouts here, though, more than Jack in my opinion. I'm on my mini-Dennis Hopper fest. So far, it's been "Paris Trout" and "Hoosiers." Next up: "Easy Rider." Give Pappas a biscuit and a kissy for me!
I forgot to respond to this post of yours. It's a month and a half old. Sorry Warr
I paid $19.00 for "A Far Cry From Dead" I bought it off TVZ Central. Townes' ex-wife, Jeanene loves her money! I consoled myself with the fact that she does have his children to raise. I just don't like that woman! Townes would piss her off about something (never took much) and if company was around she was fond of belittling him and sneering "I can't wait til you're finally dead! I'll make a lot more money off you dead then I am now!" Guy and Susanna Clark said that on camera.. Susanna shook her head, lowered her eyes and started to cry.
Served with the style of a real neurotic
the easy style of a true psychotic
J C Clarke
Better late than never, I always (or at least usually) say. So what exactly is the story behind "A Far Cry From Dead"? Were these songs a work in progress that was released after his death? It certainly sounds so. I'd say $19 is a ridiculously high price to pay for a single CD, especially this one, especially buying it direct through an artist's Web site.
shareTownes had a tendency to forget. (Townes had a tendency to forget his own name most of the time) BUT He kept telling his then-wife, Jeanene that he had recorded at least an album full of demos over the years but didn't know where they were. After he died Jeanene took to tracking things down. She finally gets in touch with Cowboy Jack Clement up in Nashville and asked him about the demos. Cowboy Jack said he recalled hearing them once or twice and he thought they might be in his vaults somewhere. Sure enough, they were. Jeanene got a Nashville producer and he took them into a studio and put a band behind them.
I didn't buy it throught the artist's website. I bought it through the deceased artist's mean-ass ex-wife's website. Big friggin difference. Townes gave things away. Jeanene's making up for that. Townes has been dead since 1997. Jeanene, still the grieving widow? Grieving ex-widow? Grieving ex-wife widow? Widow-spider? Must have taken a few lessons from Yoko over the years...
Served with the style of a real neurotic
the easy style of a true psychotic
J C Clarke
Thanks for the details on "A Far Cry From Dead." Regardless of Jeanne's motives, I think it's a decent album, even if it's not what Townes wanted or would have released.
Does Jeanne sort of remind you of Lorrie Morgan? She milked Keith Whitley's death to the max and seemed to build her career on it, but they were split and divorcing when he died.
Lorrie Morgan would have never become even remotely famous if her dad, George "Tender Kisses" Morgan had not had big hits in the fifties and sixties and been a long standing member of the Grand Old Opry! The woman had (and evidently still has) miminal talent, to say the least. She was a bed-hopper and had a terribly sleazy reputation in Nashville for getting what she wanted from record executives through "oral copulation" Her daddy got her feet in the door and her tongue done the rest, I suppose.. Unfair of me.. possibly.. that's what I heard!
Then she married Keith Whitley, who was an amazing musician. He got his start as a young teenager in the bluegrass ensemble of J.D. Crowe and the New South (a really hard-living, hard-drinking outfit) became an full blown alcoholic while still a teenager. He drank himself to death and she jumped on the "grieving widow" wagon. They were probably splitting up when he died. She's split up with everyone.
I remember one night, directly after Keith had died, that Lorrie came on the Ralph Emery "Nashville Now Show" wearing Keith's coat and spent the entire time curling herself around in it, smelling it and cooing. These actions forced Ralph Emery to ask about it. "It smells like Keith" she replied, and then the tears came. I don't know.. could have been legitimate, what do I know..
Served with the style of a real neurotic
the easy style of a true psychotic
J C Clarke
It could have been legitimate, but I highly doubt it considering she had been on the outs with Keith long before his death. And if she was in such trauma over his passing, why wear his coat on a national TV show at the risk of exposing private pain? Methinks that "risk" was really a "reward."
>>"I also find Holly Hunter utterly repulsive. That slurring drunken hillbilly swagger in her voice and that serious attitude she's got. That [t]wisted smile and that square jaw. That woman is plain ugly!
She certainly must possess some kind of complex.. Pappas's ass is prettier than her"<<
I've read you on the Barton Fink board. Clearly you're not stupid. But here?...here you sound utterly, hopelessly insane.
Holly Huter - this Holly? : http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q68/ThaMenace/JoBlo%20Beautiful%20A ctress%20Tournament/Holly-Hunter.jpg - one of the cutest, most talented actresses of her generation? Get a grip. Is this jealousy speaking here, or what!?
Watch her in Living Out Loud (skip forward to her parts if you like, it's a pretty crappy movie) or practically anything they don't deliberately 'plain-ify' her on.
There's some mistake. I'm not a member of the Columbian Record Club....
Well that's just the way I am, EnsconcingCloakSwaddler! I'll be going along just fine. Profound, intelleegent and socially acceptable, and then, all the sudden, BAM! I just flip right out!
You see, I'm from the South. Close to the Arkansaw line. That should, at least, explain the flipping out part ..!
I don't like her. No amount of watching her films is going to make me like her. It doesn't matter how good an actress she is. She physically repulses me! I'm not envious of her. I've got a feminine oval face compared to her lantern-jawed look, I speak plainly out of the center of my mouth as opposed to Holly, who manages to speak out of only one side. I have a full-lipped feminine smile, as opposed to Holly's smile which is crooked and .. well.. She reminds me of the old guy who used to deliver our mail up to the holler in the summertime. He continually had a jawful of Red Man chewing tobacco, which he called "Backer") he spit his "backer" juice out of the right side of his mouth only. He had brown tobacco stains all drippin' down his chin, and he spoke with a constant swaggery slur. That was more than understandable since his other occupation making and selling corn liquor, which he had to test himself, every day, all day, from a pint jar he carried around in the big frontish pocket of his bib overalls (pronounced "overhauls")
Are you the fellow I spoke about John Fante to? If so, did you check out Tony O'Neill's poetry? I left you a link..
Definitely you should buy some Dan Fante. Get the Bruno Dante Trilogy. It will have you hooked. "Chump Change", "Spitting off Tall Buildings" and "Mooch" He writes really stark poetry and ..he's alot like Selby..
Served with the style of a real neurotic
the easy style of a true psychotic
J C Clarke
No, I'm not that feller you we chattin' with, I'm just a lurker on that thread.
I'll check out the son of the Papa Fante though, since I like the Papa swell.
Your attacks on Hunter remind me of women who complain about Kim Novak's eyebrows, like she's Groucho simply because her brows are a little thicker than theirs!
Anyway, are you sure that it was the real Holly Hunter you saw, not some smarmy late night skit show parody of her?
I've worked in a bookstore for many years and spent many an hour stocking the poetry section. Never came across the name of Tony O'Neill before. I'll fetch me a copy.
There's some mistake. I'm not a member of the Columbian Record Club....
My dear, there's certainly no reason for you to take anything personal from the simple fact that don't like Holly Hunter. I don't know the woman personally, never will probably. Your argument SEEMS irrational. You sound to me to be quite well-read. And now I find that you've stocked book store shelves. You've never even picked up an Dan Fante book and looked inside? It doesn't take long to realize he's one of, if not THE best writer in America. If you appreciate the gritty side of life..the real America no one cares to acknowledge.. Dan Fante, by most accounts, is a much much better writer than his father.
Tony O'Neill is under the link I left for the poster, "Ex-Presidents". Tony's now living in London, working a regular job, playing in a band and attempting to get his work published. Evidently he hasn't caught on.. He speaks from the mean streets of L. A. I thought it might interest that guy I was talking to. He said he liked Hubert Selby
Served with the style of a real neurotic
the easy style of a true psychotic
J C Clarke
Hey, I don't know Ms. Hunter personally, I don't really care that much. Thought it was queer is all.
Dan Fante - I swear, I've never seen his books in transit let alone picked one up. John, yes, sure, read all of him and on him at one time or another. His son's a blind spot till now.
Tony O'Neill is one I'll be look for too.
There are sooo many poets out there, hard to keep track most of the time.
There's some mistake. I'm not a member of the Columbian Record Club....
Dan Fante is palatable to a limited audience because he is so gritty and streetwise. People, for the most part, just want to be entertained with the delusional happy ending. Me, Well, I know there is no happy ending. Dan endured loony bins, alcoholism, dead end jobs and obscurity like Buk and his Dad. Like David Goodis, who in my opinion is one of the finest crime writers America ever produced, he is almost unknown. He's underground. The real good stuff always is. Go over to the Barton Fink board and look under those links I left for that poster. They're right on top and not difficult to find at all. You'll be glad you did. That poet Tony O'Niell is also under those links. His poetry and short stories are harrowing autobiographical accounts of prostitution, thievery and heroin, coke and meth addiction on the streets of Los Angeles. It makes you count your blessings.
Served with the style of a real neurotic
the easy style of a true psychotic
J C Clarke
Sure, I'll check the links again at Fink board, thanks.
@"David Goodis, who in my opinion is one of the finest crime writers America ever produced" - I couldn't agree more. He's far superior to Jim Thompson and some others I could name. I came to him through Francois Truffaut's wild praise in his autobiography, have never been disappointed.
Nightfall was one of the finest noirs of the '50's. Sadly, most Goodis has made for dodgy film, and it's looks like if Alexandre Nahon goes through with it, a lousy Shoot the Piano Player remake is on the way. Truffaut would role in his grave...?
There's some mistake. I'm not a member of the Columbian Record Club....
I've seen both "Ironweed" and "Crossing Guard," though the latter not for a while. I think you love "Ironweed" more than I do, though I liked that film. I also love "King of Marvin Gardens" because it has the divine Ellen Burstyn in it.
I absolutely loved "The Pledge," and I agree it's one of Jack's best recent performances, right up there with "About Schmidt." Very haunting film along the lines of "The Sweet Hereafter" and "Insomnia." I can't understand why it seems to get pretty mixed reviews on that board. I guess people were looking for a conventional murder mystery (with a conventional solution), and that film offers neither – which makes it a lot more daring and believable in my book.
I much prefer those low-key, sad-sack Nicholson performances to the scene chewing "You can't handle the truth"-type roles. The man does a spectacular job of delivering nuance and making you care, even when his characters aren't totally likable. In that regard, they're more lifelike than the typical hero-and-villain roles.
I've been on a Jack kick lately after avoiding him for a few years because of those big-budget over-the-top roles. Just bought "The Crossing Guard," which I hope to watch again soon.
I much prefer those low-key, sad-sack Nicholson performances to the scene chewing "You can't handle the truth"-type roles. The man does a spectacular job of delivering nuance and making you care, even when his characters aren't totally likable. In that regard, they're more lifelike than the typical hero-and-villain roles.
I've been on a Jack kick lately after avoiding him for a few years because of those big-budget over-the-top roles. Just bought "The Crossing Guard," which I hope to watch again soon.
Yes, "How Do You Know" looks excruciating – Paul Rudd on a cell phone, Reeese Witherspoon looking befuddled, Owen Wilson in anything (watching the guy just reminds me of his suicide attempt; not trying to be catty here, but that's all I can think of when I see him). The film reminds me of "As Good As It Gets," also by James L Brooks (whom I actually like when he's not doing sappy stuff like this).
I hope Jack has one or two worthwhile pictures left, but trash like that makes me wonder if he even cares about art anymore. Hopefully it will pass with the holidays.
It's amazing how far the careers of many acting greats from the 70's have sunk. Nicholson still does the occasional good film to redeem himself, but how about Al Pacino or (even more so) Robert De Niro? It's a long way down in quality from Taxi Driver to Meet the Fockers and similar bilgewater.
shareYep. Hard to believe these top-tier names are that eager for a paycheck as to take seemingly everything that's offered to them.
Did you see De Niro hosting "Saturday Night Live" last weekend? He might as well have phoned in his performance. It had the potential to be something special, but they just plugged him in to the standard-issues skits, and he appeared to be giggling most of the time.
Another formerly talented actor who hasn't done anything decent in decades is Dustin Hoffman.
Come to think of it, of the American method actor heavyweights from the 70's, the only one who has continued to measure up to his high standard is Robert Duvall (sure, he's done quite a few lousy films, but he's usually good in them, and furthermore, most of his recent roles haven't been throwaway paycheck parts).
Yes, Dustin's been coasting for decades, but he doesn't seem to go for the easy money as much as Jack. Duvall continues to give solid performances in films undeserving of his talent. I actually thought he was the high point of "Crazy Heart"; Jeff Bridges was fine in that film, but the writing and direction were disappointing. And Pacino's made too many "hoo haw" films lately.
On the women's side, I haven't given up on Ellen Burstyn, though she hasn't had a knockout role since "Requiem for a Dream." Kathy Bates still does decent work, though she's severely underused. Then there are the women who seem to get basically the main contenders for the same types of roles: Sigourney Weaver, Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Joan Allen and Frances McDormand. Generally nothing embarrassing there, but nothing particularly memorable either.
I think I'll continue to watch these actor-driven older films instead of whatever generic "must see" film is topping the box office this weekend, only to be forgotten next weekend.
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I would presume that the necklace has slime chances of recovery. It would most probably be discovered by somebody else by the time Jack would recovered from squashed legs.
share