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Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:45 am
by Richard + Jela
Saw 'There will be blood' yesterday - its about two and a half hours long and Daniel Day-Lewis is virtually in every frame, his performance is just amazing, so powerful and I can see why he's won the Best Actor awards - he must be a hot favourite for the Oscar.

Jela

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008 3:21 pm
by paddyinthepub
Jela

Definitely on my list of must see movies.

The short 20 minutes of this movie I have seen, early in the story, had me riveted. My guess is Daniel Day Lewis is a shoe in on OSCAR night.

I wonder if this story is based on a real person. I do know there is a town in Texas called Plainview, and Day-Lewis' character in the story is an oil baron named Plainview.

Coincidence?

JUNO

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 7:26 pm
by Patti
Well I know I don't agree with all the hype for this movie, BUT I have to say I was MOST dissapointed with it having a PG 13 rating. Since it is about a pregant teenager I had a pretty good idea of what to expect, but some of it was downright rude and raunchy and should never have got that rating. The fact that you don't see anything is why I guess it passed but thinking it was okay to let 13 year old (and you know younger) see this is an absolute disgrace.

?? The movie I am referring to is JUNO. I put it in the subject line but I don't see it anywhere else.?

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 7:58 pm
by paddyinthepub
I ducked into a theater playing JUNO and saw the last 15 minutes of this film. I like to get a feel for a movie sometimes before I throw down the big bucks for admission, snacks, and the baby sitter. I sat in on Denzel Washington's movie American Gangster (rated R..violence) and want to see it.

On JUNO, it's an indie film I think. A film festival surprise, too. The young actress is getting loads of accolades for her role. I only saw her having the baby on screen. Can't speak to the scenes where she conceived since I didn't see the whole movie or any of those early scenes. Not sure it's high on my list, but a film I do want to see. What little I saw was cute enough, and the original acoustic music soundtrack seemed to drive the story.

Lastly.....there's an actress gettting a ton of buzz for lead actress in a movie. She deserves it, imho. What's bothering me is that she likely will not win it. Here's why. The pundits are saying the Oscar may go to Ruby Dee since she has this great body of work and never won. Phooey on that.

The actress who starred as the drug addicted mother of a missing daughter in Ben Affleck's "Gone Baby Gone" deserves to win. That movie I did see, and it was really, really good. Rated R..violence and rough subject matter. Good story and she nailed her role in it. What's more impressive to me is that I saw her on Letterman recently and she is nothing like the woman she plays in the movie. I hardly recognized the woman chatting with Dave. They showed a clip, of course. No resemblance. The way you see Charlize Theron in a movie and say no way that's Charlize Theron.

That's acting, imo.

:wink:

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:38 pm
by Patti
Yes, Paddy, she did seem to do a good job acting, but it was just really all wise cynical remarks. The ending takes a twist and then everything works out, but I just totally disagree with the movie critics saying there are some good lessons to be learned from this movie. I'm not a prude but I just don't see it. AND I guess I feel particulary strong about this because I did let my 16 year old see it when it first came out. (we had a talk about it, I just didn't send her blind) but I couldn't enjoy the movie as much knowing she had seen it. If it had been rated R, or if I had seen it first we (her dad) wouldn't have let her seen it. I know I need to go find some rating website and post my thoughts...and I will but next time I will be sure to check out more than just the movie trailer and website.

They tried to be hip with some graphics and playing some "fun"ky music but I thought the music was lame, trying to be too cool!! IMHO!!

Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 12:10 pm
by paddyinthepub
paddyinthepub wrote:Jela

Definitely on my list of must see movies.

The short 20 minutes of this movie I have seen, early in the story, had me riveted. My guess is Daniel Day Lewis is a shoe in on OSCAR night.

I wonder if this story is based on a real person. I do know there is a town in Texas called Plainview, and Day-Lewis' character in the story is an oil baron named Plainview.

Coincidence?



Only today learned that There Will Be Blood is a story based on the California Oil Boom and not the Texas Oil Boom. My mistake, and makes moot my wondering if Plainview the man (Daniel Day Lewis) in the movie and the town of Plainview, Tx. were linked, somehow. :oops:

Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 3:09 pm
by paddyinthepub
Have the Independent Film Channel (IFC) on tv today.

Before the Music Dies

A quote from the film's website:

Never have so few companies controlled so much of the music played on the radio and for sale at retail stores. At the same time, there are more bands and more ways to discover their music than ever. Music seems to have split in two - the homogenous corporate product that is spoonfed to consumers and the diverse independent music that finds devoted fans online and at clubs across the country.


BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES tells the story of American music at this precarious moment. Filmmakers Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen traveled the country, hoping to understand why mainstream music seems so packaged and repetitive, and whether corporations really had the power to silence musical innovation. The answers they found on this journey–ultimately, the promise that the future holds–are what makes BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES both riveting and exhilarating.

At the heart of BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES are interviews with musicians, industry insiders, music critics, and fans that reveal how music has reached this moment of truth. Featured performances from a truly diverse group of artists, ranging from The Dave Matthews Band and Erykah Badu to Seattle street performers and Mississippi gospel singers show us that great music is always out there… as long as you know where to look. BEFORE THE MUSIC DIES will renew your passion for great music, and inspire you to play an active part in its future.

Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 3:11 pm
by KarenZ
Paddy,

I posted about it almost exactly one year ago - here in the Say Something forum. Hopefully the links I posted then still work. :)

KarenZ

Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 5:25 pm
by paddyinthepub
ooops.....I do remember reading about it. I think I thought I read it on another forum. Sorry about that...great look at the state of the biz. :)

Anyone seen the DVD rental boxes? There's one at a local grocery store here and it's really kinda cool. It's a vending machine setup. Only instead of plopping a buck in for an iced cold coca-cola, it's a swipe of the credit card and for a buck and tax ($1.06) you get a movie til 9pm the next day.

Any movie already out on DVD is likely in there, too. It's first come and first serve, of course. The small movie poster squares above the machine show movie titles soon to be available.

I saw "Into the Wild" on that list. 8) I really wanted to see it on the big screen but it's gone. Not sure we have a local "dollar movie" cinema. :?

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:14 pm
by paddyinthepub
Just learned that actor Patrick Swayze is battling cancer.

Wishing all good things for Patrick Swayze.

Was there a better movie than his and Demi Moore's classic Ghost...?

Not back then!!! :wink:

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:17 pm
by bonuela
I saw Vantage Point the other night. It was fantastic. Fast paced. Exciting. Twists and turns in the story, and a surprise at the end.

Truly the best movie I have seen in a while, and the best action movie I have ever seen.

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 5:00 pm
by paddyinthepub
Bonnie, your words of praise on this movie are timely..... :)

So happy to hear you enjoyed Vantage Point. From the previews I was all set to see it last week. Then I learned movie critics were not impressed. Once that happens I usually stay away. Wait for it to hit cable. This thriller I'd bet is a movie best seen on the big screen. I really want to see it, now, again. :roll:

Which begs the question....should one allow the critics to sway your decision to go see a movie?

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:38 am
by paddyinthepub
All set to see Vantage Point on Monday with the inlaws in town, but opted out at the last minute due to less than glowing reviews. Instead we saw the movie set in Las Vegas casinos and Boston's MIT.

21

We all enjoyed it tho it ran a little longer than it needed to.

On a related note....I was surprised when I went lookin for a review online of Vantage Point by noted movie critic Roger Ebert and couldn't find one.

It seemed strange that his website did not have a review of the film. Perhaps his recent health issues might be why. Here's a link to what Roger Ebert has been dealing with of late.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/ ... gletoolbar

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:18 am
by paddyinthepub
We were on a movie on demand roll last weekend and watched two movies.

Once ~ Glen Hansard and Marketa Iglova ~ really enjoyed this one.

Into The Wild ~ The story of Chris McCandless' journey. This one ran a bit long but when it ended I was aching for more. Well told story and the music by Eddie Vedder seemed to work.

Having said that, as the credits rolled, my wife said:

Ellis Paul's "The Ballad of Chris McCandless" would have been perfect. :roll:

Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:59 pm
by shari
Hey Paddy,

It took me a minute to make the connection with the green slime. Don't worry, I did eventually catch up. 8)

If you have a mind and heart for fantasy / fairy tale, I do not think it is new, but I just saw "Startdust" on video with Jacob. Jake has been trying to get me to read Neil Gaiman *for ever* without success, so getting me to see a movie based on one of his books was a win.

I loved it in the same vein as Pan's Labryinth (not nearly as dark) and Big Fish (tall tales). And if you have not seen both of those, I recommend them both highly.

It's one for all ages I think -- though I find that harder to judge now that my own kid is 18.

:-)

Shari

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:54 pm
by Richard + Jela
On Friday we went to see the Martin Scorsese film about the Rolling Stones 'Shine A Light'. Thought it was excellent - the camera work and sound are just brilliant.

It features a Stones concert filmed over two nights at the Beacon Theatre in New York - a relatively small venue for the likes of Mick and Co. and it is interspersed with old footage.

Three guests are featured during the film, one of which is Jack White from the White Stripes - really liked him.

I came out of the cinema saying 'the Stones really are rock and roll' - the energy they create on stage is amazing and Mick Jagger is still strutting his stuff just like he was 40 years ago.

Jela

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 1:01 pm
by paddyinthepub
I watched the trailer for this one last time at the movies and made a mental note that not only did I want to make sure to catch it on the big screen BUT more importantly drag my 9 year old to see it in the hopes he would get some serious Rock And Roll religion. :roll:

Thanks for the comments and reminder on this one, Jela. :)

Re: movies

Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 1:37 pm
by Richard + Jela
Has anyone been to see the new Batman film 'The Dark Knight?'

We're planning on going to see it tomorrow - it's not the type of film I'd normally make a point of watching (haven't seen any of the other Batman films) but given that Heath Ledger stars as 'The Joker' and he has received rave reviews for his performance I really want to go and see it.

It's literally just gone on release in the UK - I believe that it opened in the US earlier than over here, as is usually the case!

Jela

Re: movies

Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:09 pm
by danaj
My oldest daughter went to see this one. She is simply RAVING about it... Usually I just wait until things come out on DVD and let the kiddos have the money to go to the "big movies." But I think I'll just have to go see this one in theatres.

I'll admit... I would have gone to see it just to see Heath Ledger in his last role... :cry: But to hear that it really lives up to the critics' accolades is a big plus. I really liked the previous Batman movie with Christian Bale as the Dark Knight, much more like the feel of the Dark Knight comic books.

Also wanting to see The X Files: I Want to Believe and Mamma Mia.

Re: movies

Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:00 pm
by paddyinthepub
No strong desire here to see the new Batman movie but I will take all leads and likely go see it and admit mostly for Heath Ledger.

Just wondering if anyone knows the appropriate cutoff age as our 9 year old will want to see it and I'm not sure it's appropriate viewing. Feedback from any in the same boat appreciated. :wink:

Re: movies

Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:49 pm
by paddyinthepub
Well we saw the movie this afternoon and all I can say right now is this:

Heath Ledger's Joker owns The Dark Knight :!:

Re: movies

Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:07 am
by Richard + Jela
We did go to see 'The Dark Knight' yesterday. As I said before its not the type of film that I'd normally go to see but wanted to do so purely because of Heath Ledger and agree with you, Paddy, that he really steals the show. He is so menacing, the make up, the 'smile', his whole attitude conveys someone who is totally in control of himself, but out of control in terms of his behaviour and actions. I can see why he's being talked of in terms of a postumous Oscar.

I am glad that I saw it but won't be going to any more Batman movies.

Jela

Re: movies

Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 9:46 am
by paddyinthepub
We brought the boys to see this one (9 year olds) and seated front row I'm hoping the majority of the violent nature of this film sailed right over their heads. A quick trip to the washroom 45 minutes in had one of them saying he had been told by his teen aged brother that the first 15 minutes had the worst of the violence. Well, that's not exactly the case. This is a movie you might want to see first before allowing the kiddos to see at least until they are older. It's not my kind of movie either, Jela, and have to agree with all the talk that Heath Ledger deserves Oscar here.

Re: movies

Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:06 am
by paddyinthepub
Saw the new Will Smith movie yesterday and really enjoyed it.

Seven Pounds

Re: movies

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 2:43 am
by paddyinthepub
Just had to see Clint Eastwood's latest (some say his last) film Gran Torino.......

Clint Eastwood...............need I say more? 8)

Re: movies

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 3:53 am
by Richard + Jela
We are usually behind you with movie release dates so don't think that Eastwood's latest is on UK release yet but there is a whole clutch of good films doing the rounds.

Recently, we have seen 'The Reader' with Oscar nominated Kate Winslet, 'I've Loved you So Long' with Kristen Scott Thomas - in French with subtitles. Today we are tossing up between 'The Wrestler' with Mickey Rourke in a comeback role, 'Slumdog Millionaire' or 'Frost/Nixon'

On the horizon, 'Milk' and 'Revolutionary Road'

It's like that joke about London buses.....nothing for ages and then three come along at once!

Jela

Re: movies

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:20 am
by KarenZ
Jela,

I saw "Frost/Nixon" yesterday. Excellent. Have always loved Frank Langella. He and Michael Sheen were wonderful.

I really want to see "the Reader", but it's playing at limited locations.

KarenZ

Re: movies

Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 12:01 pm
by paddyinthepub
Yes the list is long these days of movies to see........ :wink:

My in-laws enjoyed Frost/Nixon......but then they lived thru it all.

Gran Torino is a nice lil story about an aging Korean war vet come face to face with changing times....
Jamie Cullem performs the film's theme song as credits roll.....well worth keeping your seat -- it's gorgeous.

Rolling Stone Review of Gran Torino

Jamie Cullem Gran Torino trailer

Re: movies

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:00 am
by Richard + Jela
In the end we plumped for 'Slumdog Millionaire' and enjoyed it - noisy, colourful, funny, sad, violent and sentimental. Has a clutch of awards/nominations so well worth going to see.

In the cinema foyer, Paddy, there was a big life size poster of Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino - it said 'coming soon' but didn't specify an actual date. Will keep an eye out for that.

Jela

Re: movies

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 4:29 pm
by paddyinthepub
Jela

BOY....was I surprised to learn Slumdog Millionaire was a movie about a gameshow...... :shock:

I had it in in my mind it was about a rapper........ :lol:

Looks like one to see........ :D

Re: movies

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 8:25 pm
by Mtn Gal
Slumdog Millionnaire is currently Rotten Tomatoes highest rated movie. I haven't seen it yet but it's definitely on The List. The most recent movie I saw was Benjamin Button which was long at almost 3 hours, slow at times, but really good overall. Great performances by both leads and a most interesting concept. My husband and I talked about it for 3 days afterwards and we rarely discuss films like that!

Re: movies

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:09 pm
by Patti
Saw Slumdog Millionaire today as well...and I'ld say it deserves the great reviews it is getting... I have heard there are some naysayers who don't like the filth and poverty that is depicted in the movies, (it is a little disturbing) but if that is the way it is they are just portraying the (sad)truth.. 2 thumbs up here, well really 4 since Tim liked it too :)

Re: movies

Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:21 pm
by Mtn Gal
I have friends in India and although I have never made the journey myself, a friend of mine from the states has twice and she's told me of the dire filth and poverty there so I'd say it's an accurate depiction. I'd have gone to see it this weekend but I thought it best to keep my germs to myself. Obviously someone out there did not do me the same courtesy! :(

Re: movies

Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 8:45 am
by KarenZ
Last weekend saw "The Reader". It was excellent. Powerfully moving story. Kate Winslet was wonderful.

Last night saw "Milk". Sean Penn simply amazing as Harvey Milk. Joyous and heartwrenching. Hardly recognized Emile Hirsch (aka Chris McCandless) as Milk's friend Cleve Jones. Cleve Jones founded the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt which I had the good fortune to see the last time it was displayed in its entirety - on The Maill in 'DC - October 1996.

Highly recommend both.

KarenZ

Re: movies

Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 4:23 pm
by Richard + Jela
Went to see 'Revolutionary Road' at the weekend and enjoyed it. Kate Winslet's character wears some beautiful dresses in the film.

Still haven't managed to see 'Milk' or 'Frost/Nixon'

The latest Woody Allen film 'Vicky Christina Barcelona' has had great reviews, that's another I'd like to see.

Too many films, too little time.

Jela

Re: movies

Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 6:03 pm
by Mtn Gal
I totally agree Jela! But having watched the Academy Awards last night, I'm even more motivated than ever to carve out some time somewhere! I did see Slumdog Millionnaire on Valentine's Day...not the best choice for that particular holiday....and it was brilliant. It deserved each and every one of the 8 Oscars it won last night.
:D

Re: movies

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 2:27 am
by paddyinthepub
Took my wife to see Slumdog Millionaire Oscar Sunday afternoon.....she was so excited to see it and it almost looked as tho we would watch the awards show without having seen it first. It's the only one of the nominated movies we got to see on the big screen (we saw The Changeling with Anjelina Jolie at home) and during the broadcast my wife said "isn't it nice to have a dog in the race?" (no pun intended) and I said "YES!" :D

Truly deserved the attention and awards!!! 8)

So many others on the list of must see......we'll get to them soon enough. :roll:

Re: movies

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 2:57 am
by Richard + Jela
You can imagine how pleased we are with the Brits sweeping the board at the Oscars with 'Slumdog' garnering eight awards and Kate Winslet (at last) winning Best Actress. She is so good in The Reader.

Re: movies

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 2:02 pm
by annieb
Slumdog was such a great film!!!

It was def my pic for best pic!! :) In fact I picked them all correctly except for Supporting actress. I really liked Penelope in Vicki Christina Barcelona, but thought that Viola would win for Doubt.

It was a great Oscar season though!! Loved it!! :)

Annie

Re: movies

Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 4:22 pm
by Richard + Jela
Went to see 'Julie & Julia' - what a lovely 'feel good' film. UK release is today but US release was a couple months ago.

If you want to be cheered up, go see this BUT not on an empty stomach - the food will make you hungry!!!

Jela

Re: movies

Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 9:18 pm
by Patti
Yes, cute movie... I saw it with Lindsay my 11 year old budding chef.. (she has been making supper and cooking regularly in my house since she was 8 )...

There was some scuttlebutt about Julie in the movie, her latest book was postponed.. so it wouldn't ruin the feel good story line in the movie...


We got the cook book from the library too, though the recipes are wordy and somewhat out of date with current items that are now available....

Re: movies

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 3:22 pm
by Richard + Jela
The Soloist with Robert Downey Jr - went to see it earlier today and although it has some uncomfortable scenes it was a good film. Realistic and nice not to have a 'perfect' ending.

Both RD Jr (and yes I am a fan!) and Jamie Foxx were excellent in their roles.

Jela

Re: movies

Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 8:54 am
by Patti
That is a movie I wanted to see when it came out. I think it is on DVD now over here..I'm going to check it out..

Jela if you are a fan of RD Jr. watch this.. it cracks me up everytime I see it... check it out..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj_BbsOp7wY

Re: movies

Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 3:14 pm
by Richard + Jela
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Re: movies

Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:07 pm
by Patti
Saw the movie The Solist today... while it was a good movie I think I expected more.. like Jela said not a perfect ending.. but.. I guess I thought there would be more music and less mental health issue. I did just order the book from the library, I do think it will make a good read..

Also have been hearing this title mentioned alot lately so I ordered this book as well.. Jela I wonder if is popular in England

"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society "