Talk About Movies: Part 4

Somehow threads merged, so here's part 4 of our ongoing movie discussion.

On my flight I watched The Covenant, Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, and The Northman Covenant was the best imo. It had some ridiculous scenes that should have been done in a less stylish way in order to be more realistic, but overall it was a solid story with good performances and not too much of Guy Ritchie's trademark directing which would have been out of place for the serious subject matter. I agree with Mschu and Pokerlogist's views on the films, unfortunately I'm a bit too much of a nit regarding fight scenes and some of the plot to have enjoyed this as much as them (I thought there was one other review from someone talking about how this is an anti-war war film. I remember the review being great but I could not find it by searching "The Covenenat", if anyone knows the post, I'd love to reread it now that I've seen the film.): by MSchu18 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58114183#post58114183)

I saw Covenant one more time before the Film leaves the Big Screen and makes it's way into my movie Collection. For me personally, this film sticks with you well past the ending, but certainly wont be for everybody... particularly those with antiwar dispositions.The Soundtrack is amazing and regional.I didn't realize it until I saw the movie a second time, it is interesting how... See full post

by MSchu18 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58162960#post58162960)

The idea of an 'inconvenient truth' comes to mind when watching this film... we are faced with the painful and unwavering ideas of war in Afghanistan and what the 'ripping the band aide off' feels like when choose to exit from armed conflicts.It's a great film about loyalty and redemption in the face of battle and the sheer amount of introspection that is portrayed in the film ... See full post

by Pokerlogist m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58162711#post58162711)

Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023) Well made action film. In the first half, one guy A saves another guy from the Taliban. Then in the second half they reverse it. The movie makers say it not based on a true story but, after digging in to it, I think it is. It is about the sad case of Zainullah Zaki. He is a prime target for death by the Taliban for his brave support for US t... See full post

Dungeons and Dragons was a lot of fun and pretty much the perfect plane movie. It's great to see the movie immediately acknowledge that it's not a serious film, and embrace the campiness. A ton of fun with good production values, a good enough story to be engaged and a very fun execution. The movie padded its length quite a bit, but did so in humorous ways that made me now mind. I was expecting to enjoy The Northman more than I did unfortunately. I think the execution of the story far exceeded the story itself. It's hard for me to comprehend the lifestyle and culture of the time period, but the film's exploration of these things really lay it out clearly. I feel like I have a better understanding of the time period because of the film and I'm glad it sought to really engage in this way. The story itself was pretty cliche and could have been better.

i was shocked how much i enjoyed dungeons and dragons remember seeing the previews and thinking that was just another soulless money grab but then a bunch of people told me how much they enjoyed it one of the better fantasy films in recent times imo never heard of covenant, everyone i know who saw the northman felt like it was bad but apparently anya taylor joy is scantily clad in it so i could be persuaded to check it out

Dungeons and Dragons did a great job of embracing the fun ridiculousness of the game, where the journey is far more important than the destination or even the story. How they get from place to place is far more important than why. Very funny, very fun, and lots of creativity. I don't recall many scantily clad scenes of her, but I also watched it on a plane so it's possible they got cut out. I can't imagine the movie being worth watching just for that. If the time period is of interest to you then definitely watch it. The story is expertly told imo, but the story is just not that great. It's also a very grim and dark time, so certainly not for everyone. If I weren't such a nerd for historical fiction then I don't think I would have liked it at all.

In When Harry Met Sally, Harry and Sally stop while driving from Chicago to NYC at a diner. The diner's jukebox is playing Ramblin' Man when they enter and Don't Pull Your Love when they are about to leave. I think that means something. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

Happy New Years, you rat bastards!

by John Cole m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58397267#post58397267)

In When Harry Met Sally, Harry and Sally stop while driving from Chicago to NYC at a diner. The diner's jukebox is playing Ramblin' Man when they enter and Don't Pull Your Love when they are about to leave. I think that means something. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

If Nora Ephron scripted it, it means something. Nice catch.

by Dominic m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58397349#post58397349)

Happy New Years, you rat bastards!

HELL YES!

by Dominic m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58386305#post58386305)

I am not a Zach Snyder fan... It's not great by any means, but it is watchable... it's basically a Seven Samurai/Star Wars straight-up theft, but if you're going to be bereft of originality, might as well steal from the best.

by housenuts m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58386326#post58386326)

When I saw the title/cover for it the other day I thought it was a new Star Wars release. Was excited until I read about it.

I thought you guys knew this... Zack Synder was set to direct the Star Wars saga just as Disney originally took over and when he went in to corporate to pitch the film/series, the executives immediately showed him the door. he wanted a MUCH DARKER and more 'R' rated version of the Star Wars universe... and this series of 'Rebel' Moon films are his original vision of that. So when you see similarities, it's because it IS in fact a different story line of Star Wars. you can clearly see the Light Saber in these two screen caps from the new trailer...

Part 2 Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver | Official Teaser | Netflix - YouTube

Tap to unmute

Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver | Official Teaser | Netflix (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf16jEmvJUY)Netflix (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWOA1ZGywLbqmigxE4Qlvuw) Netflix33.7M subscribers

Also... There will be an R rated version of the each rebel moon films in the series, but contractually they can not be released for 3 months after the initial PG airing.

Couple random movies over the last few weeks. Jingle All The Way (1996) was a Christmas eve viewing, only because it rounded out an Arnold Schwarzenegger filmography rewatch. Had to wait til the Holidays to watch it. Anyways it's pretty damn bad. Phil Hartman is the only good part of it. I'm not a Christmas movie kind of person though. 1.5/5, but 3/5 if you're into Christmas stuff I guess. Witness (1985) was with Harrison Ford protecting an Amish boy who witnessed a crime. I'm surprised it got as many accolades as it did, it was fine but overall a very cliche story that wasn't that deep. 3/5 Babylon (2022) we had to finish over multiple viewings. 3 hours long, it had been on my list for a while to get through and unsurprisingly it was a slog. Just a muddy, messy, self-indulgent movie from Chazelle who had a pretty good track record up until this. Frantic, manic, whatever you wanted to call it, it tried to overload you with all sorts of stuff visually and musically, and it was all just a mess. Pitt was the lone bright spot for me. Also I'm going to throw it out there, not a big Margot Robbie fan. 2/5

i never understood why witness got so much hype

by Phat Mack m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58397517#post58397517)

If Nora Ephron scripted it, it means something. Nice catch.

TCM was playing a special on the first 50 years of the AFI lifetime achievement award. Clips of most of the ceremonies. Ephron's speech during Meryl Streep's ceremony was fantastic. Also Carrie Fisher during George Lucas' ceremony very funny. Overall, a really entertaining hour-fifteen.

Speaking of TCM... TCM just killed it today, they played a BUNCH of original language letterboxed 1960s Godzilla films, but then they are immediately going into nearly the complete Marx Brothers catalog.

by g-bebe m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58398008#post58398008)

Babylon (2022) we had to finish over multiple viewings. 3 hours long, it had been on my list for a while to get through and unsurprisingly it was a slog. Just a muddy, messy, self-indulgent movie from Chazelle who had a pretty good track record up until this. Frantic, manic, whatever you wanted to call it, it tried to overload you with all sorts of stuff visually and musical... See full post

This film is so confusing. I honestly don’t whether it’s a 1/5 or a 5/5. Did I love it or hate it? There were scenes that were easy to put on either side, but the whole thing was just so goddamned much that I appreciate it for that alone. I’m a big fan of intent and I feel like Chazelle did exactly what he wanted to do.

Witness is fantastic, with a perfect script

by Dominic m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58398930#post58398930)

Witness is fantastic, with a perfect script

Interesting. I like it more than the other posters. What makes the script perfect?

Saltburn (2023) tonight was certainly an experience. Barry Keoghan really plays a certain type of character well, I don't know if it's natural but he's well suited to these creepy, brooding, ominous characters. Ultimately I think the themes in this one or whatever Fennell is trying to say is a bit over my head. 2.5/5 I guess? I'm just glad I didn't turn it on with my parents over Christmas holidays.

by g-bebe m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58399038#post58399038)

Saltburn (2023) tonight was certainly an experience. Barry Keoghan really plays a certain type of character well, I don't know if it's natural but he's well suited to these creepy, brooding, ominous characters. Ultimately I think the themes in this one or whatever Fennell is trying to say is a bit over my head. 2.5/5 I guess? I'm just glad I didn't turn it on with my parent... See full post

It's very close to Pasolini's Teorema, which features a great performance by Terence Stamp as a visitor, perhaps a Christ figure, who seduces an Italian bourgeois family. I recommend Teorema over Saltburn, but those bathtub and grave humping scenes were something else. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

Percentage of pet owners who, given the choice between saving the life of one person or one dog, would choose the dog : 21 Who, given the choice between saving the lives of one hundred people or one dog, would choose the dog : 18 Essentially, Knock at the Cabin is a version of the trolley problem, which poses the question do you choose to sacrifice the life of one person you know or save the lives of five strangers. I think the film is well done although I believe the four strangers right from the beginning. Perhaps it could dispense with the gay marriage and conspiracy theory stuff, and it would feel more ominous without all that. I used the statistic from Harper's Index because we seriously need to question who we are. I think Knock at the Cabin does question that. But even if you can't buy the film's thought experiment, see it for Dave Bautista's performance. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

by Phat Mack m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58398943#post58398943)

Interesting. I like it more than the other posters. What makes the script perfect?

I don't remember it too well. I saw it in the theater, but I do remember that dance scene and enjoyed the movie. Edit: I looked to see the director is Peter Weir and one of the themes in his films is the clash of cultures. He also directed Fearless, a film nobody seems to mention much anymore and I recommend highly. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

One Life (2023) Stellar Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham-Carter, Romola Garai, Lena Olin, Jonathan Pryce. Retells the story of a younger Anthony Hopkins who plays Nicholas Winton, who helped save hundreds of Central European children from the Nazis on the eve of World War II. I think it is a great movie but for those that didn't like the 2nd half of Oppenheimer it might be a bit of a drag although the movie is significantly shorter than Oppenheimer which would help.

There's a number of interesting movies on Criterion this month. Last night I watched The Incredible Shrinking Man, which may have one of the strangest endings of any of these types of '50s sci-fi l/horror/I don't know what films. If you haven't seen it, I doubt any of you can predict the ending. Also available this month are a bunch of Ken Russell films, including The Devils, one I've never seen. I began watching it, and I will probably finish it tonight, but I'm not convinced it will hold up well. Of particular interest to me is Russell's Altered States, a movie I went to on a "first date" with an ex-girlfriend (I say first date because we had been out together numerous times but never on an official date). I remember this night well. It was December 8, 1980 on a Monday, the night John Lennon was killed. We heard the news while driving to the theater. I almost can't believe this was 43 years ago. I always tell my students to bring a first date to a horror film because they will grab onto you at the first jump scare. If they don't, then, well, that's not a good sign. Anyway, I recommend Altered States. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

lol I went on a date to see Altered States in a theater, as well...weird ass movie. I loved it.

by Dominic m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58399890#post58399890)

lol I went on a date to see Altered States in a theater, as well...weird ass movie. I loved it.

I just watched it again, and I remembered so little of it. But 43 years is a long time ago. For those who haven't seen it imagine 2001 in reverse. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

by Phat Mack m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58398943#post58398943)

Interesting. I like it more than the other posters. What makes the script perfect?

It's taught a lot in screenwriting classes as the perfect 3-act structure, and it is. But it also does something interesting in that in most scripts, you have the main plot - A - carry the bulk of the story, while you have other sub-plots happening, as well. B, C, etc. Witness inverses that, where the main plot - John Book's discovery and investigation of his dirty colleagues - fits perfectly in a 3-ACT structure of a screenplay (plot points, etc.), yet actually has very little screentime. The subplot - Book and Rachel's romance - takes up a lot more screentime than the main investigation plot. While the romance has various story beats, it is not the main story of the movie, nor does it fit into a 3-ACT structure. It works as a subplot, tho. Still, you don't have to like it if you don't want to lol.

The Death of Stalin I feel like I need to shame you guys a little since I got this rec off of the politics forum 😮 I had never heard of it. It is frickin' hilarious. Must see imo.

by biggerboat m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58401056#post58401056)

The Death of Stalin I feel like I need to shame you guys a little since I got this rec off of the politics forum 😮 I had never heard of it. It is frickin' hilarious. Must see imo.

WTF, Dude. Get with the program. https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showp... (https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showpost.php?p=53598618&postcount=27640)

by biggerboat m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58401056#post58401056)

The Death of Stalin I feel like I need to shame you guys a little since I got this rec off of the politics forum 😮 I had never heard of it. It is frickin' hilarious. Must see imo.

You should also watch In the Loop by the same writer and director and Veep on HBO. https://youtu.be/5ootNMaQiPM?si=jAOIB6VG... (https://youtu.be/5ootNMaQiPM?si=jAOIB6VGj2JPu2dw) Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

i talked about death of stalin quite a bit here, absolutely loved that film so much that i didn't mind at all the actual parts of history they got wrong - would have been a much worse story if it were told with greater accuracy

My missus was born in the Soviet Union and absolutely loves it for how on-the-nose it is about communism.

by John Cole m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58401171#post58401171)

You should also watch In the Loop by the same writer and director and Veep on HBO.

Veep was a lot funnier when it was aired, compared to 2017 and after.

I finally saw Godzilla Minus One 2023 in a theater on large screen . The Godzilla creature is really terrifying especially in a front row seat which I was forced to take. Godzilla's roar is one of the most memorable sounds in the history of movies. Very entertaining. I don't know how it could be made so good on only a $15m dollar budget. US producers, take notice. The surprising ending scene made the movie much better for me. I was grateful for that, even though it was a bit hokey. Artistically, the emergence of the giant Godzilla creature could represent Japan's strong feeling of failure and loss after nuclear destruction and surrender after WW2. The Japanese needed to overcome that despondency in order to re-build a new society. Like a lot of 2023 films, it was very good but it had some glitches that I will skip over. Grade A- for me.

Absence of Malice Sally Field and Paul Newman star in this film about the consequences of people "doing their jobs". You have to suspend a bit of belief with this one, but overall it's a pretty good story. Kinda hard to buy the romance angle but I guess it was fine. Wilford Brimley steals the movie in the next to last scene. Worth watching just for that. Village of the Giants Oh........my........God...... Beach Blanket Bingo meets Them! meets Footloose. Ronnie Howard as a boy genius who won't eat ice cream because of the cholesterol! Beau Bridges is the leader of giant teenagers that move very slowly! Giant dancing ducks!!! Lots and lots and lots and lots (and lots) of teenagers dancing. I can't even do this movie justice. It is definitely in my top 10 of "so bad it's good" movies. Maybe top 3. If you like that sort of thing this is a MUST WATCH.

by g-bebe m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58399038#post58399038)

Saltburn (2023) tonight was certainly an experience. Barry Keoghan really plays a certain type of character well, I don't know if it's natural but he's well suited to these creepy, brooding, ominous characters. Ultimately I think the themes in this one or whatever Fennell is trying to say is a bit over my head. 2.5/5 I guess? I'm just glad I didn't turn it on with my parent... See full post

I saw this on Prime. Worth watching. I liked the depiction of family life at an old rich family at the large Saltburn estate in England with a wait staff and all. Their view of the rest of society and their behavior was so divergent from the average person's. The Oliver Quick character is a mysterious one throughout the movie which was a drawback for the story. His unusual psycho-sexual activities were baffling. The last minute flashback explanations was so short. Grade B for me. Some issues for me that are spoilers: Spoiler Show

How could Oliver have such nice normal parents who didn't seem to see him as cuckoo? Why didn't Farleigh fight the false charge and why did he not ever show up again after the other deaths. He was still family and might have inheritance rights. Was Oliver gay or bi or just psycho or status seeking or what? How did the father die and did Oliver have something to do with it? Did Felix ever like Oliver sexually?

by g-bebe m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58399038#post58399038)

Saltburn (2023) tonight was certainly an experience. Barry Keoghan really plays a certain type of character well, I don't know if it's natural but he's well suited to these creepy, brooding, ominous characters. Ultimately I think the themes in this one or whatever Fennell is trying to say is a bit over my head. 2.5/5 I guess? I'm just glad I didn't turn it on with my parent... See full post

Performances were all pretty good but I didn’t like it and wouldn’t recommend it.

COBWEB (2023) Director: Samuel Bodin Anticipation Level: Medium-to-Low Where to Watch: Hulu Thoughts: For the first two-thirds of this movie, I was perplexed how the ratings were so low across the board, and then that last act completely tanked the film. I don’t mind a complete tonal switch in a movie (see: Barbarian), but it’s not just the tone that shifts here, it’s the overall quality of the film that falls off a cliff. The first two parts of the movie are a creepy thriller about people and the last act is a monster movie with cringy CGI and a creature that looks more laughable than scary. There are also lots of unanswered questions and plot holes in the script that make very little sense. That being said, for most of the run time, I was enjoying the experience. Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr give some excellent creepy performances, the kid is solid, and Cleopatra Coleman is solid in a supporting role. I was all in on the mystery until it’s actually revealed. My girlfriend was legit scared watching this for the first hour. There is some creative and spooky camera work in the first two acts. It was fun. But the ending ruined it. Just awful. I went from thinking this was a solid 7/10 to having trouble keeping it as high as a 6. I think the more distance I have from it, the more it will be a 5/10 in my memory. But it was mostly fun. I would still recommend it to genre fans but I’m going to go ahead and warn you to prepare for disappointment by the end of it. Rating: 6- (Very Light Recommendation) Replay Value: I won’t be watching it again any time soon, but I’m curious if the actions of the parents matchup with the ultimate reveal (I suspect they don’t). Sequel Potential: They certainly left the door open for one. Oscar Potential: None.

Criterion has a bunch of post apocalypse movies this month. Last night I watched This Quiet Earth, a New Zealand film. A man wakes up to find he's alone on earth, but after time spent alone almost going crazy (at one point he's wearing a woman's slip), he meets another survivor, a woman. Soon they will meet another man. Seems all three lived because they were at the moment of death that enabled them to survive. The man worked in a secret lab that was part of some world-wide plan to do something. Great performance by the lead actor. At one point he enters a church with a shotgun, demanding God to appear. When God fails to appear he threatens to shoot the kid, Christ on a crucifix. Great ending to the film. I loved it. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

by TheDarkKnight m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58403370#post58403370)

COBWEB (2023)Director: Samuel BodinAnticipation Level: Medium-to-LowWhere to Watch: HuluThoughts:For the first two-thirds of this movie, I was perplexed how the ratings were so low across the board, and then that last act completely tanked the film. I don’t mind a complete tonal switch in a movie (see: Barbarian), but it’s not just the tone that shifts here, it’s the overall q... See full post

for the exact opposite experience (horrible first two thirds/amazing last third), try Malignant.

Prob overrated it a bit but it was an overall better viewing experience than Cobweb. I def thought about Malignant while I was watching it.

Watched a couple of "newish" movies this week. Barbie I didn't hate it. Obviously I am not the target audience but it was okay. Very bright and colorful which I like. Margot Robbie seems to get hotter every time I see her. I like that too 😀 I actually thought it was pretty enetertaining. The Sound of Freedom True story about a Homeland Security agent going undercover battling child trafficking. Depressing subject matter but well done and thoroughly engaging. The story seems too wild to be true but it is. Pulling off what he did in South America seems impossible not to mention a "good guy" cartel member. Asteroid City Bright and colorful like Barbie and totally absurdist. I like bright and colorful and love absurdist. But ... but meh. Wes Anderson just never seems to deliver for me. Part of it is probably that I despise that Schwatzman dude who seems to be the focal point of every Anderson movie. But I found this to be a total waste of time

sound of freedom is not true various ngos all critique that guy as either outright lying or going to brothels and "freeing" adult voluntary prostitutes who just go back to the brothel the next day he's largely considered a scam artist just trying to get money to his ngo for him to skim out of and of course he meets all criticism with "they are all in on it"

by rickroll m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58404449#post58404449)

sound of freedom is not true various ngos all critique that guy as either outright lying or going to brothels and "freeing" adult voluntary prostitutes who just go back to the brothel the next day he's largely considered a scam artist just trying to get money to his ngo for him to skim out of and of course he meets all criticism with "they are all in on it"

Don't know what ngos are? But its a damn good movie fact or fiction. Engaging story, well done. Entertaining, engrossing and well acted which are all I look for in a movie.

ngo = non governmental organization stuff like the red cross - at best that guy is not actually rescuing trafficked children, at worst he's aware of it and a scam artist he only was able to make that film because qanon groups got behind funding it

by rickroll m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58404685#post58404685)

ngo = non governmental organization stuff like the red cross - at best that guy is not actually rescuing trafficked children, at worst he's aware of it and a scam artist he only was able to make that film because qanon groups got behind funding it

One critic said that Claviezel played Jesus. Now he thinks he is Jesus. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

6 months until we can see 'The Day the Clown Cryed (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Day_the_Clown_Cried)'

by John Cole m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58404700#post58404700)

One critic said that Claviezel played Jesus. Now he thinks he is Jesus. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

really sad he went out into the deep end really loved him in thin red line and frequency - thought he was going to become the next big actor

by mrbaseball m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58404428#post58404428)

Watched a couple of "newish" movies this week.BarbieI didn't hate it. Obviously I am not the target audience but it was okay. Very bright and colorful which I like. Margot Robbie seems to get hotter every time I see her. I like that too 😀 I actually thought it was pretty enetertaining.The Sound of FreedomTrue story about a Homeland Security agent going undercover battling... See full post

I liked Sound of Freedom too, found it pretty compelling. Very troubling subject matter but handled it very well

by rickroll m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58404449#post58404449)

sound of freedom is not true various ngos all critique that guy as either outright lying or going to brothels and "freeing" adult voluntary prostitutes who just go back to the brothel the next day he's largely considered a scam artist just trying to get money to his ngo for him to skim out of and of course he meets all criticism with "they are all in on it"

Looks fairly accurate from what I’ve read. The last part was more of a composite of events than one real event. No different than most based on true events movies. The story can be true and he can also be a POS scam artist.

by MSchu18 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58404741#post58404741)

6 months until we can see 'The Day the Clown Cryed (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Day_the_Clown_Cried)'

I doubt we will ever see it. And I'm not sure I would want to. Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk

The Holdovers (2023) was charming Alexander Payne. I never saw Downsizing but Holdovers resonates nicely with the rest of his stuff. Giamatti and the actress who played Mary were both excellent. 3/5 If I were to contrast Payne positively against another director it would be Wes Anderson. Both of them have their own distinct style (and I do think exude some similarities), but Payne's works do way more for me.