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Last movie you saw
- Thread starter molloch!
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nobodyZ
Guest
As I do when the kids are home on holidays, I seem to spend a lot of time in the cinema.
This week we have seen....
Bee Movie: my kidz liked it, ("funny in most parts" my 13y.o) and want to see it again.
Enchanted: in the whole my boyz didn't care for it (so they say now) but my daughter and I loved it as did most the other patrons judging by the mirth around us.
Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium: enjoyed by all but personally found the last act a bit boring after Magorium's demise, might have been the same-ole believe in yourself scenario I've seen time and again for the past 4 decades.
As for the Wall-E trailer, I saw it for the first time the other night and immediately thought, Number 5.. alive? (Short Circuit 1986)
Next week (next year!) the kidz have penciled in, Alvin & the Chipmonks, Golden Compass and Water Horse, release Jan 10.
This week we have seen....
Bee Movie: my kidz liked it, ("funny in most parts" my 13y.o) and want to see it again.
Enchanted: in the whole my boyz didn't care for it (so they say now) but my daughter and I loved it as did most the other patrons judging by the mirth around us.
Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium: enjoyed by all but personally found the last act a bit boring after Magorium's demise, might have been the same-ole believe in yourself scenario I've seen time and again for the past 4 decades.
As for the Wall-E trailer, I saw it for the first time the other night and immediately thought, Number 5.. alive? (Short Circuit 1986)
Next week (next year!) the kidz have penciled in, Alvin & the Chipmonks, Golden Compass and Water Horse, release Jan 10.
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C
calpurnia
Guest
Atonement - got free tickets to the preview. Absolutely brilliant. Very faithful to the book. Last and best movie of the year. I am also looking forward to No Country for Old Men.
^^ Glad you enjoyed it too calpurnia. Hope it cleans up at the Oscars. Also heard brilliant things of 'No Country for Old Men', and 'There Will Be Blood', so I'm really looking forward to them. Seems like 2008 is going to be a great year for movies.
My latest is 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'. Now, I went in to this movie pretty much knowing everything about it. When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. I had extremely high expectations for it too, therefore nearly leading to it's own downfall for me; not of its fault, but mine. Let me explain. 'Sweeney Todd' is actually another stage to film transfer, and I am of the utmost familiarity of its source material, because I'm probably (trying not to sound too much like a crazed fan girl here, though I am a guy, of coarse) the biggest known fan of Stephen Sondheim (the composer and lyricist) from Australia. I know every note, line, and feeling to be felt in the show, and was at first very, very, apprehensive about how it was to be 'conditioned' for the big screen, especially by such a visionary such as Tim Burton - he himself said he'd never directed a full blown musical before, and had no idea how he was going to do it.
Most knowledgable people from theatre circles will tell you that Sondheim creates 'masterpieces' that are not to be messed with, and that 'Sweeney Todd' is quite possibly the greatest musical ever written, even if it's not their favourite. This was looking like it would turn out a mess, especially once everyone got wind that the two lead parts of Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett would be played by Johnny Depp, and Tim's own partner, Helena Bonham Carter. Creative casting right there, right? And to top it all off, these are actors who have no track record of being able to hold a descent tune, little own an athletics carnival of beautiful, complicated, intertwining harmonies and solos. Did I say it was looking like a mess? Well, a mess it certainly isn't!!
For those not in the know, 'Sweeney Todd' is the story of a London (early 19th century) man, Benjamin Barker,nwho is seperated from his wife and child as an exile to Australia on false charges. Upon his return to England 15 years later, he finds from Mrs. Lovett, (an old friend who owns a local pie shop with 'the worst pies in London!') that his wife poisoned herself after being raped by Judge Turpin (the man who wrongly imprisoned him) and his daughter Johanna is now being held as the ward of the same man. Benjamin has now returned to exact his revenge on the world as 'Sweeney Todd', with the help of Mrs. Lovett who becomes his co-conspirator. It's ultimately a tale of great tradgedy, horror, black humour, and lots, and lots of blood.
If I could sum up this film in one word, it would be extremely hard. But I could try AMAZING. Possibly the most important part - the singing - sure might be a weak part to this movie for some - especially in comparison to its Broadway counterparts - however, with the films small intimate settings it is suitably fine, and even the soundtrack has grown on me after I bought it last week, and now seen the film.The orchestrations are more beautiful and soaring than ever, and the quick and witty lyrics are even more of a stand out with the honest brutality of the film.
The film certainly does have that signature Tim Burton 'look' to it; heavily stylized in all aspects, most notably the monachrome production design and bright red blood that spurts with differring personalities, depending on the victim. But the thing is, the film looks beautiful, and it plays beautifully too. It really does look like an old silent movie, but with bombastically glorious operatic tones that just take it to a whole new level.
I think the most amazing thing about the movie though is the acting. Johnny may look like a one faced wonder throughout much of the movie, in the same way, so can Helena at times, but so much is revealed in such subtle little glances. It can be quite incredible at times. What the singing lacks (especially with Helena), the acting makes up for it. This film also contains what I think to be one of the most beautiful, but intense endings ever, besides 'Pan's Labyrinth' and 'Big Fish', it seriously has to be seen.
Ultimately, this film, while I suspect will be quite the hit, won't go down well with everyone. I can guarantee that at least one or two people may walk out of the cinemas because they had no idea it was a musical and can't stand them; and certainly, Sondheim's music is something that has to be appreciated, and when it is, you'll see it for the genius it is. And then there are others who won't like the large amount of blood, or the cracking of heads, etc. But to be honest, the blood is really such a great juxtoposition to what is happening at the same time, and it's very stylized; so you may have a greater ability to stomach it all. Trust me, I HATE horror movies, but I was able to sit through this no problem, even looking away maybe once or twice with nervous laughter.
And then there are the Johnny fan girls who are going to question what has gone wrong with him in this film, 'like, why isn't he so hot?', but the world could always do without a few of them anyway.
I could go on and on and on about the film, there is so much to cover, but I'm going to wrap it up here for now. If you want to know more, feel free to ask me about it (especially if you are a worried Sweeney fan wanting to know what has been cut, etc), I'd be happy to oblige.
My latest is 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'. Now, I went in to this movie pretty much knowing everything about it. When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. I had extremely high expectations for it too, therefore nearly leading to it's own downfall for me; not of its fault, but mine. Let me explain. 'Sweeney Todd' is actually another stage to film transfer, and I am of the utmost familiarity of its source material, because I'm probably (trying not to sound too much like a crazed fan girl here, though I am a guy, of coarse) the biggest known fan of Stephen Sondheim (the composer and lyricist) from Australia. I know every note, line, and feeling to be felt in the show, and was at first very, very, apprehensive about how it was to be 'conditioned' for the big screen, especially by such a visionary such as Tim Burton - he himself said he'd never directed a full blown musical before, and had no idea how he was going to do it.
Most knowledgable people from theatre circles will tell you that Sondheim creates 'masterpieces' that are not to be messed with, and that 'Sweeney Todd' is quite possibly the greatest musical ever written, even if it's not their favourite. This was looking like it would turn out a mess, especially once everyone got wind that the two lead parts of Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett would be played by Johnny Depp, and Tim's own partner, Helena Bonham Carter. Creative casting right there, right? And to top it all off, these are actors who have no track record of being able to hold a descent tune, little own an athletics carnival of beautiful, complicated, intertwining harmonies and solos. Did I say it was looking like a mess? Well, a mess it certainly isn't!!
For those not in the know, 'Sweeney Todd' is the story of a London (early 19th century) man, Benjamin Barker,nwho is seperated from his wife and child as an exile to Australia on false charges. Upon his return to England 15 years later, he finds from Mrs. Lovett, (an old friend who owns a local pie shop with 'the worst pies in London!') that his wife poisoned herself after being raped by Judge Turpin (the man who wrongly imprisoned him) and his daughter Johanna is now being held as the ward of the same man. Benjamin has now returned to exact his revenge on the world as 'Sweeney Todd', with the help of Mrs. Lovett who becomes his co-conspirator. It's ultimately a tale of great tradgedy, horror, black humour, and lots, and lots of blood.
If I could sum up this film in one word, it would be extremely hard. But I could try AMAZING. Possibly the most important part - the singing - sure might be a weak part to this movie for some - especially in comparison to its Broadway counterparts - however, with the films small intimate settings it is suitably fine, and even the soundtrack has grown on me after I bought it last week, and now seen the film.The orchestrations are more beautiful and soaring than ever, and the quick and witty lyrics are even more of a stand out with the honest brutality of the film.
The film certainly does have that signature Tim Burton 'look' to it; heavily stylized in all aspects, most notably the monachrome production design and bright red blood that spurts with differring personalities, depending on the victim. But the thing is, the film looks beautiful, and it plays beautifully too. It really does look like an old silent movie, but with bombastically glorious operatic tones that just take it to a whole new level.
I think the most amazing thing about the movie though is the acting. Johnny may look like a one faced wonder throughout much of the movie, in the same way, so can Helena at times, but so much is revealed in such subtle little glances. It can be quite incredible at times. What the singing lacks (especially with Helena), the acting makes up for it. This film also contains what I think to be one of the most beautiful, but intense endings ever, besides 'Pan's Labyrinth' and 'Big Fish', it seriously has to be seen.
Ultimately, this film, while I suspect will be quite the hit, won't go down well with everyone. I can guarantee that at least one or two people may walk out of the cinemas because they had no idea it was a musical and can't stand them; and certainly, Sondheim's music is something that has to be appreciated, and when it is, you'll see it for the genius it is. And then there are others who won't like the large amount of blood, or the cracking of heads, etc. But to be honest, the blood is really such a great juxtoposition to what is happening at the same time, and it's very stylized; so you may have a greater ability to stomach it all. Trust me, I HATE horror movies, but I was able to sit through this no problem, even looking away maybe once or twice with nervous laughter.
And then there are the Johnny fan girls who are going to question what has gone wrong with him in this film, 'like, why isn't he so hot?', but the world could always do without a few of them anyway.
I could go on and on and on about the film, there is so much to cover, but I'm going to wrap it up here for now. If you want to know more, feel free to ask me about it (especially if you are a worried Sweeney fan wanting to know what has been cut, etc), I'd be happy to oblige.
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Megan
i know you see me now
wow rabymon... i didnt realise it was out yet.... my best friend does musicals, and her first ever musical was in the chorus for sweeney todd. We have been sooo looking forward to this since we found out that *sigh* Johnny was making the movie.
*sings* Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd......
WOW! IM EXCITED!
*sings* Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd......
WOW! IM EXCITED!
It's not out yet... not 'till the 24th. Special screening, I'm moving up in the world, haha. I too looked forward to seeing it sooo much, maybe much more so than 'Phantom of the Opera', which *should* have been the
movie musical. I think that's the way everyone looked at it; but alas, it never turned out that way. 'Sweeney' on the other hand delivered exactly what it should have been, and turned out glorious. IMO, this is the big one, even though it doesn't necessarily feel big, much more so like an independant film rather... though I don't know why. It just feels like that; perhaps because of its intimacy.
And no, you won't be singing 'The Ballad of Sweeney Todd', it's cut. All versions of it are cut. Instead, you can enjoy a version of it soaring and intensely orchestrated during the opening credits, and as an underscored theme throughout the movie. I know, I know, how dare they, it's a freakin' frightening song that makes Sweeney, well... Sweeney. But it's not there, and it still works. Trust me.
molloch!
Obsessive :)
I'm looking forward to this too. I'm very pleased that you liked it rabymon as you seem to be a great judge of movies, especially musicals 
I saw THe Golden Compass last night and I really enjoyed it. My daughter was a little upset in parts but she loved it too. I do hope they make the sequel though i've heard it hasn't done well in the US which is disappointing.
I saw THe Golden Compass last night and I really enjoyed it. My daughter was a little upset in parts but she loved it too. I do hope they make the sequel though i've heard it hasn't done well in the US which is disappointing.
K
Kiya
Guest
I'll try my hardest! I think the bf is keen on seeing it though! help me! haha.
I wanna see ps I love you, and the bucket list.
I would very much rethink about wanting to see 'P.S. I Love You'. It's lacking greatly, and that's saying something of a film that Hilary Swank has chosen to star in. But in all honesty... she's the weak spot of the film. If you want a really sappy chick flick, then by all means, go ahead, but you most likely won't be very impressed.
G
Goldenberry
Guest
Goes to show how subjective movie tastes are. My partner went while I was away and didn't enjoy this. But then, he fell asleep in LOTR, and I don't know you can do that.
In NZ I saw:
"Blood Diamond" - a bit like a more serious version of "Welcome to the Jungle", but without the big buff Samoan.
"Salems Lot" - an HBO min-series, filmed in Melbourne about 3 years ago. Not too bad actually, but I like the King novel.
"White Noise 2" - a bit nonsensical really
"Vacancy" - a bit of a rip off of "Psycho" and "Wrong Turn" but scary in parts.
"Duel" - for the umpteenth time, a real hoot this flick. And I like the way the psycho truck driver remains largely unseen, motives unknown, apart from his cowboy boots.
So I watched a lot of DVDs.
Hey Molloch, I've just been down Flinders, but unfortunately it wasn't on a weekend. So maybe another time.
G
Goldenberry
Guest
Actually, altough Will Smith has done the odd disappointing film (the only good part of "Independence Day" is when he disembarks from the bed), I've been looking forward to "I am Legend".
The previews look good. It's the sort of storyline I like, sci fi horror. And the creatures look a bit like the ones in "The Descent" (which was a pretty cool movie).
The previews look good. It's the sort of storyline I like, sci fi horror. And the creatures look a bit like the ones in "The Descent" (which was a pretty cool movie).
Mud Cake
God
Oh don't remind me.... The ending and final revelation in
"The Descent" sucked all the fun out of it...
Actually thinking of train wrecks Spielberg's War Of The Worlds
is good for eye candy effects if you like all that but really
was a let down.
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G
Goldenberry
Guest
The ending in "The Descent" was a little bizarre, CLE, but the suspense build up and the creatures were pretty cool, and those exquisite woods at the start of the film.
If you look carefully you can see one of the little critters watching the girls from the underground riverbank near the start of the movie.
"War of the Worlds" was good in the first half, but I guess the ending in the novel is an anti-climax and of course so too must the movie be.
At least you got to see the aliens this time.
If you look carefully you can see one of the little critters watching the girls from the underground riverbank near the start of the movie.
"War of the Worlds" was good in the first half, but I guess the ending in the novel is an anti-climax and of course so too must the movie be.
At least you got to see the aliens this time.
Mud Cake
God
The ending in "The Descent" was a little bizarre, CLE, but the suspense build up and the creatures were pretty cool, and those exquisite woods at the start of the film.
If you look carefully you can see one of the little critters watching the girls from the underground riverbank near the start of the movie.
"War of the Worlds" was good in the first half, but I guess the ending in the novel is an anti-climax and of course so too must the movie be.
At least you got to see the aliens this time.
I guess but you got to see one of them in the 1953 Pal version as well.
it wa short and squat and had a 3 sided 3 coloured eye.
I can't stand Dakota Fanning...... I also can't stand Tom Cruise, at least
in this movie. They gave a good actor a terrible role to play and he annoyed
me throughout the whole movie. Having said that I did buy the film as it
was in the bargain bins quite soon after its release....
K
Kiya
Guest
oh really?
thats no good to hear!! I hate it when that happens - a movie that looks good doesnt turn out to be at all.I finally saw No Country for Old Men.
Despite having to sit right up the front of the cinema because Greater Union now insist upon allocated seating, (last time Greater Union sees my money) I was thoroughly impressed with the film.
Anton Chigurh is a most enigmatic character. I want to know more about him, so I'm finding the Cormac McCarthy novel ASAP.
5/5
Despite having to sit right up the front of the cinema because Greater Union now insist upon allocated seating, (last time Greater Union sees my money) I was thoroughly impressed with the film.
Anton Chigurh is a most enigmatic character. I want to know more about him, so I'm finding the Cormac McCarthy novel ASAP.
5/5
molloch!
Obsessive :)
Oh I think movies are totally subjective GB. I think that's generally why movie reviews can be misleading. Unless it's a real stinker in which every man and his dog has panned i think it's all very individual. When Moulin Rouge came oout I went to see it with 3 other friends. My best mate and I came out of it singing and loving it and our other two friends thought it was a really bad movie. So yeah, completely subjective.
As for Flinders, hey i live down here so weekday weekend, i'm always around
