Last Movie You Watched

[altersteve]

Thanks for remembering my request, that's a good title then! What did you think of the movie?

I thought it was great. Jessica Chastain and Jason Clarke both gave Oscar-deserving performances. The entire middle of the film drags a bit, though. It's intelligent and gripping but very heavy and complex. They get a lead on this particular subject, but it doesn't end up leading them to where they wanted, so they get frustrated, and then they find a lead on something else, which again doesn't work, and on and on for about two hours, until they finally start to get an idea of where Osama bin Laden might be hiding -- and that's where it gets good since we know it's how this story ends and it's all we really care about. The last 45 minutes or so especially, when the Navy SEALs attack bin Laden's compound, is an absolute tour de force. The beginning of the movie is good too, but these are mostly torture scenes, and they can get a bit disturbing at times (I had to look away at one point). I recommend the movie, though, if you can handle this and are patient enough to get through the middle hour or so. It's occasionally a difficult movie to sit through, but it works in a way because it helps ground and humanize the characters a bit, and it almost replicates the frustration of the whole process, with one dead end lead after another. Fortunately the end makes all of that completely worth it if you're patient enough to get there.

Point is, in terms of sheer craftsmanship, Zero Dark Thirty is a towering achievement -- although I can definitely understand if some are unsettled by it. It's certainly not for everyone.

[altersteve]

Also watched Broken City last night with two friends from work... and it was actually pretty good. Flawed, yes, but entertaining and surprisingly compelling, with some decent plot twists. And Mark Wahlberg gives one of his strongest performances to date in my opinion. Maybe not worth $9.00 but I'd recommend renting it for a night at home when it's released on DVD/Blu-ray. Cool movie.

[thesometimesaint]

Yes, I hate that we stooped to torture, it is beneath us. Still, were I captured by the Taliban or Al-quieda they would not hesitate to do the same to me..

It is WAY beneath us and illegal to boot. It makes us no better than the Taliban or Al Qaeda.

Edited January 22, 2013 by thesometimesaint

[Garden Girl]

Have you seen "Not Without My Daughter" with Sally Field? That's a good one that's not an R. Sorry, if I rambling on and on.

Not Without My Daughter... what a terrific, true story of bravery and having to put your trust in some pretty frightening people. What a harrowing journey she had, and I'm glad we have her story as a warning to all young women contemplating marrying someone of a different faith, culture or country... just to be careful.

GG

[bluebell]

Not Without My Daughter... what a terrific, true story of bravery and having to put your trust in some pretty frightening people. What a harrowing journey she had, and I'm glad we have her story as a warning to all young women contemplating marrying someone of a different faith, culture or country... just to be careful.

GG

The book is wonderful (better than the movie, of course) and if i remember correctly, is different in some areas as well as it retells the story (as books usually are).

[EllenMaksoud]

Not Without My Daughter... what a terrific, true story of bravery and having to put your trust in some pretty frightening people. What a harrowing journey she had, and I'm glad we have her story as a warning to all young women contemplating marrying someone of a different faith, culture or country... just to be careful.

GG

Having been Muslim before converting to LDS, this sort of story is not that uncommon. There were several instances of this in Saudi Arabia and the women did have the choice of leaving but the children did not go with them. It was heart breaking. Now, the Saudi government has made it extremely difficult, if not imposible to bring an American wife into the country. It is illegal and if they do somehow get her there, then they generally will not get permission to keep her there.

I think that one of the last cases I know of where an American woman was allowed to go there and live with her husband and two daughters was Christine Huda Dodge. In post 9/11 America, the FBI terrorized her and questioned her husband because his last name was Bin Laden. Well, the Bin Laden family is huge, I would not even want to speculate how big. They are big in construction in Saudia. So, Osama was totally like the family black sheep and ended up losing his Saudi citizenship.

Sister Huda, I think visits the US often, but in her case she apparently loves her husband and her husband loves Saudia so they stay there.

So, these law changes I mention, are recent, between 2001 and 2010, I think.

This whole situation tears at me in a very sad way, making me grieve for what should and could have been, but was not.

[3DOP]

Les Miserables.

It needed to be a musical. The songs told things about the characters that would have taken much longer to reveal through scenery and events in the book. I just finished the book as I said in the thread about books we are reading. I was looking for the ideology that gave me misgivings in the book and I found them, but they were muted for the most part. I had a few tears trickle at the end. Hugh Jackman was great in my opinion. I could have done without the scene where all the dead gathered again at the barricade. But I didn't believe in their cause. I thought Jean Valjean demonstrated political neutrality in the book and movie, except that last scene in the film would have him joining the Republicans. To really embrace the book and movie, one has to be convinced with Hugo that a good monarch like Louis-Phillipe ought to be overthrown by violent means and even if the majority of the people want a monarchy. My problem with Hugo is that I think there is reason to doubt that he really believes in the democracy he touts. When the majority disagree with him, it appears that he thinks they deserve not to have their way anyhow.

What an endearing main character. I doubt I'll ever read the book again, but I would hate not to be reminded of good Jean Valjean once in a while. I find good musicals like this one easy to watch repeatedly. I should probably suspend my political objections because most people that enjoy the film won't be noticing anyway. Good on all of us who can adapt the story to our own worldviews and make it our own. Victor Hugo is a master artist of plot and suspense and scenery. I have to salute him for that and also admit that he has created one of the most honorable and lovable characters in all of literature who will never be forgotten so long as civilization reads. Thank you for that M. Hugo.

3DOP

Edited January 23, 2013 by 3DOP

[altersteve]

In case anyone cares, reports are saying that J. J. Abrams (director of Star Trek and Mission: Impossible III, and co-creator of Lost) will be directing the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII in 2015. Interesting that Star Trek and Star Wars in the hands of the same person now. I'm very intrigued and excited.

[altersteve]

Saw Warm Bodies last night and walked out of the theater with a big smile on my face. That sounds corny and I know parts of this review may sound corny, but I kinda loved this movie: the acting was spot-on (Nicholas Hoult and especially Rob Corddry were both terrific), the premise was fresh and clever, and the story has equal amounts of tongue-in-cheek humor and mostly perfectly executed (though sometimes sappy) romance that make it worth a watch. And what's more is that this is a romantic comedy that's actually both heartwarming and genuinely funny, which is a rare find these days. I'd even say it's hilarious. The smart, almost satirical humor had me laughing out loud several times. Oh yeah, and Theresa Palmer is gorgeous.

Seriously, though, go find a date and watch this movie. Best film of the year so far. I know that's not saying much but it's better than a lot of movies that came out last year too.

[bluebell]

Saw Warm Bodies last night and walked out of the theater with a big smile on my face. That sounds corny and I know parts of this review may sound corny, but I kinda loved this movie: the acting was spot-on (Nicholas Hoult and especially Rob Corddry were both terrific), the premise was fresh and clever, and the story has equal amounts of tongue-in-cheek humor and mostly perfectly executed (though sometimes sappy) romance that make it worth a watch. And what's more is that this is a romantic comedy that's actually both heartwarming and genuinely funny, which is a rare find these days. I'd even say it's hilarious. The smart, almost satirical humor had me laughing out loud several times. Oh yeah, and Theresa Palmer is gorgeous.

Seriously, though, go find a date and watch this movie. Best film of the year so far. I know that's not saying much but it's better than a lot of movies that came out last year too.

I'm excited to see it.

And it seems like from the reviews that it's actually based on a YA novel. If that's true, then kudos to the people who were able to adapt it to the screen in such a great way and thank goodness it didn't turn out like the twilight movies!

[Damien the Leper]

I saw the new Hansel and Gretel movie. It was comedically gruesome. I give it a 7/10 score.

[Tacenda]

Saw Warm Bodies last night and walked out of the theater with a big smile on my face. That sounds corny and I know parts of this review may sound corny, but I kinda loved this movie: the acting was spot-on (Nicholas Hoult and especially Rob Corddry were both terrific), the premise was fresh and clever, and the story has equal amounts of tongue-in-cheek humor and mostly perfectly executed (though sometimes sappy) romance that make it worth a watch. And what's more is that this is a romantic comedy that's actually both heartwarming and genuinely funny, which is a rare find these days. I'd even say it's hilarious. The smart, almost satirical humor had me laughing out loud several times. Oh yeah, and Theresa Palmer is gorgeous.

Seriously, though, go find a date and watch this movie. Best film of the year so far. I know that's not saying much but it's better than a lot of movies that came out last year too.

Watched a review on t.v. for this and they also liked it and gave it 3 stars!

[Tacenda]

Has anyone seen Argo? I don't know why I like these kinds of shows sometimes, but was hoping to know how bad of an R it is.

[altersteve]

Has anyone seen Argo? I don't know why I like these kinds of shows sometimes, but was hoping to know how bad of an R it is.

Argo is incredible. There's some language (quite a few F-words, but it's not frequent) as well as some violent content, including images of people being executed, but nothing graphic. If it weren't for the language it probably could have received a "high" PG-13 rating. Amazing movie, though: powerfully acted and surprisingly funny at times, and Ben Affleck has already proven himself to be one of the best film directors in the business. I highly recommend it.

Edited February 1, 2013 by altersteve

[Tacenda]

Argo is incredible. There's some language (quite a few F-words, but it's not frequent) as well as some violent content, including images of people being executed, but nothing graphic. If it weren't for the language it probably could have received a "high" PG-13 rating. Amazing movie, though: powerfully acted and surprisingly funny at times, and Ben Affleck has already proven himself to be one of the best film directors in the business. I highly recommend it.

Thanks for taking time to let me know so soon! Wanted to go tonight!

[blackstrap]

Just remember that Argo is made for entertainment and takes a very broad view of the reality behind the event depicted. Artistic licence in full force.

[bluebell]

Just remember that Argo is made for entertainment and takes a very broad view of the reality behind the event depicted. Artistic licence in full force.

What, we shouldn't get our history from Hollywood!?!

[altersteve]

Last night I watched Bernie on Netflix, a darkly comedic docudrama starring Jack Black. Before you watch it, should you decide to do so, forget everything you ever thought about Jack Black; the guy can act, and this movie proves it, and shows that any actor can be remarkable when cast in the right role. Honestly, as much as I love Nacho Libre, and I do LOVE that movie, I wish he would play more roles like this. He had another serious role in the 2005 remake of King Kong, but this took it a step further. He should have been nominated for an Oscar. I'm not kidding.

Anyway, the movie is about a funeral director named Bernie Tiede (played by Black), the most beloved, kindhearted man in Carthage, Texas, who befriends the nastiest, meanest woman in town and later gets fed up with her meanness and kills her (that's not really a spoiler, since it's in the description on Netflix). And it's based on a true story. The film totally washes over you, managing to be funny and surprisingly thought-provoking, frequently at the same time. Easily one of the best movies I've seen in awhile.

(Note: Despite the movie's mature subject matter, it's not too disturbing, but some parts may be a little shocking. It's rated PG-13.)

[Garden Girl]

Doggone it! I can't remember the title of the movie I just saw... it was "The Best Exotic _______ Hotel" or something like that, featuring all my favorite English actors, i.e., Judy Dench etc...

Wonderful story, set first in England, then in India... a visual feast... the colors.. the street scenes... you could literally sense the aromas in the open marketplace... the people and culture... the architecture...

There was the poverty and the street urchins, as well as the well-to-do, seen as they filmed the sweeping street scenes. It was like being there and experiencing it for oneself.

Not to mention it was a very good story... I won't spoil it but can recommend it... funny and heartwarming.

GG

[Andrew Cothran]

well today i was watching thelma and louise ,,but i haven't finished it yet ,,,

the most recent was the lion of judah ,,and animated film

[altersteve]

Doggone it! I can't remember the title of the movie I just saw... it was "The Best Exotic _______ Hotel" or something like that, featuring all my favorite English actors, i.e., Judy Dench etc...

Wonderful story, set first in England, then in India... a visual feast... the colors.. the street scenes... you could literally sense the aromas in the open marketplace... the people and culture... the architecture...

There was the poverty and the street urchins, as well as the well-to-do, seen as they filmed the sweeping street scenes. It was like being there and experiencing it for oneself.

Not to mention it was a very good story... I won't spoil it but can recommend it... funny and heartwarming.

GG

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Great movie!

[Garden Girl]

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Great movie!

That's it... thanks!

GG

[Megalodon]

My last movie was "The Bourne Legacy". Rated PG-13 I guess. Bought the DVD because I missed it in theaters. I was hoping it would be as good as the other Bourne flicks, and I was not disappointed. It was very good. But then I like spy flicks. This one, for those who don't know, does not have the Jason Bourne character in it, except for references to him. It's in the same universe, however.

[Tacenda]

My last movie was "The Bourne Legacy". Rated PG-13 I guess. Bought the DVD because I missed it in theaters. I was hoping it would be as good as the other Bourne flicks, and I was not disappointed. It was very good. But then I like spy flicks. This one, for those who don't know, does not have the Jason Bourne character in it, except for references to him. It's in the same universe, however.

I rented this over the weekend and another one, and only had time to watch the other, then I kept on forgetting I even had it, so five days (so much for a dollor movie) later I finally watched, but the whole time, I was on this board. Sad that I can't even watch a movie anymore without checking on here throughout it. I did think it had some good scenes, I thought I'd be disappointed in not seeing Matt Damon play the part, but generally like the guy that replaced him.

[bluebell]

I rented this over the weekend and another one, and only had time to watch the other, then I kept on forgetting I even had it, so five days (so much for a dollor movie) later I finally watched, but the whole time, I was on this board. Sad that I can't even watch a movie anymore without checking on here throughout it. I did think it had some good scenes, I thought I'd be disappointed in not seeing Matt Damon play the part, but generally like the guy that replaced him.

Just to clarify, matt damon wasn't replaced. This bourne movie was about a completely different character-Aaron Cross. The movie takes place at the same time as the second and third bourne movie, which is why it shows things that Jason Bourne is doing in different countrys and the U.S. as part of the storyline.

The premise (and i'm not completely clear on it myself as it does get confusing) is that ground breaking technology was developed and then used by two different government agencies-secretly-in different military experiments. Jason bourne was part of one group, and Alex Cross was part of the other. When Jason Bourne went 'off the grid' and caused so much trouble, the other government agency freaked out and decided that it needed to wipe out all existence of it's work so that when everything hit the fan (so to speak) and the public became aware of the secret experiments, they wouldn't be implicated. So they killed all the people who had been a part of the research, but failed to kill Cross, and action adventure ensues.

Aaron Cross is a part of Bourne's legacy, hence the title.