Last Movie You Watched

[Stargazer]

On 4/14/2024 at 6:57 PM, bluebell said:

Hubby and I saw Civil War this weekend.  I really liked it.  It's one of those movies that you think about for a long time after it's over.  I appreciated that it wasn't ideological in nature (other than the basic, war is bad let's not be evil ideas that no one should find fault with) and also that it wasn't political in nature either.  The action sequences kept you on your toes but the whole thing held my interest from beginning to end.  And that wasn't that big of a deal because it's run time was 1 hour and 49 minutes I think.  It was refreshing not to have to sit through three hours when less than 2 will do the job.

It is rated R and we don't normally see rated R movies but I tend to make an exception when I feel like the subject matter is realistic enough to that we can learn from it and benefit experiencing the events of that world on the big screen.  It's bloody but not overly so (some shows revel in blood but this one didn't).  It's a realistic portrayal of the bloodiness of war but not gratuitous.  There is no sex.  Their is cursing and the use of the F word but though I felt like it was more than necessary it didn't feel over the top to me either.  I hate those shows where it's the 3 word that comes out of every actor's mouth regardless of their character or the scene.

The acting was really really good and the script manages to get you to really care about the characters, even ones that you don't spend much screen time with.

I don't go to see movies much any more. Last one was Bullet Train. I will probably not see this one, either. 

One critic that I enjoy listening to is known on YouTube as The Critical Drinker. He was not impressed by this film. Actually, he's not impressed by most films! 😆  He describes it as follows: "Well, talk about disappointment. I'd hoped Alex Garland's new thriller would have given us a gripping story filled with interesting characters, but instead what we got was a bland, empty collection of scenes with no strong story to tie them together. What a wasted opportunity."

But as far as critics are concerned, when I was watching movies more often, I would sometimes read reviews after seeing the movie, and think to myself "We must have seen different films."

One film I saw in the cinema was Cowboys vs. Aliens, and I really liked it. The critics hated it to the root of their shriveled souls. Yes, the film had a stupid premise (and that usually makes me get grumpy), but that aside, I still enjoyed it.

Edited April 24, 2024 by Stargazer

[bluebell]

23 minutes ago, Stargazer said:

I don't go to see movies much any more. Last one was Bullet Train. I will probably not see this one, either. 

One critic that I enjoy listening to is known on YouTube as The Critical Drinker. He was not impressed by this film. Actually, he's not impressed by most films! 😆  He describes it as follows: "Well, talk about disappointment. I'd hoped Alex Garland's new thriller would have given us a gripping story filled with interesting characters, but instead what we got was a bland, empty collection of scenes with no strong story to tie them together. What a wasted opportunity."

But as far as critics are concerned, when I was watching movies more often, I would sometimes read reviews after seeing the movie, and think to myself "We must have seen different films."

One film I saw in the cinema was Cowboys vs. Aliens, and I really liked it. The critics hated it to the root of their shriveled souls. Yes, the film had a stupid premise (and that usually makes me get grumpy), but that aside, I still enjoyed it.

I like the critics that don't take themselves so seriously.  When you get one that starts critiquing the action sequences because 'the wrong type of helicopter was used" I know to generally ignore them.    

[Stargazer]

4 minutes ago, bluebell said:

I like the critics that don't take themselves so seriously.  When you get one that starts critiquing the action sequences because 'the wrong type of helicopter was used" I know to generally ignore them.    

Hey! That's my favorite kind of critique! I'm an old Army vet and firearms enthusiast, and when I see that a film's character is using the correct weapon for the period and allegiance, I smile! For example, I was watching a TV show where Soviet political prisoners were taken into an execution room to be shot (don't worry, these guys deserved it). The soldier doing the shooting was properly armed with a Nagant pistol.  One reason why the film Patton (which I generally loved) annoyed me was the battle in the desert (the Battle of El Guettar) where the US force was using American M48 tanks and the Germans were using American M60 tanks! Neither of which existed in WW2. Oh, well. Where were they going to get Shermans and Panzer IVs? 

[Tacenda]

Went to see "Unsung Hero" Such a good true story film about an Australian family that comes to America to start over. 

Edited May 1, 2024 by Tacenda

[ZealouslyStriving]

"Hacksaw Ridge"

Saw it for the first time last night. Obviously some pretty bloody battle scenes, but the message of standing by your Godly values and principles in spite of overwhelming pressure and persecution is a good lesson for everyone, especially in these days.

Looking at it from a "we are in a real spiritual war with Satan and his armies" angle- Desmond going back into the battlefield over and over again to rescue as many men as possible should serve as a motivator for us to wear out our lives and never cease our diligent efforts in gathering our brothers and sisters home to the eternal covenant.

[bluebell]

Watched Five Nights at Freddy’s. It came out, I think, around Halloween last year? It’s in the horror genre but it’s PG-13 so toned for teenagers. No language, no sex, lots of implied blood but very little actual blood shown.

It’s creepy, especially if you watch it late at night. The premise is unique. It’s about a night security guard that has to watch an old children’s restaurant à la Chuck E. Cheese kind of place. Only the animatronic animals in the band like to go on killing sprees. What makes it interesting is the mystery surrounding the security guard and also some missing kids from the 80s. It’s nothing special but it creates a fun atmosphere and if you or your kids like scary movies but don’t like all the gore and language that they usually come with this is a solid option. 

[Doctor Steuss]

Finally saw Wonka.  How exactly is Hugh Grant still dreamy as an Oompa?  The math doesn't math... but it does.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I was worried, after the last Wonka movie (with Depp), but I was definitely not disappointed, and actually ended up buying it.  I thought that for the most part, the original music numbers were fantastic.  The little "scrub scrub" song was stuck in my head throughout the film... until it was replaced by the nostalgia-ridden magic of "Pure Imagination" when the credits rolled.

[Tacenda]

17 minutes ago, Doctor Steuss said:

Finally saw Wonka.  How exactly is Hugh Grant still dreamy as an Oompa?  The math doesn't math... but it does.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I was worried, after the last Wonka movie (with Depp), but I was definitely not disappointed, and actually ended up buying it.  I thought that for the most part, the original music numbers were fantastic.  The little "scrub scrub" song was stuck in my head throughout the film... until it was replaced by the nostalgia-ridden magic of "Pure Imagination" when the credits rolled.

I have wanted to watch sorta, so maybe I'll give it a try. Thanks!

[Amulek]

Office was closed the other day while everyone else still had work / school, so I wandered out to catch a matinée showing of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

I liked the previous trilogy better - the one that started with James Franco and John Lithgow - but I thought this was a solid entry for the series. Without giving too much away, it takes place after the previous three films with apes as the dominant social group, taking place in something akin to their version of the Bronze Age.

If you're a fan of the Plant of the Apes films in general, I think you would probably like this installment. I believe it's supposed to be the start of a new 3-film arc, so hopefully there will be more to come.

 

[sunstoned]

I watched "The Price of Empire".  It's not really a move.  It's a documentary that goes into some depth on World War Two. 

[Tacenda]

On 4/24/2024 at 3:10 PM, Stargazer said:

I don't go to see movies much any more. Last one was Bullet Train. I will probably not see this one, either. 

One critic that I enjoy listening to is known on YouTube as The Critical Drinker. He was not impressed by this film. Actually, he's not impressed by most films! 😆  He describes it as follows: "Well, talk about disappointment. I'd hoped Alex Garland's new thriller would have given us a gripping story filled with interesting characters, but instead what we got was a bland, empty collection of scenes with no strong story to tie them together. What a wasted opportunity."

But as far as critics are concerned, when I was watching movies more often, I would sometimes read reviews after seeing the movie, and think to myself "We must have seen different films."

One film I saw in the cinema was Cowboys vs. Aliens, and I really liked it. The critics hated it to the root of their shriveled souls. Yes, the film had a stupid premise (and that usually makes me get grumpy), but that aside, I still enjoyed it.

I like audience reviews more than the critics because I've had the same experience. But I really liked the human story portion of the movie "Civil War" if that helps. It's a wake up call for sure though. There were parts that were amazingly real and I thought it was good acting too. At first I wanted to leave the theater because I couldn't handle the reality of what could happen with all the guns out there. I might hear from the gun owners but I do have issues with the massive amount of assault weapons there are.  

Edited May 20, 2024 by Tacenda

[Calm]

Quote

One film I saw in the cinema was Cowboys vs. Aliens, and I really liked it. The critics hated it to the root of their shriveled souls. Yes, the film had a stupid premise (and that usually makes me get grumpy), but that aside, I still enjoyed it.

I found it a lot better than the critics perspective. Not great, but worth the time to watch

But I choose my movies for pure escapism, to lose myself in them and tend to avoid movies that have many socially redeeming moments in them… 😛

 

Edited May 20, 2024 by Calm

[Tacenda]

36 minutes ago, Calm said:

I found it a lot better than the critics perspective. Not great, but worth the time to watch

But I choose my movies for pure escapism, to lose myself in them and tend to avoid movies that have many socially redeeming moments in them… 😛

 

Hi Calm, just wondering if you accidentally quoted me, with Stargazer's words.

[Calm]

14 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

Hi Calm, just wondering if you accidentally quoted me, with Stargazer's words.

I did, removed your name to avoid confusion.  

Edited May 20, 2024 by Calm

[sunstoned]

Has anyone seen The Fall Guy yet?  It is now showing at a local theater.  I'm interested because Ryan Gosling is in it. I like him, and I think he was raised LDS.

 

[bluebell]

I finally watched Argyle and really enjoyed it.  Yes, it's got some pretty dumb sequences but honestly no dumber than some of the stuff I've seen on Netflix and Prime (looking you right in the eyes Citadel).  Plus, the characters are very likable and it's got so many twists and turns you won't have any idea where it's going half of the time.

Two thumbs up for solidly entertaining and PG-13 kid friendly.

[Tacenda]

12 hours ago, sunstoned said:

Has anyone seen The Fall Guy yet?  It is now showing at a local theater.  I'm interested because Ryan Gosling is in it. I like him, and I think he was raised LDS.

 

I don't want to give high hopes in case it jinks your experience and I went in with low expectations. But came out truly enjoying this movie. Nothing in it offended me, so that's a criteria. It really paid tribute to the real stunt men/women in films. It was a comedy/action/romance packed in one. A fun surprise at the end, so hopefully if you go you watch to the very end and see the end credits.

[Doctor Steuss]

14 hours ago, sunstoned said:

Has anyone seen The Fall Guy yet?  It is now showing at a local theater.  I'm interested because Ryan Gosling is in it. I like him, and I think he was raised LDS.

 

We watched it for a work function last weekend.  I thought it was well made, and fun.  Felt a little labored at points, but overall it was a pretty good mix of action and comedy.  I'm on the fence if I'd buy it to be able to watch again, but I'm definitely not sad I saw it.

Edited May 28, 2024 by Doctor Steuss

[Tacenda]

3 hours ago, Doctor Steuss said:

We watched it for a work function last weekend.  I thought it was well made, and fun.  Felt a little labored at points, but overall it was a pretty good mix of action and comedy.  I'm on the fence if I'd buy it to be able to watch again, but I'm definitely not sad I saw it.

Not many movies I can re-watch, and I'm not sure I would buy this or not, maybe.

[Doctor Steuss]

10 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

Not many movies I can re-watch, and I'm not sure I would buy this or not, maybe.

I seem to have a three-tiered movie rating system.

1.  I'll buy it, so I can rewatch it again on demand.

2. I won't buy it, but I'm glad I watched it.

3.  I want those hours of my life back.  I hope the director, producers, and everyone else involved is cursed by rascally wedgy-undies for eternity.

[Calm]

1 hour ago, Doctor Steuss said:

I seem to have a three-tiered movie rating system.

1.  I'll buy it, so I can rewatch it again on demand.

2. I won't buy it, but I'm glad I watched it.

3.  I want those hours of my life back.  I hope the director, producers, and everyone else involved is cursed by rascally wedgy-undies for eternity.

If I like a movie and find it interesting enough, I will likely watch it three, maybe four times in pretty quick succession during which I am dissecting it down to cellular level.  After that there has to be something unusual to get me to rewatch it because usually I have found something that annoys me about it by then, lol.

It’s been awhile since an English speaking movie went past four watches.  There have been some Asian movies/dramas which have because of the grace of the action scenes and the beauty of the setting and costumes plus the fantasy story line often is tied into their mythology and I will research that between viewings.

Edited May 28, 2024 by Calm

[sunstoned]

10 hours ago, Doctor Steuss said:

We watched it for a work function last weekend.  I thought it was well made, and fun.  Felt a little labored at points, but overall it was a pretty good mix of action and comedy.  I'm on the fence if I'd buy it to be able to watch again, but I'm definitely not sad I saw it.

Thanks for the info!  I'm going to see it.

[sunstoned]

12 hours ago, Tacenda said:

I don't want to give high hopes in case it jinks your experience and I went in with low expectations. But came out truly enjoying this movie. Nothing in it offended me, so that's a criteria. It really paid tribute to the real stunt men/women in films. It was a comedy/action/romance packed in one. A fun surprise at the end, so hopefully if you go you watch to the very end and see the end credits.

This sounds good.   I will go see it.  

[Doctor Steuss]

Not a movie question, but this seems like it's probably the best-suited thread for this:

What season did you give up on The Walking Dead?  I swear, it has taken me about 3 years to make it through season 8 and most of season 9.  I keep trudging along, because I feel like if I give up now, the show somehow wins against me.

I feel like after the early part of season 7, it's become an act of self-flagellation watching it.

[Calm]

51 minutes ago, Doctor Steuss said:

What season did you give up on The Walking Dead?

-1

I don’t do zombie shows, no matter how tempting.  There is something viscerally disgusting and troubling to me about the whole idea even when well done and classy as some have been lately.  Hordes of mindless ravenous human looking beasts (especially if dropping body parts along the way)….yech, yech, yech.  I know some people get into them for that very reason, but that’s not entertainment for me.

Funnily I can handle vampire and mummy movies as long as it’s not portrayed as some sort of an epidemic.

Edited May 29, 2024 by Calm