Saturday Evening Movie Thread

Saturday Evening Movie Thread - 2/22/2025

Argylle by Matthew Vaughn

I don't often talk about singular movies, especially modern singular movies, but I recently caught the Matthew Vaughn directed, Bryce Dallas Howard bomb, Argylle, when I got a 3 month free trial for AppleTV+ (purely for Severance, by the way). I've liked Matthew Vaughn as a filmmaker since his first film, Layer Cake through all three of his Kingsman films and even stuff like Stardust. So, I was actually somewhat excited about Argylle. It looked like what had become pretty standard Vaughn output by the trailers, and I didn't think that was a bad thing. I liked pretty standard Vaughn output.

And then it was released into theaters for roughly one showing on one weekend where it bombed horribly and then went behind the AppleTV+ paywall never to emerge again. It was also battered around mercilessly by critics (33% on Rotten Tomatoes with negative reviews getting titles like "Argylle" (hopefully) signals the collapse of the modern blockbuster) and handled roughly by audiences (5.6/10 on the IMDb). It's surely not worthwhile, it seems.

Well, I watched it anyway because you're not my supervisor.

And...I thought it was alright. It's not good. It's silly and ridiculous, much like several of Vaughn's other films, but it's also overlong and overcomplicated (um...also like several of Vaughn's other films). The combination simply doesn't work as well here. However, in terms of mediocre action spectacles, is this really any worse than most of what gets released these days? Is it worth special scorn? Well, the general reaction contrasted with my own ignited a couple of lines of thought in my brain, and I decided that instead of simply reviewing the film, my thoughts were taking me in an essay-like direction.

Essentially, it amounts to Argylle's place in this little slice of movie history we're living through.

Oh, and I should note that I'm going to spoil the crap out of this movie. If you're really jonesing to see Argylle without spoiling, skip. But, it's not like it's hard to predict.

Marketing

The biggest hit against the film, if I'm to believe to the reviews, was the prominence of Henry Cavill in the marketing. I mean, look at that image above, straight from the poster. Cavill is front and center. The story of the film, as told by the trailers, is Howard's Ellie Conway is the writer of a series of spy novels about Agent Argylle (Cavill). The trailers spend a lot of time showing Cavill, implying that he's in most of the film. He's not. He's prominently in the beginning, intermittently in the first action scene, and then occasionally in a few shots throughout. Most of what he's in is in the trailer. The actual star of the movie? She's two faces down the left from Cavill at the center. Heck, not even once does Cavill hold that cat in the movie.

Why sell the movie that way? Well, because the marketing team was trying to sell to men, I think. The problem is that the film is actually a romantic comedy. Think a combination of a Jason Bourne movie, a Roger Moore era Bond movie, Spy, and Romancing the Stone, with heavy emphasis on the last one. It's a meet cute between Ellie and the secret agent played by Sam Rockwell, Aidan. They meet on the train, he saves her from bad guys, they bicker back and forth until they fall in love (again). They do that through a globe-trotting spy-adventure that takes them from Wyoming to London to Arabia to an oil tanker.

The film is quite focused on this relationship between the two from the time Aidan is introduced until the end. The fans of Vaughn's previous spy romps like Kingsman were not planning on getting on board with a romantic comedy, I don't think. And women tend to like action films far less than men. There are definitely female action fans out there, but from a population perspective, it's men who drive the business to action films much more than women. So, getting men to see an action film that's actually more geared towards women was going to hurt the film no matter what. They were the wrong audience. Never mind that the audience for female-driven action movies probably isn't big enough to justify spending between $200 and $250 million on one, but getting the wrong audience into the door first is going to sour the pot.

Spy Spoof

As a comparison for myself, while writing this, I watched the Melissa McCarthy film Spy and the Steve Carrel movie Get Smart, based on the show (which I've never seen). I was mostly curious at the treatment of characters who one wouldn't think to be spies getting in on the action. I was mostly curious of this because of Bryce Dallas Howard's casting in Argylle.

Howard is a middle-aged woman with two children, and she has the kind of body that one would equate with that. She's not built physically, in any traditional way, for an action heavy role, and when her character of Elly is revealed to be the inspiration for Argylle, an agent named Rachel Kylle, it should be a source of comedy because the film has established that she doesn't fit. Now, I set out to watch Spy and Get Smart as comparisons because they both revolve around central characters caught up in spy adventures that you wouldn't expect. There are a lot of jokes around the unsuitability of each character for the job (Spy pulls its punches a bit, but Get Smart is a bit merciless, probably because Spy is about a woman and Get Smart is about a man). However, Argylle never, not once does this.

The thing about Howard's casting is that it should actually be one of the best parts of the film. She looks much more like the writer than the agent, so the misdirection in the first half before the reveal is more convincingly sold. However, there's never any reference to the fact that she's not a conventional heroine for a spy-action movie. Instead, she's just treated like she's Ana da Armas or something.

This isn't some sort of deal breaker for the film, but it just ends up feeling like a lot of humor got left on the table in the film's final act. And that final act is where the real gold is anyway, but I'll get to that.

The film is otherwise filled with convention of spy movies with an amnesiac central character. Mysterious guy who may be trustworthy. A series of clues to follow towards a larger goal. An evil organization that needs to be taken down. A series of action scenes. It doesn't break any molds, but it's amusing.

Where it got a lot of negative attention was the sheer number of twists and turns that seemingly happen every ten minutes. It's not an invalid critique. They get tiresome and predictable after a certain point. It's part of the overall effort in movies like these to create unpredictability because people like these sorts of mechanical surprises that they can't see coming. It almost makes me think it was an intentional decision to just overplay the convention in a film that's all about being big and extreme, as is Vaughn's wont. Excess is the name of the game.

Vaughn-like Action

As I started with, I'm a fan of Vaughn in general. A lot of that centers around the anarchic approach to action. The common centerpiece people point to is the faux-one-camera shootout in the first Kingsman movie, but his movies ever since have been chock full of stuff like that. And it gets me every time. Argylle is no different.

Although, the overall package is more sedate than I would have expected. It takes a while to get that energy going, more than his previous films.

But, anyway, the action is ridiculous. Think of Elton John in a flowery feather outfit drop-kicking a goon at the end of Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Here there's extended bits of Elly trying to build up to crushing a bad guy's skull. There's the fight across the train where Sam Rockwell's character keeps getting switched with Henry Cavill's Argylle when Elly blinks. There's the escape from a weapons' locker where Elly and Rockwell's character rekindle their love through shooting bad guys and letting off smoke bombs that make heart shapes. It's ridiculous, in service to its romantic comedy core, and I love it.

The most ridiculous is when an oil slick develops on the lower deck of a ship, Elly shoves knives on the bottom of her boots, and then she ice-skates (oil-skates?) around killing people first with knives and then with guns. It's stupid. It's ridiculous. I found it immensely entertaining. And at the end of it...Elly's yellow dress has not one drop of black oil on it. She just has a small oil streak on the side of her face.

Is this realistic? No. Is it supposed to be? Not at all.

I'm beginning to see why people reacted so poorly to this film, to be honest. They need strict realism from their movies about supermen defeating armies by themselves. Silliness and unrealism are not allowed.

Its Place in History

Oh, don't get me wrong. This is never going to get a serious re-evaluation. This is never going to get a chapter in a book about movies in the early 21st Century. It won't even manage a footnote in a paper about AppleTV+.

However, it does seem to hold a certain representative element to parts of major trends in Hollywood right now. From the highest of levels, this is Apple trying to create a new franchise (so much sequel bait by the end) with the interesting twist that it's an original idea headed by a singular filmmaker. I don't really like the term auteur (I see it used more for gatekeeping purposes than actual dialogue), but Vaughn is distinctive when it comes to the modern landscape of action filmmakers. His action scenes are actually pretty one-of-a-kind with their embrace of the ridiculous and excess from concept through execution.

There's also this big sense that money is just being thrown around needlessly. The crux of that is the cat, Alfie, who is, as far as I can tell, 100% computer generated 100% of the time. That cat probably cost the production 7 figures alone in the budget, and it's obviously computer generated in shots where it's just being petted on a table. The whole movie has this glossy, CGI-feel to it that could have been undone with more real things in camera than fake things added in post, but the cat is just the centerpiece to it all.

It also reflects the self-perceived needs of appealing to women in the action-movie space. It's another female-led action movie, this time with a woman at the center who "looks like the audience" in not being a model of some kind, and it did poorly at the box office (less than $100 million worldwide).

So, I liked it. I think it's Vaughn's least film. I sort of get why audiences rejected it. The marketing was off. The target demo isn't that interested in action films. The actual target demo of action films could see that it shared major elements with modern action films that had grown stale to them. It's also emblematic of modern major trends in corporate filmmaking.

So...is this a plea to get people to watch it? Not really, more like a discussion jumping off point about the modern state of filmmaking with the film Argylle as a starting line.

If you have seen it, did you hate it like...seemingly the rest of the world?

Movies of Today

Opening in Theaters:

The Monkey

Cleaner

Movies I Saw This Fortnight:

Sorority Girl (Rating 2.5/4) Full Review "So, another middling overall effort that could have been more had Corman allowed more time to further address issues with the script." [Plex]

The Saga of the Viking Women and Their Voyage to the Waters of the Great Sea Serpent (Rating 1.5/4) Full Review "There are a couple of decent performances from Devon and Cabot, but they're very much in the background for most of the film. I didn't hate it, but this film ain't good." [YouTube]

War of the Satellites (Rating 3/4) Full Review "I surprisingly enjoyed this film a good bit. It's still silly with holes, but it functions well enough and entertained me throughout. Really, Corman's best film so far." [YouTube]

Machine-Gun Kelly (Rating 3/4) Full Review "This is probably Corman's most serious and accomplished work to date. It's still a bit messy, needing another rewrite and more time to fill out side characters, but the core is solid, helped in no small part by a pair of accomplished central performances from Cabot and Bronson." [Prime]

She Gods of Shark Reef (Rating 0.5/4) Full Review "So, it's a wet squib of a film. Characters are too thin. Actors are too bland. Situations are too rote." [Prime]

A Bucket of Blood (Rating 3/4) Full Review "This brisk 62-minute long film was Corman essentially just goofing around with his friends and a small amount of cash, and it revealed where Corman's strengths lied. It wasn't in traditional storytelling or modes of production, but in working on the edges of the film industry to just...see what he could do." [Prime]

House of Usher (Rating 3.5/4) Full Review "Really, this is fun, Corman using his skills and crew in its most effective way possible. This is just quality entertainment." [YouTube]

The Little Shop of Horrors (Rating 3/4) Full Review "It's not a long, deep, or challenging film. It's light fun that's over pretty quickly, understands its assignment and accomplishes it well. The unevenness of the comedy hurts it slightly, but it's mostly a breeze of a fun time." [Prime]

Contact

Email any suggestions or questions to thejamesmadison.aos at symbol gmail dot com.
I've also archived all the old posts here, by request. I'll add new posts a week after they originally post at the HQ.

My next post will be on 3/15, and it will be about the directing career of Sergei Eisenstein.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at 07:45 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good evening everyone

Posted by: Skip at February 22, 2025 07:46 PM (fwDg9)

2 I dunno. I think Bryce Dallas Howard is kind of hot.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 07:48 PM (bss/y)

3 FRIST!!!

Posted by: Miflin at February 22, 2025 07:50 PM (aA6YN)

4 Yeah but shes kind of frumpy in this one

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 07:50 PM (dJR17)

5 Argyle was ok. I liked it well enough for a fluffy, shallow plotted movie.

Posted by: lin-duh at February 22, 2025 07:51 PM (WnEm5)

6 The little shop link goes to Teenage Dolls

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 22, 2025 07:51 PM (gbOdA)

7 Movie Sign!

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at February 22, 2025 07:52 PM (b294k)

8 Its kind of a movie, but its not over the top enough

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 07:52 PM (dJR17)

9 Thanks, TJM! Did not see "Argylle." Never even heard of it. I did see some of the Corman movies.

"a discussion jumping off point about the modern state of filmmaking"

I got nuthin.

Posted by: Peel gp A Jackfruit at February 22, 2025 07:52 PM (ou6Ku)

10 Your war of the satellites links to apache woman

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 07:53 PM (dJR17)

11 Most spy thrillers these days seem to be kind of shit. I watched the Mr and Mrs Smith series (or about half of it) on Amazon.

The thing about it was... I am not sure what they were going for. They made it so real and kind of a true to life for two people caught up in a secret organization that it completely fell apart for me. Wow, lets follow their relationship. Ok, they're both retards. That's realistic.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 07:53 PM (bss/y)

12 Moviegique mentions from last week:

"Colossus The Forbin Project" (1970) My first rewatch since VCR days. I like it a lot better now.

"Derr Herr der Welt" (1934) The props and sets are cool, and I liked the fact that it had a happy ending.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 07:54 PM (ou6Ku)

13 Yeah layer cake was really good, one of craigs best

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 07:54 PM (dJR17)

14 "Flight Risk" (2025) No sir. I don't like it.
youtube.com/watch?v=cDGlN6mluGA

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs, Guest Hosted By Mister Horse at February 22, 2025 07:54 PM (ou6Ku)

15 6 The little shop link goes to Teenage Dolls

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 22, 2025 07:51 PM (gbOdA)

==

Gosh darn it. Hard to fix links on a phone...

Anyway, I think I fixed it.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 07:55 PM (GBKbO)

16 4 Yeah but shes kind of frumpy in this one
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 07:50 PM (dJR17)

https://tinyurl.com/bddz5xre

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 07:55 PM (bss/y)

17 IMDB links all go to different movies.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at February 22, 2025 07:56 PM (klJTj)

18 Klaus Kinski can be difficult:
youtube.com/watch?v=s49JBkwc-2Y

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 07:56 PM (ou6Ku)

19 I almost watched Argylle on the cruise I took over New Year's; the premise seemed interesting at a distance, and I have a soft spot for Bryce Dallas Howard; she's somewhere between #3 and #5 on my list of favorite ginger actresses. (It will be a cold day in Hell before anyone dethrones Karen Gillan.) But no one else was interested and I didn't want to ditch them, so no.

So I can't comment on the review too much. I did think it was a little unclear as to who the main character was supposed to be, and what the point of the action was, so I can see why it didn't get much traction. But what I took to be the premise--best-selling spy author is assumed to be connected with intel work herself and gets caught up in something she's not ready for--sounded fun from a distance. Too bad it didn't work out.

Posted by: Dr. T at February 22, 2025 07:57 PM (lHPJf)

20 "Get Smart," the TV show, is hilarious. Would you believe, darn funny? Would you believe, pretty amusing throughout?

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 22, 2025 07:57 PM (CHHv1)

21 Black doves was pretty good it had soms of those identity issues so is the agency which is an ech clooney/sobebergh project

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 07:57 PM (dJR17)

22 20 Don Adams was a well-regarded WWII vet, IIRC.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 07:58 PM (ou6Ku)

23 Klaus Kinski directed one movie, "Paganini." He wanted Werner Herzog to direct it, but Herzog told him the script was unfilmable. I've seen it--Herzog was right.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 22, 2025 07:59 PM (CHHv1)

24 It had Sam Rockwell in it so it had to have something good about it.

Speaking of Rockwell I recommend his movie Seven Psychopaths.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 07:59 PM (VofaG)

25 20 "Get Smart," the TV show, is hilarious. Would you believe, darn funny? Would you believe, pretty amusing throughout?
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 22, 2025 07:57 PM (CHHv1)

William Powell to Don Adams: 'Hey! You're that guy who sounds like me!'

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 07:59 PM (bss/y)

26 Most spy thrillers these days seem to be kind of shit. I watched the Mr and Mrs Smith series (or about half of it) on Amazon.

The thing about it was... I am not sure what they were going for. They made it so real and kind of a true to life for two people caught up in a secret organization that it completely fell apart for me. Wow, lets follow their relationship. Ok, they're both retards. That's realistic.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 07:53 PM (bss/y)

CBS tried to do a remake of "True Lies" a year or two ago, and it crashed and burned almost immediately. I watched the premiere and was not surprised. The main characters acted pretty, well, retarded.

Posted by: Dr. T at February 22, 2025 07:59 PM (lHPJf)

27 Oh that was a crazy one but walken steals seven psychopaths from rockwell

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:00 PM (dJR17)

28 So who thinks a movie like this is worth backing and make?

Posted by: Skip at February 22, 2025 08:01 PM (fwDg9)

29 Get Smart the movie was surprisingly good IMO.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:01 PM (VofaG)

30 I think I fixed all the imdb links. Sorry about that.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:01 PM (GBKbO)

31 "Herzog told him the script was unfilmable"

That's why KK called him! Herzog is at the top of the Film The Unfilmable List. (Or is that von Trier? One of those guys.)

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 08:02 PM (ou6Ku)

32 Oh that was a crazy one but walken steals seven psychopaths from rockwell
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:00 PM (dJR17)

I think everyone was top notch. Even the minor character actors.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:03 PM (VofaG)

33 Klaus Kinski directed one movie, "Paganini." He wanted Werner Herzog to direct it, but Herzog told him the script was unfilmable. I've seen it--Herzog was right.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 22, 2025 07:59 PM (CHHv1)

And if Werner Herzog says something is unfilmable, it must be really bad.

Posted by: Dr. T at February 22, 2025 08:03 PM (lHPJf)

34 29 Get Smart the movie was surprisingly good IMO.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:01 PM (VofaG)

====

Of the three I mentioned, Get Smart is my favorite. I've owned it for years and watch it with some surprising regularity.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:03 PM (GBKbO)

35 29 Get Smart the movie was surprisingly good IMO.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:01 PM (VofaG)

Anne Hathaway might be a loon, but I have liked her in what I have seen. Smoky.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:03 PM (bss/y)

36 Yes they made the spy character in true lies sorry for having blown up the terrorist compound

Gets smart couldnt decide if it was comic or serious (routines about chechnya)

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:03 PM (dJR17)

37 I had a similar reaction to the Mission Impossible movie that bombed a couple years ago (more than a couple?). I've seen the other MI movies, and generally enjoyed the slick production, the impossible action, the double crossings, etc.

But turned this one off after about 20 minutes. It's almost 3 hours long! For Pete's sake, enough already.

Frankly, I don't think it's the movie's fault. I'm just done with that crap. Same thing when they were trying to continue making Die Hard movies, or Terminator movies, or any of these things. I'm done. I don't care how good or bad they are.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:04 PM (lH8E4)

38 I've been disappointed by Matthew Vaughn since the promise he showed with Layer Cake. Everything he's done since then is kind of a spoof or fantasy. Nothing that takes itself seriously. So I don't take them seriously either.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at February 22, 2025 08:05 PM (klJTj)

39 The most surprisingly really good Comedy spy movie is Spy with Melissa McCarthy.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:06 PM (VofaG)

40 Frankly, I don't think it's the movie's fault. I'm just done with that crap. Same thing when they were trying to continue making Die Hard movies, or Terminator movies, or any of these things. I'm done. I don't care how good or bad they are.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:04 PM (lH8E4)

I had a similar reaction, then went back and watched Fallout again. Still a good movie.

Something about the most recent one feels wrong. Disconnected villain. No sense of stakes. Predictable. 'Hey we are swapping out this one hot redhead for this smoking hot brunette! (the redhead has another movie deal.)

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:06 PM (bss/y)

41 https://tinyurl.com/bddz5xre
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 07:55 PM (bss/y)

Holy moly!

Posted by: Disinterested FDA Director at February 22, 2025 08:07 PM (l3YAf)

42 The woman who played Bonnie Kelly, Charlie Kelly's mother in Sunny has passed away.

She also played The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land in Pee Wee Herman's show. Miss Yvonne.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at February 22, 2025 08:07 PM (b294k)

43 I dunno. I think Bryce Dallas Howard is kind of hot.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 07:48 PM (bss/y)

She's cute when she's under 130 lbs. Anything over, she's a frump.

Same as the one everyone makes such a big deal about Christina Hendricks.

Sorry laydees, you want to be on film. Lose some weight.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:07 PM (YUV/S)

44 >>>I think I fixed all the imdb links.

Thanks!

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at February 22, 2025 08:07 PM (klJTj)

45 Kingsman does riff on bond in ways you really cant do.

Seven psychopaths was surprisingly good better than pulp fiction!

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:08 PM (dJR17)

46 If I want Romancing the Stone, I’ll watch Romancing the Stone.

Sam Rockwell is great but he ain’t no Michael Douglas in his prime. And I sure I don’t need to mention Bryce Howard compared to Kathleen Turner, LOL.

I was 16 years when RtS came out and it was sold as Indiana Jones with some good comedy. That’s what I remember, that and Douglas sliding down the mountain to a face/muff shot on Turner. After that I wanted to go to South America and catch some birds for a living.

Posted by: MAGA_Ken at February 22, 2025 08:08 PM (BUhak)

47 Something about the most recent one feels wrong. Disconnected villain. No sense of stakes. Predictable. 'Hey we are swapping out this one hot redhead for this smoking hot brunette! (the redhead has another movie deal.)
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:06 PM (bss/y)

Rebecca Ferguson is a redhead? *squints*

More broadly, though, I agree; "disconnected" is maybe the best way to describe Dead Reckoning. Still liked it, but it was a bit off.

Posted by: Dr. T at February 22, 2025 08:09 PM (lHPJf)

48 40 Something about the most recent one feels wrong. Disconnected villain. No sense of stakes. Predictable. 'Hey we are swapping out this one hot redhead for this smoking hot brunette! (the redhead has another movie deal.)
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:06 PM

===

Ferguson was actually irritated with the long production times on the MI movies. She made a season of Silo (I think, some apple show at least) between when she shot her stuff for Dead Reckoning and the film's release. And the season of Silo released before Dead Reckoning.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:09 PM (GBKbO)

49 I liked the new Star Trek movie. Michell Yeoh is great in it.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 22, 2025 08:09 PM (RIvkX)

50 "Get Smart," the TV show, is hilarious. Would you believe, darn funny? Would you believe, pretty amusing throughout?
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 22, 2025 07:57 PM (CHHv1)

Yeah, I think TJM needs to stop everything else he's doing, and watch the whole series.

Everything. Write the Constitution later, go watch now.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:09 PM (YUV/S)

51 45 Kingsman does riff on bond in ways you really cant do.

Seven psychopaths was surprisingly good better than pulp fiction!
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:08 PM (dJR17)

===

Vaughn would make the best Roger Moore Bond film ever.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:10 PM (GBKbO)

52 50 Everything. Write the Constitution later, go watch now.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:09 PM (YUV/S)

=====

But I haven't even finished the Virginia Plan yet!

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:11 PM (GBKbO)

53 Rebecca Ferguson is a redhead? *squints*

Posted by: Dr. T at February 22, 2025 08:09 PM (lHPJf)

What, are we gonna argue balls and strikes here?

https://tinyurl.com/mrxz6ex4

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:11 PM (bss/y)

54 Thx TJM. Haven't seen Argyle, but I liked Vaughan's Kingsmen movies.
Always liked Corman's stuff. House of Usher was a good movie by any standard. Was reading about Susan Cabot who was in several of his movies. Her death sounded like something from one of his films. She suffered from mental illness and woke up in a manic state. She attacked her son who was dwarf and he beat her to death with a weight lifting bar. Can't make that up

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:12 PM (cMcMn)

55 MST3K did the Viking Women movie.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 22, 2025 08:12 PM (63Dwl)

56 The House of Usher is a great film. We watch it almost every year for our October horror movie fest at home.

Posted by: MAGA_Ken at February 22, 2025 08:12 PM (BUhak)

57
Don Adams served at Guadalcanal. Seriously injured.

Posted by: Auspex at February 22, 2025 08:12 PM (j4U/Z)

58 I'm watching "America America", about a young Greek man from Anatolia in the 1890's and his hustle and drive to get to America.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 22, 2025 08:14 PM (kpS4V)

59 The Church scene in The Kingsman ruined an otherwise good movie for me. Like he was trying to balance out going after Lefty environmentalists. Also the anal promise by the Princess. Unnecessary.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:14 PM (VofaG)

60 What, are we gonna argue balls and strikes here?

https://tinyurl.com/mrxz6ex4
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:11 PM (bss/y)

I know where I want my balls to strike.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:15 PM (YUV/S)

61 Going to watch Sonic 3 tonight. I’ve seen the first two and I hear #3 is better.

Posted by: MAGA_Ken at February 22, 2025 08:15 PM (BUhak)

62 Yes i know but they are supposed to be Westboro Baptists the Brits are still oikophobic

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:16 PM (dJR17)

63 Also the anal promise by the Princess. Unnecessary.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:14 PM (VofaG)

If by unnecessary you mean absolutely the most important thing in the entire film, then yes.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:16 PM (YUV/S)

64 Get Smart had Mel Brooks and Buck Henry as it's writers in the series. Hysterical silly stuff.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:16 PM (cMcMn)

65 She also played The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppet Land in Pee Wee Herman's show. Miss Yvonne.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at February 22, 2025 08:07 PM (b294k)

Lynne Marie Stewart

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at February 22, 2025 08:16 PM (/HDaX)

66

You could redact 95% of this and still say nothing.

Posted by: Just Sayin... at February 22, 2025 08:16 PM (MscVD)

67 66

You could redact 95% of this and still say nothing.
Posted by: Just Sayin... at February 22, 2025 08:16 PM

======

K.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:17 PM (GBKbO)

68 I love Vaughans over the top ridiculous action the Kingsman trilogy are among my most rewatchable movies. I think Layer Cake is a massively overlooked movie. And Stardust is a hidden gem. This movie was ... fine. It seemed to me like a hemmed in Vaughan that only got to show himself in the action scenes, which were hilariously great.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:17 PM (MGB5H)

69 Yes i know but they are supposed to be Westboro Baptists the Brits are still oikophobic
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:16 PM (dJR17)

I doubt Vaughn knows who the Westboro Baptist are.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:17 PM (VofaG)

70 Don Adams was a Guadalcanal Marine who went stateside because of malaria, but then became a DI. I can see that.

Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 08:19 PM (bDNzX)

71 K.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:17 PM (GBKbO)

Everything is meaningless. Everyone knows this.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:19 PM (YUV/S)

72 Going to watch Sonic 3 tonight. I’ve seen the first two and I hear #3 is better.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at February 22, 2025 08:15 PM (BUhak)

Sonic 3 is sooooooo damn fun

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:19 PM (MGB5H)

73 69 Yes i know but they are supposed to be Westboro Baptists the Brits are still oikophobic
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:16 PM (dJR17)

I doubt Vaughn knows who the Westboro Baptist are.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:17 PM (VofaG)

They were stand ins for scary fundamentalist christians. Seventh Day Adventists, etc.

Odd, I always wondered at the 'fundamentalist' appellation getting tacked there as I first heard it to describe kind of bomby and suicidal Muslims.

Never heard of Holy Rollers bombing buses.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:20 PM (bss/y)

74 Don Adams was a Guadalcanal Marine who went stateside because of malaria, but then became a DI. I can see that.
Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 08:19 PM (bDNzX)

That's it, drop and give me 20!

Would you believe, 10?

Ok, how about you pick up that gum wrapper, and we call it a day.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:20 PM (YUV/S)

75 71
Everything is meaningless. Everyone knows this.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:19 PM (YUV/S)

===

Real men live like a hermit and only entertain themselves by delving deeper into Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:21 PM (GBKbO)

76 You could redact 95% of this and still say nothing.
Posted by: Just Sayin... at February 22, 2025 08:16 PM (MscVD)

A post critiquing a disorganized and aimless mess might have a tendency to be disorganized and aimless just in describing it.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:21 PM (bss/y)

77 Operation Fortune had similar beats but it got sandbagged because it had the wrong villains at the time of release

Cavills got to get a better agent

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:21 PM (dJR17)

78 I liked Stardust. From a book written by sex thug Neil Gaiman. I thought Deniro was miscast and mailing it in

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:22 PM (cMcMn)

79 K.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:17 PM (GBKbO)

Everything is meaningless. Everyone knows this.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:19 PM (YUV/S)

Think I'll have another beer.

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at February 22, 2025 08:22 PM (/HDaX)

80 Odd, I always wondered at the 'fundamentalist' appellation getting tacked there as I first heard it to describe kind of bomby and suicidal Muslims.

Never heard of Holy Rollers bombing buses.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:20 PM (bss/y)

It's like making a movie today, and having a dispute with an
Asian superpower. If you put the Japs in the film, nobody complains. Put another nation of little yellow folks, and everyone in Hollowood freaks the F out.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:22 PM (YUV/S)

81 Started watchin new episodes of [Reacher on Amazon last night. Not good, IMO.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at February 22, 2025 08:22 PM (mH6SG)

82 Real men live like a hermit and only entertain themselves by delving deeper into Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:21 PM (GBKbO)

"As you kiss your son good night, whisper to yourself, “He may be dead in the morning.”"

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:22 PM (bss/y)

83 If you promise a romantic comedy you better follow through or else you end up in blake lively zone

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:23 PM (dJR17)

84 Real men live like a hermit and only entertain themselves by delving deeper into Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:21 PM (GBKbO)

I gave away all my possessions.

Except this lamp.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:23 PM (YUV/S)

85 81 Started watchin new episodes of [Reacher on Amazon last night. Not good, IMO.
Posted by: Notorious BFD at February 22, 2025 08:22 PM (mH6SG)

I stopped partway through season 2 even though Swan was hot. I dunno, it felt... off.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:24 PM (bss/y)

86 @71, 75 , also porn

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:24 PM (cMcMn)

87 So everything is spoken by werner herzog

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:24 PM (dJR17)

88 House of Usher is a delight, but the one that did it for me was Pit and the Pendulum. Yeah, I think some of the plot stuff doesn't work and a couple of the cast members are more than a tad wooden, but I don't care. That flick worked for me when I was a kid seeing it in the theater, and it still does. Price is fun as always, the finale with the pendulum is still edge of the seat stuff and the closing shot is still a bone-chiller. YMMV.

And Corman's The Intruder, from the Charles Beaumont novel and starring a pre-Kirk William Shatner still holds up nicely too.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 22, 2025 08:24 PM (q3u5l)

89 I gave away all my possessions.

Except this lamp.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:23 PM (YUV/S)

UHF!

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:25 PM (bss/y)

90 I watched Zero Day on Netflix with a friend last night. Low and behold Ribert DiNero plays the Preezy Robert DiZero. Stinks looks goofy as Preezy

Posted by: I I'm gumby damn it! at February 22, 2025 08:25 PM (w4nzS)

91 Yes Lee child is a real lefty but they fail to follow through with the series

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:25 PM (dJR17)

92 Looks like my keyboard skills have been a tad influenced by adult beverages. Heh.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at February 22, 2025 08:25 PM (mH6SG)

93 Started watchin new episodes of [Reacher on Amazon last night. Not good, IMO.
Posted by: Notorious BFD at February 22, 2025 08:22 PM (mH6SG)

The silly ninny actor went after Matt Gaetz (they went to the same high school). Gaetz replied, saying he has no idea what the guy is talking about. They were both on the debate team, and the actor dude wasn't very good at it, but otherwise, the only thing he remembers about the guy is he was generally nice.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:26 PM (YUV/S)

94 Season one was good then they lost the plot

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:26 PM (dJR17)

95 Zoetropes!

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 22, 2025 08:26 PM (hY4dx)

96 Also the anal promise by the Princess. Unnecessary.
Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth

Odd, coming from the gayest commentator ever...

Posted by: Just Sayin... at February 22, 2025 08:26 PM (MscVD)

97 My favorite Max interaction quote is something I still use frequently. On topic to the movie thread.

Max giving password phrase to secret entrance.

Max: Who wrote Little Women ?

Guard: The book or the screenplay?

Max: There was a book?

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at February 22, 2025 08:26 PM (VofaG)

98 Zero day was written by a weinstein drone well they all were at one time

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:27 PM (dJR17)

99 86 @71, 75 , also porn
Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:24 PM (cMcMn)

Naturally.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:27 PM (YUV/S)

100 I stopped partway through season 2 even though Swan was hot. I dunno, it felt... off.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:24 PM (bss/y)

Season 2 was based off, imo, the worst book. I haven't started this one yet but it's a good book

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:27 PM (MGB5H)

101 First time I saw Blake Lively was in the first Bourne film. I thought she was good looking but I didn't believe she was a Russian

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:28 PM (cMcMn)

102 Yes don adams had great comedic timing with the dead pan

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:28 PM (dJR17)

103 94 Season one was good then they lost the plot
Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:26 PM (dJR17)

I was surprised as hell they had nudity. ANY nudity in modern film or TV is like a relic from a bygone era.

The first season was pretty good. He was capable and credible. The characterizations were decent, but it was also predictable. Reacher is kind of a swiss army character. Not quite a 'Mary Sue' but the same kind of energy (although one could argue so is James Bond.)

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:29 PM (bss/y)

104 Season 2 was based off, imo, the worst book. I haven't started this one yet but it's a good book
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:27 PM (MGB5H)

Huh. Might give it a chance then.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:29 PM (bss/y)

105 Seven Psychopaths was pretty good, but I thought In Bruges was fantastic. (Same director, Martin McDonagh.)

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 22, 2025 08:29 PM (CHHv1)

106 First time I saw Blake Lively was in the first Bourne film. I thought she was good looking but I didn't believe she was a Russian
Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:28 PM (cMcMn)

I don't think I would kick her out of bed for it.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:31 PM (YUV/S)

107 Blake lively wasnt in any bourne she was in rhythm section (which did not fit the character)

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:32 PM (dJR17)

108 I don't think I would kick her out of bed for it.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:31 PM (YUV/S)

You 'might' have to kick Ryan Reynolds out though.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:32 PM (bss/y)

109 They invented characters in season 2

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 22, 2025 08:32 PM (dJR17)

110 I don't think I would kick her out of bed for it.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:31 PM (YUV/S)

You 'might' have to kick Ryan Reynolds out though.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:32 PM (bss/y)

Maybe. We'll see how the night is going.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:33 PM (YUV/S)

111 Cliff Notes ... the movie sucked, and nobody not fixated on movies like paintings would think anything other than it sucked.

Posted by: Shorter Answer at February 22, 2025 08:36 PM (5m/ZZ)

112 111 Cliff Notes ... the movie sucked, and nobody not fixated on movies like paintings would think anything other than it sucked.
Posted by: Shorter Answer at February 22, 2025 08:36 PM (5m/ZZ)

====

K.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:37 PM (GBKbO)

113 but I thought In Bruges was fantastic. (Same director, Martin McDonagh.)
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 22, 2025 08:29 PM (CHHv1)

That film surprised me. I was expecting something much different. Gleeson and Farrel were outstanding.

Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 08:37 PM (bDNzX)

114 K.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:37 PM (GBKbO)

You may be in a Misery situation here.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:39 PM (bss/y)

115 114 You may be in a Misery situation here.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:39 PM

===

It's obvious that people are angry that I have dedicated time away from my studies of ancient philosophy.

I am truly ashamed.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:40 PM (GBKbO)

116 When you have to write than many paragraphs to say - don't look at how you liked it, but look at all it took to put it together ?

Yeah. It sucked.

Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:40 PM (5m/ZZ)

117 I am truly ashamed.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:40 PM (GBKbO)

Just stay out of the Hemlock tea.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:41 PM (bss/y)

118 I think Don Adams Magnum opus is his work as Tennessee Tuxedo.

Posted by: Minuteman at February 22, 2025 08:41 PM (bMcfj)

119 116 When you have to write than many paragraphs to say - don't look at how you liked it, but look at all it took to put it together ?

Yeah. It sucked.
Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:40 PM (5m/ZZ)

====

K.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:41 PM (GBKbO)

120 In general, I like Vaughn movies, but "Argylle" just fell flat.

I saw it without know too much about it beyond the trailers and commercials, so it felt like a huge bait and switch. but even then I might've gone along with it (you know, suspension of disbelief and all that) if-

and yeah, I'll just say it-

I could never buy into Bryce Dallas Howard beyond being a fat, dumpy, frumpy, egg-shaped hausfrau.

She might've been a danger to a quart of Chocolate Strawberry Thundercrunch Ice Cream, but that's about it.

Or, I suppose she might've called for the manager in Dillard's but that's about it.

I got tired of the movie way before it ended.

And the oil skating...oy!...my eyes rolled out of my head and went to Jack in the Box for some tacos during that sequence.

For me it was a total failure.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 08:41 PM (iJfKG)

121 I think Don Adams Magnum opus is his work as Tennessee Tuxedo.
Posted by: Minuteman at February 22, 2025 08:41 PM (bMcfj)

What about Inspector Gadget?

Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 08:42 PM (bDNzX)

122 I'm a big fan of Bob Guccione. But if he took that same jelly, smeared it on the lens - and took pics of Amy Schumer ?

Yeah. The pictures are awful. I won't waste time talking about the brilliant smearing of jelly by Bob Guccione.

Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:42 PM (5m/ZZ)

123 K.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:37 PM (GBKbO)

You may be in a Misery situation here.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:39 PM (bss/y)

It's just like in Amadeus, when the emperor complains about too many notes.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:42 PM (YUV/S)

124 122 I'm a big fan of Bob Guccione. But if he took that same jelly, smeared it on the lens - and took pics of Amy Schumer ?

Yeah. The pictures are awful. I won't waste time talking about the brilliant smearing of jelly by Bob Guccione.
Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:42 PM (5m/ZZ)

I dunno, there is some seminal work there.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:43 PM (bss/y)

125 A bit off topic, apologize. Is there a blog that rates movies and shows for Woke (Woke being bad). Live in Krazyfornia, most shows recommended by folks I know are unwatchable.

Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at February 22, 2025 08:43 PM (WvGHv)

126 Recommended:

"The Arctic Convoy", about a Norwegian ship trying to make it to Murmansk after the escorts pull away.

"Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" -- funny, poignant, and terrific animation.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 22, 2025 08:43 PM (kpS4V)

127 Blake Lively was in The Town

Posted by: Don Black. Message: inka dinka do at February 22, 2025 08:44 PM (AOsQT)

128 B. D. Howard is very good-looking woman. So what if she's not whisper thin and ropy.

I like her way more than Jessica Chastain, whom I find detestable.

Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 08:45 PM (bDNzX)

129
"Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" -- funny, poignant, and terrific animation.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 22, 2025 08:43 PM (kpS4V)

Yes!
That was surprisingly good.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 08:45 PM (iJfKG)

130 @107 damn you're correct . The actress was in the Bourne Supremacy and she was named Oksana Akashina. Looks just like Lively

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:45 PM (cMcMn)

131 125 A bit off topic, apologize. Is there a blog that rates movies and shows for Woke (Woke being bad). Live in Krazyfornia, most shows recommended by folks I know are unwatchable.
Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at February 22, 2025 08:43 PM (WvGHv)

Tons of ewetub channels.

Several results came up when I typed in 'rating tv shows by woke level' into bing. Never used any of them.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:45 PM (bss/y)

132 I like her way more than Jessica Chastain, whom I find detestable.
Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 08:45 PM (bDNzX)

Bryce at least looks like she knows how to make a sandwich.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:46 PM (bss/y)

133 "The Arctic Convoy" (2023) added to my list, thanks!
youtube.com/watch?v=2TpueMZtC04

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 08:46 PM (ou6Ku)

134 Tennessee Tuxedo was an educational program.

Posted by: Phineas J. Whoopee at February 22, 2025 08:46 PM (63Dwl)

135 Guys, just look at all it took to put the original Dune together. Anybody watch it more than once just because the first time through was that damn enjoyable ?

Movies should be judged the same as Modern Art. If you have to talk to me that much about how I should like it ? It sucks.

Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:47 PM (5m/ZZ)

136 That film surprised me. I was expecting something much different. Gleeson and Farrel were outstanding.
Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 08:37 PM (bDNzX)

While I agree with TJM that actors cattle, Colin Ferrell is someone who always delivers in any type of roll. Look at in Bruges, his guest appearance in scrubs, the penguin for some very disparate examples.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:48 PM (MGB5H)

137
135 Guys, just look at all it took to put the original Dune together. Anybody watch it more than once just because the first time through was that damn enjoyable ?

Movies should be judged the same as Modern Art. If you have to talk to me that much about how I should like it ? It sucks.
Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:47 PM (5m/ZZ)

====

K.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:48 PM (GBKbO)

138 In Bruges is a great movie. Farrell an Gleason were a great pair. Haven't seen The Banshees of Inisheran but I read it's not as good

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:48 PM (cMcMn)

139 Blake Lively was in The Town
Posted by: Don Black. Message: inka dinka do at February 22, 2025 08:44 PM (AOsQT)M

Yes she was. And I know that girl.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:48 PM (MGB5H)

140 Bryce Dallas Howard. Red-head. Cross-eyed Mary. Good enough for me.

Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at February 22, 2025 08:48 PM (MZ+PY)

141 135 TJM said "So...is this a plea to get people to watch it? Not really,?"

So he's not telling you to like it. Carp about something else.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 08:49 PM (ou6Ku)

142 136 While I agree with TJM that actors cattle, Colin Ferrell is someone who always delivers in any type of roll. Look at in Bruges, his guest appearance in scrubs, the penguin for some very disparate examples.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:48 PM

====

I don't care about actors. I think the movie star is a fake concept.

But there are good and bad actors. Farrel is a good 'un.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:49 PM (GBKbO)

143 Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" -- funny, poignant, and terrific animation.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 22, 2025 08:43 PM (kpS4V)

I'll see that and I'll raise you The Wild Robot

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:49 PM (MGB5H)

144 You watch the Lynch Dune because it's like eating the worm after guzzling a whole bottle of spice tequila. It's trip-a-delic, baby!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 22, 2025 08:50 PM (kpS4V)

145 Guys, just look at all it took to put the original Dune together. Anybody watch it more than once just because the first time through was that damn enjoyable ?

Yes!

I enjoy that movie a lot. It winds up on my TV screen at least once a year.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 08:50 PM (iJfKG)

146 If The Horde has an auteur, it must be Ridley Scott.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at February 22, 2025 08:50 PM (a3Q+t)

147 "Colin Ferrell is someone who always delivers in any type of roll."

He can do just about any regional accent well. Very impressive.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 08:50 PM (ou6Ku)

148 The Last Emperor - The scope and execution of this work recalls the grand 1960s epics. The sets are breathtaking. The acting is first rate. The direction juggles all the balls with skill. If there is nick here is there is so much to tell that sometimes you are lost a bit in the events. I would recommend reading up before watching.

10 Cloverfield Lane. I hit this cold knowing nothing about the cast or the plots. John Goodman is John Goodman which is a good thing here. Totally enjoyed it.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. All the Ardman movies are masterpieces of stop animation. Minutes in these imamate clay blobs become real characters where you cheer for the heroes and boo the villains. Sappy? Yeah. Dopey? Yeah? But who cares? The are gloriously charming. Totally recommend it.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at February 22, 2025 08:50 PM (Q8Bj8)

149 146 If The Horde has an auteur, it must be Ridley Scott.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at February 22, 2025 08:50 PM (a3Q+t)

===

Nah.

Neil Breen.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:50 PM (GBKbO)

150 Colin Ferrell is someone who always delivers in any type of roll. Look at in Bruges, his guest appearance in scrubs, the penguin for some very disparate examples.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:48 PM (MGB5H)

The first film I saw him in was Tigerland. kind of an under-the-radar movie, but damn, he was intense.

Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 08:51 PM (bDNzX)

151 In Bruges is a great movie. Farrell an Gleason were a great pair. Haven't seen The Banshees of Inisheran but I read it's not as good
Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:48 PM (cMcMn)

I love banshees. But wholly hell is it depressing.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:51 PM (MGB5H)

152 I watched "The Gorge" and really enjoyed it this last week.

Also watched "Greyhound," the WW2 US Navy convoy escort movie starring Tom Hanks, who also wrote the screenplay. Really thought they did a good job on the technical details. Made me miss (a little bit, anyway) being out at sea. I thought it was excellent, despite starring someone who undoubtedly is on the Epstein list.

Gonna watch the first few eps of the 3rd Season of Reacher this coming week.

Posted by: Sharkman at February 22, 2025 08:52 PM (/RHNq)

153 I don't care about actors. I think the movie star is a fake concept.

But there are good and bad actors. Farrel is a good 'un.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:49 PM (GBKbO)

Sure, Jan. Then what would you call a consistently good actor who stars in a line of very good films?

Just because we do not have good examples these days does not invalidate the concept.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (bss/y)

154 Neil Breen.
Posted by: TJM's phone

Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!!

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (Q8Bj8)

155 The first film I saw him in was Tigerland. kind of an under-the-radar movie, but damn, he was intense.
Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 08:51 PM (bDNzX)

Absolutely. That's another one

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (MGB5H)

156 @148 even the extended directors cut of The Last Emperor was amazing

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (cMcMn)

157 I don't care about actors. I think the movie star is a fake concept.

But there are good and bad actors. Farrel is a good 'un.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:49 PM (GBKbO)

"The Killing Of a Sacred Deer" is a superb film, and I applaud both him and Kidman for taking the roles.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (iKVbK)

158 You watch the Lynch Dune because it's like eating the worm after guzzling a whole bottle of spice tequila. It's trip-a-delic, baby!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 22, 2025 08:50 PM (kpS4V)

I want a crossover movie between Lynch's "DUNE" and "Zardoz".

Make it so Hollywood!

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (iJfKG)

159 Now - if we're talking cinematic classics ? Celebrity Deathmatch. Seinfeld vs The Cast. Right up there with anything out of Hollywood in years.

Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:54 PM (5m/ZZ)

160 I watched "The Gorge" and really enjoyed it this last week

======

I'll admit that I am biased because I like Anya Taylor joy. But I agree that was a good watch.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:54 PM (MGB5H)

161 I want a crossover movie between Lynch's "DUNE" and "Zardoz".

Make it so Hollywood!
Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (iJfKG)

Wasn't that Highlander 2?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:54 PM (bss/y)

162 Nah.

Neil Breen.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:50 PM

"Despite that, Neil Breen's films are generally perceived as very bad and amateurish features due to their poor production value and bad writing, acting, and editing. It's very likely that Breen gained a lot of fame due to this perception."
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Hein

Posted by: Duncanthrax at February 22, 2025 08:55 PM (a3Q+t)

163 Sydney Sweeney is remaking Barbarella.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:55 PM (MGB5H)

164 I want a crossover movie between Lynch's "DUNE" and "Zardoz".

Make it so Hollywood!

So a chic in it ? Lame and Gay ? It already has two out of three. Three out of three for Dune.

Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:55 PM (5m/ZZ)

165 153 Sure, Jan. Then what would you call a consistently good actor who stars in a line of very good films?

Just because we do not have good examples these days does not invalidate the concept.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (bss/y)

====

The movie star is supposed to be able to open films financially based on their name alone.

At best, there are actors, when combined with the right concept, can help sell a movie. However, take them out of that concept, and it all falls apart.

It's not about good or bad. It's about money. You don't pay someone $20 million just because you think they're good. You do that because you think their presence will lead to multiples, an ROI, if you will.

However, there are way too many examples of big stars being in movies failing to deliver at the box office when it's just...the wrong type of movie. Steve McQueen in Junior Brown, for instance.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:56 PM (GBKbO)

166 There's talk that if someone had seen the script and just said "now make this a SF story without any Highlander references" then H2 wouldn't have been such a deuce.

Posted by: gKWVE at February 22, 2025 08:56 PM (gKWVE)

167 Sure, Jan. Then what would you call a consistently good actor who stars in a line of very good films?

Just because we do not have good examples these days does not invalidate the concept.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (bss/y)

For me, the concept of the movie star goes back to when studios churned out content, with the expectation fans of certain stars would come out to see anything with that guy or gal in it.

The closest thing we have to that today is not the movie star, but the "cinematic universe." Which is now dying too, because Hollowood is run by idiots.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:56 PM (iKVbK)

168 @142 TJM, "movie stars" existed in the past when it was just movies and the beginning of TV. John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe were stars. Now with so many choices of platforms the concept is pretty much gone.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:57 PM (cMcMn)

169 Ferrell was good in The Gentlemen.

Posted by: davidt at February 22, 2025 08:57 PM (i0F8b)

170 I want a crossover movie between Lynch's "DUNE" and "Zardoz".

Make it so Hollywood!

So a chic in it ? Lame and Gay ? It already has two out of three. Three out of three for Dune.
Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:55 PM (5m/ZZ)

'K.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 08:57 PM (iJfKG)

171 163 Sydney Sweeney is remaking Barbarella.
Posted by: BruceWayne

Who on earth wants to see Sweeney jiggling around without enough clothes.

Posted by: Corey Booker at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (gKWVE)

172 For me, the concept of the movie star goes back to when studios churned out content, with the expectation fans of certain stars would come out to see anything with that guy or gal in it.

The closest thing we have to that today is not the movie star, but the "cinematic universe." Which is now dying too, because Hollowood is run by idiots.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:56 PM (iKVbK)

I don't totally disagree. But even old Hollywood was littered with bombs on the back of "big stars". It's always been a pr/agent myth

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (MGB5H)

173 Oh, and I should note that I'm going to spoil the crap out of this movie.

------

Unpossible. It's a 21st century movie. It's like saying you'll spoil carrion.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (BI5O2)

174 Sydney Sweeney is remaking Barbarella.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:55 PM (MGB5H)

As she should.

This is another one of those "it's so unnecessary, but absolutely must happen" things.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (iKVbK)

175 Who on earth wants to see Sweeney jiggling around without enough clothes.

Has to be better than Zardoz and the Lynch Dune just based on that.

Posted by: Short Answer at February 22, 2025 08:59 PM (5m/ZZ)

176 167 For me, the concept of the movie star goes back to when studios churned out content, with the expectation fans of certain stars would come out to see anything with that guy or gal in it.

The closest thing we have to that today is not the movie star, but the "cinematic universe." Which is now dying too, because Hollowood is run by idiots.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:56 PM (iKVbK)

===

The movie star system was created by Irving Thalberg at MGM in the 1920s and 30s.

It was all about marketing.

Selling a type of film as efficiently as possible, an effort to apply the assembly line concept to filmmaking. Greta Garbo is on the poster? Don't guess what kind of film it is. It's like all the other Garbo movies.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 08:59 PM (GBKbO)

177 Who on earth wants to see Sweeney jiggling around without enough clothes.
Posted by: Corey Booker at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (gKWVE)

I'm pretty sure you're supposed to go by "fiercely heterosexual Corey booker"

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:59 PM (MGB5H)

178 Who on earth wants to see Sweeney jiggling around without enough clothes.
Posted by: Corey Booker at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM

I know, right?

Posted by: Sam Brinton at February 22, 2025 09:00 PM (a3Q+t)

179 For me, the concept of the movie star goes back to when studios churned out content, with the expectation fans of certain stars would come out to see anything with that guy or gal in it.

The closest thing we have to that today is not the movie star, but the "cinematic universe." Which is now dying too, because Hollowood is run by idiots.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:56 PM (iKVbK)

Burt said it before I could. You had stars like Clark Gable or Doris Day or John Wayne who had a tendency to be in a type of movie and fit that role, so you were in the mood to see that kind of movie so you went to see that star. You were getting the whole schtick, not just the actor themselves.

Modern stars do not want to be typecast (as if that is somehow insulting- when it is a steady stream of work.) I am thinking of when we were talking about today that the society is too far disconnected from life and death concerns so stupid ideas can flourish.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:00 PM (bss/y)

180 @171 um, me

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 09:01 PM (cMcMn)

181 Movie stars: Peter O'Toole's line in "My Favorite Year", when told he is going to be on live TV:

"But I'm not an actor! I'm a movie star!"

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 22, 2025 09:01 PM (L65Dp)

182 Time to call it a night
Gave a great evening everyone

Posted by: Skip at February 22, 2025 09:01 PM (fwDg9)

183 Neil Breen.
Posted by: TJM's phone

Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!!
Posted by: Altaria Pilgram - My President has convictions at February 22, 2025 08:53 PM (Q8Bj

---
Obligatory: Professor Tosspot critiques Neil Breen's films...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyik_mqirLM

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at February 22, 2025 09:01 PM (BpYfr)

184 As she should.

This is another one of those "it's so unnecessary, but absolutely must happen" things.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (iKVbK)

It could well be better than the original. Sweeney is sexier.

On the other hand, I am not sure she is a better actress, but the acting will probably not be what you are going for.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:01 PM (bss/y)

185 "Barbarella" is a good choice for a remake because it's such a pile you can only make it better by rewriting everything.

It's sort of like "Ghost Ship" in that the opening sequence is the best part of the movie and never matched again throughout the rest of the flick.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 09:02 PM (iJfKG)

186 132
'Bryce at least looks like she knows how to make a sandwich.
'
A lot of them by the looks of her.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at February 22, 2025 09:02 PM (3wi/L)

187 I don't totally disagree. But even old Hollywood was littered with bombs on the back of "big stars". It's always been a pr/agent myth
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (MGB5H)

PR/agents/advertising exists for a reason. It's to turn a "myth" into reality.

And finding exceptions doesn't change the rule.

I don't care if Marilyn Monroe made films that didn't do well. Or Humphrey Bogart or Katherine Hepburn or Cary Grant or Rita Heyworth or on and on and on.

They were movie stars.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:02 PM (+AFr+)

188 Sydney Sweeney is remaking Barbarella.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 08:55 PM (MGB5H)

As she should.

This is another one of those "it's so unnecessary, but absolutely must happen" things.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (iKVbK)

Apparently Hanoi Jane was asked about it and she said I'd like to talk to her about it. Sydney was asked and she said no thanks. Hahah

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:02 PM (MGB5H)

189 168 @142 TJM, "movie stars" existed in the past when it was just movies and the beginning of TV. John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe were stars. Now with so many choices of platforms the concept is pretty much gone.
Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:57 PM (cMcMn)

===

Movie stars became an excuse to try and explain why some movies succeeded and others failed.

It was simplistic explanations that even a movie studio exec could understand.

The public got this idea that stars equate with this inexplicable charisma because...PR firms sold the idea and the public bought it.

It's nonsense. Katherine Hepburn going from box office poison to box office gold makes no sense if she was always that charismatic and the charisma was what defined her status.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:03 PM (GBKbO)

190 Obligatory: Professor Tosspot critiques Neil Breen's films...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyik_mqirLM
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at February 22, 2025 09:01 PM (BpYfr)

Voxis seems to disappear too often. Too edgy for ewetub and also seems to have IRL issues. Like all his stuff though.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:03 PM (bss/y)

191 173 Unpossible. It's a 21st century movie. It's like saying you'll spoil carrion.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (BI5O2)

====

This is fair.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:03 PM (GBKbO)

192 Who on earth wants to see Sweeney jiggling around without enough clothes.
Posted by: Corey Booker at February 22, 2025 08:58 PM (gKWVE)

Go on....

Posted by: Dr. T at February 22, 2025 09:04 PM (lHPJf)

193 Burt said it before I could. You had stars like Clark Gable or Doris Day or John Wayne who had a tendency to be in a type of movie and fit that role, so you were in the mood to see that kind of movie so you went to see that star. You were getting the whole schtick, not just the actor themselves.

Modern stars do not want to be typecast (as if that is somehow insulting- when it is a steady stream of work.) I am thinking of when we were talking about today that the society is too far disconnected from life and death concerns so stupid ideas can flourish.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:00 PM (bss/y)

I was asking a couple weeks ago, which streaming service should one get, if they're getting one.

I got Max. For now.

In their comedies category, there are a shedload of Chaplin films, most of which I've never seen (and many I never heard of). Then there were the Great Ones.

I guess it makes sense. Lots of stuff he would have done, would have been Chaplin films. Because money. But nobody really remembers them. For good reasons.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:07 PM (+AFr+)

194 Are Steven Seagal movies a step up or down from Neil Breen?

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 09:07 PM (cMcMn)

195 "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" -- funny, poignant, and terrific animation.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 22, 2025 08:43 PM (kpS4V)

It was nice to have the plucky comedic side-kick actually be useful and competent.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 22, 2025 09:08 PM (D7oie)

196 Steven Seagal movies a step up or down from Neil Breen?
Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 09:07 PM (cMcMn)

The one in Alaska was the best (worst)

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:08 PM (MGB5H)

197 193 I guess it makes sense. Lots of stuff he would have done, would have been Chaplin films. Because money. But nobody really remembers them. For good reasons.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:07 PM (+AFr+)

====

That Chaplin has any cultural purchase at all 90 years after he stopped being relevant is fucking incredible on its own.

Who cares if no one can place The Circus? Sure, it's wonderful, but Chaplin's place in the culture is stupidly ingrained, and The Circus is some small part of that.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:09 PM (GBKbO)

198 Breen and Breen! What is Breen?!

Posted by: Kara at February 22, 2025 09:09 PM (i0F8b)

199 198 Breen and Breen! What is Breen?!
Posted by: Kara at February 22, 2025 09:09 PM (i0F8b)

====

Eyes on Breen!!!

Eyes on Breen!!!

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:10 PM (GBKbO)

200 It's nonsense. Katherine Hepburn going from box office poison to box office gold makes no sense if she was always that charismatic and the charisma was what defined her status.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:03 PM (GBKbO)

Of course it's nonsense! Doesn't mean it's not real.

Do people buy McDonalds because it's the best food, or even the best value, or the most convenient?

Or the inverse, did Bud Light suddenly turn into piss water?

If people believe in it, it's real. Just like money. There's no gold in Ft. Knox, but people believe the dollar is worth a dollar, so it is.

Or just like the female orgasm.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:10 PM (+AFr+)

201 Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:09 PM (GBKbO)

Do you mean in the sense that you admire Chaplin's staying power, or that you think he's overrated and shouldn't have any staying power?

Posted by: Dr. T at February 22, 2025 09:10 PM (lHPJf)

202 "Barbarella" is a good choice for a remake because it's such a pile you can only make it better by rewriting everything.

It's sort of like "Ghost Ship" in that the opening sequence is the best part of the movie and never matched again throughout the rest of the flick.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 09:02 PM (iJfKG)

Could you imagine Zardoz re-written?

Posted by: Kindltot at February 22, 2025 09:11 PM (D7oie)

203 That Chaplin has any cultural purchase at all 90 years after he stopped being relevant is fucking incredible on its own.

Who cares if no one can place The Circus? Sure, it's wonderful, but Chaplin's place in the culture is stupidly ingrained, and The Circus is some small part of that.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:09 PM (GBKbO)

When I was in middle school/hs I watched all the Chaplin I could get on vhs great dictator city lights etc. I've always liked him. And yes that he still has impact to this day is a testament. Hell depp modeled his role in Benny and joon on him.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:11 PM (MGB5H)

204 Could you imagine Zardoz re-written?
Posted by: Kindltot at February 22, 2025 09:11 PM (D7oie)

It would be interesting to imagine it written.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:12 PM (bss/y)

205 Or just like the female orgasm.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:10 PM (+AFr+)
----

The Lost City of O.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 22, 2025 09:12 PM (kpS4V)

206 I dimly recall seeing Steven Seagal interviewed somewhere when his first movie came out. The interviewer asked him, "So, do you think this is really a good movie?" Seagal thought for a second or two and then said, "Nah." At least for a little while, I kinda liked the guy just for that.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 22, 2025 09:12 PM (q3u5l)

207 I can't think of any current cultural references to, or echoes of, Chaplin's work, but I'm not trying very hard.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:12 PM (ou6Ku)

208 201 Do you mean in the sense that you admire Chaplin's staying power, or that you think he's overrated and shouldn't have any staying power?
Posted by: Dr. T at February 22, 2025 09:10 PM (lHPJf)

===

Well, I love Chaplin's films. But I was trying to be remotely...dispassionate. with a bit of cursing.

Didn't work!

The point I was trying to make is that his impression on the culture is huge, even now, even if a lot of the specifics get lost.

Dig in. His lesser known stuff is really fun.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:13 PM (GBKbO)

209 "Despite that, Neil Breen's films are generally perceived as very bad and amateurish features due to their poor production value and bad writing, acting, and editing. It's very likely that Breen gained a lot of fame due to this perception."
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Hein
Posted by: Duncanthrax

He consistently exceeds failing to meet minimum expectations. That takes a certain talent to keep doing that.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at February 22, 2025 09:13 PM (YzwLd)

210 202 When I was in middle school/hs I watched all the Chaplin I could get on vhs great dictator city lights etc. I've always liked him. And yes that he still has impact to this day is a testament. Hell depp modeled his role in Benny and joon on him.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:11 PM (MGB5H)

====

Awful, terrible person.

Wonderful filmmaker.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:14 PM (GBKbO)

211 None of these movies would be improved by a remake. Hollywood is creatively bankrupt and they can only ever make anything they touch worse. This is known.

If they could make something better than it was, they wouldn't try. They'd just make something new.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 22, 2025 09:14 PM (BI5O2)

212 The first Under Siege was fun but after that Seagal's best movie was the trailer for Cock Puncher in the Onion Movie

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 09:14 PM (cMcMn)

213 Awful, terrible person.

Wonderful filmmaker.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:14 PM (GBKbO)

Well yes I didn't mean as a person

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:15 PM (MGB5H)

214 138 In Bruges is a great movie. Farrell an Gleason were a great pair. Haven't seen The Banshees of Inisheran but I read it's not as good
Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 08:48 PM

God, what a boring and depressing movie. With the heavy accents, it was a tough slog.

Posted by: Moonbeam at February 22, 2025 09:15 PM (rbKZ6)

215 That Chaplin has any cultural purchase at all 90 years after he stopped being relevant is fucking incredible on its own.

Who cares if no one can place The Circus? Sure, it's wonderful, but Chaplin's place in the culture is stupidly ingrained, and The Circus is some small part of that.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:09 PM (GBKbO)

I haven't seen that one, and I guess I should. But I've seen The Gold Rush, Modern Times, The Kid, City Lights, The Great Dictator...

That's quite a run of films. Rivals that of damn near anyone in terms of greatness.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:15 PM (1NC3z)

216 211 None of these movies would be improved by a remake. Hollywood is creatively bankrupt and they can only ever make anything they touch worse. This is known.

If they could make something better than it was, they wouldn't try. They'd just make something new.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 22, 2025 09:14 PM (BI5O2)

===

Dirty secret:

Hollywood, as a whole and generally, has been creatively bankrupt since the industry started.

Guess how many Blondie movies, based on a comic strip, Hollywood made in the 30s and 40s.

Seriously. Just guess.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:16 PM (GBKbO)

217

Megan Rain's filmography. Oscar worthy?

Discuss.

Posted by: Just Sayin... at February 22, 2025 09:16 PM (rAovp)

218 Under Siege was Seagal's only good movie, and it was only because of Tommy Lee Jones... There's a reason Jones kept acting instead of pretending to be a cop or a lama or a human being.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 22, 2025 09:17 PM (BI5O2)

219 Or just like the female orgasm.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:10 PM (+AFr+)
----

The Lost City of O.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 22, 2025 09:12 PM (kpS4V)

I'm not even in the same state anymore.

And I don't have a map.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:17 PM (1NC3z)

220 215 I haven't seen that one, and I guess I should. But I've seen The Gold Rush, Modern Times, The Kid, City Lights, The Great Dictator...

That's quite a run of films. Rivals that of damn near anyone in terms of greatness.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:15 PM (1NC3z)

====

He was genuinely a great filmmaker.

He was so powerful that he made Modern Times several years into the sound era, silent. Well, mostly. It has sound effects and a musical score.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:18 PM (GBKbO)

221 207 I can't think of any current cultural references to, or echoes of, Chaplin's work, but I'm not trying very hard.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:12 PM (ou6Ku)

A lot of physical comedy comes from those early guys, but physical comedy is another thing that has seemed to have faded.

There is always the absurd:

https://tinyurl.com/6nk9595t

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:18 PM (bss/y)

222
Good evening, all. I just tried to watch 2 films by John Cassavetes at his most experimental and "raw." Lasted about 5 minutes on each.

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at February 22, 2025 09:18 PM (nEeWk)

223
That Chaplin has any cultural purchase at all 90 years after he stopped being relevant is fucking incredible on its own.

Who cares if no one can place The Circus? Sure, it's wonderful, but Chaplin's place in the culture is stupidly ingrained, and The Circus is some small part of that.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:09 PM (GBKbO)

I wasn't really all that familiar with Chaplin until I took a chance and watched "The Gold Rush".

I laughed a lot. Then looked up more of his stuff.

Chaplin really was a genius of silent comedy and slapstick.

Not such a fan of his talkies.

Buuuuuut, between his movies all being in B&W and silent, and a lot of people won't watch movies of either type.

He fading slowly but surely away.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 09:18 PM (iJfKG)

224 "Chaplin's place in the culture is stupidly ingrained"

In 2025? I'm just not seeing it. (No knock on Chaplin intended.)

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:18 PM (ou6Ku)

225 Guess how many Blondie movies, based on a comic strip, Hollywood made in the 30s and 40s.

Seriously. Just guess.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:16 PM (GBKbO)

30

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:18 PM (MGB5H)

226 "A lot of physical comedy comes from those early guys"

Neither Chaplin nor the movies invented physical comedy. And wasn't Larry Semon doing The Little Tramp before Chaplin picked it up?

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:20 PM (ou6Ku)

227 225 30
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:18 PM (MGB5H)

====

If you cut it off at the 40s, it's 26.

If you include 1950, it's 28.

And the span was 1938 to 1950. 13 years. 28 movies.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:20 PM (GBKbO)

228 213 Awful, terrible person.

Wonderful filmmaker.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:14 PM (GBKbO)

Well yes I didn't mean as a person
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:15 PM (MGB5H)

Ever see... Sunset? Bruce Willis as Tom Mix and James Garner as Wyatt Earp (yes, that wyatt earp.) Malcolm McDowell plays a Chaplain analogue.

I liked it, but it has probably been 20 years (at least since I saw it.)

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:20 PM (bss/y)

229 He consistently exceeds failing to meet minimum expectations. That takes a certain talent to keep doing that.
Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at February 22, 2025 09:13 PM (YzwLd)

The RLM boys have tried to define their bad movies choices by dividing those that are poorly made, and the filmmaker knows it's poorly made (without intentionally trying to make a bad film), and those that the filmmaker appears to be clueless about how poor it is.

Breen seems to be in the latter category.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:21 PM (1NC3z)

230 If you cut it off at the 40s, it's 26.

If you include 1950, it's 28.

And the span was 1938 to 1950. 13 years. 28 movies.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:20 PM (GBKbO)

Hahah I knew it was more than 25 bit wasn't totally sure the number.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:21 PM (MGB5H)

231 Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:16 PM (GBKbO)

Your point is well taken, but it only holds in the sense that all ideas are recycled.

Some people can always put their own spin on some age old idea. They can make it new and refreshing, they can add or change plot points. Or even just switch up the pacing and the story beats. They can make it their own.

But not these people, in our time. They're truly creatively bankrupt.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 22, 2025 09:22 PM (BI5O2)

232 Ever see... Sunset? Bruce Willis as Tom Mix and James Garner as Wyatt Earp (yes, that wyatt earp.) Malcolm McDowell plays a Chaplain analogue.

I liked it, but it has probably been 20 years (at least since I saw it.)
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:20 PM (bss/y)

Willis best performance.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:22 PM (MGB5H)

233 Willis best performance.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:22 PM (MGB5H)

Before Die Hard, iirc.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:23 PM (bss/y)

234 And wasn't Larry Semon doing The Little Tramp before Chaplin picked it up?
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:20 PM (ou6Ku)

Nobody's heard of Larry Semon.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:23 PM (1NC3z)

235 231
But not these people, in our time. They're truly creatively bankrupt.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 22, 2025 09:22 PM (BI5O2)

====

I don't disagree. I just don't think it's unique in Hollywood's history.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:23 PM (GBKbO)

236 Willis best performance.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:22 PM (MGB5H)

Somewhere, Corbin Dallas weeps

Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 09:23 PM (bDNzX)

237 I miss James Garner movies.

There's a movie star TJM you hack. j/k

Wheeler Dealers with Garner and ... Lee Remick?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:24 PM (bss/y)

238

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 22, 2025 09:22 PM (BI5O2)

====

Oh, and tell your brother I said hi and that I hope his job isn't killing him.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:24 PM (GBKbO)

239 I don't disagree. I just don't think it's unique in Hollywood's history.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:23 PM (GBKbO)

IP has always been king, the idea that this is new is false.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:24 PM (MGB5H)

240 2 I dunno. I think Bryce Dallas Howard is kind of hot.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

I agree. I like red heads though.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 22, 2025 09:24 PM (xA5g+)

241 Damn, there is a blu-ray of The Wheeler Dealers.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:25 PM (bss/y)

242 I liked Buster Keaton's comedies better than Chaplin's. Keaton had really good timing, and was more into stunts.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 22, 2025 09:25 PM (D7oie)

243 239 IP has always been king, the idea that this is new is false.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:24 PM (MGB5H)

====

Hollywood just used to be ashamed and embarrassed by that fact.

They always knew that B movies kept the lights on. They just hated the fact.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:26 PM (GBKbO)

244 242 I liked Buster Keaton's comedies better than Chaplin's. Keaton had really good timing, and was more into stunts.
Posted by: Kindltot at February 22, 2025 09:25 PM (D7oie)

===

Harold Lloyd is my favorite of the three major silent comedy stars.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:26 PM (GBKbO)

245 Hollywood just used to be ashamed and embarrassed by that fact.

They always knew that B movies kept the lights on. They just hated the fact.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:26 PM (GBKbO)

#true

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:27 PM (MGB5H)

246 I dunno. I think Bryce Dallas Howard is kind of hot.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

I agree. I like red heads though.
Posted by: Puddleglum at work

And she sure can run from some dinosaurs.

Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:27 PM (ftFVW)

247 Hollywood just used to be ashamed and embarrassed by that fact.

They always knew that B movies kept the lights on. They just hated the fact.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:26 PM (GBKbO)

Ever notice that the 'movies they want to make' are either depressing or flat out boring?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:27 PM (bss/y)

248 If you want to see what Argylle could have been, watch The Long Kiss Goodnight with Geena Davis and Sam Jackson.

Posted by: Crotalus Atrox at February 22, 2025 09:27 PM (25QY+)

249 I don't disagree. I just don't think it's unique in Hollywood's history.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:23 PM (GBKbO)

IP has always been king, the idea that this is new is false.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:24 PM (MGB5H)

But it has changed, especially after the original "death" (they got better, they didn't go on the cart) of the studios.

The era of independent filmmakers was relatively short lived (I guess), and it's been written about and talked about many times before.

I think that was something of a golden age, that time between the 60s and the 80s. Lots of people do.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:28 PM (1NC3z)

250

Swallow, bitch!

Posted by: Larry Semen at February 22, 2025 09:28 PM (MscVD)

251 247 Ever notice that the 'movies they want to make' are either depressing or flat out boring?
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:27 PM (bss/y)

===

King Kong > The Life of Emile Zola

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:28 PM (GBKbO)

252 It's a dumb movie.

I blame Quentin Tarantino.

Posted by: WitchDoktor at February 22, 2025 09:28 PM (cIOlQ)

253 "Nobody's heard of Larry Semon."

Do a man-on-the-street survey of who's heard of Charlie Chaplin and can correctly identify what he did. Back when the Downey Jr movie came out, sure, people knew. Today, I don't think so.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:28 PM (ou6Ku)

254 Neither Chaplin nor the movies invented physical comedy. And wasn't Larry Semon doing The Little Tramp before Chaplin picked it up?
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:20 PM (ou6Ku)

Lazarillo de Tormes did it first. Though not on film.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 22, 2025 09:28 PM (D7oie)

255 252 It's a dumb movie.

I blame Quentin Tarantino.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at February 22, 2025 09:28 PM (cIOlQ)

====

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:28 PM (GBKbO)

256 I like In Bruges.

Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at February 22, 2025 09:30 PM (du1c2)

257 And she sure can run from some dinosaurs.
Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:27 PM (ftFVW)

Can she tho? Those high heels had to be a bitch

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:30 PM (MGB5H)

258 Ever notice that the 'movies they want to make' are either depressing or flat out boring?
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:27 PM (bss/y)

Oh brother, where art thou!

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:30 PM (1NC3z)

259 "Lazarillo de Tormes did it first."

I haven't read all of the classical Greek comedies, but I'd bet a dollar you'll find slapstick in there.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:30 PM (ou6Ku)

260 If you want to see what Argylle could have been, watch The Long Kiss Goodnight with Geena Davis and Sam Jackson.
Posted by: Crotalus Atrox

I was thinking about that, too. It's a favorite of mine.

Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:30 PM (ftFVW)

261 258
Oh brother, where art thou!
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:30 PM (1NC3z)

"No messages! That's my message. "
-Preston Sturges

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:31 PM (GBKbO)

262 My sister-in-law and I saw Argylle in a theater. By the time it got to the ice-skating scene, we had concluded that yes, it was bad, but it was so ridiculous that we enjoyed it. But it was much too long. There were too many action scenes stuffed in at the end. With regard to the convoluted premise and plot twists, it reminded me of Nick Cage's "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent": a fun way for two old ladies to sit in the dark and eat popcorn.

Posted by: Moonbeam at February 22, 2025 09:31 PM (rbKZ6)

263 There were 6 Thin Man movies throughout 30-40s. Franchises ain't new

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 09:31 PM (cMcMn)

264 you want to see what Argylle could have been, watch The Long Kiss Goodnight with Geena Davis and Sam Jackson.
Posted by: Crotalus Atrox

I was thinking about that, too. It's a favorite of mine.
Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:30 PM (ftFVW)

Absolute banger.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:31 PM (MGB5H)

265 Can she tho? Those high heels had to be a bitch
Posted by: BruceWayne

That she did all that running in heels is a testament to her superiority.

I don't even attempt to walk in heels.

Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:32 PM (ftFVW)

266 Do a man-on-the-street survey of who's heard of Charlie Chaplin and can correctly identify what he did. Back when the Downey Jr movie came out, sure, people knew. Today, I don't think so.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:28 PM (ou6Ku)

Man on the street surveys can't turn up enough people who know how to add 2 to 2. Or find the water on a map.

That's not a good measure. You have to skim off the idiots.

People who like/love movies know who Chaplin is. They don't know who that other guy was (I've already forgotten the name).

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:32 PM (1NC3z)

267 I was thinking about that, too. It's a favorite of mine.
Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:30 PM (ftFVW)

It's a good one.

'I must have ben a chef!'

*gets thrown out of car* *stays on back staring up* *pulls out cigarette and smokes*

Pretty much everything said by Brian Cox.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:33 PM (bss/y)

268 I literally have enjoyed more Roger Corman movies than I have Matthew Vaughn. Corman doesn't make movies where people like me get gunned down to a pop music soundtrack. Fuck Matthew Vaughn.

If you liked it, fine. I know people who like Salo and An Inconvenient Truth; I don't like either.

This movie sounds so stupid the only way it could be worse was if it was a bad musical.

I do like good musicals.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at February 22, 2025 09:33 PM (xcxpd)

269 I don't even attempt to walk in heels.
Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:32 PM (ftFVW)

I don't think they make heels in hobbit sizes.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:33 PM (MGB5H)

270 TheJamesMadison - it may have been mentioned upthread, but regardless, have a viewing of "Get Smart." It has many of the foibles of television from its era, but it has a charm to it that a lot of Sixties and Seventies spy-fi did not. (The closest would be John Steed and Emma Peel in "The Avengers," and "Get Smart does a subtle tip of the hat to its trans-Atlantic counterpart.) Mel Brooks and Buck Henry were the creators of the show, and the quality of the show's humor reflects that. It's also an opportunity to get acquainted with Barbara Feldon, America's closest counterpart to Dianna Rigg.

Posted by: Count Orlok at February 22, 2025 09:34 PM (p9lBt)

271 I haven't read all of the classical Greek comedies, but I'd bet a dollar you'll find slapstick in there.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:30 PM (ou6Ku)

Go find some cave art.

Slap. Stick.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:34 PM (1NC3z)

272 I don't even attempt to walk in heels.
Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:32 PM (ftFVW)

Mrs. Mahon has a couple pairs of cowboy boots with heels. Everything else is sneakers or hiking boots.

Posted by: Pug Mahon at February 22, 2025 09:34 PM (bDNzX)

273 Man on the street surveys can't turn up enough people who know how to add 2 to 2. Or find the water on a map.

That's not a good measure. You have to skim off the idiots.

People who like/love movies know who Chaplin is. They don't know who that other guy was (I've already forgotten the name).
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:32 PM (1NC3z)

It's also about his influence on other actors. As I said above depp in Benny and joon. It's doesn't matter that Jimmy six pack doesn't know who he is.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:35 PM (MGB5H)

274 It's a good one.

'I must have ben a chef!'

*gets thrown out of car* *stays on back staring up* *pulls out cigarette and smokes*

Pretty much everything said by Brian Cox.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

Chefs do that.

The dog licking its ass! hahahaha

Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:35 PM (ftFVW)

275 Willis's turn in the 80s Twilight Zone ("Shatterday" from the Harlan Elllison story) was pretty damn good too.

Never caught "Sunset" but I'll have to give that a look. Thanks.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 22, 2025 09:35 PM (q3u5l)

276 "People who like/love movies know who Chaplin is."

Precisely! Now reconcile that with "Chaplin's place in the culture is stupidly ingrained." Our culture of people who can't add 2 and 2, who aren't cinephiles, and who still pay money to go to theaters.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:35 PM (ou6Ku)

277 TheJamesMadison - it may have been mentioned upthread, but regardless, have a viewing of "Get Smart." It has many of the foibles of television from its era, but it has a charm to it that a lot of Sixties and Seventies spy-fi did not. (The closest would be John Steed and Emma Peel in "The Avengers," and "Get Smart does a subtle tip of the hat to its trans-Atlantic counterpart.) Mel Brooks and Buck Henry were the creators of the show, and the quality of the show's humor reflects that. It's also an opportunity to get acquainted with Barbara Feldon, America's closest counterpart to Dianna Rigg.
Posted by: Count Orlok at February 22, 2025 09:34 PM (p9lBt)

Hell, it's almost a live action Rocky and Bullwinkle. Except of course, R and B were gay. Whereas, as you say, Barbara Feldon... yowzah!

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:36 PM (vF3jY)

278 271 I've read "Clouds" and "Lysistrata." If I was an actor in either, I could work slapstick into it easily.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:37 PM (ou6Ku)

279 276 Precisely! Now reconcile that with "Chaplin's place in the culture is stupidly ingrained." Our culture of people who can't add 2 and 2, who aren't cinephiles, and who still pay money to go to theaters.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:35 PM (ou6Ku)

==

Influence and general knowledge are not the same thing.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:37 PM (GBKbO)

280 I don't even attempt to walk in heels.
Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:32 PM (ftFVW)

I don't think they make heels in hobbit sizes.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:33 PM (MGB5H)
---
Since when do hobbits even wear shoes?

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at February 22, 2025 09:38 PM (BpYfr)

281 Influence and general knowledge are not the same thing.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 22, 2025 09:37 PM (GBKbO)

Ever notice that you skitter around like a bug on a hot plate rhetorically?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:38 PM (bss/y)

282 Precisely! Now reconcile that with "Chaplin's place in the culture is stupidly ingrained." Our culture of people who can't add 2 and 2, who aren't cinephiles, and who still pay money to go to theaters.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:35 PM (ou6Ku)

Next you're gonna tell me the news is true.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:38 PM (MGB5H)

283 @277 , Moose bugger squirrel, I don't think that would work

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (cMcMn)

284 Precisely! Now reconcile that with "Chaplin's place in the culture is stupidly ingrained." Our culture of people who can't add 2 and 2, who aren't cinephiles, and who still pay money to go to theaters.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:35 PM (ou6Ku)

Ok, then perhaps your definition of "culture" is different from mine.

I think "culture" requires the brain cells to function at something of a higher level. For example, I don't consider Kendrick Lamarr "performing" at the SB halftime show to be culture.

More like rutting pigs.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (vF3jY)

285 For instance I think someone - anyone, even me - could rewrite The Trial for a modern audience, and have a huge hit, because it would resonate with the weirdness of these times.

But nobody would do it, because it wouldn't be conformist enough for these times.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (BI5O2)

286 Since when do hobbits even wear shoes?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at February 22, 2025 09:38 PM (BpYfr)

She's a "fancy" hobbit

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (MGB5H)

287 One of the things that impressed me about the lively and athletic Mrs naturalfake when we were first dating is that she could actually run while wearing 5 or 6 inch heels.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (iJfKG)

288 Never caught "Sunset" but I'll have to give that a look. Thanks.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 22, 2025 09:35 PM (q3u5l)

I really liked it when I was 16 or 17. I am assuming boobs and guns were involved in appropriate areas.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (bss/y)

289 I don't think they make heels in hobbit sizes.
Posted by: BruceWayne

If they make em in Sam Brinton size I'm sure I can find hobbit sizes. But the also have pointy toes which I don't like. I really would rather be barefoot.

Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (ftFVW)

290 279 OK. Can you give me an example of Chaplin's influence on the [general] culture in the year 2025?

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (ou6Ku)

291 283 @277 , Moose bugger squirrel, I don't think that would work
Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (cMcMn)

But I got you to imagine it.

I win!

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:40 PM (vF3jY)

292 "I think "culture" requires the brain cells to function at something of a higher level."

That's an elite culture, IMHO. The general culture is what we all are stuck with, whether we are smart or stupid, movie buffs or not.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:42 PM (ou6Ku)

293 I like when janice gave chandler rocky and bullwinlkle socks so he could wear moose moose squirrel squirrel or mix is up moose and squirrel.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:42 PM (MGB5H)

294 If they make em in Sam Brinton size I'm sure I can find hobbit sizes. But the also have pointy toes which I don't like. I really would rather be barefoot.
Posted by: She Hobbit

Birkenstocks >> Christian Louboutin.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 22, 2025 09:42 PM (RycRI)

295 Birkenstocks >> Christian Louboutin.
Posted by: nurse ratched at February 22, 2025 09:42 PM (RycRI)

Reefs>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Birkenstocks

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:43 PM (MGB5H)

296 Moose bugger squirrel, I don't think that would work
Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (cMcMn)

But I got you to imagine it.

I win!
Posted by: BurtTC

Moose has Richard Geere moment is more likely.

Gee, Rocky, that tickles.

Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:43 PM (ftFVW)

297 290 279 OK. Can you give me an example of Chaplin's influence on the [general] culture in the year 2025?
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:39 PM (ou6Ku)

The aforementioned Johnny Depp. And Robert Downey Jr.

Even Jim Carrey... virtually any comedian who uses physical comedy. Hell, even the above pictured Sam Rockwell. Some of his facial expressions, if you've seen enough of his films, a great deal of his comedy is physical.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:43 PM (vF3jY)

298 "I think "culture" requires the brain cells to function at something of a higher level."

Besides, everybody who has high-functioning brain cells knows who Larry Semon was. QED.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:43 PM (ou6Ku)

299 "virtually any comedian who uses physical comedy."

I contend, again, that physical comedy LONG predated the invention of movies, as did acting itself.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:45 PM (ou6Ku)

300 298 "I think "culture" requires the brain cells to function at something of a higher level."

Besides, everybody who has high-functioning brain cells knows who Larry Semon was. QED.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:43 PM (ou6Ku)

*kicks rock with stupid expression on his face*

*Light drool*

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:45 PM (bss/y)

301 That's an elite culture, IMHO. The general culture is what we all are stuck with, whether we are smart or stupid, movie buffs or not.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:42 PM (ou6Ku)

That's my point. The "general culture" is not.

Honestly, I don't care how many bazillions Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamarr make. I generally don't see any of it.

Just my opinion, you're free to disagree.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:46 PM (vF3jY)

302 I contend, again, that physical comedy LONG predated the invention of movies, as did acting itself.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:45 PM (ou6Ku)

This I would probably agree with using Shakespeare as evidence.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:46 PM (bss/y)

303 I've read "Clouds" and "Lysistrata." If I was an actor in either, I could work slapstick into it easily.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:37 PM (ou6Ku)

It wouldn't be difficult.

The ancient Greek and Roman actors in comedies wore giant "comic phalluses".

I'm sure there was a fair amount of slapstick involving those.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 09:46 PM (iJfKG)

304 Moose has Richard Geere moment is more likely.

Gee, Rocky, that tickles.
Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:43 PM (ftFVW)

Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my ass....

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:47 PM (vF3jY)

305 What would Ma and Pa Kettle 2025 be like?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 22, 2025 09:47 PM (63Dwl)

306 Besides, everybody who has high-functioning brain cells knows who Larry Semon was. QED.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:43 PM (ou6Ku)

Ok, now you're just being silly.

Which can be part of the culture. If done right.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:48 PM (vF3jY)

307 Reefs>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Birkenstocks
Posted by: BruceWayne

Ummm. No.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 22, 2025 09:48 PM (RycRI)

308 "Besides, everybody who has high-functioning brain cells knows who Larry Semon was. QED."

Catholic grade school. Decent high school before Chicago schools went to bleep. Liberal arts college. Library degree. Bookworm. More time spent watching movies and the tube than I care to think about.

And don't know who Larry Semon was.

I have wasted my mumblety-mumble years on this planet.

Oh, well...

Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 22, 2025 09:48 PM (q3u5l)

309 I've read "Clouds" and "Lysistrata." If I was an actor in either, I could work slapstick into it easily.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:37 PM (ou6Ku)

It wouldn't be difficult.

The ancient Greek and Roman actors in comedies wore giant "comic phalluses".

I'm sure there was a fair amount of slapstick involving those.
Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 09:46 PM (iJfKG)
---
"slapdick"?

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at February 22, 2025 09:49 PM (BpYfr)

310 What would Ma and Pa Kettle 2025 be like?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 22, 2025 09:47 PM (63Dwl)

Pretty sure that's how the left sees all of Trump's voters.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:49 PM (vF3jY)

311 I contend, again, that physical comedy LONG predated the invention of movies, as did acting itself.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs

But the silver screen shared that with a lot more people. I'm not a movie historian to know who else was doing that around the same time as Chaplin. But he's the only one I'm familiar with. And I think of him when I see modern comedians do similar physical bits.

Posted by: She Hobbit at February 22, 2025 09:50 PM (ftFVW)

312 Ummm. No.
Posted by: nurse ratched at February 22, 2025 09:48 PM (RycRI)

I'll fight you!

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:50 PM (MGB5H)

313 If you were as old as me, you woulda seen Get Smart.

Posted by: Pleistocene Megafauna at February 22, 2025 09:50 PM (MB784)

314 Larry Semen used to let you blow him behind the bus station for $20.

Remarkable stamina...

Posted by: Just Sayin... at February 22, 2025 09:51 PM (rAovp)

315 I have wasted my mumblety-mumble years on this planet.

Oh, well...
Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 22, 2025 09:48 PM (q3u5l)

Not to mention all that time wasted reading what TJM has to say about the movie, Argylle.

When we could have been studying up on Larry Semon.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:51 PM (vF3jY)

316 "Ok, now you're just being silly." Guilty as charged! See the nic.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:54 PM (ou6Ku)

317 And on that happy note, this kid's outta here for the evening.

Thanks for the thread, TJM.

Have a good one, gang.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 22, 2025 09:54 PM (q3u5l)

318 *kicks nurse in the shins*
*runs away*

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 22, 2025 09:54 PM (MGB5H)

319 Sometimes I realize my movie familiarity is rather limited.

Sometimes I think that's a good thing.

Posted by: mindful webworker - snarled again at February 22, 2025 09:54 PM (9pu/X)

320

The Argyle Secrets

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040112

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 22, 2025 09:54 PM (63Dwl)

321 Not to mention all that time wasted reading what TJM has to say about the movie, Argylle.

When we could have been studying up on Larry Semon.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:51 PM (vF3jY)

Now we are just bogging down in Semontics.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:55 PM (bss/y)

322 Thanks TJM.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:55 PM (bss/y)

323 321 Ha!

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:55 PM (ou6Ku)

324 Federal employees have spent years watching movies instead of working. Now Musk is changing that. Good luck keeping your job now, traitors. I doubt any of you can respond with five accomplishments to Musk.

Posted by: Diabeetus at February 22, 2025 09:55 PM (SawFp)

325 "Ok, now you're just being silly." Guilty as charged! See the nic.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:54 PM (ou6Ku)

Right, and if AoSHQ comments section are not high culture, I don't know what is.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:56 PM (vF3jY)

326 Not to mention all that time wasted reading what TJM has to say about the movie, Argylle.

When we could have been studying up on Larry Semon.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:51 PM (vF3jY)

Don't you mean "When we could have been boning up on Larry Semon."?

You let a perfectly good pun go to waste.

You are awarded no points and must henceforth turn over your Platinum Moron Card.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 22, 2025 09:56 PM (iJfKG)

327 Huck Follywood. Why do they hate this country ? It is irrational.

Posted by: Going deep. Out. at February 22, 2025 09:56 PM (Qw3Dr)

328 325 I love movies as much as you guys do. I hope you believe that. I just resist the tendency to gush at length.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:57 PM (ou6Ku)

329
Federal employees have spent years watching movies instead of working.

Scrolling up cinemas like Aram Fingal.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 22, 2025 09:57 PM (63Dwl)

330 Now we are just bogging down in Semontics.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 22, 2025 09:55 PM (bss/y)

*Carnac the Magnificent holds envelope up to his head*

What did Liberace say to Charles Nelson Riley.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 09:58 PM (vm0TG)

331 "Missed it by THAATTT much ..."

Posted by: Pleistocene Megafauna at February 22, 2025 09:59 PM (MB784)

332 nood

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 10:00 PM (ou6Ku)

333 328 325 I love movies as much as you guys do. I hope you believe that. I just resist the tendency to gush at length.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 22, 2025 09:57 PM (ou6Ku)

No, I do. In fact, I think if we were doing something of a reasonable attempt to get at the origins of comedy styles (and their effect on the culture), we'd have to acknowledge all those previous efforts that pre-dated movies.

However, I don't think it can be overstated, how revolutionary movies were (and are) to all the various art forms. I love old movies, when the actors are sorta standing around talking, because it's obvious they were heavily influenced by plays. It's fun to watch, because it's like they haven't quite figured out, they aren't limited to what can fit on a stage.

Comedy probably broke out of that before any other genre.

Posted by: BurtTC at February 22, 2025 10:02 PM (vm0TG)

334 Thanks TJM. I thought the trailer for Argylle was interesting and then it imploded so fast I forgot it existed. I will check it out, that oil skating sounds like my kind of absurdism.

As far as comedy spy movies, I enjoyed "The Family Plan" with Mark Wahlberg, also on AppleTV+. The elevator pitch is roughly "National Lampoon's Vacation, except Clark is a retired spy/assassin more or less pretending to be a schlub".

Posted by: Ian S. at February 22, 2025 10:04 PM (o3/x/)

335 Nood Club ONT

Posted by: tankdemon at February 22, 2025 10:05 PM (VSht7)

336 meh.

Posted by: somejoe at February 23, 2025 05:32 AM (RCAte)

337 Argylle flopped hard because it was a typical bait-and-switch with a bunch of feminist tropes:
The girl boss who only had to discover how great she was.
An overweight woman fighting and beating men who had 100lb on her(of muscles not fat).
Search the criticaldrinker's review of it on youtube to see how revolted most males(the audience for action comedies) were by it.

Posted by: Bhagi at February 23, 2025 11:22 AM (zrcAu)

338 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King' was a spy series in the 1980s which ran for 4 years. It was really hot in its time.

Scarecrow, played by Bruce Boxleitner of TRON fame is trying to evade bad guys on a train (just like Argylle) and hands off The Package to Mrs. King (played by Kate Jackson of Charlie's Angels), a divorced housewife and mother of 2, proceed to plot.

Essentially from what I read Argylle is just a modern update with a frumpier actress and less time for the romantic will-they-won't-they.

Also, if you have the chance, look up the Pilot for the series Get Smart. I have seen it online in the past. There's humor, but a little toned down, and there's more action. Don Adams is jacked, comparatively for the era, and you can see that at the time he was a former Marine. He makes the fighting scenes, while simple, very well acted.

Get Smart ran for 5 seasons and the first seasons have a better blend of action to comedy.

Posted by: Randolph Carter at February 23, 2025 11:23 AM (uRM/F)

339 First half of Argyle was OK. Last half was stupid.

Posted by: S.Lynn at February 23, 2025 11:57 AM (p7ffG)

340 I wanted to like this movie given all the great actors, but stopped watching it halfway through. I did enjoy Spy and Get Smart.

Posted by: MsNosy at February 23, 2025 04:14 PM (yv+EB)

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