Saturday Evening Movie Thread - 11/12/2021 [TheJamesMadison]

Great Directors

I've gone through the work of nineteen directors, every feature length film they ever made from Carl Th. Dreyer to Christopher Nolan. I've chosen directors whose work interests me, who have made films that I love. As I've gone through these dozens and dozens of films by recognizable filmmakers I've found myself processing the idea of a "great director". Why do I easily place the label on someone like Howard Hawks and struggle with the idea of placing it on someone like Dreyer, or John Carpenter, or Sergio Leone? What makes a director truly great?

Is it a preponderance of films in their body of work that I would consider great? That seems unappealingly reductive in a way that I just reject. Art isn't a mathematical equation, so categorization of an artist's work can't be a mathematical exercise either.

Is it that they never made a bad film? Well, Leone made The Colossus of Rhodes, Hitchcock made Juno and the Paycock, Bergman made Crisis, Kubrick made Fear and Desire, Ford made The Blue Angel, and Hawks made Red Line 7000. Batting 1.000 for at least good films would leave behind certain filmmakers I simply wouldn't want to discount.

So, after some consideration, I've come up with this definition of a great filmmaker: A filmmaker who, upon reflection over their entire body of work, shows a consistent high level understanding of all of the tools of cinema and uses them to tell engaging stories.

Is this a scientific definition? Not at all, but I do think it fits directors like Hitchcock, Bergman, Kubrick, Ford, Scorsese, and Hawks. I do not think it applies to other certain directors like Carpenter, Dreyer, and, most importantly for this essay, Leone. For all three of those examples, I sense something is missing.

The Job

Almost none of these listed directors wrote any of their movies. There are often story-by credits but there are few screenplay-by credits, just like they didn't design their own sets, build their own props, light their own scenes, or act their own roles. On a certain level, a film director is a manager, hiring people to fulfil roles in order to achieve a particular artistic vision.

They find a script they like, make changes to help it fit their own sensibilities. They hire a production designer who doesn't just take the script and build but has conversations with the director about how he wants it to look and how he'll shoot it. They hire prop masters to do the same thing with props. They hire cinematographers to talk through what kind of lighting, cameras, and lenses should be used in individual scenes but also across the entire film to create a particular look. They hire actors to find the same kind of interpretation of characters as the director. And then they send these people off to do their work, all of the work coming together in front of the camera with the director making changes here and there.

He doesn't light a scene, but he determines how it's lit. He doesn't write the music, but he determines what kind of music plays when. He doesn't paint matte paintings, but he does provide guidance on how it should be done.

Film directors have their hand in every aspect of a film's production from the earliest to the latest stages (through editing is a more modern variation that wasn't far less common in the 30s and before). Would I expect a great film director to be a great screenwriter? They can be, but it's far from required. There are directors who edit their own films (the Coen Brothers edit under the pseudonym Roderick Jaynes), and even some who light their own films (Paul Thomas Anderson did this on The Phantom Thread, though he refused the actual credit for director of photography), but ultimately, most directors are directors first and foremost. They are those managers.

What Leone was Missing

Here's where I'm going, the reason I went down this line of thinking in the first place.

Sergio Leone was undoubtedly talented. His ability to frame a shot (along with his cinematographer) and edit a scene (along with his editor) was distinctive and effective at creating wonderful senses of tension. I don't actively dislike his films, but I would only classify one as great. That's not why I would refrain from calling Leone great, though.

In all but one of his films, there seems to be something key missing. Something that, if missing in a single film in a body of work, would be an oversight, but when it's absent in the majority of his work, it makes me feel like he simply didn't realize it wasn't there. That he had a blind spot somewhere in the filmmaking process, and that was related to story.

Save for his last film, Once Upon a Time in America, there's a complete lack of any kind of real core to his films. They end up series of events, often very cool events, without that much stringing them together. There are moments in two of his films (two of his strongest, in my opinion, by the way) where, late in the film, main characters finally reveal their secret motivations. Cameras slow, music swells, and performances ratchet up in both For a Few Dollars More and Once Upon a Time in the West. In the former, we finally learn the Lee Van Cleef has been out to avenge his dead sister (though the relationship was never clear until he reveals it in dialogue at this moment), and in the latter, we learn that Charles Bronson has been harboring a grudge against Henry Fonda because Fonda killed Bronson's older brother. All last second reveals, almost like they're there just because that's where you put reveals not because he had been building up to them (which he really hadn't).

Aside from Once Upon a Time in America, which I do hold as a complete package of a film (feel free to disagree), Leone's movies all have this kind of hole. A Fistful of Dollars is essentially just fun moments strung together. A Fistful of Dynamite has a sort of center in the relationship between its two main characters, a bromance if you will, but it doesn't quite know how to fully fulfill it. My opinion of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is in the minority (I don't like it very much), but what I see is random events with a large budget and nothing tying it all together.

And that's not even bringing up his first film, The Colossus of Rhodes which is generally a disaster. First films are fickle beasts though, so it's hard to hold it too much against him.

The Point

I don't really have a big point here. This is more naval gazing on my part than anything else. I think the best thing to come out of this exercise was my definition of a great director which feels generally applicable. However, I hate the labels game in art, finding it far more interesting to talk about the art itself rather than how the art or the artist should be classified.

Mostly, this was me trying to figure out why I held back on lumping Leone in with the greats instinctually despite his obvious talent even though I am a bit cooler (not cold, just cooler) on his films than seem to be the general consensus. Do I think Leone was a bad filmmaker? Not at all. Do I think he is overrated, having had undeniable talent but lacking in important qualities that would have made him even better? Yes.

So, how am I wrong? Why is Leone one of the greats? Let me know!

A Note

I have published a new novel titled The Sharp Kid. I'm sure you would find it an entertaining read, so please click on over and see what you make of it.

Movies of Today

Opening in Theaters:

Clifford the Big Red Dog

Belfast

Movies I Saw This Fortnight:

Once Upon a Time in America (Rating 4/4) Full Review "This is the crown jewel of Leone's body of work, a film of maturity that builds off of the director's greatest strengths while leaving behind all of his weaknesses." [Personal Collection]

RoboCop (Rating 3.5/4) Full Review "There's so much entertainment to be had with Verhoeven's RoboCop. It's funny, thrilling, and even a bit touching. It probably could have used another quick pass to integrate the two competing storylines a bit better, but that's small beans compared to the whole." [Personal Collection]

Up the River (Rating 2.5/4) Full Review "The first feature film appearance of both Humphrey Bogart and Spencer Tracy! In a movie directed by John Ford! How is this not a huge thing?! Because it's kind of a middling little comedy of dubious construction." [Library]

Seas Beneath (Rating 3/4) Full Review "This is a strong film, a story of men at war and their loyalty to each other. Ford uses his established working relationship with O'Brien to come up with a solid emotional anchor point while finding ways to make the interesting side characters help in good support instead of stealing the spotlight." [Library]

Dune (Rating 3/4) Full Review "Overall, I had a good time with the film. It's got great design, a wonderful sense of scale, good performances, and interesting looks at the world all while circling the central idea of Paul's journey. It's hampered by some stuff here and there, but not enough to completely demean the film." [Theater]

The Lost Patrol (Rating 3.5/4) Full Review "The sense of camaraderie among the men gets frayed, torn apart, but ultimately, as our last survivor looks back over the graves dug for the lost men, the loss of the men isn't forgotten or unfelt. There's real sadness there as they get left behind in the middle of nowhere forever." [Library]

Batman (Rating 2/4) Full Review "It's just that the script feels really cobbled together, a bunch of half-formed ideas appearing and disappearing, inelegantly pasted together in order to make studio bosses happy who didn't really know what they want. Burton, through his efforts on the physical production side of things, made the film watchable and memorable, though." [Personal Collection]

Batman Returns (Rating 3.5/4) Full Review "This is a combination of a smart script that understands its characters with some wrinkles left over combined with a director with a strong visual sensibility that meshes well with the material. The aesthetics are on point, the performances are good, and the script actually takes its characters seriously enough to examine them clearly. It's very good stuff." [Personal Collection]

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.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 07:39 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 *considers mentioning Prometheus*

*thinks better of mentioning Prometheus and does not mention Prometheus*

*does own part to keep thread Prometheus free*

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, the hero Gotham deserves at November 13, 2021 07:40 PM (LvTSG)

2 Movie Sign!

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 07:42 PM (rz+/y)

3 All those guns and I never heard about anyone being killed on Leone set.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 07:44 PM (rz+/y)

4 I willed it into being.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 13, 2021 07:44 PM (Dc2NZ)

5 One of my favorite Leone films has two titles. One is Duck, you Sucker and the other is Fistful of Dynamite. Weird.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 07:46 PM (rz+/y)

6 5 One of my favorite Leone films has two titles. One is Duck, you Sucker and the other is Fistful of Dynamite. Weird.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 07:46 PM (rz+/y)

=========

It actually has a third title:

Once Upon a Time...The Revolution.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, the hero Gotham deserves at November 13, 2021 07:46 PM (LvTSG)

7 What of the producers?

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at November 13, 2021 07:47 PM (0ryfU)

8 It actually has a third title:
Once Upon a Time...The Revolution.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, the hero Gotham deserves

Didn't know that. Kind of a sprawling epic. Not technically a Western either, although it has the feel.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 07:48 PM (rz+/y)

9 I will try to watch Dune one more time. I will say that my movie tastes don't fit in. Bought and watched Tropic Thunder. I want those hours back.

Posted by: Ben Had at November 13, 2021 07:48 PM (bB2I6)

10 7 What of the producers?
Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at November 13, 2021 07:47 PM (0ryfU)

=======

Those who raise vegetables? Surely you can't be serious.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, the hero Gotham deserves at November 13, 2021 07:48 PM (LvTSG)

11 TCM had a Sidney Greenstreet-a-thon the other night. What masterful villainy! His characters are jovial and gentlemanly until you see the dead shark eyes. He was particularly good as the corrupt sheriff in "Flamingo Road".

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 13, 2021 07:50 PM (Dc2NZ)

12 Your definition of great director is very movie-geek oriented, as one would expect.

Mine would be something like: makes more than one film that sticks in my head like glue and won't let go. I guess I should add "and those memories are good," to rule out stuff you remember because it is so awful.

Leone passes that test easily. But so does John Carpenter.

Posted by: Splunge at November 13, 2021 07:50 PM (R+A4V)

13 I loved the Keaton Batman, and thought Nicholson was a great Joker - although I thought Ledger's Joker was better. Keaton was much better than I imagined, especially knowing him mostly from Mr. Mom.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 07:50 PM (XSRBF)

14 Hiya James Monroe !

Posted by: JT at November 13, 2021 07:51 PM (arJlL)

15 Also, O.T., I spent my first six years as a cop in Kensington. Dri's sidebar video is exactly what Kensington has become in the last thirty-plus years.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 07:52 PM (XSRBF)

16 9 I will try to watch Dune one more time. I will say that my movie tastes don't fit in. Bought and watched Tropic Thunder. I want those hours back.
Posted by: Ben Had at November 13, 2021 07:48 PM (bB2I6)

Hi Ben Had! I'm a bit surprised you didn't like Tropic Thunder. Of course tastes vary, but I'd have thought the theme of utter contempt for Hollywood actors would resonate.

Posted by: Splunge at November 13, 2021 07:52 PM (R+A4V)

17 The last two films I saw in the theater I those that, while not perfect, I appreciate the attempt to grapple with the material they chose to work with.

The first of those two - 1917. I saw it not knowing about how it was shot, because I was amazed that someone was going to take a crack at World War I on the big screen. It's been done before, but what was the last time before this - Gallipoli? That was in 1981! I try to think of when it might have been but that's all I can come up with.

The second of them - Dune. It is perfect? No. Do I have my quibbles with it? Yes. However, I read the book and knew going in that as much as I love the book, it will always be a massive challenge to put on film. (The Lynch version just tries to compress too much into too little time. Villaneuve's version to break the first book into two movies seems a better approach.) So therefore I rather enjoyed the movie and can't wait to see the second one.

Just taking on the challenge can sometimes yield good results. Sometimes.

Posted by: Cow Demon - Free Australia! at November 13, 2021 07:52 PM (CdZ4i)

18 Leone's close ups make me turn away. Not a fan of countin pores.

Posted by: Javems at November 13, 2021 07:53 PM (3/f2v)

19 And, not that I needed a reminder, thanks for reminding us how labor intensive movie making is.

Posted by: Cow Demon - Free Australia! at November 13, 2021 07:53 PM (CdZ4i)

20 >>>I will try to watch Dune one more time. I will say that my movie tastes don't fit in.

Posted by: Ben Had

I thought the original Dune was the best one, although the Sci-Fi Channel version was also pretty good. Haven't seen the new one.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 07:53 PM (XSRBF)

21 Tonight is the night. I have received my copy of Willie Dynamite, and Mrs. Splunge and I are prepared for movie night.

At last, I get to view the line "You sayin' you can't control your bitches?" in its proper artistic context.

Posted by: Splunge at November 13, 2021 07:54 PM (R+A4V)

22 TGM I liked the interview on sidebar

Posted by: Skip at November 13, 2021 07:54 PM (2JoB8)

23 *considers mentioning Prometheus*

*thinks better of mentioning Prometheus and does not mention Prometheus*

*does own part to keep thread Prometheus free*
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, the hero Gotham deserves at November 13, 2021 07:40 PM (LvTSG)

You are getting close to a Thin Red Line.

Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 13, 2021 07:55 PM (yQpMk)

24 I have not seen the new Dune. (I confess to a lack of interest.) But even the positive reviews have a "this is the best will likely ever get" kind of feel to them, kind of like Lord of the Rings.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at November 13, 2021 07:55 PM (QU5/8)

25 and Once Upon a Time in the West....we learn that Charles Bronson has been harboring a grudge against Henry Fonda because Fonda killed Bronson's older brother. All last second reveals, almost like they're there just because that's where you put reveals not because he had been building up to them (which he really hadn't).

This isn't really true. IIRC, the very first scene in OUaTitW tells you why Bronson wants revenge, as Fonda forces him to hold his brother on his shoulders or his brother will hang and stuffs a harmonica in Kid Bronson's mouth, with the adult character called harmonica throughout the whole freakin movie.

That said, Leone is a great scene builder but not a great director. He should be the XO, as it were, for the CO director.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 13, 2021 07:56 PM (5NkmN)

26 Yay, movie thread!

Watching the latest James Bond and I stopped in the middle. Not interesting or compelling, sadly.

Watched Robocop with squeakyson last weekend. Still fun to watch, although it is a fundamentally sad movie.

Posted by: squeakywheel at November 13, 2021 07:57 PM (UDSF6)

27 Julie Taymor.

Posted by: runner at November 13, 2021 07:57 PM (V13WU)

28 Sam Mendes.

Posted by: runner at November 13, 2021 07:58 PM (V13WU)

29 Both are excellent stage and film directors.

Posted by: runner at November 13, 2021 07:59 PM (V13WU)

30 That said, Leone is a great scene builder but not a great director. He should be the XO, as it were, for the CO director.
Posted by: naturalfake

Can't think of Leone without thinking of Ennio Morricone. I think his soundtracks did as much to change the Western as Leone's bleak, desolate framing.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 07:59 PM (rz+/y)

31 See what I am saying ?

Posted by: runner at November 13, 2021 07:59 PM (V13WU)

32 The Good, the Bad and The Ugly is flawed. The Civil War/Bridge part doesn't fit well with everything else.

I still love it, though.

Posted by: ghost of hallelujah at November 13, 2021 07:59 PM (sJHOI)

33 This isn't really true. IIRC, the very first scene in OUaTitW tells you why Bronson wants revenge, as Fonda forces him to hold his brother on his shoulders or his brother will hang and stuffs a harmonica in Kid Bronson's mouth, with the adult character called harmonica throughout the whole freakin movie.

IIRC, that was after Fonda had killed their parents.

Posted by: JT at November 13, 2021 07:59 PM (arJlL)

34 most directors are directors first and foremost. They are those managers.

I think they're like conductors. I would *hate* to have a manager who was like a conductor.

Posted by: t-bird at November 13, 2021 08:00 PM (OFJlJ)

35 Took the little grand and her buddy to see Clifford the Big Red dog this afternoon. A huge hit for them.

Dropped off the oldest grand and her buddy to see the Bond movie an hour ago. We'll see what they say once I retrieve them.

Posted by: Tonypete at November 13, 2021 08:00 PM (mD/uy)

36 If it's in outer space and fightin' aliens, I'm in. Prometheus, hell yea.

Posted by: chris+opher at November 13, 2021 08:00 PM (RffAl)

37 Pretty sure it's illegal to be first in your own thread.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at November 13, 2021 08:00 PM (kTF2Z)

38 Franco Zeffirelli. Same.

Posted by: runner at November 13, 2021 08:01 PM (V13WU)

39 The Good, the Bad and The Ugly is flawed. The Civil War/Bridge part doesn't fit well with everything else.
Posted by: ghost of hallelujah

Watched it about a week ago for the first time in at least 15 years. You are absolutely correct. The film just grinds to a halt.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 08:01 PM (rz+/y)

40 >>>Pretty sure it's illegal to be first in your own thread.

Posted by: Duke Lowell

I'll call in the SWAT team.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:01 PM (XSRBF)

41 I think The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is a complete film. At least, it has a beginning, a middle, and and end.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:02 PM (FVME7)

42 Jan 6 Commission: Were you or were you not first in your own thread? Bailiff, whack him in the pee pee.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at November 13, 2021 08:03 PM (kTF2Z)

43 It is sacrilege in this house to deem The Good The Bad and the Ugly anything but a cinematic masterpiece.

Posted by: squeakywheel at November 13, 2021 08:04 PM (UDSF6)

44 Fonda forces him to hold his brother on his shoulders or his brother will hang

-
Still better than Jane.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:04 PM (FVME7)

45 I'll call in the SWAT team.
Posted by: Wyatt Earp

TJM, hide your dog if you have one!

Posted by: butch at November 13, 2021 08:04 PM (cHvOo)

46 It is sacrilege in this house to deem The Good The Bad and the Ugly anything but a cinematic masterpiece.
Posted by: squeakywheel

After the international success of Fistful of Dollars, Italy went nuts making cheap knock offs. Spaghetti Westerns. Very few are memorable, at least to me.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 08:05 PM (rz+/y)

47 @1

If I were a mod - and I'm not a mod - the first comment would be replaced with one that read, "This comment was nuked from orbit. It was the only way to be sure."

Posted by: junior at November 13, 2021 08:06 PM (PTw5h)

48 A movie doesn't have to have much of a story to be a good movie.

Posted by: f'd at November 13, 2021 08:07 PM (Tnijr)

49 Greatness comes with vision, married to hard work and attention to detail, while still being grounded in what is practicable.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:07 PM (eeRB6)

50 Just saw Dune.
It was fun but somebody needs to tell the sound guys that it'd be nice to hear dialog over the roar.

Posted by: DaveA at November 13, 2021 08:07 PM (FhXTo)

51 Watching Top Secret. High end cinema.

Posted by: Pug Mahon at November 13, 2021 08:08 PM (x8Wzq)

52 It's just being first on your own thread doesn't count

Posted by: Skip at November 13, 2021 08:08 PM (2JoB8)

53 I'm looking forward to the new Ghostbusters. I hope it doesn't end in tears.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:09 PM (FVME7)

54 In 1969, Henry Fonda released Once upon a Time in the West, The Boston Strangler and...Yours, Mine and Ours.

Those are three very different films.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 08:09 PM (rz+/y)

55 It does seem like some of those films have disparate or jarring parts or scenes thrown together haphazardly. Maybe some of that was seen as "edgy" at the time? Films took a decidedly different tone around that time.

In recent years, I don't know about movies so much, the latest trend is to film everything really fast in terms of editing. It's just Bam! Bam! Bam! never settling on anything for any length of time. I can't even watch some of these "documentaries" unless I slow the speed down to 50% maybe. I like to look at stuff for a second or two. Years ago that was the way to tell an amateur, they always panned way too fast.

Posted by: Common Tater at November 13, 2021 08:10 PM (KO4Hv)

56 51: nothing wrong with that at all.

Posted by: Cow Demon - Free Australia! at November 13, 2021 08:10 PM (CdZ4i)

57 This week we had good luck with streaming on Netflix:

1) "Errementari" - fun movie built around a Basque folk tale of the Blacksmith and the Devil, wherein a blacksmith captures the devil. In this movie, an orphan girl accidentally lets the devil loose. Hijinks ensue.

This movie never could've been made in the America as it has the true character of a real Grimm's Fairy Tale and eventually the existential horror brought about by taking hell seriously. This isn't a kid's movie though the light touch and humor throughout might fool you into thinking it is.

Great sets/cinematography. Mostly good to excellent acting. The pace is leisurely but it's well directed and written with some nice twists and surprises. The subtitles seem off in several areas. The English soundtrack is written much better for the most part and the voice actors are good.

BONUS! Joke: "Hey, I thought Errementari was the Japanese version of Sherlock Holmes.

BONUS! Useful Information: If in a fight with the devil, carry chick peas!

Posted by: naturalfake at November 13, 2021 08:10 PM (5NkmN)

58 In 1969, Henry Fonda released Once upon a Time in the West, The Boston Strangler and...Yours, Mine and Ours.

In 1968. Sorry.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 08:10 PM (rz+/y)

59 >>>I'm looking forward to the new Ghostbusters. I hope it doesn't end in tears.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice!

Ghostbusters 2016 is the only true Ghostbusters. /s

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:11 PM (XSRBF)

60 Watched John Wick for the first time last night. At least, I watched it through til the end for the first time last night. Last year I attempted to watch it and stopped after they killed the pooch.

I lost count of the bodies. Holy smokes, is the second and third installments of the movie the same?

Posted by: squeakywheel at November 13, 2021 08:12 PM (UDSF6)

61 Personally, I would say that there aren't great directors, but there are great films.

There are directors who are consistent, and who have produced great films. But I think a "great director" would produce nothing but great films without any misfires.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at November 13, 2021 08:12 PM (OU+8W)

62 The new Ghostbusters with a Trannie Squad?

Posted by: Skip at November 13, 2021 08:12 PM (2JoB8)

63 Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone went to school together when they were children. Leone didn't recognize him at first when they started work together on the movies.

Posted by: Mark1971 at November 13, 2021 08:12 PM (xPl2J)

64 I finally got around to watching Bill and Ted Face the Music. The first movie hit all of the right notes. The second movie had moments but never really did anything for me. How was the third outing? It's inoffensive*, but doesn't deliver. A couple of moments work. The actress cast for as Ted's daughter nails the part. The worst part is Missy marrying Ted's brother. It's just creepy. Overall, it is simply there.

* It isn't a seriously woke film. However, the backup band consists of four black guys, one European, and an Asian lady who plays the flute. Also, the future is suddenly a matriarchy. In the past I might not have cared. Well, they've made me care.

Posted by: WiNO at November 13, 2021 08:13 PM (EpDzw)

65 Watched John Wick for the first time last nigh...
I lost count of the bodies. Holy smokes, is the second and third installments of the movie the same?
Posted by: squeakywheel at November 13, 2021 08:12 PM (UDSF6)

Even more so.
The plot gets thinner but the action stays tight.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:14 PM (eeRB6)

66 Lost Patrol: "...the unspeakable joy of killing Arabs!"

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenko gender fluid at November 13, 2021 08:14 PM (vqkTn)

67 >>>I lost count of the bodies. Holy smokes, is the second and third installments of the movie the same?

Posted by: squeakywheel

Pretty much, yeah.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:14 PM (XSRBF)

68 I lost count of the bodies. Holy smokes, is the second and third installments of the movie the same?
Posted by: squeakywheel at November 13, 2021 08:12 PM (UDSF6)

Yes.

Posted by: WiNO at November 13, 2021 08:15 PM (EpDzw)

69 Here's a short film that is both comedy and tragedy.

https://bit.ly/3HgvYC9

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:15 PM (FVME7)

70 >>>I lost count of the bodies. Holy smokes, is the second and third installments of the movie the same?

Also, John Wick 4 is about to be released.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:15 PM (XSRBF)

71 I barely remember the first set of Batman movies. I remember Keaton being WAY better in the role then I expected and Schwarzenegger being horrible as one of the villains.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 08:16 PM (ESjRY)

72 Personally, I would say that there aren't great directors, but there are great films.

There are directors who are consistent, and who have produced great films. But I think a "great director" would produce nothing but great films without any misfires.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at November 13, 2021 08:12 PM (OU+8W)

Directors have to learn their craft, same as anyone. So I don't think anyone who directs, oh a dozen movies, can be expected to have them all be great. I expect the movies to get better.

That said, there's a lot of moving pieces in a movie and only one of them has to stop working for a film to crash. Some are just out of a director's control, another reason it's hard to get a .1000 batting average.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:16 PM (eeRB6)

73 On my list of things that probably won't show up in the pawn shop is the second Sicario movie.

Posted by: Ben Had at November 13, 2021 08:16 PM (bB2I6)

74 Also, John Wick 4 is about to be released.
Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:15 PM (XSRBF)

John Wick has to travel the globe searching for the one person on earth he hasn't killed.

Posted by: WiNO at November 13, 2021 08:17 PM (EpDzw)

75 Watching "Tombstone," which I somehow have never seen before.

Hmmm. Bill Paxton.

Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 08:17 PM (GuvvI)

76
I barely remember the first set of Batman movies. I remember Keaton being WAY better in the role then I expected and Schwarzenegger being horrible as one of the villains.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 08:16 PM

Adam West is the one true Batman

Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 08:18 PM (DUIap)

77 John Wick has to travel the globe searching for the one person on earth he hasn't killed.

Spoiler alert: That person is actually his dog from the first movie.

Posted by: M Night Shmalayan at November 13, 2021 08:18 PM (ESjRY)

78 >>>John Wick has to travel the globe searching for the one person on earth he hasn't killed.

Posted by: WiNO

It's a taut thriller where Wick climbs Everest to murder Edmund Hilary's grandson.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:18 PM (XSRBF)

79 51 Watching Top Secret. High end cinema.
Posted by: Pug Mahon at November 13, 2021 08:08 PM (x8Wzq)

You are a man of culture and taste

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:18 PM (eeRB6)

80 2) "The King" - a new version of the King Henry the 5th.

Well acted, good directing, loads of good to great actors, the lead actor from DUNE is Ht5,

what keeps this as a good instead of great is that the writers want to "update" the story and IMO it weakens the story.

Also, for crying out loud Shakespeare wrote a load of great speeches and scenes, they could easily have used a modified Shakespeare speech whenever the time came instead of coming up with an inferior "original" attempt. Example? I'm looking right at you , Henry's speech to his men before the battle of Agincort.

Anyway, you'll enjoy it even if occasionally irritated by the miss opportunities afforded by Shakespeare's prose.

Check it out.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 13, 2021 08:18 PM (5NkmN)

81 >>>Watching "Tombstone," which I somehow have never seen before.
Hmmm. Bill Paxton.

Posted by: Sharkman

My favorite film. No question. Plus, Dana Delany.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:19 PM (XSRBF)

82 On the Foundation front, Goyer has managed to flip the core of the books. Now we have a special character solving it all.

Posted by: WiNO at November 13, 2021 08:19 PM (EpDzw)

83 In the past I might not have cared. Well, they've made me care.

Note the one daughter is gender fluid or something.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 08:19 PM (ESjRY)

84 I've spent most of this foul-weather day watching Nero Wolfe mysteries (the A&E series from the early 2000s). In one of yesterday's threads about FBI abuses, somebody mentioned Rex Stout's "The Doorbell Rang," and the A&E adaptation of that is outstanding. I have the whole series on DVD and have been picking my way through some favorites. An ensemble cast is something you don't really see anymore, but it works in this context, and the soundtracks and the set/costume colors are amazing. If you haven't watched them, they're worth a watch. Start with "The Doorbell Rang."

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at November 13, 2021 08:20 PM (lNHqD)

85 Keaton was a very good Batman. Michelle Pfeiffer was a very good Catwoman. Also gorgeous. Really really gorgeous. I enjoyed the first 2 Batman movies. I don't remember much about the next few (Clooney? Meh). Nolan's versions are excellent though.

Posted by: Puddleglum at November 13, 2021 08:20 PM (sAmhv)

86 Not really a movie guy but loved all of the spag westerns.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at November 13, 2021 08:20 PM (Xrfse)

87 Everybody talks about over population. John Wick does something about it.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:20 PM (FVME7)

88 >>>Everybody talks about over population. John Wick does something about it.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice!

John Wick 5 has him tracking down a Swedish girl who just won't shut the F up.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:21 PM (XSRBF)

89
My favorite film. No question. Plus, Dana Delany.

Make sure to check out East of Eden...just beware of Rosie O'Bighead

Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 08:21 PM (ESjRY)

90 Posted by: WiNO at November 13, 2021 08:13 PM (EpDzw)

Oddly it was Keanu who made the movie drag for me. Winters still had that gung-ho dude energy but Reeves had none of his old winsome floppy-haired charm. He was boring. The two were always hilariously NO WAY!!! about the weirdness around them.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 13, 2021 08:21 PM (Dc2NZ)

91 John Wick 5 has him tracking down a Swedish girl who just won't shut the F up.
Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:21 PM (XSRBF)

Is it an action movie or a euro sex romp?
Asking for a friend.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:22 PM (eeRB6)

92 >>>Is it an action movie or a euro sex romp?
Asking for a friend.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards

Embrace the power of "both."

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:22 PM (XSRBF)

93 John Wick 6 - They killed his dog. Again. But this time in Space.

Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM (ESjRY)

94 Check it out.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 13, 2021 08:18 PM (5NkmN)

I really liked it. Plus, trebuchets.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM (Dc2NZ)

95 I've spent most of this foul-weather day watching Nero Wolfe mysteries (the A&E series from the early 2000s). In one of yesterday's threads about FBI abuses, somebody mentioned Rex Stout's "The Doorbell Rang," and the A&E adaptation of that is outstanding. I have the whole series on DVD and have been picking my way through some favorites. An ensemble cast is something you don't really see anymore, but it works in this context, and the soundtracks and the set/costume colors are amazing. If you haven't watched them, they're worth a watch. Start with "The Doorbell Rang."
Posted by: Pennsyltucky at November 13, 2021 08:20 PM (lNHqD)

I really want that for Christmas.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM (eeRB6)

96 Name a new director that isn't a product of the nihilist corporate machine that has legs.

I'll wait.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM (1t5dY)

97 Note the one daughter is gender fluid or something.
Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 08:19 PM (ESjRY)

I missed that. One thing the original had was a taut script with a lot of witty dialog. Lightning usually only strikes once for comedies.

Posted by: WiNO at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM (EpDzw)

98 Adam West is the one true Batman
Posted by: AltonJackson

Shoulda socked that one as...

Adam West

Posted by: Oddbob at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM (nfrXX)

99 Adam West is the one true Batman
Posted by: AltonJackson

Maybe, but I nailed all the chicks. ALL OF THEM!

Posted by: Burt Ward at November 13, 2021 08:24 PM (ESjRY)

100
Shoulda socked that one as...

Adam West

Posted by: Oddbob at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM

or as Burt Ward

Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 08:24 PM (DUIap)

101 Please don't say Panos Cosmatos. Please.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 13, 2021 08:25 PM (1t5dY)

102 96 Name a new director that isn't a product of the nihilist corporate machine that has legs.

I'll wait.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM (1t5dY)

=========

David Lowery.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, the hero Gotham deserves at November 13, 2021 08:26 PM (LvTSG)

103 My favorite film. No question. Plus, Dana Delany.
Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:19 PM (XSRBF)

-----------

Well, yeah, you got to bang her at the end of the movie.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at November 13, 2021 08:26 PM (kTF2Z)

104 Roger Ebert was pretty much an asshat politically. And even if you are a lefty, if you are not an asshat, that works for me in this day and age. Too bad Ebert was a legitimate asshat by a long shot.

With that said, Ebert was a skillful movie reviewer. His reviews of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, Pulp Fiction, and Sideways stand out. Ebert revised his original review of The Good, the bad, and the ugly when he realized how great a film it was. It took a while even for him to figure it out.

I don't need Ebert to tell me what to think. But Leone was a great director. I measure greatness by the impact a man made. Certainly two of his films were truly great, and neither was Once Upon a Time in America.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 08:26 PM (Oy+3b)

105 >>>Well, yeah, you got to bang her at the end of the movie.

Posted by: Duke Lowell

Sploosh.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:27 PM (XSRBF)

106 Name a new director that isn't a product of the nihilist corporate machine that has legs.

I'll wait.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM (1t5dY)

Andrew Patterson

And I'll defend the Russo Brothers all day long.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:28 PM (eeRB6)

107 When they woke Shakespeare, it'll be Henrietta V giving the Sorority of Sisters speech.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:28 PM (FVME7)

108 Don't think ever saw a John Wick movie

Posted by: Skip at November 13, 2021 08:29 PM (2JoB8)

109 Is it an action movie or a euro sex romp?
Asking for a friend.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards

Embrace the power of "both."
Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:22 PM (XSRBF)

Either way, it'll be a pants-free night!

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:30 PM (eeRB6)

110 When they woke Shakespeare, it'll be Henrietta V giving the Sorority of Sisters speech.

But they're all trannys anyway so they can just overdub the Branaugh version.

Posted by: Oddbob at November 13, 2021 08:31 PM (nfrXX)

111
Repost:

I just watched Drive Angry (2011).
Nick Cage plays a badass who is so bad ass, he breaks out of Hell to seek vengeance for his daughter.
---
The Accountant was the star of that movie IMO.
Posted by: Mister Scot

Posted by: Soothsayer -- at November 13, 2021 08:31 PM (dwJ1r)

112
Don't think ever saw a John Wick movie

Posted by: Skip at November 13, 2021 08:29 PM

non spoiler spoiler: although you will think it is at first, it's actually not Yakov Smirnoff in that one scene in the first movie

Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 08:31 PM (DUIap)

113 "Summer Lovers" is a very good movie with lots of on location cultural history. It is also a Euro Sex romp.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 08:32 PM (Oy+3b)

114 I'm sort of surprised no one has mentioned

"Once Upon a Time in the West"

I thought that was one of Leone's better movies.

And then Mark Knopfler wrote a song by the same name. Can't be all bad, huh?

Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at November 13, 2021 08:32 PM (tjZg/)

115 >>>Don't think ever saw a John Wick movie

Posted by: Skip

Only saw the first film, but I would recommend it.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:33 PM (XSRBF)

116 Saw a film on Netflix called The Trip. Stars Axel Hennie and Noomi Rapace. Norwegian with subtitles.

A married couple go to their country cottage and plan to murder each other (unbeknownst to the other). Then something happens. It's a wild ride.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 08:34 PM (rz+/y)

117 Well, dopey me.

I skimmed over the post, and yes indeed, TheJamesMadison did talk about

"Once Upon a Time in the West"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O78v_GhEtgk
(that's the song)

Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at November 13, 2021 08:35 PM (tjZg/)

118
If The Matrix was so good, ...

1. why don't I remember it?
2. why did I have no desire to see the Matrix II?

Posted by: Soothsayer -- at November 13, 2021 08:35 PM (dwJ1r)

119 never saw John Wick. If no for the intertubes, I would have never known it existed. The last two movies i saw in a theater were Sully and American Sniper.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 08:35 PM (Oy+3b)

120 115 >>>Don't think ever saw a John Wick movie

Posted by: Skip

Only saw the first film, but I would recommend it.
Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:33 PM (XSRBF)

Very much seconded for the first movie. Never wanted to see another. Perfect on it's own.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:36 PM (csEWM)

121 107 When they woke Shakespeare, it'll be Henrietta V giving the Sorority of Sisters speech.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:28 PM (FVME7)
---------------------------

"We few, we whorey few, we husband-shoppers, for she today that shares her Red Bull and Vodka with me is LIKE TOTALLY MY SISTER FOR LIFE YO!!"

*insert unintelligible Greek letters and chant here*

Posted by: Pennsyltucky at November 13, 2021 08:36 PM (lNHqD)

122 why did I have no desire to see the Matrix II?

-
The gods were looking out for you.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:36 PM (FVME7)

123 Posted by: naturalfake

Thanks for the review on "Errementari"! Ive been mindjuggling on whether to take the plunge or not, and I think this cinches it for the "must watch" side of my inner dialogue.

Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 08:37 PM (lIDCz)

124 >>>If The Matrix was so good, ...
1. why don't I remember it?
2. why did I have no desire to see the Matrix II?

Posted by: Soothsayer

The first one was good, but the second two, not so much.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at November 13, 2021 08:38 PM (XSRBF)

125
David Lowery.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison,

So the Green Knight was?

Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 13, 2021 08:39 PM (1t5dY)

126 The two movies I've seen of Henry V are art, because of the quality of the play itself, wonderfully adapted to the screen.

That pretty much is my limit in the movie art genre.

Everyone else you want to call "great directors" are managers of packages of professional entertainment, some good, some pretty hokey, but all merely craft, with the newer stuff falling into the realm of stag movies.

Besides, Hollywood and European film directors, like producers, are about half a notch above street level hookers in terms of social worth.

Posted by: B Dubya at November 13, 2021 08:39 PM (aLpqZ)

127 If The Matrix was so good, ...

1. why don't I remember it?
2. why did I have no desire to see the Matrix II?

Posted by: Soothsayer -- at November 13, 2021 08:35 PM (dwJ1r)

why did i never see it? And get off my lawn! But a good point you make there. There are many movies called great that people forget soon after. TGTBATU is still remembered,referenced, and watched today. It is no The English Patient or Shakespeare in Love.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 08:39 PM (Oy+3b)

128 I think every week one John Wick movie is on tv

Posted by: Skip at November 13, 2021 08:39 PM (2JoB8)

129 122 why did I have no desire to see the Matrix II?

-
The gods were looking out for you.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:36 PM (FVME7)

Matrix II, Ghostbusters II, Highlander II.... movies which will NOT be named...

Posted by: Romeo13 at November 13, 2021 08:40 PM (oHd/0)

130 Watched Pig. Did not like the ending.
Might need to rewatch John Wick to calm down.

Posted by: vmom - link to Red's fundraiser at November 13, 2021 08:40 PM (YZG/i)

131 John Wick is perhaps the perfect guy's movie. Stoic protagonist. Extremely simple story. Gun porn. Vengeance. The End.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:40 PM (csEWM)

132 Watch the first John Wick movie and stop. Should have quit with one.

Just like The Matrix

Posted by: weirdflunky at November 13, 2021 08:42 PM (cknjq)

133 93 John Wick 6 - They killed his dog. Again. But this time in Space.
Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 08:23 PM (ESjRY)

He kills an Alien, with a fucking Space Pencil.

Posted by: Romeo13 at November 13, 2021 08:43 PM (oHd/0)

134 I saw the Matrix after a buddy brought over the fresh dvd. Watched it on my 14" computer screen (the image is so crisp!) It was an amazing first watch. Really liked it. Saw the second one in the theater. Stopped right there. Never rewatched the second one.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:43 PM (csEWM)

135 The Good, the Bad and The Ugly is flawed. The Civil War/Bridge part doesn't fit well with everything else.
Posted by: ghost of hallelujah

Watched it about a week ago for the first time in at least 15 years. You are absolutely correct. The film just grinds to a halt.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly

I think I "get" what theyre trying to do with this whole sequence...building the improbable bond between Tuco and Blondie while at the same time hitting on the madness of war. At least thats always been my take. But, it does sorta break the flow of the story, and not the way I like. I much prefer For a Few Dollars More, whatwith its Klaus Kinski fix and its unlikely and uneasy alliances, along with a great villain!

Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 08:43 PM (lIDCz)

136 131 John Wick is perhaps the perfect guy's movie. Stoic protagonist. Extremely simple story. Gun porn. Vengeance. The End.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:40 PM (csEWM)

Much like Taken... (and I hate the main actor in that) but they did two more movies with the exact same plot.

Posted by: Romeo13 at November 13, 2021 08:44 PM (oHd/0)

137 132 Watch the first John Wick movie and stop. Should have quit with one.

Just like The Matrix
Posted by: weirdflunky at November 13, 2021 08:42 PM (cknjq)

This. Matrix is the reason I never watched the second wick movie.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:44 PM (csEWM)

138 In the space cantina scene, John Wick shot first.

Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 13, 2021 08:44 PM (BPuaD)

139 "My opinion of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is in the minority (I don't like it very much), but what I see is random events with a large budget and nothing tying it all together. "

Hey TGM. Thanks for the great movie content as always. Maybe i am off here, but maybe his point was that not much tied things together. Maybe the point was that these people were just surviving in this world and there wasn't supposed to be a greater context.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 08:45 PM (Oy+3b)

140 Much like Taken... (and I hate the main actor in that) but they did two more movies with the exact same plot.
Posted by: Romeo13 at November 13, 2021 08:44 PM (oHd/0)

Taken is not bad, but I do not think it holds a candle to Wick. Taken feels like it has a lot of extraneous crap compared to Wick.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:45 PM (csEWM)

141 138 In the space cantina scene, John Wick shot first.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 13, 2021 08:44 PM (BPuaD)

And last. Several times.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:46 PM (csEWM)

142 The Matrix still holds up.

Worth a watch.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:46 PM (eeRB6)

143 138 In the space cantina scene, John Wick shot first.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 13, 2021 08:44 PM (BPuaD)

Hit Guido in the eye with a Straw, took his gun, and killed everyone in the place.

Including Luke... movie over.

Posted by: Romeo13 at November 13, 2021 08:46 PM (oHd/0)

144 I generally agree with your views on what makes a great director. I know I think one of the greatest is one you've commented on quite a bit, Billy Wilder - a man who can direct *anything* and do it well.

And although I like Sergio Leone movies (and I DO like Good Bad and Ugly, mainly because of Morricone's score) Leone is kind of a one trick pony with his films.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 08:46 PM (evAgx)

145 OK, I won't be a spoiler here, but the end of the latest James Bond isn't 'spectacular' as was reported by the critics.

The left kills everything they touch. Even this.

Posted by: squeakywheel at November 13, 2021 08:46 PM (UDSF6)

146 Including Luke... movie over.
Posted by: Romeo13 at November 13, 2021 08:46 PM (oHd/0)

But he left Chewie alone.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:47 PM (csEWM)

147 Prometheus > Yoko

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 13, 2021 08:47 PM (EZebt)

148 Two of my favorite directors are woefully underrated: Bennett Miller and Alexander Payne.
If you haven't seen any of these titles, well worth an exploration.

Bennett:
Capote, Moneyball, Foxcatcher

Payne: Election, About Schmidt, Sideways, The Descendants, Nebraska, Downsizing

Posted by: mot at November 13, 2021 08:47 PM (FmeBQ)

149 A nice mug of brussel sprout smoothie and watch On Golden Pond, what could be finer?

Posted by: Common Tater at November 13, 2021 08:48 PM (KO4Hv)

150 I fully understand toss out the bridge blowing up and The Good the Bad and the Ugly would be a great film.

Posted by: Skip at November 13, 2021 08:48 PM (2JoB8)

151 There is only one Ghostbusters movie. Period. I hate the fucking lesbo woketards for shitting all over Bill, Dan, and Harold. They fucking comandeering it, ruined it, and made it something you now have to clarify.

Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at November 13, 2021 08:48 PM (audll)

152 116 Saw a film on Netflix called The Trip. Stars Axel Hennie and Noomi Rapace. Norwegian with subtitles.

A married couple go to their country cottage and plan to murder each other (unbeknownst to the other). Then something happens. It's a wild ride.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 08:34 PM (rz+/y)

Cancel Netflix. And has anybody seen Czech Chick around?

Posted by: Eric Schmidt at November 13, 2021 08:48 PM (ulaXh)

153 24 I have not seen the new Dune. (I confess to a lack of interest.) But even the positive reviews have a "this is the best will likely ever get" kind of feel to them, kind of like Lord of the Rings.
----
Ha.

I just came into this thread to say, if you like the book, this is probably the best Dune movie that can be made.

I like the David Lynch version, mostly for the visual elements, but this one's also visually fantastic and sticks to the story* much better.

*I think, haven't read Dune in a while, maybe someone who's read it more often or more recently will pick more nits on this.

Posted by: Cave Johnson at November 13, 2021 08:48 PM (Lv65y)

154 @85 Keaton was a very good Batman. Michelle Pfeiffer was a very good Catwoman. Also gorgeous. Really really gorgeous. I enjoyed the first 2 Batman movies. I don't remember much about the next few (Clooney? Meh).

----

People went to see the third movie, but it was clear that without Keaton and Burton, it just wasn't the same. Schumacher tried to imitate Burton's style, but it was pretty obviously just a silly imitation. Still, people more or less enjoyed it.

But the fourth movie was a complete flop, and basically killed superhero movies as a genre until the Raimi Spider-Man film in 2002.

Posted by: junior at November 13, 2021 08:48 PM (PTw5h)

155 Sideways and Moneyball are both great movies.

Posted by: squeakywheel at November 13, 2021 08:48 PM (UDSF6)

156 John Wick is perhaps the perfect guy's movie. Stoic protagonist. Extremely simple story. Gun porn. Vengeance. The End.

Sounds like Unforgiven, too.

Posted by: t-bird at November 13, 2021 08:49 PM (1vynn)

157 You know, I have no idea who even directed John Wick.

Chad Stahelski according to the web. Also slated to do the Highlander reboot. Hmmm.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:49 PM (csEWM)

158 I didn't think much of Wick when I saw it. It was seeing II and III that made me reconsider. They are more extreme versions of the first one. It made it obvious that the series is basically live-action anime. And once I got it, I could enjoy it.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at November 13, 2021 08:49 PM (QU5/8)

159
I'm tempted to re-watch Ghost Rider.

My like for Nick Cage is peaking, I guess.

Posted by: Soothsayer -- at November 13, 2021 08:49 PM (dwJ1r)

160 Common Tater you could throw in a handful of porcupine quills

Posted by: Skip at November 13, 2021 08:49 PM (2JoB8)

161 Watching a French detective series that is temporarily free on amazon.
Magellan. Charming.

Posted by: vmom - link to Red's fundraiser at November 13, 2021 08:50 PM (YZG/i)

162 For all the critique of The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly....I still stand by the opinion that the final act in the film is almost without peer in the genre. That gun duel, combined with its soundtrack, is f'n beautiful

Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 08:50 PM (lIDCz)

163 Watched it about a week ago for the first time in at least 15 years. You are absolutely correct. The film just grinds to a halt.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly

It was 1966, I'm sure the scene got stuck in there so it could be a Relative Vietnam Commentary. Which is why it is so grindingly dull and pointless.

Also it's hardly worth pointing out that nobody had big armies running around in any desert areas in that war.
On the other hand, he gave the dying boy a cigarette! He is SO COOL!!!

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 08:51 PM (evAgx)

164 Sounds like Unforgiven, too.
Posted by: t-bird at November 13, 2021 08:49 PM (1vynn)

Without the boring parts. The odd thing is they are similar themes. Except there is no real reluctance on Wick's part. It is just a switch thrown at the beginning of the movie.

So imagine Unforgiven with the last 10 minutes stretched to an hour and the set up shrunk to the first 10-15 mins.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:51 PM (csEWM)

165 The reason they make the Matrix 2 is the same reason that Star Trek was made,

Without the success of Star Wars and bad Hollywood money following good Hollywood money, Star Trek would have remained a memory from the 60s.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 13, 2021 08:51 PM (EZebt)

166 think I "get" what theyre trying to do with this whole sequence...building the improbable bond between Tuco and Blondie while at the same time hitting on the madness of war. At least thats always been my take. But, it does sorta break the flow of the story, and not the way I like. I much prefer For a Few Dollars More, whatwith its Klaus Kinski fix and its unlikely and uneasy alliances, along with a great villain!

Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 08:43 PM (lIDCz)

I hear ya. The Italians have always been interested in the Civil War and the Old West. This was shot in Spain so the landscape could only give them what it gave them. It is pretty clear after thinking about it that that battle was supposed to be in New Mexico or thereabouts. For sure the few battles that happened in that area were futile and of not much consequence.

I thought the CW stuff was pretty good as it showed these three guys were just living in this time,and the issues of the country meant nothing to them. They would have done the same things in WW2 or any other time and place.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 08:51 PM (Oy+3b)

167 151 There is only one Ghostbusters movie. Period. I hate the fucking lesbo woketards for shitting all over Bill, Dan, and Harold. They fucking comandeering it, ruined it, and made it something you now have to clarify.
Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at November 13, 2021 08:48 PM (audll)

I'm hoping the one that comes out next week can bring life back to the story. Already like the premise of a new generation discovering Ghost Busting, after a long hiatus of ghost sightings.

Posted by: Romeo13 at November 13, 2021 08:51 PM (oHd/0)

168 Then something happens. It's a wild ride.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 08:34 PM (rz+/y)

Saw that after you rec'd it a couple weeks ago(?)
It is fun

Posted by: vmom - link to Red's fundraiser at November 13, 2021 08:51 PM (YZG/i)

169 159
I'm tempted to re-watch Ghost Rider.

My like for Nick Cage is peaking, I guess.

I've been on a Cage kick lately as well. I watched Pig and Joe then went back to watch some of his older films. Guy is clearly an artist. Read a quote that he has to work to keep himself out of trouble.

Posted by: mot at November 13, 2021 08:52 PM (FmeBQ)

170 Not much of a fan of the Spaghetti westerns. I much prefer the small, simple films like the Ranown cycle. In my opinion about four of those were little gems-"Seven Men From Now" (technically Batjac, not Ranown, but same director, writer and star), "Ride Lonesome," "Comanche Station," and "The Tall T"-BTW, I don't think much of Scott as an actor, but he was perfect in the Ranown films. I also think Sam Peckenpaugh's masterpiece was "Ride the High Country," not "The Wild Bunch."

Posted by: Pope John the 20th at November 13, 2021 08:52 PM (Ap+cR)

171 quint, sometime when your up for this watch stern interview vicent gallo. it will give some good insight into ebert.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E10YQWgHQDE

Posted by: choogle at November 13, 2021 08:53 PM (Vvxm6)

172 I'm tempted to re-watch Ghost Rider.

My like for Nick Cage is peaking, I guess.
Posted by: Soothsayer -- at November 13, 2021 08:49 PM (dwJ1r)

Another case where the Second movie of the series, was crap.

Posted by: Romeo13 at November 13, 2021 08:53 PM (oHd/0)

173 Saw that after you rec'd it a couple weeks ago(?)
It is fun
Posted by: vmom - link to Red's fundraiser

Oh, I'm so happy you liked it!

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 08:54 PM (rz+/y)

174 A nice mug of brussel sprout smoothie and watch On Golden Pond, what could be finer?
Posted by: Common Tater at November 13, 2021 08:48 PM (KO4Hv)

----------

A slow, painful death?

Posted by: Duke Lowell at November 13, 2021 08:54 PM (kTF2Z)

175 I'm tempted to re-watch Ghost Rider.

My like for Nick Cage is peaking, I guess.
Posted by: Soothsayer

No point in doing so. Just watch Con Air again like normal people.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 13, 2021 08:54 PM (1t5dY)

176 162 For all the critique of The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly....I still stand by the opinion that the final act in the film is almost without peer in the genre. That gun duel, combined with its soundtrack, is f'n beautiful
Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 08:50 PM (lIDCz)

Oh yeah, and the Ultimate Cool (that makes me smile every time I see it) is that after Clint shoots Lee Van Cleef, he waits a bit and fires another shot, dropping him into an Open Grave. Then he starts walking across the arena, and he casually fires another shot knocking Lee's gun into the open grave. Then another, casually knocking Lee's hat into the grave.

Just cleaning up the mess so it's all nice and tidy.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 08:55 PM (evAgx)

177 I could pick a lot of nits about the 2021 Dune, and I did, it's not a bad movie. But it is very much 'Baby's First Dune Movie'. It is so trimmed down and simplified that it lacks much of the complexity of not only the Dune novel but even the 1984 Dune.

Jason Momoa was entertaining in it, but his might have been the only performance that was better than the 1984 version.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at November 13, 2021 08:55 PM (eeRB6)

178 Oh, I'm so happy you liked it!
Posted by: Blutarski

The Hollywood thing at the end had me chortling.

Posted by: vmom - link to Red's fundraiser at November 13, 2021 08:55 PM (YZG/i)

179 I also think Sam Peckenpaugh's masterpiece was "Ride the High Country," not "The Wild Bunch."
Posted by: Pope John the 20th

Me too! At least I'd rather watch it than the Wild Bunch. And I like the Wild Bunch.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 08:55 PM (rz+/y)

180 No point in doing so. Just watch Con Air again like normal people.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at November 13, 2021 08:54 PM (1t5dY)

This. Maybe Face/Off.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:56 PM (csEWM)

181
in re: Nick Cage

if you haven't seen it (and odds are tremendous you haven't), Matchstick Men is good

I think I'm one of the seven or eight people who has ever seen it

Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 08:56 PM (DUIap)

182 Rewatched Open Range the other night. It holds up well.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at November 13, 2021 08:57 PM (kTF2Z)

183 Ford made The Blue Angel?????

Posted by: Robert Smith at November 13, 2021 08:57 PM (VqOWW)

184 TJM discussing "great directors", and Ridley Scott isn't The Greatest Of Them All?

Where is TJM, and what have you done with him?

Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 13, 2021 08:58 PM (a3Q+t)

185 On Nic Cage, do not bother with Windtalkers. It is pretty boring and not very Cagey.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 08:58 PM (csEWM)

186
I thought the CW stuff was pretty good as it showed these three guys were just living in this time,and the issues of the country meant nothing to them. They would have done the same things in WW2 or any other time and place.
Posted by: Quint

I agree on most of the CW content. It works well, and they sell how the main characters, and for agreat many others as well, couldnt have given two bidens how the whole north/south thing was gonna turn out. But...the bridge scene. Its played as if both sides would just stop dukin it out forever if it wasnt for that darn bridge, lol. Generally, I fast forward through that whole scene so I can get to what I really wanna see....THE DUEL

Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 08:58 PM (lIDCz)

187 Yikes. No wonder I've never bothered to watch this before. "Shoot-Out at the Drama Queen Corral!" Meh.

I think I'll watch the latest Bruce Willis Phoning It In To Pay His Mortgage Movie, which just dropped yesterday. "Apex". A bunch of fucksticks hunt ol' Bruce through the forest.

Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 08:59 PM (GuvvI)

188 When John Wick took the red pill, The Bowery King popped in a Rolling Stones tape and got himself some satisfaction.

Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 13, 2021 08:59 PM (BPuaD)

189 Kubricks worst film hands down Eyes Wide Shut. Bl3ch!!

Posted by: MantuaBill at November 13, 2021 08:59 PM (MDh0b)

190 Just cleaning up the mess so it's all nice and tidy.
Posted by: Tom Servo

magnifique!

Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 09:00 PM (lIDCz)

191 Kubricks worst film hands down Eyes Wide Shut. Bl3ch!!
Posted by: MantuaBill

Thats because it was a documentary

Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 09:01 PM (lIDCz)

192 I'd read what a great movie the Wild Bunch was, and DVDs were then cutting edge tech, so I bought the really special special limited collectors edition and the rest of it. I like Westerns.

I didn't like it. All they did was just shoot everybody, in about every scene. LOL!! I mean, I dunno. I think somebody was pulling somebody's leg.

Posted by: Common Tater at November 13, 2021 09:02 PM (KO4Hv)

193 3 out of 4 for Dune?! Sounds like Bene Gesserit lies!

Posted by: Draki at November 13, 2021 09:02 PM (gxyqK)

194 I kind of like Ghost Rider, if I'm in the mood for a pure schlockfest.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 09:03 PM (evAgx)

195 I agree on most of the CW content. It works well,
Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 08:58 PM (lIDCz)

I hear ya. But battles are fought over bridges, hills, and other things that are considered to be strategically/tactically vital. Wasn't the set up of Saving Private Ryan about a bridge too? And then there is A Bridge too far.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 09:03 PM (Oy+3b)

196 When they woke Shakespeare, it'll be Henrietta V giving the Sorority of Sisters speech. Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks Now With Pumpkin Spice! at November 13, 2021 08:28 PM (FVME7)

In England in 2014, I heard on the BBC radio as they were interviewing a black woman who was playing Henry V. They had her do a bit of the speech and it was awful. She clearly didn't understand the significance of certain words in the speech.

Posted by: Caesar North of the Rubicon at November 13, 2021 09:04 PM (BMmaB)

197 A Bridge too far

Phenomenal war flick

Posted by: mot at November 13, 2021 09:05 PM (FmeBQ)

198 I kind of like Ghost Rider, if I'm in the mood for a pure schlockfest.
Posted by: Tom Servo

SPOILER

The scene where he learns Sam Elliot was also a rider. Mwah *chef's kiss*

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 09:05 PM (rz+/y)

199 In England in 2014, I heard on the BBC radio as they were interviewing a black woman who was playing Henry V. They had her do a bit of the speech and it was awful. She clearly didn't understand the significance of certain words in the speech.
Posted by: Caesar North of the Rubicon at November 13, 2021 09:04 PM (BMmaB)

*sigh*

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 09:05 PM (csEWM)

200 SPOILER

The scene where he learns Sam Elliot was also a rider. Mwah *chef's kiss*
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 09:05 PM (rz+/y)

Strictly speaking, his moustache is the Rider. He is just attached.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 09:07 PM (csEWM)

201
Jason Momoa was entertaining in it, but his might have been the only performance that was better than the 1984 version.

Thinking back, everyone in the original movie put in a good role except for perhaps Sting. Who does Momoa play in the new one?

Posted by: Burt Ward at November 13, 2021 09:08 PM (ESjRY)

202 Jason Momoa was entertaining in it, but his might have been the only performance that was better than the 1984 version.

Thinking back, everyone in the original movie put in a good role except for perhaps Sting. Who does Momoa play in the new one?
Posted by: Burt Ward at November 13, 2021 09:08 PM (ESjRY)

I might have a radical opinion, but I prefer New Paul.

Posted by: Draki at November 13, 2021 09:09 PM (gxyqK)

203 I didn't like it. All they did was just shoot everybody, in about every scene. LOL!! I mean, I dunno. I think somebody was pulling somebody's leg.

Posted by: Common Tater at November 13, 2021 09:02 PM (KO4Hv)

I can see that, no question there. Everyone has their own taste. Often it is time a place, you have to see the film in the right mood, at least that is my experience. I tried watching Deadwood and couldn't get threw the first episode.Maybe it was time and place but that show didn't ring true to me in any way.

The Wild Bunch was about the end of the "
Wild West". These men were dinosaurs and of course criminals. But the world that made sense to them was gone. There was no loyalty, and the world had passed them by. They chose to end it their way, as they knew they had no future.

BTW, there is a book about the movie that came out a couple of years ago. I won't say don't read it, but it was not very good and didn't do much for the actors or director.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 09:11 PM (Oy+3b)

204 Watch the first John Wick movie and stop. Should have quit with one.

Just like The Matrix

Posted by: weirdflunky

And Star Wars . . . and Rocky . . . and Terminator . . . and Rambo. I seem to be detecting a pattern, here.

Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 09:11 PM (GuvvI)

205 71 I barely remember the first set of Batman movies. I remember Keaton being WAY better in the role then I expected and Schwarzenegger being horrible as one of the villains.
Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 08:16 PM (ESjRY)

I think everyone acknowledges that the one with Ah-nold in it wasn't just bad, it was astoundingly bad.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 09:13 PM (evAgx)

206 And Star Wars . . . and Rocky . . . and Terminator . . . and Rambo. I seem to be detecting a pattern, here.

Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 09:11 PM (GuvvI)

Jaws, Romancing the Stone.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 09:13 PM (Oy+3b)

207 Idaho. Who in the new Dune do you see as the character and not themselves? Bardem as Stilgar a great example of this.

Posted by: Parametric at November 13, 2021 09:13 PM (eOSuW)

208 I might have a radical opinion, but I prefer New Paul.

I don't find this hard to believe. Kyle McLachlan has the acting ability of driftwood.

Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at November 13, 2021 09:14 PM (QU5/8)

209 Bardem as Stilgar a great example of this.
Posted by: Parametric

Who's the new Barron Harkkonen?

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 09:14 PM (rz+/y)

210 So imagine Unforgiven with the last 10 minutes stretched to an hour and the set up shrunk to the first 10-15 mins.

Man, that would be a great one.

Posted by: t-bird at November 13, 2021 09:15 PM (pbStR)

211
Who's the new Barron Harkkonen?
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly

Stellen Skaarsgard

Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 09:15 PM (lIDCz)

212
Who's the new Barron Harkkonen?

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 09:14 PM

Paul Reubens

Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 09:16 PM (DUIap)

213 Just cleaning up the mess so it's all nice and tidy.

Posted by: Tom Servo

For some reason I've always liked Primus' "Lee Van Cleef" song and music video:

https://youtu.be/d1WaOKlldIE

It brings some humorous closure to the character of Angel Eyes.

Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 09:16 PM (GuvvI)

214 Who's the new Barron Harkkonen?

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 09:14 PM

Paul Reubens
Posted by: AltonJackson

Now, THAT would be terrifying

Posted by: Theskepticalschnauzer aka Lonebadger at November 13, 2021 09:17 PM (lIDCz)

215 He was pretty good. Stellen skarsgard (sp). Lacked the touch of evil to be great

Posted by: Parametric at November 13, 2021 09:17 PM (eOSuW)

216 Sidney Greenstreet would have been an excellent Harkonnen.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 13, 2021 09:18 PM (Dc2NZ)

217 Who's the new Barron Harkkonen?
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 09:14 PM
Paul Reubens
Posted by: AltonJackson

I was watching College Gameday this morning on ESPN and for whatever reason the panel were all wearing bowties. Herbstreit was wearing a red bow tie with a pale blue suit. He LOOKED like Pee Wee Herman.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 09:18 PM (rz+/y)

218 71 I barely remember the first set of Batman movies. I remember Keaton being WAY better in the role then I expected and Schwarzenegger being horrible as one of the villains.
Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 08:16 PM (ESjRY)

In my mind I visualize Barron Harkonnen looking a lot like Chris Christie.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 09:19 PM (evAgx)

219
Sidney Greenstreet would have been an excellent Harkonnen.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 13, 2021 09:18 PM

"Well done, Mr. Cairo..."

Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 09:23 PM (DUIap)

220 batman returns? isn't that the one where the bad guy's scheme, giant capacitors attached to the grid that are charged when power is cheap and sell power back to the city when it is expensive, has become the centerpiece of today's most forward-thinking green energy plans?

Posted by: Anachronda at November 13, 2021 09:23 PM (HcTHr)

221 quint, sometime when your up for this watch stern interview vicent gallo. it will give some good insight into ebert.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E10YQWgHQDE

Posted by: choogle at November 13, 2021 08:53 PM (Vvxm6)

i have it up and am watching it when I get the chance.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 09:25 PM (Oy+3b)

222 1966 Remake of Stage Coach is on now. Think I like the original better.

Posted by: Infidel at November 13, 2021 09:25 PM (aH0Li)

223 Is Ang Lee a great director? I think his Hulk wasn't that great, but he tackles different genres very competently. He seems to want to do something different every time, which I like.

Posted by: Darrell Harris at November 13, 2021 09:25 PM (mdjgu)

224
Sidney Greenstreet would have been an excellent Harkonnen.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 13, 2021 09:18 PM

and Elisha Cook, Jr. could have played whatever character Sting played

Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 09:26 PM (DUIap)

225 Just watched Knives Out. Very good movie. Rian Johnson redeemed himself a bit.

Posted by: MAGA_Ken at November 13, 2021 09:27 PM (cMXNt)

226 When I saw Robocop, some idiot brought their two-year old to the theater. The kid was of course screaming and crying at the noise and horrific violence.

The idiot carried the toddler up and down the aisle, because god forbid they walk out rather than traumatize the kid for life.

At that moment I changed my view on abortion. Some people just don't deserve to have children, and any chance of reproduction should be nipped in the bud.

Posted by: Regular joe at November 13, 2021 09:28 PM (L9P9s)

227 223 Is Ang Lee a great director? I think his Hulk wasn't that great, but he tackles different genres very competently. He seems to want to do something different every time, which I like.
Posted by: Darrell Harris at November 13, 2021 09:25 PM (mdjgu)

Wanting to do something different is not enough. They have to be competent and actually like the original. Otherwise Rian Johnson would not be such a massive tool.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 09:28 PM (csEWM)

228 225 Just watched Knives Out. Very good movie. Rian Johnson redeemed himself a bit.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at November 13, 2021 09:27 PM (cMXNt)

Probably helps when he does not hate the source (himself) and it's fans (him.)

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 09:30 PM (csEWM)

229 and Elisha Cook, Jr. could have played whatever character Sting played
Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 09:26 PM (DUIap)
---

Maybe not in metallic underwear though.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 13, 2021 09:30 PM (Dc2NZ)

230 Rewatched Open Range the other night. It holds up well.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at November 13, 2021 08:57 PM (kTF2Z)

It is a very good representation of libertarian- conservative ideas. Check that, it is about freedom and America. Another film that gets little fanfare is The Jack Bull. The actor of course is a lefty, but the message about liberty is clear.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 09:30 PM (Oy+3b)

231 I think Leone was a product of his times, technology and budgets.

A great? No, An innovator? Yes. Of course, Morricone played his part.

Posted by: Jak Sucio at November 13, 2021 09:31 PM (jvt6t)

232 Every so often I'll watch some really obscure stuff - about a week ago TCM decided to run some of what they called "Australian New Wave" from the 70's. Okay, the movement eventually led to Mad Max, but these were pretty weird.

The first one I watched, "Walkabout" was very strange, but it featured a lot of Naked 19 year old Jenny Agutter, so that made it worth the time in spite of the weirdness of the story.

But the second - a 70's movie with Richard Chamberlain called "The Last Wave" - you very rarely find a movie where by the last 30 minutes you realize the director has completely dispensed with the idea of having anything that could be considered a "plot". I watched til the end just to see how bizarre it could be, and at the end all I could say was "ok, an Insane Person made that movie."

(high/low light - he goes home to his wife who he's been ignoring, he can't find her, but an Angry Tree attacks him through the windows.)

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 09:31 PM (evAgx)

233 206 And Star Wars . . . and Rocky . . . and Terminator . . . and Rambo. I seem to be detecting a pattern, here.

Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 09:11 PM (GuvvI)

Jaws, Romancing the Stone.
Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 09:13 PM (Oy+3b)

But not The Godfather. Nor Alien.

Posted by: Darrell Harris at November 13, 2021 09:31 PM (mdjgu)

234 Marvel has a new series coming out next year:

https://youtu.be/TfAC_hT19O0

"She-Hulk"!!!!!!

[Insert 1 billion puking emojis here]

Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 09:32 PM (GuvvI)

235 TJM gets a first in his own post?

That's chickenshit.

Posted by: Been Lurking, but clearly been posting too at November 13, 2021 09:34 PM (rDgjh)

236 Who's the new Barron Harkkonen?

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 09:14 PM

Paul Reubens
Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 09:16 PM (DUIap)

---------

I will see your Paul Reubens and raise you one Gilbert Gottfried

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 13, 2021 09:34 PM (VxC1e)

237 TJM gets a first in his own post?

That's chickenshit.

Posted by: Been Lurking, but clearly been posting too at November 13, 2021 09:34 PM (rDgjh)

--------

The entire game is rigged.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 13, 2021 09:34 PM (VxC1e)

238 234 Marvel has a new series coming out next year:

https://youtu.be/TfAC_hT19O0

"She-Hulk"!!!!!!

[Insert 1 billion puking emojis here]
Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 09:32 PM (GuvvI)

She doesn't actually turn green or get big, but she Runs Her Mouth so much that everyone runs away screaming.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 09:35 PM (evAgx)

239 I will see your Paul Reubens and raise you one Gilbert Gottfried
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 13, 2021 09:34 PM (VxC1e)

*goes all in* Bobcat Goldwaith.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 09:35 PM (csEWM)

240 239 I will see your Paul Reubens and raise you one Gilbert Gottfried
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 13, 2021 09:34 PM (VxC1e)

*goes all in* Bobcat Goldwaith.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at November 13, 2021 09:35 PM (csEWM)

calls with Sam Kinison!

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 09:38 PM (evAgx)

241
In my mind I visualize Barron Harkonnen looking a lot like Chris Christie.

Harkonnen is a gay pedo with skin problems. More like Schiff or Nadler IMO

Posted by: 18-1 at November 13, 2021 09:39 PM (ESjRY)

242 Watching "Tombstone," which I somehow have never seen before.

Hmmm. Bill Paxton.

Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 08:17 PM (GuvvI)

wow! that is a great movie. It is odd that Tombstone and Wyatt Earp came out in the same year. As flashy as Tombstone is, they got a lot of the history right. Of course they got some of it wrong, but compared to pretty much all other historical Westerns, they did it well.

My major beef with the film is they gave off the idea that Wyatt stayed with Doc 'til the end.That is something he did not do.

Posted by: Quint at November 13, 2021 09:39 PM (Oy+3b)

243 And Star Wars . . . and Rocky . . . and Terminator . . . and Rambo. I seem to be detecting a pattern, here.
Posted by: Sharkman at November 13, 2021 09:11 PM (GuvvI)

---

No Empire Strikes Back or Terminator 2? I thought they were excellent sequels.

Posted by: Darth Randall at November 13, 2021 09:44 PM (3TihK)

244 Wyatt Earp's revolvers, including his Buntline, were accidentally jettisoned overboard in a bundle of other supplies while roughing it down a river in Alaska, I read somewheres.

Posted by: Eromero at November 13, 2021 09:44 PM (0OP+5)

245 okay, I mostly gave up watching Football the last couple years - but an absolutely hilarious game being played right now. 1-8 Kansas is beating U of Texas like a Drum! HA!!!

(meanwhile my boys at Baylor knocked off top 10 Oklahoma today!)

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 13, 2021 09:44 PM (evAgx)

246 Claudia Cardinale carries every film she's in.

Posted by: Million to one shot, Doc. at November 13, 2021 09:45 PM (JUcCg)

247 Yes, Ang Lee is a great director.

Mostly because of The Ice Storm

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 13, 2021 09:46 PM (EZebt)

248 For one thing, not on review you listed interested me. Also

So, how am I wrong? Why is Leone one of the greats? Let me know!

The scenes, even if strung together, each one is epic.

I actually like this kind of films. Scenes, scenes, strung together make a movie.

The GBatU is an epic.

Posted by: Hatari Somewhere on Ventura Highway at November 13, 2021 09:49 PM (WF/xn)

249 1-8 Kansas is beating U of Texas like a Drum! HA!!!
Posted by: Tom Servo

In Austin!

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 09:49 PM (rz+/y)

250 Ice storm, is a depressing movie. Christina Richey has beautiful.....everything

Posted by: Hatari Somewhere on Ventura Highway at November 13, 2021 09:50 PM (WF/xn)

251 Dana Delaney, delicious.

Posted by: Hatari Somewhere on Ventura Highway at November 13, 2021 09:52 PM (WF/xn)

252 Claudia Cardinale carries every film she's in.
Posted by: Million to one shot, Doc. at November 13, 2021 09:45 PM (JUcCg)

heavy eye makeup and everything

Posted by: ghost of hallelujah at November 13, 2021 09:55 PM (sJHOI)

253 The 70s were depressing.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 13, 2021 09:56 PM (EZebt)

254 Essentially I think the great director discussion is more of an exercise of what makes a great artist without regard for the particular medium and then with the specific medium in mind. Over the decades my experiences define greatness are people who have a certain style or vision that is instantly recognizable even if one is not familiar with the work. has produced a sufficiently large body of work, and whose work ends up defining a certain period. Some examples that got my attention (these are just off the top without reflection). In music, Beethoven and Chuck Berry. In visual art, Edward Hopper and Robert Frank. Movie Directors, John Ford and Stanley Kubrick. Movies and live theater, as noted by Open Blogger, have the extra complication of being collaborative endeavor and how that affects their style. Since Sergio is getting picked on, I love his work even if it is thin on story lines - that is the point. I like Italian cars because they blow your mind even if they fall over dead unexpectedly. I don't care about what they lack, all I remember is what they bring.

Posted by: LostInSpace at November 13, 2021 09:56 PM (ESLBo)

255 Before the thread dies, I'll say I agree with TJM that Leone is "fun" to watch. I guess it's the American actors he uses. But, because it's America through Italian and other European lenses, all the spaghetti westerns just seem "off." I would watch them with Eastwood and Van Cleef, but the other Americans who made them leave me feeling Meh.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 13, 2021 09:56 PM (7bRMQ)

256 Yeah, that Aussie New Wave stuff was bizarre.

I remember seeing nekkid Jenny Agutter in the Walkabout movie.

Then she was in Logan's Run (hubba, hubba!)

Now she is an old nun in Call The Midwife.

Sigh.

Posted by: anchorbabe fashion cop at November 13, 2021 09:58 PM (ufFY8)

257 "The 70s were depressing."

I'll tell what's depressing...watching that Kensington Ave. video referenced in the sidebar. I'm really a sheltered baby.

Posted by: Tuna at November 13, 2021 10:00 PM (gLRfa)

258
ONT is nood

Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 10:01 PM (DUIap)

259 I linked to this before, Basil Pouldouris did the stirring soundtracks to Robocop, Conan the Barbarian and The Hunt for Red October.

I found that the Conan Exiles soundtrack was made by someone paying great tribute.
https://youtu.be/CT_rgrOzS6w

Posted by: BourbonChicken at November 13, 2021 10:01 PM (ybIRR)

260 ONT is nood

Posted by: AltonJackson at November 13, 2021 10:01 PM (DUIap)

See!

Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 13, 2021 10:07 PM (7bRMQ)

261 Sergio's flicks at times show a thread or two, don't care; but those shifty eyes just before gets dusted. Nobody does it better as far as I'm concerned and he has been imitated until it all is a big clich�. Sergio's movies look like Sergio, sort of like how a Chopin modulation sounds like nothing else. There are more complete directors without a doubt, such as Steven Spielberg but that doesn't diminish Sergio's work. Movies are odd, there are those that are masterpieces of art and then their are those that are, well, movies that put butts in a chair. Both end points can exhibit greatness and by extension the same can be send for directors. In summary, hands off my Sergio or you will meet my shifty eyes.

Posted by: LostInSpace at November 13, 2021 10:07 PM (ESLBo)

262 Ranking Batman Returns above Batman AND talking down Sergio Leone in the same post?

That may not be a capital offense, but it's got to come close.

Posted by: Just A Guy at November 13, 2021 10:07 PM (dDlo8)

263 The movie thread is one my favorites. The essays are so thoughtful and they generally jack up my brain cells to think about the subject under discussion and cinema, a topic I love to death. Your work is much appreciated.

Posted by: LostInSpace at November 13, 2021 10:16 PM (ESLBo)

264 And my final comment for this thread - Las Cruces, NM is blowing up right now with movies being filmed. In the last few weeks we have had Mel Gibson and Bruce Willis filming new and separate flics. Netflix took over Mesilla, the town next door, for a few days, for a movie about Chupacabras set in Regular Mexico as opposed to Improved Mexico which is where Mesilla is located. And there is another one about to start. I am living the dream right now smack in the middle of the sausage factory so to speak. Las Cruces is a thang.

Posted by: LostInSpace at November 13, 2021 10:22 PM (ESLBo)

265 Has anyone seen the movie Leviathin ?

I want to watch, but not sure if it is good ?
Posted by: Hatari Somewhere on Ventura Highway

With Peter Weller? It's worth a view.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 13, 2021 10:23 PM (rz+/y)

266 You need to add Clint Eastwood to your list of major directors.

Posted by: coregis at November 13, 2021 10:48 PM (eA8yd)

267 111/Soothsayer: The Accountant definitely stole the scenes he was in, and the actor they cast played his role well. I would have loved to have seen what Christopher Walken would have done with it though.

Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at November 13, 2021 10:53 PM (nRMeC)

268 I was originally going to argue that "Yes, Fistful of Dollars has a plot: its based on Yojimbo, just set in the west." then I realized, I know the plot of Fistful of Dollars because I remember the plot of Yojimbo, not because I remember the plot of Fistful of Dollars...

Its sequel, Sanjuro is also very fun film, but because of the way the humor worked, it just couldn't fit in the Western mold so it never got copied over to the US. Basically, grizzled wandering samurai crashes for the night at a shrine and walks up to realized a bunch of young idiots are plotting to act against the local lord, because they're sure he's corrupt.

Also, it's a trap.

So, now he has to save, the knuckleheads, the town, and a bunch of other people, so that he can finally get some sleep...

Posted by: Voyager at November 14, 2021 03:30 AM (u5PZm)

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