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Saturday Evening Movie Thread - 11/4/2022 [TheJamesMadison ThatPrometheusGuy]
Ace has branded me, it seems.
Universal Horror: A Franchise Story
Hollywood studios have been chasing franchises pretty much since the advent of the medium, it was just never as evident or ubiquitous as it is today. From the Thin Man movies to the adventures of characters like Blondie (28 made in 13 years) or Charlie Chan (48 made in 24 years), Hollywood has always been happy to rely financially, to some limited degree, on familiar faces in familiar situations that they could make with lesser talents as long as certain familiar points were hit. There is a granddaddy to the cinematic universe as we know it today, though, a series of films that took interconnectedness to more than just a simple linear franchise to another level, and that was the Classic Universal Monster movies.
Starting as serious and lavish adaptations of ghoulish and respected literature, spearheaded by Carl Laemmle Jr., the son of Universal's original founder, it continued on this path until a hostile takeover late in the expensive production of Show Boat ended the Laemmle ownership of the studio. Setting up with the studio's creditors as new owners, Universal moved on with the franchise by focusing more on sequels in the late 30s, eventually moving into crossover adventures throughout the 40s, and finally swerving into outright comedy in the 50s.
However, where people tend to forget completely about Blondie while the Charlie Chan and Thin Man films remain the hearts of a certain small subset of film fans, the Universal Monster movies retain more general acknowledgement. Why is that? What was it about these unconnected horror movies that lent themselves to interconnectedness to begin with? Are the sequels worthwhile?
Opulent Beginnings
The Universal Monster movies have roots dating back to the silent era with Laemmle Jr.'s lavish productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera, both starring Lon Chaney Sr. in thick makeup appliances that he designed himself. These were successful films, but the train on the larger effort didn't really begin until the sound era with Dracula, a film Chaney was going to star in before he died. An adaptation of a stage play based on the Bram Stoker novel, it brough Hungarian actor Bela Lugosi great fame and Laemmle large financial returns, getting him to quickly move to adapt Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. After some disagreements with Lugosi and the original director Robert Florey, reportedly around the characterization of the monster, both Lugosi and Florey left the project, replaced by British director James Whale and British bit actor Boris Karloff.
Combined, both Dracula and Frankenstein represent the largest and most expensive-looking productions a studio in the early sound era could produce. Dracula uses huge sets with large vertical spaces to sell the vampiric count's Transylvania home. Frankenstein leans heavily on German Expressionistic influences to create stark images of the unnamed country's landscape for the Monster to terrorize. The follow up on the Monster line was The Mummy, though, and for all of those who enjoy the film, it's a marked step-down in terms of production quality. There are smaller, less ornate sets, including a flat, unappealing extended flashback to Ancient Egypt that looks incredibly fake. The Mummy had half the budget as Frankenstein, and Frankenstein had been a huge success for Universal. The move towards cheaper fare had already begun.
It wasn't a straight line, though. The Invisible Man spent a fair amount of money on special effects to convincingly show the invisible man running around with only a shirt on (well, convincingly for the 1930s). Even Dracula's Daughter looks like there's real money behind it.
Everything changed when Carl Laemmle lost control of Universal, though.
Under New Management
The new bosses at Universal were happy to take over a movie studio to grind out some money, but they decided to take a very different approach to how they were going to run things. No more huge productions like Show Boat, they were going to make smaller films with lower risk profiles to try to make more consistent money, avoiding the kind of large debts that Laemmle racked up. Take a break from horror films for just a few years, they came back with Son of Frankenstein, directed by Rowland Lee.
A very clear callback to the German Expressionist roots that inspired a lot of the visual look of some of the early Universal Monster movies, the visuals of the film are spare but stark. The central set is the Frankenstein castle (it changes from one movie to the next), this time a long hallway with bare walls and a malformed set of stairs running up it with lights shining through them to cast jagged shadows on the wall. It's also as much an inspiration for Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein as the original film, especially Basil Rathbone's performance as the titular son. Rathbone didn't take the role seriously and gave a manic, sarcastic performance that seems just a head of curly hair away from Gene Wilder's take on the Frankenstein grandson.
However, Son of Frankenstein ended up representing an exception to the rule of what this middle period of Classic Monsters became. The Invisible Man Returns, The Mummy's Hand, and The Ghost of Frankenstein are all rote, repetitions of what came before without trying anything new of any interest or even doing the same thing as before well. There were still little surprises to be found here and there. Invisible Woman is a somewhat charming comedy that doesn't try to replicate much of what came before in its series (even the method of gaining invisibility is completely different), and Invisible Agent moves from a similar light comedic touch as Invisible Woman before becoming a surprisingly adept spy thriller in its final half.
This is also where The Wolf Man came about. The original script was more of a psychological thriller about a man who might be going crazy, and that was never fully cut out of the final product. Actually the second attempt by Universal to create a werewolf monster (the first is Werewolf of London and has no connection to The Wolf Man), it introduced the son of the man with a thousand faces, Lon Chaney Jr. Universal put him in makeup, just like his father, and they matched him up against Claude Rains. Chaney, never a great actor and with a major alcohol problem that got worse as his career as the Universal Monster Man continued, really tried his first couple of times out in The Wolf Man and Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, but his roles become decreasingly demanding as the Universal machine started pushing these things out faster and faster and faster through the 40s.
Race to the Bottom
There were efforts to create new monsters like Man-Made Monster and The Mad Ghoul, but nothing really caught on. The only consistent financial success Universal met was with their core four monsters, and the late re-introduction of a Wolf Man that actually worked mean that he ended up getting folded into the monster mash up craze that Universal became convinced was the only way to create interest in new adventures with Dracula and Frankenstein's Monster (the Invisible Man only gets a cameo in one of these, for some reason). Waning interest could only be assuaged by gimmicks.
And it worked financially for a while (very little of it works all that artistically or entertainingly, they're mostly just kind of boring), but throwing Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Wolf Man into yet another movie together could only work so long. The Universal Monster universe was dying a predictable and steady death.
With the failure on every level of She-Wolf of London, Universal was stuck. They had degraded the original visions of terror and horror to the point that they were effectively just cultural jokes. They weren't making money, but there was still this potential for money to be made. Well, there were two final efforts on Universal's part to try and get things moving. The first was to simply embrace the silliness that Universal had thrown itself into, and the second was one final monster.
Last Gasps
The comedic duo Lou Costello and Bud Abbott were offered the opportunity to star in a new mashup movie, and after some haggling including bringing in Charles Barton as director, a man they both trusted, they got rolling on Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, an inherently silly and funny look at a madcap plot by Dracula to use Frankenstein's Monster to make himself powerful, Lawrence Talbot's efforts to stop it, and our comedic pair at the center of it all mugging for the camera when appropriate. It was a big success, followed a few years later by adventures with The Invisible Man and The Mummy.
I find it amusing that Abbott and Costello are responsible for the best Monster Mashup movie as well as the best Mummy movie of this era (I'm not the biggest fan of their adventure with The Invisible Man, and there's no way it comes close to the heights of the first Invisible Man film).
Universal had one final trick up it's sleeve, and that was The Creature from the Black Lagoon, an accidentally decent film. I say accidental because there were actually two directors on the film (Jack Arnold directed the above water stuff and James Curtis Havens directed the stuff underwater), and the two halves actually clash in an interesting way. Above water, the Gill Man is a mindless monster, but below water, he's a sympathetic innocent being invaded by scientists that want to hurt him. It's King Kong to a certain degree. However, with the follow up feature, Revenge of the Creature, it becomes obvious that Jack Arnold had no idea what made the first film interesting and turned out a bland, dull, monster B-movie. The second sequel, The Creature Walks Among Us, goes so far as to change the rather iconic design of the creature while also being dull and boring.
Abbott and Costello breathed new life in the moribund franchise, but Universal still didn't know what to do with it.
A Model
It's interesting to look back at the franchise more than sixty years after it died out. Universal made other horror movies over the years, and the monsters would come back in different forms, especially from production companies like Hammer in England, but from 1931 to 1956, Universal was the name in horror, and through ownership changes and the movement of culture, they milked it for every penny they could get out of it.
If there was an interest in artistic merit, it was at the beginning under Carl Laemmle, Jr., and nowhere else. Every artistic success after Bride of Frankenstein (there are certainly some) feels like a happy accident. This was Hollywood doing what it has always done best: seeing a success and trying to replicate it in the least imaginative ways possible. The most emblematic element of that, in my mind, is a relatively minor detail where every Frankenstein movie had to have an actual Frankenstein (original, son, other unmentioned son, granddaughter, ghost of) but also a scientist going mad with the power to create new life. Why not just let Frankenstein's monster be out and about and run into Dracula?
The entire franchise, from its nascent state to its assembly line state in the 40s, was producer driven. Laemmle had a success in Dracula, so he tried to replicate it with Frankenstein. Later, Universal had these properties, and they just made more product (one might say content) to fill the local cinemas with and try and capture a few more dollars from the masses, just enough to justify the current production and starting on the next. There was no desire to make art, or even entertainment. The movies just get more and more boring as they cover the same ground again with less and less talent. I've seen some one-hour long movies here that drag harder than Lawrence of Arabia at four hours long.
Still, it was fascinating. I enjoyed a fair bit, especially in the first half of the whole thirty-one film journey. There were sparks of interest in the second half, and Abbott and Costello arrived just in the nick of time to keep the ending from being a complete slog.
I wonder if there are lessons to be had for modern franchises...?
Movies of Today
Opening in Theaters:
Armageddeon Time
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story
Movies I Saw This Fortnight:
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (Rating 3.5/4) Full Review "I remember seeing the trailer for the first time a few months ago and thinking that it would be, at best, a mildly amusing diversion. Instead, I walked away from the experience absolutely delighted." [The Roku Channel]
Phantom of the Opera (Rating 3/4) Full Review "It really pushes the film out of the horror genre almost completely but for the mere presence of the Phantom himself. I was engaged through it all, though." [Personal Collection]
Son of Dracula (Rating 2/4) Full Review "Does the whole of the film work? Not really. Chaney's miscast and there's too much exposition. However, it does do well with its setting and its ending." [Personal Collection]
House of Frankenstein (Rating 2.5/4) Full Review "It doesn't work overall, but there's real narrative meat on the bone, even if the whole thing is somewhat malformed." [Personal Collection]
House of Dracula (Rating 1/4) Full Review "Instead, he reached back and recollected the dreariness of his earlier The Ghost of Frankenstein for another unsuccessful entry in the whole Universal monster cinematic universe." [Personal Collection]
The Mummy's Ghost (Rating 0.5/4) Full Review "Seriously, these Mummy movies are the bottom of the barrel." [Personal Collection]
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Rating 3/4) Full Review "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein may not be the height of the whole franchise, but it's an entertaining direction to take a moribund series that had descended into repetition in the hands of lesser talents over the previous decade." [Personal Collection]
Creature from the Black Lagoon (Rating 2.5/4) Full Review "It's not the worst monster movie ever, but it's no King Kong." [Personal Collection]
The Deadly Companions (Rating 3/4) Full Review "Is this movie some kind of lost gem of Peckinpah's career? Maybe. The first four-fifths of the film are something special, but that ending is just not at the same level at all." [YouTube]
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 11/26, and it will cover the career of the director Sam Peckinpah.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 05, 2022 07:34 PM (BpYfr)
Posted by: Javems at November 05, 2022 07:34 PM (AmoqO)
And yes, its a good thing my neighbors are deaf...
Posted by: Romeo13 at November 05, 2022 07:35 PM (oHd/0)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 07:35 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 07:37 PM (r46W7)
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at November 05, 2022 07:37 PM (UQUAY)
Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 05, 2022 07:38 PM (geVLo)
And best of all, the wooden armed German Chief of Police comes from this movie - and his dart game with Dr. Frankenstein, too!
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 07:41 PM (r46W7)
I did see Revenge of the Creature, which I reckon was a follow-up to Creature of the Black Lagoon. Very good costume.
Of course I saw it via MST. Featured friggin' John Agar, a guy I would like to punch in the face. And an appearance by a young Clint Eastwood.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at November 05, 2022 07:41 PM (UQUAY)
The Abbot and Costello movies just leave me flat, there are very few laughs and at times actually was kind of dull.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at November 05, 2022 07:41 PM (Ivdso)
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at November 05, 2022 07:42 PM (Ivdso)
One of those classics where you consider the alternate casting/director and are just "No".
Posted by: sal at November 05, 2022 07:43 PM (y40tE)
We will learn nothing and like it!
Posted by: Hollywood at November 05, 2022 07:43 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: johnny at November 05, 2022 07:44 PM (c/IRE)
One of those classics where you consider the alternate casting/director and are just "No".
Posted by: sal at November 05, 2022 07:43 PM (y40tE)
========
Lugosi was the original casting choice for Frankenstein's monster when Laemmle was putting the film together with another director other than James Whale. He ended up playing the monster in Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man.
Karloff starred in a later Frankenstein movie (House of Frankenstein) where he played a crazed doctor and would give Glenn Strange tips on how to play the monster.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:45 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 07:46 PM (7bRMQ)
It'd be nice, but if TCM is any guide you'd get a deconstructive diatribe with every film.
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 07:48 PM (Lzpvj)
It's the first one I saw...and you never forget your first love.
The sets, the atmosphere, Lugosi.
***Leesten to dem, de children of de night***
***I never drink...wine***
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at November 05, 2022 07:48 PM (CCSxw)
Why you ask pensively...
I don't seek out 'horror' movies; but, Svengoolie, who you brought up recently (las week?), shows these on Saturday nights. He cuts them up, adds his own schtick, and then tells about the actors and where you've seen them before.
The movies are bad, the schtick is bad, but, his movie/actor/actress biographies are great.
Thank for the thread!
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at November 05, 2022 07:49 PM (KOhGI)
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 07:49 PM (YTgo5)
It'd be nice, but if TCM is any guide you'd get a deconstructive diatribe with every film.
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 07:48 PM (Lzpvj)
=========
"This film is about the Hollywood blacklist."
"It was made in 1932, Ben."
"All movies are about the Hollywood blacklist!"
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:49 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Gref at November 05, 2022 07:50 PM (AMIL/)
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 07:48 PM (Lzpvj)
There's a place nearby that occasionally shows old films, but I've never made it. I'm not sure if they just show it, or have some kind of companion short to go with it. Ya know, not much interested in that, just show the film. Unless TJM or Moviegique did it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 07:51 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at November 05, 2022 07:52 PM (5rBf5)
Posted by: Gref at November 05, 2022 07:50 PM (AMIL/)
========
What I find funny about the whole Bride of Frankenstein thing is that she has roughly 5 minutes of screen time in one movie, and she's one of the single most iconic monsters ever made.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:52 PM (LvTSG)
"We did not immediately go communist in 1917, that was wrong."
//Ben
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 07:52 PM (Lzpvj)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:49 PM (LvTSG)
What did you think of "The Front," TJM?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 07:53 PM (7bRMQ)
//Ben
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 07:52 PM (Lzpvj)
=========
"The reason the Soviet Union had terrible film stock for decades was America didn't give them all the good film stock. Well, enough of that, enjoy Buster Keaton in The General."
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:53 PM (LvTSG)
Seven Heads of Dr. Lao... scared the shit outa me.
Posted by: Romeo13 at November 05, 2022 07:53 PM (oHd/0)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 07:53 PM (7bRMQ)
========
Never seen it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:54 PM (LvTSG)
To be honest, I never liked A&C save the "Who's on First" word play.
____________
Hey TJM have you done a deep dive on Gojira, and the assorted menagerie that follows?
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at November 05, 2022 07:54 PM (CCSxw)
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at November 05, 2022 07:52 PM (5rBf5)
The one with Joseph Fiennes? Bought it a couple of years ago. Haven't gotten around to watching it yet.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 07:55 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: Gref
>How about if the Bride of Frankenstein put on sunglasses and sang "Sweet Home Chicago?"
Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 05, 2022 07:55 PM (geVLo)
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at November 05, 2022 07:54 PM (CCSxw)
=========
I don't really like the Godzilla movies. I've seen five or so over the years, and the only one I really liked was the American one from 2014. I don't think much of the original one.
It hasn't stopped me from considering doing it, though. I've just never gotten around to it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:55 PM (LvTSG)
In fairness now that they are ascendant, I would make the argument the Soviet shit is better than our current shit.
Yes it is melodramatic to the nth degree, BUT it loved the Soviet Union by God or your ass gets gulaged comrade director.
//Stalin
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 07:56 PM (Lzpvj)
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 07:49 PM (YTgo5)
There is a utube channel with pre-censor Hollywood movies and clip compilations. No nudity but racier women's clothing - what there is of it - and vastly more suggestive dialog than post-censor beginning in I forget, late 20s or early 30s. I also forget the channel's name. I should be banned.
Posted by: Gref at November 05, 2022 07:56 PM (AMIL/)
Come, Mr. Prometheous Guy, have a nice warm cup of tana leaf tea. It will sooth your doubtful mind.
Posted by: Braenyard, _ want nuremberg trials? badger your congressman at November 05, 2022 07:56 PM (ezSUn)
Posted by: Gref at November 05, 2022 07:56 PM (AMIL/)
==========
42nd Street has a blowjob joke.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:57 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:54 PM (LvTSG)
This film is about the Hollywood Blacklist....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 07:57 PM (7bRMQ)
It hasn't stopped me from considering doing it, though. I've just never gotten around to it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:55 PM (LvTSG)
Maybe it's more up Anna Puma's alley
#allthingsjapanese
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at November 05, 2022 07:58 PM (CCSxw)
Posted by: Gref
>How about if the Bride of Frankenstein put on sunglasses and sang "Sweet Home Chicago?"
Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 05, 2022
Would have been the scariest movie ever! No one would have been admitted after the first 30 seconds!
Posted by: Gref at November 05, 2022 07:58 PM (AMIL/)
Posted by: Ben Had at November 05, 2022 07:59 PM (5kRSY)
I think the pre code flicks in some cases showed borderline 70s level nudity in a few cases....
a much more innocent time Brigitte Helm was a hottie.
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 07:59 PM (Lzpvj)
Posted by: DB has gone mobile at November 05, 2022 07:59 PM (geLO8)
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 07:59 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Skip at November 05, 2022 08:01 PM (xhxe8)
people tend to forget completely about Blondie
Maisie
Bowery Boys
Ma and Pa Kettle
Mexican Spitfire
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 05, 2022 08:02 PM (63Dwl)
Posted by: Gref at November 05, 2022 08:02 PM (AMIL/)
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 05, 2022 08:03 PM (63Dwl)
Maria Ouspenskaya.
Posted by: Braenyard, _ want nuremberg trials? badger your congressman at November 05, 2022 08:03 PM (ezSUn)
Posted by: Gref at November 05, 2022 07:56 PM (AMIL/)
==========
42nd Street has a blowjob joke.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 07:57 PM (LvTSG)
Somewhat in the same vein.
I ran across a full version of Anything Goes the other day. I never really paid attention to the lyrics, but whoa...
"...the set that's smart is intruding in nudist parties in studios...Anything goes."
"...If back stairs you like, if love affairs you like, with young bears you like, why nobody will oppose."
I knew Cole Porter was swishy, but damn...pretty explicit lyrics for back then.
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at November 05, 2022 08:03 PM (CCSxw)
Wow. I had no idea who Ace was referring to when he mentioned that.
Should secret identities be casually outed like that?
Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 05, 2022 08:04 PM (a3Q+t)
Wow. I had no idea who Ace was referring to when he mentioned that.
Should secret identities be casually outed like that?
Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 05, 2022 08:04 PM (a3Q+t)
========
Ace has decided all of a sudden to just pile on with the meme. C'est la vie.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:04 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Jamaica Queens at November 05, 2022 08:04 PM (b+v9B)
Posted by: That NLurker guy at November 05, 2022 08:05 PM (TXq1g)
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 08:05 PM (XZYTK)
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 08:05 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 08:06 PM (r46W7)
BUT...
If you've seen some of 'em and have a fairly warped sense of humor, you might want to run down a copy of Joe Lansdale's short story "Godzilla's 12-Step Program." A truly demented delight.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 05, 2022 08:07 PM (a/4+U)
Posted by: That NLurker guy at November 05, 2022 08:05 PM (TXq1g)
========
The first Dracula was made pre-Code, and it had a good bit of implied sexuality. The version that exists now is the one that got cut down to meet the Hays Code requirements during a re-release in the mid-30s (the Hays Board became effective in 1934).
The Spanish version made at the same time on the same sets was never put through the Hays Board wringer and allows a more cohesive view of what the original Dracula looked like.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:07 PM (LvTSG)
Watched Eyes Without A Face which has a great scene of a chick getting her face surgically removed. The ending, unfortunately, was kind of a dumb nonending. Still, glad I got it on bluray.
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 08:07 PM (XZYTK)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:07 PM (6VKyY)
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 08:08 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Ben Had at November 05, 2022 08:08 PM (5kRSY)
Bowery Boys
Ma and Pa Kettle
Mexican Spitfire
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 05, 2022 08:02 PM (63Dwl)
I don't know Maisie, or Mexican Spitfire.
I have seen Ma and Pa Kettle, reminds me of my grandparents.
As to the Bowery Boys...I couldn't turn off the TV fast enough.
#hatedit
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at November 05, 2022 08:08 PM (CCSxw)
Posted by: Duncanthrax at November 05, 2022 08:04 PM (a3Q+t)
It's more common than you think!
https://tinyurl.com/bdctthte
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 08:09 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: DB has gone mobile at November 05, 2022 07:59 PM (geLO
It's Top Gun 3, the prequel, with no Tom Cruise...
No Tom Cruise is a big down tick!
Wait, it's not the prequel, it's some historical retelling - yeah, but it wants to be Top Gun 3 the prequel...even casting its lead supporting actor as the same lead supporting actor from Top Gun 2...
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 08:09 PM (exHjb)
Posted by: Megthered at November 05, 2022 08:10 PM (f2Stb)
That's the guy with the chickens right?
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:10 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 08:06 PM (r46W7)
You should have watched til the end. She had a big ass.
Posted by: Hecky Brown at November 05, 2022 08:11 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 08:12 PM (exHjb)
Posted by: junior at November 05, 2022 08:12 PM (PTw5h)
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 08:12 PM (exHjb)
=========
I've seen that a couple of times. It's an amusing bit of comedy with some bits of insight into techniques and stuff. An easy way to spend 15 minutes while at the park. Better than waiting 3 hours in line for whatever the newest Harry Potter ride is.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:13 PM (LvTSG)
"All Quiet on the Western Front" (2022) Recommended.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:13 PM (24fqN)
In fairness now that they are ascendant, I would make the argument the Soviet shit is better than our current shit.
Yes it is melodramatic to the nth degree, BUT it loved the Soviet Union by God or your ass gets gulaged comrade director.
//Stalin
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 07:56 PM (Lzpvj)
I disagree with that, for the most part. Even Eisenstien had to pussyfoot, and the film from the Brezhnev years (that I have seen) is impenetrable due to the needs to evade censoring.
Some of the modern stuff (that I have seen) is visually incredible though.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 05, 2022 08:13 PM (xhaym)
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 08:05 PM (Dc2NZ)
One of the most unintentionally hilarious parts is towards the end when The Monster breaks his arm off - AGAIN!!! Seeing that is finding out why a joke you've known for years is even funnier than you ever knew. and really, now you just cannot keep from laughing during the dart game.
Plus, I really love the German Expressionist designs.
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 08:14 PM (r46W7)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:14 PM (sn5EN)
Honestly? The Innocents is better. It's just so maddeningly ambiguous, but in a really good way.
Is Deborah Kerr correct in thinking the two kids in her care are possessed or is she a young, sheltered woman losing her mind?
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 08:14 PM (XZYTK)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:14 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 05, 2022 08:14 PM (geVLo)
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at November 05, 2022 08:15 PM (lz5hY)
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs
I just watched it. Seems to be a different time line from the original but it works well. Boy, did those soldiers suffer.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:15 PM (R+nZe)
Posted by: junior at November 05, 2022 08:12 PM (PTw5h)
=========
Steven Sommers is...not a particularly good filmmaker, but he kind of struck gold when Universal let him turn their old, crappy Mummy movies about a lumbering zombie into a rip-roaring adventure tale.
It had the name-recognition but almost none of the fandom. He could do whatever he wanted with the mythos (Imhotep's backstory is pretty much the same in the remake as the original, but that's about it) and no one would care. I have a soft spot for his Van Helsing, but it's not what I would call good, though it is very much in the vein of the monster mashup films from the 40s, just...insanely more expensive.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:15 PM (LvTSG)
They would attack innocent teenagers parking at lover's lane causing them to become inebriated.
Posted by: Braenyard, _ want nuremberg trials? badger your congressman at November 05, 2022 08:16 PM (ezSUn)
Posted by: dartist at November 05, 2022 08:16 PM (9X/y4)
It's got that girl from Kickass in it. Really cool plot. Very issac azimov sci-Fi.
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:17 PM (6VKyY)
Posted by: Robert
I like both of those because they really establish mood. I don't like gore. I saw one this year on Netflix called I think The Pretty Girl down the Hall. It sets a great spooky mood.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:17 PM (R+nZe)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 05, 2022 08:17 PM (a/4+U)
Posted by: That NLurker guy at November 05, 2022 08:17 PM (eGTCV)
Posted by: junior at November 05, 2022 08:12 PM (PTw5h)
I always felt it was like one of the better Indiana Jones sequels.
Also, Rachel Weisz. Yum.
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 08:18 PM (XZYTK)
It's got that girl from Kickass in it. Really cool plot. Very issac azimov sci-Fi.
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:17 PM (6VKyY)
No, but I've thought about adding it to my queue, so I may this winter now...
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 08:18 PM (exHjb)
Posted by: Braenyard, _ want nuremberg trials? badger your congressman at November 05, 2022 08:19 PM (ezSUn)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:20 PM (6VKyY)
Posted by: That NLurker guy at November 05, 2022 08:17 PM (eGTCV)
I always liked the Ancient Egypt bits in the old mummy movies. (not much, but they were good)
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 08:20 PM (r46W7)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:20 PM (R+nZe)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:20 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:20 PM (6VKyY)
Yeppers.
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 08:21 PM (XZYTK)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:21 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 05, 2022 08:22 PM (Zv2q6)
Posted by: fd
When I was four my Mom took me to see Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte. Explains a lot, actually.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:22 PM (R+nZe)
Posted by: That NLurker guy at November 05, 2022 08:17 PM (eGTCV)
Ever see "The Robot Vs The Aztec Mummy"?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 08:22 PM (7bRMQ)
friends of his said they only saw him in varying degrees of drunkeness
Posted by: REDACTED at November 05, 2022 08:22 PM (us2H3)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:23 PM (6VKyY)
friends of his said they only saw him in varying degrees of drunkeness
Posted by: REDACTED at November 05, 2022 08:22 PM (us2H3)
=========
He made a really good Henry Frankenstein.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:23 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (r46W7)
Mummy movies are usually boring but that one is excellent.
Probably my favorite mummy movie.
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (sn5EN)
Also, Rachel Weisz. Yum.
----
Yes, it very definitely played like more of an old pulp than the original, though still with a strong dose of horror.
I didn't see either of the immediate sequels. I did see The Scorpion King. But that had nothing whatsoever to do with the earlier movies aside from the name. It was a Sword and Sandals movie with no horror elements at all.
Posted by: junior at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (PTw5h)
youtube.com/watch?v=J1PZ9M1snWc
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (24fqN)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:23 PM (6VKyY)
=========
It was originally made for 3D, so was Revenge of the Creature. The Creature Walks Among Us never was, though.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (R+nZe)
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (lz5hY)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (LvTSG)
I didn't know that! I wonder if that gave the original a different cinematography. Maybe unintended?
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:26 PM (6VKyY)
She died of a barbiturate OD
H. Allen Smith had a very positive interview with her when he was a flack with the studios
Posted by: Kindltot at November 05, 2022 08:26 PM (xhaym)
The Soviets kept patriotism in vogue, yes their history was for the most part sh*t but hey like modern Whore E Wood they were communist cocksuckers.
I find their espionage suspense to be their best genre.
In happier news Leftworld got canceled this week.
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 08:26 PM (Lzpvj)
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:26 PM (up/3i)
https://pics.wikifeet.com/Toby-Wing-Feet-1240441.jpg
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:27 PM (24fqN)
Posted by: junior at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (PTw5h)
Kelly Hu. Yum.
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 08:27 PM (XZYTK)
----
Bette Davis was a creepy actress. Poor kid.
Posted by: dartist at November 05, 2022 08:27 PM (9X/y4)
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:27 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 08:26 PM (Lzpvj)
I thought it was over anyway. They should have stopped after season one.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 05, 2022 08:27 PM (Zv2q6)
Posted by: fd
Yes, and all other bad puns added as often as they can...
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at November 05, 2022 08:27 PM (lCP9Y)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:28 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:26 PM (6VKyY)
=========
Not really. 3D was already fading by the time Creature was made, so most people saw it in 2D.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:28 PM (LvTSG)
I looked over right as there was a full frontal scene of the female protagonist and the fish monster.
Not...what I was expecting to see and she turned bright red.
Posted by: 18-1 at November 05, 2022 08:28 PM (ESjRY)
Posted by: That NLurker guy at November 05, 2022 08:29 PM (eGTCV)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 05, 2022 08:29 PM (a/4+U)
Brendan Frasier > The Rock
Posted by: 18-1 at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (ESjRY)
Posted by: That NLurker guy at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (eGTCV)
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (24fqN)
I looked over right as there was a full frontal scene of the female protagonist and the fish monster.
Not...what I was expecting to see and she turned bright red.
Posted by: 18-1 at November 05, 2022 08:28 PM (ESjRY)
========
Guillermo del Toro came up with The Shape of Water as a direct response to Creature from the Black Lagoon, wondering how it would have played out if Julie Adams had returned the affections of the Gill Man.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (LvTSG)
The wasting of Wright's effort was almost as bad as how they script raped Teddy's character.
I bought three seasons of that pile pf sh*t and have not gotten past two episodes into season two.
Literally retarded, as reflected by the "improved from 12 to 4 million" person audience.
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (Lzpvj)
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron"
I was just pulling your tail. I'm watching as communicate thru these gray boxes.
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (sn5EN)
Probably my favorite mummy movie.
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:24 PM (sn5EN)
It's a dubbed movie from Mexico. Never noticed as a kid. Always thought the robot head was weird, a real guy's head.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (R+nZe)
Don't forget to bring the family.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 05, 2022 08:32 PM (geVLo)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (R+nZe)
That was another one I was thinking of adding for winter viewing...thanks for the rec!
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 08:32 PM (exHjb)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:20 PM (sn5EN)
No, that was about how old I was when I got my copy for my birthday.
I thought Berenice was the funniest story of them all.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 05, 2022 08:32 PM (xhaym)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Vampire
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 08:32 PM (Dc2NZ)
We saw "Happy Death Day" and "Happy Death Day 2 U" this week, which I hadn't seen before.
Both are PG-13 Slasher movies done right. Being "horror" comedies neither of them are gory at all. Lots of cut-aways before the deed is actually done.
However, they are directed and written so well that they generate a lot of of tension. Good actors and fun characters really help with the mix
Basically, "HDD" is Groundhog's Day as a slasher movie, and "HDD2U" is sort of a "Back to the Future-ish/Slasher mash-up. "HDD" is the better movie, but taken together they form a very satisfying whole.
If you just want to be entertained, have some laughs and some light scares, the "Happy Death Day" duo provides plenty of movie fun.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 08:33 PM (KLPy8)
Posted by: Bela Lugosi
I saw that but didn't record it. I thought "sounds like M". Was it good?
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:34 PM (R+nZe)
Posted by: Braenyard, _ want nuremberg trials? badger your congressman at November 05, 2022 08:34 PM (ezSUn)
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (24fqN)
---
Yes! "Feasibility Study" freaked me out!
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 08:34 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Kindltot at November 05, 2022 08:35 PM (xhaym)
But what got to me was anything related to evil spirits. Never watched things like Rosemary's Baby or the Omen. Couldn't watch The Exorcist.
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:36 PM (6VKyY)
>>I guess the question is; do you want to be terrorized, or entertained? A bit of escapism is a good thing, without all of the death, murder and mayhem.
Don't forget to bring the family.
I'm a less is more kind of guy when it comes to horror, the unseen lurking terror just out of sight is always more frightening.
But to tell you the truth the last last legit horror film I saw was poltergeist, so I really have no insight into modern horror.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:36 PM (up/3i)
I really prefer cheesy sci-fi type monsters. Frankenstein, werewolves, vampires are all old school and played out. Nobody is scared of that anymore. Heck, they even had their own cartoons.
Posted by: fd
And cereals!
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 05, 2022 08:37 PM (63Dwl)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:34 PM (R+nZe)
---
Yes! Quite good. The man in the Peter Lorre roll was less overtly creepy, almost a gentlemanly scholar, and nobody ever suspected him.
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 08:37 PM (Dc2NZ)
I thought Berenice was the funniest story of them all.
Posted by: Kindltot"
I was kind of shocked that my mom gave me a book about people being disposed of. Kind of watched my back after that.
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:37 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: AlaBAMA
---
The best Exorcist is Exorcist III: Legion with George C. SCOTT! That movie is creepy throughout and there are some scenes that send me out of my chair.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:38 PM (R+nZe)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:38 PM (sn5EN)
Léo Delibes -
Lakmé: Duetto The Flower Duet 'Viens Mallika'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu4L6PgbA4E
Posted by: Braenyard, _ want nuremberg trials? badger your congressman at November 05, 2022 08:38 PM (ezSUn)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:38 PM (R+nZe)
========
Giant scissors!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:38 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 05, 2022 08:29 PM (a/4+U)
---
Conjure Wife is a great story.
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 08:39 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah
YES! I didn't want to say, but Yes!
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:39 PM (R+nZe)
For me the scariest film monsters were many of those on the original Outer Limits series. I can't rewatch those.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs
---
Yes! "Feasibility Study" freaked me out!
Posted by: Bela Lugosi
David McCallum transitioning into FutureMan in "The Sixth Finger"
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 05, 2022 08:39 PM (63Dwl)
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:30 PM (24fqN)
That one about the two-dimensional creature really creeped me out.
something about there being nothing to see until it turned to present its two-dimensional form to you.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 08:39 PM (KLPy8)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 05, 2022 08:40 PM (a/4+U)
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr."
I know right? Who's afraid of a marshmallow vampire? Gimme some giant Kaiju, or a space monster shaped like an upside down ice cream cone.
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:41 PM (sn5EN)
In happier news Leftworld got canceled this week.
Posted by: sven at November 05, 2022 08:26 PM (Lzpvj)
If you look up the Russian band Leningrad on YouTube you will see some of their videos that may be better quality in story telling than a lot of modern US film.
Circus and Cabriolet are two of them. Tits is another.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 05, 2022 08:41 PM (xhaym)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:39 PM (R+nZe)
=========
I think I prefer the original ending, though. Quick, violent, and done.
The opulent nonsense of the reshot ending has its charms, but it feels like it's coming from another movie.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:41 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Skip at November 05, 2022 08:41 PM (xhxe8)
RB has fine ensemble character acting. Good movie.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:41 PM (24fqN)
Posted by: Bela Lugosi
I saw that but didn't record it. I thought "sounds like M". Was it good?
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:34 PM (R+nZe)
I watched that, and I actually thought it was *better* then M! It wasn't a remake, it was more of a reimagining of the source material, and the Argentine version made several choices that I thought made it a better movie. Also, the scenes of chasing the killer through the sewers were very reminiscent of "The Third Man" by Welles.
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 08:42 PM (r46W7)
Posted by: dartist at November 05, 2022 08:42 PM (9X/y4)
RB has fine ensemble character acting. Good movie.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:41 PM (24fqN)
========
I want to do a Roman Polanski run. The guy's a scumbag, but so was Chaplin. They both made good movies. The problem is that Polanski...keeps making movies.
He released one a couple of years ago, and I think he's in production on a new one now.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:43 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:43 PM (24fqN)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah
My understanding is the suits at the studio demanded they cobble together an exorcism and it just doesn't work. At all.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:43 PM (R+nZe)
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 08:42 PM (r46W7)
=========
Pedant alert!
Carol Reed made The Third Man. Orson Welles took the acting job to help fund his film production of Othello.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:44 PM (LvTSG)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Architects_of_Fear
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 08:44 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:45 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:43 PM (R+nZe)
=========
I think it still works in the context of the film. It just requires a nameless priest they inserted into the rest of the film to suddenly show up and have theatrics. It removes the focus from the two main antagonists, diluting the ending's impact.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:45 PM (LvTSG)
>>I want to do a Roman Polanski run.
The Ninth Gate is the best Roman Polanski film, period.
His wife is in it as well and she's pretty hot, it also may be Johnny Depps best film where he doesn't play Johnny Depp or a weirdo with a wig.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:45 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:45 PM (24fqN)
Very pretty and striking but not really a great actress, however-
she has what I guess you'd call a comforting screen presence. You just sort of relax and watch her when she's on screen.
She's really at her best with the comedies because of that.
Man, she must've been a little thing though. No more than 5 feet I would guess.
She stared a lot with Alan Ladd, who I've gain a new appreciation for watching their movies together.
Anyway, AL is a very short guy. He's always the shortest guy in the movie and he towers over Veronica Lake.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 08:45 PM (KLPy8)
His wife is in it as well and she's pretty hot, it also may be Johnny Depps best film where he doesn't play Johnny Depp or a weirdo with a wig.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:45 PM (up/3i)
=========
I don't know about that. Seen Tess?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:46 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:46 PM (R+nZe)
Appropriate.
Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 05, 2022 08:47 PM (IraU6)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:47 PM (R+nZe)
Appropriate.
Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 05, 2022 08:47 PM (IraU6)
========
Dave in Fla confirmed for possessed by Pazuzu.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:48 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:48 PM (Dc2NZ)
>>I don't know about that. Seen Tess?
I have not, will have to liberate it from the torrents and check it out.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:48 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: fd
___
lol
Teenage angst in a monster is such a turnoff.
Posted by: SMH at what's coming at November 05, 2022 08:48 PM (8iUlO)
Posted by: dartist at November 05, 2022 08:48 PM (9X/y4)
His wife is in it as well and she's pretty hot, it also may be Johnny Depps best film where he doesn't play Johnny Depp or a weirdo with a wig.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:45 PM (up/3i)
I disagree with that, esp if you've read the novel it comes from.
Anywho, "The Tenant" is Polanski's best. With "MacBeth" a close runner-up.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 08:48 PM (KLPy8)
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:48 PM (up/3i)
==========
Tess, Macbeth, Chinatown...the dude has talent.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:49 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 05, 2022 08:50 PM (a/4+U)
Hey, can you concoct a drink for the Midterms? Maybe two, depending on which way the winds blow.
"Red Tsunami" would be a great tiki drink.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:51 PM (Dc2NZ)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Architects_of_Fear
Posted by: Bela Lugosi at November 05, 2022 08:44 PM (Dc2NZ)
Sorta like what the govs are doing now with UFO stuff? They're gonna reveal we need to give up our liberty to keep the aliens from destroying Earth.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 08:51 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:52 PM (6VKyY)
>>I disagree with that, esp if you've read the novel it comes from.
I will have to take your word for it, my Polanski catalog consists of four films, I really should brush up.
** Checks Plex for available space.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:52 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:23 PM (6VKyY)
----------------------------
I remember that! It was on Son of Svengoolie, if I'm not mistaken.
Posted by: No One of Consequence at November 05, 2022 08:52 PM (uPgE/)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:53 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 08:51 PM (7bRMQ)
---
Spa-a-a-a-ace Fo-o-o-orce! will protect us.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:53 PM (Dc2NZ)
I liked that movie right up until the last scene, and then I was WTF????? WHAT JUST HAPPENED??? It royally pissed me off - the sky glows, voices sing ahAHHHHahhh, THE END.
but it was still better than The Fearless Vampire Hunters, I guess.
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (r46W7)
Ye says something offwnsive, they fall on him like a ton of bricks
Roman does something extremely criminal, and they give him awards
and Tarantino was absolutely disgusting hen talking about Polanski's crimes. "wasn't really rape"
and I believe that's where Whoopi's "not rape, rape" came from
they are truly vile creatures
Posted by: REDACTED at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (us2H3)
Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (EZebt)
I looked up Max Schrek (is that where they got the name for the ogre?). His publicity still made me think he could have played a stand-in for Adolf Hitler.
I wonder how the film would have looked if made in the states instead of post WW I Germany.
Posted by: JTB at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (7EjX1)
Posted by: Skip at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (xhxe8)
Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 05, 2022 08:55 PM (geVLo)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:55 PM (Dc2NZ)
Hey, can you concoct a drink for the Midterms? Maybe two, depending on which way the winds blow.
"Red Tsunami" would be a great tiki drink.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:51 PM (Dc2NZ)
"I Married a Witch" was my favorite of her movies so far. Lots of fun.
I'll give the "Red Tsunami" a whirl and see if I can come up with something.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 08:55 PM (KLPy8)
>>Tess, Macbeth, Chinatown...the dude has talent.
My Polanski catalog consists of Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown, Death and The Maiden and The Ninth Gate.
I will have to check out Tess and Macbeth as well as The Tenant.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:56 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord
Ta heck with that!
*queues up Slim Whitman*
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 08:56 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (EZebt)
---
TJM needs to pay for his crimes!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:56 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 08:46 PM (R+nZe)
The score from John Carpenter's "The Thing" comes to mind.
Posted by: Javems at November 05, 2022 08:56 PM (AmoqO)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:55 PM (Dc2NZ)
==========
There are a couple of reasons for that. First if that Young Frankenstein is as much a parody of Son of Frankenstein as the original Frankenstein. It's obvious Brooks and Wilder knew the whole series really well.
The second reason is that Basil Rathbone really didn't want to be in the movie, so he gave an incredibly sarcastic performance, especially towards the film's ending. Wilder seems to have modeled his performance in Young Frankenstein of Rathbone.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:57 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (EZebt)
---
TJM needs to pay for his crimes!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:56 PM (Dc2NZ
Is it really an unforgivable sin? Compassion, people!
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:57 PM (6VKyY)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:58 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 05, 2022 08:45 PM (24fqN)
More of a Louise Brooks guy.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 05, 2022 08:58 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 05, 2022 08:58 PM (ufFY8)
Posted by: Javems at November 05, 2022 08:56 PM (AmoqO)
---
He has a pretty good knack for creating eerie, memorable music for his horror films...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 05, 2022 08:58 PM (BpYfr)
I will have to check out Tess and Macbeth as well as The Tenant.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:56 PM (up/3i)
=========
He was one of a handful of Polish New Wave filmmakers that actually made it in America. The one Polish filmmaker that I find the most interesting from that period is Andrzej Wajda who made Ashes and Diamonds.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 08:58 PM (LvTSG)
Ye says something offwnsive, they fall on him like a ton of bricks
Roman does something extremely criminal, and they give him awards
and Tarantino was absolutely disgusting hen talking about Polanski's crimes. "wasn't really rape"
and I believe that's where Whoopi's "not rape, rape" came from
they are truly vile creatures
Posted by: REDACTED at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (us2H3)
I have this argument other places - do you support the art, or the artist. That said, when I planned a homeschool junior/senior high poetry year long class last year, I did not include Pablo Neruda on our poetry list. I decided it didn't matter how well known or good his works were - explaining him to teens was just a bad idea...and when you admit your bad deeds (vs other people saying you did them), there's no wiggle room.
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 08:59 PM (exHjb)
>>but it was still better than The Fearless Vampire Hunters, I guess.
I love the film, it's an exceptionally re-watchable interesting film, it's reasonably well acted, it has numerous character type actors acting all charactery, it's got Langella and Olin chewing scenery, and as I said, I think Depp's acting is perhaps his best, where he actually seems like he's in it and not just being weird.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:00 PM (up/3i)
LOL
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 05, 2022 09:02 PM (ufFY8)
Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (EZebt)
---
TJM needs to pay for his crimes!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:56 PM (Dc2NZ
Is it really an unforgivable sin? Compassion, people!
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:57 PM (6VKyY)
Never Forgive
Never Forget
Posted by: JCT at November 05, 2022 09:02 PM (s4pa5)
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 05, 2022 09:02 PM (ufFY8)
Posted by: Eromero at November 05, 2022 09:03 PM (0OP+5)
The famous stairway scene in the Exorcist was filmed in Georgetown.
Posted by: Dave in Fla at November 05, 2022 09:03 PM (IraU6)
Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 05, 2022 08:54 PM (EZebt)
---
TJM needs to pay for his crimes!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 08:56 PM (Dc2NZ
Is it really an unforgivable sin? Compassion, people!
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 08:57 PM (6VKyY)
One day there will be a tribunal and Ridley Scott will be in the dock.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 05, 2022 09:04 PM (Zv2q6)
It's weird how that works. The "art" stands alone as a thing separate from the person, but of the person. It's kind of like a child of the person. Do you dislike the child because of the parent? Is there something in the child to cause that?
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 09:04 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: irright at November 05, 2022 09:04 PM (NTUk0)
Guess I should read entire comments instead of skimming.
Posted by: Javems at November 05, 2022 09:05 PM (AmoqO)
Posted by: irright at November 05, 2022 09:04 PM (NTUk0)
=========
Out of all his spoofs, it's the one that seems to actually understand the source best.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:05 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Kindltot at November 05, 2022 09:05 PM (xhaym)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 05, 2022 09:05 PM (a/4+U)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:06 PM (6VKyY)
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 05, 2022 08:58 PM (BpYfr)
Still gives me chills when i hear it. Enjoyed talking with you over in TX.
Posted by: Javems at November 05, 2022 09:07 PM (AmoqO)
It's weird how that works. The "art" stands alone as a thing separate from the person, but of the person. It's kind of like a child of the person. Do you dislike the child because of the parent? Is there something in the child to cause that?
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 09:04 PM (sn5EN)
Yeah, I normally decide they are joined, so if I can't support the main artist, I can't support the art (some extra in the background - whatevs - director/lead actor - I'm out). So, I don't watch Polanski. I don't think I've ever seen any of his movies.
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 09:07 PM (exHjb)
Posted by: irright at November 05, 2022 09:04 PM (NTUk0)
When you watch the first 3 films, you realize how Mel Brooks cut and pasted almost all of his scenes directly out of those 3. There's even a point in the first film where Victor's father refers to him as "Young Frankenstein".
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 09:07 PM (r46W7)
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs
Sounds like Miklos getting to second base with Darleen...
Posted by: Drink Like Vikings at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (m07l8)
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 05, 2022 09:02 PM (ufFY
That's because they moved me to the front row!
Posted by: Bob Uecker at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: Jamaica Queens at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (b+v9B)
Posted by: Dr. Bone at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (geVLo)
Posted by: Javems at November 05, 2022 09:07 PM (AmoqO)
---
It was nice chatting with you as well. I enjoy meeting members of the Moron Horde face-to-face...Now when I see the nics I can picture them in my head...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (BpYfr)
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 05, 2022 09:04 PM (Zv2q6)
===
Mistakes were made.
But when he makes them they are not mistakes.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (EZebt)
Posted by: irright
I like the Twelve Chairs. But yes it's his best spoof.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (R+nZe)
>>"I have this argument other places - do you support the art, or the artist."
I support the art, if I had to support the artist that would negate 99pct of hollywood as they are all liberal a**holes.
For instance, I think Spike Lee is perhaps one of the finest filmakers, Malcolm X is a masterpiece, his first 7 films are unassailable.
But, he's a f**king a**hole.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: Bob Uecker at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (7bRMQ)
Bravo.
Tastes great! Less filling!
But I prefer Hamm's.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 05, 2022 09:10 PM (ufFY8)
But, he's a f**king a**hole.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (up/3i)
========
Spike Lee is one half hard-edged social minded filmmaker and one-half soft, unremarkable melodramatic filmmaker. The one film of his that most has this conflict evident I've seen is He Got Game. I love one half and hate the other.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:10 PM (LvTSG)
Out of all his spoofs, it's the one that seems to actually understand the source best.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:05 PM (LvTSG)
I think the reason is that Gene Wilder co-wrote it. I believe Brooks desperately needed a collaboration like that (or an editor he trusted) to be at his best, and it's sad that in most of his films he didn't (or wouldn't) have it.
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 09:10 PM (r46W7)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:06 PM (6VKyY)
---
Ludlum? Uris? Or maybe some new wave SF author, and it gets really freaky in its ironic punishment.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 09:11 PM (Dc2NZ)
For instance, I think Spike Lee is perhaps one of the finest filmakers, Malcolm X is a masterpiece, his first 7 films are unassailable.
But, he's a f**king a**hole.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:08 PM (up/3i)
For me, it's not liberal/conservative for the art. It's are you an immoral criminal bastard so toxic you can't be supported.
Neruda left his wife and disabled child and then admitted to stone cold raping a hotel employee...that's kinda the "artist" level that I won't support, no matter the art.
Saying you're a liberal moron who just dabbles in badness isn't enough for me to stay home from the art...but ruining multiple people's lives with no regret and performing criminal acts that would get you locked up for life and getting no penalty - yeah, that's enough...
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 09:11 PM (exHjb)
"Yeah, I normally decide they are joined, so if I can't support the main artist, I can't support the art"
That's fine. I think there is a threshold where the dislike of the person overcomes the like of that person's "art".
Bruce Springsteen comes to mind for me.
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 09:11 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: irright at November 05, 2022 09:04 PM (NTUk0)
Airplane!
Blazing Saddles
Posted by: JCT at November 05, 2022 09:12 PM (s4pa5)
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 09:10 PM (r46W7)
========
High Anxiety is the one of his that I have the most trouble with because he seems to have no idea how to actually spoof Hitchcock. Hitchcock was ripe for parody, and Brooks pretty much just ended up in mimicry.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:12 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Eromero at November 05, 2022 09:12 PM (0OP+5)
I think the reason is that Gene Wilder co-wrote it. I believe Brooks desperately needed a collaboration like that (or an editor he trusted) to be at his best, and it's sad that in most of his films he didn't (or wouldn't) have it.
Posted by: Tom Servo -
---
----------
Dan Ackroyd would have been bigger had he had a moderator like that.
Posted by: irright at November 05, 2022 09:14 PM (NTUk0)
>>I love one half and hate the other.
Sure, he's got his quirks and rubrics, but I just like his visual style and overall esthetic.
Is he the greatest filmmaker? Certainly not, but he doesn't make boring films, you're going to respond to what he's laying down and typically you're going to get the urge to punch the screen.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:15 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 09:11 PM (Dc2NZ)
Maybe John Grisham.
Can you imagine the Admiralty Court case hearing that disaster would bring about?
Posted by: Kindltot at November 05, 2022 09:15 PM (xhaym)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:15 PM (6VKyY)
but Hollywood aint hving none of that
they want a full blown pardon
Posted by: REDACTED at November 05, 2022 09:15 PM (us2H3)
Posted by: fd at November 05, 2022 09:16 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: Jamaica Queens at November 05, 2022 09:16 PM (b+v9B)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:12 PM (LvTSG)
Yeah, I'd agree with that.
I think Brooks could be incredibly lazy in his writing unless pushed by a good collaborator.
"High Anxiety" is like that friend who repeats movie dialog and expects you to laugh every time, cuz it's familiar or something I guess.
His top thee for me would be "The Twelve Chairs", "The Producers", and "Young Frankenstein"
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 09:17 PM (KLPy8)
Airplane!
Blazing Saddles
Posted by: JCT at November 05, 2022 09:12 PM -
----
Love 'em both, but Young Frankenstein hits me where it counts. Probably my favorite movie of all time.
Posted by: irright at November 05, 2022 09:17 PM (NTUk0)
Posted by: Eromero at November 05, 2022 09:12 PM (0OP+5)
You aren't or weren't a Catholic if you're not scared by The Exorcist, book and movie.
Posted by: Joe from Scranton, where i drove a semi for decades at November 05, 2022 09:17 PM (AMIL/)
>>For me, it's not liberal/conservative for the art. It's are you an immoral criminal bastard so toxic you can't be supported.
I put Harmony Korin and Vincent Gallo in that category.
One of the most epic smack downs is when Vincent Gallo called Roger Ebert a fat slob, Ebert responded by saying, I may be a fat slob, but you will always be the director of Brown Bunny.
** Mic Drop **
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:18 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: Jamaica Queens at November 05, 2022 09:19 PM (b+v9B)
His wife is in it as well and she's pretty hot, it also may be Johnny Depp's best film where he doesn't play Johnny Depp or a weirdo with a wig.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 08:45 PM (up/3i)
*****
I disagree with that, esp if you've read the novel it comes from.
Anywho, "The Tenant" is Polanski's best. With "MacBeth" a close runner-up.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 08:48 PM (KLPy
I've read "El Club Dumas" (the novel that The Ninth Gate was based on), and while the story was changed, the alterations did not make it worse, IMHO. Lots of screenplays do that to clean up a storyline for the shorter film format.
I do love old books, though, so perhaps I was just a sucker for all the library scenery.
Also, Emmanuelle Seigner is Polanski's second wife. His first was Sharon Tate. Yikes.
Posted by: HTL at November 05, 2022 09:19 PM (O9S2+)
Posted by: DB at November 05, 2022 09:19 PM (geLO8)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:12 PM (LvTSG)
I happen to like High Anxiety - but you're right. The opportunity was there for a really great parody, and Brooks ends up showing Madeline Kahn thinking that a dying man on the phone is doing sexy talk.
but forgive my low taste, but watching Harvey Korman scare his patient into madness with wearwolf teeth still makes me laugh every time.
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 09:19 PM (r46W7)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 09:19 PM (R+nZe)
He'll get that, a VP bj, and a pResidenshul Metal Ov Friedom.
Posted by: Eromero at November 05, 2022 09:19 PM (0OP+5)
** Mic Drop **
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:18 PM (up/3i)
========
Ebert then gave Brown Bunny 3 stars upon it's limited release after the film festival where he called Brown Bunny the worst movie he'd ever seen. Gallo had cut it down by something like 15 minutes.
Ebert was my boy, the guy who pretty much taught me how to watch movies, but he was prone to weirdness like that.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:20 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:20 PM (6VKyY)
Am I the only guy in the Western World who likes the "The Producers" musical as much or possibly more than the original movie?
Admittedly, I'm a sucker for Nathan Lane's schtick, but that movie makes me laugh every tie i watch it.
Speaking of Nathan Lane's schtick...if you haven't seen "Mouse Hunt" you need to duo so now. Right Now!!!!
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 09:20 PM (KLPy8)
but forgive my low taste, but watching Harvey Korman scare his patient into madness with wearwolf teeth still makes me laugh every time.
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 09:19 PM -
-------
I don't know why, but that scene kills me.
Posted by: irright at November 05, 2022 09:20 PM (NTUk0)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 09:19 PM (R+nZe)
By Chloe Sevigny, from what I have heard...
Posted by: anchorbabe fashion cop at November 05, 2022 09:21 PM (ufFY8)
Also, several of The Conjuring movies. Really well made, and the WTF factor is excellent.
I did not like Poltergeist. Mostly stupid and over the top. Except for the clown doll segment. I fucking hate clowns.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at November 05, 2022 09:22 PM (UQUAY)
For the 'art'
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:22 PM (6VKyY)
>>Is Brown Bunny where he got himself a bj?
Yep, he made his girlfriend at the time, Chloe Sevigny, blow him on camera, basically when it was screened for the first time, critics got up and walked out of the showing.
Gallo and Korin are pieces of sh*t and their films are sucky and exploitative with absolutely zero merit or redeeming qualities.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:22 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 09:19 PM (R+nZe)
By Chloe Sevigny, from what I have heard...
Posted by: anchorbabe fashion cop at November 05, 2022 09:21 PM (ufFY
Its hot.
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 09:23 PM (kaTIH)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 09:24 PM (Dc2NZ)
may I have a ruling on this from the phrasing dept ?
Posted by: REDACTED at November 05, 2022 09:24 PM (us2H3)
may I have a ruling on this from the phrasing dept ?
Let he who has not sucked a schtick throw the first stone
Posted by: Barack Obama at November 05, 2022 09:25 PM (ESjRY)
Posted by: REDACTED at November 05, 2022 09:24 PM (us2H3)
--
I'll allow it!
Posted by: Nathan Lane at November 05, 2022 09:25 PM (Dc2NZ)
may I have a ruling on this from the phrasing dept ?
Posted by: REDACTED at November 05, 2022 09:24 PM (us2H3)
Hmm. Yeah, that's awfully close to the border.
I need to be more careful with my phrasing.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 09:26 PM (KLPy8)
>>Ebert was my boy.
Leaving aside his politics, Roger Ebert may have gotten more people into and interested in films than anyone before him.
Hollywood really needs someone like that again.
Sadly, that's probably not going to happen.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:26 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: Barack Obama
Damn it! *drops stone*
Posted by: Chloe Sevigny at November 05, 2022 09:26 PM (R+nZe)
Admittedly, I'm a sucker for Nathan Lane's schtick
--
may I have a ruling on this from the phrasing dept ?
Posted by: REDACTED at November 05, 2022 09:24 PM -
-------
Yep. We rate it: Damn funny.
Posted by: Phrasing Dept. at November 05, 2022 09:26 PM (NTUk0)
Sadly, that's probably not going to happen.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:26 PM (up/3i)
=========
Who reads newspaper reviews anymore? And in terms of video reviews, you have YouTube and a thousand film channels that can cater to any taste.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:27 PM (LvTSG)
>>Who reads newspaper reviews anymore? And in terms of video reviews, you have YouTube and a thousand film channels that can cater to any taste.
Yes, but I am old and old people always pine for the past.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:28 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: Barack Obama at November 05, 2022 09:25 PM (ESjRY)
*bounces rock off Barry's noggin*
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 05, 2022 09:29 PM (Zv2q6)
Posted by: Jamaica Queens at November 05, 2022 09:29 PM (b+v9B)
Hollywood really needs someone like that again.
Sadly, that's probably not going to happen.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:26 PM (up/3i)
The market for film reviews is too fragmented these days thanks to You Tube.
I do like Critical Drinker, but he'll never get the exposure that Ebert had.
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at November 05, 2022 09:29 PM (CCSxw)
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:28 PM (up/3i)
========
Hey...remember when movies were good? You know...during all of our prime years of growing up no matter how different they all are?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:30 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: JCT at November 05, 2022 09:30 PM (s4pa5)
Whatever happened to Whit Stillman?
He's one of my all-time favorite movie writer/ddirectors.
And he made one of my top ten favorite movies of all time "Barcelona".
Did he just give up?
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 09:31 PM (KLPy8)
Posted by: JCT at November 05, 2022 09:30 PM (s4pa5)
I love how Siskel doesn't matter anymore...sucks to be the guy that dies 1st...
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 09:31 PM (exHjb)
Sadly, that's probably not going to happen.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:26 PM (up/3i)
*giggle*
Posted by: Harry Knowles at November 05, 2022 09:32 PM (/0aQ8)
Did he just give up?
Posted by: naturalfake
That's a great movie. Did he act in it also? Which one was he?
Posted by: Chloe Sevigny at November 05, 2022 09:32 PM (R+nZe)
There's a rather obscure British Production of Dicken's "Nicholas Nickleby", which I like a great deal - and Nathan Lane has a delightful part in it. Character/Narrator.
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 05, 2022 09:33 PM (r46W7)
>>Hey...remember when movies were good? You know...during all of our prime years of growing up no matter how different they all are?
You can pick any year from 1939 to about 2001 and their will be at least 5 films that are either outstanding or classics.
There have been perhaps 5 - 10 outstanding films in total, in the last 20 years.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:33 PM (up/3i)
Mrs DIG goes batshit crazy when Whitchmer appears, LOL.
I need to find some quaaludes for her
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 05, 2022 09:34 PM (ufFY8)
Whatever happened to Whit Stillman?
He's one of my all-time favorite movie writer/ddirectors.
And he made one of my top ten favorite movies of all time "Barcelona".
Did he just give up?
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 09:31 PM (KLPy
========
He's an independent director who seems to have no interest in doing anything but his own stuff, so he makes about 2 movies a decade. The latest was 2016's Love & Friendship (released by Amazon).
I have a suspicion that he's also one of the few good men in the American movie industry. He directed Mira Sorvino before Harvey Weinstein classified her as "difficult".
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:35 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:35 PM (6VKyY)
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 05, 2022 09:35 PM (ufFY8)
>>I love how Siskel doesn't matter anymore...sucks to be the guy that dies 1st...
There's also the fact that he wasn't very good at his job of actually reviewing films and offering cogent and reasonable critique.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:35 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt
Mrs Blutarski screams at the TV more than I do. It's disconcerting.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 09:35 PM (R+nZe)
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:33 PM (up/3i)
The Lord If The Rings trilogy counts as three of them.
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 09:36 PM (/0aQ8)
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 05, 2022 09:35 PM (ufFY
=========
Both were prone to moralizing, but I found Siskel's to be kind of unbearable.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:36 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: irright at November 05, 2022 09:37 PM (NTUk0)
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 09:31 PM (exHjb)
Ebert was always the more influential one, Siskel was kid of an egg head. Ebert had all the buzz.
Posted by: JCT at November 05, 2022 09:37 PM (s4pa5)
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 09:38 PM (/0aQ8)
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 09:36 PM (/0aQ
I...
Never mind. Suffice to say I nearly walked out of the theater when I saw Fellowship.
I'll leave it at that.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at November 05, 2022 09:38 PM (UQUAY)
I love how Siskel doesn't matter anymore...sucks to be the guy that dies 1st...
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 09:31 PM (exHjb)
****Fire extinguisher at comment 290*** STAT!
Posted by: Iris at November 05, 2022 09:38 PM (foa6+)
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at November 05, 2022 09:38 PM (UQUAY)
Posted by: Thomas Bender
Of recent films I'd put Greyhound in the mix. It's not only one of the best war movies I've ever seen, but one of the best movies of any kind I've seen in the last 10-15 years. And there's no blood really.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 09:39 PM (R+nZe)
Ebert was always the more influential one, Siskel was kid of an egg head. Ebert had all the buzz.
Posted by: JCT at November 05, 2022 09:37 PM (s4pa5)
==========
It's also kind of hard to find his written reviews. All that's left easy to find is his TV stuff, and I've grown to hate the TV show.
They have roughly 2 minutes to discuss a movie, and 90 seconds of it is plot summary, leaving 30 seconds for one to give an opinion, the other to respond, and the first to have the final word.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:39 PM (LvTSG)
Whatever happened to Whit Stillman?
He's one of my all-time favorite movie writer/ddirectors.
And he made one of my top ten favorite movies of all time "Barcelona".
Did he just give up?
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 09:31 PM (KLPy
---
Big fan of "Metropolitan" here.
I guess the last film I saw was the Jane Austen story "Love and Friendship". Didn't know he directed it! Very good movie.
Have you seen "Damsels in Distress"? I haven't.
Posted by: Nathan Lane at November 05, 2022 09:40 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at November 05, 2022 09:38 PM (UQUAY)
Want to watch us rape Tolkien's corpse up the squeakhole?
Posted by: The Guys Making The Rings Of Power at November 05, 2022 09:41 PM (/0aQ8)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:39 PM (LvTSG)
Then give thumbs up/thumbs down.
Posted by: JCT at November 05, 2022 09:41 PM (s4pa5)
Posted by: Nathan Lane at November 05, 2022 09:42 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 09:42 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: DB at November 05, 2022 09:43 PM (geLO8)
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at November 05, 2022 09:38 PM (UQUAY)
Where did you go, Tom Bombadil?
Middle Earth turns it's lonely eyes to you.
Posted by: Frodo Simon at November 05, 2022 09:43 PM (ufFY8)
>>I love how Siskel doesn't matter anymore...sucks to be the guy that dies 1st...
There's also the fact that he wasn't very good at his job of actually reviewing films and offering cogent and reasonable critique.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:35 PM (up/3i)
I didn't say he was better - but Ebert would never be as known as he was, or have as much effect as he did, without Siskel. Siskel was the Watson to his Holmes...
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 09:43 PM (exHjb)
Posted by: irright at November 05, 2022 09:43 PM (NTUk0)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:43 PM (6VKyY)
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 09:44 PM (/0aQ8)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:43 PM (6VKyY)
=========
You can stream it at AppleTV+.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:44 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: rhomboid at November 05, 2022 09:45 PM (OTzUX)
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:44 PM (LvTSG)
Other than AppleTv, I meant.
I don't have AppleTV subscription.
I guess I could get a free trial then cancel
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:45 PM (6VKyY)
Posted by: Nathan Lane at November 05, 2022 09:40 PM (Dc2NZ)
It's probably his weakest film.
Still good but not superlative like the others. He didn't seem to have as good a grasp of the characters as usual.
I suppose it's a special kind of gift and a curse when your fans expect excellence every time.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 09:46 PM (KLPy8)
Posted by: AlaBAMA
My daughter got Appletv on her phone plan when she was home for the Covid lockdowns. I watch it maybe once a month. It's not strictly in keeping with the book the Good Shepherd, but it's good.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at November 05, 2022 09:46 PM (R+nZe)
>>without Siskel. Siskel was the Watson to his Holmes.
There is truth in what you say, excellent point.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:46 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 05, 2022 09:47 PM (a/4+U)
I don't have AppleTV subscription.
I guess I could get a free trial then cancel
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:45 PM (6VKyY)
==========
They have the rights to both Ridley Scott's next movie Napoleon (but I hope they go with the original title Kitbag) and Martin Scorsese's next movie Killers of the Flower Moon.
I am hoping against hope that both, very powerful, directors got it into their contracts that physical media must be released of it at some point.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:47 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 09:46 PM (KLPy
---
Poor Uwe Boll! He has to keep outdoing himself.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 09:48 PM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: Eromero at November 05, 2022 09:48 PM (0OP+5)
And penalties.
I hope Michigan can be the 2 seed and lose to TCU. Another pummeling by Georgia would be too much.
Posted by: Jamaica Queens at November 05, 2022 09:49 PM (b+v9B)
Posted by: Manfred Moron at November 05, 2022 09:49 PM (sn5EN)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 05, 2022 09:47 PM (a/4+U)
=========
Ebert's are easy to find because his wife, Chaz, has been a very good steward of his legacy and continued the work of keeping his writing preserved online through his site.
Siskel's reviews are really hard to find. Looking through Rotten Tomatoes, you can find some pdfs of scans of the original printed reviews and not much else.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:49 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Eromero at November 05, 2022 09:48 PM (0OP+5
Too short.
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:49 PM (6VKyY)
Posted by: Robert at November 05, 2022 09:49 PM (/0aQ8)
Posted by: Eromero at November 05, 2022 09:48 PM (0OP+5)
==========
Joaquim Phoenix. The film screened this week, and the one review that leaked was extremely positive.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:49 PM (LvTSG)
>>without Siskel. Siskel was the Watson to his Holmes.
There is truth in what you say, excellent point.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:46 PM (up/3i)
When I watched ESPN, the same kind of rapport happened with Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon on Pardon the Interruption. Which is why, if either gets subbed in for the day, it just was not as good. They could talk sports in different ways, making each other better and the show more fun.
Even now, if I'm at a trivia night, I'll watch their show if it's on...it was the one and only "talk" show on ESPN I ever liked...
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 09:50 PM (exHjb)
>>Ebert's are easy to find because his wife, Chaz, has been a very good steward of his legacy and continued the work of keeping his writing preserved online through his site.
His review of Passion of The Christ is perhaps one his best and personal of all of his reviews.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:51 PM (up/3i)
Posted by: Eromero at November 05, 2022 09:48 PM (0OP+5
Too short.
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 09:49 PM (6VKyY)
Napoleon was 5 ft 6. Cruise might actually be that tall in real life...
Posted by: Nova local at November 05, 2022 09:51 PM (exHjb)
His review of Passion of The Christ is perhaps one his best and personal of all of his reviews.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:51 PM (up/3i)
Such a great movie. I’ll look for his review.
Posted by: LASue at November 05, 2022 09:52 PM (Ed8Zd)
Borrow it from your library.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at November 05, 2022 09:52 PM (MtGJh)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Live! from the Dungeon of Discord at November 05, 2022 09:48 PM (Dc2NZ)
Well...how could you even equal let alone top a masterpiece like-
"Blubberella"?
Poor Ute Boll a god among filmmakers scaling the top of Cinematic Olympus alone.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 05, 2022 09:52 PM (KLPy8)
"this is a true story."
One of the best films I've ever seen.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at November 05, 2022 09:52 PM (UQUAY)
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:51 PM (up/3i)
=========
He wrote three reviews over the years for The Wild Bunch, and the second is really interesting. It might be his best writing.
It explores the relationship between film, the audience, and the critic in really self-reflective ways.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:52 PM (LvTSG)
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at November 05, 2022 09:54 PM (ufFY8)
>>It explores the relationship between film, the audience, and the critic in really self-reflective ways.
All of his Kurosawa reviews are excellent.
I mean, there really isn't anyone like the man anymore.
Bygone era.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:56 PM (up/3i)
I mean, there really isn't anyone like the man anymore.
Bygone era.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at November 05, 2022 09:56 PM (up/3i)
==========
He genuinely loved movies.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 09:57 PM (LvTSG)
House of Frankenstein also had J. Carrol Naish, one of the most underrated character actors of all time, IMO.
He could play any ethnicity... the Anthony Quinn of his day.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at November 05, 2022 09:59 PM (bW8dp)
House of Frankenstein also had J. Carrol Naish, one of the most underrated character actors of all time, IMO.
He could play any ethnicity... the Anthony Quinn of his day.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at November 05, 2022 09:59 PM (bW8dp)
=========
He's one of the reasons that movie works at all. His Igor-like character is really tragic and sad, and he imbues a lot of that himself.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, drinking whiskey and getting into fights with Sam Peckinpah at November 05, 2022 10:00 PM (LvTSG)
"this is a true story."
One of the best films I've ever seen.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at November 05, 2022 09:52 PM (UQUAY)
I haven’t seen it but I soon will! I mentioned earlier that Mr Jones (recommended by a few morons) is worth watching. If there isn’t a movie about the pos Walter Duranty, there should be.
Posted by: LASue at November 05, 2022 10:02 PM (Ed8Zd)
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at November 05, 2022 10:02 PM (ZSK0i)
Posted by: AlaBAMA at November 05, 2022 10:03 PM (6VKyY)
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