Saturday Evening Movie Thread [moviegique]: Three Times Is Enemy Action

A funny thing happened at the movies: We saw an actual movie! Then another! And a third! The Boy and I love weird, arty, indie flicks, but it seemed like the Anglo-American movie machine had completely forgotten how to make just a regular movie: A story about normal people trying to get along on life, presented with various obstacles they have to overcome.

These are movies that we liked and could recommend, generally—presuming the specific subject matter isn't off-putting to you.

So, today, let's look at Somewhere In Queens, Blackberry and What's Love Got To Do With It?

Glen Howerton is sick of your sh...enanigans.

Somewhere In Queens is written, directed, produced and starring Ray Romano as Leo, the unimpressive son in a family of Italian American plumbers. (Insert Mario reference here, I suppose.) He's a devoted husband to Angela (Laurie Metcalf), who basically lives in fear of the cancer she beat five years ago coming back.

But the story centers around Sticks, his awkward, super-shy son. Apparently, while his brother and dad sacrifice everything for the business, Leo put trying to help his son first, and he did this through basketball. His son gets good enough that he's spotted by a scout who arranges for a tryout (and a sweet but trampy girl who ends up his first love). The kid can possibly go to college instead of straight into plumbing.

Setting aside all the issues with college these days, this is a very traditional story of values and class clashes. Leo isn't the brightest bulb and he goes too far in trying to protect his son, but you end up liking him. You kind of end up liking everyone, even Angela, whose character is challenging.

Interesting to note the story would still work almost unchanged if it had been a Jewish family. (This is why people think Joy Behar is Jewish. From a distance, all you get is "loudmouth New Yorkers".) Point is, it does work and the main criticism people have it is that it isn't particularly adventurous as a story.

Well, no, but if you'd asked me prior to this whether anyone in the current system could make this movie, I'd have said no. Romano is competent all around, obviously as the lead, but also the direction and writing. I'd go see another movie by him.

Introducing the girlfriend to the parents.

Blackberry! The exciting story of the nerds who invented the smartphone and the shark who made them successful.

Here's another classic tale: A bunch of engineers invent an amazing thing and the business world is poised to screw them over. Enter the Shark. Glen Howerton plays Jim, who grabs the daydreaming engineers lead by Mike (Jay Baruchel) by the shorthairs and whips them into a productive team.

Howerton and Baruchel are terrific. Baruchel nails the sincere devotion to making things work that the best engineers display. Toward the end of the movie, he changes his hair style from a sloppy, careless, almost juvenile haircut to a slicked back look and we know he's lost touch.

Howerton is tremendous, of course. He's ambitious, unscrupulous, petty and egotistical — but he's also the force that makes the whole thing happen. He threads that needle so well that when the FTC comes after him for some shady stuff he did to poach employees from other companies (to save the business), you're really on his side.

Screw the FTC anyway. What're they doing in Canada?

But like the engineer, you know he's lost touch when he's putting his acquisition of a hockey team over a critical business meeting.

I'm not much for nostalgia—in fact I loathe it—but I have to say the scenes of nerds playing a bunch of '90s computer games over a LAN during the workday—references to Doom, Duke Nukem, Civ II, Dune 2000), to say nothing of movie nights featuring Army of Darkness, etc., actually got me in the feels. Good times before tech became a monster.

Nice work from writer/director Matt Johnson, who also plays the uber-nerd-second-banana to Baruchel's wishy-washy but ultimately more grounded character. The actual Jim Ballslie has apparently said he enjoys the movie, and even though it's wildly inaccurate people should go and have a good time and not sweat it. (Totally not what Glen Howerton's character would say.)

Matt Johnson can't believe Baruchel is even entertaining Howerton's crap for a moment.

What's Love Got To Do With It was perhaps the most surprising movie of the three. From the Bridget Jones people, it concerns Zoe (Lily James), a documentarian who is looking at arranged marriages. She grew up next door to a Pakistani boy, Kazim (Shazad Latif), who has decided at 32 to let his parents arrange a traditional marriage for him. She's flabbergasted by this and we're well set up for the two to get together—but the movie does a good job of convincing us this is impossible.

Kazim has a sister who married a non-Muslim, and she's been excommunicated from the family. He's determined not to do that and not having any luck finding a girl he likes (because he likes Zoe, obviously). Zoe is a mess. She's a modern woman who tells her nieces classic fairytales about princesses who don't need no man. She has terrible taste in men and is basically a loner, to the point where she literally lives on a ship.

But a funny thing happens on the way through this tale of a stronk, empowered wammen: the movie admits she's a wreck.

It also doesn't dismiss arranged marriages. And—this really took me aback—when Zoe goes to look at having her eggs frozen, the director of the clinic tells her, in essence, "It's expensive, it's painful, and it has a 1% chance of working, why are you so dumb as to believe all these tabloid stories about 50+ year old new moms?" I did not see those little hate facts coming.

In one of the more telling scenes, she discovers that her brother-in-law is cheating on her sister, and as a palliative to the overall miserable week she's having she has a one night stand. (Apparently her go-to for bad weeks.) Of course, the next morning not only does she feel like crap, her fling is on the phone with his wife. So she realizes her own behavior facilitates the very behavior she despises.

I mean, wow. The whole thing kind of impressed me with how it adhered to these specific characters making these specific choices with these specific consequences and stayed so strongly away from "We have to say this because we need women to believe they'll be happier if they act like crappy men."

The setup is that the producers of Zoe's documentary turn down her first pitches because they're looking for something light and they can't think of a funny angle on honor killings. That's how she ends up doing the arranged marriage thing. The producer guys are so smarmy, so spot-on trying to be the perfectly PC who-can-we-get-funding-from? spineless, artless, gormless and yet utterly self-confident, they were my favorite characters. When the film is done and everybody in her life hates Zoe for having made it, they call her up on the phone and say something like "love the movie, brown stories, brown struggles...but white lens." And they cancel it.

It felt so perfect, so utterly true-to-life. So, hey, maybe we're all sick of this garbage. Then again, the movie was shot in 2021 and underwent some serious changes, so maybe there's something going on there.

It wraps up perhaps a little too neatly, but I'm not complaining. It's a romance, and it needs to tie things up, and there are actually only certain ways the genre is allowed to wrap-up. That's fine.

James and Latif have good chemistry and apparently are longtime friends in real life. Emma Thompson is pitch-perfect as Zoe's mother in a role written for her because the screenwriter always wanted Emma Thompson to be her mother.

Zoe and Kazim listen to an impromptu raga jam session in a scene which I haven't actually figured out why it's there.

To say that we were startled by three movies in a row that seemed to seek nothing other than to tell specific stories of specific characters is underselling our shock. Now, none of these films are burning up the box office. What's Love Got To Do With It? broke $2 million (unlike the other two) but it's unlikely to break $10M. And they all got excellent reviews and wide openings.

Interestingly, all three are listed as comedies. Comedy/Drama for the first two, and Romantic-Comedy for WLGTDWI? None of them are comedies. Someone, probably a marketing guy, decided somewhere along the line that if anyone cracks a joke in a movie, it's a comedy. Queens has a sitcom-y foundation, full of wacky misunderstanding and plans gone awry, but it's really very serious. Just because vulgar Italian-Americans having dinner is kind of funny does not make this a comedy. BlackBerry is clever and dark and you'll get some laughs out of its wry presentation of the business world, but whatever the intentions of the filmmakers were, it's not really a black comedy. It is by far the funniest of the three, though.

WLGTDWI? is reminiscent of Bridge Jones, understandably, but the character is even more neurotic, or at least her neuroses are treated more seriously. This is not a romantic-comedy. The characters in a traditional romcom or even a genre romance, for that matter, can't go around diddling other people. This is a drama about people in a modern, promiscuous world, and quite frankly, the damage that that promiscuity does, to say nothing of the betrayal the characters feel from absorbing the cultural narrative about love and sex. The characters are charming and human and there are many fun moments but no way in hell is this a romantic-comedy, much less a comedy-comedy.

Still, it's strange to have three movies released so close together you don't have to footnote with "Well, how do you feel about tons of feces?" or "It's terrific, but it portrays the universe as utterly devoid of any kind of divine presence, which you may find soul-crushing," or even just "Dildos play a prominent role." (And since I'm way behind and haven't written the reviews for the first two yet, I'm referring to Triangle of Sadness and The Banshees of Inisherin, respectively.

It all felt very...normal. Which feels weird in 2023.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 07:39 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 MOvie sighting!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 27, 2023 07:58 PM (fh8Ks)

2 And I nooded before posting!

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 27, 2023 07:58 PM (fh8Ks)

3 Memorial Day weekend

Posted by: Ciampino - Time to emulate the Mussulmans at May 27, 2023 07:59 PM (qfLjt)

4 I'm at the hospital withy mom so replies will be laggy and salty.

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 07:59 PM (XEI9S)

5 I have been on a 70s crime kick lately; Dirty Harry, Seven Ups, French Connection, etc. There's a gritty sensibility to those films that feels so real and present even 50 years later.

Frankly, I wish Quentin Tarantino would do a movie in that time and genre and quit it with the fantasy revenge porn.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at May 27, 2023 08:03 PM (0hOvj)

6 I'm at the hospital withy mom so replies will be laggy and salty.
Posted by: Moviegique

Prayers for you and yours.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 27, 2023 08:05 PM (fh8Ks)

7 This week I watched Crash. Not the Oscar winner from the early 2000's, the 1990's Crash with James Spader about the people who have a sexual fetish for car wrecks. That was a weird one.

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 08:06 PM (xPl2J)

8 There are a lot of movies made in the 70s I have seen parts of but never the entire film, stuff like Vanishing Pont, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, etc. Its been interesting to see the whole story in order how its mean to be put together.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at May 27, 2023 08:06 PM (0hOvj)

9 Movie sign!

I too have been lured back to the googleplex of late. There's one I want to see called "You Hurt My Feelings", with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, that's supposed to be a slow burn black comedy.

Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 27, 2023 08:06 PM (wdHY0)

10 Evenin'
(sips beer)

Getting ready to go out of town for a vacation. Golf, visit family, golf, eat, golf, visit friends, golf, just do nothing, and golf. Probably won't see any movies. I did re-watch 'Taking Chance' again last week. It just gets better as I get older. Well done little film. Based on a true story too. I remember that letter that officer wrote. May have been here I read it.

Posted by: Puddleglum at May 27, 2023 08:07 PM (sAmhv)

11 Read all content and top 10?
Maybe some marketing genius thinks comedy sells

Posted by: Skip at May 27, 2023 08:07 PM (xhxe8)

12 >>>I have been on a 70s crime kick lately; Dirty Harry, Seven Ups, French Connection, etc. There's a gritty sensibility to those films that feels so real and present even 50 years later.

Check out The Friends Of Eddie Coyle

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 08:07 PM (xPl2J)

13 "...the 1990's Crash with James Spader about the people who have a sexual fetish for car wrecks. That was a weird one.
Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 08:06 PM (xPl2J)
----

Well, ya got Cronenberg, Spader, and J.G. Ballard, so it's gonna get weird .

But yeah, it was intriguing, if off-putting.

Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 27, 2023 08:09 PM (wdHY0)

14 Yesterday I think, saw Google News had 10 movies being made now or coming soon, most were remakes including I remember, Color Purple. A few were old movies, a few not that old maybe 20 years or less.

Posted by: Skip at May 27, 2023 08:10 PM (xhxe8)

15 Not the Oscar winner from the early 2000's, the 1990's Crash with James Spader about the people who have a sexual fetish for car wrecks.

...I didn't know they were different movies. No wonder I was so confused by reactions to the movie.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at May 27, 2023 08:10 PM (0hOvj)

16 Another normal people with problems film is a film called, City Island staring Andy Garcia and Julian Margolis.

It's about a prison guard and his dysfunctional family.

It's good.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at May 27, 2023 08:11 PM (up/3i)

17 Best wishes to your mom, Moviegique.

Posted by: Dr Alice at May 27, 2023 08:11 PM (f2s+m)

18 Moviegoers, prayers for your family

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 08:11 PM (Mi5O7)

19 Check out The Friends Of Eddie Coyle

Seen it, its great, if sad.

One gem I had never heard of is The Long Good Friday with Bob Hoskins and a young Helen Mirren. Its a purely British film, kind of tough to find here.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at May 27, 2023 08:12 PM (0hOvj)

20 With Cronenberg, you either vibe to his wavelength or you don't.

I don't.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at May 27, 2023 08:13 PM (up/3i)

21 Stupid auto correct Moviegique

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 08:14 PM (Mi5O7)

22 19: Bob Hoskins was in lots of solid films. 'Mona Lisa' is excellent. Michael Caine was in it too.

Posted by: Puddleglum at May 27, 2023 08:14 PM (sAmhv)

23 @5

>>Frankly, I wish Quentin Tarantino would do a movie in that time and genre and quit it with the fantasy revenge porn.

Pretty much the only film that Tarantino has told straight was Jackie Brown.

He's a fantasy film director, period.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at May 27, 2023 08:15 PM (up/3i)

24 Best movie I saw this week was a rewatch, "The Set-Up", with Robert Ryan and Audrey Totter. It's a fantastic noir boxing story of an aging palooka who's convinced he has it in him to have one really good fight and move back up the card. His manager sets it up to have him throw the fight but the manager doesn't even bother to tell him, because he has so little faith in his own boxer. Of course the old slab of mutton is gonna get KO'd by the young up-and-comer. But the fighter has a very good match, and then all the creeps and money men are out to get him!

The best part, to my mind, are all the sleazy grotesques and ring rats that populate this world. And Scorsese must have been inspired by this movie when he made "Raging Bull".

Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 27, 2023 08:17 PM (wdHY0)

25 The Set-Up is my favorite boxing movie.

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 08:18 PM (xPl2J)

26 Bob Hoskins was great in Mrs Henderson.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 08:18 PM (Mi5O7)

27 Also, Tarantino has a lot of unresolved hostility towards women, which find it's outlet in how he treats women in his films.

They're always getting shit beat out of them, strangled, shot, stabbed slashed, crashed into, etc.

His last film is simply going to show a woman getting whacked with a 2x4 for 2 hours straight.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at May 27, 2023 08:19 PM (up/3i)

28 Thanks for the well wishes. She'll be fine if I have to beat her into being fine!

City Island is good. That's on my site I'm sure.

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 08:20 PM (2YqUJ)

29 Hell no to Hollywood, if you can leave you know you really should.
No slimier place upon the earth, since stan gave it birth, you know they think doing well but they should all go to jail.
Tidal wave or quakes, just choose whichever it takes, and say hell no to Hollywood.

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 08:21 PM (Uv0D2)

30 Watching season 2 of Rome.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 08:22 PM (Mi5O7)

31 Justified: City Primeval starts July 18 on FX

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 08:23 PM (xPl2J)

32 >>>>Watching season 2 of Rome.

Ray Stevenson died this week

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 08:23 PM (xPl2J)

33 Did anyone here have a "Crackberry"? I hear some mourn the passing of the physical keyboard.

Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 27, 2023 08:24 PM (wdHY0)

34 Dildos play a prominent role

Someone made a movie about sous vide???

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at May 27, 2023 08:24 PM (llON8)

35 Mrs Henderson is also very good. If I tell you a 70-year old Judy Dench smolders, would you believe me? You should!

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 08:24 PM (huxld)

36 Justified: City Primeval starts July 18 on FX

I am filled with trepidation over this show. It could be good without Art Mullen, but they have pretty well tapped all the Raylan Givens books that have been written, so they have to come up with their own stuff.

And honestly, Raylan gunning down a bunch of white southern meth cookers is perfectly acceptable to Hollywood but Detroit is Chocolate City, and you cannot have Raylan pistoling down black guys constantly in a modern TV show.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at May 27, 2023 08:25 PM (0hOvj)

37 I had a Blackberry...super reliable and rugged.

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 08:25 PM (huxld)

38 >>> 6 I'm at the hospital withy mom so replies will be laggy and salty.
Posted by: Moviegique

Prayers for you and yours.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 27, 2023 08:05 PM (fh8Ks)

Yes, this.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at May 27, 2023 08:25 PM (llON8)

39 Never saw The Set-Up, but I'll have to check it out some time. Sounds like Serling's Requiem for a Heavyweight (a favorite of mine) echoes that one a bit.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 27, 2023 08:26 PM (a/4+U)

40 So who is moviegique? Is he TJM under a different nic?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at May 27, 2023 08:28 PM (dKC/s)

41 Saw a couple of Rome episodes, would have liked to see more

Posted by: Skip at May 27, 2023 08:28 PM (xhxe8)

42 Tarantino's best was one he didn't direct but wrote, True Romance. It was largely reality based , except for the Elvis parts, but Patricia Arquette did take a beating. The Walken - Hopper scene is classic.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 27, 2023 08:28 PM (/0N3H)

43 Mark1971, The reason for the rewatch. He was by far the best character.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 08:29 PM (Mi5O7)

44 So who is moviegique? Is he TJM under a different nic?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at May 27, 2023 08:28 PM (dKC/s)

Susie Q's bro.

Posted by: BignJames at May 27, 2023 08:29 PM (AwYPR)

45 Prayers and hugs, Moviegique.

Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 27, 2023 08:29 PM (wdHY0)

46 Blackberrys were fantastic tech. BBmessenger too. It was a thing that just worked. I would buy another in a second. The keypad was fantastic with the rollerball.

Posted by: Thesokorus at May 27, 2023 08:30 PM (RdPFu)

47 Rome was a good show. It's too bad they didn't have a bigger budget for more elaborate sets and big battle scenes.

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 08:30 PM (xPl2J)

48 44 Who is Susie Q?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at May 27, 2023 08:30 PM (dKC/s)

49 40 Two different guys

Posted by: Skip at May 27, 2023 08:31 PM (xhxe8)

50 Did anyone here have a "Crackberry"? I hear some mourn the passing of the physical keyboard.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 27, 2023 08:24 PM (wdHY0)

I did not have a crackberry, but I had a Samsung Rant, and it is still my favorite phone even after four iPhones. I MISS a real keyboard, but the imitations of the Rant I can find now are touchscreen based, and I'm not a fan of the blend. Oh well. Back to deleting the free U2 music from iTunes AGAIN. Grr.

Posted by: Catherine at May 27, 2023 08:31 PM (ZSsrh)

51 Susie Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18kqUNG9mO4

Posted by: BignJames at May 27, 2023 08:32 PM (AwYPR)

52 How does this Rome show compare to I, Claudius? Does Messalina show a boob?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at May 27, 2023 08:32 PM (dKC/s)

53 Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 27, 2023 08:17 PM (wdHY0)

You need to watch Bogart's last movie he did.

The Harder They Fall

Posted by: polynikes at May 27, 2023 08:33 PM (BqNkw)

54 If they follow Elmore Leonard's book, City Primeval might actually be a pretty decent watch -- it's not a Raylan Givens book, but the character's a good fit for the story. Almost tempted to subscribe long enough to watch it...

Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 27, 2023 08:33 PM (a/4+U)

55 Started watching The Gryphon (Der Greif) on Prime.
Based on a German fantasy novel, I think. Kinda has a Stranger Things vibe

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at May 27, 2023 08:35 PM (vHIgi)

56 Dildos play a prominent role

Someone made a movie about sous vide???
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at May 27, 2023 08:24 PM

It got an X rating when they saw the maple syrup/French toast scene.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 27, 2023 08:35 PM (Wnv9h)

57 Thanks, Eris.

I am not TJMP. That said I don't know who TJMP is. So, could I be him and not know it?

I noticed he did Lubitsxh last week. My favorite director
..so maybe?

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 08:35 PM (9DmOt)

58 Again, who is Suzy Q? And don’t send me a friggin’ link.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at May 27, 2023 08:36 PM (dKC/s)

59 And prayers up for your mama, movigique.

Posted by: Catherine at May 27, 2023 08:36 PM (ZSsrh)

60 Prayers up for your mom Moviegique. Thx for your reviews, discussions and recommendations.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at May 27, 2023 08:36 PM (/0N3H)

61 The Harder They Fall is a dynamite piece of work -- the last scene between Bogart and Steiger, and the scene where the 'accountant' is explaining the books to Bogart, are worth the price of admission all by themselves.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 27, 2023 08:37 PM (a/4+U)

62 Prayers up, Moviegique.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at May 27, 2023 08:37 PM (Wnv9h)

63 Just got through the hobby thread - lady with the clouds spent way too much time on them.

Just paint the sky first - light to darker blue at the top - layer on clouds after that dries - darker at the bottom (grey and brown) then light and lightest as you get to the top - its the opposite of the sky behind them. You don't need to spend the time on it that she did. Just don't make them uniform or like sheep in your dreams - you'll be fine.

At least, that's my opinion. Spend more time drawing and perfecting the scene below.

Posted by: Boswell at May 27, 2023 08:38 PM (K+UlC)

64 Bulg, no comparison as Rome is so much better.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 08:38 PM (Mi5O7)

65 Again, who is Suzy Q? And don’t send me a friggin’ link.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at May 27, 2023 08:36 PM (dKC/s)

it's a song title....mr. entitled

Posted by: BignJames at May 27, 2023 08:39 PM (AwYPR)

66 moviegique,prayers for you & your mom

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at May 27, 2023 08:39 PM (vHIgi)

67 Movie/Gun Thread collision!

Here's Mark Felton talking about the guns of the Indiana Jones movies:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0jwlj5AXBJA

Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 27, 2023 08:39 PM (wdHY0)

68 Is MGM+ a company I'm supposed to be boycotting right now? So hard to keep track . . .

I love This Old House, and there is a Roku channel devoted to it. The adverts on this channel include Disney and MGM+. Reminds me I miss good TV and movies but won't pay for anything Disney.

Posted by: Catherine at May 27, 2023 08:40 PM (ZSsrh)

69 TV listing had "legend of the golden gun" lame western movie illustrated with a graphic of the Bond movie "man with the golden gun" hideaway piece. Herp derp

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenko solutions at May 27, 2023 08:40 PM (2MeEb)

70 Watched the new Nic Cage Western...

Spoiler.... so don't read if you don't want to... but...

Psychopath Gunslinger... has a Psychopath daughter... shooting ensue.

I enjoyed it.

Posted by: Romeo13 at May 27, 2023 08:40 PM (oHd/0)

71 You've sold me on all three of these.

Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 08:41 PM (LodBx)

72 Moviegique, I hope that your mom feels better soon, I also hope that you are not stranded at the ER for the evening.

A friend heartily recommended the Ray Romano movie to me just yesterday.

Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at May 27, 2023 08:41 PM (a4EWo)

73 DDS, hugs dear lady.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 08:43 PM (Mi5O7)

74 Watched the new Nic Cage Western

I do want to see that, it looks interesting and Cage can be super entertaining if he's handled right.

I like watching old movies and picking out cars, seeing what's in the background as they drive past. There's an internet movie car database out there that tries to ID everything in movies.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at May 27, 2023 08:44 PM (0hOvj)

75 Lord, we ask Your blessing upon Moviegique's mother for healing, and Moviegique for grace and peace.
In Jesus' name,
Amed

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 08:45 PM (Uv0D2)

76 52 How does this Rome show compare to I, Claudius? Does Messalina show a boob?
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at May 27, 2023 08:32 PM (dKC/s)

I heard someone describe the HBO Rome as 'Historical Boobs: The Series.'

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 27, 2023 08:45 PM (/xaUq)

77 How does this Rome show compare to I, Claudius? Does Messalina show a boob?
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at May 27, 2023 08:32 PM (dKC/s)
-----------
Way too early for Messalina. But nice boobs are in evidence.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at May 27, 2023 08:47 PM (2hlEI)

78 {{Ben Had}} right back atcha!

Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at May 27, 2023 08:49 PM (a4EWo)

79 "I heard someone describe the HBO Rome as 'Historical Boobs: The Series.' "

Plenty of boobs to be sure but mens' privates are given some air time also.

Posted by: Tuna at May 27, 2023 08:49 PM (gLRfa)

80 Rome has less sex than Spartacus.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 08:49 PM (Mi5O7)

81 Amed? Amen

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 08:49 PM (Uv0D2)

82 80 Rome has less sex than Spartacus.
Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 08:49 PM (Mi5O7)

Lucy Lawless in her blonde phase, iirc.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 27, 2023 08:50 PM (/xaUq)

83 Plenty of boobs to be sure but mens' privates are given some air time also.

That is the tendency of movies and TV these days: naked men and sexless women

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at May 27, 2023 08:50 PM (0hOvj)

84 Historical boobs is Shaka Zulu

Posted by: Skip at May 27, 2023 08:50 PM (xhxe8)

85 79 OK, men’s privates are a deal-killer for me.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at May 27, 2023 08:51 PM (dKC/s)

86 81 Amed? Amen
Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 08:49 PM (Uv0D2)

*looks up from leatherwork, sighs*

Posted by: Amed, the Leather worker at May 27, 2023 08:51 PM (/xaUq)

87 Thanks again for all the well-wishers and prayers. They're much appreciated.

I've spent many a night in ERs and ICUs and hospital rooms so it's old hat for me.

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 08:51 PM (ZNbXG)

88 David Milch originally wanted to make a series about the founding of Rome, but HBO already had Rome in production so he changed the setting to Deadwood. Same theme, the creation of order out of chaos.

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 08:52 PM (xPl2J)

89 Cage is ... IDK about psychopathic. Sociopathic or even autistic. Pretty good movie. Not great shootout action.

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 08:53 PM (ZNbXG)

90 I've spent many a night in ERs and ICUs and hospital rooms so it's old hat for me.

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 08:51 PM (ZNbXG)

a little goes a long way

Posted by: BignJames at May 27, 2023 08:53 PM (AwYPR)

91 David Milch originally wanted to make a series about the founding of Rome, but HBO already had Rome in production so he changed the setting to Deadwood. Same theme, the creation of order out of chaos.
Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 08:52 PM (xPl2J)
-----------
Then HBO cut Rome (which had been planned for five seasons) partway into production of season 2. Damn them. Damn all their kind.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at May 27, 2023 08:54 PM (2hlEI)

92 "OK, men’s privates are a deal-killer for me."

It shouldn't be. "Rome" was one of the better shows on TV. 2 seasons was way too short.

Posted by: Tuna at May 27, 2023 08:54 PM (gLRfa)

93 I'm drinking tonight but I think I might watch "The Black Phone." A kid is kidnapped, imprisoned, but there is a phone where former victims call and try to help him. And his spunky sister, religious, curses like a sailor, partly psychic helps.

The Fangoria Chainsaw awards had it as the best movie. And Madeleine McGraw won best supporting actress. Her sister Violet is the child in "M3GAN".

I follow Madeleine on IG. Incredibly sweet girl. Just had her nose shattered by a kid at school. The awards were in March.

Posted by: Stateless at May 27, 2023 08:55 PM (jvJvP)

94 93 Black Phone is good

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at May 27, 2023 08:56 PM (vHIgi)

95 Plenty of boobs to be sure but mens' privates are given some air time also.
Posted by: Tuna

'privates' 'air time' 'Tuna' 'boobs'

There are more than a few jokes in the above collection of words.

Posted by: Tonypete at May 27, 2023 08:57 PM (qoGsy)

96 Watching steel helmet on TCM. Good Korean War film

It was distributed by Robert lippert who usually trafficked in mst3k material.

Posted by: Blutarski at May 27, 2023 09:00 PM (5EtkS)

97 There is plenty of graphic sex in both Rome and Spartacus but the characters and story line made it irrelevant.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 09:01 PM (Mi5O7)

98 Better hit the hay, shouldn't stay up too late
Good night everyone

Posted by: Skip at May 27, 2023 09:02 PM (xhxe8)

99 Tonight's Movie Roulette selection was:

The Man with the Iron Fists

A love letter to kung fu exploitation flicks. Crazy plot and cartoonish gory violence...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 27, 2023 09:02 PM (BpYfr)

100 I knew it Ben Had, sex is irrevalent?

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:03 PM (Uv0D2)

101 92 "OK, men’s privates are a deal-killer for me."

It shouldn't be. "Rome" was one of the better shows on TV. 2 seasons was way too short.
Posted by: Tuna at May 27, 2023 08:54 PM (gLRfa)

I have not watched all of it (for some reason) but the guy they got for Caesar (Cieran Hinds(sp?) welsh) is quite good. Cicero is weird. Cato is cranky. I think Caesar's ... niece (mother of Augustus) has a slander claim against the show, but other than that. Pompey was suitable.

Posted by: Amed, the Leather worker at May 27, 2023 09:04 PM (/xaUq)

102 Black phone is a gory slasher flick. It’s much better than that.

Posted by: Blutarski at May 27, 2023 09:04 PM (5EtkS)

103 I think they made Octavius a bit too... strange and naifish.

Posted by: Amed, the Leather worker at May 27, 2023 09:05 PM (/xaUq)

104 "There is plenty of graphic sex in both Rome and Spartacus but the characters and story line made it irrelevant."

Whoever casted "Rome" couldn't have done a better job.

Posted by: Tuna at May 27, 2023 09:05 PM (gLRfa)

105 Black phone is NOT a gory slasher. Sorry. Those responsible have been sacked.

Posted by: Blutarski at May 27, 2023 09:05 PM (5EtkS)

106 Posted by: Amed, the Leather worker at May 27, 2023 09:05 PM (/xaUq)

LOL

Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 09:06 PM (LodBx)

107 Eromero,other people's fictional sex is irrelevant, mine is a different story.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 09:06 PM (Mi5O7)

108 /off arab artisan sock

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 27, 2023 09:08 PM (/xaUq)

109 Glad you liked the movies. None of them are even slightly interesting to the wife or I; but that's one of the beauties of freedom in America. :-)

Posted by: setnaffa at May 27, 2023 09:08 PM (rZVTl)

110 Watching game 6 Boston/Miami....some of these guys, I could play just as badly for a lot less $$.

Posted by: BignJames at May 27, 2023 09:09 PM (AwYPR)

111 Dallas and Vegas tied at 1-1 after the first period.

Posted by: Tuna at May 27, 2023 09:10 PM (gLRfa)

112 I loved Rome. John Milius' fingerprints are all over it.

Aka Walter Sobchak.

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 09:12 PM (i+MwN)

113 I saw bits and pieces of Rome. They did not have the budget to show the battles (which is kind of hilarious in a show centered on the Roman Civil War and Caesar) but Pompey's description of what happened at Pharsalus worked pretty well.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 27, 2023 09:13 PM (/xaUq)

114 Your out of your element, Movieque!

Posted by: Walter S. at May 27, 2023 09:14 PM (5EtkS)

115 You're?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 27, 2023 09:14 PM (/xaUq)

116 "Historic reductions in spending"!

Debt limit agreement supposedly reached.

Posted by: Fox2! at May 27, 2023 09:14 PM (4GxJn)

117 Debt limit agreement supposedly reached.

Posted by: Fox2! at May 27, 2023 09:14 PM (4GxJn)

Did they tell Biden yet?

Posted by: Mark1971 at May 27, 2023 09:15 PM (xPl2J)

118 Movique?

Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 09:16 PM (LodBx)

119 Movieque? rather.

Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 09:16 PM (LodBx)

120 Suzi Q?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 27, 2023 09:17 PM (/xaUq)

121 Suzieque?

Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 09:17 PM (LodBx)

122 Fox2, is that the 10 year reduction plan?

Posted by: Ben Had at May 27, 2023 09:17 PM (Mi5O7)

123 What's wrong with Walter, Dude?

The second scene of Rome has Polly Walker on top of a goatherd nekkid. It's rather graphic AND significant as a character introduction.

It's not porn. It's HBO.

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 09:18 PM (U2x9m)

124 Hershey 3 - Amerks 2

8 minutes left in the 3rd

Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at May 27, 2023 09:18 PM (CCSxw)

125
Watching steel helmet on TCM. Good Korean War film

It was distributed by Robert lippert who usually trafficked in mst3k material.
Posted by: Blutarski

Short Round and Buddha Head.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 27, 2023 09:18 PM (63Dwl)

126 I'm watching "Killer Shrews". Don't know why.

Posted by: fd at May 27, 2023 09:19 PM (iayUP)

127 Dallas ties it back up.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at May 27, 2023 09:20 PM (u73oe)

128 I'm watching "Killer Shrews". Don't know why.
Posted by: fd at May 27, 2023 09:19 PM (iayUP)

Isn't that the ones where the giant shrews only attack in the dark so it is hard to see they are dogs in RUSS' costumes?

Who's a good boy? Lookit alla dem doggies, good doggies, yeah!

Posted by: Kindltot at May 27, 2023 09:23 PM (xhaym)

129 Never feat. Negotiators have agreed to cap non-defense discretionary spending at 2023 levels for two years,

Posted by: fd at May 27, 2023 09:23 PM (iayUP)

130 Rodents of unusual size and strength.

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:24 PM (Uv0D2)

131 Thanks for this, again, TJM. I don’t have time to argue about opinions (of commenters), a relief to everyone!

Posted by: LadyS at May 27, 2023 09:24 PM (oq25h)

132 That's supposed to be "fear".

Posted by: fd at May 27, 2023 09:24 PM (iayUP)

133 Haven't seen Rome, but if you like Ciaran Hinds, there's a strange little flick called The Eclipse with Hinds, Aidan Quinn, and Iben Hjele that's worth a look. Prime, TubiTv, Roku Channel, and Pluto TV should have it.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at May 27, 2023 09:25 PM (a/4+U)

134 typo at your site, Moviegique:

and loves going to the movies but it frightened

-->and loves going to the movies but is frightened

Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 09:25 PM (LodBx)

135 Thanks, m.

Posted by: Moviegique at May 27, 2023 09:26 PM (U2x9m)

136 Rodents of unusual size and strength.

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:24 PM (Uv0D2)

Wharf rats?

Posted by: BignJames at May 27, 2023 09:27 PM (AwYPR)

137 126 I'm watching "Killer Shrews". Don't know why.
Posted by: fd at May 27, 2023 09:19 PM (iayUP)
-----

Epically awful and a true delight. The "Killer Shrews" were dogs with star noses and shag carpet fur glued on.

Posted by: All Hail Eris at May 27, 2023 09:27 PM (wdHY0)

138 That's supposed to be "fear".
Posted by: fd at May 27, 2023 09:24 PM (iayUP)

"This man does no know the meaning of the word "fear". From evidence provided he also is unable to use it correctly in a sentence, and apparently is having trouble spelling it, as well. "

Posted by: Kindltot at May 27, 2023 09:27 PM (xhaym)

139 I have trouble sitting through a whole movie so I appreciate Moviegique watching for me, just like I appreciate JJ reading the news for me.

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:28 PM (Uv0D2)

140 "Isn't that the ones where the giant shrews only attack in the dark so it is hard to see they are dogs in RUSS' costumes?"

An experiment gone awry. Hungry poisonous dog-sized shrews. I suppose it could be worse.

Posted by: fd at May 27, 2023 09:29 PM (iayUP)

141 139 I have trouble sitting through a whole movie so I appreciate Moviegique watching for me, just like I appreciate JJ reading the news for me.
Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:28 PM (Uv0D2)

I would rather read movie threads than see movies.

Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 09:29 PM (LodBx)

142 105 Black phone is NOT a gory slasher. Sorry. Those responsible have been sacked.
Posted by: Blutarski at May 27, 2023 09:05 PM (5EtkS)

Madeleine showed the Fangoria Chainsaw award she won on IG. A chainsaw sawing through a skull. It was pretty cool. I'm looking forward to the movie. Great actress.

Posted by: Stateless at May 27, 2023 09:29 PM (jvJvP)

143 Something for everybody.

Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 09:30 PM (LodBx)

144 143 Something for everybody.
Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 09:30 PM (LodBx)

..a comedy tonight.

Posted by: zombie Zero Mostel at May 27, 2023 09:32 PM (CCSxw)

145 Ha!

Posted by: m at May 27, 2023 09:33 PM (LodBx)

146 BignJames, I believe wharf rats are the same as Norwegian rats. RUSSes are dogs or midgets in rat suits in Princess Bride, the The Outlaw Josey Wales of moron comedies.

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:33 PM (Uv0D2)

147 "Haven't seen Rome, but if you like Ciaran Hinds, there's a strange little flick called The Eclipse with Hinds, Aidan Quinn, and Iben Hjele that's worth a look. Prime, TubiTv, Roku Channel, and Pluto TV should have it."

First time I noticed Hinds was as Bois-Guilbert in the late 90's TV series, "Ivanhoe". He was very good.

Posted by: Tuna at May 27, 2023 09:35 PM (gLRfa)

148 146 BignJames, I believe wharf rats are the same as Norwegian rats. RUSSes are dogs or midgets in rat suits in Princess Bride, the The Outlaw Josey Wales of moron comedies.
Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:33 PM (Uv0D2)

I just had a mental image of Josey Wales in Princess Bride:

'Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You kill my father. Prepare to die!'

*blam*

Scene 2:

Prince Humperdink: 'To the death!'

*blam*

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 27, 2023 09:36 PM (/xaUq)

149 ROUSes, sorry

Posted by: Kindltot at May 27, 2023 09:37 PM (xhaym)

150 149 ROUSes, sorry
Posted by: Kindltot at May 27, 2023 09:37 PM (xhaym)

I thought you were going for a Russian/Commie rat direction.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 27, 2023 09:38 PM (/xaUq)

151 Lilly James....sigh....

Posted by: Diogenes at May 27, 2023 09:41 PM (YGqO/)

152 I saw a couple wharf rats mug a guy for his lunch at Newport News shipyard.

Posted by: BignJames at May 27, 2023 09:42 PM (AwYPR)

153 I want to know what love is.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at May 27, 2023 09:42 PM (X+Ku8)

154 MoMe in two weeks!

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at May 27, 2023 09:43 PM (DhOHl)

155 149 ROUSes, sorry
Posted by: Kindltot at May 27, 2023 09:37 PM (xhaym)

As you wish.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at May 27, 2023 09:44 PM (X+Ku8)

156
Rodents of unusual size and strength.

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:24 PM

Inconceivable!!!

Posted by: AltonJackson at May 27, 2023 09:44 PM (ENBF0)

157 One of my favorite Liam Neeson film moments

https://youtu.be/PL7IoRjVHJQ

Posted by: Kindltot at May 27, 2023 09:45 PM (xhaym)

158 " I want to know what love is.
Posted by: Dr. Varno "

A many splendored thing.

Posted by: Tuna at May 27, 2023 09:45 PM (gLRfa)

159 I thought you were going for a Russian/Commie rat direction.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at May 27, 2023 09:38 PM (/xaUq)

Wouldn't that be one of the Classic Blunders?

Posted by: Dr. Varno at May 27, 2023 09:45 PM (X+Ku8)

160 Doesn't every thread eventually become a movie thread?

Posted by: Just Wondering at May 27, 2023 09:46 PM (DhOHl)

161 A many splendored thing.
Posted by: Tuna at May 27, 2023 09:45 PM (gLRfa)

Also: A battlefield.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at May 27, 2023 09:46 PM (X+Ku8)

162 "A bulldog eating mayonnaise" is not the correct answer, so get it out of your mind.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 27, 2023 09:47 PM (xhaym)

163 " I want to know what love is.
Posted by: Dr. Varno "

A many splendored thing.
Posted by: Tuna

and a battlefield

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at May 27, 2023 09:48 PM (vHIgi)

164 A many splendored thing.
Posted by: Tuna at May 27, 2023 09:45 PM (gLRfa)

Also: A battlefield.
Posted by: Dr. Varno at May 27, 2023 09:46 PM (X+Ku

It also means you never have to say you're sorry.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 27, 2023 09:48 PM (YGqO/)

165 It also means you never have to say you're sorry.
Posted by: Diogenes

Of all the bullshit lines in movies throughout the history of man, that one has to be the bullshittiest.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Love means you have to say you're sorry, even when you aren't. Sheesh.

I'm glad she bought the farm in the movie. So there!

Posted by: Tonypete at May 27, 2023 09:50 PM (qoGsy)

166 Rodents of unusual size and strength.
Posted by: Eromero

Wharf rats?
Posted by: BignJames

Worf rats! Am I right?

Posted by: Wesley Crusher at May 27, 2023 09:51 PM (DgGvY)

167 163 " I want to know what love is.
Posted by: Dr. Varno "

A many splendored thing.
Posted by: Tuna

and a battlefield
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at May 27, 2023 09:48 PM (
Thanks a lot. For years Love is a Battlefield was my night time earworm. I've almost replaced it with A Mighty Fortress Is Our GOD, and you have to shove that in my ear like an icepick.

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:52 PM (Uv0D2)

168 Thanks a lot. For years Love is a Battlefield was my night time earworm. I've almost replaced it with A Mighty Fortress Is Our GOD, and you have to shove that in my ear like an icepick.
Posted by: Eromero

I'll give you a new one!

"Baaaaby Shark! Do do doodoo,. . . ."

You're welcome!

Posted by: Tonypete at May 27, 2023 09:54 PM (qoGsy)

169 Now babyshark I've never heard. No problemo.

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 09:55 PM (Uv0D2)

170 165 It also means you never have to say you're sorry.
Posted by: Diogenes

Of all the bullshit lines in movies throughout the history of man, that one has to be the bullshittiest.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Love means you have to say you're sorry, even when you aren't. Sheesh.

I'm glad she bought the farm in the movie. So there!
Posted by: Tonypete at May 27, 2023 09:50 PM (qoGsy)

And not sorry to say so? /smile

Posted by: Romeo13 at May 27, 2023 09:55 PM (oHd/0)

171 167
Here ya go
Cleanse thine ears

youtu.be/6oAWeBDsZTU

Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at May 27, 2023 09:56 PM (vHIgi)

172 Ken Curtis just shot at a killer shrew from inside a barrel and can still hear what everyone else is saying.

Posted by: fd at May 27, 2023 10:03 PM (iayUP)

173 "Baaaaby Shark! Do do doodoo,. . . ."
You're welcome!

I don't think anyone said "thanks".

Posted by: Notorious BFD at May 27, 2023 10:03 PM (Xrfse)

174 172 Ken Curtis just shot at a killer shrew from inside a barrel and can still hear what everyone else is saying.
Posted by: fd at May 27, 2023 10:03 PM
Yeah, no.

Posted by: Eromero at May 27, 2023 10:05 PM (Uv0D2)

175 Love hurts.

Posted by: Nazareth at May 27, 2023 10:06 PM (DhOHl)

176 Love is blue.

Posted by: Paul Mauriat at May 27, 2023 10:11 PM (DhOHl)

177 Love Stinks

Posted by: J Geils at May 27, 2023 10:17 PM (bUGMk)

178 If you hate "Love is a Battlefield" you'll love Culturecide's "Love Is a Cattle-Prod".

https://tinyurl.com/3hvmpad2

Posted by: Dr. Varno at May 27, 2023 10:20 PM (X+Ku8)

179 Love Boat.

Posted by: Capt Stubing at May 27, 2023 11:15 PM (DhOHl)

180 I watched "Tangled" tonight. A Disney animated movie that has no trannies, no persons of color, no gay romance, and a male hero who actually does heroic things. Plus a heroin who does heroic things.

I bet it makes the heads of the current Disney staff explode. Because...and this is the killer...it's an actual good movie that people liked.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 27, 2023 11:24 PM (CHHv1)

181 More than $15k can be earned online by performing straightforward tasks from home. In the previous month, I got $18376. Even a young child may do this job and make money because it is so simple to complete and has higher pay than typical office occupations. Everyone needs to try this task by using the information on this page. www.Richepay.com

Posted by: Deanna Leonard at May 28, 2023 04:28 AM (YjnUE)

182
I work online, go to school full-time, and have earned $64,000 so far this year. Through an online business opportunity I learned about, I've made a bunch of money. It's really extremely user-friendly, so I'm really delighted I found out about it. I work in this field. BONUS: Good luck.

Click here for the richsalary website. www.richsalary.com

Posted by: Zara at May 28, 2023 05:08 AM (WjVZc)

Processing 0.02, elapsed 0.0285 seconds.
15 queries taking 0.0104 seconds, 191 records returned.
Page size 97 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.