Saturday Evening Movie Thread [moviegique]: Mission: Impossible

Saturday Evening Movie Thread [moviegique]: Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

We saw a lot of good and interesting movies this past fortnight-and-a-half. Bring Her Back, a melancholy horror from the makers of Talk To The Hand, er, Talk To Me; the romantic Lost In Starlight; the 25th anniversary of Dogma (about which I have much to say); the 30th anniversary of Eat Drink Man Womanl Wes Anderson's Wesandersony The Phoenician Scheme; the French Kung-Fu Giant Penis Farce Zenithal; and the picaresque coming-of-age apocalyptic survival horror 28 Years Later.

I can recommend all of them to people who like those sorts of things.

But I shan't review them today. Today I want to talk about changes in the movie biz, vis a vis how relates to your nearly 29-year-old correspondent. If we go back 45 years ago (there will be no math), we might find your humble moviegique didn't just see the top 20 movies, he saw 90% of all the movies that were released.

I didn't see them all in the theater, admittedly. I wasn't so adamantly anti-watching-movies-on-TV back then, and it wouldn't have been an option to see them in the theater once they'd past their second run.

In 2010, I still saw most of the top 20. By 2020, I'd seen two of the top 20. And there's a near 0% chance I will see the ones I "missed".

In other words, whatever mojo Hollywood had over me, it lost it five years ago. Yaboi Zack is on a year-plus long rant against "birthday party clowns" (as he calls them): People who gained fame and fortune by bashing popular culture and now can't do anything else. They can't admit when something is good.

Of course, simply redirecting my entertainment dollars to stuff I like allows me to avoid having to grouse constantly. But I do think it's important to call out when things are good. Not because Hollywood is getting better (his thesis). It's not, at least in any way that matters: Any industry stays centralized and powerful because of the virtuous cycle of talent attracting money creating power which attracts more talent and more money and more power. My thesis is that Hollywood's degraded to the vicious version of the cycle: They lost talent, they lost money, they lost power, and this is accelerating.

Hollywood is Carthage. It's Detroit. It's Joe Biden.

That doesn't mean it has no lucid moments, of course.

This brings me to Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.

Tom Cruise with long hair and bangs gives me Neal Breen vibes.

Cruise Control (I Just Made That Up!)

The decline of Hollywood is interesting. After Dogma, I pointed out to the Boy that while it has an eighth grade theology and a fair amount of clunkers and it presaged and probably created the uber-nerd model of dialogue and humorous references, it was still better than most movies today for two reasons: First, it never loses sight of its goal, which is to be entertainment. Second, it's chock full of characters that are real and different. (And this is kind of funny, because everyone in a Kevin Smith movie talks like Kevin Smith and more or less has his point of view, and in Dogma, most of them aren't even supposed to be mortal humans.)

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning—the movie series that has to use a hyphen for its sequels, because it's got a colon in its base name—never loses sight of its goal (entertainment), and additionally uses its history and creativity (!) to fill itself with new and past characters that are more than just plot devices or representation tokens.

All while being pretty damn "representative".

When you order Angela Bassett on Temu.

President Angela Basset gives Ethan (Cruise, duh) this (final?) mission. Apparently he acquired the MacGuffin in the previous film (which I didn't see) that will allow him to stop the evil, omnipotent AI that plans to wipe out humanity because (duh) it figures that's the best way to end global strife or something. But since it ostensibly also could grant control over the evil, omnipotent AI, every government and rogue agency in the world wants it, too.

The AI isn't much of a presence in this film—it's basically manipulating humans, including Ethan—which is kind of a shame on the one hand, but actually one of the many good choices the movie makes. Why? Because there's already a ton of plot here. Don't want the plot gettin' in the way of the story, as Joe Bob Briggs would say. (I think it's the reverse, but that's a semantic argument.) The AI is basically represented by Esai Morales' Gabriel, who fulfills the very important concept that The Villain Has To Be Someone You Can Punch In The Nose.

Before the AI can carry out its plan, it needs to do two things: Take control of all the world's nuclear arsenal, which it's about 80% of the way there when this movie starts, and hole up in a super-secret-protected bunker which has a sophisticated computer setup and all the world's digitized knowledge. (Furry porn will survive the apocalypse! Yay?)

So the deal is that Ethan has to escape U.S. capture (or convince the President) to let him go rogue one last time, find a way to get to the AI's source code, which is on the bottom of the ocean in highly contested waters—all the powers of the earth are on edge and aggressively patrolling their spheres—and be there in the split second when the AI has control of everything but before it can transfer itself to the bunker.

The actors on realizing they're doing a shot from Svalbard, where the residents fly to Iceland to get warm.

What's It All About, Ethan?

None of this makes a lick of sense, and that's okay.

Seriously, you could find good ways to rationalize all these things and it would still be nonsense and you just spent 15 minutes of your action movie babbling things nobody understands anyway.

The point is, we're selling this plotline with a bunch of competing deadline clocks. How long can Ethan hold his breath? Can Benji (Simon Pegg) stay conscious long enough to walk the distaff half of the crew through writing a .BAT file? Is the latent attraction Grace (Hayley Atwell) has for Ethan required to get her killed?

There's so much action in this movie, several sequences are just left out. An early scene, played for laughs, has Ethan thrashing baddies while Grace watches, horrified. We only see her expressions, and when Ethan reappears on screen, he's comically disarrayed with blood all over him. They had just discussed the need to use violence as a last resort and when she looks at Cruise questioningly he just says "They threatened you!"

Which is true, but nonetheless amusing. There's a later scene where three of the characters have to run from an exploding bomb to a shelter and...yeah, not there. This surprised me at first, but it makes sense. Nobody's going to come out of this complaining: "Hey, how did those relatively minor characters make it?"

Pom Klementieff (Guardian of the Galaxy's Mantis) speaks only French in this film.

The references to past entries are judicious. I know there are fanatics of this series, but I've seen 1, 2, 4, 5 and now 8. I may have some of those numbers wrong, even. And what's more, I'd be temped to say my favorite (even now) is John Woo's #2 entry, which is widely regarded as the worst. An interviewer tried to bait Cruise into trashing Woo, and of course he handled it like a pro, talking about how much he enjoyed working with the Hong Kong action master, whom I think he was responsible for bringing aboard.

Point is, it's fine. I'm sure it's chock full of Easter Eggs for the real fanatic. I did not feel like I'd missed out on much having missed some of the movies and only ever watching any of them precisely once.

So, the baseline for an M:I movie is to have stunts that still manage to wow the audience in an age of CGI. This movie delivers that in spades. It knows what it's doing. The hacks of the action biz think the key is to constantly amp everything up. Ultimately, however, this just numbs the viewer. M:I 8 ends with a fight on a biplane—positively James Bond ca. 1970.

In fact, in a very early scene, Grace and Ethan are captured, and we all know how this has to go: Ethan doesn't care what you do to him, but he's very sensitive to the harm done to others. (Hacks say it's hard to write for Superman, not realizing that all action heroes are Superman.) While this movie does a good job of making it seem like Ethan might die, it also imperils a lot of other interesting characters we also don't want to see die!

The essence of action is caring. Weird but true!

Blocking? In an action flick?! Seriously, the camerawork is terrific: Not frantically moving around like they're afraid you'll be bored, and willing to use the visual language.

Above and Beyond

Beyond the baseline action, we have Cruise, who has turned Action Man into Acting Man, both here and in Top Gun: Maverick. We have Ving Rhames back—the only one besides Cruise to be in all the movies, I think. And when Ethan, who has killed many, many men, has to reflect on whether he's been a force for good or evil over three decades, the occasional insertion of shots from previous movies resonates without feeling like a crutch.

A minor character from the first re-appears here and is both a major plot point and a fully developed character which reinforces the point: Action Man is a force for good. There are casualties, but that's more the roll of the dice. There's a callback to the Jon Voight Jim Phelps from the first movie, too, but it doesn't go the way you might expect.

This is really a kind of road picture, and when Ethan meets someone, neither he nor you knows whether that person is going to support the mission or betray it. And perhaps even more interestingly, you don't know why. Everyone has their own backstory, and we're not privvy to it. There's something hugely artistically validating about this overarching idea of all of us being individuals making our own choices for own reasons.

Wow. Storytelling. How does it work?

This may point to the problem with Hollywood generally: Where it began with working class adventurers and evolved into artists sincerely trying to understand and depict the human condition, now it views itself as the focus and all of us supporting players in its own "heroic" journey. I am confident Mr. Cruise understands the audience is the point, the raison d'être, of art.

I found myself impressed. It's a good movie. It earns its two hour, fifty minute runtime, which is about the nicest thing I could say of any 170 minute film.

"I can't keep jumping out of planes! I'm gonna be 63 in two weeks!"

P.S. For a geriatric action hero, Cruise is way more convincing than Liam Neeson and Harrison Ford were at his age.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 07:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good evening, movie lovers.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 07:35 PM (asXVI)

2 Hi there

Posted by: Cow Demon at June 21, 2025 07:37 PM (vm8sq)

3 Dolley and I almost saw this.

So there's that.

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 07:42 PM (Plbvm)

4 I enjoyed MI immensely. I saw on an IMAX screen and I felt it was worth the extra bucks I paid. Fun movie.

Posted by: Tuna at June 21, 2025 07:42 PM (lJ0H4)

5 Gabriels link to ethan should have been spelled out it was promised with dead reckoning the opening seem to start three times

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 07:46 PM (bXbFr)

6 I think I killed the thread.

Posted by: Tuna at June 21, 2025 07:46 PM (lJ0H4)

7 Blocking? In an action flick?! Seriously, the camerawork is terrific: Not frantically moving around like they're afraid you'll be bored, and willing to use the visual language
====

So, it's like if Ozu had made an action movie.

Is Tom Cruise trying to convince his daughter to marry through the whole thing?

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 07:47 PM (Plbvm)

8 One assumes they were apprehended in the austrian alps after the last ending

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 07:48 PM (bXbFr)

9 How did the entity end up on the Russian sub

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 07:50 PM (bXbFr)

10 Bombs down in Iran? Trump just posted strikes on 3 sites in Iran.

Posted by: ErikInTexas at June 21, 2025 07:52 PM (idFFX)

11 That thing happened.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 07:53 PM (tuLbh)

12 I found "Alien" and most Alien movies on Disney+.

I've never seen the first movie. So I think I will see that now.

And as you heard, President Trump rules.

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 07:55 PM (jvJvP)

13 || Is Tom Cruise trying to convince his daughter to marry through the whole thing?

Ethan Hunt has no family. That's kinda of his backstory. Which is another way of saying "I don't get this reference."

---

|| 8 One assumes they were apprehended in the austrian alps after the last ending

You're thinking of "Sound of Music".

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 07:56 PM (asXVI)

14 Bombs away!

Posted by: NaughtyPine at June 21, 2025 07:57 PM (l0yA3)

15 Thx movigique. I've only seen the first MI. Enjoyed it , will eventually get around to the rest

Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 07:57 PM (IG2sK)

16 9 How did the entity end up on the Russian sub

Its "source code" was on the Russian sub. Apparently nobody uses Github.

As far as I could follow it, the deal was, access to the source code allowed them to create the prison/trap for The Entity.

Which allowed them to do it because...uh...it knew that they knew that they would have to let it into the bunker to trap it, which is what it wanted.

Uh. Look, it's fine.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 07:58 PM (asXVI)

17 Not gonna threadjack, but check your news feed.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at June 21, 2025 07:58 PM (u73oe)

18 Two weeks.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 07:58 PM (tuLbh)

19 You're thinking of "Sound of Music".

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 07:56 PM (asXVI

Mom was a nun for 14 years. I saw that movie at least 12 times.

And I haven't seen a huge number of movies. Small farming community in Canada. It was an event to get to the movie theatre.

Sadly once to see "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot!" Rip Estelle.

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 07:59 PM (jvJvP)

20 15 Thx movigique. I've only seen the first MI. Enjoyed it , will eventually get around to the rest

The general break down is that the first one is pretty good, the second one is awful, the third one is passable, then Brad Bird takes over, and they peak, and then McQuarrie takes over and they're pretty good again.

Apparently the last one was the best? IDK.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 07:59 PM (asXVI)

21 Uh. Look, it's fine.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books)

Best not to dwell on the little details. Just go with the flow.

Posted by: Tuna at June 21, 2025 08:00 PM (lJ0H4)

22 15 Thx movigique. I've only seen the first MI. Enjoyed it , will eventually get around to the rest
Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 07:57 PM (IG2sK)

I think they are "free" on some sites.

I thought PlutoTV.

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 08:00 PM (jvJvP)

23 Well, IDK, we don't HAVE to talk about the bombing run, right?

We could talk movies.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:01 PM (asXVI)

24 Trump bombed Fordow.

Posted by: Frank Barone at June 21, 2025 08:01 PM (/U7tb)

25 If Mel Brooks is going to make Spaceballs 2, it batter have Lewis Pullman as Lone Star's son. It doesn't even have to be funny. I mean, Lewis looks like his dad Bill, right?

Otherwise, are they even trying?

Posted by: Pete in Texas at June 21, 2025 08:02 PM (QRzWH)

26 Boom boom boom boom.

Posted by: SOMEASSHOLESTOLEMYPEN at June 21, 2025 08:02 PM (jRVrw)

27 Frodo Lives. Not.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 08:02 PM (tuLbh)

28 Marco Rubio just reposted a trump announcement that the remaining nuclear facilities in Iran have been eliminated by American aircrews.

Posted by: Rando Calrissian at June 21, 2025 08:02 PM (uTp11)

29 I've never been much of a Tom Cruise fan. But I do admire his work ethic. He truly loves his job. And you can tell. But my favorite of his was Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder, mostly because it took me nearly half the movie to recognize him.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Macho Business Donkey Wrestler at June 21, 2025 08:02 PM (0aYVJ)

30 Some weeks are longer than others.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 08:03 PM (tuLbh)

31 B2 or not B2. That is the question.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 08:05 PM (tuLbh)

32 Thanks for a great write up, Gique. I've been meaning to drag my butt to the theater for a month, but sloth is my summer vice.

This piece ties in nicely to my current read, "The Future Was Now: Madmen, Mavericks, and the Epic Sci-Fi Summer of 1982" by Chris Nashawaty. It's about the year that gave us E.T., Tron, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kan, Conan the Barbarian, Blade Runner, Poltergeist, The Thing, and The Road Warrior.

I saw EVERY ONE of these, some multiple times, in addition to other films that year. I'd walk down into town from base to a wonderful old movie palace and bask in the glow.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 08:05 PM (kpS4V)

33 There is no greater action hero than Donald Trump, M:I8 I ran, They died

Posted by: Accomack at June 21, 2025 08:05 PM (IG7T0)

34 Watching Shatner’s Mystery of the Gods

I’m convinced.

Posted by: MAGA_Ken at June 21, 2025 08:06 PM (Vh9CX)

35 So, for no reason whatsoever, what are the best movies about US bombing crews facing adversity while on their way to bombing the crap out of some nasty people?

There HAS to be a few.

None made this century, but still...

There has to be a few.

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 08:06 PM (jvJvP)

36 Sounds like Fordow is lit!

Posted by: runner at June 21, 2025 08:06 PM (y6J3A)

37 Cruise is great in "Tropic Thunder". I thought he was kinda snubbed by the Academy for "Rain Man". He's also great in "Magnolia".

https://moviegique.com/2018/02/magnolia-1999/

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:06 PM (asXVI)

38 Let's keep on topic to movigiques post.

Please.

*hefts banhammer over shoulder*

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 08:06 PM (Plbvm)

39 I was a little disappointed that Esai Morales wasn't as engaging a character as he was in MI7, but overall hubby and I liked the movie.

There were some elements where you had to suspend disbelief way beyond anything you had ever done before (using a chainsaw to cut through Arctic ice to open up a hole to the water below, surviving in said arctic water for more than a second with nothing but bare skin showing, etc.), but it WAS entertaining!

And I have always been a big Tom Cruise fan (the fact that hubs kinda looks like him doesn't hurt). The man knows what audiences want in their blockbusters, and he consistently delivers.

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies Brigade, plucky comic relief at June 21, 2025 08:06 PM (SRRAx)

40 Uh. Look, it's fine.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 07:58 PM (asXVI)
---

Just let the Art flow over you, man. 🍿

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 08:07 PM (kpS4V)

41 I really liked Memphis Belle.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 08:07 PM (tuLbh)

42 E.T., Tron, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kan, Conan the Barbarian, Blade Runner, Poltergeist, The Thing, and The Road Warrior.
---

Yeah, hell of a list. I'm not an "E.T." fan and "The Thing" flopped but just gets better every year.

Meanwhile "Conan" and "Road Warrior" dominated B-movies for the next ten years. That is, every giallo, every low-budget goon with access to a camera and a girl who would take her top off, ripped off one of those two flicks to make a movie.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:08 PM (asXVI)

43 Thx movigique. I've only seen the first MI. Enjoyed it , will eventually get around to the rest
Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 07:57 PM (IG2sK)

If you saw the first one, you've already seen the rest.

No but seriously, it's a formula. Not unlike a porno, you know going in what you're getting, and what you're there for. If that's what you like, that's what you're getting.

Posted by: BurtTC at June 21, 2025 08:09 PM (H4w1S)

44 The Friends of Eddie Coyle 1973

Terrific Robert Mitchum noir. He plays a low level criminal the ultimatly gets betrayed.

Pair this with The Drop, another betrayal saga, and you might end the night not trusting your mother.

Posted by: Alteria Pilgram - My President has convictions. at June 21, 2025 08:09 PM (w/5xj)

45 By dawns early light because rebecca demornay

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 08:09 PM (bXbFr)

46 Final Reckoning sounds like a pretty poor knock-off/mash-up of The Forbin Project and War Games with zero understanding of the underlying premises of these two movies.

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:09 PM (b7rtK)

47 Is this the final Mi??

Posted by: runner at June 21, 2025 08:10 PM (y6J3A)

48 Since I have not seen any Mission Impossible movies I am not qualified to comment on this topic. Although I will say Tom Cruise holds no appeal for me.

I am qualified to comment on "Village Of The Damned" which I am watching on Svengoolie at this very moment. So far it's got Bobbies on bicycles.

Posted by: fd at June 21, 2025 08:10 PM (vFG9F)

49 So, for no reason whatsoever, what are the best movies about US bombing crews facing adversity while on their way to bombing the crap out of some nasty people?
---

Dr. Strangelove?

The movie Strangelove beat to the theater box office, making nuclear war a joke? What was that one? "Tough Decision"? "Hard R"? ... Dammit... uh....FAIL SAFE!

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:10 PM (asXVI)

50 10 Bombs down in Iran? Trump just posted strikes on 3 sites in Iran.
Posted by: ErikInTexas at June 21, 2025 07:52 PM (idFFX)

Maybe Trump was just waiting for an AoS post about a Tom Cruise movie. Seems fitting.

Posted by: MrExcitement at June 21, 2025 08:11 PM (hOOi9)

51 [There is only one Memphis Belle movie, the original World War II one.

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:11 PM (b7rtK)

52 Good evening everyone
I liked the original TV shows so watch when free the movies. Can't say the best but still watch them when they are on.

Posted by: Skip at June 21, 2025 08:11 PM (+qU29)

53 Dr Strangelove

Posted by: Accomack at June 21, 2025 08:11 PM (IG7T0)

54 Fail Safe starring Henry Fonda.

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:12 PM (b7rtK)

55 If you saw the first one, you've already seen the rest.
---
Oh, no, not at all.

The first one is lone wolf. The second one is John Woo, and unlike anything else ever made (except other John Woo films, like "Face/Off"). The third one brings back the ensemble and, yeah, you could say they're the same from there on.

---
Final Reckoning sounds like a pretty poor knock-off/mash-up of The Forbin Project and War Games
---
Maverick : Star Wars :: The Final Reckoning : Lord of the Rings

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:13 PM (asXVI)

56 There is only one Memphis Belle movie, the original World War II one.
Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:11 PM (b7rtK)

They also made a porno version.

It bombed.

Posted by: BurtTC at June 21, 2025 08:13 PM (H4w1S)

57 Flight of the Intruder?

Posted by: rhomboid at June 21, 2025 08:13 PM (1m82a)

58 Did anyone see Fordow Fairlane?

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 08:13 PM (tuLbh)

59 The great thing about "Road Warrior" was it combined art house with grind house.

Miller shot guerrilla-style, without permits, and hired real bikers who'd do real stunts for cases of beer.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 08:13 PM (kpS4V)

60 Fail safe was kind of cynical we would nuke ny to make uo for the nuking of moscoe

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 08:14 PM (bXbFr)

61 I am waiting for the Golan Globus essay. They even got an episode on 60 Minutes.

Posted by: Accomack at June 21, 2025 08:14 PM (IG7T0)

62 47 Is this the final Mi??

This is the word, yes. And it's a fine end to the series.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:14 PM (asXVI)

63
TACO!

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at June 21, 2025 08:14 PM (QnmlO)

64 Very earnest whereas strangelove has its absurd touches

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 08:14 PM (bXbFr)

65 I went to the Final Reckoning for the philosophy and stayed for the explosions. With that in mind: Double Plus Good.

It seems Cruise is the last person in Hollywood that knows summer movies, by definition, deliver the wow and middle class hetro values but with guns, explosions, and stunts.

Posted by: Alteria Pilgram - My President has convictions. at June 21, 2025 08:15 PM (w/5xj)

66 62 Fail safe was kind of cynical we would nuke ny to make uo for the nuking of moscoe

Oh, they did a "Fail Safe" here, too.

President Bassett has to decide whether to nuke the rest of the world to keep the Evil Omnipotent AI from nuking the whole world.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:15 PM (asXVI)

67 So, for no reason whatsoever, what are the best movies about US bombing crews facing adversity while on their way to bombing the crap out of some nasty people?
---
When I was a kid, I loved 633 Squadron. OK, OK, they're not Yanks but Limeys flying Mosquitoes led by a Canuck.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Master of the Mundane at June 21, 2025 08:15 PM (L/fGl)

68 Adolescence of P-1 had the program move itself into a secure facility. Only to prove that no castle, no matter how well built, can withstand a military force ready to accept any causalities in order to accomplish the mission.

As for the source code on a Russian submarine, the US Navy already has the solution - the nuclear depth charge.

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:15 PM (b7rtK)

69 69 Say it ain't so.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 08:16 PM (tuLbh)

70 This is the word, yes. And it's a fine end to the series.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:14 PM (asXVI)

I'm looking forward to the new Mission Impossible series.

With Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Ethan Hunt, and Pedro Pascal as her sidekick.

Posted by: BurtTC at June 21, 2025 08:17 PM (aFwXl)

71 I am waiting for the Golan Globus essay. They even got an episode on 60 Minutes.
Posted by: Accomack

OMG them and Roger Corman are America cinema heros.

Posted by: Alteria Pilgram - My President has convictions. at June 21, 2025 08:17 PM (w/5xj)

72 That guy that was in Home Alone just did something.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 08:18 PM (tuLbh)

73 "Ya Boi Zack" has lost his marbles IMHO. I have no problem with the "birthday party clown" argument, but that's about the only rational argument he makes these days. His commenters are a SJW clown party.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at June 21, 2025 08:18 PM (36PRH)

74 So far it's got Bobbies on bicycles.
Posted by: fd at June 21, 2025 08:10 PM (vFG9F)

Two by two
Westminster Abby
The Tower Big Ben
The rosy red cheeks of the little children

England Swings

(Dad was a Roger Miller fan)

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Macho Business Donkey Wrestler at June 21, 2025 08:18 PM (0aYVJ)

75 How about "12:00 High"?

Posted by: fd at June 21, 2025 08:20 PM (vFG9F)

76 @20 should be like the Star Trek movies odd ones meh , even ones excellent

Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 08:20 PM (IG2sK)

77 I guess Trump and the Pentagon kept the zampolits from learning anything while they were designing the next US Navy officer's uniform.

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:20 PM (b7rtK)

78 Today Obama and Jarrett CRYYYYYY

CRY BITCHES CRY

Posted by: ... at June 21, 2025 08:20 PM (E0p3T)

79 So, we uh, bombed Iran....

On topic, I don't care for Tom's religion.
But, I respect the shit out of his 100% commitment to ensuring you got your money's worth.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at June 21, 2025 08:21 PM (NwfFc)

80 Did they ever make a movie out of that book The Bridges at Toko Ri?

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 08:21 PM (tuLbh)

81 England Swings

-
Yeah? Well, Virginia rolls.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Master of the Mundane at June 21, 2025 08:21 PM (L/fGl)

82

Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at June 21, 2025 08:21 PM (63Dwl)

83 TACO
--------

In Soviet Trump America, CHICKEN FUCKS YOU

Posted by: ... at June 21, 2025 08:22 PM (E0p3T)

84 Three O'Clock High > 12 O'Clock High

Posted by: Mark1971 at June 21, 2025 08:22 PM (CNl8/)

85 Command Decision is great too, but no combat in that one.

Posted by: Mark1971 at June 21, 2025 08:22 PM (CNl8/)

86 Yes they did with john ford

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 08:22 PM (bXbFr)

87 "So, for no reason whatsoever, what are the best movies about US bombing crews facing adversity while on their way to bombing the crap out of some nasty people?"

Thirty Seconds over Tokyo

Posted by: Tuna at June 21, 2025 08:23 PM (lJ0H4)

88 Did they ever make a movie out of that book The Bridges at Toko Ri?
Posted by: Boss Moss

Yes, a reasonably good movie starring William Holden and Mickey Rooney.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Master of the Mundane at June 21, 2025 08:23 PM (L/fGl)

89 We should place a few JADAMs on our old embassy in Tehran and any of the F-14s we sold them that are still operating.

Posted by: The Man from Athens at June 21, 2025 08:23 PM (rxX52)

90 Hah! Neil Breen- now there's a thespian!

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at June 21, 2025 08:24 PM (zZu0s)

91 Memphis Belle is an easy one.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at June 21, 2025 08:24 PM (zZu0s)

92 The Israelis have already bombed the F-14As that were parked out in the open on the ramp.

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:24 PM (b7rtK)

93 Was Beer Barrel in it? He would smuggle barrels in golf bags.

Posted by: Boss Moss at June 21, 2025 08:25 PM (tuLbh)

94 ****Is the latent attraction Grace (Hayley Atwell) has for Ethan required to get her killed?****

Looked up her pic. If she can act she lives if not she dies.

Posted by: braenyard- Some friends are more equal than others at June 21, 2025 08:25 PM (DNJiU)

95 89 We should place a few JADAMs on our old embassy in Tehran and any of the F-14s we sold them that are still operating.
Posted by: The Man from Athens at June 21, 2025 08:23 PM (rxX52)
----
Those F-14s SHOULD BE IN A MUSEUM!

Posted by: Indiana Jones at June 21, 2025 08:25 PM (36PRH)

96 Watching the College WS at work. LSU is beating Myrtle Beach State. Ok, Coastal Carolina St. Whatever.

1-0, Kittuhs.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at June 21, 2025 08:25 PM (PGK1w)

97 Events, dear boy, events!

https://is.gd/GmYPlw

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at June 21, 2025 08:26 PM (qgNn3)

98 One time found in a second hand store a 1943 hardcover edition of Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. Because of wartime scarcity it is a smallish book.

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:26 PM (b7rtK)

99 Nerdrotix and Critical Drinker mostly seem to like the shit I like. I avoid the shit they pan, because it sounds horrible.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at June 21, 2025 08:27 PM (zZu0s)

100 Bomb bomb Iran .

Here we go

Posted by: polynikes at June 21, 2025 08:27 PM (rWvc2)

101 Apparently we dropped Neil Breen on Fordow.

Posted by: eleven at June 21, 2025 08:27 PM (fV+MH)

102 88 Did they ever make a movie out of that book The Bridges at Toko Ri?
Posted by: Boss Moss

Yes, a reasonably good movie starring William Holden and Mickey Rooney.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Master of the Mundane at June 21, 2025 08:23 PM (L/fGl)

Did Mickey Rooney play a Japanese guy?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 08:27 PM (kpS4V)

103 One time found in a second hand store a 1943 hardcover edition of Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. Because of wartime scarcity it is a smallish book.
Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:26 PM (b7rtK)

Small type? No Cosby margins?

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at June 21, 2025 08:27 PM (zZu0s)

104 Well Tom Cruise is getting up there with most of us

Posted by: Skip at June 21, 2025 08:28 PM (+qU29)

105 Mickey Rooney as Mr. Moto?

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:28 PM (b7rtK)

106 Grace Kelly was in the Bridges at Toko Ri. Dan good looking lady

Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 08:28 PM (IG2sK)

107 100 comments as I post this.

I just thought I'd remind everyone there is a thread about Iran if you scroll down the page a bit.

Posted by: Methos at June 21, 2025 08:28 PM (Dnobf)

108 Those F-14s SHOULD BE IN A MUSEUM!
Posted by: Indiana Jones at June 21, 2025 08:25 PM (36PRH)

I'm surprised Anna has not done some sort of Oceans 11 heist to ... liberate them.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at June 21, 2025 08:29 PM (zZu0s)

109 The wailing of the Tucker Carlson/Paulbots is going to be tedious. I have no issue with knocking out nuke weapon programs of insane nations. No nation building though. Let the Persians figure it out.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at June 21, 2025 08:29 PM (PGK1w)

110 Oh you betcha she was

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 08:29 PM (bXbFr)

111 @97
"There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!”
-- King Trump the Magnificent

I bet that statement ia grinding aomeone's gears in both Russia and China.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at June 21, 2025 08:30 PM (36PRH)

112 No nation building though. Let the Persians figure it out.
Posted by: Puddleglum at work at June 21, 2025 08:29 PM (PGK1w)

This.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at June 21, 2025 08:30 PM (zZu0s)

113 Sorry your nice movie thread is being crowded out by Events, Gique.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 08:30 PM (kpS4V)

114 Tom Cruise with bangs eh. In real English that's always been called a fringe, you know like 'the surrey with the fringe on top'! And before you go all anti-Brit. What's more American than Oklahoma?

Posted by: Ciampino - wait it's a non-explosive fringe at June 21, 2025 08:30 PM (sPQoU)

115 Aetius

The book is about the size of an open adult human's hand. Just looked inside, says First Printing.

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:30 PM (b7rtK)

116 Take the Iran stuff to the Iran thread, please.

MI Fallout is probably the peak of the franchise. It's cavills shotgun arm pump. Discuss.

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 08:31 PM (rWsXW)

117 99 Nerdrotix and Critical Drinker mostly seem to like the shit I like. I avoid the shit they pan, because it sounds horrible.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

I usually never get around to seeing the movie. I just watch The Critical Drinker for a synopsis and maybe I'll see it. Some day.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at June 21, 2025 08:31 PM (PGK1w)

118 Did Mickey Rooney play a Japanese guy?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes

No, he plays a rescue helicopter pilot.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Master of the Mundane at June 21, 2025 08:31 PM (L/fGl)

119 99 Nerdrotix and Critical Drinker mostly seem to like the shit I like. I avoid the shit they pan, because it sounds horrible.

It seems like Yaboi has nailed CD on not actually seeing the movies he reviews.

|| Did Mickey Rooney play a Japanese guy?

I will go to my grave averring that Rooney SAVES "Breakfast at Tiffany's".

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:31 PM (asXVI)

120 I haven't watched Dr Strangelove in a long time.

Posted by: polynikes at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (rWvc2)

121 Hey I said we dropped Neil Breen on Iran.

That's on topic.

Posted by: eleven at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (fV+MH)

122
Was Beer Barrel in it? He would smuggle barrels in golf bags.
Posted by: Boss Moss

Yes, Robert Strauss was Beer Barrel.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (63Dwl)

123 Aetius

That would be loverly. Maybe after the Mullahs are moot we might be able to bring something back.

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (b7rtK)

124 I've saved this thread. Thanks for all the movie ideas.

Yeah. I really want to see "Dr. Strangelove." And I'm looking forward to some of the others.

President Trump talks at 10pm. I was channel surfing. If you are not watching FoxNews or ABC, there is nothing to worry about.

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (jvJvP)

125 113 Sorry your nice movie thread is being crowded out by Events, Gique.

Not the first time. Might be the last.

You know, if I die soon. Or stop posting. Either way.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (asXVI)

126 Mauler callum something is meticulous in his breakdown

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (bXbFr)

127 "I haven't watched Dr Strangelove in a long time.
Posted by: polynikes"

It holds up very nicely.

Posted by: eleven at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (fV+MH)

128 MI Fallout is probably the peak of the franchise. It's cavills shotgun arm pump. Discuss.
Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 08:31 PM (rWsXW)

It was whatshername in that dress.

I like redheads.

Rebecca Ferguson!

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at June 21, 2025 08:33 PM (zZu0s)

129 Obama's Black Jesus Diplomat legacy also got bombed into oblivion tonight. He still has a bright future as a Pride Parade Queen.

Posted by: Alteria Pilgram - My President has convictions. at June 21, 2025 08:34 PM (w/5xj)

130 Polynikes, look on the bright side of life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4VlruVG81w

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:34 PM (b7rtK)

131 So.., which democrat is going to be the next president?

Posted by: Allen at June 21, 2025 08:34 PM (4mo5v)

132 Rebecca Ferguson's leg features prominently in my review of that MI film.

https://tinyurl.com/3mfrmark

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:35 PM (asXVI)

133 This being the 50th anniversary of Jaws, I am here to admit that I have seen the film. I was 9 when it was released, and my folks would not let me see it.

Then I just kind of forgot to ever watch it. Eh. I pretty much know the story anyway. And I know a ton of quotes.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Macho Business Donkey Wrestler at June 21, 2025 08:36 PM (0aYVJ)

134 This movie (Village Of The Damned) is brutal. I don't think I ever sat thru the whole thing. I just read up on what happens though. Sheesh. No Mary Poppins in this thing.

Posted by: fd at June 21, 2025 08:36 PM (vFG9F)

135 Dr. Strangelove has good bones.

Steve Coogan put on a live play version and it held up really well with only minor changes.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:36 PM (asXVI)

136 Posted by: Allen at June 21, 2025 08:34 PM (4mo5v)

===

This is beginning to piss me off.

A new thread has been up for a while. I've told people more than once to stop talking news in this thread.

Moviegique wrote a strong movie post. Keep on topic or go to the other thread.

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 08:36 PM (rWsXW)

137 134 This movie (Village Of The Damned) is brutal. I don't think I ever sat thru the whole thing. I just read up on what happens though. Sheesh. No Mary Poppins in this thing.
---
John Carpenter did the remake with Chris Reeves and Ally Sheedy.

And that's that.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:37 PM (asXVI)

138 iPad restricts However

Trump says, FORDOW gone.

Posted by: braenyard- Some friends are more equal than others at June 21, 2025 08:37 PM (DNJiU)

139 So.., which democrat is going to be the next president?
Posted by: Allen at June 21, 2025 08:34 PM (4mo5v)
----

Zombie Andrew Jackson.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 08:37 PM (kpS4V)

140 125 113 Sorry your nice movie thread is being crowded out by Events, Gique.

Not the first time. Might be the last.

You know, if I die soon. Or stop posting. Either way.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (asXVI)

I submit a motion that you get to take next post off and repost this. I was enjoying the read until.....

Stuff happened.

My friend had me watch Top Gun and Maverick...sp? They were really good.

Once my living situation is settled, I think we could do MI movies.

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 08:37 PM (jvJvP)

141 Yes that intro in the vienna opera house thats how quantum of solace should have been

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 08:37 PM (bXbFr)

142 137 John Carpenter did the remake with Chris Reeves and Ally Sheedy.

And that's that.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:37 PM (asXVI)

====

Not his strongest work.

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 08:37 PM (rWsXW)

143
John Carpenter did the remake with Chris Reeves and Ally Sheedy.

And that's that.

Posted by: moviegique

Was it any good?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at June 21, 2025 08:38 PM (63Dwl)

144 I've noticed that I enjoy movies in two ways. Either I watch a character I would like to be like James Bond or I watch character I can relate to. For example, I've been watching the Big Bang spinoffs Young Sheldon and Georgie and Mabdy's First Marriage. In Sheldon, I identify with George and with Jim in First Marriage.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Master of the Mundane at June 21, 2025 08:39 PM (L/fGl)

145 113 Sorry your nice movie thread is being crowded out by Events, Gique.

Not the first time. Might be the last.

You know, if I die soon. Or stop posting. Either way.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (asXVI)
----
*sigh* This doesn't bode well for tomorrow's Sunday Morning Book Thread.

Pants are still required, though. We're not savages over there.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 21, 2025 08:39 PM (IBQGV)

146 There is a short movie at this site that really worth a review:

https://is.gd/4YvGOP

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at June 21, 2025 08:40 PM (qgNn3)

147 @119 I thought the book Breakfast at Tiffany's was better than the movie. Audrey Hepburn's wasn't going to play a fast girl though

Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 08:40 PM (IG2sK)

148 134 This movie (Village Of The Damned) is brutal. I don't think I ever sat thru the whole thing. I just read up on what happens though. Sheesh. No Mary Poppins in this thing.
Posted by: fd

I have! I liked it too. Not as good as "The Wicker Man', the 1973 version. I read that Christopher Lee said it's his favorite movie he was in. He did look like he was having lots of fun. Creepy, weird, movie. Kept you off the whole time. It looked normal but not quite. It was a well done trick to do in a movie. Loved it!

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at June 21, 2025 08:41 PM (PGK1w)

149 Maybe I'll see Mission Impossible tomorrow. And a bunch of movies this week. We're in for a block of hellishly hot weather.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 08:41 PM (kpS4V)

150 || Was it any good?

I tend to like Carpenter no matter what. IDK why exactly but I even found "Ghosts of Mars" engaging.

But it's not great.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:42 PM (asXVI)

151 If we going to go Hammer films, The Devil Rides Out

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:42 PM (b7rtK)

152 147 @119 I thought the book Breakfast at Tiffany's was better than the movie. Audrey Hepburn's wasn't going to play a fast girl though

That book might have made a great movie. Especially if Capote got his wish for Marilyn to play Holly.

It would not have made a successful movie. It would probably not have made a movie that persisted in people's minds as a classic.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:43 PM (asXVI)

153 Don't mention the war.

Posted by: Basil at June 21, 2025 08:44 PM (vFG9F)

154 You know, if I die soon. Or stop posting. Either way.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:32 PM (asXVI)
--------------------------------

Bullshit to that. This is a big deal. We'l see you next week.

Posted by: braenyard- Some friends are more equal than others at June 21, 2025 08:44 PM (DNJiU)

155 It really wasnt his style

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at June 21, 2025 08:44 PM (bXbFr)

156 "It upsets the Germans, would you like a Colditz salad?

Posted by: Anna Puma at June 21, 2025 08:45 PM (b7rtK)

157 154
Bullshit to that. This is a big deal. We'l see you next week.

Posted by: braenyard- Some friends are more equal than others at June 21, 2025 08:44 PM (DNJiU

===

There's another fucking thread, asshole.

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 08:45 PM (rWsXW)

158 134 This movie (Village Of The Damned) is brutal. I don't think I ever sat thru the whole thing. I just read up on what happens though. Sheesh. No Mary Poppins in this thing.

Posted by: fd at June 21, 2025 08:36 PM

I've been going through a horrible time and did start watching the most brutal films I could find. Biut that was a while back.

I actually really enjoyed the 'Saw' series. And Luke from 'Gilmore Girls' was in a few of them.

But apparently "Human Centipede" or "The Serbian" are there for the win. Haven't seen them yet.

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 08:48 PM (jvJvP)

159 Good write up Moviegique

Posted by: Skip at June 21, 2025 08:48 PM (+qU29)

160 They filmed "The Thing" in a small mining town in northwestern B.C. right on the Alaskan panhandle. It was isolated and insular and temps got to minus twenty degrees in the daytime. It got the crew feeling the isolation pretty good!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 08:49 PM (kpS4V)

161 Someday it will be on TV and have no doubt I will watch it

Posted by: Skip at June 21, 2025 08:49 PM (+qU29)

162 Guys, just FTR, I didn't really mean anything by my comment except, literally, as long as I post here, I know the "risks". It happens, it's not a big deal, and it's gonna happen again.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:51 PM (asXVI)

163 Someday it will be on TV and have no doubt I will watch it
Posted by: Skip at June 21, 2025 08:49 PM (+qU29)
----
I watched MI:7 on Amazon Prime earlier this year. I suspect I'll rewatch it and add MI:8 for a double feature at some point.

I generally like the MI series (though I can't stand MI:III for it's over-reliance on shaky-cam, which I HATE.). Fun popcorn flicks.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 21, 2025 08:52 PM (IBQGV)

164 I have to agree that Hollywood has lost its mojo. I think the last movie I even thought about watching in the theater was the Top Gun remake. Nowadays I will watch an anime movie, especially anything by Makoto Shinkai, without hesitation. I also thought “Hundreds of Beavers,” which I think I heard about through the Saturday Evening Movie Thread, was hilarious. I streamed it, since the local movie house did not carry it, and bought the DVD. I think movies in theaters are going the way of buggy whips: you just don’t need them anymore.

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at June 21, 2025 08:53 PM (qgNn3)

165 Cruise is an odd duck, but you really have to appreciate the way he treats movie making and his fans.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 08:54 PM (IG2sK)

166 The company Gulf + Western gets ripped a lot in this book and it reminds me that Mel Brooks spoofed them as Engulf + Devour in one of his flicks.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 08:54 PM (kpS4V)

167 Thanks for clarifying movigique, and I am trying to post about movies now. Just events on the ground are so distracting!

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at June 21, 2025 08:56 PM (qgNn3)

168 G+W owned Paramount when I worked there, Eris.

Different conglomerates, different day.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:56 PM (asXVI)

169 @158 Human Centipede is wacked out, but A Serbian Film is flat out torture porn , literally

Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 08:56 PM (IG2sK)

170 167 Thanks for clarifying movigique, and I am trying to post about movies now. Just events on the ground are so distracting!

Sure, it's inevitable. I am here for y'all's pleasure.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:56 PM (asXVI)

171 162 Guys, just FTR, I didn't really mean anything by my comment except, literally, as long as I post here, I know the "risks". It happens, it's not a big deal, and it's gonna happen again.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 08:51 PM (asXVI)

Thank you.

You are incredibly knowledgable and I have been watching more movies. And you have been helpful.

"Death Ship" was not that scary the second time around.

And decades later....

And after the graphic crap....

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 08:57 PM (jvJvP)

172 Somehow Ethan going after Skynet to stop a Terminator would be a good ending of the series

Posted by: Skip at June 21, 2025 08:58 PM (+qU29)

173 @158 Human Centipede is wacked out, but A Serbian Film is flat out torture porn , literally
Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 08:56 PM (IG2sK)
---
Human Centipede is a movie I absolutely refuse to watch. Though the South Park parody (Human Cent-iPad) is pretty funny.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 21, 2025 08:58 PM (IBQGV)

174
I think movies in theaters are going the way of buggy whips: you just don’t need them anymore.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit

If cable TV is "dead" then why would theaters survive?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at June 21, 2025 09:04 PM (63Dwl)

175
Mel Brooks spoofed them as Engulf + Devour in one of his flicks.
Posted by: All Hail Eris

Silent Movie?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at June 21, 2025 09:05 PM (63Dwl)

176 || And after the graphic crap....

There is a problem with the constant coarsening of culture. Everything has to be constantly amped up.

|| Human Centipede is a movie I absolutely refuse to watch.

The thing about "Human Centipede" to me is that, every '50s mad-scientist movie had a "fate worse than death" threatened that the hero (or monster) prevents from happening at the last moment.

HC ain't got none of that. It starts with "So, this mad scientist does this horrible experiment. Enjoy!"

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:06 PM (asXVI)

177 Thanks, moviegique.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Macho Business Donkey Wrestler at June 21, 2025 09:07 PM (0aYVJ)

178 176 HC ain't got none of that. It starts with "So, this mad scientist does this horrible experiment. Enjoy!"
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:06 PM (asXVI)

===

And then there are two more!

I saw the first and second. Never saw the third.

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 09:07 PM (rWsXW)

179 169 @158 Human Centipede is wacked out, but A Serbian Film is flat out torture porn , literally
Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 08:56 PM (IG2sK)

Cool. Tough year so I can't wait.

I don't have my book here but I did watch some found footage trilogy which was pretty brutal. Not my usual stuff. I have seen enough penises being removed.

Captured my mood.

On the plus side, yesterday, I watched my favorite kids shows that make me laugh about 20 times out loud in 22 minutes. That's probably progress.

I never got many comedy movies.

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 09:08 PM (jvJvP)

180 Sorry gique no offense intended.

Posted by: ... at June 21, 2025 09:08 PM (E0p3T)

181 HC ain't got none of that. It starts with "So, this mad scientist does this horrible experiment. Enjoy!"
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:06 PM (asXVI)
---
I wouldn't call him a "mad scientist." He's a loser who failed high school biology.

A real mad scientist is intelligent and crafty, knows science, but willing to push the boundaries into uncharted territories.

Not a guy who doesn't know how basic biology works.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 21, 2025 09:10 PM (IBQGV)

182 181 A real mad scientist is intelligent and crafty, knows science, but willing to push the boundaries into uncharted territories.

Not a guy who doesn't know how basic biology works.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 21, 2025 09:10 PM (IBQGV)

===

Of course a professor bows at the altar of credentialism!!!!

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 09:11 PM (rWsXW)

183 It was proposed yesterday that there should be a Horde movie night. Pick a crappy movie and let the Horde riff.

I offered up "Teeth."

But "Showgirls" would be great for a couple of reasons.

Posted by: Stateless.. 35I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 09:12 PM (jvJvP)

184 || A real mad scientist is intelligent and crafty, knows science, but willing to push the boundaries into uncharted territories.

Well, it's more a genre designation than a character description.

In a sense, Jame Gumb is a "mad scientist".

(Anyone?)

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:12 PM (asXVI)

185 || Of course a professor bows at the altar of credentialism!!!!

It didn't spend eight years at Mad University getting my PhD so just ANYONE could call themselves a "mad scientist"!

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:12 PM (asXVI)

186 185 It didn't spend eight years at Mad University getting my PhD so just ANYONE could call themselves a "mad scientist"!
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:12 PM (asXVI)

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"Plagiarist!"
-Dr. Herbert West

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 09:14 PM (Plbvm)

187 "Plagiarist!"
-Dr. Herbert West
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Did I review that recently on a thread? We just saw the 30th and it holds up so well, right down to the straight lift of the score from "Psycho".

(How DID they get away with that?)

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:18 PM (asXVI)

188 187
Did I review that recently on a thread? We just saw the 30th and it holds up so well, right down to the straight lift of the score from "Psycho".

(How DID they get away with that?)
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:18 PM (asXVI)

====

The label that remastered and released it on 4k sent me a free uhd a month ago.

First time I'd seen it in maybe 20 years.

Posted by: TJM's phone at June 21, 2025 09:20 PM (Plbvm)

189 I like Carpenter's VotD better than the original.

I particularly think the alien fetus reveal is particularly well done.

I think it's one of his better movies. But I believe people poo-poo it because it basically recapitulates the original movie with better efx. Not everything has to be ".updated" IMO. A trannie Village of the Damned would not be an improvement.

Posted by: naturalfake at June 21, 2025 09:23 PM (iJfKG)

190 @184 Jame Gumb is a mad scientist for testing lotion on the skin

Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 21, 2025 09:24 PM (IG2sK)

191 || I think it's one of his better movies.

You are definitely in the minority. But IDK. I would've put "Prince of Darkness" down near the bottom, and a recent re-watch changed my mind a bit.

|| But I believe people poo-poo it because it basically recapitulates the original movie with better efx.

Interesting theory.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:28 PM (asXVI)

192 190 @184 Jame Gumb is a mad scientist for testing lotion on the skin

And skin suits!

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:28 PM (asXVI)

193 Ya Boi Zack" has lost his marbles IMHO. I have no problem with the "birthday party clown" argument, but that's about the only rational argument he makes these days. His commenters are a SJW clown party.

Zack never had good taste in movies. I don't know what the hell has happened to him, but his behavior is exactly what he used to rail against.

Posted by: Resist_we_much at June 21, 2025 09:31 PM (5kCce)

194 || Zack never had good taste in movies.

Comically bad. But I enjoyed listening to him talk about them because he had a different perspective. Almost like Armond White, whom I love to read and never agree with on hardly anything.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:34 PM (asXVI)

195 I really hope you repost this.

I'm pretty sure I saw the MI movies for 'free' on PlutoTV or Tubi.

And I liked the movies I have seen with Cruise. Yeah, Scientologist.

Better than a liberal...

Posted by: Stateless.. 40I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 09:36 PM (jvJvP)

196 || Yeah, Scientologist.

Heh. I remember after the 2016 election, all these precincts in the DTLA area were blue.

Then there was a little sea of red around the Scientology area, and the papers were all alarmed! What does it mean?!

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:40 PM (asXVI)

197 Comically bad. But I enjoyed listening to him talk about them because he had a different perspective. Almost like Armond White, whom I love to read and never agree with on hardly anything.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:34 PM (asXVI)
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Ha! Yes. Erudite and thoughtful analyses that I rarely agree with. But I like him.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at June 21, 2025 09:41 PM (kpS4V)

198 196 || Yeah, Scientologist.

Heh. I remember after the 2016 election, all these precincts in the DTLA area were blue.

Then there was a little sea of red around the Scientology area, and the papers were all alarmed! What does it mean?!

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:40 PM (asXVI)

Thank you so much.

You made me laugh out loud.

A very precious gift.

Have an amazing week.

Even ace is posting now. Burning skulls. Great thread I was enjoying, Needs to be recycled.

It's not like this is the first time all crap loose after a great post.

Lol

Posted by: Stateless.. 40I% - mental state clawing up from 10%, shit happened, clawing back now at June 21, 2025 09:49 PM (jvJvP)

199 But I believe people poo-poo it because it basically recapitulates the original movie with better efx.

Interesting theory.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 09:28 PM (asXVI)

Well, look at another movie remade from the same era and along the same general idea and around the same time, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"

People love Philip Kaufman's remake and for good reason. He really plunked it right down into the middle of the 70s gestalt with his own little additions (man-faced dog, etc)

Same with The Fly, both movies lend themselves to interpretations outside the original setting.

Whereas, the storyline of VotD can hardly exist outside of a small town, socially conservative environment.

I believe that "the Critics" are addicted to novelty and Carpenter didn't bring the novelty, he simply upgraded what was there, with his own additions(alien fetus).

It's a good solid horror movie.

Posted by: naturalfake at June 21, 2025 09:53 PM (iJfKG)

200 Saw this movie Thursday.

Premise was incredibly silly. Was a superhero movie trying to be ... what none of them ever were - the original.

Having said that, the acting was dang good; the writing was excellent; the cinematography was outstanding.

AND, the guys who did the whole biplane thing at the end? They must have been wetting themselves having so much fun. They haven't gotten to do a sequence like that in a movie in DECADES!

I didn't need to see it on the big screen, but it was a fun, enjoyable movie, worth $7. And Cruise's opening "Thank you for watching this movie and being fans" was spot on and very anti-Zeigler.

Posted by: GWB at June 21, 2025 09:53 PM (PkFyV)

201 || People love Philip Kaufman's remake and for good reason. He really plunked it right down into the middle of the 70s gestalt with his own little additions (man-faced dog, etc)

Definitely. I prefer the '50s, but the '70s version held up well.

|| Same with The Fly, both movies lend themselves to interpretations outside the original setting.

Definitely.

|| Whereas, the storyline of VotD can hardly exist outside of a small town, socially conservative environment.

Very much of a pre-60s era.

|| I believe that "the Critics" are addicted to novelty and Carpenter didn't bring the novelty, he simply upgraded what was there, with his own additions(alien fetus).

Well, I enjoyed it at the time. I'd say it was "slight" but I didn't think there was anything really wrong with it. Wyndham's books aren't plot-heavy, and Carpenter is a straightforward storyteller.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 10:01 PM (asXVI)

202 Thanks, errbody!

Enjoy your bombing!

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 10:02 PM (asXVI)

203 I lucked out recently and found a pair of really good RiffTrax movies. The first was "The Banker" which I was worried would be a sleazy slasher-style movie, but turned out a to be a movie about a cop trying to catch a serial killer before his obnoxious girlfriend made herself the killer's next victim. Low budget, of course, but the movie was good enough that the story could be enjoyed on its own, with the riffing just making the scenes more engaging.

The second movie was an almost sure-thing, "The Phantom Empire." It was a modern (well, 80's) version of a Roger Cormon movie. Super cheap, but incredibly ambitious, and seemingly oblivious to the fact that it was completely failing at portraying its intended grandeur. It was also more than a little sleazy with some gratuitous chessecake and toplessness. And of top of everything else, it stars a very young Jeffery Combs. It was everything a Rifftrax movie should be!

Posted by: Castle Guy at June 21, 2025 10:05 PM (Lhaco)

204 || "The Phantom Empire."

Fred Olen Ray and his cast of misfits. Besides Combs, his then-wife Dawn Wildsmith, Russ Tamblyn, Ross Hagen...Sybil Danning's on the cover...and of course, Michelle Bauer, whom I got to meet and hug last year at the Drive In.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 10:15 PM (asXVI)

205 It's a callback to the 1930s Gene Autry serial. I loved how ambitious Fred and Jim (Wynorski) were back in the '80s.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 21, 2025 10:16 PM (asXVI)

206 The plot was overwrought cartoon silliness with even the characters asking each other (and the audience) "Do you believe this" "I wouldn't either, but just trust us". The stunts and camera work were great. The "girl power" vignettes every 10 minutes were distracting and forced. Saw it once, won't see it again.

Posted by: Txdino at June 21, 2025 10:29 PM (4U+mU)

207 I will always think of Carpenter's The Thing with the 2 black chicks who say 2 rows in front of me. Their ongoing commentary was great!

Posted by: Texican ette at June 21, 2025 11:06 PM (SNf74)

208 That minor character from the first film-

In the first film the joke line was
'I want him working at a sonar station in the Arctic by the end of the day.'

Posted by: MikeN at June 21, 2025 11:14 PM (bjDX0)

209 || 'I want him working at a sonar station in the Arctic by the end of the day.'

Great Easter egg.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at June 22, 2025 12:00 AM (asXVI)

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