Also you guys should've seen Gary playing live bass while J. Green did karaoke on Thanksgiving.
Also you guys should've seen Gary's comedic karaoke joke performance to the Foreigner song "I Want To Know What Love Is/And I Want You To Show Me" which was titled "I Want To Know What Stuff Is"
NOTLD is wonderful. 28 Days Later is an amazing, beautiful film.
Otherwise I agree with you. I find the zombie genre interesting/compelling for a variety of reasons but none of them are necessarily about being well-made films
You guys should've seen Gary pretending to be a "mad man from Mad Men" this morning, pretending to smoke, drink, fuck, and demand "bring me those reports" all simultaneously
have you seen I Am Legend since you became a dog lover? That movie has epically different levels of emotional devastation if you watch it with your snoopy cuddled up on your lap. but i don't think of it as a traditional zombie film- more like mutant vampires or something.
now THE OMEGA MAN is a movie worth talking about. easily on my top 5 films list.
that's why I said "unconventionally," because technically those aren't zombies, and anyway they're CGI which I think was a huge mistake. But the feeling of the first part of the film is that same good post-apoc uncanny shudder you get from a good zombie. The empty NYC landscape with the loneliness and terror, his amazing methods of nighttime self-preservation (bathtub machine-gun sleep!), that utterly devastating scene where he follows the dog into the black warehouse where they are all sleeping standing up. SHUDDERS IN THE PSYCHE
So true about the dog problems ("doglems")! I think about it a lot, the dog in that movie.
It was worse than I thought it would be. Very few laughs. Zach is good in it, but I was SHOCKED at how the tackled the script so formulaically. Like it follows EVERY BEAT of plot that the first film does.
I was surprised that it was worse than I expected, because I expected it to be totally awful.
WTF! Just repeating the script! I am so annoyed picturing Hollywood execs. "What people loved about The Hangover was every single thing that happened in it; do that again"
I actually think that movies can be formulaic and good, especially comedies or rom coms, but they did a really bad job of making the formula satisfying and putting enough jokes in for the formula not to be so obvious.
It specifically doesn't work with The Hangover Part 2 because the movie is SOO plot driven and action oriented.
This thread has moved so fast I feel like I have a lot of replies that are now "too late." I will say that if you are showing people examples of documentary, I think "Don't Look Back" is one of the best ever. (Salesman is definitely one I'd pick too)
I've never seen these commentary versions of Citizen Kane, and now I am really interested in it, because I agree that it's a great film.
@zuckerburger - i love me some DA Pennebaker hard-core, but i think Salesman is the more important of the new cinema verite/observational cinema movement. Election would be high on the list as well. (i want to teach an entire class on Observational Cinema- i've done workshops, but never a full blown class)
the challenge with the syllabus is trying to come up with a list of films that offer a nice range of (mostly narrative) cinematic possibilities.
i think i am going to watch 2001 space odyssey tonight, if any film nerds want to get in on that let me know (or please forward to Gary since he probably hasn't logged on)
speaking of movies, you know what i saw for the first time the other night that blew my mind into a gazillion pieces?? trapped in the closet. OMG OMG OMG
The Birds (5) is a good zombie movie. Also, Rabid (1) is a little different. (Zombies get Toronto).
Agree, UBshoes, never too late.
ALL of Alex's comments are on point.
There are so many great movies.
But wouldn't be great if there were like 20 or more new top-shelf classics every year? What's the hold up with that?
Big ups to Cassavetes 'round here. LOVE STREAMS (4), OPENING NIGHT (3), A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE (3), THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (2)... JFC!-mega.
RY was talking Scarface (5) on another thread. I made Stadler watch that when we started the book company. Good movie about business. And partnerships. And helicopters.
Space Oddessy (4) is pretty boring, really. At least that's what I thought last time I saw it on the big screen. I want to see Eyes Wide Shut (1) again. Paths of Glory (1) blew me away. Would like to see Lolita (2) again. Oh, and Dr. Stangelove (7) has been a lifelong favorite. Clockwork Orange (4) was such an overload of sensuous male violence I've been damaged and desensitized for decades. The Kubrick Shelf.
watch "As it is in Heaven" !! I am really serious that that is a very special overlooked movie. and it's Swedish, and on instant view! I'd love to hear peoples thoughts on it.
you can pretty much count on all the films nominated for the Best Foreign Picture Oscar to be outstanding, so there's at least a few a year for you. And Hollywood consistently pumps out at least one or two great films a year, and there is always at least one surprise indie that is really really good. but you are right, while a ton of movies are made there really aren't that many great ones. making movies is really hard- making good movies is even harder.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes was so great on an allegorical and emotional level, you guys don't know what you're talking about.
A good Ryan Gosling movie that nobody seems to talk about is Half Nelson, it's on netflix instant.
Also, if you like Brendan Gleeson in In Bruges and The Guard, check out The General, also on netflix.
Watching movies on the big screen is so essential. I watched Star Trek on out little laptop the other day, and it did not compare at all to the theater. The details and the sound and the screen filling your vision is so important. Even sitting really close to a laptop doesn't compare, like AT ALL.
The other day my wife asked me to come up with the my favorite/best movies of all time and all I could really think of was Silence of the Lambs. My go-to example of a perfect film.
Also: George Washington All the Real Girls The Iron Giant That 3-D movie about the caves by Herzog 7 Up series Before Sunrise/Sunset The Apartment The Limey The Taking of Pelham One Two Three I ♥ Huckabees Three Kings The Station Agent
Gleeson: if you haven't seen In Bruges yet it's really your best bet. It's so fucking charming and wonderful, also it's a bit on the rare side to get Gleeson in a starring role (tends to play the wonderful side character) but in In Bruges he's front and center.
He's also lovely in 28 Days Later, if sad and not top billed.
We all perhaps first met him in BRAVEHEART, where he is very charming.
There is a lot of "best movie ever" thrown around up in here, often by me, but Raging Bull really is one of the better films that's ever been made.
If you've never really understood the whole DeNiro thing (to say nothing of the Pesci thing!!!) you really really should dig into this bear of a movie.
It's just an astonishing thing. I really can't urge you strongly enough!!!
And then if you liked that, go watch "King of Comedy," which is a really weird film Scorcese and DeNiro also made (weird because it's not about gangsters shooting each other (or boxers)) that is about a crazy man who wants to be a talk show comedian, and he kidnaps Jerry Lewis. Sandra Bernhardt is in it! Jerry Lewis is amazing, playing a non-comedic role!!!!! God it's such a bizarre and incredible movie.
Scorcese is a total heavyweight. What YT said about King of Comedy (3). I really should watch the Raging Bull (2) again. Also, Taxi Driver (3). I think I'm caught up on Goodfellas (3) for a while. Fond memories of Cape Fear (2). And what the heck was that weird one about Leo DiCaprio texting intensely? The Departed (1). Scorcese is interesting when he gets weird.
I generally get tired of Scorcese but he's got some major heavy hittage in his portfolio, obviously. I'm really tired of Goodfellas and I can not even stand Casino. I agree he's best when he gets a bit weird.
I watched HO 2 first and thought it was pretty wild and funny. I didn't know I was watching a sequel so I actually admired the lack of set-up. (LadyJ had it going on the box and I must have missed the title.) I thought it was a gutsy and exciting way to tell the story. And, I mean like, there's a chopped off finger and shit. Edgy. Macabre. Bangkok. Etc. Sort of.
But then I find out there's a HO 1 set in Vegas (yawn) that's mostly preoccupied with the origin story for the gang of kooks I'd already met in HO 2. And nobody gives Ed Helms buttsex.
I'm not going to say that either one must be seen, but I had more fun with #2.
That short movie that UBS posted reminds me of an old Humphrey Bogart movie that I liked. It is called The Caine Mutiny (2).
Bogie really is quite a figure. He's not very good looking, right? And he seems kind of hunched and shrimpy. How does he get to be a Hollywood King? I guess he's got worldliness, and that goes a long way. I'm glad people appreciate worldliness.
Right on for YT's, and BigMac's, call for the classics. I think it is important to experience relevant connections to figures from lost times. The clothes, music, photography and manners can seem old but many important human qualities and conditions stand more or less outside of time. Some movies can show this truth brilliantly.
What does everyone think of The Thin Red Line? It's one of my favorite movies, but I saw it at a much less cynical age. If I saw it for the first time now, I might feel that it's a little too cheesy. I really love it, though.
Comments
Also you guys should've seen Gary's comedic karaoke joke performance to the Foreigner song "I Want To Know What Love Is/And I Want You To Show Me" which was titled "I Want To Know What Stuff Is"
Otherwise I agree with you. I find the zombie genre interesting/compelling for a variety of reasons but none of them are necessarily about being well-made films
now THE OMEGA MAN is a movie worth talking about. easily on my top 5 films list.
So true about the dog problems ("doglems")! I think about it a lot, the dog in that movie.
The Hangover Part 2
It was worse than I thought it would be.
Very few laughs.
Zach is good in it, but I was SHOCKED at how the tackled the script so formulaically. Like it follows EVERY BEAT of plot that the first film does.
I was surprised that it was worse than I expected, because I expected it to be totally awful.
WTF! Just repeating the script! I am so annoyed picturing Hollywood execs. "What people loved about The Hangover was every single thing that happened in it; do that again"
It specifically doesn't work with The Hangover Part 2 because the movie is SOO plot driven and action oriented.
I thought the first movie was enjoyable.
I've never seen these commentary versions of Citizen Kane, and now I am really interested in it, because I agree that it's a great film.
the challenge with the syllabus is trying to come up with a list of films that offer a nice range of (mostly narrative) cinematic possibilities.
Also, Rabid (1) is a little different. (Zombies get Toronto).
Agree, UBshoes, never too late.
ALL of Alex's comments are on point.
There are so many great movies.
But wouldn't be great if there were like 20 or more new top-shelf classics every year? What's the hold up with that?
Big ups to Cassavetes 'round here. LOVE STREAMS (4), OPENING NIGHT (3), A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE (3), THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE (2)... JFC!-mega.
RY was talking Scarface (5) on another thread. I made Stadler watch that when we started the book company. Good movie about business. And partnerships. And helicopters.
Space Oddessy (4) is pretty boring, really. At least that's what I thought last time I saw it on the big screen. I want to see Eyes Wide Shut (1) again. Paths of Glory (1) blew me away. Would like to see Lolita (2) again. Oh, and Dr. Stangelove (7) has been a lifelong favorite. Clockwork Orange (4) was such an overload of sensuous male violence I've been damaged and desensitized for decades. The Kubrick Shelf.
(est. times viewed)
you can pretty much count on all the films nominated for the Best Foreign Picture Oscar to be outstanding, so there's at least a few a year for you. And Hollywood consistently pumps out at least one or two great films a year, and there is always at least one surprise indie that is really really good. but you are right, while a ton of movies are made there really aren't that many great ones. making movies is really hard- making good movies is even harder.
For reals.
(in films)
(it was a big deal)
Alright guys. I've got to watch me some Kane, now. You should be proud of yourselves.
(Could UHX sponsor a remake of Kane starring Mikey? I've got $20 for the Kickstarter.)
Eric von Stroheim on Kane from 1941.
[Spoiler]
Rise of the Planet of the Apes was so great on an allegorical and emotional level, you guys don't know what you're talking about.
A good Ryan Gosling movie that nobody seems to talk about is Half Nelson, it's on netflix instant.
Also, if you like Brendan Gleeson in In Bruges and The Guard, check out The General, also on netflix.
Watching movies on the big screen is so essential. I watched Star Trek on out little laptop the other day, and it did not compare at all to the theater. The details and the sound and the screen filling your vision is so important. Even sitting really close to a laptop doesn't compare, like AT ALL.
The other day my wife asked me to come up with the my favorite/best movies of all time and all I could really think of was Silence of the Lambs. My go-to example of a perfect film.
Also:
George Washington
All the Real Girls
The Iron Giant
That 3-D movie about the caves by Herzog
7 Up series
Before Sunrise/Sunset
The Apartment
The Limey
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
I ♥ Huckabees
Three Kings
The Station Agent
These are a few of my favorite things.
I'm really into Brendan Gleeson. What movie with him in it should I watch tonight? Was he in the muppets because I want to be delighted.
I have never seen Ragging Bull, but since bigmac included in a parenthesis of movies I generally like a lot maybe I will?
He's also lovely in 28 Days Later, if sad and not top billed.
We all perhaps first met him in BRAVEHEART, where he is very charming.
Brendan Gleeson is himself kind of a muppet.
There is a lot of "best movie ever" thrown around up in here, often by me, but Raging Bull really is one of the better films that's ever been made.
If you've never really understood the whole DeNiro thing (to say nothing of the Pesci thing!!!) you really really should dig into this bear of a movie.
It's just an astonishing thing. I really can't urge you strongly enough!!!
And then if you liked that, go watch "King of Comedy," which is a really weird film Scorcese and DeNiro also made (weird because it's not about gangsters shooting each other (or boxers)) that is about a crazy man who wants to be a talk show comedian, and he kidnaps Jerry Lewis. Sandra Bernhardt is in it! Jerry Lewis is amazing, playing a non-comedic role!!!!! God it's such a bizarre and incredible movie.
RUPERT PUPKIN EVERYBODY! RUPERT PUPKIN!
He's also mad eye moody in the movies you don't like.
He's also in another movie I don't like, which is GANGS OF NEW YORK
I generally get tired of Scorcese but he's got some major heavy hittage in his portfolio, obviously. I'm really tired of Goodfellas and I can not even stand Casino. I agree he's best when he gets a bit weird.
Here's the thing.
I watched HO 2 first and thought it was pretty wild and funny. I didn't know I was watching a sequel so I actually admired the lack of set-up. (LadyJ had it going on the box and I must have missed the title.) I thought it was a gutsy and exciting way to tell the story. And, I mean like, there's a chopped off finger and shit. Edgy. Macabre. Bangkok. Etc. Sort of.
But then I find out there's a HO 1 set in Vegas (yawn) that's mostly preoccupied with the origin story for the gang of kooks I'd already met in HO 2. And nobody gives Ed Helms buttsex.
I'm not going to say that either one must be seen, but I had more fun with #2.
Bogie really is quite a figure. He's not very good looking, right? And he seems kind of hunched and shrimpy. How does he get to be a Hollywood King? I guess he's got worldliness, and that goes a long way. I'm glad people appreciate worldliness.
Right on for YT's, and BigMac's, call for the classics. I think it is important to experience relevant connections to figures from lost times. The clothes, music, photography and manners can seem old but many important human qualities and conditions stand more or less outside of time. Some movies can show this truth brilliantly.