Author Topic: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019  (Read 17235 times)

Dave the Necrobumper

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #20 on: February 07, 2019, 05:32:44 AM »
A film from China (Chinese New Year, February 5): My half way check on this is: The Great Wall (filmed in China, Chinese director, but USA money)

Oh boy, I would sure love to read your thoughts about this one.

Are you allowed a short film from the 1910s?
Is any version of football allowed, given different countries use the term for different sports?

1. Sure, considering that feature films were rare/non-existent at this point in time.
2. Obviously, the inspiration for the category is the Super Bowl, but why not?

Re: The Great Wall I did write a sentence on it (hidden away in "What Movie Is Playing Right Now"):

It was a nice bit of fun, no brain required and some lovely cinematography.

It moves along at a good pace and the characters are interesting, the plot is somewhat predictable, but it does not follow all the expected paths. The bulk of the main parts are male, but there are still some strong female parts (as I would expect from an Asian action film). Still I am someone who enjoys lots of dumb action/martial arts films. Is there depth to the characters, no. Were there some good action scenes, yes. Is it the best action film I have seen recently (within the last couple of years), no (The Raid or John Wick would be my choice for that, although Hardcore Henry has a different and quite good spin on the action film). Also to be remembered Yimou Zhang directed the beautiful looking Hero, and while this film has some lovely cinematography it is not a patch on the look of Hero.

Thief

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #21 on: February 07, 2019, 09:40:49 AM »
I thought it was hilariously nonsensical, for the most part. The whole premise makes no sense, but it's still somewhat enjoyable in its absurdity. The CGI was awful, though.

Thief

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #22 on: February 08, 2019, 05:41:57 PM »
Some interesting watches recently... Dressed to Kill, In the Mood for Love, Before Sunset...

1SO

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #23 on: February 08, 2019, 06:07:57 PM »
What’s your current opinion of Brian DePalma?

Thief

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #24 on: February 08, 2019, 07:13:24 PM »
What’s your current opinion of Brian DePalma?

It's not a director I'm particularly drawn to, and what I've seen is very hit and miss, but I do like the way he uses the camera. He's got a very particular style that in a way makes you feel uncomfortable maybe? while watching his films. That sorta voyeuristic, lurid style I guess. I think that works great, or at least well a lot of times, but others not so much. Anyway, Blow Out is probably my favorite and part of that is how he shots it.

Here's a rough ranking of what I've seen...

Blow Out
Mission: Impossible
Casualties of War
The Untouchables
Femme Fatale
Dressed to Kill
Carrie
Scarface
Snake Eyes
Mission to Mars

I also saw Bonfire of the Vanities, but it was probably 20+ years ago, and I don't remember anything about it.

Bondo

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #25 on: February 08, 2019, 07:34:55 PM »
This is where 1SO recommends Phantom of the Paradise. Heck, this is where I recommend Phantom of the Paradise.

1SO

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #26 on: February 08, 2019, 09:06:09 PM »
This is where I'm surprised to learn Thief isn't fresh out of school.

Your analysis of DePalma captures him really well. Possibly the widest spread between what he does well and what he's bad at, even after all these decades.

Blow Out is really well shot, I just wish all the good performances could make up for Nancy Allen in that film. I can't even deal with her voice.

Happy to see Casualties of War in your Top 3.

Thief

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #27 on: February 11, 2019, 12:44:24 PM »
Thanks  ;D

Casualties of War is one I haven't seen in a while, but ever since I first saw it, it left an impression.

I would also like to reiterate how great the original Mission: Impossible is. I caught the first 20-30 minutes the other day and was reminded of how much it has stood the test of time, despite the dated technology. I still haven't seen Fallout, but it's easily my 2nd favorite of the franchise.

Thief

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #28 on: February 14, 2019, 02:17:28 PM »
I've seen a handful since I last wrote here...

In the Mood for Love (2000) Very poignant and powerful. Really good film.

Before Sunset (2004) Probably as good as the first one; maybe more.

Rudy (1993) Never seen this. It was good. Nothing spectacular, but an uplifting story.

Second Best (1994) Very touching story and fairly accurate, as far as the adoption process goes. William Hurt is always a plus.

Widows (2018) Pretty good film. Very intense and thrilling. Daniel Kaluuya is a gem.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) This was... ehhh, not good. Meh.


Possible upcoming films: The Favourite, Roma, Birth of a Nation, maybe rewatch Once.

Thief

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Re: Thief's Monthly Film Challenge 2019
« Reply #29 on: February 24, 2019, 05:08:58 PM »
Some quick takes on my last watches...

The Big Sick (2017) Very well made. Engaging and charming, without being too sappy, and most importantly well acted.

The Favourite (2018) Extremely well made in all aspects. Seriously, production design, cinematography, direction, performances. Oof!

Roma (2018) And then we have this also impeccably directed film, with such a great story and script. Loved it.

Stagecoach (1939) Pretty good film, some great direction and solid/interesting character dynamics. I enjoyed it.


Possible upcoming films: Birth of a Nation, Spring in a Small Town, and maybe Instant Family to round up the month.