Movie talk

[hoops]

ok, i know i'm a bit behind the time but i wanted to start a thread about flims we've seen recently that we would recommend. I have 3 that i can think of right now
1) Monster with charlese theron... i was crying for the woman by the end of the movie, she had one rough life.

2) saved...i can;t tell you who is in this movie cause i didin't recognize any of the names and i can;t tell you what it is about cause that would spoil the surprise, look it up and see if you like it

3) bent... a fantastic movie about "queers" their word, not mine, during the time of nazi germany and two men who meet on a train to the concentration camps... it could be about any two people going thru this, it's just amazing how they get thru what they do.


ok, there are mine for today...anyone recognize them? have their own?
peace
hoops

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Hiya Hoops...

Hope all's well... Ok about movies I have to admit I rarely go to a theater to see movies... In fact I attrubute this to being a smoker and am just as happy waiting until a movie comes out on DVD... (Which I originally resisted getting until I found that "Club Cafe" was not available on VHS... That said, the last movie I actually went to a theater to see was a zillion years back...It was the final of the "LORD OF THE RINGS" movies based on the books (which I have also read numberous times)

I do enjoy threads of this nature as so often it offers insight as to what movies I'd like to see on disc.... Soooo keep the ideas flowing... Hoops, we're gonna miss you in Virginia... Besides by then we should have the new car for you to steal.... I guess even the worst situation has a positive side to it... One of those good news/bad news things... The good news is that the car will be safe:) ... The bad news is that you won't be there:( ... Hell the car has an alarm we'll risk it... I think you should pressure your doctor again about coming to the concert!!!! After all "Rudie therapy" can be the best kind!!!

Best to you... Your in our thoughts...

R. from Pa.

[hoops]

Randy and Betty,
I haven;t been to the theater in quite a while either. I do look to surf the channels and see what i can find. I find that LOGO has a lot of good movies, as well as bravo, Sundance, IFC. I also have a brother who is a professor of English literature and film and occasionally his taste in films is ok...such as his enjoyment of woodie allen flims, most of which are very good. one more thing i did, was recently enroll in netflix, you can get a program for like 5 bucks and you get 1 movie a week i think. and their lisr seems endless. first think i did was make a list of all the movies i've missed that i've wanted to see, as many as a could remember, then i went from their. Just thought i'd try to help you a bit. i'll keep you informed as to other movies i find to be agreeable. oh and i'm giving cars a break for a while, now i'm looking for MOTORCYCLESSSSSSSSSSSS... i got my license last week and i am roaring to go. saving up my pennies to get my own. hoepfully by next summer,till then i'll just have to borrow :D
peace
hoops

[DaveM]

Ah, Hoops, this board needs more bikers....any special model you're looking for?

"Bent" sounds like a fascinating movie--can you provide any details about it. Length, year it was released, anything like that? Blockbuster lists two movies of that title, but astonishingly, has no information about either of them. One is 258 minutes long and appears to have been a TV miniseries.

"Monster" is truly creepy....I've often wondered how accurate it is. Am not expert on Aileen Wuornos' case--I know that some liberties were taken for dramatic purposes but how significant they are I'm not 100% sure. The role of her partner in the case was changed in some way, I do know that. Not mentioned in the film is the fact that a court-appointed psychiatrist spoke with her for all of 15 minutes before certifying her as "sane".

Perhaps most amazing about Charlize Theron's performance was her ability to seem a huge, terrifying presence when she's about the same size as our Song Dragon and decidedly un-scary.

[DaveM]

Just remember another film, "A Love To Hide", which also deals with the persecution of homosexuals by the Nazis. A French production (so, hopefully you won't mind subtitles), it's an extremely complex and well-crafted story which strongly suggests that ultimately, under the Nazi regime, no one was truly safe. Make sure to stick around to the very end, when some of the real-life history behind the movie is revealed, along with the fact that homosexuality remained illegal in France until the 1990s. You won't forget this one soon--and you shouldn't.

[Wildflower Fever]

I would like to recomend a little known film made in my backyard a few years ago. "Factotum" stars Matt Dillon as Charles Bukowski's infamous Hank Chinaski self-portraitizing character. Admittedly, his books were all a bit gruff and bitter, so it may offend some. But, as I writer I loved his brutal honesty, and only a few of his works made it to the big screen. One that comes to mind is "Barfly" starring Mickey Rourke. Most of his works feature the Chinaski character, who is loosely based on Bukowski's own life experiences. I recently saw the documentary "Born Into This" featuring Bukowski interviews and segments, and Dillon so far did the best at replicating Bukowski, down to his scary appearance. It also features Lili Taylor and Marisa Tomei, and unfortunatley never picked up major distribution.

[Mimi]

Randy and Betty,
now i'm looking for MOTORCYCLESSSSSSSSSSSS... i got my license last week and i am roaring to go. :D
peace
hoops

Congratulations, Noel, and take care!

MIMI:)

[gisli]

Well my mood these days are in the direction that I want everything to be simple and beautyful, not that I want not to stick my head in the sand....well actually I do...but I just am in the mood for "feelgood movies..so the last three movies I saw was Singing in the rain, Sound of music and a french movie called Ruby and Quentin with Jean Reno and Gérard Departieu.

My next on the list are Amelia, Because I said so and The constant gardener.

[Eva]

I am very curious what the movie 'The Golden Compass' will be like. It is a movie made after Philip Pulman's trilogy 'His Dark Materials'. A fantastic read. I hope the movie will be just as good.

Also I recommend the American movie 'Shortbus'. It's fun and many people who have participated in making it hang around in the same kind of queer, alternative scenes I frequent too. So the movie had a very familiar feel to me. A breath of fresh air to me. Some might find the movie too explicit. Especially an American audience. It is quite explicit, that is true, but I found it all very sweet and feel-good.

Eva

[Agnes]

I went to see A Mighty Heart a couple of weeks ago. I'm no fan of Angelina Jolie, but she is absolutely amazing in this one...

[hoops]

Davem,
being a small person, i'm going to start with a small bike either a kawasaki eliminator or a suzuki gz250... till i get feeling real comfortable on a bike in traffic and stuff ( and can afford a bigger bike ) the gz250 is actually a bigger looking bike than it is so that's cool.
about bent; it was released in 1997...clive owen and lothaire bluteau starred...sean mathias directed...oh and did i mention that mick jagger appears early in the movie as an incredibly ugly, but famous drag queen named greta, he actually does quite a decent job

i hope this helps and i hope you like it
peace
hoops

[stardust]

Saw "Hairspray" last week, and it was good for a few laugh-out-louds. Just rented 'North Country' tonight. but haven't watched it yet. Can't believe I missed it when it was in the theaters, what with a Rudie in it and all.

[DaveM]

I think Netflix has "Bent", but Blockbuster does not appear to carry it. Now that I think about it I believe I can recall when it was originally released--perhaps read a review or something.

One bike you might want to consider is a Honda Rebel (both 250 and 450cc models are made). They've been around long enough that you can find a used one at a reasonable price and have enough of a following that every kind of aftermarket accessory is available for them. They're styled like a small Harley "cruiser" and are seemingly tailor-made for a smaller person. And even the 250cc model will run at highway speeds comfortably, though it'll take you a while to get it up to speed.

My "appearance" in "North Country" can be seen in about 10 frames if I remember right. In the "union hall scene", if you watch closely at the moment when "Hank" stands up and starts moving forward, I was 16 seats over from him. My face is rather prominent on the DVD box--why, I have no idea.

I loved "Factotum"--it was such an obvious Bukowski self-portrait that I kept chuckling. Matt Dillon caught his essence perfectly. I saw it with someone who didn't like the way the story ended more or less in mid-air. I just said "read some Bukowski--you'll get it". And I stand by that.

[hoops]

the name of one of the movies i mentioned was incorrect...it is not "saved" it is "save me" and it stars Judith Light
peace
hoops

[lucille]

Yes Hoops, please ride defensively, as if all the cars are out to get you - they are, and often don't (or choose not to) see you. I had a Kawasaki 500 back in the olden days. I now have a scooter - Honda 125 Lead - but would like a more powerful motorbike. Perhaps I could buy one in the US next year. Do they come in "right hand drive"? :p

[Dee]

The highlight of my movie viewing this year was purchasing the DVD for Mambo Italiano.

A hilarious little movie (and I don't usually believe that when others say so about a film). You decide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CdaOHoQIIo

"Set in the Little Italy neighborhood of Montreal, Mambo Italiano is a fresh and enjoyable take on gay relationships. After reconnecting with an estranged childhood friend, Angelo (Luke Kirby) discovers that he and Nino (Peter Miller) have more in common than just their Italian heritage and suffocating families. After they move in together, Angelo finds that he can't stand being in the closet any longer--but Nino, who's a cop and much more attached to passing as straight, resists. After Angelo tells his parents (Ginette Reno and Paul Sorvino), their lives explode and Angelo discovers that coming out may cost him everything he held dear. The emphasis on ethnic humor threatens to turn Mambo Italiano into My Big Gay Italian Wedding, but the clever writing, sprightly performances, and inventive direction keep the movie consistently unpredictable and funny. Also featuring Claudia Ferri as Angelo's neurotic sister."

[Elliott]

I just saw Across the Universe and thought it was wonderful. If you love the Beatles and can remember the 1960's you must see it on the big screen. I sent an email to my sisters suggesting that they go and see it; turns out one of their kids was the pre-production supervisor for the New York segments. Small world; my sister got to see all of the daily rushes during filming. I got the soundtrack on the way home from the cinema. A great flick!

[hoops]

what ever you do DO NOT see clair of the moon... it sucks, it's got all the plot of a soft pron flick without the character developement or the sex...just a waste of celluloid\
peace
hoops

[hoops]

I saw "manhatten" by woodie allen last night, not realizing when i ordered it that i had seen it before. it was a far too average woodie allen movie, you could have out any actors, dialogue in it and it would still be the same film. now don;t get me wrong, i love a lot of woodie allen's films...i think "broadway danny rose" should be on the 100 best of all time list. just this movie was too 'ok' i did think one line in the movie was funny... they we at a party talking about orgasms and a pretty blonde lady said " i had an orgasm once but i told my dr and he said it was the wrong kind"
people i wanna know what you are watching or have seen in the past so i can know what to look for. i'd love to take part in a reading thread but i just can't get my head to commit to completing an entire book, sometimes it does, most times it doesn't.
peace
hoops

[Ginny]

We just rented "Little Women" based on the book by Louisa May Alcott. My husband,my daughter, and I all liked this film. The story is fictional, based on Alcott's life in Boston (?) in the 1800's. It's about four sisters, trying to leave home and make their way in the world. Back then this mostly meant making a "good marriage". The film focuses on the character Jo and her struggles to become a published writer.

In real life Louisa May Alcott never married, and was able to support her extended family through the success of her writings.

[DaveM]

"Manhattan" is worth seeing for the cinematography....I can't recall any of the plot, now that I think about it.

I just saw a pretty good film, "The Gift"--a mystery story with supernatural overtones. Starring Cate Blanchett, Keanu Reeves, Hilary Swank, and I forget who else (of, Michael Jeter in a small but delightful part--this may have been his last film) and written by Billy Bob Thornton, "The Gift" combines atmospheric cinematography with a tale full of twists and turns. Lots of "Deliverance"-esque references to Southern rednecks, but they don't seem out of place. Worth seeing and at 111 minutes, it fills out an evening nicely.

Has anyone NOT seen "Canadian Bacon"? A fictional effort written and directed by Michael Moore which left me wishing he'd do more of the same, it deals with a President who declares war on Canada just so the U.S. can have an enemy and keep the military going. The whole thing is full of commentary on the American media and assorted popular delusions. Definitely worth a rental--and a second viewing to catch all the gags you missed the first time.

Hoops--have you ever thought about a Yamaha Virago? They're pretty low-slung and come equipped with a variety of engine sizes. I've never owned a Yamaha but everyone I know who has one loves it.

Apparently "2001" has been re-released on video and from what I've read, the running time is longer than the version we're all familiar with. Kubrick edited 19 minutes from the film after its initial release....anyone know if they've put them back in?

[Darlene]

posted by DaveM: Has anyone NOT seen "Canadian Bacon"? A fictional effort written and directed by Michael Moore which left me wishing he'd do more of the same, it deals with a President who declares war on Canada just so the U.S. can have an enemy and keep the military going. The whole thing is full of commentary on the American media and assorted popular delusions. Definitely worth a rental--and a second viewing to catch all the gags you missed the first time.


Hay Dave, Michael Moore has written and directed quite a few movies that deal with some hot topics in a humorous way. I don't know all of them but there is:

Fahrenheit 9/11
Bowling For Columbine
Roger and Me
Pets or Meat: The Return to Flint
The Big One
Sicko

There may be more and I haven't seen all of them, but he is an Academe Award winner, for his work. It might be worth it to see some of the others especially if you liked "Canadian Bacon".

Peace, Darlene

[Wildflower Fever]

None of these are "new", but I'd recomend them. "Pan's Labyrinth", a spanish language tearjerker with a fairytale landscape set in Franco's Spain. "The Hudsucker Proxy", a nineties Coen Bros. film that features wonderful NYC 1950's period overacting with Tim Robbins, Paul Newman and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
And "Smoke" featuring William Hurt, Forest Whittaker, and Harvey Keitel. It features some tunes from The Jerry Garcia Band, and has one of the most beautiful endings I've seen in a while set to Tom Waits' "Innocent When You Dream.":)

[lucille]

I always enjoy catching up again with "Fried Green Tomatoes etc", and "If these Walls Could Talk II". I never get sick of "Muriels Wedding", and am proud of both stars and their success. They are both very down to earth in real life.

I loved Fargo, and like a lot of the Cohen Bros movies - can't get into Woody Allen movies though.

[DaveM]

I've seen every one of Michael Moore's movies except "Sicko" and will correct that surely. I just wish he'd try some more pure fiction.

"Pan's Labyrinth" is one of the few movies I've ever seen in which so much of the story is told visually that, although it is subtitled, I barely noticed. Much of the tale is told in such a way that it transcends language....a true rarity.

A "hidden treasure" for those who go for that sort of thing: "A Scanner Darkly", adapted from the novel by Philip K. Dick and possibly the most faithful adaptation any of his work has gotten yet. The whole film is rotoscoped--basically a layer of animation is placed over the live actors, which makes for some fascinating effects. As with anything from P.K. Dick, there is a lot to think about and an astonishing amount of material that is only starting to seem relevant more than 40 years after he wrote it. The ending, which includes Dick's original postscript to his book, is especially poignant.

Not for every taste, but a remarkable movie.

"Tideland" is most definitely not for everyone but a remarkable movie once you realize that you're supposed to try to view the events in the story through the eyes of one of the characters, a nine year old girl. Much to think about, not all of it pleasant, strange, disorienting visuals, and lots of hints of something just below the surface, not all of which becomes apparent on one viewing. Director Terry Gilliam's cinematography, stuffed with references to famous artworks and to some of his other work, is a treat throughout.

[gisli]

Saw two movies yesterday, can reccomend them to everyone. The first was a german movie called In Sachen Kaminski. The movie is based on a true story and is about a young lawyer comes the aid of a mildly intellectually disabled couple who lose custody of their daughter. The authorities believe that the child is better placed with a foster family, but the lawyer is convinced she belongs with her biological parents and fights to the end to have the couple's custody rights returned.

The second was a love story called The Notebook based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, this love story stars James Garner and Gena Rowlands. Garner begins to read to Gena from a notebook containing a love story of two teenagers. A very heartwarming movie.......what can I say, I am a real sucker for a good love story.

[hoops]

thank you all, great recomendations
davem, I have not heard of the yamaha virago, i'll have to look onto it...also i have not seen canadian bacon, i have not seen bit one micheal moore movie fahrenheit 9/11. and though it had it's moments, i was overly impressed, maybe i should watch it again. sometimes i miss stuff...
peace
hoops

[Wildflower Fever]

I've seen every one of Michael Moore's movies except "Sicko" and will correct that surely. I just wish he'd try some more pure fiction.

"Pan's Labyrinth" is one of the few movies I've ever seen in which so much of the story is told visually that, although it is subtitled, I barely noticed. Much of the tale is told in such a way that it transcends language....a true rarity.

A "hidden treasure" for those who go for that sort of thing: "A Scanner Darkly", adapted from the novel by Philip K. Dick and possibly the most faithful adaptation any of his work has gotten yet. The whole film is rotoscoped--basically a layer of animation is placed over the live actors, which makes for some fascinating effects. As with anything from P.K. Dick, there is a lot to think about and an astonishing amount of material that is only starting to seem relevant more than 40 years after he wrote it. The ending, which includes Dick's original postscript to his book, is especially poignant.

Not for every taste, but a remarkable movie.

"Tideland" is most definitely not for everyone but a remarkable movie once you realize that you're supposed to try to view the events in the story through the eyes of one of the characters, a nine year old girl. Much to think about, not all of it pleasant, strange, disorienting visuals, and lots of hints of something just below the surface, not all of which becomes apparent on one viewing. Director Terry Gilliam's cinematography, stuffed with references to famous artworks and to some of his other work, is a treat throughout.

Brazil is good as well. DaveM, I watched "A Scanner Darkly" and enjoyed it, but I must say it made me harken back to my days of "altered reality" if you know what I mean.;) I wanted to break free of "big brother's" arms just briefly and partake a little for pleasure, but, those days are gone.:( On a sidenote, I've heard the Coen's new one "No Country For Old Men" is amazing.

[DaveM]

Oh yes--"Brazil" is my all-time favorite movie. I believe the version currently on DVD is the orginal UK print, which is 11 minutes longer than the American release. There are a lot of subtle differences and two complete scenes that didn't make it into the American print.

I've heard the same thing about the Coens' new one. They're not for every taste, but have never made a bad movie to my mind.

[hoops]

watched citizen ruth with laura dern as a woman with 4 children who has given away her life to quick fixes, sex with strangers who treat her badly, huffing spray paint and glue and other issues that lead to her losing her children and several jail sentences, who is caught huffing and finds out she is pregnant, then the war begins between pro life and pro choice and ruth is their poster child as long as they have the money. they say it's a satire and i suppose it is, but it is also a very sad look reality. if you like a little bit of picking on both sides, a frighteningly honest look at the two different sides, they you will enjoy this film, it'll make you think a little. i saw it when it first came out way back when, i guess i liked it enough to see it again.
peace
hoops