Rate The Last Movie You Watched

[Ex Deo]

Who Killed the Electric Car- A great documentary about the death of the first mass produced electric car, the EV1. If you're pissed off about the current gas prices, as well as the union between the government and oil companies, check this one out.

Flags of our Fathers- As far as World War II movies go, it was worth viewing, for sure, but Saving Private Ryan was much better. The biggest problem with the movie, and probably the reason I wasn't too impressed by it, was the fact that Eastwood continually cut between three different time periods: The Battle of Iwo Jima, the period after the battle when the three surviving men who raised the flag returned home, and then the present. Because of this it somewhat confused the point which was being stressed as well as made it difficult to give a damn about the characters. My next complaint is the dialogue which simply didn't feel genuine much of the time, maybe it was just the delivery, but I wasn't convinced. Definitely not Clint Eastwood's best effort, though still certainly worth viewing for it's message.

Death to Smoochie- Just watched it, having never seen it. The film is deeply flawed, but still the concept and execution are, for the most part, hilarious. The whole idea that there's some dark underworld of children's television was fantastic. And it's got Edward Norton, as Sheldon Stokes (or Smoochi, who never fails to impress.

[The Dude]

two movies over the weekend.

Knocked up. I really did enjoy this movie even though I got grossed out at some parts but still over all a really good movie.

Last King of Scotland. Another movie I really enjoyed and Forest Whitaker deserved the oscar for his role in that film.

[Ex Deo]

Sunshine

The (not so) new flick from Danny Boyle, director of films such as Millions, Trainspotting, and 28 Days Later.

The film takes place roughly 50 years in the future, and according to Capa (Cillian Murphey), who narrarates in the beginning, the sun is dying, resulting in a solar winter on Earth. So, in response to this, a mission is launched by all of humanity, to re-ignite the failing sun by sending a vessel with a nuclear payload the size of Manhattan into our star. Seven years prior to the mission in which Capa is involved, a first mission was launched with the same goal, that vessel was named Icarus I, but eventually contact was lost with the ship and the mission was assumed to have failed because the sun never regained strength. So, Icarus II was subsequently launched with the same purpose, and employing the same means.

Despite some obviously flawed science, the film succeeds remarkably well for the most part, with only a few minor hiccups. The most striking aspect of the film is the visuals, which are breathtaking, and few moments go by without the director reminding the audience of the enormity and importance of the crew's mission, as well as their utter isolation out in the depths of space, and their relative insignificance within the vast universe. One scene, more than any other accomplishes this brilliantly, as the crew enters the observation deck to gaze as the planet Mercury enters their view; it's size juxtaposed hauntingly against the gigantic star looming in the background.

The cast does exceptionally well under the guidance of director Danny Boyle, who had the cast spend several months together, prior to filming, in order for them to form a more natural bond and sense of camaraderie. Chris Evans, best known as Johnny Storm, from The Fantastic Four, gives what is probably his best performance yet as Mace, the ship's engineer, who when faced with the decision to veer slightly from their primary objective, in the hopes of increasing their payload, by combining theirs with Icarus I's (which is discovered hovering immediately before the sun), he objects, understanding that the slightest detour risks everything, most importantly, humanity's ultimate fate.

Near the end, the film becomes somewhat like Scream in space, as a villain is introduced in the form of the captain of Icarus I, who seeks to sabotage the mission, for fear of invoking God's wrath. He believes God has chosen to instigate man's doom with the death of the sun. Despite the disappointing inclusion of this element, the horror it introduces is genuine, and fairly effective.

One thing Boyle does well is play the film very subtly, refusing to go the more melodramatic route, and allows the characters to exist more realistically, which is helpful under the strain of such a preposterous scenario. Near the end, the director strays from this and chooses to up the emotional ante of the final scene on Icarus, and the result is vastly unnerving, however, the moment is brief, and immediately following, the audience is given the true finish, which returns to the previously subtle, yet effective tone.

The film is definitely worth checking out, sadly it's not playing in many theaters here in the States.

[Shadow]

Not going all out here, but I went to see Transformers with a friend this Monday. Let's just say I felt like an ass when I went to the bathroom afterwards surrounded by eight year olds talking about how awesome it was.

[Ex Deo]

Good Night and Good Luck

An amazing piece of film directed by George Clooney about journalist Edward R. Murrow and his legendary battle with Senator Joseph MCarthy during the 1950's, over his blatant and unabashed violation of the civil rights of American citizens during his Communist witch-hunts.

The film is shot entirely in black and white in order to more effectively transport the audience back in time, giving it a very stylish vintage look, which is enhanced with a magnificent jazz soundtrack.

There's no doubt that George Clooney chose to do this film because of it's relevance in light of the current situation in the US over the "war on terror". Similar to Joseph Mcarthy's labeling of anyone who disagreed with his methods or his hatred of Communists, as a Communist, there's a similar movement to get anyone who doesn't agree with the President's politics to be labeled as a liberal (as if it's a bad thing), or a socialist, or anti-American- this by the likes of figures such as Bill O'Reilly (who it seems blows his top on a nightly basis now) Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, and even the general tone by seemingly moderately minded figures.

While there's little actual reprimanding going on, there's still a stigma attached to certain ideas (such as Universal healthcare) which no doubt, makes many fearful of speaking their minds.

This film has become one of my favorites ever, and is a great slice of history with good performances all around, particularly from David Strathairn, who plays the central figure. Definitely check it out.

[Wei Yan]

Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocense.

Twas rather entertaining, amazing graphics, lots of philosofical chattering. But I spent most of the movie being confused, prolly because I didn't see the series or read the manga.

I suppose people that don't play FF have similar feelings while watching FFVII AC.

All in all, go watch it, it's a pearl of anime.

[WackaWacka]

Bourne Ultimatum

...wow, awesome movie. Lots of action, with some really cool scenes when Jason Bourne gets on a motorcycle and drives up and down stairs and somehow uses a sidewalk as a ramp. not as good as the first movie in the series, Bourne Identity though. Very worthwhile movie.

[Kakyoin]

L4yer Cake

From the producer of Lock, Stock... and Snatch comes L4yer Cake. It'd be fairly easy to lump it in with those 2 films and I guess it is. It adheres to similar conventions as Guy Ritchie's films and definately falls under the "British gangster film" but there are some neat little touches that set it apart and make it well worth a viewing.

Daniel Craig, who I've never seen act before (that's right, I still haven't seen Casino Royale) does a good job as the lead drug dealer/"businessman". Actually, all the cast are pretty good, even those in stereotypical roles. It's never played off as cartoony or tongue in cheek, although there are (black) comedic moments to the film.

I actually enjoyed it more than I expected to. Plus, the ending, which the director had to fight for, is a pretty refreshing change in this day and age.

9 out of 10

[Batman]

Idiocracy

Absolute satirical brilliance, falls flat on humour at some places though.

8/10

[King Hydro]

Rush Hour 3:

8/10 - Everything i expected from it. It was comical, hilarious in parts, and didn't drag on at all. A well made film.

[shuyin_zer0]

Halloween

I rank it a 9/10

It was MUCH better than the last 5 sequels. A fresh start is what it needed. I refuse to compare it to the original. But I just HAVE to say it was more intense than the original.
The Prequel part was really well done however when the "Remake" part kicked in it DID seem a bit rushed to get to the climax. But Im not complaining. I loved this movie and I will DEFINATELY see it a few more times before it leaves the theatres.

[KMcPansy]

the last movie i saw was The Hitcher. I thought it was really really good. I was impressed. I thought it was going to suck.

[Kakyoin]

Blade Runner Final Cut

The possibly-best-film-ever-made just got slightly better. On Bluray this film hurts your eyes, it's beautiful.

10/10

[smattle]

The taking of Pelham 123

Nice movie, Travolta at his best! Denzel Washington one of the better currently active male actors anyways so the 2 of them make a good job.
Action-genre a bit different than the usual. Less shooting more talks lol.

Great movie for most part, ending is a fail imho.

8.2 / 10

[smattle]

"Home"

Great movie, awesome footage, very nice soundtrack,
documentary.

9.6 / 10

[smattle]

Sand Serpents.

Pathetic attempt to make a movie. A few well made scenes are a rare sight..
...completely disappointing.

3/10

[fullwall]

Harry Potter.

Terrible, didn't live up to any expectations. Put some sunlight in there!

5/10

[smattle]

GJ Joe

Not bad...but nothing impressive. Just like any Bond-movie without Bond. Weird twist in the story that doesn't really explain or add anything to it. Nice gadgets but nothing really interesting.
Business as usual in Hollywood, but nothing more.

7-8 / 10

[Garland]

District 9

An interesting concept with underlying tones of emotion that really jog the audience. The Home Video/ news Camera style was often inconsistant with other scenes in the movie. And there are some plot holes that are minor in nature but still baffle non the less. Like how humans can talk to the aliens in English, and the aliens reply in their native language but both understand each other perfectly.

8/10

[smattle]

Originally Posted by Garland

District 9

An interesting concept with underlying tones of emotion that really jog the audience. The Home Video/ news Camera style was often inconsistant with other scenes in the movie. And there are some plot holes that are minor in nature but still baffle non the less. Like how humans can talk to the aliens in English, and the aliens reply in their native language but both understand each other perfectly.

8/10

I may be wrong, but didn't the aliens speak English, at least sort of? They just had trouble because of those weird testicles growing in their faces?