Three Towns Forum

Members' Lounge => Music, TV, Radio & The Arts => Topic started by: Pendragon on November 17, 2010, 07:11:12 pm

Title: Film Reviews
Post by: Pendragon on November 17, 2010, 07:11:12 pm
For all you football fans out there (which I am not BTW)

If you get chance watch "Reds and Blues" a really funny film about the rivalry between Liverpool and Everton fans. Each will not tolerate the others team colours.Theres one bit where the Liverpool fan picks up two pints of milk on his door step one is blue top so he launches it into next doors garden and the Everton supporter has "I'd rather walk alone" on the back of his shirt. Honestly it's funny.

 _))*  L0L
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Pendragon on November 17, 2010, 07:18:21 pm
The American

What an utter pile of pants this film was, I sat determined to watch the end, Hubby couldn't take it anymore and went to bed. I like George Clooney. this film had no real story line that made sense. I kid you not boring as you like. I felt brain dead by the end. now I'm no Jonathan Ross but my verdict ----- utter DROSS.


Ps. I have broken no laws all these films are available to download if you know where to look  :D
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Pendragon on November 17, 2010, 07:22:36 pm
Robin Hood

Really good film but they should have renamed it, as it doesn't resemble any version of Robin Hood I've ever heard or seen. The story is completely different. I'll give you a clue................have you ever heard of the Robin Hood that united all the kingdoms in England against the French........no neither had I. The only resemblence to the usual story is he has a fling with Maid Marion.

 )*)&
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Pendragon on January 15, 2011, 01:24:18 pm
127 hours

To be honest Gez wasn't impressed when I said I wanted to watch it. In his words "Your joking it looks pants" probably as it's got no guns or half naked women and it's not an action thriller.

Based on the true story of a mountaineer who must amputate his own arm in order to survive a hiking accident in a remote Utah canyon. It's the best film I've seen for a long time. How the guy survived and was eventually rescued is astounding. I know its a cliche but I was on the edge of my seat. Even Gez was impressed. If you get chance watch it !


Title: Re: Films
Post by: Pendragon on February 06, 2011, 01:09:58 pm
The Black Swan

If your expecting a girly film about the ballet....................your in for a shock.
It's a very strange film about a ballet dancer driven towards a break down through the pressure of getting the starring role in Swan Lake.  She's convinced her co-star is trying to steal the role from her. Very sureal scenes all the way through.  It's confusing as your never sure whether events have really happened or if it's her imagination.  Nah not my kettle of fish i'm afraid.  Don't watch it with the kids either.........its a bit racey in some parts.
Title: Re: Films
Post by: brumbob on February 06, 2011, 03:12:17 pm
Paranormal Activity 2

I thought the first one was bad but gave the second outing a chance, silly me.
To say I was bored is an understatement, nothing at all happened in the first hour of the film,
then you got a few doors opening and slamming by themselves,
special effects consisted of the wife being dragged invisibly down the stairs and the baby lifted up by its legs in the cot.
Scary, not on your Nelly. Avoid.
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Pendragon on February 06, 2011, 03:17:01 pm
Yeah I watched the first film, utter pile of pants didn't bother with the second and I won't now Bob.
Title: Re: Films
Post by: brumbob on February 06, 2011, 03:18:41 pm
Conviction

A working mother puts herself through law school in an effort to represent her brother, who has been wrongfully convicted of murder
and has exhausted his chances to appeal his conviction through public defenders.

I don't normally watch films based on true stories, but this had such great acting that I found it compelling to watch.
A bit of a tear jerker, well it was for me  :-[
8/10
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Fester on February 06, 2011, 08:40:07 pm
I read an article about the story behind this film.

The level at which the police were conspiring to convict an innocent man was sickening.

This poor man was released back into the world after many years of suffering, and incredible hard work by his sister.
Only to die accidentally and tragically with 6 months of his freedom.


Title: Re: Films
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 07, 2011, 09:45:37 am
my favourite film is still Pulp Fiction  8) 8)
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Trojan on February 07, 2011, 07:13:31 pm
My favorite Quentin Tarantino film is the 2007 Death Proof Merddyn.

Kurt Russell plays an excellent role as psychotic Stuntman Mike and being a car enthusiast like yourself, the car chase between the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger is one of the best I've seen.

Death proof (2007) trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEVyC8FByng#ws)



Title: Re: Films
Post by: DaveR on February 07, 2011, 07:20:33 pm
Death Proof was a great film but I enjoyed the other half of the double bill better - what was that called?
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Trojan on February 07, 2011, 08:11:05 pm
Death Proof was a great film but I enjoyed the other half of the double bill better - what was that called?

Planet Terror.
Title: Re: Films
Post by: DaveR on February 07, 2011, 08:26:29 pm
That's the one. Great film.  $good$
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 07, 2011, 09:24:08 pm
I have'nt seen Death Proof, I'll have to see it, looks good. The white Challenger reminds me of   Vanishing Point  8)
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Fester on February 07, 2011, 09:54:25 pm
Merddin is correct, Pulp Fiction is indeed the best film of all time.... and anyone who disagrees, I shall ''Strike You down with FURIOUS ANGER!''

I might even get a friend of mine to pop a cap in yo' ass...!




Title: Re: Films
Post by: Trojan on February 07, 2011, 11:48:53 pm
I have'nt seen Death Proof, I'll have to see it, looks good. The white Challenger reminds me of   Vanishing Point  8)

Ah yes, a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, with a 440 cubic-inch V-8.  X:((
Title: Re: Films
Post by: brumbob on February 13, 2011, 05:24:51 pm
My favorite Quentin Tarantino film is the 2007 Death Proof Merddyn.
I prefer Kill Bill 1and 2  :)
Title: Re: Films
Post by: brumbob on February 13, 2011, 05:43:52 pm
Just finished watching
Due Date starring Robert Downey Jr (star of Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes) both great films

Due Date is very reminiscent of John Candys 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles'
where instead of Candy getting Steve Martin home in time for Christmas,
Ethan Tremblay aka comedian Zach Galifianakis is trying to get Robert Downey Jr home in time for the birth of his first baby.
A great relationship eventually builds up between the two main characters on this road trip with plenty of mishaps along the way.
I'll give it 7/10, loads of laughs but nowhere near as funny as Planes, Trains & Automobiles which is one of my all time favourite comedy films.
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Pendragon on February 15, 2011, 01:12:14 am
Mr Nice.

The story of Howard Marks played by Rhys Ifans, who to be honest I love anyway.  Howard Marks was a Welshman studying at Oxford when he discovered a passage way that led to a secret smoking den.  It was here he met a fellow student who was making vast amounts of money from smuggling marijuana through Germany.  When this student, now his close friend was caught and jailed he basically stepped into the breach.  He started smuggling drugs from Pakistan, he found this relatively easy.  He was approached by MI6 to infiltrate the IRA.  Eventually he was caught along with his associates who grassed him up.  He was jailed for 25 years. He was released in 1995. Mr Nice was the alias he used and hence the name of the film.  A very enigmatic character you can't help but like him.  An interesting film which I really enjoyed. 
Title: Re: Films
Post by: brumbob on February 20, 2011, 09:32:43 pm
The Mechanic
Jason Statham is back in his usual hitman role, this time playing the hired assassin Arthur Bishop AKA The Mechanic.
Bishop takes his murdered friends son under his wing and teaches him the tricks of the trade.
Together they make an imposing force and go after the people responsible for his friends death.
Lots of blood, bullets and crashes plus Jason Statham make this a very enjoyable 90 minutes and for a remake of a Charles Bronson film, this is no mean feat.
8/10
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Yorkie on February 24, 2011, 04:35:40 pm
One of my favourite films is The Italian Job with "My name is" - Michael Caine!   
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Trojan on February 24, 2011, 06:33:54 pm
One of my favourite films is The Italian Job with "My name is" - Michael Caine!   

One of my favorite Madness songs is........Michael Caine.  :D

Madness - Michael Caine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK67VnWgA80#)
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Pendragon on February 26, 2011, 12:28:19 pm
plus Jason Statham make this a very enjoyable 90 minutes

Can't remember what you saiid about the film Bob.  Jason statham...............Mmmm........... $bounce$
Title: Re: Films
Post by: Trojan on February 28, 2011, 06:17:19 pm
plus Jason Statham make this a very enjoyable 90 minutes

Can't remember what you saiid about the film Bob.  Jason statham...............Mmmm........... $bounce$

Maybe you'd like to try a Bacon sandwich?  8)
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Pendragon on February 28, 2011, 08:16:11 pm
I wouldn't share him.....................not a chance  ;D
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Trojan on February 28, 2011, 10:05:05 pm
I wouldn't share him.....................not a chance  ;D

Oh you are awful......
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: DaveR on June 17, 2011, 09:34:27 pm
I've never watched the Harry Potter films, so thought I would have a viewing binge to work my way through them recently. I wasn't sure if I would like them but I have to say they were excellent, very well made. Half Blood Prince was my favourite. Can't wait now for Deathly Hallows Part II. $good$

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" Trailer 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mObK5XD8udk#ws)
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: TheMedz on June 17, 2011, 09:53:07 pm
Recently watched and enjoyed "Made in Dagenham"  same look and feel as "The Full Monty" from 1997.
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Sara on June 21, 2011, 10:19:58 pm
I've never watched the Harry Potter films, so thought I would have a viewing binge to work my way through them recently. I wasn't sure if I would like them but I have to say they were excellent, very well made. Half Blood Prince was my favourite. Can't wait now for Deathly Hallows Part II. $good$

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" Trailer 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mObK5XD8udk#ws)

Love the Harry Potter films. In the lead up to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2, Cineworld will be showing all the other films.
Deathly Hallows 2 will be shown in 2D and 3D.
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Pendragon on June 21, 2011, 10:56:06 pm
Yeah I must to confess we have the collection so far on dvd our excuse is we have a 13 yr old.  Loved the Lord of the Rings films too  D) $good$
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Fester on June 21, 2011, 11:26:56 pm
Is anyone watching Game of Thrones then?

An adult version of Lord of the Rings I would say...
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: SDQ on June 22, 2011, 05:01:03 am
I think Game Of Thrones has been an excellent series with a first class cast made up of predominantly British actors. I must confess to not having read any of the books (A Song Of Ice And Fire) it's based on but by all accounts it is quite faithful to them. With such a mix of storylines it was surprisingly easy to follow as all the Dynasties/Families from the Seven Kingdoms Of Westeros started to fight for control of the Iron Throne. It was so heavily hyped at the beginning I was a bit sceptical when I started watching but it was everything they promised and more besides!
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: DaveR on July 16, 2011, 09:46:33 pm
I've never watched the Harry Potter films, so thought I would have a viewing binge to work my way through them recently. I wasn't sure if I would like them but I have to say they were excellent, very well made. Half Blood Prince was my favourite. Can't wait now for Deathly Hallows Part II. $good$

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" Trailer 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mObK5XD8udk#ws)

Love the Harry Potter films. In the lead up to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2, Cineworld will be showing all the other films.
Deathly Hallows 2 will be shown in 2D and 3D.
I've just seen Harry Potter & Deathly Hallows Part II. Excellent film, action packed all the way and all the bits of the plot going back to the start get tied up properly. Highly recommended!  $good$
Title: A.Lonely.Place.to.Die My recommended movie
Post by: pentan on June 23, 2012, 09:47:14 am

Set in the Scottish Highlands this Movie is awash with beautiful scenery and awesome mountain climbs an aperitif for what is to follow.
A tense action thriller I would say was on a par with Deliverance a mostly British cast that give a fine performance a refreshing change in this movie is the lack of sex and drugs and rock n roll, they is a decree of violence but needed for the storyline
8/10
Title: Re: A.Lonely.Place.to.Die My recommended movie
Post by: DaveR on June 23, 2012, 05:26:20 pm

Set in the Scottish Highlands this Movie is awash with beautiful scenery and awesome mountain climbs an aperitif for what is to follow.
A tense action thriller I would say was on a par with Deliverance a mostly British cast that give a fine performance a refreshing change in this movie is the lack of sex and drugs and rock n roll, they is a decree of violence but needed for the storyline
8/10
Sounds interesting, will give it a whirl.
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 23, 2012, 06:12:08 pm
You can't beat 'Pulp Fiction'  8) 8)
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: pentan on June 23, 2012, 09:41:27 pm
To much sex drugs and rock-n roll med
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Merddin Emrys on June 24, 2012, 06:56:26 pm
Enough about your private life, what about the film?  ;D
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Pendragon on July 03, 2012, 02:04:18 pm
Enough about your private life, what about the film?  ;D
hehe you make me giggle Andy  ;D
Title: Re: The Lone Ranger (Sky Movies)
Post by: Ian on April 21, 2014, 08:47:52 am
Sky have started showing this very recent release which was a poor box office performer and which stars the redoubtable Jonny Depp as Tonto.

We're both Depp admirers, partly because he's an outstanding actor, partly because you rarely get anything from him which doesn't in some way confound expectations, and we were both curious to know why the proven combination of Verbinski (Director) and Depp didn't achieve the same outstanding success as the Pirates of the Caribbean series.

The film is told through the perspective of an aged Tonto - now impossibly on tour with a Wild West show, rather like Buffalo Bill's show of the turn of the 20th Century.  That might - possibly - have been the first mistake, since the effect of the technique is to slow the pace at crucial moments. However, there was probably a more significant reason why it stumbled.

Depp is reliably on form. His trademark cartoon-like eye movements, his sometimes bizarrely comic run and his incredibly well-timed use of bathos all contribute to his being one of the extremely few actors who can combine rich comedy with a genuinely heightened sense of real danger, often in the same scene.  Arnie Hammer, the co-lead, is good, but it must be mighty difficult acting alongside Depp for anyone. Helena Bonham-Carter is excellent, as are all the supporting cast and the action sequences are some of the funniest - and most visually effective - I've seen in a movie.

So why did it fail, albeit financially? The film, unfortunately, deals with a very well-known and comparatively recent episode in American history and the slaughter, by means of a concealed Gatling gun, of attacking Comanches was difficult to watch and too real, unlike the more make-believe scenes in Pirates. The villain of the film  - Butch (Cassidy) - was also extreme, and inflicts violence and cruelty which is extraordinarily visceral in its nature, and the effect of that is to make for uneasy watching. It's the extreme contrast between this elemental evil and Tonto's daftness that I suspect acts to unnerve the audience and possibly deter them from wanting to see it a second time. Film humour is a craft, and one way to make it work is through contrasting scenes of real threat and danger with scenes of incredibly silliness. I think perhaps that the film made the contrast too strong, so the relief gained when the humour arrives does not outweigh the anxiety generated by the danger and horror.

So, having said all that, is it worth seeing? I believe it is, if only to watch Depp, whose portrayal of Tonto is incredibly effective.  Depp uses his voice masterfully, and he imitates the drawling baritone of Robert Stack (The Untouchables) in every respect to perfection. As an aside, I'm not sure anyone else has noticed this as I can't find references to it anywhere.

The action sequences at the start and end are also phenomenal, and it's easy to see where the massive budget went. They're pulled off superbly, too, and although you know a lot is green-screened you really can't see the joins. The film is a little long: almost three hours which - at home - is bearable, but I can see the cinema audiences might not have been so forgiving. The original William Tell overture is played towards the end when the Ranger finally dons his mask and performs the most unlikely shoot-out scenes ever filmed (and the funniest, beyond doubt) but one high spot of the film is Silver.  The horse appears on rooftops, up trees, in train carriages - in short, anywhere it would be impossible for a horse to get, and that's a nice touch.

In summary, then, a film which it's worth seeing but not the best of Depp's (or Verbinski's) offerings. Nonetheless, an enjoyable ride and a a great deal of fun.
Title: Re: The Lone Ranger (Sky Movies)
Post by: Fester on April 21, 2014, 11:07:39 pm

We're both Depp admirers, partly because he's an outstanding actor, partly because you rarely get anything from him which doesn't in some way confound expectations,
.


Each to their own I suppose, and isn't it funny how people can have such different perspectives on the same subject?

You see I think Jonny Depp is a terrible actor.
I have always thought his mutterings were pretty much incomprehensible, although much of that could be down to my diminishing hearing, or the monotone drawl that passes for movie sound quality these days.

I have always thought that he played trivial parts, such as Edward Scissorhands.
I thought his depiction of Willy Wonka was not only trivia, but also unnecessarily sinister, when Gene Wilder played the part brilliantly and enjoyably a couple of decades before.

Whenever I see a new 'blockbuster' featuring Depp, I devoutly ignore it these days.

All this is in my own humble opinion.
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Ian on April 22, 2014, 07:12:44 am
Quote
Each to their own I suppose, and isn't it funny how people can have such different perspectives on the same subject? You see I think Jonny Depp is a terrible actor.

Well, you're not alone, that's for sure. When we first encountered his films I was of a similar opinion. He seemed entirely insubstantial as an actor, and there appeared to be little logic in his bizarre choice of parts. I suspect it was his three Oscar nominations and his 51 award wins which made me take a closer look at this small and seemingly odd actor. In some ways he's the Meryl Streep of actors; I could never understand why Barry Norman raved about her, until I really watched a film she was in, and then I realised.

The main component of an actor is their voice, which you touched on, Fester. I think that's when I started to reappraise him as an actor, because his vocal skills and the work he puts in to master accents, intonation, cadence and timing is astonishing. And above all, he's rarely the same in any two movies. I grant you he mumbles when he's not acting, however. In interviews you can barely discern what he's saying but in performance that's never been a problem for me. One issue, I now realise, is that modern movies are made with 7:1 soundtracks, and optimised for big theatres. That means unless you have a correspondingly decent set up in the house, you miss a lot, something I only discovered when I bought a Cambridge Audio centre speaker to match the rest of our kit.

One odd thing about him is that he rarely acts in films that do staggeringly well. Many of his films - if not flops - rarely make pots of cash, and part of that might be his long-time affiliation with the eccentric Tim Burton. But he knows the business well, and at 50 I doubt he's peaked.
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: DaveR on April 22, 2014, 09:18:22 am
I don't think he's terrible (although I do find his Keith Richards tribute schtick in the Pirates series cringeworthy), but I do think Leonardo DiCaprio is a far better actor.
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: DaveR on June 19, 2015, 12:29:12 pm
I'm looking forward to the new James Bond film, 'SPECTRE':
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPMMRdbU5Og (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPMMRdbU5Og)

..and Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIsauUFIguE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIsauUFIguE)

Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Ian on June 19, 2015, 03:11:44 pm
Boned - yes but MI if it's still got the egregious Cruise in - nope.
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: SteveH on June 19, 2015, 04:30:14 pm
Boned - yes but MI if it's still got the egregious Cruise in - nope.

Ian.....Is that the  X rated version?   ;)
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Ian on June 19, 2015, 06:40:01 pm
Oops!

 _))* _))* _))* _))* _))*
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: DaveR on August 11, 2015, 09:01:04 am
We went to see Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation last weekend and I have to say it was fantastic. Non stop action from start to finish, by far the best in the MI series. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Two thumbs up!  $good$  $good$
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Merddin Emrys on August 11, 2015, 09:05:40 am
Sounds like my kind of film!  $good$
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: DaveR on October 30, 2015, 03:34:05 pm
We went to see SPECTRE last night and all I have to say is...go see it, its FANTASTIC, quite possibly the best Bond film ever!  $good$  $good$  $good$
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: DaveR on February 22, 2016, 11:19:45 am
Seen a couple of great films lately.

 Sicario is a thriller based around the Mexican-US drugs smuggling scene, a gripping film from start to finish.

Spotlight is the true story of how newspaper reporters exposed the child abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests in the Boston area. Superb acting in this, and a very compelling story.
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: SteveH on March 31, 2016, 01:32:46 pm
Old VHS tapes could be worth up to £1,500 - have you got a small fortune stashed in a cupboard?

They look like relics from a bygone age after the rise of DVDs, Blu-Ray and Smart TVs.
But if you've got a stash of old VHS tapes up in the loft or at the back of a cupboard you never open, it might be worth reminding yourself what you've got.
It turns out some old VHS tapes are worth a small fortune.

Old VHS tapes are part of a growing band of old technology now being collected like antiques – leading them to coin the phrase “antech” to describe the new market.

MORE.    http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/old-vhs-tapes-could-worth-11116851 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/old-vhs-tapes-could-worth-11116851)

Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Fester on March 31, 2016, 05:39:44 pm
Old VHS tapes could be worth up to £1,500 - have you got a small fortune stashed in a cupboard?

They look like relics from a bygone age after the rise of DVDs, Blu-Ray and Smart TVs.
But if you've got a stash of old VHS tapes up in the loft or at the back of a cupboard you never open, it might be worth reminding yourself what you've got.
It turns out some old VHS tapes are worth a small fortune.

Old VHS tapes are part of a growing band of old technology now being collected like antiques – leading them to coin the phrase “antech” to describe the new market.

MORE.    http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/old-vhs-tapes-could-worth-11116851 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/old-vhs-tapes-could-worth-11116851)

Well strange then that Charity shops won't even take them for nothing!!
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: Nemesis on March 31, 2016, 06:07:02 pm
Old VHS tapes could be worth up to £1,500 - have you got a small fortune stashed in a cupboard?

They look like relics from a bygone age after the rise of DVDs, Blu-Ray and Smart TVs.
But if you've got a stash of old VHS tapes up in the loft or at the back of a cupboard you never open, it might be worth reminding yourself what you've got.
It turns out some old VHS tapes are worth a small fortune.

Old VHS tapes are part of a growing band of old technology now being collected like antiques – leading them to coin the phrase “antech” to describe the new market.

MORE.    http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/old-vhs-tapes-could-worth-11116851 (http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/old-vhs-tapes-could-worth-11116851)

Well strange then that Charity shops won't even take them for nothing!!

True, we end up with tons of them, many not fit to play, so now don't accept them.
Title: Re: Film Reviews
Post by: DaveR on September 06, 2017, 09:23:23 am
Went to see Dunkirk last weekend. I was expecting great things from Christopher Nolan and he didn't disappoint. The three different stories (land, sea, air) intertwined well and it was nail biting stuff. Great cinematography, as well.

Still on at Cineworld if you fancy a watch.