Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Discuss past, present, and future releases. This is the place for news, reviews, and your 'best' lists.

Moderators: Buscemi, BarcaRulz, Geezer, W

User avatar
Buscemi2
Mad Max
Posts: 6662
Joined: July 25th, 2017, 9:13 pm
Location: Neither here nor there.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Buscemi2 »

Infinite Storm 3/10

The days of when Naomi Watts could pick good projects seems to have long passed. What starts a slightly-above mediocre survival drama makes the fatal mistake of switching to a sappy awards bait drama about loss in the last third. Watching the sudden plot shift suggests a troubled production and on all but the film itself, I've seen two directors credited with the final product. It would not surprise me to find out that another director shot the last third as it becomes a different, and therefore far lesser, film in the process. But anyway, you're better off watching 127 Hours again, a much superior film about a lone adventurer entering certain life-threatening danger.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.

User avatar
Screen203
Clark Griswald
Posts: 1170
Joined: December 1st, 2018, 3:38 pm
Location: Mullholland Dr.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Screen203 »

The Outfit

I'm not really sure what to think on this one. On one hand, the acting is strong and (once it gets going) the story is gripping and suspenseful, if a bit predictable at points. However, I can't help but feel a slight sense of disappointment with it. After the first 10 or so minutes, which were filled with questionable writing, the movie had me for 90 percent of the rest of the film. The last 10 or so minutes kind of drop the ball, though(I felt like it was a mistake to keep Johnny Flynn's character alive, and I feel like Mark Rylance's past affiliations should have been kept ambiguous - the movie should have cut out after Zoey Deutch left the shop), and it leaves a bit of a sour taste after most of the film was so great. Still, it is very well made, and I wouldn't be suprised if I look more fondly on it in the future, with my initial anticipation of the film not playing a factor.

7 out of 10
It's not destroying. It's making something new.

Image courtesy of -
https://nerdist.com/annihilation-shimmer-ending-explained/

User avatar
Screen203
Clark Griswald
Posts: 1170
Joined: December 1st, 2018, 3:38 pm
Location: Mullholland Dr.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Screen203 »

The Lost City

Pretty much what you would expect, for better or for worse. I don't understand the critical acclaim - it's not bad by any means, but I'm not sure I would call it the next comedy classic. Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum are enjoyable together, even though I thought they seemed like a strange couple at first. Some of the side characters are a bit obnoxious (talking mostly about Oscar Nunez's character, though it's not really his fault), and certain jokes don't really land (the mid-credits scene with Brad Pitt, in particular, was stretching it). However, the majority of the film works. The action scenes are actually quite entertaining, which I wasn't expecting, and most of the jokes and scenes that involve Tatum, Bullock, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph (aforementioned Nunez scenes aside) are good, although some of the best jokes are spoiled by the preview. This review sounds really negative, but I enjoyed the film as a whole, and wouldn't mind seeing a sequel or two.

7 out of 10
It's not destroying. It's making something new.

Image courtesy of -
https://nerdist.com/annihilation-shimmer-ending-explained/

User avatar
JohnErle
Snake Plissken
Posts: 2905
Joined: October 22nd, 2009, 4:01 am
Contact:

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by JohnErle »

The Spine Of Night (2021) – A disappointing animated fantasy epic that desperately wants to be this generation's
Heavy Metal, but like so much of what passes for art these days it's far more adept at imitation than creation. Apparently it was a labour of love by a handful of artists, and they managed to get Patton Oswalt, Lucy Lawless, and Richard E. Grant involved, so good for them, but I felt like there were only a few compelling sequences and memorable images along the way. In order to fully appreciate this film you'd have to be fifteen years old or high. Preferably both. (5/10)

User avatar
Buscemi2
Mad Max
Posts: 6662
Joined: July 25th, 2017, 9:13 pm
Location: Neither here nor there.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Buscemi2 »

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom 8/10

A good, solid Bhutanese throwback to the long-forgotten inspirational teacher story. Focusing on the fish-out-of-water story of a bored and disillusioned teacher who is transferred to a remote village while waiting for his visa to Australia to be approved and after facing the treacherous journey to get there, he soon learns about and understands the people and their culture and in the process, finds himself and his reason for becoming a teacher in the first place. This is the kind of film rarely seen in American cinema, focusing mainly on the story and avoiding distractions to create a simple but effective drama with a lot of heart and likeability. Both meditative and entertaining.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.

User avatar
Buscemi2
Mad Max
Posts: 6662
Joined: July 25th, 2017, 9:13 pm
Location: Neither here nor there.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Buscemi2 »

Inanimate Carbon Rod...err, I mean CODA 2/10

I'm not sure which is the worse Best Picture winner: this or Shakespeare in Love. This remake of a film that was never even released in the US (though I'm sure Apple will pick that film up soon and sell it as "The Movie That Inspired Our Increased Subscriber Base!") is an inauthentic festival of stereotypes, cliches, and bad covers of Motown songs. The main character is one of the most passive characters I've ever seen in a film, only standing up for herself when the plot requires it, while the script is more interested in toilet humor and teen movie plot points we've seen many times before than making us care for any of these figures. And the relationship between the girl and a badly miscast Eugenio Derbez (attempting to channel Lin-Manuel Miranda) felt too much like a retread of Whiplash and did nothing to inspire any sort of good feelings.

So why did this win Best Picture? Outside of my hard-to-prove theory that Apple bought the film's Oscars, the reason is simple: it was a show business movie that was easier to sell than Licorice Pizza. The unintentional creepiness is merely a subplot than the main storyline.

In the end, a close to one of the worst years in film history and a reminder to just watch the much superior Sound of Metal.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.

User avatar
transformers2
John Rambo
Posts: 7730
Joined: October 23rd, 2009, 5:15 pm

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by transformers2 »

Recent watches:

The Batman 9.5/10 (will likely become a 10 in the near future)
What a fucking powerhouse of a movie. Matt Reeves' focus on the early days of Batman leads to a vivid, visceral and fascinating portrayal of the darkness that surrounds Gotham and how living in a lawless, corrupt and unjust place shaped Batman, Catwoman, Riddler, etc. The performances are universally impeccable, the staggering visuals/score/sound design are expertly woven together to convey just how rotten and dangerous life in Gotham really is and the "Year 2" narrative makes for a refreshingly raw change of pace that leads to the most compelling portrayals of these iconic characters to date. I'm just in awe of what Reeves and co. were able to accomplish here and can't wait to see what they have in store for the next installment.

Turning Red 7/10
When it's at its best in the early portions of the film, Turning Red is a funny, sweet and vibrant tale that explores the plight of a young Chinese-Candian girl (Rosalie Chiang) trying to cope with the burden of her changing body and relationship with her strict mother (Sandra Oh) that controls every aspect of her life. During the second half when it leans heavier into exploring the supernatural mythology that provides its puberty metaphors with a fantastical edge, it becomes a jarring, directionless foray into a subgenre that just doesn't gel with the messaging it provides and tone it strikes during the rest of the film. There's enough good stuff present here to believe that Domee Shi-who is making her directional debut here- will eventually figure things out, her storytelling just isn't polished or focused enough to meet the high standard her longtime employers have established over the past 25 years quite yet.

Deep Water 7/10
Deep Water is a throwback to the erotic thrillers of the 80's and 90's that boasts a shockingly small amount of the over-the-top sex scenes, graphic violence and horny sleaziness that made the genre so appealing for fans of campy trash entertainment. There also appears to be some evidence that the version of the film that was released was given the good old fashioned studio meddling treatment in the editing room-which *surprise surprise* leads to some editing/storytelling gaps that almost certainly weren't present in the original version and likely led to the really shitty test screening scores that killed its planned theatrical release.

So, did the rough execution of its story and softening of the core erotic thriller elements completely sink Deep Water? Shockingly no and the efforts of its lead actors are solely to thank. Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas simply sell the shit out of their character's jealously-and-lust-fueled dynamic. Both characters are just so brazenly boastful about the evil things they're doing to hurt each other (de Armas' Melinda is openly cheating on Affleck's Vic with multiple men and Vic is proceeding to kill these men to get back at Melinda for being unfaithful) that it makes every scene in which they appear together endearing. The degree of hate, jealously and devilish playfulness present in these interactions creates the sheer confrontational electricity that exists between them that flat-out eviscerates the muddy writing, wonky editing and dull side characters that are actively trying to kneecap the tremendous work these titans of toxicity are engaging in to keep this janky ship on its intended course of mutually assured destruction. Now, who do I have to talk to help launch Affleck and de Armas' Oscar campaigns for next year?

X 8/10
X might be not the most purely enjoyable slasher to come out of the revival movement that has emerged over the past half-decade, but it sure as hell is the boldest and most surprising. Alongside all of the screwing and gory butchering of the doomed souls (Mia Goth, Brittany Snow, Jenna Ortega, Scott Mescudi, Martin Henderson, Owen Campbell) that are setting out to make their own version of Debbie Does Dallas, X finds the space to create a collection of characters that cleverly transcend the archetypal genre roles (self-absorbed party girl, conservative religious girl, etc.) they appear to be filling on paper by turning them into smart, relatable individuals who all have their own motivations to get involved with the production of the porn film, compose some of the most uniquely breathtaking shot selections to appear in a film of late and uses a smart, unexpected allegory involving an area of aging that isn't discussed much to power the villain's (also played by Goth under heavy makeup/prosthetics) motivations that helps generate some sincere empathy for her before all hell breaks loose in the brutal, eerie and darkly hilarious final act. Ti West shows off a really assured touch with his cohesive, stylish packaging of this dynamic melting pot of influences, genres and themes and the cast (particularly Goth, Snow and Mescudi) displays the eagerness and emotional buy-in to go to the expected and unexpected places West needs them to go to bring his uniquely twisted vision to life.


The Outfit 7.5/10
Oscar-winning screenwriter Graham Moore has finally reemerged from the long hiatus he took after winning said gold statue for The Imitation Game in 2015 with a pretty strong directorial debut that makes his return feel particularly welcome. The Outfit is a crime mystery thriller that makes effective use of a single setting by turning a Chicago tailor shop that is frequented by seemingly every mobster in the city into a claustrophobic den of horrors where people's darkest secrets and true identities are slowly revealed over the course of a single evening where the confirmation of a rat among one of the outfit's operations causes mass upheaval within the city's criminal underworld. The damn fine performances from its central cast (Mark Rylance in an all too rare lead role as the owner of the tailor shop, Zoey Deutch, Johnny Flynn, Dylan O'Brien) seamlessly sell all the deceptive mind games and potential power grabs that are on display alongside the finely crafted suits and Moore's script does a good job of creating suspicion and misdirection as he's slowly unmasking who these people really are. It gets a little too cute with the onslaught of twists it unleashes in the final half hour and the pacing takes a pretty long while to settle into a consistent rhythm, but Moore has made a solid, contained crime film that proves he has a future as a director if that's the career path he wants to take.

The Lost City 7.5/10
The Lost City is one of those warm, fast-paced and lighthearted viewing experiences that makes for an ideal watch when you're looking to relax or simply want to watch something that doesn't require much brainpower to focus on. Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum are in sync with each other every step of the way, the action sequences have a playfulness behind them that allows them to become the purest embodiment of the goofy energy that sits at the heart of this movie and there's enough little splashes of weirdness (Daniel Radcliffe's antagonist attempting to win over Bullock's character during their first meeting with a massive assortment of cheese, Patti Harrison getting the green light to show off her darkly absurd sense of humor in a fully mainstream project, every scene involving Oscar Nunez's character ) present to provide a bit of an endearing oddball streak underneath its safe exterior.

The Bubble 6/10
COVID lockdowns did a lot of weird shit to people brains and creating a lukewarm "topical" project that probably wouldn't have left his computer screen if it wasn't for the generosity of the Netflix Entertainment Bank was the symptom of Judd Apatow's time spent in that hazy time capsule. The zippy camaraderie and emphatic punchlines that have defined Apatow's past projects are mostly MIA as both the director and this ensemble cast turn in half-hearted efforts that fail to lean into all of the absurdity the story mines, which results in a comedy where even the best bits aren't as funny as they should be.
BRING BRENDAN FRASER BACK TO THE BIG SCREEN DAMN IT
Check out my blog http://maitlandsmadness.blogspot.com/
Movies,Music,Sports and More!

User avatar
Buscemi2
Mad Max
Posts: 6662
Joined: July 25th, 2017, 9:13 pm
Location: Neither here nor there.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Buscemi2 »

Cow 9/10

Andrea Arnold's best film since Fish Tank is a fly-on-the-wall documentary about a dairy cow and her life on a farm in the UK, forced to live a life of milking and breeding and not much else. What might seem like a bovine version of Gunda is actually a much darker vision (as if Gunda wasn't already dark) of life on the range and how cruel and inhumane humanity can be other life. Arnold is not afraid to shy away on what really goes on in a factory farm and unlike other documentaries with an agenda, it doesn't talk down to you but rather allows you to do the talking and think about what the message is after watching it.

But no other your opinion on the film, it gets you to think while also being disturbed. And shouldn't all good films get you to think?
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.

User avatar
Buscemi2
Mad Max
Posts: 6662
Joined: July 25th, 2017, 9:13 pm
Location: Neither here nor there.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Buscemi2 »

Navalny 9/10

Part investigative documentary, part biopic, this focuses on Alexei Navalny and his battles against Putin, from surviving an assassination attempt to being jailed for crimes he didn't commit. Navalny is a charismatic figure, managing to show why he is a popular figure among those interested in fighting injustice, while director Dan Roher keeps things interesting by showing the events through different sides and platforms. The end result is both chilling but hopeful and its success at Sundance is not all at surprising.

This is a film for now and once it hits HBO Max, make it a must-see.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.

User avatar
Buscemi2
Mad Max
Posts: 6662
Joined: July 25th, 2017, 9:13 pm
Location: Neither here nor there.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Buscemi2 »

Everything Everywhere All at Once 3/10

We might already have the winner of the title for Most Overrated Film of 2022. This is basically a seven minute short stretched out to 140 tedious minutes where plot doesn't matter (it's pretty much taxes and a bagel) and it's more about looking cool than anything. So basically, an A24 film. And though you can be experimental and mind-bending all you want, the real issue is that the filmmakers want to be emotional and meaningful. But the problem is that Daniels cannot do emotional. They are directors who are all about gags with flat characters who exist solely to deliver said jokes. This film needed an Ang Lee or someone who understands the cultures shown on-screen. American filmmakers honed on music videos and Adult Swim segments can't do this. The end result feels like a fourteen year-old Marvel fan film instead of the next great American film. There's little story, characters that exist solely to advance the thin plot to the next ridiculous setup, and the whole thing adds to something that can't figure if it wants to be about family or worshiping baked goods. In the process, the film wastes solid performances from Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, who deserve better filmmakers to showcase their work.

Just stick to the Simpsons segment Time and Punishment. Seven minutes and it says far more about multiverses than this does.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.

User avatar
Ron Burgundy
Red Redding
Posts: 2466
Joined: November 23rd, 2009, 7:27 am
Location: Perth, Western Australia

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Ron Burgundy »

Welly welly, welly well. Good reading.
“One time I wrestled a giraffe to the ground with my bare hands.” — Dale

User avatar
Buscemi2
Mad Max
Posts: 6662
Joined: July 25th, 2017, 9:13 pm
Location: Neither here nor there.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Buscemi2 »

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent 8/10

A little too restrained at times but Nicolas Cage going meta ends up being a fun ride and a nice return to some of Cage's peak roles in the 80's and 90's. A lot of why the film works is that it is fully aware of the kind of film that it is. Unlike some failed over-the-top Cage films such as Willy's Wonderland and Prisoners of the Ghostland, it doesn't use Cage to elevate a lame plot with few reasons to watch. Cage is the plot, along with Pedro Pascal completely redeeming himself from Wonder Woman 1984 as the man who soon becomes Cage's best friend. And for added Cageiness, Cage also appears as a younger version of himself who according to Cage's older persona, can smooch good.

If you know what to expect, you'll enjoy it. If you aren't expecting a industry movie with drug lords, kidnappings, and men bonding over Paddington 2, you might hate it.

Meanwhile, on an outside note: I was the only person at my showing. I went to a suburban theatre to watch it as I had a free ticket to use and was not expecting to be the only one there. As a result, this advance showing made a grand total of $0. This makes me think may only take off in big cities and nowhere else.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.

User avatar
Buscemi2
Mad Max
Posts: 6662
Joined: July 25th, 2017, 9:13 pm
Location: Neither here nor there.

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Buscemi2 »

Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood 3/10

Basically this is Licorice Pizza, but animated and without a creepy main premise. Richard Linklater's newest attempt at trying recreate his past successes is basically yet another boomer fantasy made by an American auteur hoping to win over awards voters, focusing on a stand-in for Linklater who is chosen by NASA to participate in a top-secret mission to be the first person to walk on the moon. This might have worked as a dumb but endearing comedy but instead, Linklater chooses to pad half the run time by telling us how great it was to be a kid in 1960's Houston. This quickly gets grating but it goes on and on, confusing references for story and making Wikipedia descriptions dialogue. Once we get to the moon plot, it ends up feeling like some weird conspiracy theory logline intended to get children interested in children into believing ridiculous ideas and concepts.

Maybe Netflix should stop trying to compete with Disney, as much of their animated projects just haven't worked. And Linklater has really hit a creative lowpoint, either chasing his past or doing adaptations with limited appeal. Boyhood was only eight years ago but it feels much, much longer.
It's like what Lenin said...I am the walrus.

User avatar
numbersix
Darth Vader
Posts: 11545
Joined: October 21st, 2009, 2:34 pm

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by numbersix »

After Yang: 7/10
A surprisingly contemplative and thoughtful film about death and acceptance. Starting off as something more quirky (with a great but misleading title sequence), this is a drama about a family coming to terms with the malfunction of their artificial helper. Imagine a more restrained AI. It plays like an arthouse drama, with Colin Farrell impressive in his understated grief.

Turning Red: 6/10
A very solid Pixar film. While not the funniest or most imaginative, it was nice to see it deal with a female POV (the first, and only since Brave?), and try to capture an authentic moment in time as the protagonist navigates the first pangs of puberty. The metaphor is obvious but it's a brief, sweet film, and certainly does the whole teen-with-magical-secret better than Luca.

The Northman: 6/10
Mixed feelings on this one. Some great moments, some dull ones, and some unintentionally funny. The story is as old as the hills, one of revenge (and indeed it's an influence on Hamlet, although a modified, modernised version of "amleth" is really waht inspired the Bard). Some elements don't mapke sense because it's trying to be real, while the magic moments are more imaginative and exciting. It feels lost between Excalibur and something more straight and average like Braveheart, and the central romance fails miserably, but there's enough there to captivate.

X: 6/10
It may be an elevated slasher film, but it's still a slasher film. Ti West does what he does best: mimics. He doesn't add anything new, despite a slight twist on the motivations of the killer.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent: 5/10
Meh. What could have been a madcap meta story about Nic Cage, identity, and craziness, feels more like a broad, gentle comedy along the likes of Date Night or Identity Thief. Nic Cage plays himself, or a downbeat version of himself, who considers quitting and goes on a private meet which turns out to be a bit more exciting. Pedro Pascal and Cage's bromance is admittedly sweet, and Sharon Horgan is always funny. But the plot is trite and the approach isn't cutting or ironic enough, resulting in a very forgettable film.

User avatar
Chienfantome
Captain Jack Sparrow
Posts: 9967
Joined: May 29th, 2010, 4:22 am
Location: Paris, France
Contact:

Re: Rate That Movie Part IV: Movies Never Sleep

Post by Chienfantome »

Agreed, Six, on the Nic Cage film. It could have been so wilder than that, it's still a bit fun, but they could/should have gone crazier with such a fun premise.

I haven't posted in here in a while, so I'll just resume with my two favorite films of the year so far.
The exquisitly WTF, fun, adventurous and epic RRR, which is the trippiest cinema experience I've had in a while. So much fun.

And the other one, at the other end of the film spectrum, is the french documentary Et j'aime à la fureur, aka Flickering Ghosts of Loves Gone By, by André Bonzel, which is a poetic and cinema loving self-portrait made of old films, from all eras of 20th century.
Fluctuat nec mergitur

Post Reply