What I Watched, What You Watched: Installment #121
Nemo, Captain Jack and Oscar contenders
It was a really busy week for me when it came to movie as I've been trying to catch up on documentaries as I pretty much missed every single one this year and there are a few other titles that I've been receiving screeners for that I have either yet to see and there are some I still intend to watch as I grow closer to creating my year-end top ten.
With that said, I watched a couple of movies with my family and then a bunch of other movies that I will be talking about soon enough so with them all I've done is include the trailer. Unfortunately, there isn't a trailer for Undefeated, though you can get a little more information on it here along with a few images, but I'll be writing about it soon enough.
As for the films I watched that I'll be talking about later, I enjoyed all of them and will recommend each. The Devil's Double is on DVD and Blu-ray right now, I think Margin Call is still in theaters and On Demand, Pariah hits theaters on December 25, Carnage on December 16, We Were Here premieres On Demand on December 9 and I caught We Bought a Zoo at one of the advance screenings last night and it will be hitting theaters on December 23.
That said, here the movies I watched with the family over Thanksgiving.
Finding Nemo (2003)
On a side note, this was one of the first movies I ever reviewed on this site, back when I was paying to see films on opening day and rushing home to review them. If you're interested, you can take part in my reviewing roots right here. Just don't laugh.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
And so that does it for me, what did you watch this week?
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No cinema trips this week -
At Home -
Adam's Rib (1949): DVD, first watch – Sparkling and delightfully written battle of the sexes drama with excellent work from the pairing of Spencer and Tracy. Great dialogue driven story and nicely structured along the way. Very entertaining.
Working Girl (1988): DVD, rewatch – An equally delightful and well written comedy that has three great leads anchoring it. Parts of it have certainly dated in terms of the settings but it's also as relatable today as the basic story has ever been. Since this is pretty much the breakthrough and also end point of Melanie Griffith's career it's funny to see her then. As is the truly ginormous hais sported by all the women. The rest of the cast is also jam packed with faces (Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, Oliver Platt, and even David Duchovny is in the background of a couple of scenes). A light, bright and well made workplace comedy that has held up very well after 23 years.
Mystery, Alaska (1999): DVD rewatch – One of my favourite small town style comedy drama's. I don't even follow Ice Hockey but it doesn't matter. The warmth of the familiar story and the characterisations are good enough that you don't need to know about the sport much. A good cast and great Canandian locations as well.
Vanilla Sky (2001): DVD rewatch – I always have had a soft spot for this film (and have seen the 1997 Abres Los Ojos as well to compare) and it might be one of those cases where I prefer the remake to the original. Visually it's actually quite impressive and like Crowe says in the commentary (which I listened to after rewatching the film) it's like an experience that washes over you and lets you take what you please from it. If you please to take anything. Although apparently it was also voted the 'Most Confusing Film' ever a couple years back.
Gangs of New York (2002): DVD, rewatch – Another solid film I had not watched in a long time. I always did like it despite it's flaws. I don't think Scorcese can make up his mind if he wanted a sprawling historical tale about the foundations of a City – or the story of Amsterdam's revenge. It seems to me he really wanted the former but needed the latter to thread events through. But the scope and history and scale is too vast for him to keep control of and it just sprawls out until the sudden rush to wrap things up in the last twenty minutes. However, the immense production design and visuals are fantastic, the performances are great and I did enjoy it quite a bit.
The Da Vinci Code (2006): Blu-ray rewatch – Not seen this since it was originally released. This was the extended cut and boy was it as slow and badly done as I thought it was the first time around. Dan Brown is not a good technical writer anyway but at least on the page the book itself was pacey and enjoyable. This saps every ounce of goodwill and takes itself way too seriously. Way too seriously. And extended to three hours nearly it gets even worse. Terrible example of book to film conversion.
Angels & Demons (2009): Blu-ray rewatch – Again, I had not seen this since it was released in theatres. I always found this the better book originally, and it's marginally the better film (or maybe I just prefer Italian scenery to French, I dunno) but it's still a lethargic and flat adaption of a perfectly pacy and fast moving book. Plus I don't think Hanks was ever the best choice for the part. Given Da Vinci, it's not really saying much that it's a better film, but it is. I think it has better visuals as well for the most part.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009): Blu-ray, rewatch. I only watched this because I had an urge to watch mountains of shit being blown sky high. The rest of it is a relative mess, but there's at least lots of the kablooey.
The Hangover (2009): DVD, rewatch – For the first time I watched this and didn't laugh all that much. I think it's worn off me now. It's still OK, but I can't see me coming back to it a lot again.
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest (2009): Blu-ray, first watch – A better film I though than the the very dull and poorly done 'Played with Fire'. Having had time to settle over the (what I thought anyway) silly twists about the identity of Salander's father etc I liked the slower and more court-room based approach. I think that it was still a somewhat flat finale but yet I enjoyed it more than the second film. I'm pleased I've now seen at least the theatrical cuts of the whole Millenium trilogy before the release of the remake soon. I will need to try and make sure I catch Dragon Tattoo again before the Fincher version so it's fresher in my mind. It's also really the only one of the trilogy worth rewatching. The story blew it's wad on the first film and I'd almost be interested in seeing how Sony might approach their own sequels if their version proves successful enough to make them.
That was all this week.
Only two movies this week:
The Descendants: I really loved this movie, and have no doubt in my mind that it will be in my Top 10 list this year. The screenplay was so well written and the story was captivating the entire time. All the performances were great too. I'm hoping that Clooney and Woodley take home Best Actor and Supporting Actress this year. A
The Muppets: This movie was a lot of fun. I didn't end up loving it like I thought I would, and not all of the musical numbers worked (the rap number was cringe worthy, in my opinion) but most of the film worked very well. I really loved the opening number, and all the celebrity cameos. Definitely a fun time at the movies. B
I started watching Melancholia, but could not get into it. I'm going to give it another try tonight.
Busy week for me too…
At Home via NetFlix DVD
The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
Conan the Barbarian
Sarah's Key
Griff the Invisible
The Devil's Double
At Theaters
Arthur Christmas
The Muppets
Melancholia
Weekend (2011)
The Descendants
In a Lonely Place – Although it's on Eberts great movies list I was actually surprised at how expertly made this one was, as having not seen any Nicholas Ray films before I kind of expected a very good, but strange B movie. Bogart, Gloria Grahame are very good in the lead roles, Ray does a strong job directorially. What starts off as a film-noir full of snappy dialogue slowly turns into a film where you start to question assumptions you made early on, has some Hitchcock level suspense at times, fits a surprising amount of story into it 90 minute runtime. A+
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – It starts off fun enough, but is overly long with a great cast which is pretty much unutilised due to a lackluster story. D
James and the Giant Peach – I'm kind of surprised based on the reputation of his earlier films that after 3 Henry Selick films, that Coraline is without a doubt my favorite of the group. First off the live-action stuff to open, close the film is just awkward, often bad. I did like some of the humor based off of the oddness of the whole story, did enjoy the character interaction between James and the insects from the peach, but overall just a film that I expected more from. C-
Our Idiot Brother – Loved the cast (Paul Rudd especially), really liked the writing in that the characters who weren't perfect weren't made out to be villains, but instead real people making bad, or short-sighted decisions. Everything was wrapped up very quickly, a little too perfectly in the end, but it's hard to be too picky because the film, the main character in particular is just so pleasant to watch which is quite refreshing, although I love black comedy, it's nice to have a movie like this to come along every once in a while, remind you the world isn't all bad. B-
Nobody Knows – We start off with four kids (about 12, 10, 7, 4 in ages) who move into a new apartment with their mother. The mother works long days, the family doesn't have enough money for the children to go to school, so the 12 year-old boy (who gives a great performance that is the heart of the film) has to watch over his siblings during the day, do the grocery shopping. After a little while, the mother finds a man that she likes, starts seeing him, soon after she leaves the kids some money, leaves them alone to fend for themselves, the kids not knowing how long she will be gone, having to keep track of the money they have with their limited educations, only one of them being aloud to leave the house. It's a very harrowing tale that actually starts off quite pleasantly, I would say it starts off beautifully, almost like a film like Yi Yi, but as it moves on feels more like a film by the Dardenne brothers. Another film I would compare it to would be Head-On which I just saw last week, the subject matter is very different, but in each you see the beginnings of something very good- though something you've seen many times before- as the film goes on it takes you places you didn't expect, but nevertheless places that a story like this would definitely go, both are guided by great directors on the rise (Hirokazu Koreeda in this case). A
Billy Elliot-I wasn't a huge fan of the musical, but I enjoyed the movie. 8/10. Up in the Air-rewatch, Clooney and Kendrick were even better than I remembered. 9/10. About Schmidt-well made, and quite entertaining. 8/10. Breaking Dawn-can't really review this, a friend and I Mystery Science Theatered it. The Muppets-I REALLY enjoyed it. 9.5/10. Rango-the voices and references were good, but I just didn't love it. 7/10. Crazy, Stupid, Love-it was funny and sweet, Gosling is having a phenomenal year. 8.5/10.
The Green Mile (1999) – caught it on the History channel last night. Always holds up. 5/5
Jack and Jill (2011) – I feel so, used. -5/5
The Princess Bride-A fabulous fairy tale with plenty of originality. For me, the second half of the movie was far better than the first half. I loved how the movie poked fun at itself and at other films in its genre. It's definitely one of Rob Reiner's best. 8/10
Madagascar (rewatch)-This is easily one of Dreamworks' weaker films but I still find it funny and I love the penguins. 6/10
The Rite-Either Hopkins lost a bet or someone bribed him to star in this. The story is completely incoherent and it just drags. The lead actor wasn't that great, but I've seen far worse performances. Despite the fact that it was "based on a true story" I could not take it seriously. 3/10
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I-Okay, I didn't think this was great, but it was far better than the early word made it out to be. The childbirth sequence was terrifying as it should have been, and I thought that some of the camp was toned down enough. Overall, not too bad. 6/10
Short Circuit-This is probably one of the few 80's films that would actually benefit from a remake. It's entertaining and funny but very dated and it requires a lot of suspension of disbelief. The subplot with the female lead's ex-boyfriend seemed to disappear without any resolution. 6/10
Happy Go Lucky-An entertaining comedy with a fantastic performance from Sally Hawkins. I think that there were too many ambiguities by the time the movie was over, but I really love the final scene. 8/10
United 93-A harrowing movie about the "other" plane in the 9/11 disaster. The movie becomes more terrifying as it progresses. 10/10
Super 8-I don't get the hype. It's an entertaining movie but the plot is very obscure at times and I hate the ending. 6/10
Horrible Bosses-I was expecting more from this as well. The cast is great (this is probably Aniston's best role in a long time) and the movie is clever and funny, but it is ruined by a lazy third act. 5/10
The Muppets-A fantastic family movie that caters to kids and adults. See it; it's fantastic. 9/10
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II (rewatch)-Many people thought this last installment was good but overrated (myself included) but after a second viewing, I have to change my opinion. This movie needs to be viewed as a FILM rather than a literal adaptation of the last part of the book. It still has some pacing problems, but it is truly a wonderful film. This series will be missed. Obviously, my score has gone up from a 7/10. 9/10
Manhattan-An amazing movie from the master who is Woody Allen. Probably my favorite of his from the ones of his I've seen. 10/10
This was one of the BUSIEST movie weekends of the year for me! In just 4 days, I saw
Hugo- Being such a HUGE fan of the novel that this movie is based, I had high expectations going into this. And, while this isn't a carbon copy of the PHENOMENAL book, this is a PHENOMENAL film in it's own right. Martin Scorsessee has PERFECTLY captured the tone and look of the novel to create one of the most MAGICAL movie going experiences I've ever had. Asa Butterfield, Chloe Moretz, and Ben Kingsley are all EXCELLENT here, and it was nice to see Sacha Baron Cohen playing a NORMAL character, and not going full out "Borat" or "Bruno" on us. The 3D here, contrary to your thoughts, Brad, is without a doubt, some of the BEST 3D I've ever seen. I LOVED THIS MOVIE! A+
Catch me if You Can (Rewatch)- I caught this on HBO on Thursday when I was at my Aunt and Uncle's house. I missed the first half hour-45 minutes of it, but that didn't keep this from being a highly entertaining romp. Di Caprio and Hanks do TERRIFIC work in bringing this almost unbelievable true story to life. This is a at times gritty, but mostly atmospheric story, and I LOVE IT! A
Jack and Jill- I saw this film against my better judgement. Let me start by saying that this is one of the most OFFENSIVE, RACIST, OBNOXIOUS movies I've EVER SEEN, and yet, somehow, I found it to be ABSOLUTELY HYSTERICAL. Now, I'm not saying I APPRECIATE Adam Sandler's style of comedy, because I don't. I think its obnoxious. However, I DID enjoy this movie, despite how stupid it is. B+
Life In A Day- I watched this film on Netflix digital streaming now knowing what to expect . I was pleasantly surprised. I respect Ridley and Tony Scott for taking on such an UNUSUAL project, and they should TRULY be proud of it. A
Arthur Christmas- I saw this film with my family, and we were ALL laughing consistently throughout. This is a sweet, lighthearted, and at times magical Christmas tale, and Bill Nighy as "Grandsanta" had me ROLLING in the isle! The ONLY thing that ruined my experience was the Justin Beiber music video before movie. I HATE that kid with a fiery passion, and seeing that was enough to turn me into a regular Ebineezer Scrooge. Bah Humbug! But, this film IS delightful, and worthy of a grade of A- (simply because of Beiber. This movie would have been an A or an A+ if it hadn't been for him).
I also caught the last 45 minutes of "Avatar" on HBO. This is SERIOUSLY my FAVORITE Movie of ALL TIME, and it's always nice to revisit it.
So, that's all for this weekend.
Justin Beiber has nothing to do with Arthur Christmas; why lowered the grade because of him? Seriously?
The Devil's Double 2.5/5: An average effort at best; the story is quite uneven though kept me interested, but I guess it is an ok time-killer.
Fright Night (2011) 3.5/5: this one of the most entertaining movies of the year, too bad not many people saw it.
The Debt 4.5/5: One of the best espionage thrillers I have seen. It is well-written and emotion-packed.
50/50: 4/5: Another emotion packed movie with some effective natural comedy. Best performance of Levitt's career IMO.
Warrior 4/5: Great performances and story.
I saw "The Great Debaters"… It was okay. Way too long for its own good though.
Win Win — Overall, I enjoyed this movie very much. It was a little predictable, but it mixed humor and comedy well, and had good character development. B+
The Beaver — This was an odd movie. It is truly a very strange story. I can say that for the hour and a half I watched it for, I was somewhat entertained, so I applaud that factor. However, there are many story elements and other aspects of the film that are too flawed, especially the ending. C+ (and that's being generous)
Straw Dogs — This was an excellent, incredibly well made. The manner in which Peckinpah uses slow-motion is incredible. Dustin Hoffman and Susan George both gave great performances, as well as the rest of the cast. The final 20 minutes is one of the most entertaining, well-made action sequences I have ever seen. But, the film also does have a message to say, which I think is incredibly important. Definitely the best movie that I watched this week. A
The Descendants — This was a fantastic movie, one of my favorite movies of this year. The directing, writing, and acting of the film were all top-notch. Clooney and the actress who played his oldest daughter both deserve Oscar nominations, and possibly a win for Clooney. I wouldn't also mind seeing Alexander Payne, and his collaborators, go home with an Oscar for adapted screenplay. A
The Muppets: A movie made for muppets fans, by muppets fan. It is the happiest and most innocent movie made in the longest time. It is a true marvel. It may have flaws that doesn't make it a perfect film, but the musical numbers are great, the comedy hits almost every time, and there are scenes that are bound to make some older muppets fans cry. This is a movie I really hope is embraced by children, because it is so pleasant and has such a good message. It is a social satire on what has happened to children's movies and TV shows of resent memory. Hopefully this starts a trend of making less Punch Teachers and more Muppets. (A)
Hugo: This is a very well done movie, but falls short of what we have come to expect from Scorsese. Well Hugo is not one of the best of Scorsese's films, it is clearly one that is closest to his heart. I completely condone the message of preserving film (a message that Scorsese has pushed for years) but I am afraid the message will be lost within its long running time. The acting is great all around and Scorsese does a great job of making a film like an old film to make us cherish old films. I would recommend this movie to any film fan, but this is not a children's film. I believe most children will become restless in this movie and won't be able to stay still throughout the film. Lastly I believe the 3D is only being praised because of the beautiful Paris landscapes and the snow, but I think it would be just as good in 2D. (B)
Carnage: A short and sweet, fantastically acted movie that will probably never add up to anything more then a character study on suburban parents, and maybe an acting oscar nom or two. I was especially impressed with Waltz performance, which is different then anything he has done so far. (B+)
The Crime of Monsieur Lange – I honestly don't have much to say about this one, but it was fine. 3/5
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) – I was lucky enough to catch a screening of this since it was the closing film for the AFI's European Union Festival. This might be my favorite movie of the year so far, right alongside The Tree of Life and the final Harry Potter film. I have never read the John Le Carre book or seen the miniseries with Alec Guinness but I was completely riveted by this film for all 127 minutes of its running time. After the screening there was a Q&A with the director Tomas Alfredson and Gary Oldman that lasted about 30-40 minutes, which was really interesting and entertaining. I hope this movie performs well when it opens in a couple of weeks. 5/5
Armadillo – An odd movie that is similar to Restrepo in some ways, but has an Apocalypse Now/Thin Red Line kind of vibe to it at times that, in some ways, made it more interesting than Sebastian Junger's documentary. The combat scenes were pretty intense as well. 4/5
The Help (2011) {1st watch} 3.5/4
Good, solid movie with strong performances from its cast.
Midnight in Paris (2011) {re-watch} 4/4.5
Yes, I liked it enough to sit through it again. The film still holds up very well.
The Guard (2011) {1st watch} 3.5/4
It's on the same league with In Bruges. Funny, witty dialogue with also strong performances from its lead. I really like the way the bad-guys were portrayed in the film; they are not cold-blood or downright stupid, they cite quotes, have philosophical chats for God sake, it's so refreshing. But still the main story-line is simple and the climax shoot-out is poorly-done in my view.
A Cat in Paris (2011) {1st watch} 3.5/3.5
Sweet little French animation. I love the art and the action here. The only complain I have is the dialogue, especially those from the Mother: it sounds too unnatural and to the nose, and just be there to advance a plot; sometimes I think it will be much better if they leave it for audiences to find out for themselves it would be so much better.
Moulin Rouge! (2001) {1st watch} 3.5/4
I laughed hysterically in some part of the movie; and I do like the bold sometimes over-the-top visual. The one thing really stands out for me is the use of popular music in very unique and freshly way. It still has its flaws though, although the main leads are all great, their characters and the story are too cliche.
Gosford Park (2001) {re-watch} 4/4.5
I like Robert Altman's films in general and this one is 1 of my favorite from him. I pick up many things this time around and the story really hold up extremely well. Love this one.
Arthur Christmas (2011) {1st watch) 3.5/4
Really sweet and funny gem, with also have a warm message. The voice-acting of grandpa Santa is especially stand-out. But honestly I still prefer Aardman's previous movies more than this one. This is too mainstream therefore lost some of their magic.
50/50 (2011) {1st watch} 4/4
Heartfelt movie. It treats its message with a right note. It felt like they really get through all this (and the write really does) and hes really feel that way, and think that the main reason why it hits all the right note. Great stuff.
Martha Marcy May Marlene (1st watch} 4/4
I was hooked from the start till the end. There are quite some similarities between this one and Winter's Bone from last year. I think Winter's Bone is better, but I like this one more. The way they merging the 2 worlds from Martha's mind is brilliant. Elizabeth Olsen is simply marvelous. Great debut film Durkin and Olsen.
His Girl Friday (1940) {re-watch} 5/5
One of my favorite movie of all time. Enjoy every single minute of it. Have nothing else to add here.
Metropolis (1927) {1st watch} 4/5
To tell the truth, I'm not quite enjoy this one. Surely it's influential and visually-striking and the dual role of Brigitte Helm is brilliant here; but the main issue I have was the reactions of the angry mobs: they are too 1-dimensional (there a scene where they heard that their children have been killed because of the floods, NO ONE cares to go back to the place looking for their children (which normally they do). Joh Fredesen, being 1 of the most complex character of the film; did nothing to help his son and watched helplessly in the climax scene where logically he would come to help his son. The guy who portrayed Freder imo was miscast here, he's too old for the part. All in all, I don't want to be an ignorant by dismissing 1 of the most influential film, I just have too many issues while watching it. Hopefully the next time I saw it I would enjoy it more.
And one thing about Martha Marcy May Marlene ending, I think it does its job as giving the audience hanging and end up wanting more, also illustrate Martha state of mind; but I really think they can have other ending which not only can do those jobs but far more interesting than this one. The abrupt ending here just seems too lazy.
The Guard
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Alberts Nobbs
Tyrannosaurs
Miss Bala
The Debt
Immortals
I saw all of these great films
Burke and Hare – I was surprised this film hadn't caught my attention before as it has Simon Pegg and is directed by JOHN LANDIS. After watching it, however, I see why. It was very "meh" with some nice touches of dark humor here and there, but nothing to rave about.
Salvation Boulevard – I was excited to watch this with its great cast and all, but I knew it couldn't be too great. It wasn't. SImilar to Burke and Hare, its got some funny moments peppered throughout. Just very lightly, and eventually a relatively hum-drum comedy.
I also saw Drive for the third time, dragging some family along. And I have to admit this is perhaps one of the most re-watchable films I have ever seen. My heart was literally pounding throughout the film even though I knew exactly what was going to happen next. Furthermore, I find that with each repeat viewing, I learn and explore the character and the film itself more and more. Although it stands potentially threatened by The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I feel this is the best film of the year, its a shame it probably won't get the merit it deserves. Third time around, and I still wanted to watch it again 10 minutes after it was over.
In Theaters:
Immortals (1st watch) – 8.5/10. Exactly what I expected, a great action-packed, entertaining bloody flick. Slow at the beginning but gets much better as it moves on. Loved the fight scenes, visuals and Freida Pinto (of course lol). Better visuals than 300 but loved both these movies equally. Neither compares to Ridley Scott's Gladiator.
On Dvd:
Paul (1st watch) – 5/10. Got it on netflixt, was overrated and very disappointing. Had it's moments but Simon Pegg, Nick Frost & Seth Rogen disappointed me. Kristen Wiig (who's had a career year), Bill Hader, Jason Bateman, Joe Lo Truglio & John Carroll were the best things about this movie.
American Pie (6th watch) – 9/10. Classic teen comedy. Love all 3 movies, can't wait for Reunion next year.
American Pie 2 (4rd watch) – 7.5/10. My least fave of the 3 but still like it a lot.
American Wedding (6th watch – 9/10. Always thought this was the funniest of the 3.
The Exorcist (5th watch) – 9.5/10. Such a masterpiece: the makeup, editing, music and all-around acting are excellent. Still, to me this is the scariest movie of all-time.
Gladiator (4th watch) – 10/10. Still an amazing and unforgettable flick. Russell Crowe is amazing (still his best performance to date), Joaquin Phoenix is brilliant, Connie Nielson is excellent & Dijimon Hounsou is awesome. Hans Zimmer's score is epic and amazing. Lisa Gerrard's voice is beautiful. Everything about this movie is amazing.
On Tv:
The Other Woman (1st watch) – 7/10. It has it's problems but thanks to another brilliant performance by Natalie Portman (one of my faves) and a surprisingly terrific serious performance by Lisa Kudrow, this movie held it's own.
Captain America The First Avenger
Thor
X-Men First Class
Super 8
Jurassic Park Trilogy
Repo Men
The Road
Road to Perdition
True Grit (2010)
The Magnificent Ambersons
Rogue
Reborn
Scarface (A) rewatched – I haven't seen this film for awhile but I gotta says it's one of the best gangster epic I've ever seen! Al Pacino said it was his best work and I agree. It's explosive! Pacino at his crazist and his most intense… charismatic, charming, and f**king out of his mind… Only a few actors could play such a character. Robert DeNiro maybe, just saying. And, to my friends who watched this film with me this weekend is an HUGE DeNiro fan… and we got into some argruments about who's better and I knew my friend only did it to piss me off… To me the two actors are in a class of themselves… to say one is better than the other would be selling the other short. Both method actors, both been in great and unforgettable films, immortalizing themselves in cinema history. Now, my friend threw great DeNiro films at me. Taxi Driver… and my answer to that film is Dog Day Afternoon… My friend say Godfather part 2 saying DeNiro out performed Pacino… I say not true they are equal, both stories are engaging… both portary are great… so there's no point to even bring that moive up… he said Raging Bull. I said Scarface. It went on and on and on, then we agreed to halt and watch Scarface because we done miss about a quarter of this great film and started over. Al Pacino's portary is legendary. A character so obsesse with the America dream they'll he'll do whatever it takes to get it, legal or illegal… and with his record of an political refugee and being a Hispinic and no education… it's only one choice for him and he wants it quick and fast. He realist he'll tell you let he sees it, not afraid to speak his mind even to big cartels. And people always said when he shot his friend Manny that it was his downfall… I disagree his downfall is his temper, it was his temper that got him that far and his temper that cause him to shoot Mannny, not letting his emotions process, acting on impulse, anger. Then the aftermath was tragic, he knew he'd f**ked up, he's already f**ked up, but now there's no one left, his sister yeah, but he knows that she'll never forgive him, not this time. He knows it. He killed the only true friend that's been with him since the beginning. In the end he goes out with a bang, probably one of the most remember line in cinema ever and shoot outs ever… There's obivously more than this… tons and tons more. Theres morals and imorals, love and hate, trust and betrayal. It's all here. It's an unforgettable film! Al Pacino is still one of the grestest actors out there.
I remeber recently seeing his HBO film You Don't Know Jack and I was blown away by his performances. He still got it, I gotta rewatch that film again. I remember thinking if the film was release in theaters, man, he would've been nominated for an Oscar, hands down. But I was glad to see him receive an Golden Globe for his performance in a mini series. More than deserving.
You don't pay to see movies any more? You see them prior to opening day? How does that work?
I'm not sure I understand what you are asking. Yes, I see them before opening day, that's how I review them just like any other member of the reviewing press.