Movies

Joren wrote: Thanks, both of you! I'll try to find a copy of those movies.  And mr. Dynamic  Stormcrow, who directed 12 monkeys? Because I can only find a movie with that title with the actors Brad Pitt and Bruce Willis... is that it?

Yes, "12 Monkeys" was directed by Terry Gilliam.

I know that at first glance the cast involved would give you the impression that the movie was more mainstream Hollywood, but don't let that fool you.

Brad Pitt gives one of the funniest, most manic portrayals of a man gone mad that you will ever see on the screen.

Willis is perfect in the lead role of a man of action who has been beaten down by the system and is questioning his own sanity.

Madeleine Stowe is positively luminous playing as a professional woman seeing the meaning of reality crumble around her.

Christopher Plummer is obviously having a great time playing against type as an oily, manipulative, millionaire genetic scientist.

David Morse is perfect in a small but very important role that I can't tell you about without ruining the movie.

The movie works on so many levels.  It's a great time travel story.  It's a profound question on the nature of what we perceive as reality.  It's a tense action - chase movie.  It has a very interesting sub-plot on Stockholm syndrome  becoming romantic love.  It's laugh-out-loud funny.

If you enjoy Gilliam's story telling at all (obviously not everyone does), it's must-see cinema.

I also like Gilliam! And I thought Willis was OK in Pulp Fiction... but Brad Pitt...

Stormcrow wrote: Joren wrote: I also like Gilliam! And I thought Willis was OK in Pulp Fiction... but Brad Pitt... Just see "12 Monkeys", "Cool World" and "Fight Club" before you judge Pitt too harshly.

Not to mention 'snatch' - his depiction of an Irish gypsy boxer is superb (but does my wife have to drool every time he removes his shirt?

Jim Garten wrote: Not to mention 'snatch' - his depiction of an Irish gypsy boxer is superb (but does my wife have to drool every time he removes his shirt?

Oops, yes I forgot about that.  Pitt is funny as all heck in "Snatch".  

danbo wrote: Don't forget "Seven,"  Pitt wasn't too bad in that one either.

Woah!  Now there is quite the movie.

"What's in the box?"

Bone chilling, almost a horror movie.  Brilliant performances and direction.  Pitt is outstanding again in "Se7en".  I quite literally found myself hating Kevin Spacey in his role.  Freeman is brilliant and Paltrow actually does something other than look good, adding just the right seasoning of conflicted feminine anxiety to her role.

"What's in the BOX?!?!?"

I'm afraid that his playing Achilles in "Troy" won't do him any good (I haven't seen the movie, but I'm hearing a lot of mild to seriously negative buzz), but dismissing Brad Pitt as just a pretty boy is a bad mistake as he has serious actor chops and has given some fantastic performances over the last decade.

"AWWW C'MON!!!!  WHAT"S IN THE BOX??????"

Given what I've seen of Pitt's acting ability, when choosing to see a movie I'd let his being in it sway me towards the flick, not away from it.

Though I don't think much of him as a person, I have to freely admit that Johnny Depp is a wonderful actor with unlimited range and talent.

He's so good that I try to see every movie featuring him that comes out.

Depp single-handedly made "Pirates of the Caribean" a film of depth rather than an effects laden popcorn seller.

And I absolutely loved "Ed Wood"!  An actual plot!  Character development!  Dialogue instead of a series of one-liners!  Shazam!

Sorry to change the subject, but......"School of Rock."

I'm not a big fan of this style? of movie, the cheap Hollywood hero in the end kind of schmaltzy pablum. This movie, my kids rented it, has some very funny Spinal Tap worthy moments. The "teacher" Jack Black starts handing out CD's to the classroom kids with talent. He gives the keyboard wizard kid "Fragile" and tells him to check out the keyboard solo on Roundabout, then he gives the black girl with the incredible voice "Dark Side of the Moon" and has her work on "Great Gig in the Sky." Prog gets a small exposure. There are a lot of other rock and roll history nuggets that deserve a chuckle.

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That's it, back to Johnny Depp.... In "Pirates" Depp's Capt'n Sparrow was completely over the top, great. The Ninth Gate was terrific until the end. One of the worst endings ever. Meagor. Great build up and ... and... and... that's it? Sheesh.   

danbo wrote: Sorry to change the subject, but......"School of Rock." The "teacher" Jack Black starts handing out CD's to the classroom kids with talent. He gives the keyboard wizard kid "Fragile" and tells him to check out the keyboard solo on Roundabout, ..

 

And did you notice that this child ended up wearing a big cap at the final performance in the 'climax' (ejem) of the movie? He had become a total Wakey. Then I understood why I wasn't laughting with this movie: it was a terror film! And with a hidden message: 'Children: don't listen to prog or you'll end up like Rick Wakeman'.

for those of you who like LOTR trilogy, have you ever seen the original hybrid cartoon version? it wasnt necessarily the best of films but its interesting watching. My favourites movies have to be the original Star Wars trilogy (couldnt realy say a favourite from them) im also a big fan of Python and the offshots from teh group (including 12 monkeys and jabberwocky)

and also this is my first post so hey to everyone on the board!

Joren wrote: I thought the LOTR movies were OK, but I prefer reading the book. I haven't seen the original cartoon version though.

Trust me, Joren - you don't want to see the cartoon version........ I mean you reeeeaaaalllllyyyyy don't want to see the cartoon version.

The deep thrumming you can hear in Moria isn't the oncoming orcish horde, it's actually Tolkien spinning in his grave!