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Post by Siren on Sept 13, 2006 16:10:54 GMT -6
Saw another good one yesterday - "Hollywoodland". Adrian Brody plays a low-rent private eye who's looking for money and publicity. When TV's "Superman", George Reeves (Ben Affleck), is found dead in his home, Brody convinces Reeves' mother that the death should be investigated as murder. Oscar-winner Brody is good, but believe it or not, Ben Affleck is even better. I was truly surprised and impressed. And Diane Lane is already getting Oscar buzz for her role as Ben's lover, a studio-head's wife. Here's a link for more info: www.rollingstone.com/reviews/movie/10365176/review/11544957/hollywoodland
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Post by Phalon on Oct 28, 2006 22:33:54 GMT -6
I like scary movies - real scare and not just slash-and-dash type things.
In the Halloween mood, and we rented a couple of good ones tonight. Monster House - a kids movie, that was not so childish. One of those digital animation things, like Toy Story or Shrek - very well done. And it had a plot. One of the best children's movies I've seen in awhile.
The other movie was "An American Haunting". Hubs thought it was slow; I don't think he stayed awake long enough to give it a chance. Only one killing, but it was a cover-one-eye-look-through-the-other-with-a-half-closed-lid movie for me. And since Hubs fell asleep, I watched it by myself - and made it through the whole thing. I am proud of myself. (eye-roll with both wide-opened eyes now)
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Post by Phalon on Oct 29, 2006 21:08:44 GMT -6
Tonight's pre-Halloween scary movie was "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". I'd watch anything with Johnny Depp in it. swoooon.
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Post by Siren on Oct 29, 2006 22:37:32 GMT -6
There's certainly something for everyone this Halloween season. Saw that one movie channel was showing the Halle Berry flick, "Gothika", while another was showing the old George Hamilton as Dracula comedy, "Love At First Bite". I remember seeing that one at the movies as a kid. Soooo 70s!
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Post by katina2nd on Dec 1, 2006 7:01:38 GMT -6
Saw a great scary movie today, entitled "The Descent". A group of adventure-loving female friends go cave exploring, and find themselves trapped below ground. They can't go back, but only forward, with no map, into unexplored tunnels and chambers, some of unseeable depth and darkness. Time's running out on their flashlight batteries, and their nerves. It's all truly frightening and claustrophobic and tension-filled, playing on old, old fears of the dark and confinement and suffocation. But it gets worse. The ladies find that they are not alone in the caves - horrible, mutated creatures thrive in the dark, and feed on flesh. Some of the women rise to the occasion, to an "Alien"-esque degree. Others seek only to run or hide in terror. And one sacrifices a friend in order to escape. This is a great thrill-ride that left me exhilarated. And it was cool seeing women playing a band of strong, adventurous, capable characters. But be prepared for definitely R-rated gore and language. If you love a good scare, I recommend "The Descent". Saw this one last week and really enjoyed it, you describe it perfectly Siren, a real no holds barred, don't give the audience a chance to catch it's breath thrill ride indeed. It was terrifying even before the appearance of the creatures, "claustrophobic" in the extreme. The look of the film belied what was apparently a pretty modest budget, I didn't recognise any of the cast but they were all very good, an impressive movie all round. How did the film end Siren, apparently there were two endings, one for the U.S market and another much darker one for the U.K. which I think is the one we got here.
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Post by Siren on Dec 14, 2006 10:05:09 GMT -6
Yay! I'm so glad you got to see this one, kat, and that you enjoyed it as much I did. I hope my review didn't give too much away, and spoil your fun.
It's "claustrophobic" for sure, kat. And since I'm a bit spooky about tight places myself, I was crazy to go see this one. But I'm glad I did. A couple of scenes really got me, though. Remember the part where they're having to squirm through that narrow tunnel (a scene that lingers to a stifling degree), and the one lady becomes temporarily stuck? I found myself sitting there in the theater fanning myself, and telling myself to take deep breaths! And during the scenes of gore, I and others in the audience were laughing at the audacity of it all. It was so over-the-top, it made us laugh.
Here's the ending of the US version: the lone survivor (the lady whose family was killed at the film's start) manages to exit the cave and drive away in the jeep. Just when it seems she's made her escape, she looks to the passenger seat next to her, and sees the mutilated, yet terrifyingly alive, figure of one of her compatriots. I can't remember which one. It might've been the Asian lady who led to then underground. But I think it was her friend whom the Asian lady betrayed. At any rate, it makes you think the poor traumatized survivor will never recover from this shock, if she survives at all.
How did the UK version end? I'm so intrigued!
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Post by katina2nd on Dec 15, 2006 20:06:53 GMT -6
Nope, your review didn't spoil it at all, matter of fact it was one of the reasons why I decided to go see it.
Do I remember that scene where one of the group gets stuck in that narrow tunnel, does a frog eat flies? Scary stuff indeed, figured that if the whole film was just about them trapped underground and there were no creatures it would still have been terrifying enough for my taste.
Right, the ending here was different to the one you saw, she escapes by climbing the pile of bones [ the same as the version you saw I imagine ] and races off in the jeep. After a while she pulls off to the side of the road, slumps back in her seat and closes her eyes, then the scene cuts to her lying on the floor of the cave just prior to looking up and seeing the light which led to her escape, only this time when she looks up there's no light, she pushes herself to her knees as the camera pulls back abruptly and you hear the noise of the creatures all around her.
So she's just imagined her escape while lying half conscious in the cave, only to find she's still trapped and apparently about to suffer the same fate as her companions.
A better ending you reckon?
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Post by Siren on Dec 17, 2006 0:16:02 GMT -6
Oh my gosh!! What a chilling ending!! Yes, better than the American version, for sure. A downer, yes, but wow - powerful and good-grief-scary! It's very unlike me to choose a scary film to see. But I'm glad I saw "The Descent", and glad I saw it on the big screen. I think it's bound to lose some effectiveness on tv.
Yay!! I'm glad you liked it, too!
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Post by katina2nd on Dec 19, 2006 5:46:24 GMT -6
Agreed, certainly a more powerful ending, though I guess I can see where the producers were coming from, after putting the audience through all that tension for the best part of two hours I figure they thought they needed a little relief at the end; still I'm glad we got the U.K version here.
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Post by xenavirgin on Dec 27, 2006 11:08:22 GMT -6
Heh, Kat and Siren, that movie sounds well too scary for me! I still have nightmares from a horror movie comercial I Heard! on the radio when I was 6! No Joke. Lucky for me, I've been able to watch many of my favourite films this Christmas, as one of the cable channels here has been having a "Great Musicals" season over the Holidays. Right now I'm watching Anything Goes with Bing Crosby and Daniel O'Conner, love the music and the dance. In the last week I've watched White Christmas, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Oklahoma and West Side Story. And in the next couple of days I hope to see Funny Face, Gypsy and High Society. Ah it doesn't get better than that. XV
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Post by Siren on Dec 27, 2006 18:04:41 GMT -6
Wow - good stuff, XV! Oh, I love "Thoroughly Modern Millie"!
"Raaaaaaaaspbeeeeeries!"
I remember movie commercials on the radio. The 14 Flags Drive-In used to advertise a lot, back in the day. And the one for "Bat People" just scared the willies out of me. I remember it vividly - "Days of paradise...and nights of terror! The Bat People!"
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Post by xenavirgin on Dec 27, 2006 18:17:48 GMT -6
Ah the days of radio eh Siren. ;D
Yeah and Thoroughly Modern Millie love it love it. Actually they revived it on stage here in London a few years ago and it was an incredible! We went to see it 3 times. They had this amazing dance number where the typing pool danced on wheeled chairs with typewriter tables attached. It was terrific.
XV
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Post by katina2nd on Jan 5, 2007 20:12:52 GMT -6
Loved those old radio serials from many years back, think Tarzan was my favourite.
Saw a reasonably interesting film on tele last night, about a group of people, played by largely unknown actors, who venture into a huge cave system, have their exit blocked by a rock fall, and then discover they're not alone as they run foul of some nasties.
Sound familiar, guess it does but it's not "The Descent" believe it or not, but one called "The Cave". The one face I did recognise was "Eddie Cibrian" [ Jimmy from Third Watch ] who had one of the major roles.
Not great but solid is how I'd describe it, and it didn't overstay it's welcome, can think of worse ways of passing ninety minutes.
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Post by Siren on Jan 5, 2007 20:47:13 GMT -6
There was a wonderful radio series in Hollywood's Golden Era called "Lux Presents Hollywood". Famous actors would do a radio version of hit films of the day. I've only heard a couple of episodes on cd, but was lucky to get to hear Bette Davis do one of her greatest roles, Judith Traherne in "Dark Victory". Instead of George Brent, her big screen leading man, Spencer Tracy did the role of her sweetheart. It was fabulous, hearing Davis and Tracy together, with all the sound effects that make radio series so rich.
I remember seeing a preview of "The Cave", and wondered if it was good. It would have to go a long way to be as intense as "The Descent".
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Post by Mini Mia on Jan 6, 2007 1:20:23 GMT -6
I discovered 'The Cave' the other night and added it to my Netflix queve, along side 'The Descent'.
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Post by katina2nd on Jan 7, 2007 6:47:04 GMT -6
Have a vague recollection of "Lux Theater" here many years ago, don't recall much about it though, and certainly not such greats as Bette and Spencer. You're right about the great sound effects from those old serials Siren, made you feel like you were right in the action.
"The Cave" was quite a bit short of "The Descent" and one of the main reasons is what you mention, that lack of intensity and claustrophobic sense of dread; a good enough film, good production values, decent direction and pretty nasty creatures, but it suffers in comparison.
Be really interested to hear what you think when you get around to seeing them Jox, find out which one you prefer. Seen you mention it a number of times recently, just wondering what exactly "Netflix" is.
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Post by Mini Mia on Jan 7, 2007 22:47:37 GMT -6
It'll be a little while, as I have 4 seasons of Reba to watch before these two movies reach the top of the list.
Netflix is an online DVD rental service. I get my picks through the mail instead of having to go to a store to pick them up. And I can keep them for as long as I want with no late fees. There's also Blockbuster & Hollywood Videos as well.
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Post by katina2nd on Jan 8, 2007 0:25:23 GMT -6
Thanks Jox, it looks pretty good, a revolving system of shows to watch. With four seasons of Reba on your list I guess it will be a while before you get to those two movies, unless you have a really voracious appetite for watching your shows.
How about "NcLeods Daughters" can you get hold of that?
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Post by Mini Mia on Jan 8, 2007 1:12:53 GMT -6
They have season/series one. I've seen the first 3 seasons/series on the WE network. If they go beyond that, I'll be sure to rent them.
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Post by Siren on Jan 8, 2007 21:29:34 GMT -6
I've only seen a handful of episodes, but have been impressed by that series. I wish we had the WE network in my town, dangit.
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Post by Mini Mia on Jan 9, 2007 17:34:14 GMT -6
WE cancelled "McLeod's Daughters" at the end of season 3. Season one is now out on DVD in the US, and the other seasons will follow. You should be able to rent them at your local rental store.
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Post by Siren on Jan 11, 2007 21:41:19 GMT -6
Thanks for the tip, Mia!
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Post by Mini Mia on Jan 11, 2007 22:09:54 GMT -6
You're very welcome, Siren. After WE cancelled the series, the US fans begged the Australian producers to create DVDs that'll work on US players, and so they did. I'm sure if sales go well, all the seasons will be sold in the US.
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Post by Phalon on Jan 13, 2007 6:57:17 GMT -6
Sticking this in here because I'm not sure where else to put it, and I'm sure some of these movies might be on someone's favorite list. I need help in choosing. Movie buffs? Siren? Katina? Anyone else with an opinion?
I've a small dilemma. A film series of Alfred Hitchcock movies will be shown here: film and discussion following the movie in a cool little theater that was once a barn, but now hosts community events. My friend wants me to go with him. My problem; a small problem, but none-the-less, a problem for me: The movies start before the girls go to bed, and end when they are supposed to be asleep. Every time I go out in this scenario, the girls lose valuable sleep, their bedtime rituals messed up - mainly BP's, though LX will wait up until I'm home to tell me goodnight. The films are shown weekdays, meaning school the next day, meaning grumpy girls the next morning. And to tell the truth, I miss the rituals too: books, hugs and kisses, and I love yous.
So my question, (boy, I sure can drag something out, no?): I figure I can swing a couple of the films, not all. But which ones? My friend is no help; he wants me to go see them all. The only Hitchcock movies I've seen are the Birds, Vertigo (was that Hitchcock?), and Psycho (seen on television with commercial interruptions).
Which two would you choose: Notorious? Rear Window? The Trouble With Harry? North by Northwest? Psycho?
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Post by katina2nd on Jan 13, 2007 7:38:41 GMT -6
Have a feeling Siren would be much more help here then myself Lady P, not a hugh fan of Hitchcock to be truthful <blasphemy> and haven't seen many of his films for quite some time.
Personally I think Psycho is his best work, well worth catching again even though you've already seen it. Are those you mentioned the only ones showing? If so I'd suggest "North by Northwest" along with Psycho, not really that familiar with "Notorious" or "The Trouble With Harry" and think I may be one of the few people who didn't like "Rear Window."
If there are others to choose from then perhaps "Dial M for Murder" or "The Wrong Man," or even "The Lodger" if you're interested in one of his earlier efforts.
Hope this is of some help, though as I said, reckon Siren may have some better ideas.
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Post by Phalon on Jan 13, 2007 7:46:46 GMT -6
Thanks, Katina. I missed "Dial M for Murder"; it was shown last week.
I was thinking "Psycho" also - it'd be good to see without interruptions; I hate watching a movie, getting right to a "good part", then having it break for five minutes of commercials.
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Post by katina2nd on Jan 13, 2007 7:54:29 GMT -6
You're welcome. The same here, can't watch a movie on commercial tv any more, drives me bats.
Looks like "Psycho" it is then for one of your choices, I'm sure Siren will have some great suggestions also.
Sounds like it will be fun, hope you have a great time.
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Post by Siren on Jan 14, 2007 15:14:45 GMT -6
I think "Psycho" is probably Hitchcock's most famous film, so would be a good bet.
I am a fan of "Rear Window". It has a wonderful cast, including the fabulous Thelma Ritter - one of the all-time greatest character actresses - as a wise, cranky nurse, and Grace Kelly at her most beautiful in some drop-dead gorgeous designer fashions. And there's Jimmy Stewart, just being Jimmy Stewart. And awesome set, great little storylines among the other tenants, and a grisly murder. I enjoy that movie a lot.
But if you're only going to get to attend 2 films, I would pick "Psycho" and one of my all-time favorite movies, "Notorious" - a thrilling tale of intrigue and passion. 2 great stars are at their peak: Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, both beautiful and sooo sexy together. There are several famous scenes in this one - an amazing tracking shot from high overhead all the way to a closeup of a key in Ingrid's hand...she and Cary's kissing scene that goes on and on...the shot when Ingrid realizes she's in real, real trouble, and realizes she's helpless to escape...and the end, when the viewer is literally thinking, "Hurry, hurry, they're coming!". Gad, just a great movie! I've seen it so many times, and it still fascinates me.
Have a great time, Gams!
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Post by Phalon on Jan 15, 2007 17:22:57 GMT -6
Thanks guys, for your thoughts. I think, though you both mentioned "Pyscho", but since I've seen it, I'll go with one of your recommendations each: "North by Northwest", and "Notorious".
Perhaps I'll make it to more, but I can definitely fit in at least two.
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Post by katina2nd on Jan 22, 2007 1:17:16 GMT -6
What's happening Lady P, you been to any of the films yet?
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