The "I'm watching/just watched *movie title* thread....

[Camazotz Automat]

"You know, this scene is strong enough for a Manos, but made for a Womanos."
            Joel Robinson

Thank you, Tom Neyman, for helping make Manos eternal.

It would have been monumental to have Mr. Neyman make a cameo appearance on one of the new upcoming MST3K episodes. 

[FightTheFuture]

I'm glad you did. Although I had several problems with the film, I am curious how you felt about the death of of her child and learning to live in a philosophical time loop? It didn't seem well thought out to me.

Yeah, that`s a good question and I can certainly see your point. However, I thought the death of her child raised a very important question (one of many, actually) to contemplate. If you knew how the life of your prospective child would turn out -- in this case, an extremely premature demise -- would you still go forth with it? Apparently, it led to the divorce of Louise and Ian, as Ian learned that she knew it would turn-out the way it did, but didn`t let him in on the secret until later. Without question, it added another layer of emotional depth to the story.

One has to imagine how it would be to suddenly have these gargantuan alien spacecraft just show-up one sunny day. How would the world react? I think Villeneuve got it as close as one could expect. The fear and anxiety, as well as innate bravery, was brilliantly portrayed by Amy Adams, through whom, incidentally, the story is told. For my money, that made the film far more intimate and personal.

The movie makes it clear that the universe as we once knew it was over, forever. Everything changed for humanity with Their arrival. We were given a "gift."  A gift -- kind of like the "gift" of nuclear power, if you ask me -- that would be the catalyst for humanity to evolve into an advanced race and eventually help save the Heptapods in some manner. (Abbot said his race would "need us in 3,000 years").

Overall, just a fascinating movie, not perfect, but beautifully filmed and put together, and well acted. I estimate it will garner nominations for: best picture, best actress, best director, best cinematography, writing, and sound editing.

[akwilly]

I watched inferno with Tom hanks. It sucked

[onan]

Yeah, that`s a good question and I can certainly see your point. However, I thought the death of her child raised a very important question (one of many, actually) to contemplate. If you knew how the life of your prospective child would turn out -- in this case, an extremely premature demise -- would you still go forth with it? Apparently, it led to the divorce of Louise and Ian, as Ian learned that she knew it would turn-out the way it did, but didn`t let him in on the secret until later. Without question, it added another layer of emotional depth to the story.

One has to imagine how it would be to suddenly have these gargantuan alien spacecraft just show-up one sunny day. How would the world react? I think Villeneuve got it as close as one could expect. The fear and anxiety, as well as innate bravery, was brilliantly portrayed by Amy Adams, through whom, incidentally, the story is told. For my money, that made the film far more intimate and personal.

The movie makes it clear that the universe as we once knew it was over, forever. Everything changed for humanity with Their arrival. We were given a "gift."  A gift -- kind of like the "gift" of nuclear power, if you ask me -- that would be the catalyst for humanity to evolve into an advanced race and eventually help save the Heptapods in some manner. (Abbot said his race would "need us in 3,000 years").

Overall, just a fascinating movie, not perfect, but beautifully filmed and put together, and well acted. I estimate it will garner nominations for: best picture, best actress, best director, best cinematography, writing, and sound editing.

I agree the death and the dreaming/reliving of all the events was intriguing, but my concern was twofold. One, If I have the chance to savor a relationship I know will end, by returning to earlier points in that relationship, how do I move past that finalizing moment. Two, although not a large part of the audience, if I had lost a child and only had to remember the good parts to get over the pain, I might find that a bit insensitive/condescending.

I was both amazed and annoyed by the aliens. I thought the visualization was absolutely astounding. At the same time, I was annoyed by the obvious technically and overall perceptual superiority of the aliens yet they had an almost impossible task of "teaching" their language to us. While at the same time they had, what appeared to be, full awareness of what was to be in 3000 years.

But you are right, the movie will assuredly garner nominations and awards. And I too am looking forward to the Blade Runner sequel. 

[FightTheFuture]

I agree the death and the dreaming/reliving of all the events was intriguing, but my concern was twofold. One, If I have the chance to savor a relationship I know will end, by returning to earlier points in that relationship, how do I move past that finalizing moment. Two, although not a large part of the audience, if I had lost a child and only had to remember the good parts to get over the pain, I might find that a bit insensitive/condescending.

I was both amazed and annoyed by the aliens. I thought the visualization was absolutely astounding. At the same time, I was annoyed by the obvious technically and overall perceptual superiority of the aliens yet they had an almost impossible task of "teaching" their language to us. While at the same time they had, what appeared to be, full awareness of what was to be in 3000 years.

But you are right, the movie will assuredly garner nominations and awards. And I too am looking forward to the Blade Runner sequel.

LOL my 85 year-old mother, who happens to be quite the savvy movie-goer, expressed the exact same sentiments, my friend.

[ItsOver]

Thanks for the feedback on "Arrival," dudes. 

[analog kid]

lol ... will start using this as part of my rating methodology ... definitely thumbs down if you can't guzzle the pretensions away

heh heh. I like to watch movies while drinking, and it's actually hard to find decent movies that pass the beer test. The last movie I gave up on in disgust was the Jack Reacher sequel. No amount of alcohol can make that watchable. The first one was kinda fun to watch.

[Walks_At_Night]

Just stumbled across an interesting podcast, hosted by of all people Gilbert Gottfried.  If you can get past
the voice and the laugh I've enjoyed the only episode I've listened to.

He has a wonderful interview with Lee Grant located Here

[Dr. MD MD]

I heard someone (zeebo, I think) mention The Expanse here awhile back. So, I watched a few episodes before falling asleep last night. It was pretty good and kind of reminded me of the setting of Total Recall without the main plot or Arnie X Blade Runner but just in regard to the detective role. It actually gave me zero G dreams last night. It was kind of freaky and actually woke me up a couple times. Each time I woke my arms were extended back above my head and I never fall asleep that way so I must've been moving around like I was floating or something. It probably would've been hilarious if I could've recorded it somehow. 

[Camazotz Automat]

Produced By George Martin (2012)

"Let's face it, George.  I'm not going to walk into a bar in Spain and hear people whistling I Am the Walrus."

- George Martin, quoting John Lennon, while discussing Paul's superior music writing talent and John's superior lyric writing talent.

[Camazotz Automat]

I use this site to check out a full year of movie theater releases by month and year:

FIRSTSHOWING.NET

[Camazotz Automat]

The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour (1967)

Magical Mystery Tour Revisited (2012)

[bateman]

https://youtu.be/_2yCIwmNuLE

[Lt.Uhura]

I agree the death and the dreaming/reliving of all the events was intriguing, but my concern was twofold. One, If I have the chance to savor a relationship I know will end, by returning to earlier points in that relationship, how do I move past that finalizing moment. Two, although not a large part of the audience, if I had lost a child and only had to remember the good parts to get over the pain, I might find that a bit insensitive/condescending.

I was both amazed and annoyed by the aliens. I thought the visualization was absolutely astounding. At the same time, I was annoyed by the obvious technically and overall perceptual superiority of the aliens yet they had an almost impossible task of "teaching" their language to us. While at the same time they had, what appeared to be, full awareness of what was to be in 3000 years.

But you are right, the movie will assuredly garner nominations and awards. And I too am looking forward to the Blade Runner sequel. 

I thought Arrival was like studying an abstract painting.  Actually very little of the movie was focused on science, but rather metaphysical themes. Not all folks will appreciate the gaps and ambiguities in the plot. Nevertheless, the major theme of all human activity and communication being based on linear time is a fascinating and thought-provoking subject.

One thing that wasn't clear to me was how did the information and language which Amy Adams' character was given by the aliens enlighten the human race?  It shows her on a book tour teaching the language, but there is no indication Earthlings made a radical change from the frightened primitives they were when the ships first appeared.

At one point it was suggested the aliens' motivation might be to sit back and watch humans destroy ourselves with no need for them to attack. I was reminded of the Twilight Zone episode The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street, and while our self-destruction remains a possibility, I was glad to see the story didn't go there

Having worked with people in life and death situations for many decades, I've often felt  the linear timeline of our lives does seem illusionary.  I think we get complacent about the passage of time. For the most part we really are helpless and frightened about the future, and that unknown dominates every aspect our lives, is the basis for faith.

BTW, the movie was based on a short story entitled Story Of Your Life, by Ted Chiang (a nod to the Chinese General in the movie?) After leaving the theater, I stopped by the bookstore to pick up the book. Initially released as a collection of short stories by Chaing, the book has been reprinted and re titled as Arrival for the movie.

[analog kid]

I thought Arrival was like studying an abstract painting.  Actually very little of the movie was focused on science, but rather metaphysical themes. Not all folks will appreciate the gaps and ambiguities in the plot. Nevertheless, the major theme of all human activity and communication being based on linear time is a fascinating and thought-provoking subject.

It really does sound like a Nolan movie.

[analog kid]

Green Room. It's about a band trapped in a green room. The reviews peaked my interest, with how you're supposed to know as little as possible going into it. I thought there might be a twist or something. Nope. Neonazis trap a band in a green room.

[analog kid]

Blood Father. It got lukewarm reviews, but it's an entertaining popcorn flick. Mel Gibson is like a drunkard, ex-con version of Jason Bourne. If you're looking for a movie to watch while drinking, it gets my highest recommendation -- six out of six beers.

[analog kid]

Out Of The Furnace.



"When Rodney Baze mysteriously disappears and law enforcement doesn't follow through fast enough, his older brother, Russell, takes matters into his own hands to find justice."

Too heavy for me while drinking, but holy crap it's a good movie.

[Lt.Uhura]

Big Eyes (on Netflix now) 
A Tim Burton film about artist Margaret Keane.  Evidently, Burton is a collector of Keane's iconic paintings which featured mostly children and animals with abnormally big eyes.  The movie depicts how Keane's husband took credit as the artist of her paintings throughout what should have been the peak of her career.  Prior to watching this film, I knew nothing about Margaret Keane but was familiar with her work.  When I visited Montmartre in Paris in the early 70s, similar paintings of big-eyed children by Parisian artists were everywhere, obviously influenced by Keane.  Her style has become synonymous with the Mid Century Modern aesthetic, in spite of art critics from the era dismissing her work as "kitsch".

Well-acted, authentic period piece, albeit less quirky than most other Burton films. Coincidentally, the second film in a row I've watched staring Amy Adams.  She's a fine actress. Thumbs up 👍

[Lt.Uhura]

1959's The Tingler.  Great Vincent Price movie that I have watched repeatedly over the years.  This is the movie where they wired random theater seats to give people a shock once the Tingler appeared on the screen.  I made it to the part where Vincent had his LSD trip but then I got too tired and went to bed.  Will watch the second half tonight.

Oh wow. I haven't seen this film in decades, but vividly remember being frightened by the monster parasite being pulled from peoples' spines.  Eeew...will watch again!

[Lt.Uhura]

I suppose I missed the discussion here, but just binged on Netflix's Stranger Things. It borders on an 80s made-for-TV movie, but I guess that's the point, lol.  Surprisingly good!

[Taaroa]

Just saw The Founder. Was fairly enjoyable, but I didn't like the soundtrack because it seemed to clash with the tone of the film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX2uz2XYkbo

[trostol]

I suppose I missed the discussion here, but just binged on Netflix's Stranger Things. It borders on an 80s made-for-TV movie, but I guess that's the point, lol.  Surprisingly good!

was a very good series...i killed it in 2 days and i usually do not binge things unless its just background noise

[The King of Kings]

Just saw The Founder. Was fairly enjoyable, but I didn't like the soundtrack because it seemed to clash with the tone of the film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX2uz2XYkbo

Lucky.  I have been waiting to see that.  Huge fan of Michael Keaton.

[Taaroa]

Lucky.  I have been waiting to see that.  Huge fan of Michael Keaton.

Yeah he was pretty good in it.

[coaster]

The Nice Guys. Russell Crowe plays the straight man and Gosling is the drunken private detective. Half way through it reminded me of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Come to find out, its another Shane Black movie. The guy can make some hilarious crime comedies. Enjoyed every minute of this movie. Id write a better review but im on my lady's teeny tiny phone and its slow going. If you want laughs, watch this movie.
Hope everyone is doing good. Until next time. Cheers.

[FightTheFuture]

Just returned from seeing Allied. What a great movie! It has everything you want in a film: great acting, spy vs. spy, WWII stuff, beautiful love story, amazing sets and costumes...and on and on. I really loved this movie. It reminds me so much of Casablanca.

[21st Century Man]

Just returned from seeing Allied. What a great movie! It has everything you want in a film: great acting, spy vs. spy, WWII stuff, beautiful love story, amazing sets and costumes...and on and on. I really loved this movie. It reminds me so much of Casablanca.

I'd like to see that though I've never been fond of Brad Pitt.  He's always been a bit wooden in the movies that I've watched.

   Speaking of Casablanca, I watched a 1948 movie with Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer called Arch of Triumph.  It was set in 1939 France before the Germans invaded.  I was expecting more from the film than what I got with Charles Laughton as the antagonist.  There was too much romance  and too little Laughton.  It was also far too slow. Ingrid Bergman was radiant though and did a wonderful job. Boyer was also very good.  Louis Calhern as a Russian colonel turned doorman does the best job in the film. It was based on a book by Erich Maria Remarque who wrote All Quiet On The Western Front.  This movie was much too quiet and lowkey for me.  It was a box office disaster and the fortunes of David Lewis, the movie's producer, took a dive shortly thereafter.  David Lewis was, incidentally, James Whale's long-time lover. 

  Director Lewis Milestone's fortunes also took a bit of a dive but he rebounded with the success of The Red Pony.  Milestone also directed the 1930 version of All Quiet On The Western Front. Charles Boyer's fortunes took a bit of a dive but he recovered while Ingrid Bergman not only had to contend with this failure but also the failures of Joan of Arc and Hitchcock's drama, Under Capricorn.  Due to these failures and her marriage to Roberto Rossellini, her fortunes really took a hit and she went to Europe for the next 7 years only to return when she was offered the role of Anastasia.  3 out of 5 stars.  Should have been much better.

[ItsOver]

I'd like to see that though I've never been fond of Brad Pitt...

Yeah, that's my issue, too.  One of the few movies I kind of liked him in was "Inglorious Basterds," probably because his character was so over the top about "kill'n dem Nazeees."

http://youtu.be/il59S3HT6jI

[21st Century Man]

Yeah, that's my issue, too.  One of the few movies I kind of liked him in was "Inglorious Basterds," probably because his character was so over the top about "kill'n dem Nazeees."

http://youtu.be/il59S3HT6jI

Yeah, he was pretty good in that.