I disagree, I don't think the storyline for MIAMI VICE wasn't good, it just wasn't anything special nor creative. Almost like something penned for television, which fans on these boards of MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE 3 just conveniently forgot to include in their reviews.

Whatever haters will, and fans of the film will have to admit, is that MIAMI VICE itself plays like a 2 hour pilot for a would-be television series of gritty cop drama violence on HBO. The problem is, the production's numerous problems(including a bloody hurricane) escalated the budget into $135 million. Opps!

Still, I think MIAMI VICE is a worthy film in Mann's filmography, much like the much-at-the-time derided CASINO was for Martin Scorsese in 1995. MIAMI VICE lacks the Shakesperean-drama epic level of duality of HEAT and COLLATERAL. Hell, even THIEF is better than MIAMI VICE. However, MIAMI VICE is truely Mann totally going commercial, for better or for worse.

I know Irishman put a bad word to the good comic book films of that sub-genre when he tried to excuse the limitations of SUPERMAN 2(either version) as for being par with that genre. With that lack of logic, then MIAMI VICE is a really great film. Its not, its just a good cop/crime movie, nothing more or less.

Remember folks, don't knock a genre to make your movie greater than it is. "For an action movie, its good" is word-fucking orgy antics for basically saying, "its a bad movie I'll defend".

Svsg, glad to see you dug CASINO ROYALE as well. The staff at AndersonVision (Sully,Me,others) all gave it high marks, and I assume it will be in the top 5 of all of our lists. Right now, its #3 behind THE DEPARTED and UNITED 93.

P.S. - Irishman, what no creative individual thoughts on VICE from you? I would like to hear it.

Ratings:

MIAMI VICE (2006) - ***1/2
SUPERMAN II (1981) - ***(More thoughts later today)
CASINO ROYALE (2006) - ****
THE FOUNTAIN (2006) - ****1/2 (Go see this movie now!)

RRA, no Prestige in your list?

Edit: sorry, I thought this was your 2006 list

No I saw PRESTIGE...either I forgot to rate it here on the boards, or it just slipped out. It'll be on my top 10 list.

In fact....

THE PRESTIGE (2006) - ****

If that earlier magic movie with Norton and Giammati played by conventional populist terms, THE PRESTIGE is magical in that its a gripping tale of men in a time period, much like the 1960s, where anything seemed within the hands of science. Much less that the tale is a duel between two magicians that will have a rivalry across time, much like Jackman's later 2006 release THE FOUNTAIN, and will impact it as well.

This isn't the genre-impact maker that MEMENTO or BATMAN BEGINS is, but its much like Nolan's earlier INSOMNIA. That is, a pretty good movie that many movie buffs will take personally into their bossum for the calendar year of 2006.

With Nolan's entry of sorts into the "SteamPunk" of science fiction, I can't bloody wait for his THE PRISONER, which should be utterly fucking fascinating. Oh, and that Batman sequel. *cough*

P.S. - David Bowie's small role in the movie just ruled. Certainly Nolan casted him for Tesla in part to the really underrated THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH from Nick Roeg in the 1970s.

What did you think of it? I was wondering if any of you guys had seen this movie... I totally loved it. Does the absence of stars mean you actually rate it as being that low?

I am of the mindset that a failure in connection between a film and me is a shortcoming on my part, not the film's, for whatever reason. So, if I have the patience and will, I always try and give films a second chance. I caught Miami Vice again because I already had a pass for the theatre at which it was playing (a university student film union), so I thought why not? Money shouldn't matter, otherwise, but, alas, it does.

Schematic stuff, of little interest really, though some of the stunts are excellent - it uses the sport of free-running as an excuse for its action. Fast and short, passably enjoyable.

The best film of the year so far is either The Prestige or Children of Men. Both lead the competition by a long shot.

What I bloody hate is that CHILDREN OF MEN never came to my area. Oh well...I'll update my 2006 list into next year, since my lists are always changing and being modified.

Well like I said I agreed with Capo and by the end of the film I just didn't care anymore. I didn't care about the characters, I didn't care about the story, I didn't care about the movie, I just wanted the credits the roll.

Ok. See, you could have simply written that. But, I can't complain. At least you wrote your thoughts on VICE out.

BTW, go read my Honorable Mention list, and comment on SUPERMAN RETURNS. I want a fight!

*cue crappy MORTAL KOMBAT metal techno-pop mix*

These are my reviews of movies from 2006. Sorry for the space wastage, but I wanted it in one place, so I can link to it in another thread I plan to strart!

-------------------------------------------------------------
Inside Man *
The theme is bank robbery. Clive owen and Denzel Washington do a good job, but the movie has nothinggreat to offer.


MI-3
I have not watched the first two parts and on my friend's recommendation, I decided to watch this on DLP screen which has an amazing video quality. But the movie turned out to be total crap, full of usual car chases, explosions and gun fight sequences. My $8.5 down the drain


16 blocks *
I had absolutely zero expectation from the movie and watched it because the ticket was just 50 cents It was pretty decent in fact, though not exceesively loaded with action or twists, as one expects the movies of this type to be. Bruce willis is good as the honest cop, but Mos Def really acts well.


Da Vinci Code **
I saw this today. I haven't read the book and I am still not very clear about certain details. Overall, interesting movie, but nothing mind-blowing. Certainly I expected more from the movie going by the trailer, so it leaves me a little dis-satisfied.


Over the Hedge **
Animated movie about a racoon and a bunch of hibernating animals. The racoon destroys the stored food of a large bear and has to replenish it in a week. It teams together with a bunch of animals fresh out of hibernation who have no idea about outside (human) world, to gather food by stealing from the humans. It is not all that funny in the beginning, but towards the end it is hilarious. I have a minor complaint with children's movies including this - they often have some preachy dialogue about the importance of family etc, which I find a little annoying and out of place. However these movies are specifically targetted towards kids and not someone like me, so I dont know, maybe the kids do enjoy that kind of stuff!


Sentinel *
Routine hollywood FBI/CIA traitor plot with a minor difference - it is president's security in the place of FBI/CIA. Usual car chases, helicopters, shooting sequences, good man framed, proves his innocence finally. $1 (dollar theater), 2 hours, no complaints BTW stars Michael Douglas, not that it makes any difference...


X-Men **
X-Men 3 **
Both movies are entertaining for the 2 hours or so that you watch them. And safely forget them afterwards.


Scoop **
Woody Allen movie, supposed to be a romantic comedy. It was neither quite romantic, nor was it much of a comedy. Woody Allen acts really well though, while Scarlet Johanson manages to look cute all the while.


Miami Vice **
Great visuals and music. Otherwise, a generic FBI narcotics drama/thriller that hollywood churns out every now and then.


The illusionist ***
Cast: Edward norton, Jessica Biel. This is a romantic story involving a magician and a soon-to-be princess. Ed Norton doesn't have lengthy dialogues to speak, but he steals the show every minute of his screen presence. The movie itself was very interesting contrary to my apprehensions about the period setting. Do watch it, you will like it.


Black Dahlia ***
Very interesting murder mystery directed by Brian De Palma. The music is good and the acting from everyone is great. There are a lot of similarities with LA Confidential. So in terms of freshness in theme, it doesn't offer a lot. Still I liked it.


Hollywoodland ***
This is set in 50's and is about the murder of Superman. The director creates a nice atmosphere and the music is excellent. This is somewhat like Black Dahlia in terms of mood and pace. I liked it a lot.


The Descent **
An above average horror movie - it has a few nice ideas and the scenes are shot well, mostly inside a cave. Worth watching once.


Prestige ***
Interesting throughout, but way too complex. This is similar to Illusionist in theme which I liked more. Acting wise, both Jackman and Bale do a good job. One funny thing was the characters of Tesla and Edison. My school text books only showed their scientific achievements, little did I know that they were doing some rather nasty things


Borat **
Politically incorrect and crude humor has been used effectively to make this movie quite hilarious. In fact, most of the crowd in the theater was laughing all of the time. There is a scene that borders on porn, and too long to be funny. Other than that, it is a funny movie, provided one can laugh at one's own cultural quirks.


Snakes on a plane*
Some of the snakes look fake, though for the most part they are convincing. Lot of gore and slime, FBI, cop drama, sentimentality and other routine hollywood cliches. You can skip this one, unless you paid 50 cents for the ticket, like I did


All the kings men ***
Excellent acting from Sean Penn. I think he deserves an oscar for his performance as a very convincing politician. Overall story and plot are ok, with some good performances from a recognizable
star cast.


Casino Royale **
Hardly any gadgets and the Bond is not shy of violence. International locations, bad villains and a great looking woman... all in all, nice entertainment.


The Fountain ****
Darren Afronsky is a genius. He made Requiem for a Dream and now he comes up with this stunning masterpiece. The concept, visuals and the excellent sound track by the same composer, Clint Mansel
and acting are all excellent. The whole experience was just amazing. Go and watch it immediately.


Grudge 2**
An average horror movie. The problem was that every time you expect something scary to show up on the screen, it actually does. Being predictable, it fails to scare the audience after a while. I was waiting for it to end after a while.

Departed(Forgot to rate)
Just saw the movie. It is not one of his best movies, but it is interesting on its own. The cast is great and DiCaprio is excellent. The ending is very good. Overall good, but I will not rewatch this anytime soon.

Babel **
3 Parallel story lines, two tragedies and one positive. I would have rated it high, had there been some real connection among them. The camera work was good sometimes with very wide shots, but many times had unnecessary closeups.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby ***
(Second Viewing)

NASCAR stock car racing sensation Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) is a national hero because of his "win at all costs" approach. He and his loyal racing partner, childhood friend Cal Naughton Jr. (John C. Reilly), are a fearless duo -- "Shake" and "Bake" by their fans for their ability to finish so many races in the #1 and #2 positions, with Cal always in second place. When flamboyant French Formula One driver Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) challenges "Shake" and "Bake" for the supremacy of NASCAR, Ricky Bobby must face his own demons and fight Girard for the right to be known as racing's top driver.

About as good, if not better than Anchorman. Right now it's too tough for me to call and I'd say to see Anchorman before I could be positive, but they're both good nonetheless. Will Ferrell and John C. Reily worked well together as Shake and Bake! However, I would have liked to see more of David Koechner in this film. Probably one of the easist movies to quote in recent memory.

"I'm Ricky Bobby, and if you don't chew Big Red, then f*ck you"

I confess I was totally biased. But the movie got some sort of fascination. So yes, I totally agree, SVSG. And the ending was absolutely breathtaking.

I enjoyed Always, a very Spielbergish movie.

just one star for the only Fellini's movies I really dig?

I've since knocked it down to no stars, since it has had no lasting effect on me whatsoever. I gave a mini-lecture on Fellini to my seminar group last week.

He's an interesting director, I'd love to see all of his films; I'll never shy away from it.

A film has to have a lasting effect for you to give it any stars?

Yes.

I've been revising my star system, to cater more for good films. One star means, "Of significant, lasting merit."

NO STAR? NO LASTING EFFECT? Capo, just Masina's face, her eyes, her innocence would have a lasting effect on anyone. I'm totally disappointed it didn't mean anything to you!



Honestly his kind of movies are not my kind of movies. But La strada, of course. I watched all his major films because you cannot do without, especially being Italian. But I was never really interested in his visionary filmography which, on the contrary, you should like, being the Lynch's fan you are. I'm sure Lynch owes Fellini a lot.

Hmm, I see few similarities between the two.

Masina's performances are very Chaplinesque. I don't like didactic narratives. I don't rate La notti di Cabiria any higher, either.

I finally got to watch UNITED 93 today. I thought that it was very well made. While it touched on all the events that happened on 9/11, it also did what I thought was an excellent job of conveying the mass confusion and chaos that took place within the airlines, the FAA and the military, without laying blame on one particular group or person. The way it was shown almost made you understand how people in charge that day were confused and in chaos.

The director also did an excellent job of showing what transpired on flight 93, without any hollywood hype or controversy. For all of the documentaries that I've watched, and all that I've read about what transpired on flight 93 that day, the director seemed to have stayed with the facts and did not inject his own ideas or interpretations into the story. Even the ending, (which of course we all know how it ends) was done with style and class without having to visually show any graphic details of the flight crashing into the ground.

A very well made movie.



Don Cardi

Now you know DC why I didn't exactly care much for WORLD TRADE CENTER the motion picture.

I watched Boxcar Bertha last night. Definitely a lot different than anything I've ever watched by Martin Scorsese. I was actually impressed, and entertained throughout. Not his best work, but that's kinda like saying Da Vinci's "Last Supper" is good, but not as good as the Mona Lisa.

Fantastic 4
What crap

All the King's Men *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Based on the Robert Penn Warren novel. The life of populist Southerner Willie Stark, a political creature loosely based on Governor Huey Long of Louisiana.

What a great and intriguing storyline. This should definitely garner Sean Penn and probably even Jude Law more Oscar nominations. They worked well together and Kate Winslet and Anthony Hopkins were enjoyable as well. My only beef with the film was James Gandolfini's accent. He looked the part but the Louisiana accent was HORRIBLE!

Same morbid attraction for abnormalities, for instance. Similar visionary set (more grotesque in Fellini, more gothic in Lynch). Same trend to descend to unconscious levels of poetry which seems to lead nowhere.

IMO, of course.

I think both are very personal filmmakers, but I think their preoccupations differ. They are the authors of their films, the defining, significant authority. Auteurs? Decidedly.

Needless to say, I connect far more with Lynch.

The Wicker Man **

Surfing in London airport! Watched this on flight to london. I presumed this would be a crappy movie, but pretty interesting. Nothing great, but reasonably spooky. Hopefully on my flight to india, I get to see more movies.

I also saw Da Vinci Code (again) on flight. This time I understood a little more, but it disappointed me more. Should reduce a star from my rating

I should be watching The Wicker Man sometime later this week svsg. I'm not expecting a lot from it as others at my work have seen it and said it was a piece of crap but I'll find out for myself

An Evening With Kevin Smith ****
(Third Viewing)

An Evening With Kevin Smith documents the director's 2001/2002 speaking tour through 5 stops, including Cornell University, Indiana University, Kent State University, University of Wyoming, and Clark University. Students from all 5 schools ask Kevin about anything ranging from his takes on religion to his relationship with Jason Mewes.

Some of the best stand-up I've ever seen. Kevin blends humor with real-life stories to get an inside look at Silent Bob. HIGHLY recommended for any and all Jay & Silent Bob fans. Hopefully the sequel is just as good!

chaos.



In all seriousness, really glad you liked it DC.