Yeah National Treasure did suck too. Sorry Nicholas, stick with something like Face/Off or Lord of War

Transporter 2 **

I can't believe this is possible but I think I may have enjoyed this sequel more than the original. I wasn't a huge fan of the original but I thought this would just be a giant piece of sh*t. To me, and I'm stealing a page out of another members playbook here, but it was an enjoyable "popcorn movie with lots of action." Nothing else other than that but I might have to buy these 2 movies now

Le Samourai 10/10

Amazing film. The most perfectly paced movie I have ever seen, accompanied by a very soothing score. The acting is great, and the story is very creative. Jef Costello is the coolest movie character I have ever seen, especially towards the end while calmly testing numerous keys before finding the one that starts the vehicle. That gave me chills. This was the first time where I didn't feel like I was watching a movie, but rather being taken for a ride into a different world, and being pulled out of that world as the ending credits roll. Le Samourai is one of the best films I have ever seen, and it simply begs for re-watches.

I still haven't seen Le Samourai yet. I'll probably be picking it up sometime in the next couple weeks. The price has went up $10 bucks on Amazon.com, though.

XXX, http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=HVD001849

40% off, $17.

Wow! Thanks, DV! You just saved me about 13 bucks!

Free shipping too. I wish I had a credit card.

I got my copy for $21.97 on overstock.com. It's worth it though.

Am I the only one who loved Bewitched? I would at least give it 6/10. I'm glad I didn't check IMDB before getting it, I can't believe they gave this 5/10.

Wait, doesn't BEWITCHED threaten the holiness and the status of Allah as the one and only true lord of the supernatural?

:p

Jeez...

Hey Iceman....now THAT is sarcasm.

MEN IN BLACK (1997) - ***

Enjoyable fluff summer blockbuster picture that seems to be the extra-terrestrial retooling of GHOSTBUSTERS. Opened up for a possible creative and potential franchise, only to be followed by a mediocre sequel 5 years later. Mostly notable for some fun work by Vincent D'Nofrio as an alien wearing a human "suit".

"Edgar" was the show-stealer in that one! That guy's pretty talented (Law & Order CI notwithstanding!).

Ok, I got a list of just watched movies.

"The aviator". I had great expectations but, all in all,
I was a little disappointed. Good acting performance by Leo, but the movie seems to me to remain somehow unfinished. The plane accident scene is really amazing! Breathtaking!!!

"The passion of Christ". Unlike the "Aviator", I had no great expectations, after all the criticisms I read, solely reporting blood and butchery. Well, I think this movie is almost a masterpiece. Otherwise you could not stand a 2 hrs movie entirely acted in Aramaic and Latin (not that I mind Latin, having studied it myself passionately for some 12 years) but I must admit Gibson's choice, brave as it is, isn't the most cinematographic in the world. Well, the movie is so intense and emotionally gripping you do not care if it is acted in Aramaic, Latin or Chinese. It is graphic and shocking, of course. But crucifiction was not exactly a picnic. Gibson made it as realistic as it was never shown before in movie history. Great movie, I suggest everybody to watch it.

"Ronin". One of the few DeNiro's movies I hadn't still watched. Great one. The car chases scenes in the narrow streets of Nice were absolutely breathtaking. Quite predictable ending, though. Excellent Reno. DeNiro being still a giant here, before being involved in those crappy movies he was in lately. Loved this movie.

"Troy". Ok, it was ridiculous here and there. But you know what? I liked it. Now, don't tell me Brad Pitt's looks had something to do with it....Brad is surely to be drooled over in this movie, but honestly I just let myself to be conquered by the grandiosity and magnificence of the scenes and by the myth perfume I so passionately studied since I was a child. Give it a chance. And almost 3 hrs of your time as well....

Frozen
Juliet McKoen 2005 UK (1st time; big screen)
In a small fishing town, and estranged woman tries to deal with the loss of her missing sister.
Knowingly reminiscent of Don’t Look Now, with a bleak look and fleeting moments of striking red; if the denoument bares too much a resemblance, it is still an interesting, bleak exploration of loss and obsession with some moments of genuine eeriness.

Happiness
Todd Solondz 1998 US (1st time)
Several people, including three sisters and their parents, struggle to find fulfilment.
Affecting drama of unsatisfactory relationships and sexual fantasy; it is a deeply disturbing and ultimately challening work, by turns hilarious at its most serious or vulgar moments, and tragic all the same.

Five Easy Pieces
Bob Rafelson 1970 US (1st time)
An oil-rigger running away all his life from a musical, middle-class background, travels back to his home when his father falls sick.
One of those cult films without shape, this slowly unfolds itself as a complex character study and perhaps even social comment, with Nicholson's over-the-top theatrics winning us over all the way. An unforgettable triumph.

Rock 127
Reza Haeri Year Iran (1st time)
With rock and jazz forbidden in Iran, many musicians form their own underground groups; a short documentary on one of these, Rock 127.
More of a promo than a documentary, it succeeds in sustaining our interests and making us want more; alas, at three minutes, we're left wanting.

The Searchers
John Ford 1956 US (1st time)
When his brother's family are massacred by Commanches, a mysterious loner begins a five-year quest to hunt down his niece, with whom the Indians ran off.
Influential in its themes of determined revenge and social alienation, this is far more compelling as a visual triumph, with cinematography and landscapes to die for; the final third gives too much leeway to distracting humour.

The Knockout
Charles Avery 1914 US (1st time)
Eager to prove his courage to his girlfriend, a hefty fighter enters a boxing match, and all hell breaks loose.
Among various Chaplin DVDs to buy, this half-hour short features Charlie for a mere few minutes as the boxing referee. Primarily, instead, a Fatty Arbuckle comedy, and a not very funny one at that.

It was very stupid they didn't use real Latin in this movie. They used the Middle Ages Church-Latin, while the Romans just spoke, well, normal Latin.
A big mistake, when trying to be historically correct and devoting attention to it (using Aramees, Latin, ...)

Brokeback Mountain ****

I really wanted to see this to see what all the fuse was about and I was very impressed myself. Ang Lee's, Heath Ledger's and Jake Gyllenhaal's best performances I've ever seen. It was also nice to see Randy Quaid & Anne Hathaway in there. If you have the means, go see this film before it comes out on DVD.

Underworld ***

My third time watching this film and I was only watching it because I'm watching Underworld: Evolution tomorrow. I didn't like it the first time around but this time and the previous I have enjoyed it so much more. A very interesting story with enough action to satisfy the appetite. Not to mention that Kate Beckinsale is so f'n hot!

Heights * 1/2

A boring and lame story about 5 different people who meet, connect and resolve their relationships. I only watched it because Elizabeth Banks was in it

Broken Flowers - (Jim Jarmusch;2005;USA/France)
After a man's girlfriend leaves him, he receives a pink letter informing him he has a son. His neighbor helps him track down old flames to investigate.
The second best film of 2005. It's very relevant to many in society who as I described in my review, are leaves waiting for the wind to blow them. Bill Murray's subtle performance is the best I've seen from him, and it really makes me wanna see Lost in Translation. The music, cinematography, performances, and most of all, direction all come together beautifully. I enjoyed this even more then my first viewing. I really need to see more from Jarmusch and Murray. One of the best films of the new millennium.

Waiting... ** 1/2

I enjoyed this more with a 2nd viewing. A funny movie about the "horrors" of waiting tables in a restaurant. Ryan Reynold's stock is rising in my book.

Underworld: Evolution ** 1/2

I didn't think it would be better than the original and it wasn't. It was still very enjoyable and I think Kate Beckinsale did a better job with #2 than the original, but storyline and character wise, I still prefer Underworld.

just watched Carlito's Way. what I liked in this movie was that it was getting better and better. first I thought it was a little over the top but it went getting better until the climax in the end, which totally worked. the 'noir' sequence in the end was really cool, and of course, surprising. not that it's as great as Scarface, but I really liked it. Pacino, of course was great and was the soul of this film.

The Seventh Seal - (Ingmar Bergman;1957;Sweden)
A knight returning from the Crusades challenges Death to chess in a bid to live longer during the Black Death.
My first Bergman film, and a very personal one of his. This film is ultimately, like Dead Man, about losing fear in death with the addition of religious guilt. Though I believe in God, I think what this film tries to say is we shouldn't be caught up in guilt and fear of death. Ultimately, we should embrace it. I related to several things, such as a few of Block's thoughts during his confession earlier in the film. A brilliant film that paints a ridiculousedque portrait of hardcore religious people who become too guilty with themselves, especially with the plagued people who resort to flagellation.

well finally I watched Jean Pierre Melville's Le Samouraï for the first time last night. the hype was huge about it, and the film totally lived it up. it's amazing how there is no romance, not one single loveable charachter and almost no action and I still was absolutely entertained. now I'd like to know what's your opinion on the film. >>>SPOILERS<<< I believe Jeff's last contract was to kill that girl who plays the piano, and since he couldn't do that, he gave his life instead of failing to complete his job. I know some one might disagree though.

I watched both Carlito's Way and Le Samouraï last night and is interesting to see the influence of Melville's style in Carlito's Way. both films end up in a cat-and-mouse pursuit that is one of the biggest cliches in action films - see Collateral and Midnight Run - the last sequence in Carlito's Way is clearly inspired by the noir style, which was invented by Melville and some other french directors. also, is amazing how sometimes Pacino's Carlito talks exactly like Pacino's Lt. Frank Slade from Scent of a Woman --- as I coincidentally watched both films last night (Carlito's Way and Le Samouraï), it was interesting to see the connections between them and another bunch of films I've watched (and liked).

Jean-Pierre Melville did not invent the noir style. Film-Noir ended in the 50's and the term can be used to described post-Film-Noir films that resemble the style such as Chinatown, Le Samourai, Le Cercle Rouge, Taxi Driver, Memento, Heat, or Collateral. He loved American gangster films and Film-Noirs, and created somewhat of a fantasy world in Le Samourai.

An interesting article stated that the 60's French culture didn't really look like Melville's films fashion-wise and such. It was really a swirl of older films he loved and his own unique style. Personally I don't think Carlito's Way's chase scene is a reference to Le Samourai.

Double Indemnity is a perfect example of an excellent Film-Noir.

SPOILERS FOR LE SAMOURAI
Due to the Samurai theme of the film, I believe the final hit was a setup by his employers. He knew it was gonna end in death, and he accepted that. Costello's decision to take out the bullets was his own Seppuku.
SPOILERS END

yeah, the chase scene in Carlito's Way might've been inspired by A Bout de Souffle - the final run and then getting shoot to death, all filmed from behind the carachter - I didn't say it was inspired by Le Samouraï, but I do see many connections... now, I know Melville did not invented the noir style. (I don't know who did) more accurate would be say that he created a sub-gender from noir. just notice that many films that are known to be "noir films" are not exactly that: The Usual Suspects, Pulp Fiction and others... it's kind of a sub-gender that mix noir, crime, drama and that is known for the big crowds as noir itself.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Michel Gondry 2004 US (2nd time)
A man decides to get his memory erased of his ex girlfriend, and, halfway through the procedure, he realises he still loves her.
Extraordinarily inventive exploration of memory, love, and flawed relationships; it is at once abrasive and subtle, with master control of music, editing and performances creating a contrast of sorts, a kind of loose directorial approach to a tightly-written script. Remarkable.

One Hundred and One Dalmations
Clyde Geronimi / Hamilton Luske / Wolfgang Reitherman 1961 US (1st time)
When their fifteen puppies are stolen by Cruella De Vil, two dalmations seek to rescue them, with the help of the other dogs of the area.
A change in setting for Disney, though still insistent on anthropomorphism to appeal to the kids (though there are at least three human good-guys); the second half is brilliant.

Memoirs of a Geisha
Rob Marshall 2005 US (1st time; big screen)
A girl from a small fishing village is sold at an early age, and grows up to be a celebrated geisha.
Lifeless drama with an unconvincing romance and horrid succumbing to mainstream values: the most beautiful shots here are not given enough room to sweep us away, and the cast, all brilliant in their native tongue, seem awkward when directed for English-speaking audiences.

I'm moving back to the five star system, permanently.

***** = Masterpiece
**** = Great film
*** = Very good
** = Decent/Ok
* = Mediocre/Meh
No Stars = Bad

Welcome back DA!

You knew all along the righteousness of the holy 5-star system.... :p