Last movie seen — Page 635

DuracellEnergizer said:

Though I’m a Christian, I’m not a big fan of most Bible-based films; most seem made to reinforce fundagelical dogma, at least to my cynical eye. But I absolutely loved The Last Temptation of Christ. I’d really like to get my hands on the novel one of these days.

I, too, am a Christian. But I suspect even an ardent non-believer would be moved by the movie if he approached it with an open mind.

DuracellEnergizer said:

CHEWBAKAspelledwrong said:

DuracellEnergizer said:

Though I’m a Christian, I’m not a big fan of most Bible-based films; most seem made to reinforce fundagelical dogma, at least to my cynical eye. But I absolutely loved The Last Temptation of Christ. I’d really like to get my hands on the novel one of these days.

I, too, am a Christian. But I suspect even an ardent non-believer would be moved by the movie if he approached it with an open mind.

Ironic thing is most of the film’s detractors have been believers.

Well, they say they are. Someone who truly is a believer in Christ and His ministry would have a much more open mind.

Never heard of this film but I’m fairly interested in it, even more so to notice William Defoe as lead.

DuracellEnergizer said:

CHEWBAKAspelledwrong said:

DuracellEnergizer said:

CHEWBAKAspelledwrong said:

DuracellEnergizer said:

Though I’m a Christian, I’m not a big fan of most Bible-based films; most seem made to reinforce fundagelical dogma, at least to my cynical eye. But I absolutely loved The Last Temptation of Christ. I’d really like to get my hands on the novel one of these days.

I, too, am a Christian. But I suspect even an ardent non-believer would be moved by the movie if he approached it with an open mind.

Ironic thing is most of the film’s detractors have been believers.

Well, they say they are. Someone who truly is a believer in Christ and His ministry would have a much more open mind.

They can’t stomach the notion that God the Son struggled with doubt and lust and other human foibles and could’ve succumbed to them. Their “plain, straightfoward” reading of the Bible doesn’t allow for anything but a perfectly perfect Jesus.

Frankly, I think these people worship the Bible (especially the King James Version) more than Jesus.

Long Live the Queen!

I should watch Last Temptation a second time. I’ve said here before that I wasn’t a big fan of it, primarily because I didn’t feel the “temptations” were portrayed very well. A lot of it felt like Satan was simply tricking Jesus into believing something until something ends up telling him that it’s a trick. I actually really like a lot of stuff in it though, like how Jesus’ relationship with Judas was fictionalized, along with the eventual betrayal. And I’m also a Christian for the record. Maybe if I watch it again I’ll see more nuance in his struggles.

I started my yearly Xmas season rewatch of Capra classics leading up to It’s a Wonderful Life.

American Madness (1932)
Ever wonder where the Capra film we all think of that culminated in IAWL originated? Look no further. This is the film where Capra and Robert Riskin hit upon that particular blend of populism, individualism, integrity, spirit and stories that would make Depression era audiences feel as if they were finally being heard.
As an early talkie the technique on display is frankly astonishing. There are moments of overlapping dialogue that would have made Howard Hawks sit up and take notice. Many of the themes that turn up later in the other films first appear here in a different variety with the big centerpiece being the run on the bank.
Without a doubt this is a great film of the 30’s, another of the Capra canon that is horrendously unknown and a release way ahead of its time in presentation.

It Happened One Night
Simply put-if you haven’t seen this then you’re missing out. It is that important of a classic title and one that has inspired so much in competition that many of its elements have sunk into to popular consciousness. What remains however it its Depression era roots and innate grittiness that gives the film and its central romance a certain reality which is driven home by Capra’s ability to make every moment so believable.
this time I watched the Columbia spiffed up Laserdisc version and it’s a very nice presentation despite not having the gorgeous 4K restoration Sony allowed Criterion to release.

I hesitate posting reviews here, which would resemble a flood
Nonetheless, this is a recent one and a suggestion for editors.
Believe me, I have searched for no-nonsense version. Where is Maniac when you need him?

Starship Trooper - 1997 - 6/10

Near-future Earth finds itself at War with planet Klendathu.
A few whisper we were the provocateurs, infringing on Klendathu territory.
Hardly cause for them to annihilate a major Earth city!
Patriotism surges, high schoolers enlist, and, whether they remember their training or not, few soldiers survive.
Intense battle sequences coupled with black satire aid this flawed SciFi.

I saw this theatrically and I remember how, at work, we jeered the soap opera romances, clichéd boot camp, and the deadly accuracy of bug farts against the sneering fleet.
Aside from Rasczak and Carl, most characters are ignorant fools, including the top brass.
Still, over the years I’ve rewatched this … what …a dozen times? More? The pezhead and his guilty pleasure.
I speed through the Rico-Ibanez-Barcalow twaddle, linger over Dizzy, and ask myself why, oh why, oh why, has no one in the fan-edit world ever given this gem an adult overhaul.

I saw The Lighthouse. It was good. You should watch the Lighthouse. End of sentence.

Vultural said:

Starship Trooper - 1997 - 6/10
oh why, oh why, has no one in the fan-edit world ever given this gem an adult overhaul.

Because what you’re suggesting would remove the satire & therefore the entire point of the film.

DuracellEnergizer said:

ray_afraid said:

Vultural said:

Starship Trooper - 1997 - 6/10
oh why, oh why, has no one in the fan-edit world ever given this gem an adult overhaul.

Because what you’re suggesting would remove the satire & therefore the entire point of the film.

The novel wasn’t satirical, so there’s merit to a “purist cut”.

Sure, but it’s obviously what the film was going for & removing that, unfortunately, would make it a very bland film instead of something that more closely resembles the book.

I would be happy if someone could excise the Rico-Ibanez-Barcalow triangle.
Nothing satirical there, just teen pap.
Not sure what bonus footage was in the DVD. The “extra” I returned to was always the commentary.
The third film has the power suits, but, if I recall properly, insufficient budget to show a company of troopers wearing them.
No, I never had an issue with the satire.
Moreover, should someone incorporate 45’s “space command” comments into an edit, then excellent, most excellent.

Just watched Knives out.
Holy shit, I love you Rian Johnson

A bit late to recommend a christmas-movie, but “We’re No Angels” starring Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray is a real gem. Great humor and perfectly timed dialog.

1917 is great, if not very difficult to watch.

1917

I liked this movie more than Parasite, and I really liked Parasite. One of the best films of the year.

^ I just saw that the other day, and it certainly is something. Probably the best experience a new movie in theaters has given me.