Movies/DVD's

[Macca 16,173]

Here's another movie for 'Noir' fans ... 'Pickup on South Street'  Stars Richard Widmark whilst 6 time Oscar nominated Thelma Ritter has a memorable supporting role. The opening sequence is very well done and sets the movie up brilliantly.

The film is still very highly regarded and has a more than decent plot ... it was made during the the midst of the 'McCarthy era'  Here's the IMDb link if you want to know a bit more about the movie. For HD click on settings

 

Edited November 18, 2016 by Macca

[Macca 16,173]

Some more Film Noir fare if you're up late on a Friday night.  This time an unusual movie with an unusual theme & plot.  But a very enjoyable movie, all the same (if you like this style/genre)

The star of the movie Ralph Meeker, plays Mike Hammer from Mickey Spillane fame (Spillane wrote the novel from which the film is based)  I won't spoil it in any way but if you'd like to know a bit more about the movie, go here ... Kiss Me Deadly (IMDb)

Click on settings for HD ... also, the movie can be seen using the full screen function ...

Edited November 19, 2016 by Macca
Added IMDb link

[Binmans PA 25,892]

Anyone seen Tom Ford's new film NOCTURNAL ANIMALS? It's genius. He is a master.

The film joins HYPERNORMALISATION and WHERE TO INVADE NEXT as one of my favourite films of 2016.

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

Black Mirror. That is all. 

[Macca 16,173]

More Film Noir ... 'The Stranger' starring Orson Welles, Loretta Young & Edward G Robinson - an underrated movie but a gem of a film nonetheless ... here's the IMDb link

If you're a fan of Orson Welles, there was a decent movie made about him just a few years ago ... 'Me and Orson Welles' (British actor Christian McKay gives a fine portrayal of Welles, especially with Orson's mannerisms)

Anyway, here's 'The Stranger' ... the film can be viewed in HD and in full-screen mode.

 

Edited November 18, 2016 by Macca

[Mgdee 319]

On 12/11/2016 at 11:49 AM, Jesse Christ said:

Black Mirror. That is all. 

Thanks for the tip Jesse. 

[Macca 16,173]

Came across an interesting top 100 list of movies from the 'Film Noir' genre ...

The 100 Best Noir Films of all Time.

Some of the movies listed are from the more recent past such as 'A Simple Plan',  'Croupier',  'The Grifters',  'The Usual Suspects',  'Dark City',  Se7en',  'Memento',  'Body Double' & a number others including of course many films from the classic Film Noir movie period - the early 1940's to the late 1950's (?)

Many on the list might best be described as 'Neo Noir' but the list contains a number of outstanding films nonetheless.  And the write-ups on each movie are exceptionally well done.  The intro is well written too.

While I'm here I'll post up another "Out of Copyright" classic 'B' grade horror movie ... however, these types of horror movies are often cult-classics/underrated/unexpectedly good. 

'The Carnival of Souls' (IMDb)

The movie can be viewed in HD whilst using the full-screen mode ...

[hardtack 10,126]

Lately I've been revisiting a few older films that have now been released on BluRay... The Night of the Hunter and Cape Fear (two of Robert Mitchum's best), Martin Scorcese's King of Comedy and After Hours (both brilliant), Lindsay Anderson's "If" which is one of my favourite films of all time and Wes Anderson's Bottle Rocket.  Have also rewatched one of my favourite recent films Hunt for the Wilderpeople which I consider to be one of the films of the year.

[Macca 16,173]

9 movies are up for best film at this year's Academy Awards ... all of them with a fair bit to offer too.  Slowly working my way through the 9 and still have 3 to watch. 

Here's 2 of the 9 with some "spoiler-free" comments ... I'll post up the other films 2 or 3 at a time in the lead-up to the Oscars ...

Hell or High Water

Jeff Bridges is superb whilst co-starring in this modern day western. 

The film is gritty,  engaging,  insightful & thoughtful and is a story told extremely well.  An original storyline with lots of action, this tense & brooding movie is raw & powerful and is somewhat of a morality tale.  8.5/10

Arrival

Amy Adams stars in this sci-fi movie with a difference.

Superbly directed by Denis Villeneuve, this profound story will both surprise & delight.  Visually brilliant & creatively impactful, this is one of the better sci-fi movies that's been produced.  Compares favourably to 2001,  Contact & Solaris.  8.5/10

Next up will be Hacksaw Ridge  &  Manchester by the Sea.

[Binmans PA 25,892]

Fences, Moonlight and Hidden Figures I'm yet to see. All the African-American led pictures funnily enough. I'm seeing Hidden Figures tomorrow.

My ratings of the rest:

1) La La Land

2) Arrival

3) Lion

4) Manchester By The Sea

5) Hacksaw Ridge

6) Hell Or High Water

I'd say they're all terrific, with the exception of Hell Or High Water, which I found good in spots, but pretty forgettable almost immediately. The rest of the films really resonated with me at certain points.

There is a scene in Manchester By The Sea, which is possibly one of the greatest scenes of all time. The acting, the direction, the dialogue. It creeps up on you and strangles you until you cry. Amazing stuff.

In terms of the other films, I really liked Elle and as previously mentioned loved Nocturnal Animals. Haven't seen Jackie yet, which might have to wait now that it didn't get nominated for Best Pic. Allied was a taut espionage thriller and Florence Foster Jenkins was hilarious and touching. Rouge One was entertaining, so much so I saw it twice. Doctor Strange as interesting. And that's about it.

I really hope Michelle Williams wins for Best Supporting Actress. She's under utilised, but bloody amazing in Manchester By The Sea. She and Joshua Jackson have done really well for themselves Post-Dawson's Creek.

[Macca 16,173]

2 more of the 9 movies up for best film at the Oscars ... as previously stated in an earlier post, all 9 movies offer up something for everyone.  Some of the types of genre's aren't necessarily my favourites but these movies are at least the best of the best (so therefore, well worth watching)  A case in point are these 2 films - one, a WW2 epic based on one man's utter determination & the other a very heavy drama but incredibly realistic.  The following descriptions are "spoiler-free" ...

Hacksaw Ridge

Mel Gibson directs this WW2 epic based on a true story.  However, this movie actually downplays the facts to a certain degree - which has the effect of making the film even more enjoyable.  An inspirational film, the movie is extremely violent but it has to be.  A powerful & riveting experience that starts off a bit slowly but then has you on the edge of your seat soon enough.  The story of one man's journey against all odds.  

It's a remarkable story that is told extremely well ... Mel Gibson's direction is absolute top-notch (again)  8/10

Manchester by the Sea.

Wow, this film was really hard to stay with and get through but not because it wasn't a very good film ... the plot line and theme is a harrowing and somewhat distressing one but I felt that the story couldn't have been told in a better way.  Being extremely realistic and a bit melodramatic were not faults.  The story needed to be told that way.  Casey Affleck was simply superb in the lead role. 

Understated,  melancholic,  traumatic,  powerful,  heartbreaking yet somehow rewarding  8.5/10

 

 

[hardtack 10,126]

I very rarely get to the cinema these days and so the only one of the nominees I've seen is Arrival which I liked (unless Rogue One is also nominated, in which case I've seen two).  I usually wait for films to come out on Bluray and then I can watch them at my leisure and as often as I like.  One such film recently was Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children which I liked a lot as it was Tim Burton getting back to what he does best (dark fantasy).   Will pick up a copy of Arrival in a week or so.

[Binmans PA 25,892]

21 hours ago, A F said:

Fences, Moonlight and Hidden Figures I'm yet to see. All the African-American led pictures funnily enough. I'm seeing Hidden Figures tomorrow.

My ratings of the rest:

1) La La Land

2) Arrival

3) Lion

4) Manchester By The Sea

5) Hacksaw Ridge

6) Hell Or High Water

I'd say they're all terrific, with the exception of Hell Or High Water, which I found good in spots, but pretty forgettable almost immediately. The rest of the films really resonated with me at certain points.

There is a scene in Manchester By The Sea, which is possibly one of the greatest scenes of all time. The acting, the direction, the dialogue. It creeps up on you and strangles you until you cry. Amazing stuff.

In terms of the other films, I really liked Elle and as previously mentioned loved Nocturnal Animals. Haven't seen Jackie yet, which might have to wait now that it didn't get nominated for Best Pic. Allied was a taut espionage thriller and Florence Foster Jenkins was hilarious and touching. Rouge One was entertaining, so much so I saw it twice. Doctor Strange as interesting. And that's about it.

I really hope Michelle Williams wins for Best Supporting Actress. She's under utilised, but bloody amazing in Manchester By The Sea. She and Joshua Jackson have done really well for themselves Post-Dawson's Creek.

Just got back from Hidden Figures. Really enjoyed it, although a bit Oscar-baity. Janelle Monae is gorgeous. Would probably put it at 5 or 6 on that above list. Definitely more enjoyable to me than Hell Or High Water and I probably enjoyed it more than Hacksaw Ridge too.

 

12 hours ago, Macca said:

2 more of the 9 movies up for best film at the Oscars ... as previously stated in an earlier post, all 9 movies offer up something for everyone.  Some of the types of genre's aren't necessarily my favourites but these movies are at least the best of the best (so therefore, well worth watching)  A case in point are these 2 films - one, a WW2 epic based on one man's utter determination & the other a very heavy drama but incredibly realistic.  The following descriptions are "spoiler-free" ...

Hacksaw Ridge

Mel Gibson directs this WW2 epic based on a true story.  However, this movie actually downplays the facts to a certain degree - which has the effect of making the film even more enjoyable.  An inspirational film, the movie is extremely violent but it has to be.  A powerful & riveting experience that starts off a bit slowly but then has you on the edge of your seat soon enough.  The story of one man's journey against all odds.  

It's a remarkable story that is told extremely well ... Mel Gibson's direction is absolute top-notch (again)  8/10

Manchester by the Sea.

Wow, this film was really hard to stay with and get through but not because it wasn't a very good film ... the plot line and theme is a harrowing and somewhat distressing one but I felt that the story couldn't have been told in a better way.  Being extremely realistic and a bit melodramatic were not faults.  The story needed to be told that way.  Casey Affleck was simply superb in the lead role. 

Understated,  melancholic,  traumatic,  powerful,  heartbreaking yet somehow rewarding  8.5/10

What did you think of the scene in Manchester By The Sea that features on the poster? Amaaaaaaaaazing, IMO.

[Macca 16,173]

51 minutes ago, A F said:

What did you think of the scene in Manchester By The Sea that features on the poster? Amaaaaaaaaazing, IMO.

*Spoiler alert*

I'm assuming you're referencing the scene where Casey Affleck is having dialogue with Michelle Williams ... put it this way, Michelle's role alone in that scene alone is Oscar worthy.  Considering the circumstances, it was as difficult a confrontation as is imaginable (for both parties)

I can see why many people would be dissatisfied with the movie because of it's bleakness (throughout) ... but each to their own. 

Edited February 11, 2017 by Macca

[Binmans PA 25,892]

16 minutes ago, Macca said:

*Spoiler alert*

I'm assuming you're referencing the scene where Casey Affleck is having dialogue with Michelle Wilson ... put it this way, Michelle's role alone in that scene alone is Oscar worthy.  Considering the circumstances, it was as difficult a confrontation as is imaginable (for both parties)

I can see why many people would be dissatisfied with the movie because of it's bleakness (throughout) ... but each to their own. 

Completely agree. Aren't they both superb in that scene? Love Michelle Williams.

[Macca 16,173]

23 hours ago, hardtack said:

I very rarely get to the cinema these days and so the only one of the nominees I've seen is Arrival which I liked (unless Rogue One is also nominated, in which case I've seen two).  I usually wait for films to come out on Bluray and then I can watch them at my leisure and as often as I like.  One such film recently was Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children which I liked a lot as it was Tim Burton getting back to what he does best (dark fantasy).   Will pick up a copy of Arrival in a week or so.

I'm lucky that I have a cinema which is less than 5 minutes walking distance from my home ... excellent pricing too, all things considered. 

Like many cinema's these days, the cinema has a 'club' of sorts which makes the experience of going to the movies extremely worthwhile.  The cinema we frequent plays a lot of "Non-Hollywood blockbuster type" movies as well which makes it even better.

If one wants to view a large proportion of Oscar-type movies before the actual ceremony, then going to the cinema is a prerequisite these days.   Most of the nominated movies aren't released until Nov/Dec as a general rule so the released DVD's often doesn't happen until March/April.

Thankfully. all 9 nominated movies have been released to cinema in Oz but that hasn't always been the case.  It can vary from year to year.  The Academy Awards is on Feb 26 (Noon Feb 27 AEDT)

[Binmans PA 25,892]

On 2/12/2017 at 0:59 PM, Macca said:

I'm lucky that I have a cinema which is less than 5 minutes walking distance from my home ... excellent pricing too, all things considered. 

Like many cinema's these days, the cinema has a 'club' of sorts which makes the experience of going to the movies extremely worthwhile.  The cinema we frequent plays a lot of "Non-Hollywood blockbuster type" movies as well which makes it even better.

If one wants to view a large proportion of Oscar-type movies before the actual ceremony, then going to the cinema is a prerequisite these days.   Most of the nominated movies aren't released until Nov/Dec as a general rule so the released DVD's often doesn't happen until March/April.

Thankfully. all 9 nominated movies have been released to cinema in Oz but that hasn't always been the case.  It can vary from year to year.  The Academy Awards is on Feb 26 (Noon Feb 27 AEDT)

I'm going to guess it's Palace Cinema you're talking about.

I love trying to see all the Best Picture noms before the ceremony, although I never watch the actual ceremony. I just get the results.

I see one film a week without fail, sometimes two. Rarely see blockbusters, except for the very occasional Marvel, Star Wars or Bond.

I usually bounce between Lido, the Classic, Southland, Chadstone, Nova, both Brighton cinemas and occasionally the Como. We're very lucky with the amount of indie cinemas these days. There's a bit of a resurgence in particular with Eddie Tamir's chain of Lido, the Classic and Cameo. The Lido and Nova are probably my favourites.

[Macca 16,173]

19 minutes ago, A F said:

I'm going to guess it's Palace Cinema you're talking about.

I love trying to see all the Best Picture noms before the ceremony, although I never watch the actual ceremony. I just get the results.

I see one film a week without fail, sometimes two. Rarely see blockbusters, except for the very occasional Marvel, Star Wars or Bond.

I usually bounce between Lido, the Classic, Southland, Chadstone, Nova, both Brighton cinemas and occasionally the Como. We're very lucky with the amount of indie cinemas these days. There's a bit of a resurgence in particular with Eddie Tamir's chain of Lido, the Classic and Cameo. The Lido and Nova are probably my favourites.

No, it's not the Palace although I have frequented the Balwyn cinemas over the years ... in fact, I've previously visited nearly all the cinemas you listed when the need to hunt around to see a movie was warranted.  It's different now with a lot of the smaller & larger complex's showing a greater variety of movies.  The Como was a favourite for years.

I'm not normally a name-dropper but I went to a premiere of a movie at the Rivoli once ... Viggo Mortensen was the guest of honour and he introduced a movie that he starred in called 'Good' ... an excellent film too and a bit of reminder of how things can get out of control very quickly.

Viggo spoke for 15 minutes about the exploits of his favourite soccer team - San Lorenzo (Argentinian league) ha ha

[Macca 16,173]

Here's a quick write-up of 2 more of the 9 movies up for best picture at the Oscars.  3 to go after this post and I'm still to see 2 of the movies up for best film (Lion & Fences) ... looking forward to seeing both of course.  January/February are movie months and why not? - there's not a great deal of sport happening.  Anyway, here goes (spoiler free)

Moonlight

A extremely touching movie that will stay with you long after you've seen it ... the film is a coming-of-age type movie but not in the traditional sense.  Again, tough to watch at times but very rewarding.  The cinematography is superb.  The movie is about identity,  discovery,  is devastating in parts whilst telling a simple story extraordinarily well.  Moving & sad at times, this film is one of the best of the year.  8.5/10

If you've seen the movie, here's a podcast featuring the director Barry Jenkins and actress Naomie Harris (contains spoilers)

 

Hidden Figures

A feel-good movie with (at times) rather awkward & somewhat sinister undertones.  NASA features as the backdrop with the space-race as the theme.  The story of 3 women who excel against the odds ... and given the time that the movie is set in (the early 60's) these 3 women excelled in a rather surprising way.  A 'hidden treasure', this film will both surprise & entertain.  8/10

Again, if you've seen this movie,  here's another podcast featuring the director Theodore Melfi (contains spoilers)

Whilst I'm here, a catchy jazz track from "Hidden Figures" ... featuring Pharrell Williams ...

 

 

 

.

Edited February 20, 2017 by Macca

[Macca 16,173]

Wow, what a monumental stuff-up at the Oscars

Faye Dunaway with the help of Warren Beatty read out La La Land as best movie when they were meant to read out Moonlight.  The whole crew of La La Land were in the middle of their acceptance speeches when the blunder was discovered.

It's just laugh-out-loud hilarious!

The satirists are going to have an absolute field day

 

Edit:  As it turns out,  Dunaway & Beatty were handed the wrong envelope.  So no real blame should be attributed to either of them (in my opinion)

Edited February 28, 2017 by Macca

[Ethan Tremblay 28,288]

5 hours ago, Macca said:

Wow, what a monumental stuff-up at the Oscars

Faye Dunaway with help of Warren Beatty read out La La Land as best movie when they were meant to read out Moonlight.  The whole crew of La La Land were in the middle of their acceptance speeches when the blunder was discovered.

It's just laugh-out-loud hilarious!

The satirists are going to have an absolute field day

Did they blame Trump? 

[Macca 16,173]

2 hours ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

Did they blame Trump? 

As it stands, the outcome will be fodder for the satirists for years.

"They put the wrong card in the right envelope" ha ha

l just loved the way the producer from La La Land snatched the card out of Warren Beatty's hand as if he'd taken over the running of the show.  So much of the whole ending was just high-farce. 

Fake news?  You betcha!

 

 

 

.

Edited February 27, 2017 by Macca

[hardtack 10,126]

12 minutes ago, Macca said:

As it stands, the outcome will be fodder for the satirists for years.

"They put the wrong card in the right envelope" ha ha

l just loved the way the producer from La La Land snatched the card out of Warren Beatty's hand - hissy-fit style. So much of the whole ending was just high-farce. 

Fake news?  You betcha!

No, the person responsible for handing the presenters the envelope, gave them the wrong envelope (best actress) and because it contained the name of the La La Land actress, the presenters concluded the winner must be La La Land.

[Macca 16,173]

41 minutes ago, hardtack said:

No, the person responsible for handing the presenters the envelope, gave them the wrong envelope (best actress) and because it contained the name of the La La Land actress, the presenters concluded the winner must be La La Land.

I was assuming it was the right envelope with the wrong card inside - see edit below.  The 2nd last award presented was for best actress so we at least know the envelope (or the contents) were doubled-up. 

Anyway, does it matter ht?  It's as funny as in my opinion.  I love the Oscars but I don't take them all that seriously.  To me, it's just a simple error with hilarious consequences.  And again, the tonight shows are going to have a lot of fun with it all.

Here's a couple of up-to-the-minute podcasts about the shemozzle ...

The Oscar's Were Crazy

The Oscar's Surprise Ending

 

Edit:  Apparently there were 2 sets of envelopes just in case something happens to one of the envelopes and Warren Beatty was handed the copy of 'The Best Actress' award.  Again, we'd need to have a look at the envelope but they (Dunaway & Beatty) couldn't assume they were given the wrong envelope.  Regardless, they couldn't have been expected to look at the writing on the envelope.

 

 

 

 

.

Edited February 27, 2017 by Macca

[hardtack 10,126]

23 minutes ago, Macca said:

I was assuming it was the right envelope with the wrong card inside - see edit below.  The 2nd last award presented was for best actress so we at least we know the envelope (or the contents) were doubled-up. 

Anyway, does it matter ht?  It's as funny as in my opinion.  I love the Oscars but I don't take them all that seriously.  To me, it's just a simple error with hilarious consequences.  And again, the tonight shows are going to have a lot of fun with it all.

Here's a couple of up-to-the-minute podcasts about the shemozzle ...

The Oscar's Were Crazy

The Oscar's Surprise Ending

 

Edit:  Apparently there were 2 sets of envelopes just in case something happens to one of the envelopes and Warren Beatty was handed the copy of 'The Best Actress' award.  Again, we'd need to have a look at the envelope but they (Dunaway & Beatty) couldn't assume they were given the wrong envelope.

I agree, it was hilarious. I didn't mind Jimmy Kimmel (sp?) as presenter either...the byplay between him and Matt Damon was very funny.