What did you watch today?

[Jim_Mcdonaugh]

30 Days of Night: Dark Days (UK Blu) - Loved the first film, and the sequel went an obvious route to tie it in, but it just falls short on all counts. The acting isn't as good, the dialogue is lacking, and it just felt like a cash-in. I have to say some of the special effects were very good though (cinder block, shooting of the first vampire). 4/10

I can't even rate this one. It's that awful.

[Samuel_Scott]

Today:

Diana (UK Blu-ray) - Great cast, but the focus and dialogue is quite bad. Felt like a Mills and Boons book due to the emphasis on the relationship. 4/10

The Bourne Identity (UK Blu) - An absolute corking spy movie, and the car chase is fantastic. 9/10

The Bourne Supremacy (UK Blu) - Not quite as good as the first, but adding Joan Allen to the cast was a great move, and again, an excellent car chase is included. 8/10

The Bourne Ultimatum (UK Blu) - Probably just edges the first as my favourite in the series. Wraps everything up nicely. 9/10

The Bourne Legacy (UK Blu) - Jeremy Renner is not as good as Matt Damon, but Rachel Weisz helped him along in her supporting role. There is less focus on the story in comparison to the Damon films, but again, a pretty spectacular chase scene. 7/10

I'm all Bourne'd out.

[Chris_Xa]

The Bourne Identity (UK Blu) - An absolute corking spy movie, and the car chase is fantastic. 9/10
The Bourne Supremacy (UK Blu) - Not quite as good as the first, but adding Joan Allen to the cast was a great move, and again, an excellent car chase is included. 8/10
The Bourne Ultimatum (UK Blu) - Probably just edges the first as my favourite in the series. Wraps everything up nicely. 9/10

One of the best action trilogies, and a good way to reimagine the source material without feeling cheated. But most of the commentaries... *shudder* amongs the worst I've had the misfortune to listen to. Finally, enjoyed the original version (with Chamberlain), for its faithfulness to the book (and the right "mood" of a cold-war spy thriller).

The Bourne Legacy (UK Blu) - Jeremy Renner is not as good as Matt Damon, but Rachel Weisz helped him along in her supporting role. There is less focus on the story in comparison to the Damon films, but again, a pretty spectacular chase scene. 7/10

Though I must admit the trilogy set the bar high, the main reason I felt somewhat let down by this is... it feels like half a film. Maybe it's another trilogy (or duo), but can't quite decide how much I like it until I see "the rest". Both leads were good, but Renner's a different character so can't really compare him to Matt - meaning I'm quite happy to accept something different, whatever it ends up being (logarithmic 5/10 from me).

Bourne aside, THE MATADOR (AU dvd) (with Brosnan) 5/10 (logarithmic). Well acted/directed/edited, something different, ok script; Brosnan stands out here. Average commentaries; unnecessary deleted scenes with average director commentary; EPK making.

NANNY McPHEE (AU Blu) 3/10 (logarithmic). Average direction of a mostly predictable plot, and script (that has ok dialogue elements); well performed, interesting set design; ok FX, average animatronics. In the mould of MARY POPPINS, but far below in quality. Extras include unnecessary deleted scenes with average introductions; average director & child actors commentary, How Nanny Came To Be, Casting Children, Village Life; ok Makeover; EPK gag reel. Missing Thompson commentary.

[Samuel_Scott]

Before I list today's viewings, I'm disguising my high marks for some films people hate by explaining how I get to that mark. If a film is a low budget horror, I mark it in comparison to similar films I have seen, and if it is a brainless action movie, then I mark it depending on how much of a laugh I may have had, rather than whether or not the film is particularly good. Expectations play a large part also. I also find I mark higher than average at most sites I visit on literally everything, and it's rare I find anything I hate, but I notice a lot of people score either 1 or 2, or 9 or 10 on everything on some sites I visit.

Anyway, enough excuses

GoldenEye (UK Blu) - This is my favourite Bond film, likely because I was 12 when it came out and it hooked me on the franchise. I'm going to be controversial and say Brosnan is also the best Bond. He just given the films that weren't as good as previous ones (apart from this of course). Oh, and best video game ever also. N64, after school every day for over a year, 4 players, one shot kills, pistols only. Hells yeah. 10/10

AVP: Alien vs Predator (UK Blu) - Not as bad as I was expecting really. An interesting premise, and some reasonably solid FX. I wanted stupid action, and that's what I got. 6/10

AVPR: Alien vs Predator Requiem (UK Blu) - Couldn't really get into it, but a few decent scenes. 4/10

Project X (UK Blu) - Party movie which is supposed to be stupidly unbelievable, and it is. Some funny stuff, and does what it says on the tin. I dug it. 7/10

Baby Mama (UK Blu) - Average comedy with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. The supporting cast are the highlights for me, especially Sigourney Weaver and Romany Malco. Not so keen on Steve Martin here though. 6/10

[Vincent_Bouche]

12.6 (TV)
French movie concerning the robbery performed a few years ago by Toni Musulin. Great performace by françois Cluzet - 6/10

[Jim_Mcdonaugh]

GoldenEye (UK Blu) - This is my favourite Bond film, likely because I was 12 when it came out and it hooked me on the franchise. I'm going to be controversial and say Brosnan is also the best Bond. He just given the films that weren't as good as previous ones (apart from this of course). Oh, and best video game ever also. N64, after school every day for over a year, 4 players, one shot kills, pistols only. Hells yeah. 10/10

Totally agree with you. Though sometimes it's incredibly cheesy (bad/crazy russians theme). And the quality of Blu is amazing (as that UE DVD was).

AVP: Alien vs Predator (UK Blu) - Not as bad as I was expecting really. An interesting premise, and some reasonably solid FX. I wanted stupid action, and that's what I got. 6/10

It has a few decent moments. 3/10

AVPR: Alien vs Predator Requiem (UK Blu) - Couldn't really get into it, but a few decent scenes. 4/10

Still haven't watched it. Hopefully will today.

[Chris_Xa]

Before I list today's viewings, I'm disguising my high marks for some films people hate by explaining how I get to that mark...

More informative/interesting is what people think about the films, rather than scores - at least to me. Scores will never be the same between people, but what they say/write about the films gives better understanding of their experience.

GoldenEye (UK Blu) - This is my favourite Bond film, likely because I was 12 when it came out and it hooked me on the franchise. I'm going to be controversial and say Brosnan is also the best Bond. He just given the films that weren't as good as previous ones (apart from this of course). Oh, and best video game ever also. N64, after school every day for over a year, 4 players, one shot kills, pistols only. Hells yeah. 10/10

Totally agree with you. Though sometimes it's incredibly cheesy (bad/crazy russians theme). And the quality of Blu is amazing (as that UE DVD was).

It was an excellent refresh to the series. But as for the best Bond... there is no such thing for me. Each brings a different aspect of the Bond persona, which is why I can watch all Bond films again and again; everyone brings something "new" to the franchise. Sean for the suaveness, George for his raw fighting (doesn't resort to guns or gadgets to get job done), Roger for his cool and comedy, Dalton for the emotional underbelly, Brosnan for having most of these in one package, and Craig for the rawness & evolution to a Sean-state.

As for the "bad/crazy russians theme"... did not find any such thing in the movie. Bean was English, Famke was an interesting lieutenant/enforcer and her being Russian had nothing to do with her character, and the Bond girl was just that (nothing crazy about her). The only character I thought as "Russian" was Coltrane (English actor), and found nothing crazy/bad about him.

My best story-based-Bond is WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, best action-based-Bond is DIE ANOTHER DAY. But like them all for different reasons.

AVP: Alien vs Predator (UK Blu) - Not as bad as I was expecting really. An interesting premise, and some reasonably solid FX. I wanted stupid action, and that's what I got. 6/10

It has a few decent moments. 3/10

3/10 (logarithmic), and mostly for the production design and backstory. Everything else (including the action) is mostly atrocious and cringing. High expectations (2 excellent franchises coming together) initially had something to do with the low score, and they botched it completely.

AVPR: Alien vs Predator Requiem (UK Blu) - Couldn't really get into it, but a few decent scenes. 4/10

3.75/10 (logarithmic) Only just better than prequel. Artificial cliched tension with some predictable turns of events. Though improved (but very simple) story over prequel, its multiple thread setups go nowhere - sacrificed for horror action, with wasted PredAlien story potential (reason I watched it in the first place, to find what would happen with the PredAlien... what a disappointment). Ok FX hidden by film's dark lighting setting. The ultimate hunter vs the ultimate prey. Unnecessary deleted scenes.

[Samuel_Scott]

The only character I thought as "Russian" was Coltrane (English actor), and found nothing crazy/bad about him.

My best story-based-Bond is WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, best action-based-Bond is DIE ANOTHER DAY. But like them all for different reasons.

Coltrane was awesome in this. I'm a big fan of his. I thought The World Is Not Enough was underrated also, but Die Another Day is the film I dislike most in the entire franchise. I wouldn't mind hearing your reasons why you like it the best in regards to the action though...

Interesting fact: I'm from Cumbria (just live in Scotland), and there used to be the Cars of the Stars museum, and with that the James Bond Cars museum in Keswick. A private collector who opened his collection to the public for a small fee of just £3. Was one of my fave places to visit, but the guy eventually sold them all off and closed up shop recently. Anyway, an amusing story from my old local paper about his request to the Royal Bank of Scotland for a loan to buy the tank from GoldenEye:
http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/keswi ... errerPath=

[Samuel_Scott]

And the quality of Blu is amazing (as that UE DVD was).

Yep. They've done a cracking job on the Bond discs. Extras packed too if I ever get the time to go through them, though I have seen the majority of the extras in previous iterations.

[Chris_Xa]

The only character I thought as "Russian" was Coltrane (English actor), and found nothing crazy/bad about him.
My best story-based-Bond is WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH, best action-based-Bond is DIE ANOTHER DAY. But like them all for different reasons.

Coltrane was awesome in GOLDENEYE. I'm a big fan of his. I thought The World Is Not Enough was underrated also, but Die Another Day is the film I dislike most in the entire franchise. I wouldn't mind hearing your reasons why you like it the best in regards to the action though...

Was sad to see what happened to his character (no spoilers) - and he is a very good actor; enjoyed him very much in NUNS ON THE RUN. As for why DIE ANOTHER DAY was my Bond best-action... it had everything you'd expect from a good action film: great thrills, stunts, nothing too unrealistic, believable, no obvious contrivances (they fit within the story setup), with Halle making a good equal without resorting to Bond-formula. This all is just the action though, and not about any other elements of the film.

Interesting fact: I'm from Cumbria (just live in Scotland), and there used to be the Cars of the Stars museum, and with that the James Bond Cars museum in Keswick. A private collector who opened his collection to the public for a small fee of just £3. Was one of my fave places to visit, but the guy eventually sold them all off and closed up shop recently. Anyway, an amusing story from my old local paper about his request to the Royal Bank of Scotland for a loan to buy the tank from GoldenEye: http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/keswi ... errerPath=

If his packing up was an economic decision, perhaps he should have moved it somewhere more urban and touristy? Wonder if he'd also want to buy http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-re ... 6_20140221 (if it's still on sale). Speaking of exhibits, we recently (only recently finished) had http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/mov ... 2ecrl.html / http://museumvictoria.com.au/007.htm . Did not go unfortunately, but feel I may have gotten something similar from reading http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bond-Reflection ... rd_title_1 (quite a few props and gadgets covered).

[Samuel_Scott]

To be fair, he was in a touristy place. Keswick is in the heart of the lake district, and I know it sounds snobby, but the level of tourist is higher than anywhere else in the UK IMO. All middle-aged or older, appreciative, and money to spend. Of course, as a local, I see them as blundering, dawdling, slow moving, caravan driving, matching anorak wearing pains in the arse.

[Jim_Mcdonaugh]

As for the "bad/crazy russians theme"... did not find any such thing in the movie. Bean was English, Famke was an interesting lieutenant/enforcer and her being Russian had nothing to do with her character, and the Bond girl was just that (nothing crazy about her). The only character I thought as "Russian" was Coltrane (English actor), and found nothing crazy/bad about him.

Heh, you ain't russian so you'll never understand what I'm talking about.

[Ain_Uussaar]

47 Ronin

[Chris_Xa]

As for the "bad/crazy russians theme"... did not find any such thing in the movie. Bean was English, Famke was an interesting lieutenant/enforcer and her being Russian had nothing to do with her character, and the Bond girl was just that (nothing crazy about her). The only character I thought as "Russian" was Coltrane (English actor), and found nothing crazy/bad about him.

Heh, you ain't russian so you'll never understand what I'm talking about.

Not russian, correct - but try me. I may have an idea of what you mean, but I'd rather you elaborate your point, than me thinking I know (when I may not).

[Samuel_Scott]

Today:

Leon (UK Blu) - My favourite Besson film, and one of Portman's best roles to date. I need to pick up that new 20th Anniversary remaster. 10/10

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (digital rental) - It's better than the first, and is starting to build quite nicely. I'm looking surprisingly forward to Mockingjay. 7/10

2 Fast 2 Furious (TV) - Background noise. I'm a fan of the franchise, and they a guilty pleasure of mine. This is far from the best in the series though.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was film 200 of 2014. Well on my way to my target of 730 for the year.

[Ain_Uussaar]

Leon (UK Blu) - My favourite Besson film, and one of Portman's best roles to date. I need to pick up that new 20th Anniversary remaster. 10/10

x2

Would be nice to have both cuts of the film. Right now I only have single disc Superbit DVD.

[Chris_Xa]

Leon (UK Blu) - My favourite Besson film, and one of Portman's best roles to date. I need to pick up that new 20th Anniversary remaster. 10/10

Would be nice to have both cuts of the film. Right now I only have single disc Superbit DVD.

??? 20th anni? Was awaiting to get a good deal on the 10th anni US Blu, for the best picture (out of the current Blus) and extras (trivia track is a good one). But... there's ANOTHER one coming??? Anyway stick with the Extended/DC... a far superior film, adding layers and purpose to the excellent action and acting. Except for the trivia track, the extras were not bad but not great.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (digital rental) - It's better than the first, and is starting to build quite nicely. I'm looking surprisingly forward to Mockingjay. 7/10

Found #2 somewhat ponderous and a little indulgent - #1 is better. Someone told me the 3rd last book is going to be 2 films (like Harry Potter 8 and Twilight last), and that Hoffman will supposedly be digitally added?

2 Fast 2 Furious (TV) - Background noise. I'm a fan of the franchise, and they a guilty pleasure of mine. This is far from the best in the series though.

It was a fun ride (thanks to Gibson), and not as serious as the others. Same someone from above told me the next Furious film will be NOT a continuation of the most recent, but somewhere in the middle of the "series".

BATTLE ROYALE [BATORU ROWAIARU, SE/DC] - 3.75/10 (logarithmic): How different people and personalities deal with pressure, and what extreme actions they can lead to. "Life is a game...fight for survival...find out if you're worth it." (Kitano) Inspiration for HUNGER GAMES? Ok direction and interesting script, let down by poorly explained premise-reasoning (the trailer explained that better than the film!) and average acting (no surprise given how young they are). Extras include good trailer; average making (more like behind scenes), behind scenes, Filming On Set, Audition Rehearsal, Special Effects Comparison; below average Instructional Video Birthday, Basketball Rehearsals, tv spots; EPK documentary, Tokyo International Film Festival.

IN THE LOOP - 7.75/10 (logarithmic): One of the better (best?) political films, and entirely believable. Not sure where it fits in the THE THICK OF IT series (maybe between seasons 2 & 3?). Quite well acted, with frenetic nuttiness. Will go through the extras tonight, but based on the series' commentaries I'm not holding my breath for quality.

HELL [#2, L'ENFER, 2005] - 6/10 (logarithmic): Well cinematographed, scripted and directed; very well performed. "You can never ask for too much in love." (Josephine) The hell of one-sided relationships, and loving too much but is not likewise reciprocated. "...under extreme pressure, women will inevitably explode." (Anne) References THREE COLOURS trilogy.

[Samuel_Scott]

Chris,

Re: Leon 20th AE, it's already been released:
http://dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=14921#8

The Hunger Games - Yes, Mockingjay is split into two with 2014 and 2015 release dates. PSH has been digitally doctored according to a bunch of sites. I wonder how it will look...

2 Fast 2 Furious - I'm looking forward to 7, but no idea how they can fit it in the middle.

[Reveal] Spoiler:

At the end of 6, we see Statham as the brother who has come to avenge the death from #6, and it links the third together with Statham's crash. Statham is a main character so can't see how it can happen that way. I though 6 managed to link a few open ended parts from previous films.

Battle Royale - Love this film. Got me into non-mainstream Asian cinema (before BR become massively popular), and found it fast-moving, exciting, and original. Although I do think there are obvious comparisons to the Hunger Games movies, I think they both stand alone well, but BR is far superior IMO.

In the Loop - Yeah, I think the linking to The Thick of It was mainly an advertising gimmick more than anything. Love the show. Hilarious. I also love the way they change the show depending on the government in power etc. Although nothing like TTOI, if you like UK comedy, can I recommend Early Doors (which even has James McAvoy). Very very funny, and the most undervalued gem of the last 20 years in UK comedy IMO.

[Samuel_Scott]

Leon (UK Blu) - My favourite Besson film, and one of Portman's best roles to date. I need to pick up that new 20th Anniversary remaster. 10/10

x2

Would be nice to have both cuts of the film. Right now I only have single disc Superbit DVD.

PQ on the Optimum release I have isn't great. Glad I only paid £3 for it. I have the R1 Superbit somewhere also, and a couple of standard releases.

[Chris_Xa]

Leon: Judge the picture quality for yourselves between some of the different blu releases and the DVD at http://www.caps-a-holic.com/hd_vergleic ... ultiID=183 (if someone wants to add it to http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/f ... ?fid=14921 ); guess the new blu won't be far behind in being added, so am looking forward to see what they did. Judging from Samuel's comment and lack of worthy extras, the new 20th anni does not inspire confidence.

BR is far gritier and dystopian than HG. Agree with an imdb reviewer's comment "...film would never have been made in the west...". Enjoyable from a psychological POV, but wished they "explained" the premise better at the film's start. Will have to watch #2 again (there's a DC available here): saw the theatrical years ago in the cinema without seeing #1 (only saw #1 yesterday), so wonder if I'll like it better now; when I saw #2, found it quite wanting.

In the Loop is more than advertising gimmick to The Thick of It: it shares many characters, helps if you know some of the backstory (eg Toby's relationships), and more (but not much more). Enjoyed the different "behind politicians' limelight scenes" on either side of the Atlantic, in how different yet how similar they are. And given how many westerners view Eastern politics (wonder what Jim thinks about all this), I'd like to see the Thick of It team tackle THAT side (former Eastern bloc and modern Chinese politics).

Early Doors - am going to have trouble finding it, but will give it a view if I spot it.