What did you watch today?

[Vincent_Bouche]

The Numbers Station (TV)
Below average spying/thriller movie... not worth watching - 4/10

[Jim_Mcdonaugh]

The Numbers Station
Below average spying/thriller movie... not worth watching - 4/10

Yeah, the plot makes little sense, but I still bought it for my collection.

[Ain_Uussaar]

Freedom Writers
Freight

[Vincent_Bouche]

Homeland: Season 3 (TV)
I found the first season very disappointing, but the second one was excellent and this third, after a "slow start" gets more and more interesting until a great finale - 8/10.

[Jim_Mcdonaugh]

Homeland: Season 3 (TV)
I found the first season very disappointing, but the second one was excellent and this third, after a "slow start" gets more and more interesting until a great finale - 8/10.

All seasons are terribly boring and the story makes little sense.

Hitler: Rise Of Evil [ITA Blu]. A decent movie which lacks authenticity. Though actors did a good job, especially Robert Carlyle.

[Chris_Xa]

The Numbers Station
Below average spying/thriller movie... not worth watching - 4/10

Yeah, the plot makes little sense, but I still bought it for my collection.

Agreed - 2.5/10 from me. Poor thriller attempt, with below average direction and average script failing to engage; premise does not initially entice nor draw the viewer in, and film's only saving grace is its very short attempt to examine clandestine operatives' moralities. EPK making; bluray same as dvd - HD video/audio adding nothing to the film over dvd.

[Chris_Xa]

I know this may not quite fit the "DVD/Blu" category of "what did I watch today", but in case anyone's interested or tempted after the recent Oscars, just watched the following in the cinema today:

* Le Week-End (89min, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2392326 ) = 2.75/10
Not a cinema film. Somewhat esoteric, and script almost feels like a theatrical play. The 3 leads (Lindsay, Jeff & Jim - in that order of acting impression) were quite good, though none would be considered Oscar-winning material (unlike Cate who won for Blue Jasmine: below average film, but quite spectacular performance from her - but I digress). Only potential interest for Le Week-End would be for anyone with a view of what marriage may mean after so many years; unfortunately there's not enough of that in the film. DVD-rental only.

* Tracks (113min, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2167266 ) = 4.5/10
Was expecting stunning photography and cinematography, given the location; unfortunately it was merely ok (just 2 great shots in the entire film), so I'll have to say "don't bother with the cinema, await the dvd instead". Mia was quite good in it, but film did not really "explain" her reasoning. Outback was depicted quite excellently though, and I did not get bored with the film's 2hour runtime despite the mostly solitary trek.

* The Wind Rises (127min, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2013293 ) = 4.5/10
This is one of Miyazaki's more "reality-based" animes, but not one of his best - and unfortunately, not a good "swansong" film. Felt somewhat long, and though the animation and drawing was quite nice, I cannot recommend the cinema for this if you have a good AV system at home. Watched the Japanese version (ie with english subtitles), and the sound design left me a little perplexed: Do not know if this was a deliberate sound design choice or if the cinema was having problems, but I had difficulty detecting any notable base in the film. The earthquake, engine noises, fires, explosions... something I'd expect some decent base (ie low-frequency sound) in, but did not experience it. Film is an ode to the Japanese aircraft industry between the Wars, and there are many dream sequences... but it felt as if the script was not quite sure what it was trying to accomplish. Voicing was ok but nothing remarkable.

* Nebraska (115min, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1821549 ) = 3.25/10
Can't understand why it received the Oscar nominations it did, for I felt did not deserve any of them; maybe you'll have to be American to truly appreciate it. Except for the cinematography, with really nice B&W and frame/shot composition: if it wasn't for Gravity (which truly deserves all the Oscars it won including cinematography, and did not deserve those it did not win - ie it didn't deserve Best film), I'd have probably given it to Nebraska. Having said all that, Dern played it quite well but NOT an Oscar-winning performance; Squibb does deserve her nomination but based on the clips for the other films (did not see most of them), best supporting actress seems quite tough this year (have not seen 12 Years so don't know if she deserves the Oscar). As for the film... watchable if you want a picture of rural USA today. Is it cinema-worthy? Yes if you wish to enjoy just the cinematography - but if you have a good bluray setup and big screen, wait for the rental instead. Not a great story for me.

* 300: Rise of an Empire (3D, 102min, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1253863 ) = 5/10
One of the better films to watch in 3D (but Gravity is still the best, followed equally by Avatar/Titanic/Cave Of Forgotten Dreams). Same gory violence if you enjoyed the original, takes many liberties with history (so don't go in expecting historical accuracy), deliberately dark cinematography, unrealistic physics, very simple script/plot, and more style than substance. But it is entertaining, and more so because of its 3D. Quite good FX & production design (again, don't expect authenticity); retains its graphic novel "feel"/sensibilities; and decent direction.

* The Great Beauty (142min, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2358891 ) = 4/10
Watched this before the Oscars. Quite nice cinematography, but very offbeat film; must admit I do not feel it deserved the "Best Foreign Film" this year. A reviewer described it as "Fellini-esque", and will say I agree with that. Average film and definitely NOT for the "popcorn crowd"; something to enjoy if you want to watch something VERY DIFFERENT than what usually comes one's way. It's the best thing about the film, but again it's somewhat difficult to "get into".

[Ain_Uussaar]

Fright Night 2: New Blood
Generation Um...

2/10 for both

[Jim_Mcdonaugh]

Fright Night 2: New Blood

Junk. The remake was bad, but the sequel is even worse.

[Chris_Xa]

Cloud Atlas (French Blu)
Just brilliant, this is the kind of daring movie I love. For me, it's easily the best sci-fi movie of the 10s' so far, and maybe of this century - 9/10

Cloud Atlas [UK Blu], very interesting indeed. Though many will consider it to be a mess.

It was enjoyable, but cannot agree it being the best scifi of the century. As for reports of it being a "mess" (I found it ok and not difficult to follow or understand), apparently the book was also similarly structured - so the problems may stem from the source. Have not read the book myself, but here's some book reviewers views ( http://www.abc.net.au/tv/firsttuesday/s3317893.htm , which has the show's video segment and its transcript - for anyone interested).

Question for both of you: Were the bluray's extras any good, or mostly EPK fluff?

[Chris_Xa]

L'Atalante (US Blu)
1934 French movie telling the story of a young married couple that goes off on a barge called L'Atalante. Often considered to be among the greatest French films ever made, this is funny and touching - 8/10

* On the subject of great french films, ENFANTS DU PARADIS ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037674 ) got 8.25/10 from me.
* Also remembered ALPHAVILLE (6.5/10, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058898 ): one of the better scifi films I've watched, and ahead of its time: many of its ideas, techniques, elements were copied by 2001, BLADE RUNNER and MATRIX... and of course there's an ode to METROPOLIS (1927).
* And of course, who can forget RIFIFI ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048021 )? Think I gave it a 9/10, but cannot find my notes to confirm.

August: Osage County

Do you feel if Streep and Roberts deserved their Oscar nominations - and more importantly, do you think they should have won? Have not seen it yet, but just wonder.

[Ain_Uussaar]

August: Osage County

Do you feel if Streep and Roberts deserved their Oscar nominations - and more importantly, do you think they should have won? Have not seen it yet, but just wonder.

I think they did deserve the nomination, but I cant comment about winning because I still have not seen all the other films. Blue Jasmine, Philomena and Nebraska are still waiting to be watched.

[Vincent_Bouche]

Cloud Atlas (French Blu)
Just brilliant, this is the kind of daring movie I love. For me, it's easily the best sci-fi movie of the 10s' so far, and maybe of this century - 9/10

Cloud Atlas [UK Blu], very interesting indeed. Though many will consider it to be a mess.

It was enjoyable, but cannot agree it being the best scifi of the century. As for reports of it being a "mess" (I found it ok and not difficult to follow or understand), apparently the book was also similarly structured - so the problems may stem from the source. Have not read the book myself, but here's some book reviewers views ( http://www.abc.net.au/tv/firsttuesday/s3317893.htm , which has the show's video segment and its transcript - for anyone interested).

Question for both of you: Were the bluray's extras any good, or mostly EPK fluff?

Didn't watch the extras... which 2000s' sci-fi movies would you rank higher ?

[Vincent_Bouche]

Skyfall (French Blu)
One of the best, if not the best (Casino Royale ?) among the "new wave" of James Bond movies - 8/10

Dead Man Down (TV)
Pretty good thriller with Noomi Rapace and Colin Farrell, both searching to achieve their own vengeance - 7/10

[Jim_Mcdonaugh]

Skyfall (French Blu)
One of the best, if not the best (Casino Royale ?) among the "new wave" of James Bond movies

I've enjoyed only certain parts. Not as a whole piece of cinema. 6/10

Dead Man Down (TV)
Pretty good thriller with Noomi Rapace and Colin Farrell, both searching to achieve their own vengeance - 7/10

Simply rubbish. 1/10

Also watched The Life of David Gale [Blu-ray] a few days ago. Never seen it before, truly great.
Very realistic, how US laws suck and do no justice for their existance at all. And how nobody cares if an innocent man gets executed...
One day I'll post the specs of my disc.

[Ain_Uussaar]

Ender's Game

[Noor_Razzak]

Watched Rush, 8.5/10 - terrific film, can't believe it was a huge hit when it came out.

Caught a screening of Her, 9/10 loved it, the screenplay was magnificent (Oscar win totally deserved), the performances were excellent, loved the production design and look, it totally worked for me. Definite buy once it hits Blu.

[Vincent_Bouche]

Dracula (Argento, US Blu)
Poor choice of actors (except maybe for Rutger Hauer), terrible directing, bad script, special effects taken from another age... this might not be Argento's worst film (Card Player?), but it certainly looks like it - 3/10

La Cérémonie (UK Blu)
1995 French movie by director Claude Chabrol starring Isabelle Huppert and Sandrine Bonnaire. Really great performance by both actresses for this unusual, but captivating, French thriller - 8/10

[Chris_Xa]

Didn't watch the extras... which 2000s' sci-fi movies would you rank higher ?

If we're talking strictly films from 2000+ ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sc ... _the_2000s and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sc ... _the_2010s ), I don't have all my notes handy to look up all the scores. But I remember enjoying SOURCE CODE (maybe 6.75/10?) and Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011?, maybe 7.25/10 - sequel coming out this year?) better than CLOUD ATLAS (6.75/10). Some of the better for me are MINORITY REPORT (8/10), STAR TREK (2009 reboot), DONNIE DARKO (more than 8/10), Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (8+/10), 28 Days Later, MEN IN BLACK II (7/10), RESIDENT EVIL (the first one, 8/10), Matrix 2 & 3 (but 1 is the best), Star Wars Ep 2 & 3 (4-6 are the best), TERMINATOR SALVATION (7.25/10), TERMINATOR 3, maybe Butterfly Effect (2003), Pitch Black and The Chronicles of Riddick, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (8.5/10), Innocence: Ghost in the Shell, maybe War of the Worlds (the Spielberg version), Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005), maybe Serenity, maybe Children of Men, Girl Who Leapt Through Time, SUMMER WARS (9/10), WALL-E (9/10), AVATAR (8.75/10), maybe District 9, maybe METROPIA, MOON (7.25/10), Inception (8.5/10), Looper (7/10), PROMETHEUS (6.75/10).

Was also going to include IDENTITY (9.25/10) but realised that is more a thriller with a couple of scifi elements. GRAVITY (7+/10) I consider more reality than scifi. And the following may be more fantasy than scifi, so I don't know if they count - but as they're on those lists, thought might as well include them if anyone disagrees:
CONSTANTINE (8.25/10), Night Watch & Day Watch (will there ever be a Dusk Watch?), maybe The Host (the Korean film), Spiderman 1+2 (Raimi versions), Hulk (Ang Lee's), maybe Iron Man 1+2, Watchmen, THE AVENGERS [Marvel's, 6.75/10], maybe X-Men First Class.

Skyfall (French Blu)
One of the best, if not the best (Casino Royale ?) among the "new wave" of James Bond movies

I've enjoyed only certain parts. Not as a whole piece of cinema. 6/10

It was a good end to the 3-movie story, and am pleased it resolved all the loose threads from (Casino & Quantum); and in most ways (except for a few inconsistencies like the Aston Martin), it completed the trilogy as a prequel to the first Bond (Dr No, 1962) - in that he's now a full agent and has the confidence and mentality that one sees in Dr No. Had to watch Casino & Quantum again to prepare for Skyfall though, to remind myself of those story threads. Enjoyed watching it on the cinema (7/10).

Also watched The Life of David Gale [Blu-ray] a few days ago. Never seen it before, truly great.
Very realistic, how US laws suck and do no justice for their existance at all. And how nobody cares if an innocent man gets executed...
One day I'll post the specs of my disc.

Well... what country has laws that doesn't discriminate against some of their citizens? The one thing I know for sure (regardless of where you live in the world) is that with $ comes influence and connections, and that brings a certain type of immunity from law or authorities. Whether you live in Russia, US, China, elsewhere in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, Central/South America... every place there has its advantaged and disadvantaged in law, regardless what the propaganda says. Regardless of where you live, if you're poor you will have problems if the authorities decide you're a person of interest. And it's not just today - it's been like that since people decided to come together and form a society.

[Jim_Mcdonaugh]

Well... what country has laws that doesn't discriminate against some of their citizens? The one thing I know for sure (regardless of where you live in the world) is that with $ comes influence and connections, and that brings a certain type of immunity from law or authorities. Whether you live in Russia, US, China, elsewhere in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, Central/South America... every place there has its advantaged and disadvantaged in law, regardless what the propaganda says. Regardless of where you live, if you're poor you will have problems if the authorities decide you're a person of interest. And it's not just today - it's been like that since people decided to come together and form a society.

I was talking about death penalty in the US, esp in Texas. There's no failsafe of any kind, so an innocent person can be easily executed, and that's it.
Considering how it's simple to frame anybody these days...