Movies/Films/TV - Opinions

[mr.bluesky]

I am halfway through Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir which is a science fiction book. The Martian was based on an Andy Weir book and I liked the film but don't tend to read books of films if I have seen the film first. I started reading Armetis by the same author but abandoned it as it was shit and cheesy as fuck. I read a few good reviews of Project Hail Mary so thought I would give it a try and I'm finding it to be a real page turner. It's dialogue heavy and the science is quite heavy as well. Very much enjoying it.

I enjoyed the book and the film The Martian so will look out for this one 

[Dickled]

I got a free DVD of it years ago with a newspaper. It's a very sweet film and one of Wim Wenders more accessible films. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I know it's often in top 250 best films lists.

I wonder why they stopped doing that? You could build up collections of movies, just for the cost of a newspaper.

[PunterNumber69]

The White Lotus - episode 4 and it's starting to get a bit wild.

[catweazle]

I wonder why they stopped doing that? You could build up collections of movies, just for the cost of a newspaper.

I think the growth of streaming services may have a lot to do with that.

[RogerBoner]

I wonder why they stopped doing that? You could build up collections of movies, just for the cost of a newspaper.

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It was only great for the consumer. I have about 20 classic films courtesy of The Sunday Times.

[sir wanksalot]

I think the growth of streaming services may have a lot to do with that.

but how do you "collect" streamed films?

[Head1]

The White Lotus - episode 4 and it's starting to get a bit wild.

I really enjoyed this 6 parter
The hotel manager was very Basil Fawlty

Not so much of a whodunnit as a who was done in

Second series on the way apparently

[PunterNumber69]

I really enjoyed this 6 parter
The hotel manager was very Basil Fawlty

Not so much of a whodunnit as a who was done in

Second series on the way apparently

I like the newly wed woman. She looks very nice in a bikini.

[The0neAnd0nly]

The White Lotus - episode 4 and it's starting to get a bit wild.

Think I'll check this out... sounds like the name of a place I'd go for a good massage and tug, so can only be a gold sign!!

[The0neAnd0nly]

I like the newly wed woman. She looks very nice in a bikini.

Just realised you might be talking about the absolutely sensational Alexandria Daddario. Foward to 1:30 to see her magnificent top bollocks.

She also looked great in a swimsuit in the Baywatch remake that came out a few years ago.

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[sparkus]

Chuck and Buck (2000) External Link/Members Only

Early 00s US indie flick of the kind we don't get anymore, treads a fine line between disturbing and endearing given the awkward subject matter.  I think I was recommended it at the time as being in the vein of Todd Solondz and Harmony Korine.

[Ali Katt]

Chuck and Buck (2000) External Link/Members Only

Early 00s US indie flick of the kind we don't get anymore, treads a fine line between disturbing and endearing given the awkward subject matter.  I think I was recommended it at the time as being in the vein of Todd Solondz and Harmony Korine.

Saw it a few years after watching a repeat of Vidz were they reviewed it. If I remember right it was a pain in the arse to find online. Close to being great though.

[tantric talents]

Saw it a few years after watching a repeat of Vidz were they reviewed it. If I remember right it was a pain in the arse to find online. Close to being great though.

£3.49 on Prime atm. Might give it a whirl?

[Ali Katt]

£3.49 on Prime atm. Might give it a whirl?

You can pick it up on DVD at CeX for £1. I think £3.49 is overpriced it really should be free on Prime, given its age and obscurity.

[cotton]

Chuck and Buck (2000) External Link/Members Only

Early 00s US indie flick of the kind we don't get anymore, treads a fine line between disturbing and endearing given the awkward subject matter.  I think I was recommended it at the time as being in the vein of Todd Solondz and Harmony Korine.

I just watched it free on the internet. Its one of those films that shows you can basically represent sympathetically anyone whoever they are cos whatever theyve done from a humanitarian pov they will be sympathetic.  So it was good having the story told sympathetically from the pov of the oddball.
3/4 of the way thru when he was in bits and it looked like it was gonna end tragically i hoped for a happy ending.  Then when it miraculously turned round and had a happy ending i thought mmhh life aint no fairy story and really there should have been a tragic ending like he hung himself or whatever.  But thanks for the recommendation 

[sparkus]

I just watched it free on the internet. Its one of those films that shows you can basically represent sympathetically anyone whoever they are cos whatever theyve done from a humanitarian pov they will be sympathetic.  So it was good having the story told sympathetically from the pov of the oddball.
3/4 of the way thru when he was in bits and it looked like it was gonna end tragically i hoped for a happy ending.  Then when it miraculously turned round and had a happy ending i thought mmhh life aint no fairy story and really there should have been a tragic ending like he hung himself or whatever.  But thanks for the recommendation 

 

Spoiler alert

[tantric talents]

You can pick it up on DVD at CeX for £1. I think £3.49 is overpriced it really should be free on Prime, given its age and obscurity.

You are quite right but I’m gonna have to blow the dust off my DVD player and hope it still works!

[PunterNumber69]

Candyman

[Ali Katt]

Candyman

I've got some free cinema tickets to use by the end of the year and I'll probably see this.

[ulstersubbie]

Classic Double Bill:

La Ronde (1950). Ten interlinking tales of romantic intrigue involving a wide spectrum of people in 1900's Vienna. Witty and sophisticated cinema from director Max Ophuls.

The Band Wagon (1953). From a bygone age when Hollywood made great musical films. Brilliant choreography, stylish sets and memorable tunes make this an instant classic. Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse sing and dance their way into our affections.

[WDFORTE]

Beckett - Netflix 7/10.  Meh,  about 30 minutes too long.  OK though, action thriller.

Following a tragic car accident in Greece, an American tourist finds himself at the center of a dangerous political conspiracy and on the run for his life.

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[Ali Katt]

White Gold about door to door window salesmen in Essex in the 1980s. By Joe Thomas and Damon Beesley (The Inbetweeners). This one really flew under the radar I think it's very good far better than anything Ricky Gervais has put out in the last 10 years. It's on Netflix, also on DVD rated 18, but probably out of print.

[standardpostage]

Candyman

Cinema. Good reviews "but" I thought it was a load of rubbish.
Bit confusing, flashbacks, dialogue not very clear  lots of times.
Wasn't scary, story a bit weak. Not recommended.
Stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen 11. Certificate 15.
PS my partner / other half is scarier than the Candyman.

[WDFORTE]

White Gold about door to door window salesmen in Essex in the 1980s. By Joe Thomas and Damon Beesley (The Inbetweeners). This one really flew under the radar I think it's very good far better than anything Ricky Gervais has put out in the last 10 years. It's on Netflix, also on DVD rated 18, but probably out of print.

Awesome series.  Enjoyed both seasons, DVD available at Amazon or HMV, circa £20 for both seasons.  Wished they'd gone for season 3. 

[Ali Katt]

Awesome series.  Enjoyed both seasons, DVD available at Axxxxxx or HMV, circa £20 for both seasons.  Wished they'd gone for season 3.

Definitely enough material for another season. I reckon it was probably a bit too late the 80s nostalgia thing was dead by the time the first series came out. Weird how it's unavailable on iPlayer, but less well known series are.

[mr.bluesky]

Definitely enough material for another season. I reckon it was probably a bit too late the 80s nostalgia thing was dead by the time the first series came out. Weird how it's unavailable on iPlayer, but less well known series are.

Edd Westwick one of actors in this series had sexual assault allegations against him by three women although it was never proven it probably didn't do his career much good maybe that's why it's not available on iplayer 

[Waterhouse]

Cinema. Good reviews "but" I thought it was a load of rubbish.
Bit confusing, flashbacks, dialogue not very clear  lots of times.
Wasn't scary, story a bit weak. Not recommended.
Stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen 11. Certificate 15.
PS my partner / other half is scarier than the Candyman.

Noticed that Tony Todd was in it and credited as the Candyman (Daniel Robitaille)... guessing he was not the title character then of the new remake/reboot/sequel

Watched the ‘92 original last night... not bad - seen much worse.

[WDFORTE]

Edd Westwick one of actors in this series had sexual assault allegations against him by three women although it was never proven it probably didn't do his career much good maybe that's why it's not available on iplayer 

If this was the 70's, the BBC would have rewarded him, probably on season 6 now and best buddies with Rolf and Jimmy.  How's about that then!!

[PunterNumber69]

Cruella in Disney+ - great soundtrack, nice visuals, quite different for a Disney movie, not bad.

[Ali Katt]

Edd Westwick one of actors in this series had sexual assault allegations against him by three women although it was never proven it probably didn't do his career much good maybe that's why it's not available on iplayer 

I suppose that could make sense as I think The Thick of It is also missing most likely due to that Chris Langham business.

[Waterhouse]

Just watched Blue Velvet... brilliant.  Makes me feel like re-watching the original Twin Peaks from the ‘90s.

[Rick2468]

Just watched Blue Velvet... brilliant.  Makes me feel like re-watching the original Twin Peaks from the ‘90s.

I rewatched the original series after watching Twin Peaks The Return when it was on and it was brilliant. Some moments really hit me in the feels. It really is a class series. I thought The Return was good as well but not as good as the original which is my favouriate TV series of all time.

[standardpostage]

Noticed that Tony Todd was in it and credited as the Candyman (Daniel Robitaille)... guessing he was not the title character then of the new remake/reboot/sequel

Watched the ‘92 original last night... not bad - seen much worse.

I've not seen the original Candyman. But the new film had flashbacks which made it a bit confusing.
Tony Todd plays the old original Candyman and Yayha Abdul-Mateen 11 plays the new Candyman in the 2021 movie.

[standardpostage]

Cruella in Disney+ - great soundtrack, nice visuals, quite different for a Disney movie, not bad.

Seen it at the cinema, brilliant movie, I'd watch again.

[Davey Dykes]

I watched Robin Hood, Prince of thieves for the first time last night.

I say watched but fell asleep about halfway in, what a boring bunch of arse. All soft focus, sympathetic lighting early 90s nonsense, it's safe to say I wasn't impressed with what I saw.

[Chorley]

I've not really been bothered about going to the cinema since Covid, but Dune might be the one that persuades me. It looks absolutely epic.
Given how hard the book has proven to adapt previously let's hope it's not a steaming pile of  not shite . External Link/Members Only

[tantric talents]

I've not really been bothered about going to the cinema since Covid, but Dune might be the one that persuades me. It looks absolutely epic.
Given how hard the book has proven to adapt previously let's hope it's not a steaming pile of  not shite . External Link/Members Only

I was always a great Frank Herbert fan and also hope they have made a decent job.
Also like to see a capable director have a go at Larry Niven and Iain M. Banks

[Chorley]

I was always a great Frank Herbert fan and also hope they have made a decent job.
Also like to see a capable director have a go at Larry Niven and Iain M. Banks

Yes! I would love an adaptation of The Wasp Factory. 

[tantric talents]

Yes! I would love an adaptation of The Wasp Factory. 

Well the Wasp Factory although a great book was part of the non (science) fiction oeuvre under the “Ian Banks” authorship.
The “M.” as a middle initial was used by him for all his Sci fi works such as “ consider Phlebas” etc.
A series of movies based on the “Culture” would be awesome!

[Waterhouse]

I've not really been bothered about going to the cinema since Covid, but Dune might be the one that persuades me. It looks absolutely epic.
Given how hard the book has proven to adapt previously let's hope it's not a steaming pile of  not shite . External Link/Members Only

I’m a big fan of Dune, both the books and the two screen adaptations.  I do like the Sci-Fi channel mini series... a more realistic depiction than Lynch’s IMO.  I recently watched a 3hr fan edit of Lynch’s with all the extra unscreened footage - really enhances it.  If you search for Dune Redux by Spicediver on U-chewb, you can watch a pretty decent version of it.

[Rick2468]

I’m a big fan of Dune, both the books and the two screen adaptations.  I do like the Sci-Fi channel mini series... a more realistic depiction than Lynch’s IMO.  I recently watched a 3hr fan edit of Lynch’s with all the extra unscreened footage - really enhances it.  If you search for Dune Redux by Spicediver on U-chewb, you can watch a pretty decent version of it.

Oh that sounds interesting I will check that out thank you for the heads up! I actually quite like the Lynch adaptation of it, by no means perfect but think he had a good crack at it. I love the music and the scene when Paul rides the worm is epic. I reread Dune earlier this year in anticipation of the film. The director also did Arrival and Bladerunner 2049 which I both thought were great so I have high hopes for Dune. I think Arrival might be the best film I have seen in the last five years. I saw a graphic novel for Dune has been released, had a quick flick through it in Foyles and decided against getting it as had just read the book.

Have you seen or heard of the documentary "Jodorowsky's Dune"? In the 1970s Hollywood wanted to adapt Dune to film and were going to throw lots of money at it and hired Jodorowsky to direct it. The documentary is about his plans to make the film which eventually fell through. I thought it was a really interesting documentary. When the film fell through Jodorowsky used some of the concepts to write a graphic novel called The Incal. I have read the Incal and didn't see much resemblance with Dune but it was still a good read.

[Problem Child]

I rewatched the original series after watching Twin Peaks The Return when it was on and it was brilliant. Some moments really hit me in the feels. It really is a class series. I thought The Return was good as well but not as good as the original which is my favouriate TV series of all time.

Rewatched the original series recently too.
The melodrama in it is absolutely superb. Something that wizzed over my teenage head when I watched it originally.

[Waterhouse]

Oh that sounds interesting I will check that out thank you for the heads up! I actually quite like the Lynch adaptation of it, by no means perfect but think he had a good crack at it. I love the music and the scene when Paul rides the worm is epic. I reread Dune earlier this year in anticipation of the film. The director also did Arrival and Bladerunner 2049 which I both thought were great so I have high hopes for Dune. I think Arrival might be the best film I have seen in the last five years. I saw a graphic novel for Dune has been released, had a quick flick through it in Foyles and decided against getting it as had just read the book.

Have you seen or heard of the documentary "Jodorowsky's Dune"? In the 1970s Hollywood wanted to adapt Dune to film and were going to throw lots of money at it and hired Jodorowsky to direct it. The documentary is about his plans to make the film which eventually fell through. I thought it was a really interesting documentary. When the film fell through Jodorowsky used some of the concepts to write a graphic novel called The Incal. I have read the Incal and didn't see much resemblance with Dune but it was still a good read.

Yes, I’ve heard of "Jodorowsky's Dune" - the failed attempt to film the book. Not seen anything of it though other than what I’ve read.  I think it is/was on Prime, but chargeable.

I really liked Arrival a lot.  So much so that I borrowed the Chiang boom from the local library. However I found the book to be a let down and a poor narrative in comparison to the film.  I gave up on it in the end.

Despite really liking Arrival, Sicario and 2049, I’m not holding my breath for DV’s Dune for a couple of reasons - a) It’s only the first half of the first book and “part 2” hasn’t been given the go-ahead yet and any production deal could well be from scratch. b) It’s already been “woked” - Including changing Liet Kynes (Chani’s father) character to a woman despite his character being in the Dune prequel books, and a couple of novels after the original trilogy. 

I’ll still watch it and hope the positives outweigh what I’ve already seen as negatives from the teasers and trailers so far.

[Rick2468]

I really liked Arrival a lot.  So much so that I borrowed the Chiang boom from the local library. However I found the book to be a let down and a poor narrative in comparison to the film.  I gave up on it in the end.

I read the Ted Chiang book as well! I rarely read books after seeing the film but I loved the film so much that thought I would read the book and like you I found it a let down. It lacked all the empathy that was such a strong quality of the film in my opinion. On a personal level, I watched Arrival about six months after my Mother died and I was past the despairing grief stage but still quite emotional and the film really touched me in a way that made me feel both sad and content at the same time. I also felt it was "true" science fiction with making contact with an alien race without all the laser battles etc. I loved the bit when the aliens send a pod out for Dr Banks outside their normal schedule as they trust her and want to speak to her alone.

I recently read Exhalation by Ted Chiang which is another collection of short stories. I preferred it to the Arrival collection. Although if you gave up on the Arrival collection then I still probably would not recommend it as the stories are in a similar vein to the Arrival collection.

[Dickled]

I finally got to the end of Game of Thrones. I don't have Sky Atlantic, so have bought blu-rays from time to time.
Considering the dreadful reviews it had, I enjoyed it a little more than I thought I would. My final thoughts though are that for some inexplicable reason the makers got bored making it, and just wanted to get to the end as quickly as possible.
Main points of contention - Daenerys going psycho, and, after all that build up, what a soft touch the White Walkers proved to be!

I also watched "Get Out". I thought it was excellent. I know there was some racial subtext going on, but I just found it to be a cracking horror movie, with a great ending.

[WDFORTE]

The Protégé - 9.5/10  Samuel L Jackson, Maggie Q, Robert Patrick and Michael Keaton star.

Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody, Anna is the world's most skilled contract killer. However, when Moody is brutally killed, she vows revenge
for the man who taught her everything she knows.  This was action packed and Maggie Q brilliant, if 007 was ever going to be a woman, she'd be the one.

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[Goldfinch]

I also watched "Get Out". I thought it was excellent. I know there was some racial subtext going on, but I just found it to be a cracking horror movie, with a great ending.

Good film.

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[mr.bluesky]

I finally got to the end of Game of Thrones. I don't have Sky Atlantic, so have bought blu-rays from time to time.
Considering the dreadful reviews it had, I enjoyed it a little more than I thought I would. My final thoughts though are that for some inexplicable reason the makers got bored making it, and just wanted to get to the end as quickly as possible.
Main points of contention - Daenerys going psycho, and, after all that build up, what a soft touch the White Walkers proved to be!

I also watched "Get Out". I thought it was excellent. I know there was some racial subtext going on, but I just found it to be a cracking horror movie, with a great ending. The problem with Game of thrones was that the early series were based on the books by George R Martin but soon overtook the book series so had to go it's own way.

If you enjoyed game of thrones I can recommend you buy "the last kingdom" box set based on the books of Bernard Cornwell.  set during the viking invasion of Saxon England and the struggle to unite the four kingdoms of Northumbria, Mercia , Wessex and Anglia into one Kingdom of England and the box set "Vikings" The last Kingdom is as good as Game of thrones imo with just as much treachery. 👍 I believe there is going to be a prequel series to Game of thrones. The last kingdom has a lot of historical truth about it (King Alfred etc) although the main character  is fictional.

[Dickled]

If you enjoyed game of thrones I can recommend you buy "the last kingdom" box set based on the books of Bernard Cornwall.  set during the viking invasion of Saxon England and the struggle to unite the four kingdoms of Northumbria, Mercia , Wessex and Anglia into one Kingdom of England and the box set "Vikings" The last Kingdom is as good as Game of thrones imo with just as much treachery. 👍 I believe there is going to be a prequel series to Game of thrones. The last kingdom has a lot of historical truth about it (King Alfred etc) although the main character "Utrehd" is fictional.

Yes mate, we definitely like the same stuff.
I'm a big fan of the Last Kingdom. The last two series I've had to buy, because they're on Netflix and not BBC anymore. Well worth it though. I think I read the next series (season 5) is the last one, so I'm sure they'll make a better job of finishing it than was the case with GOT.
In a similar vein, I've also enjoyed Vikings a lot, although I think it was better before they killed of the Travis Fimmel character
 

[Xtro]

Any Dexter fans here?

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