What movies have you seen recently?

[KG]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

The scene in the Revenant where Leo fights the bear is one of the best scenes I have ever witnessed. It's up there with Sam Jackson's Pulp Fiction scene, the first scene of the Godfather 1, the storming the beach scene in Saving Private Ryan, etc... I'd like to nominate the bear for an award.

[daflyboys]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Ugh...please don't group SLJ in with that grouping. It's just not dignified.

[JayBee74]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Ha, well at least the history is in place for you. I just feel like that somebody not having seen Rocky 4 wouldn't understand what it meant for whether or not Stallone should've stopped the fight. Seeing Creed only would make him look like nothing but a guilty figure to me.

You never saw some of these films before?

He was a street fighter and supposedly a darn good one at that, so what was it that Rocky taught him? To fight himself? I just don't see where Rocky learned that kind of knowledge from Mickey and Apollo, I saw somebody that was established with a heart and learned to go the distance because he was a true underdog that no one would ever give him a chance for.

Remember Adonis was a self trained fighter. Certainly he would benefit from from professional training, especially from a former heavyweight champion of the world and all his contacts. Rocky actually had professional training of sorts, even before his windfall fights with Apollo.

Adonis was different. He could have earned himself glory, but he didn't want it for the wrong reasons (being the son of Apollo, mostly), hence the reason for the name Johnson. But what got him where he was? The name alone. 15 wins in Mexico and a controversial knockout, and suddenly he is going to take on the light heavyweight champion of the world? One film in, and he is already at the upper-echelon of stardom after chasing a chicken in an alley, and we're supposed to believe that it's all because of six months of training with a man who has earned a lot more than muscle and fast feet? I just thought it was too fast. Hell, I thought Rocky was too fast as well getting the girl and the acclaim very immediately, but more so in the sense that he was already considering retirement by Rocky II but he still had five more films to go. I bet if Stallone knew it would last as long as it had, he would not have felt the need to rush things so quickly.

Adonis was clearly a natural talent, inheriting the speed-power combination of his father, but choosing a different fighting style. The training honed his skills, but he was already a beast before that. There had to be a little pain involved in knocking out at least one Mexican heavyweight, considering he didn't even weigh 175 pounds at the time. No, "Raw Adonis" wasn't good enough to avoid being pulverized by the great Andre Ward in a "sparring" session, but his rise was not all about his short training period. His teachers had a lot to work with.

I'm glad Rocky was left as is. To beat out films like Taxi Driver, All the President's Men, and Network was a feat in itself.

Furthermore, he was not so accepting of being his father's son, yet he will call his blood-unrelated father's best friend "Unc" because he knew they had a private fight together? He ran out on his mother, it wasn't the other way around.

He didn't know his father, and the "Unc" tag acknowledged Adonis' instant liking of Rocky. Not a knock, because I know your critique is sincere, but you seem almost resistant to a bond between the two main characters.

But because we've had Rocky V already where Tommy Gunn came off the streets asking a retired Rocky to train him but hope to not just fall under his wing (or Apollo's, possibly in this case), I was hoping for there to be a difference in this story somewhere.

Well there was quite a difference. Tommy was a self absorbed jerk, who's main purpose in the movie was to get his butt handed to him in the film's climatic scene (very good street fight by the way). Tommy was all about his agenda, Adonis was following his destiny. All due respect, I have to say that's a stretch to equate that much similarity in the two films based on both fighters asking Rocky to train them.

I know you said it shouldn't have gone the "morals" angle, but like I said, Rocky should have been instilling the family values in this guy, not the other way around at all.

You're not factoring in Rocky's illness and the great support that Adonis showed him. There was no "instilling of family values", there was no preaching, just a reminder from young Creed that Rocky had something to live for...him. The scenes with

Spoiler

Rocky getting chemo with Adonis in the room

were amazing.

It should not have ever been "Rocky potentially walking out on Adonis," but the other way. That's just my opinion.

The kid was getting abandoned again. Rocky was fighting the need to stay alive. Everything came to head. It was another great scene in this movie. It only worked because Rocky was overwhelmed.

You're quoting that like I said that.

I thought he was a rock star. He has been for all of these films. But that's exactly my point. Why not recognize him for it before? Why wait till now? I will acknowledge that his nuanced performance, as you said, sold better than an overacting bid ever would and I definitely appreciated it, which is why I think he earned himself a BSA nomination, and perhaps even a win.

Yeah, probably a little unfair of me to go with "barely good". I think he gets recognized now, because it's the best Rocky that he ever did, and this is the most critically acclaimed "sequel" in the Rocky-verse.

The line was great, but don't you think it would have been better if this was the beginning of Adonis' turnaround? To be accepting of those "family values," maybe calling him Unc thereafter as a result of being mentored into this Creed creed? I thought this would have been a great moment for him to say, "Okay, this is what I will do you for." Instead he was threatening Balboa that he would quit. It should have been more a result of him being on the edge of quitting, then the stuff that comes thereafter, then the, "Hey man, I'll fight if you fight." Less of a threat and much more of a win-win I think. Beautiful line (would have been as good as the one I mentioned), but the wrong reasons for me.

What threat? Adonis was just saying Rocky's fight was more important to him then any professional aspirations or glory.

Appreciate your comments Blzer.

[LambertandHam]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Beavis and Butthead Do America was on IFC today, haven't seen it in years. The bit that still cracks me up is near the end where hes in the camper.

"Hey, hows it going?"



<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/avYZWH2AerA" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>

[Blzer]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

For the record, I very much appreciate that you can tolerate my long-winded discussions. It's healthy for me to get this out, and I need your viewpoint for stability. I haven't jumped, but I'd like to decide where I should stand on this (or where you should, hehehe ).

You never saw some of these films before?

In many years past I know I had seen the first and third films, but besides knowing their outcomes (I was honestly even iffy remembering if Rocky had won his first fight against Apollo or not), I know I had to re-watch them plus the others I hadn't seen.

Within probably a week, I watched all six films. A few days later I was able to check out Creed. I think having the films resonate with me while watching Creed felt significantly better than not. I feel like I know his walks of Philadelphia as a result, and it helped establish the tone of Creed during the middle act.

Remember Adonis was a self trained fighter. Certainly he would benefit from from professional training, especially from a former heavyweight champion of the world and all his contacts. Rocky actually had professional training of sorts, even before his windfall fights with Apollo.

Adonis was clearly a natural talent, inheriting the speed-power combination of his father, but choosing a different fighting style. The training honed his skills, but he was already a beast before that. There had to be a little pain involved in knocking out at least one Mexican heavyweight, considering he didn't even weigh 175 pounds at the time. No, "Raw Adonis" wasn't good enough to avoid being pulverized by the great Andre Ward in a "sparring" session, but his rise was not all about his short training period. His teachers had a lot to work with.

You might be right. Then again, I wonder what another trainer would have done with him. I was just hoping for a separatist kind of training that would have made what Rocky did give a bit more magical touch. The chicken and jump rope was nice, the shadowboxing felt rightly connected with him as well, and though I can't recall a moment it would have been nice to see them watch film of Conlan (they probably did, I just can't remember it). No punching meat either, but it didn't fit the story given they didn't exactly have an available factory to enter at their whim.

I was curious to see what Rocky would offer that nobody else could, and I'm not sure I did see that is all. As I said, they gave the humanistic element to Adonis before he met Rocky, so you can't even offer him that. I'm just genuinely curious whether he would have fared just fine without having met Rocky, because knowing that Rocky would do something that nobody else could would have felt special. Maybe I'm selfish for thinking that way, but I like Rocky being a piece of the world because nobody else can bring this kid where he did.

I'm glad Rocky was left as is. To beat out films like Taxi Driver, All the President's Men, and Network was a feat in itself.

Given the standalone film, I'd have to agree. After all, it still stands atop the six others in my rankings. Knowing that five more were churned out afterward though, I think Sly pushed hard to figure out where to go next, and in Rocky IV it really showed that material ran short when they felt the need to kill Apollo. In a story sense I am not bothered with it at all, it has brought upon certain motivations and vulnerabilities for Rocky and Adonis alike. Regarding its place in the franchise though, I almost felt it was a "jumping the shark" moment.

He didn't know his father, and the "Unc" tag acknowledged Adonis' instant liking of Rocky. Not a knock, because I know your critique is sincere, but you seem almost resistant to a bond between the two main characters.

On the contrary, I'm doing nothing but wanting that bond. I think I devoted at least one paragraph to mentioning that lol. I just never thought it was earned or gone about the right way.

Given the setup that we have in the film, I did go along with it... and in some ways, I was almost feeling bad for Rocky. His itch was gone, and all Adonis did was push him. You even heard Rocky say a few times things like:

"I'm not even sure why I came here" (not in a bad way, just trying to decide if he's doing right by it)
"I'm not even sure if you have what it takes" (I may have that line way wrong and even worse when out of context)
"I didn't really expect this to happen right now in my life."

I was sitting there thinking: poor guy, he's getting pushed into something that he is unsure of that will benefit him, that he wants to do, or that is going to better him in any way. Given the character they showed on screen in his first few appearances, that is really how I felt. All I wanted was for Rocky to be happy, not by making peace with his demons and just working at the restaurant, but if that's how he was looking to go out, then just maybe. So the conflict comes in where it's too easy for Adonis to ask Rocky and for him to go, "Yeah, let's do it!" Resistance is good, but at the time it didn't seem like his venture.

Trust me, I know he well got into it and wanted to be by his side later on, but that also seemingly came after he began calling him Unc (which was after... I think only one meeting with him?) and moved in with him uninvited (not saying Rocky didn't want or care for that either, but it truly was just urged upon then and there).

Until I give myself a better look at it, I just think the Rocky character was already there that could have discovered this talent, tapped into him, and created this world for Adonis that he would have been initially resistant to... and that would have been keeping in with both characters. Rocky would have a "son" of sorts that he could train fighting, later on Adonis could latch onto the Unc nickname (after the moment we talked about at the gym), and Rocky could have provided him the right push to go from a self-trained fighter to a well-coached one. In my head it just plays out as the better story. Maybe I'm seeing things too black and white and not for what they are.

Well there was quite a difference. Tommy was a self absorbed jerk, who's main purpose in the movie was to get his butt handed to him in the film's climatic scene (very good street fight by the way). Tommy was all about his agenda, Adonis was following his destiny. All due respect, I have to say that's a stretch to equate that much similarity in the two films based on both fighters asking Rocky to train them.

While I can agree with what you said, that really was a big part of the plot as well. It was kind of a hybrid between that film and the first Rocky, all told. Regarding destiny, I hate to sound like a broken record, but I wish Rocky kind of worked that out of him. Early on, Adonis could see fighting more as an addiction than a passion, given that it's in his DNA because of Apollo. It keeps coming back to him like a disease, and he has misused it in places (as we see many times in this film). It would ultimately cost him his job, his relationship with his stepmother, nearly destroy any chance for a close family or relationship of any kind, and yet he has this power that could be the key to all of what he wants out of life (you know the line I'd be referring to there, of course). Given all of this, Rocky is the man to bring it out and unravel that fighting is his destiny, and he could bring him to the promise land. Tell me that's not a Rocky story right there!

You're not factoring in Rocky's illness and the great support that Adonis showed him. There was no "instilling of family values", there was no preaching, just a reminder from young Creed that Rocky had something to live for...him. The scenes with

Spoiler

Rocky getting chemo with Adonis in the room

were amazing.

I factored it in, I just said that area of the movie would probably help the turning point for Adonis. Just a different way that I'm using it is all. I know how it was done in the actual film for sure. I liked it, but it certainly was shaky when...

Spoiler

... not only did Rocky dismiss the idea that they are a family (which although it was something he instantly regretted saying, I see Rocky as the exact opposite of somebody who would say that), but the jail scene afterward where Adonis pushes him away didn't make much sense to me. Doing something at Bianca's show was a bit outlandish but made sense given the upsetting news, but then turning off when he comes and bails him out? I know he's mad at him for rejecting the chemo, hence where I said "threaten" I meant it in the most loving way possible haha.

And maybe you could help me out, but not only do I not know what the clock was looking like for Rocky had he tried to go without it, but I imagined that he would have been able to at the very least live long enough for the fight, then perhaps wilt afterward. Also, do you know whether he is cancer-free by the end of the film? I'm uncertain.

The kid was getting abandoned again. Rocky was fighting the need to stay alive. Everything came to head. It was another great scene in this movie. It only worked because Rocky was overwhelmed.

I would give you this if he hadn't quit his job and abandoned his stepmother in the beginning of the film. Sure, we can say that she is the bad guy (also not my favorite thing that she was basically thrown to the wolves as such until the very end), but he seems to think he doesn't have opportunities waiting for him, yet he just refuses to accept them all.

But you're right, the way the story was written, it made perfect sense for Rocky to be making the decision he was. Using Adrian would feel almost a bit too forced, but since she was already sent away in Rocky Balboa it doesn't come off as an absolute plot device. So, while it would work either way, given the current situation his decision was somewhat "logical."

Yeah, probably a little unfair of me to go with "barely good". I think he gets recognized now, because it's the best Rocky that he ever did, and this is the most critically acclaimed "sequel" in the Rocky-verse.

By the way, did someone mention he got nominated for a film not named Creed? What was it? Would any of us want it as much if it was for a different film and character? Haha.

Appreciate your comments Blzer.

Anytime, man. Back at ya! I just hope I don't come off as sounding insane saying what it is I'm saying. I hope what I'm saying holds some merit given the previous six films I feel... rather fresh with, actually!

[AUChase]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Sicario
The Intern
Pan



Also watched Ride Along 2 last night in the theater. I'm not a big Kevin Hart fan, but I laughed at some of the movie. I think part of it was the effect others had laughing around me. I didn't laugh the same as most of the theater did and some of it I doubt I would have even chuckled at had I watched it alone.

[daflyboys]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Hey get a room you two!

[JayBee74]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

While I can agree with what you said, that really was a big part of the plot as well. It was kind of a hybrid between that film and the first Rocky, all told. Regarding destiny, I hate to sound like a broken record, but I wish Rocky kind of worked that out of him. Early on, Adonis could see fighting more as an addiction than a passion, given that it's in his DNA because of Apollo. It keeps coming back to him like a disease, and he has misused it in places (as we see many times in this film). It would ultimately cost him his job, his relationship with his stepmother, nearly destroy any chance for a close family or relationship of any kind, and yet he has this power that could be the key to all of what he wants out of life (you know the line I'd be referring to there, of course). Given all of this, Rocky is the man to bring it out and unravel that fighting is his destiny, and he could bring him to the promise land. Tell me that's not a Rocky story right there!

I don't know the genetic breakdown that contributed to his drive, but wasn't the big motivator living up to his name and not being a mistake? As far as costs go his stepmother wasn't going anywhere and his job might have been waiting for him.

No, I don't see a Rocky story there. Adonis knew what he wanted his destiny to be, he just had to get there, and getting Rocky on board was part of the process.

You make some interesting points, but you want a different movie and I'm satisfied with this one.

By the way, did someone mention he got nominated for a film not named Creed? What was it? Would any of us want it as much if it was for a different film and character? Haha.

Not as much, but if Sly received a nom for any role it would be huge, because he would be such a big underdog to receive one.

I wonder if a sequel is a given? The film didn't get earth shattering numbers but $120 million against a $35 million budget seems pretty good.

[Blzer]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

I don't know the genetic breakdown that contributed to his drive, but wasn't the big motivator living up to his name and not being a mistake?

It was (which really saved the movie when he said that), but I just thought the movie contradicted itself a lot is all. I'll credit what the writers did regarding motivation as long as everyone stuck to character, both within this film and films past. They just didn't do it all of the time.

You make some interesting points, but you want a different movie and I'm satisfied with this one.

And just so it's clear, keep in mind I didn't really see any trailers for this film. I didn't have an idea of what I wanted prior to watching it. I just knew Rocky as he was. Once I saw what we were getting, I got confused by the way things unfolded. Not that I couldn't follow, I just didn't agree.

Ah well, I guess that's why we all have opinions. Never once disliked the film, but I'm okay with the Oscars not recognizing it outside of Stallone's performance all the same, if you know what I mean.

. . . . . . . . .

I re-watched Cloverfield tonight with the trailer release of the new film within the universe coming out in a couple of months. I very much enjoy the short ride, and the little guys are every bit as entertaining as the big guy (the tunnel scene rocks). I like how it didn't really hold back, and I didn't much care for the monster conveniently being at their every new stage type. Great visuals, and worked better with the first-person view than it ever would have with a straightforward narrative.

Very curious how the next one will turn out, but I'm guessing Abrams has been pitched stories left and right and rejected them all until he landed on this one. Also makes me happy that the three cast members in that bunker are ones I respect. I just wish March would come now. If I remember correctly, the first one released in January (I was still home from school during winter break when I saw it).

[Jr.]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

High Fidelity

Watched it the other day on cinemax. I love this movie, one of Jack Black's finest roles. John Cusack is great too, but one thing that annoys me is all the rain on the nights where he's had some of his roughest times...was the weather really that necessary?

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Whenever I see or hear someone talk about High Fidelity, I always mix it up with High Tension which is weird because they couldn't be more opposite.

[dickey1331]

What movies have you seen recently?

Wedding Ringer.

Hilarious. I haven't laughed that much in a long time.

[daflyboys]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Solace. It started out well enough. But it seemed to fall apart half way through. It didn't know if it wanted to me a murder mystery, a drama, an action flick, a psychological thriller or a music video. It seemed that the producer worked in too many elements too quickly. The cast was pretty solid. I've always like Jeffrey Dean Morgan (or as I call him, Robert Downey, Jr. on steroids). Colin Farrell's character was too freaky-spacey (not Bullseye freaky-spacey, but you get the idea). Abbey Cornish worked well, but fell into the melodramatic acting habit that many of the actors seemed to display, other than Anthony Hopkins, who obviously knows what he's doing. Some of the dialogue was just off or weird in spots.

I wanted to like this more in the end, but just didn't.

[The JareBear]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

I watched Blue Valentine and Place Beyond the Pines recently. The Ryan Gosling connection was unintentional, just how my queue worked out.

Loved them both. I would consider Blue Valentine a near modern-classic. Must watch IMO

Pines is very good, I think stumbles a little in trying to be "epic" but still a very good movie. Love the cast.

[WDOgF0reL1fe]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

The visit

Not bad. I enjoyed it. The teenage boy was hilarious to me and did a great job
I was spooked a bit at times in the end too


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[The JareBear]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

The visit

Not bad. I enjoyed it. The teenage boy was hilarious to me and did a great job
I was spooked a bit at times in the end too


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I have heard pretty decent things about this movie. I am not big on "jump scares" but I heard it is manageable. Considering some of the colossal turds M. Night has been responsible for in recent years it sounds like he may have taken a step back in the right direction with this one, according to my friends. This is on my list for sure