What movies have you seen recently?

[TrapStar215]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

I saw The Hateful Eight about 3 days ago. It's definitely a traditional Quentin Tarantino, so if you have a problem with strong language you might not enjoy it.

But overall it's a great movie, I think he could have did a little more with the ending.

Spoiler

Have the rest of the gang really show up, then end it.

[Blzer]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

No Escape

Pretty gritty when all was said and done. I never for one moment believed our protagonists to be superhuman, and always felt them to be expendable. Acting was okay, but Owen Wilson was only somewhat convincing. Kids in these movies are normally a detriment to me, but their component helped strengthened it this time, sans the rooftop interchange scene. Pierce Brosnan's character was either misused, wasted or unneeded to me... can't decide which. I also did not understand what the opening scene had to do with everything else that happened in the film, but I'm sure I'm just idiotic or didn't try too hard to think about it.

While watching it, I was thinking of other places it could have been set, with obvious choices such as Islamic or South American countries (given the water angle), or even Greece if we're talking current events. Even still, the recent attacks in Paris made all of it "hit home" more to real life things that I can connect to on some level. The film was okay, but it was strengthened by the emotions people will be able to convey, if not during its theatrical run then at least for home video release.


Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension

Although the franchise has run its course, nothing would stop me from seeing more of these films. Are they getting worse? That's up for debate. Are they getting less creative? Not necessarily. But the concept is no longer very original, and the formula has become stale. It's not their fault, but that comes at the cost of making six films on the same premise over the over. While they decided to go the route of connecting the story line within all six films (with the fifth film sharing very little connection, but importantly branching for the sixth film), I'm wondering how this would have fared if all activities were different and non-connecting. Different demons, different purposes entirely, etc.

Unfortunately, I think they have reached their concluding chapter, and it somewhat went out on a whimper. I hear there is an alternate ending that, while having the same conclusion, might feel a little more captivating when set with the entire story line. This one goes for even more imagery than the fifth film, essentially showing you the demon in many formats. The use of 3D was neither super effective nor useful in a storytelling perspective (like they weren't filming with a 3D camera, and 1980s footage wasn't either, which is confusing). It wasn't really scary and just resorted to loud noises as usual, but it wasn't a pitiful film. Watching these for the first time are always the best, and as I said I would continue to watch them if they continued to make them. If not, I'll find the next "found footage franchise" that goes this route, as long as effects remain more practical.

[Blzer]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

The Big Short

Mesmerizing. A glorified documentary that never lets up, and knows how to cater a complicated three year swindle into a two hour feature for general audiences. More of a drama than anything else, but it is light, fast on its feet, and knows how to throw in a comedic punch time to time. If you were involved in it, you may not need to see anything more than some good performances. If you weren't involved in it, it's a quick educational tool on the supposed truth behind the actual events. There are no good guys in this picture, just antiheroes who tried to expose the big bad guys. Money is not the evil here, only greed. I learned a lot, and although I have no real will to go through it again, I think it earns any potential awards it might get for director and screenplay. Carell was the standout actor in this picture.


Oblivion

I'll blame myself for multitasking while watching this film, but I knew before playing it that it would take a lot to grab me given the genre. I've seen all the other Tom Cruise sci-fi movies that I can think of (Minority Report, War of the Worlds, Edge of Tomorrow) and remember very much enjoying them, but they had something going into it that grabbed me. This one did not. It reminded me a bit of Moon, something else I didn't necessarily love but I know OS'ers did, so you might give this a shot if you have not yet. Anyway, I don't think my opinion is valid enough because I probably didn't give it enough of a chance with the lack of attention. Either way, it definitely was an audio workout, so if you have an HT system don't hold back while playing it!


Lone Survivor

This was like a more narrowly focused version of Zero Dark Thirty in terms of storytelling (though of course these are two real events and they were different altogether). In that, I mean the mission was one thing and there really was no other "scene," whereas ZDT jumped around quite a bit the first half of the film. Peter Berg has not shot a film better than this one in my opinion, where I think here he really matured and captured the absolute brutality and reality of every second. It's strange how a real story that you either already know about or can predict how things will turn out because of the title or the "in media res" intro scene will still not allow you to hope and pray for each individual's survival. As great as Mark Wahlberg was (and Ben Foster by his side), my only wonder is whether this film would have fared even better without any name actors. This did not need all acting chops, just militaristic ones. I would have probably felt more attuned with the action rather than the actors had they been cast otherwise. A fine film though, and highly recommended.

[DonkeyJote]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

I watched Short Term 12 on netflix. Fantastic drama. Then, saw Kingsman with some buddies. Loved every minute of it. Such a great movie.

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[Brandwin]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

I saw The Hateful Eight today - I thought it was okay,* it kept me entertained enough,* but that slow burn didn't seem to have a enough payoff. I also didn't feel as if the any of the characters were memorable. I rank this towards the bottom of his movies.*

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[daflyboys]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Can't wait to see "The Big Short".

Saw "Concussion". Smith will probably get a nomination for best actor, though I don't think he'll win, but it the nomination is deserved. Haunting look into the events leading up to the NFL altering their rules and need for style of play. I know a lot of guys complain about it, but perhaps this movie will shed some light as to why. My only complaint is Alec Baldwin, whom I detest any way. But, his Louisiana accent left a lot to be desired. I thought he was miscast.

[Beantown]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Baldwin was definitely the worst part, but that was a solid solid movie. Might be up their with Smith's best performances.

[Blzer]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Baldwin was definitely the worst part, but that was a solid solid movie. Might be up their with Smith's best performances.

Some folks have claimed that Smith's Nigerian accent was rather illegitimate sounding, so I don't know if that will be a factor when it comes to ranking it or contending it for the Oscars.

On another note, a few weeks ago I heard Dr. Bennet Omalu be interviewed on The Tiki & Tierney Show on CBS Sports Radio, and his laugh is... I don't know how to explain it, but it is like a hyena, or like Papi on The Proud Family. It's so contagious and so hilarious. If I can find an interview when he laughs, I'll show you what I mean. Seems like a good guy too, not against the sport but wants children to make conscious decisions based on their awareness of the impact of concussions given the current state of the sport.

EDIT: Nevermind, it was a pretty easy YouTube search. Go to about the 5:00 mark.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2LKu1eESJY8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[RockinDaMike]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Can't wait to see The Big Short. The crash was terrible for a lot of people but it gave me an opportunity to buy a couple properties that I was able to flip the last couple years.

Glad concussion is good, hoping to see it soon.

[Speedy]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Shawshank Redemption

I just watched this the other day; I know it's an old movie but I'm not much of a movie guy and there was nothing else on. I enjoyed it quite much! First off, I love how AMC gives notes of the story. As far as the story, I love the backdrop and how methodical the guy was able to escape. Y'awl have watched it countless times probably so I'll spare the actual detail.

Since I watch a ton of Seinfeld, the guy below immediately made me think: "Is she wearing my mother's fur coat?"

Spoiler

Bottom left:

Also, the warden reminded me of Longest Yard...there's always a corrupt warden in these prisons. Makes me not want to go prison.

[JayBee74]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Shawshank Redemption
I just watched this the other day; I know it's an old movie but I'm not much of a movie guy and there was nothing else on. I enjoyed it quite much!

We did a poll many years ago on OS and Shawshank Redemption won.

It's in my top tier of movies including the first two Godfathers and The Sting.

[TrapStar215]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Ride Along 2

WOW! Idk where to start. It pains me to say this as a Philly native also, but Kevin Hart is official corny as all hell. I think I laugh 3 times the entire movie. He tries way to hard to be funny where under comedies it's nature to them.

[JayBee74]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Ride Along 2

WOW! Idk where to start. It pains me to say this as a Philly native also, but Kevin Hart is official corny as all hell. I think I laugh 3 times the entire movie. He tries way to hard to be funny where under comedies it's nature to them.

I saw him and Josh Gad in The Wedding Ringer and still haven't decided who was more unimpressive. I give Kaley Cuoco a pass for sleeping through the movie because of her uninspiring leads.

[Blzer]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Ride Along 2

WOW! Idk where to start. It pains me to say this as a Philly native also, but Kevin Hart is official corny as all hell. I think I laugh 3 times the entire movie. He tries way to hard to be funny where under comedies it's nature to them.

Wasn't the commercial enough to stay as far away from that film as possible?

[JazzMan]

Re: What movies have you seen recently?

Been saying for awhile that Kevin Hart just needs to stop.