Rate the last film you watched out of 5

[schmojo]

Barbarian

 

One of the few 'don't read anything about this' horrors in the last decade that pretty much lived up to the hype.

 

Thought it was inventive, didn't insult the intelligence too much and surprised me several times. Really strong.

 

4/5

 

Bros

 

This one started really well. Bought into the characters, the world, and the necessity for a mainstream film centred around a very normal gay love story. I felt it lost some impact in the second half, covering well-worn ground and failing to surprise. But ultimately I liked who I was supposed to like, laughed more than enough, and will watch whatever the team make next.

 

3.5/5

 

[choddo]

The Lost City (2022)

3.5

 

Way funnier than I had any right to expect.

[Thor]

Inception

 

Overall, Nolan can be hit or miss with his movies, especially his endings. But Inception is just fucking fantastic. One of my favourite movies. 

 

5/5

[Festoon]

The Commuter

 

Liam Neeson action thingy from 2018. Very generic but what's crazy is the amount if bit-part actors in it who have gone on to big things since. Florence Pugh, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Letita Wright, Shazad Latif.

 

3/5

[glb]

14 hours ago, Jamie John said:

The Exorcist (1973) - Blu Ray

 

 

I'd not seen this before but had read the novel and, like @glb, who posted a great mini-review on it recently, already knew most of the plot and key moments. Still, I thought it was a compelling film, even if I didn't find it particularly scary, though I can understand why it would be considered terrifying when it first came out, almost fifty years ago now.

 

Having read the book, I did feel that the character development of the two priests was a bit light by comparison: the novel is, naturally, able to make much more of Carras's struggles with his faith, and his ultimate sacrifice accordingly feels more earned than it does in the film version. And Father Merrin, the exorcist himself, isn't really on screen enough for us to care about him (also, I'm sure there's a reason, but I don't know why they decided to cast a younger actor, clearly wearing make-up, as an older man).

 

What the film does better than the book, however, is capture Chris's - the mother's - growing hysteria and panic as she steadily loses control of what's happening to her little girl, and I thought Linda Blair as Reagan herself puts in a great performance, especially considering her age at the time. As has been noted elsewhere, the most discomforting parts of the film are not when Reagan has been completely taken over, but when she is being experimented on by the doctors: the juxtaposition of early-1970s brain scanning equipment - big, industrial, noisy, faceless machines - and a soft-faced young girl, strapped down and quietly sobbing, is haunting.

 

I watched one of the special feature documentaries, and it was interesting to see both Friedkin - the director - and Blatty - the novelist and playwright - categorically describe this as not being a horror film, because that's more or less how I felt about it; although there are definitely some horrifying moments, it's at its best when it's exploring the effects that disease and disorder can have on the family unit. It's easy to read Reagan's possession as an allegory for cancer or some other malign illness, and her mother's increasingly desperate attempts to cure it as her need to exert control over something she cannot understand, let alone fix.

 

4/5

Love this, and totally agree about Chris; Ellen Burstyn is brilliant in the role, increasingly desperate without ever tipping into theatrics.
 

The Truffle Hunters - 3/5 (iPlayer)

 

A very enjoyable hour and a quarter with a group of ageing truffle hunters. The approach is gentle, with no narration, but there’s surprising revelations throughout, with heroes and villains you won’t expect.
 

As is my rule for all good documentaries, it took a subject I know little about and made me want to know more, much more. Some beautiful scenery and wonderful sound design too.

 

Carlo!

 

(#830)

[Rayn]

Barbarian (2022, Disney+)

 

Went in blind and I'm glad I did. Solid performances by all the actors and refreshingly believable characters. It doesn't rely on jump scares and it does just as good a job telling a good story as being creepy. 

If only the last 15 minutes had been as original as the rest this would've been an instant classic in my book but hey, maybe it will end up as a classic regardless. Solid movie and my favourite horror in ages, maybe since Hereditary. 

 

4/5

[ImmaculateClump]

Pearl - ***

[Vimster]

The Burning (1981)

Considering this was essentially cashing in on the post-Friday The 13th trend it would be easy to dismiss this but you would definitely be wrong to as this is a quality item in its own right. It does take its time to establish the characters, but largely keeps the suspense up once things get moving. The best bits of this are really good, the canoe scene in particular is so well crafted.  I'm a sucker for that slightly warped discordant synth throb you get on these sorts of films although it's such a trope now it can be hard to take it for what it was. Can't ignore Rick Wakeman's contribution to the soundtrack. Oh and that kid sounds so much like George Costanza it's spooky- oh!

 

3.5/5

 

[loathsomeleopard]

Bullet Train

 

It wasn't a smart movie, but it was a fun bit of escapist trash as long as you didn't think about it too hard. Or know how long it takes to get from Tokyo to Kyoto on even the slowest Shinkansen.

 

Still, an easy 3.5/5 from me. Maybe even a 4 after a few beers.

[womblingfree]

Trick’r’Treat 4/5

 

 Never even heard of it until this week. Now it’s a seasonal favourite.

[PeteJ]

All Quiet on the Western Front

4/5

 

A stunning, occasionally shocking, often thrilling, war film based on the famous book.  This is a masterclass in film making for so many reasons - it looks incredible, some of the quieter moments where th camera is wide and we get to see the scenery is beautiful. The action sequences are brutal, with no punches pulled and it still manages to shock and surprise after 2 and a half hours. 

 

The soundtrack is also weirdly out of place but somehow fits perfectly, building the tension between the main setpieces. Initially it seemed totally wrong, almost from a sci-fi film, but I quickly grew to love it. A very bold choice. 

 

I can't quiet put my finger on why I didn't think this was a 5/5 film. It was engrossing during the setpieces but 'seen it all before' for the rest. The WW1 setting was of course different to most war

 films, but the dialogue and characters didn't stand out. 

 

I could easily give this a 5 upon further reflection, it's very good, loud and stunning. Well worth a watch. 

[Boothjan]

The Final Destination (2009)

 

I had to write about this - we watched it last night for Halloween.  But surely - SURELY - this is a comedy?

 

Let's just imagine for the sake of this post that it ISN'T, and someone has actually written this script, employed these individuals as 'actors' and passed it off as a horror film.  Erm.... what the actual fuck were they thinking?  It's utterly terrible in every single way, aside from the hilarious comedy deaths that happen at frequent intervals.  Because yes, it's gory but the effects are so bad and the imagination that goes into some of the most elaborate demises are a mixture of something from The Naked Gun and a music video from the band OK Go, though not as entertaining as either because it's surrounded by utter dreck performances.

 

And oh my god the acting.  I went to see my daughter's year 6 play last year and there was this kid who was trying to play Count Dracula, who was as convincing as a Suella Braverman promise.  He would have been the stand out performer in this.  (My daughter was actually very good - several levels above the required standard for this).  I would say the actors in this have very little to go on due to a shoddy script, but they're not getting off that lightly.  Think of the scenes in Red Dwarf when Kryten is watching his favourite soap 'Androids' and you're halfway there.

 

As the deaths became more and more insane, the novelty started to wear off a bit, and our laughing became less feverish.  And without that, you're left with an empty shell of a movie that wasted 90 minutes of our time - 90 minutes that was as enjoyable as the same amount of time spent watching Wolves capitulate 4-0 at home to Leicester a few weeks back.  

 

This is a very, very, very bad film. 

 

0.5/5 

 

0.5 extra points for the comedy

[Sidewaysbob]

ParaNorman

 

A 300 year old witches curse needs dealing with, step forward loner kid can see and talk to the dead. A rag tag band of kids team up to save the town and maybe teach everyone a little bit about themselves. Plenty of visual gags, loads of heart and witty one liners make this perfect for me.

I love everything that Laika make and this was my introduction to their animation. They are even better than Aardman, there I said it. 

 

This isn't quite as good as the sublime "Box trolls". But it's still excellent. 

 

4.5 shuffling zombie puritans out of 5

 

[strider]

Dead Silence. My daughter has terrible taste in movies.

2/5

[glb]

1 hour ago, Boothjan said:

The Final Destination (2009)

 

I had to write about this - we watched it last night for Halloween.  But surely - SURELY - this is a comedy?

 

Let's just imagine for the sake of this post that it ISN'T, and someone has actually written this script, employed these individuals as 'actors' and passed it off as a horror film.  Erm.... what the actual fuck were they thinking?  It's utterly terrible in every single way, aside from the hilarious comedy deaths that happen at frequent intervals.  Because yes, it's gory but the effects are so bad and the imagination that goes into some of the most elaborate demises are a mixture of something from The Naked Gun and a music video from the band OK Go, though not as entertaining as either because it's surrounded by utter dreck performances.

 

And oh my god the acting.  I went to see my daughter's year 6 play last year and there was this kid who was trying to play Count Dracula, who was as convincing as a Suella Braverman promise.  He would have been the stand out performer in this.  (My daughter was actually very good - several levels above the required standard for this).  I would say the actors in this have very little to go on due to a shoddy script, but they're not getting off that lightly.  Think of the scenes in Red Dwarf when Kryten is watching his favourite soap 'Androids' and you're halfway there.

 

As the deaths became more and more insane, the novelty started to wear off a bit, and our laughing became less feverish.  And without that, you're left with an empty shell of a movie that wasted 90 minutes of our time - 90 minutes that was as enjoyable as the same amount of time spent watching Wolves capitulate 4-0 at home to Leicester a few weeks back.  

 

This is a very, very, very bad film. 

 

0.5/5 

 

0.5 extra points for the comedy

The Final Destination is jank, but 5 managed to turn things around if you can bear another one. If you go in knowing nothing, it’s a fun, throwaway film.

 

Absolutely no need for the upcoming sixth film though.

[Boothjan]

2 minutes ago, glb said:

Absolutely no need for the upcoming sixth film though.

 

Oh god please tell me it's called "The Final, FINAL Destination - Honestly, we REALLY mean it this time"

[Mike S]

On 31/10/2022 at 06:33, Rayn said:

Barbarian (2022, Disney+)

 

 

I assumed everyone was sailing away to find a copy of this. Great to hear it's on Disney as I'm keen to see it so that's tonight's entertainment sorted.

 

It is really helpful to show the format/streaming source/whatever for films.

[glb]

The Wicker Man (2006) - 1/5

 

Obviously, this is completely brilliant. Brilliant if the objective was to take a legit horror classic and remake it into a raucous comedy. It is so overblown and yet so, so cheap looking. There’s TV movies on Hallmark that watch this and blush. Nic Cage runs around and sometimes he gets on a bicycle like a goof, probably thinking about dinosaur skulls or castles or whatever other shit he was going to buy once his cheque cleared. Then he punches a nun.

 

Amazing.

 

(#837)

[ZOK]

It’s easily one of the most enjoyable films ever made. If someone says they don’t like it, I don’t trust them.

[glb]

1 hour ago, ZOK said:

It’s easily one of the most enjoyable films ever made. If someone says they don’t like it, I don’t trust them.

 

Must be an absolute hoot at late night screenings. If I ran an indie cinema it would be on a few times a week for that very reason.

[Orion]

The Northman - 4.5 out of 5

 

Late to the party but loved it. Not quite at The Lighthouse levels but close enough.

 

Belfast - 4 out of 5

 

Very predictable, when it was starting my stepdad goes "I wonder if this has Van Morrison on the soundtrack". 5 seconds later his first of many songs kicked in lol. Like Van the Man though the performances are fantastic. 

 

 

[Art Vandelay]

The Cage Wicker Man is simultaneously a zero and five star film. It's to his immense credit he elevates it the way he does and I can only hope he got the majority of the holy-fucking-shit forty million dollar budget as the rest of it certainly didn't make it to screen.

 

Anyway, I watched The Departed again and have only really just realised that –

Spoiler

Sullivan was closeted, and likely Frank too.

 

For a director like Scorcese who lavishes detail into his films there's just too many bits dropped in there for it not to be the case. I really love that film. 4.5/5.

[glb]

Heist (2001) - 3/5 (screener, but available for rent most places)

 

A tight David Mamet joint, starring Gene Hackman, Delory Lindo, Sam Rockwell and Danny DeVito. Nothing groundbreaking, just a well-made and well-told crime flick, elevated by Hackman's grizzled charm. A good way to end today's screenings, unless I can squeeze something else in tonight.

 

(#839)

[5R7]

Terrifier

I cant believe I have not watched Terrifier before now!?!

Its so up my street!! Its trashy, its low budget, its kinda bad in a good way, and it is so very fucked up! and Art the Clown owns every scene he is on screen!

 

This was lastnight

 

Today...

Terrifier 2!!

 

After watching Terrifier last night, I am now watching Terrifier 2 ...holy shit!

 

I'm going to quote from Wikipedia - "Following its release, there were several reports of viewers vomiting and fainting during their screenings of Terrifier 2, with one instance allegedly having emergency services be called."

This is such a step up from the first!

 

Its "80's tastic" in terms of PRACTICAL EFFECTS!!!!! , and just so messed up!

And, it was made for less than $300,000!?! which is amazing when you see what is on screen!...on that note, Halloween ends was $33...million dollars, and is fucking awful!

 

Its low budget, its trash, its black comedy, its fucking great!

Straight up, my fave "horror" of 2022!

 

 

[El Geet]

4 hours ago, Art Vandelay said:

The Cage Wicker Man is simultaneously a zero and five star film. It's to his immense credit he elevates it the way he does and I can only hope he got the majority of the holy-fucking-shit forty million dollar budget as the rest of it certainly didn't make it to screen.

 

Anyway, I watched The Departed again and have only really just realised that –

  Hide contents

Sullivan was closeted, and likely Frank too.

 

For a director like Scorcese who lavishes detail into his films there's just too many bits dropped in there for it not to be the case. I really love that film. 4.5/5.

I watched The Departed for first time in ages last weekend and I was really disappointed. I’m sure I really liked it when I first saw it but I saw it as low tier Scorsese this time. DiCaprio is good as ever and Damon is nicely punchable but the rest of the cast are average. Wahlberg thought he was in a comedy I reckon. Even Nicholson aside from a few flashes of brilliance was disappointing overall. 

[Nathan Wind]

Paranormal Activity Next of Kin - Paramount +

 

I…really rather liked this. It was recommended to me a while back but I’m not a fan of the franchise at all so didn’t rush to watch it. It’s good though! Not really a PA film at all, there’s no reason for it to bear the name. It’s a found footage/handycam horror, with some strong folk horror elements in the first couple of acts before taking a real turn in the last 20 minutes. Echoes of REC, The Borderlands, As Above so Below, hell, even stuff like Wicker Man and VVitch in a way. It’s not going to set the world alight but it’s a solid one-off watch. Unfairly maligned in my opinion, I really didn’t expect much going off the scores upon looking it up.

 

3/5

[Chewylegs]

I went to the Big Scream film festival on the weekend in the old IMAX cinema in the Bristol aquarium.

 

Friday:-

 

Night of the Eagle - 1962

3 screams/5

 

Evil Dead 2 - 1987

5 screams/5

 

The Tingler - 1959

I had no idea about this film but it was actually quite an event when it came out.  Absolutely bizarre, loved it though. With added planted audience members and giant Tingler come down from the ceiling!

4 screams/5

 

Saturday:-

 

The Craft - 1996

4 screams/5

 

Halloween - 1978

Filmed introduction from the final girl herself; Jamie Lee Curtis.  Especially for Bristol.😎

4 screams/5

 

Elvira - Mistress of the Dark - 1988

Never seen before, ridiculously camp and funny as.

3.5 screams/5

 

The Slumber party massacre -1982

There's more boobs and bums in this film than a porn flick!  Serial killer runs around with a massive drill killing! I actually fell asleep in this one!

 

3 screams/5

 

A lot of these films I'd never of watched at home, but sat in the IMAX with a massive screen and a couple of hundred like minded souls made such a difference.  Great weekend.

 

 

[iknowgungfu]

22 hours ago, El Geet said:

I watched The Departed for first time in ages last weekend and I was really disappointed. I’m sure I really liked it when I first saw it but I saw it as low tier Scorsese this time. DiCaprio is good as ever and Damon is nicely punchable but the rest of the cast are average. Wahlberg thought he was in a comedy I reckon. Even Nicholson aside from a few flashes of brilliance was disappointing overall. 

That weird overacting style I thought was part of the character I think. Some sort of twisted notion that the Undercovers need to be able to deal with him at his worst so that they can deal with whatever they face whilst on the job. Also perhaps some sort of self preservation after poor outcomes from undercovers he has managed in the past. 
 

I loved his line about FBI something like -

 

FBI are like mushrooms, feed them shit and keep them in the dark 😀

[Mike S]

On 31/10/2022 at 06:33, Rayn said:

Barbarian (2022, Disney+)

 

 

This is not on Disney!

 

I was very much looking forward to watching this but shall have to wait.

 

 

 

[ZOK]

22 hours ago, El Geet said:

I watched The Departed for first time in ages last weekend and I was really disappointed. I’m sure I really liked it when I first saw it but I saw it as low tier Scorsese this time. DiCaprio is good as ever and Damon is nicely punchable but the rest of the cast are average. Wahlberg thought he was in a comedy I reckon. Even Nicholson aside from a few flashes of brilliance was disappointing overall. 

It’s an absolutely garbage flick, Scorsese should be ashamed of himself.