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[LetTigerIn]

This Giant Papier-M?ch? Boulder Is Actually Really Heavy

This is a super-low-budget movie from New Zealand. It's a disaster in terms of shot-making and editing, which, at times, works in its favor, since it's a send-up of old B-movie and serial short sci-fi; but, more frequently, the ineptitude gets in the way of its good intentions. On the good side, it's got a wee bit of charm; its appreciation of the genre is genuine and goes a long way; the application of the effects, such as they are, is well done; it's chock-full of parodic humor for fans of the genre; and those gags are occasionally actually really funny (though maybe less often than they should be). The gags about the cheap props wears thin, but I still found myself wondering what the next cheap props would be. Like many of the films I see, this is likely to be one that is not everyone's cup of tea. Did I like it? Let's just say that I forgive it, and that will probably be enough to scoot it onto the positive side of my movie list this year. If I could make my decision to spend my money on this film retroactively, I'd still do it, though.

I guess it made the festival circuit a couple of years ago, but it just got a (very) limited theatrical release. For example in Los Angeles, it's only at Laemmle Music Hall one screening each day until Thursday, 1/25. I just watched the trailer, and it makes this thing look a lot smoother of a ride than it is. Do not use that as a guide for coherence.

 

[LetTigerIn]

Oops! Not sure what happened, but my post on Mary and the Witch's Flower didn't include any review.

Maybe it's just as well, because anyone interested in that one is probably going to see it. I suppose the only thing I could add is that if there was any concern about whether Studio Ghibli alum would maintain the same commitment to quality outside of Studio Ghibli, the answer is that the quality endures, at least in Hiromasa Yonebayashi's stewardship.

With Mary, Yonebayashi exhibits some of the same languid storytelling he exhibited while helming The Secret World of Arrietty and (my favorite of his films) When Marnie Was There, but he also delves into some of the wild visuals akin to those in Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away and Ponyo (both of which Yonebayashi was on as an animator). FWIW, the kids from the family sitting next to me loved it.

Side note: this film is based on the (apparently beloved) book The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart, originally published in 1971, currently out of print and therefore outrageously expensive! I think I saw some paperback copies on eBay for about $70, but prices on Amazon are at least double that.

 

[LetTigerIn]

The Post
I'm filling out the films I didn't see from 2017, especially the ones I suspect could be high on my list of favorites, and The Post actually exceeded my expectations. It might end up as my favorite of the year, but it's certainly top 5 material. The performances, production design, cinematography and directing are all top notch. Given the past work of those involved, that should be no surprise, but the quality still managed to amaze me. I'm curious about a reaction from a hardcore historian interested in this area, because I suspect there could be some quibbles there, but no quibbles from me: I was fully engrossed by this movie and absorbed in its rendition of the past. I'm a little sad Janusz Kaminski did not get an Oscar nom for this, too.




Paddington 2
This was on my list of must-see movies for 2018. I have to admit I was very wary when the first Paddington came out, but Paddington is one of the finest family films ever made, and its sequel carries on with that same standard. I may go back to see this with a larger audience. I went to the last showing of the night, and ultimately there were 4 of us in the auditorium. Anyway, it's light entertainment, and the visuals and comedic timing are impeccable. Might even catch a minor case of the feels somewhere in there. FWIW, the first Paddington is on Netflix right now.

 

[LetTigerIn]

Gintama
This is a live action movie based on a manga series (and various anime TV shows and movies based on the manga). I have neither read the manga nor watched any of the anime, but the premise of the show was enough to draw me in. It takes place in a what-if universe where space aliens have taken control of feudal Japan and outlawed samurai, but even that description doesn't do justice to how much goofy fun it is. It rarely takes itself too seriously and consistently not only breaks its own fourth wall, but often references other entertainment properties when it does. The pace and tone of the film draw (very) heavily from many of the popular devices used in anime, often to its detriment, but occasionally to provide some beautiful moments. I was a little bothered throughout that it had a video look about it, but ultimately was enamored enough with it to forgive that. Also, we got a free poster on the way in! :wootrock:

 

[roenick]

Saw this last night

Two things:

1. Margo Robbie is hands down one of the most beautiful woman on the planet and even managed to make Tonya look pretty with that hairdo
2. If the story/movie is to be believed I actually feel a bit sorry for Tonya Harding

Overall my wife and I enjoyed the movie but be forewarned it is full of "trailer trash" and all that comes with it - violence and swear words, etc. It also does the breaking the 4th wall a lot and like how that was used in The Big Short it is quite effective. Allison Janney is amazing (as always).

 

[lagwagon0]

There are a number of movies still in the theaters (mostly) that are absolutely excellent.

Movies I've seen in the past month or so that are all good or great:
Three Billboards A-
Molly's Game A
Paddington 2 A (been in the mood for feel good movies lately)
I, Tonya A
Lady Bird A
The Disaster Artist A+ (I was the only person in the theater)
The Shape of Water B+ (probably had unreasonable expectations but a few things bothered me, gorgeously shot with a great soundtrack)

Movies Worth a Rental (Maybe):
The Greatest Showman
Insidious Last Key
Ferdinand

And Some I've watched at home that are quite excellent as well:
A Monster Calls
Brawl in Cell Block 99

 

[MiketheKing]

"Bright" sure sucked.

 

[jerseydevil]

Had a Midnight Movie night with Kq, the other night. Look, you like Rob Zombie or you don't. Won't try to sway. Richard Brake as DOOM Head, I think...was doing his best Nick Cave meets Zacherle. And, midget Nazi was quite a bit of fun. But, it's Zombie at his most self indulgent 'hot topic kid reimagines famous horror tropes whilst trying to create some sort of pop-art' self. So be forewarned.


Btw, much better if you are suitably 'relaxed'

 

[LetTigerIn]

Before We Vanish (Sanpo Suru Shinryakusha)
I have no idea why I'm seeing so many Japanese films around now. This one is an odd movie about space aliens invading human hosts in order to learn about the human race. It features some liberal gaps in logic, but they might not be the ones you expect from this type of picture. There are at least a few gags that are Japanese culture and/or language-influenced, but my Japanese is limited, and my insight into Japanese culture is essentially nonexistent, so I only caught the most remedial of these.




Phantom Thread
I've never been a fan of Paul Thomas Anderson, but I liked this one. It's easily my favorite of his films (that I've seen), but, to be fair, it's been a while since I've seen There Will Be Blood. However, I also remember thinking that No Country for Old Men was so distantly better than anything else that year, so I'm pretty sure I'd like Phantom Thread more than Blood. Phantom Thread is a meticulous and beautiful film about a meticulous and beautiful process (or maybe a few).

I've seen an odd collection of things so far this year.

 

[roenick]

We saw this last night

It was really great. Well acted especially by Hanks and Odinkirk and told a great story of American history.

 

[jerseydevil]

There are a number of movies still in the theaters (mostly) that are absolutely excellent.

Movies I've seen in the past month or so that are all good or great:
Three Billboards A-
Molly's Game A
Paddington 2 A (been in the mood for feel good movies lately)
I, Tonya A
Lady Bird A
The Disaster Artist A+ (I was the only person in the theater)
The Shape of Water B+ (probably had unreasonable expectations but a few things bothered me, gorgeously shot with a great soundtrack)

Movies Worth a Rental (Maybe):
The Greatest Showman
Insidious Last Key
Ferdinand

And Some I've watched at home that are quite excellent as well:
A Monster Calls
Brawl in Cell Block 99

Brawl in Cell Block 99 is on Amazon Prime. WATCH IT!!!!!!

 

[roenick]

Saw this last night. Amazingly well acted by McDormand (as usual) and Rockwell (who I always like especially in The Way, Way Back). Good movie that has interesting story.

 

[santiclaws]

Saw this last night. Amazingly well acted by McDormand (as usual) and Rockwell (who I always like especially in The Way, Way Back). Good movie that has interesting story.

For anyone who enjoyed this movie, check out "In Bruges," which was also written and directed by the same guy, Martin McDonagh. Also a mix of dark humor and genuine emotion and some great performances. Terrific, terrific film.

 

[jerseydevil]

For anyone who enjoyed this movie, check out "In Bruges," which was also written and directed by the same guy, Martin McDonagh. Also a mix of dark humor and genuine emotion and some great performances. Terrific, terrific film.

Seven Psychopaths too

 

[roenick]

Saw this last night. Interesting movie. Enjoyed it but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be ...

 

[jerseydevil]

Saw a sneak of this last night. It was a lot of fun. Bateman does everyman like nobody else. Nice cast all around, but Jesse Plemons steals the show. Is it essential? No. It's just a nice breezy comedy with a reasonably strong laugh ratio and some nice twists along the way. I would actually see it again, and for a comedy these days, that is saying something.

 

[roenick]

Saw this last night.

del Toro is an amazing story teller. Sally Hawkins is spell binding and Shannon is his usual great self in this movie. Enjoyed the whole thing.

 

[chaingunsofdoom]

Finally caught the new Jumanji today. It was really good. It did the videogame-y stuff and the character/school stuff quite well.

 

[lagwagon0]

REALLY enjoyed Game Night, I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard. A-
Black Panther was solid but I'm just seemingly tired of these type of movies unless they really stand out for having a different vibe (ie Logan). B
Early Man had such a half ass plot that it took away a bit from the quirky comedy and oddball animation I usually love. B-

 

[roenick]

Saw this a couple of nights ago. Not bad - good espionage flick but Joel Edgerton could've been better. Oh and if you didn't get enough of J-Law's hacked naked selfie's - this movie is all for you. One beautiful woman ...