MAY(orly super-duper awesome) WATCHING THREAD!

[LarryLockyer]

Watched Invictus and Pirate Radio

[J.M. Vargas]

Jacques Tati's MR. HULOT'S HOLIDAY (1953) on Turner Classic Movies for the first time. My first Tati movie and I wish I liked as much as I liked its sequel (more below) or Peter Sellers' Clouseau schtick that it helped inspire. In all these years reading about Tati and his Monsieur Hulot character I always pictured him shorter and older. Imagine my surprise when he turned out to be a tall lanky guy, a goofy-looking Jimmy Stewart lookalike, that comes in and out of the picture driving a vehicle too-small to fit his frame (in which somehow he always manages to fit). The movie is just a series of loosely connected comedic bits that take place at a French beach resort during vacation time, many of them involving other vacationers (like an old lady that only speaks English) and not just Hulot getting into trouble. They're well-planned and perfectly-executed gags though, which deliver at worst mild amusement (the constant 'thwack' of the commissary's door, the wondering old couple picking up shells, the spare tire at the funeral, etc.) and at best some big belly-laughs (the tense rope between Hulot's beat-up car and a tow car catapulting him, the 'shark' boat, etc.). There's a hint of sadness at the end when Monsieur Hulot doesn't get to say goodbye to a young lady she bonded with (Nathalie Pascaud) and is looked down by his fellow vacationers that gives the slapstick-happy flick a poignancy I wasn't expecting. If not for the glacial pace I would have enjoyed "Mr. Hulot's Holiday" a lot more than I did, which wasn't a problem with...

...Tati's MON ONCLE (1958) on Criterion DVD, which I adored from beginning to end. Bringing an improved eye to set/art design, tighter cause-and-effect timing to the slapstick and a human element (a nephew/brother-in-law from which Hulot's behavior can bounce off and experience acceptance/rejection in kind) "Mon Oncle" humanizes the cartoon character from "Mr. Hulot's Holiday" by making almost everybody else around him a slave to a modernized world that's leaving the old ways (including Hulot's quaint little neighborhood) behind. Only dogs and kids (which Monsieur Hulot is at heart) seem normal, which allows the props of the movie (the grotesquely-colored new car, a home that appears to have moving eyes, Hulot's apartment building, the plastic-making factory, etc.) to upstage the human actors at almost every stage. The party with guests at Jean-Pierre Zola's home and that blasted fish fountain had me rolling, as did the attempts by Hulot and co-workers to get rid of the sausage-shaped discarded plastic tubing (which of course results in a cute dog racing after it). Like his previous Hulot movie though Tati ends "Mon Oncle" on a slightly bittersweet note (Hulot leaving his familiar surroundings, including the neighbor girl that was kind to him, for work-related businesses) which gives weight and pathos to the funny stuff by reminding us that, in a rapidly-advancing world, there's no room left for Monsieur Hulot types anymore. Didn't think I would get much from watching these Hulot movies, yet now I want to see "Playtime" and "Trafic" ASAP.

Jean-Luc Godard's PIERROT LE FOU (1965) on Criterion Blu-ray for the first time. My third Godard flick (after "Breathless" and "Contempt" plus countless reading about Jean-Luc's career) and damn if I'm not blown away. The movie is a constant contradiction that seems both proud and ashamed of what it is, a lovers-on-the-run "Bonnie & Clyde"-type road movie, Godard-style. The constant tussle between lowest-common nods to movie genre conventions (water-boarding torture, betrayal, musical interlude, comic panel transitions, etc.) and intellectual aspirations (all the book reading and pseudo-intellectual pronouncements) is framed with such gorgeous Technicolor-like photography by Raoul Coutard that the aesthetics threaten to take away the one thing I loved most about "Pierrot le fou": the joy of living the moment. The movie is forever a universal time capsule of Godard's state of mind about his wife (Anna Karina, f***ing gorgeous! ), his vision of himself (personified by suave Jean-Paul Belmondo) and both his adulation & disdain for motion picture technique at the precise moment the movie was made. Rather than feeling dated though it's literally lightning caught in a bottle (like "Breathless"), a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be both traditional and innovative. And nothing pleases me more than admit that the first time I fell in love with Anna Karina (this is the first movie of hers I've seen) was watching her singing 'My Fate Line,' one of the best musical songs I've heard performed in a non-musical musical moment within a non-musical movie. Only Godard!

MST3K: THE BEATNIKS (1992/1960) on DVD. One of the early strokes of genius during the formative years of "MST3K" was not to limit itself to campy science fiction and/or fantasy flicks. The 'lost youth' and 'delinquent' low-budget flicks with a skewed negative view of young people as troublemakers (always played by way-past-their-pretend-age non-actors) make for hilarious riffing fodder. Along with its spiritual cousin "Daddy-O," "The Beatniks" is somewhere in the middle between "MST3K" highs like "I Accuse My Parents" (along with some of the better shorts) and forgettable dreck like "Untamed Youth" (Season 1). Peter Breck is hilariously OTT as Mooney but the rest of the pretend Scooby Gang are either too wooden (leading man Tony Travis) or too broad (Sam Davis pretending to be Mickey Rooney), with the 'adults' coming across relatively normal. Riffing is unmemorable and dragged even lower by an opening segment riff on a "General Hospital" segment (yikes!) but the in-between skits (especially the 'rotating newspaper' story of Tom Servo's career) are pretty strong along with an above-average invention exchange. An average "MST3K" experiment all-around.

MST3K: BLOOD WATERS OF DR. Z (1999/1975) on DVD. Saw the uncut version of this movie recently ("ZaAt") and the MST3K version a couple of times in the 11 years since it originally aired on Sci-Fi. Surprisingly the MST3K version (a) doesn't get a lot of comedic mileage out of this monster mash (though Tom Servo's memorable 'masturbation ritual' riff still stands out as an out-of-nowhere 'WAT' moment) and (b) the show's editing-to-fit-in-the-alloted-time robs "Zaat" of a precious amount of goofy scenes that would have enhanced the too-drab-for-TV 70's atmosphere. There's a silly subplot involving the redneck sheriff (Paul Galloway) stumbling upon a musical rave, acting goofy and then sort-of saving the town's youths by having them dance their way to jail that was bonkers on "ZaAt" and MIA from the "MST3K" version (!). Maybe The Brains were just coasting while putting together this Season 10 experiment on their way to cancelation, or maybe some movies are just so drab and lifeless that no amount of jokes or ribbing can make them hilarious (I'm looking at you "Castle of Fu-Manchu"). "Blood Waters of Dr. Z" is the rare "MST3K" experiment that just doesn't click, which onlike makes the in-between skits and host segments particularly grating.

And, last but not least, the LOST SERIES FINALE (2010) on ABC-HD for the first time. Spent the whole weekend gearing up to the finale by watching all my DVR'ed Season 6 episodes in a row. Without spoiling anything let's just say that I found myself shedding tears that I wasn't expecting to shed and, all things considered and taking into account that the show was going off-rails in an incredible entertaining way ("Across The Sea" excepted, an instant bottom-of-the-barrel-even-by-"Lost"-standards clunker of an episode), on the whole I dug it. It can't and doesn't stand to logic, but that's the beauty of a show about "Lost": it never was about explanation, it was about exploration and hanging around with the explorers. This one is going to be fun to go back and start from the beginning when the Blu-ray complete series packages come down in price around Thanksgiving/Christmas... 2007?!?!

[HGervais]

And, last but not least, the LOST SERIES FINALE (2010) on ABC-HD for the first time. Spent the whole weekend gearing up to the finale by watching all my DVR'ed Season 6 episodes in a row. Without spoiling anything let's just say that I found myself shedding tears that I wasn't expecting to shed and, all things considered and taking into account that the show was going off-rails in an incredible entertaining way ("Across The Sea" excepted, an instant bottom-of-the-barrel-even-by-"Lost"-standards clunker of an episode), on the whole I dug it. It can't and doesn't stand to logic, but that's the beauty of a show about "Lost": it never was about explanation, it was about exploration and hanging around with the explorers. This one is going to be fun to go back and start from the beginning when the Blu-ray complete series packages come down in price around Thanksgiving/Christmas... 2007?!?!

It was beautiful. I was all redemption & resolution. It was epic but very intimate.

[yellow ledbetter]

started watching Rome, only seen the 1st 3 episodes, but I've loved every minute of it

[Andrew Forbes]

The Devil Rides Out. Though it's often cited as upper tier Hammer, I'd put this one somewhere in the middle. I was entertained, but the production had a very loose, make-it-up-as-we-go-along vibe, full of ever more perilous rituals to ward off evil ("Say the words again!" "I daren't!") and lovably cheesy effects. Terence Fisher's direction isn't as tight as in his best films, but it's still strong, and the performances are excellent across the board. It was definitely worth adding to the collection, even if it never approaches the heights of my favorite Hammers: Dracula, Curse of the Werewolf and Paranoiac.

I didn't find Lee's age to be a problem. I don't know how old he is supposed to be in the novel, but in the film he is merely supposed to be significantly older than Simon and, to a lesser degree, Rex. Given that he is 18 and 11 years older, respectively, and gives the impression of being several years older than his real-life age of 46, I don't really see the issue.

[BenSaylor]

Speaking of Hammer, I recently watched a couple myself. The first, Sword of Sherwood Forest, was hugely disappointing. The script Terence Fisher had to work with is muddled and excruciatingly slow-paced, and what few action sequences are in the film are clumsily handled. I expected much more given the presence of Richard Greene, along with Peter Cushing and Oliver Reed.

I also finished off the Hammer Icons of Suspense set with These Are the Damned. Considering how many of the reviews of this set singled this out as the jewel of the collection, I think I got caught up in the hype a little bit and was subsequently a little let down. It's a good movie and it's an interesting movie, but I don't think it's a great movie.

[Andrew Forbes]

I also finished off the Hammer Icons of Suspense set with These Are the Damned. Considering how many of the reviews of this set singled this out as the jewel of the collection, I think I got caught up in the hype a little bit and was subsequently a little let down. It's a good movie and it's an interesting movie, but I don't think it's a great movie.

Good to know. I've been a bit worried about building it up in my mind beforehand, so I'll go in with cautious optimism.

[Andrew Forbes]

Iron Man 2. Despite a few rocky moments (weaving, head on, through a Formula 1 race in a sedan; the casual ease with which "impossible" technology is manufactured), this was a really well-done sequel, on first viewing. Sam Rockwell stole the show, so I hope he makes a return in the (almost) inevitable sequel.

[Dan Mancini]

Sam Rockwell stole the show, so I hope he makes a return in the (almost) inevitable sequel.

Sam Rockwell is so good in Iron Man 2 that I've had to rescind my assertion that only Robert Downey Jr. could play Tony Stark. If it's true that Rockwell was considered for Stark when the studio balked at casting Downey, then all I can say is that he would have pwnd the role had he been given the opportunity. Still, he's awesome as Justin Hammer. In his scene with Mickey Rourke in the airplane hangar, he puts on a clinic in making comic book absurdities appear natural and realistic. His befuddlement over the bird request alone is so in-the-moment it just sells all of the whack-a-do exposition going on in the scene.

[Andrew Forbes]

Sam Rockwell stole the show, so I hope he makes a return in the (almost) inevitable sequel.

Sam Rockwell is so good in Iron Man 2 that I've had to rescind my assertion that only Robert Downey Jr. could play Tony Stark. If it's true that Rockwell was considered for Stark when the studio balked at casting Downey, then all I can say is that he would have pwnd the role had he been given the opportunity. Still, he's awesome as Justin Hammer. In his scene with Mickey Rourke in the airplane hangar, he puts on a clinic in making comic book absurdities appear natural and realistic. His befuddlement over the bird request alone is so in-the-moment it just sells all of the whack-a-do exposition going on in the scene.

The character really could have come off purely as a buffoon. It's amazing that Rockwell managed to sell a sense of menace in certain scenes, despite being constantly depicted as incompetent and obtuse. It's a fine line that most actors wouldn't even have been aware of, let alone been able to act.

[Dunnyman]

Speaking of Hammer, I recently watched a couple myself. The first, Sword of Sherwood Forest, was hugely disappointing. The script Terence Fisher had to work with is muddled and excruciatingly slow-paced, and what few action sequences are in the film are clumsily handled. I expected much more given the presence of Richard Greene, along with Peter Cushing and Oliver Reed.

I also finished off the Hammer Icons of Suspense set with These Are the Damned. Considering how many of the reviews of this set singled this out as the jewel of the collection, I think I got caught up in the hype a little bit and was subsequently a little let down. It's a good movie and it's an interesting movie, but I don't think it's a great movie.

What is this, Hammer Time? I watched a pair of them myself last night as I was playing with my new WD TV Live (great device for playing your digital library, btw). Watched Dr. Jeckyl and Sister Hyde which is a fun romp, even if it is a bit silly at times, and The Mummy, which is one of my faves. Also dug into my library and watched Devil Girl From Mars, possibly the slowest moving film in history, and then finished the evening up with the one and only Bride of Frankenstein. Whale was a genius, no other way to put it, and other than the extremely annoying old woman, the film is just about perfect. Great performances, beautifully shot, some great FX for the day, a young and stunning Elsa Lanchester, and a great thrill ride from just about start to finish.

[Andrew Forbes]

Watched Pontypool for about the fourth time. It still falls apart a bit at the end but it's nevertheless one of my favorite movies of the past couple of years.

[Steve T Power]

The Wolfman - Wow, talk about your pleasant surprises. Benicio plays this one pretty well, Hopkins and emily Blunt are great, and Weaving is awesome. I kept being reminded of Coppola's Dracula, which for me, is a very good thing. Gotta give it to Joe Johnston as well, the film looked gorgeous.

[the5thghostbuster]

Ridley Scott's Robin Hood. Ouch http://experiencecinematic.blogspot.com/2010/05/robin-hood-scott-2010.html
Also:
Iron Man 2
Night of the Creeps
Videodrome
Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2
Bigger Than Life

[molly1216]

netflix finally coughed up Inglourious Basterds it only took how many of weeks of waiting?

It was in deed fascinating on so many levels...but not something i can watch repeatedly like pulp fiction or kill bill.
perhaps i found the subject matter more disturbing..a la reservoir dogs also not a movie i can watch too many times.
Christoph Waltz was freaking awesome..like scary good. trying to remember the last time i have been mesmerized by a villain..but then he thinks he's the hero doesn't he?

if Orson Welles (and others) learned how to make films by watching John Ford and Stagecoach over and over...why does it seem the new generation of film makers aren't watching Tarantino over and over to learn how to make movies - they seem to be watching Michael Bay films. where are the children of tarantino?

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs....what a fun little film...you have to check it out to see all the retro computer stuff...all the designs seem to be circa 1980s Atari.

Hannibal Brooks (1969) a sweet little film i bought sight unseen because it is Oliver Reed in his prime escaping to Switzerland during WWII...with an elephant. file it in the Kelly's Hero's section for WWII believability - but Reed and the elephant have chemistry Michael J Pollard is written in for american appeal, but he fits in the film the way that Donald Sutherlands hippie did in Kelly's heroes. I was pleasantly surprised with it overall.

[J.M. Vargas]

Christoph Waltz was freaking awesome..like scary good. trying to remember the last time i have been mesmerized by a villain..but then he thinks he's the hero doesn't he?

THAT'S A BINGO!!!

[the5thghostbuster]

Back Rain
As I write this, Mimic

[cdouglas]

Back Rain
As I write this, Mimic

I assume you mean Black Rain?

[the5thghostbuster]

Back Rain
As I write this, Mimic

I assume you mean Black Rain?

Actually, it was Back Rain, the little known sequel to Black Rain staring Joe Estevez in place of Douglas, and directed by Russell Mulcahy. this time out, Conklin deals with back pain while being forced to transfer a prisoner to Sweeden.

[BenShultz]

if Orson Welles (and others) learned how to make films by watching John Ford and Stagecoach over and over...why does it seem the new generation of film makers aren't watching Tarantino over and over to learn how to make movies - they seem to be watching Michael Bay films. where are the children of tarantino?

He's had a few kids (so to speak): Consider the films of Guy Ritchie, or Lucky # Slevin, or Go...I'm sure there are others. Wasn't there a whole slew of Tarantino wannabe flicks in the late nineties and early '00s?

[the5thghostbuster]

My Black Rain review http://experiencecinematic.blogspot.com/2010/05/black-rain-scott-1989.html

[Steve T Power]

Just got back from Prince of Persia - The cast was solid, and Jake-y boy did a much better job than expected. The whole thing plays out much better than the trailers led me to believe they would. It's your typical run-of-the-mill action adventure summertime yarn, which means it's stocked with setpieces, daring-do, and totally predictable. It's also a hell of a lot of fun, and easily the best video game adaptation out there. It would be upper echelon if not for a few lame choices and a final act that features a setpiece that's just far too elaborate and CG-ridden. That said, i loved the ending immensely (it hearkens back to the Sands of Time game to an extent). It's not quite on par with The Losers, but it's the second best flick i've seen in theatres so far this season.

Park the brain, enjoy the ride.

[Andrew Forbes]

Episodes 1-3 of Baccano! This show is looking like it's going to be the most fun I've had with an anime series since, and possibly including, Cowboy Bebop. Near feature-quality animation, great writing, and a massive, two dozen-plus character, non-chronological storyline that somehow feels coherent despite jumping all over the place. If the rest of the show is half this entertaining, it'll be a classic.

[Steve T Power]

Episodes 1-3 of Baccano! This show is looking like it's going to be the most fun I've had with an anime series since, and possibly including, Cowboy Bebop. Near feature-quality animation, great writing, and a massive, two dozen-plus character, non-chronological storyline that somehow feels coherent despite jumping all over the place. If the rest of the show is half this entertaining, it'll be a classic.

It does get pretty insane as it runs along. I won't spoil any of the developments, but man...

[Gabriel Girard]

Night Falls On Manhattan - Sidney Lumet's lesser ''cop corruption'' flick is still interesting thanks to the D.A. angle and to great performances from the whole cast (excluding Lena Olin who I never believed as Garcia's lover). It's nothing groundbreaking but it's a nice way to spent two hours and a nice reflection on how we all have to get our hands dirty sometimes.