Movie Critics: Tell us about the last movie you watched

[fromdownunder]

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel(2015)

Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel and Maggie Smith and
Maggie Smith

A couple of English Comedy/Dramas of the "sit peacefully by the lake and feed the ducks" variety. Several English Pensioners visit a run down Hotel in India and have a series of mild and sometimes humourous adventures. Typical quality mainly English and complemented by a few Indian actors, with everybody except Patel (the Hotel owner) pretty laid back.

You need be in an I want a bit of peace and quiet mood to enjoy these two, and with the right sort of mental peace, you will enjoy them. A good way to mostly escape reality for a few hours and metaphorically feed the ducks (since doing it for real is now illegal in quite a few places).

8/10
7/10

Norm

[Rigs]

Captain Phillips

Started watching this Tom Hanks flic last night but fell asleep soon after the Somali pirates or whatever boarded the ship.

Says a lot about it for me ...

[MJ's pet]

Not the documentary "Elephant" narrated by Me-gain Markle.

[MJ's pet]

Actually, The World Is Not Enough, Bond flick w Pierce Brosnan.

[fromdownunder]

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. (1963)

I will put the incredible cast list at the end because it will take quite a bit of space. Those of us who were around then will know all of the names.

The 1960's inspired several madcap high cost looonnngggg Movies starring lots of well known people and lots of cameos showing insanely stupid stuff done by insanely stupid people for questionable outcomes. This is the one that started the whole thing (and was actually copied with a more than passable result in Rat Race in 2001.)

As a short list, Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies, and The Great Race spring to mind.[I'm sure there is one more, but I can't think of it at the moment]

A fatal car accident finds several people coming to the victims aid and hearing his final words about hiding a fortune under "a big W" hundreds of miles away. The rest of this thing is an insanely funny funny battle between the first who were at the accident and others who got roped in on the way, to find the money using whatever transport that could be found (from a Lear Jet to a bicycle), and a Detective who orchestrated the entire event in the first place.

Let's look at the cast.

The Main Players: Spencer Tracy, Edie Adams, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Ethel Merman, Dorothy Provine, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, Phil Silvers, Terry-Thomas, Jonathan Winters.





Supporting CastEddie "Rochester" Anderson, William Demarest, Jimmy Durante, Peter Falk, Paul Ford.

(Some of the) Cameos Jack Benny, Paul Birch, Joe E. Brown, Andy Devine, Norman Fell, Stan Freberg, Don C. Harvey, Sterling Holloway, Edward Everett Horton, Buster Keaton, Don Knotts, Jerry Lewis, Charles McGraw, ZaSu Pitts as Gertie, Carl Reiner, The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Joe DeRita).

9.5/10

Norm

[fromdownunder]

Duel (1971)

Dennis Weaver. Directed by Steven Spielberg.

Made for TV, but later had additional scenes added to make it sufficiently long for theatre release.

A frightening Movie and virtually a one man show with Weaver driving across country to an important meeting and first being tailgated then attacked by a truck in attempts to kill him.

The truck driver is never seen and no motive for the continually worsening and more violent attacks is ever given. This makes the truck itself the big bad, and this point is given emphasis by the use of the aninism effect of a dinosaur roar when the truck dies (the same roar used by Spielberg years later when the Jaws shark dies).

Really edge of the seat stuff after an initial slow start. I said frightening above, but terrifying is a better word. There is also a musical score, used sparingly, in a Hitchcock type vein which adds to the tension, (think: Psycho - shower scene)

Spielberg's first theatrical release which started an incredible career which is still going strong 50 years later.

Norm

[gavin-h]

As a short list, Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies, and The Great Race spring to mind.[I'm sure there is one more, but I can't think of it at the moment]

Maybe you're thinking of Monte Carlo or Bust?

Similarly awful with the same toe-curlingly embarrassing performances from so-called big stars who really should know better.

As you know, I don't give marks out of 10 for films but if I did, I'd give all of the above 1 each (with the exception of Jaunty Jalopies which I've never heard of, let alone watched!)

[Brit-Col]

Was it ever decided whether this thread applies to movies seen in an actual movie theater or any movie on TV or DVD or otherwise?

With regard to the former, the last movie I saw in a theater was “1917.”

Director Sam Mendes seems to have staked out for himself a place in really long tracking shots. Really amazing camera work.

Otherwise I’d say the film was well done but not awesome. Visuals were clearly favored over script and plot.

BC

[fromdownunder]

I, and pretty much everybody else, have always taken the view that a Movie is a Movie, whether it is watched in the theatre or in your home. The reviews I do are always Movies that I have watched in the last 24 Hours, i.e., mostly the last Movie I have watched. There are quite a few I watch which I simply don't bother with here.

When I used to go to the Pictures (remember when there used to be Picture Theatres? ) I would review them here as well.

Norm

[fromdownunder]

Death Becomes Her (1992)

Meryl Streep, Bruce Willis and Goldie Hawn.

I saw this years ago, and hated it, but thought I should give it a second chance. I no longer quite hate it.

A black comedy where Streep is a narcissistic stage and Movie star who lives for her looks and mirrors, is frightened of losing her looks, and eventually takes a secret potion to regain her youthful beauty. Willis is her drunken husband, and Hawn is the jilted lover of Willis looking for revenge when Streep steals him from her. And Willis kills Streep, who has become immortal because of the potion, and promptly comes back to life. Mild humour ensues.

It is (this time around) marginally entertaining, but as much as I hate to say it, Streep just can't do comedy well. Neither can Willis, and Hawn (who really can) did not have a whole lot to do.

There are Movies where every character is completely unsympathetic and even hateful (American Beauty, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, Taxi Driver spring to mind). This is another one. The thing this has over the other three is that it is a little funny, and passably entertaining at times. Not many, but some.

4/10

Norm

[ottawasteve]

I just finished watching Public Enemy. This movie is about ten years old, and stars Johnny Depp as John Dillinger.

I love the topic, and Depp did a fine job as the main character. But I found the movie to be flat. His falling in love with Billie Frechette is inexplicable. There is little sympathy aroused for anyone. There is little character development. The good guys are all tough good guys, except for one who slaps women around. The bad guys are, well, mostly bad, with little nuance.

Overall, a yawner. Glad I did not see it in a theatre.

4/10

[ottawasteve]

A few days ago, I convinced my wife and daughter to sit down with me to watch The 13th Warrior. This Antonio Banderas film is now over twenty years old. It is loosely based upon a Stephen King short story about Vikings. The movie deals with the adventures of a Muslim traveller caught up in a Viking “mission” to free a northern settlement of attacks by legendary creatures.

I have always loved this film. Several characters are fascinating, nuanced and well developed. The scenes depicting Banderas’s learning of the Norse language are amazing. The story, overall, is interesting and engaging.

The movie has faults, with occasional lapses in editing, but overall, I have never tired of it and continue to love its muscular drama.

My wife shrugged. My kid fell asleep. Oh well.

9/10.

[32_seeker]

I had the pleasure of watching a 2012 film called "Here Comes the Boom", it stars Kevin James and Salma Hayek.

The basic plot has James playing a high school biology teacher. He becomes an MMA wrestler to help fund extracurricular programs at his school, e.g. music class, after learning he can get $10 000 just for appearing. Many painful looking, cringeworthy scenes ensue. James' character has that "never quit" attitude that wins over his classroom, MMA peers and ultimately the lovely Ms. Hayek.

It's a light, positive comedy. There's no deep moral or social commentary going on here. The likeable James carries the story along nicely and there are some fun side plots at play too, like a charming student helping Bas Rutten (the MMA fighter and James' trainer here) study for his citizenship test.

If you liked The Waterboy or Happy Gilmore, this one will put a smile on your face. 8/10 on the "was I entertained" scale.

[castores]

Duel (1971)

Dennis Weaver. Directed by Steven Spielberg.

Norm

Great movie, haven't seen it in a long long while. The main thing I remember, as pointed out by Norm, 'Big Bad' Truck.

I have recently been watching episodes of Diagnosis Murder (Dick Van Dyke), I have never watched it before. Anyway one episode was so absurd it reminded me of one of my favourite absurd movies - so I watched it last night.

Murder By Death (1976)

What a cast!

Peter Falk
Peter Sellers
David Niven
Maggie Smith
to name a few.

Absurd plot, absurd comedy, I just love it!

It is a parody of all mystery thriller 'whodunnits' with characters such as Lionel Twain, Sam Diamond, Jessica Marbles and Sidney Wang. Oh, don't forget Jamesir Bensonmum.

How to choose a few quotes from the movie, it's chock-full.

My favourites would be Sam Diamond.

Sam Diamond: The last time that I trusted a dame was in Paris in 1940. She said she was going out to get a bottle of wine. Two hours later, the Germans marched into France.

Dora Charleston: Thank you. You are?
Jamesir Bensonmum: Bensonmum.
Dora Charleston: Thank you, Benson.
Jamesir Bensonmum: No, no, no, no, no... Bensonmum. My name is Bensonmum.
Dick Charleston: Bensonmum?
Jamesir Bensonmum: Yes, sir. Jamesir Bensonmum.
Dick Charleston: Jamesir?
Jamesir Bensonmum: Yes, sir.
Dick Charleston: Jamesir Bensonmum?
Jamesir Bensonmum: Yes, sir.
Dick Charleston: How odd.
Jamesir Bensonmum: My father's name, sir.
Dick Charleston: What was your father's name?
Jamesir Bensonmum: Howard. Howard Bensonmum.
Dick Charleston: Your father was Howard Bensonmum?
Dora Charleston: Leave it be, Dickie. I've had enough.

Jessica Marbles: I smell gas!
Miss Withers: I can't help it, I'm old.

I have a problem giving ratings. I would rather say. It's not a waste of time. You will find it difficult not to laugh. You will enjoy yourself. You'll come away with a smile on your face. What better way to knock off a bit of lock-down.

Excellent!

[castores]

Along with my earlier post, having now read more than just page 26 (no I haven't actually read 25 pages, about half) I have realised something about myself. I do like a lot of genres but it appears that the type of movie I could watch again and again more than others would be spoof or absurd comedies. Galaxy Quest, Mars Attacks, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, the above-mentioned Murder By Death, Flying High, come to mind. Get Shorty just came to mind (John Travolta, well..)

I don't think this movie has been mentioned in this thread but I suggest you give this a watch (especially you Norm, if you haven't seen it - if you have, your verdict?): 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1998)

I don't understand why this isn't so well known, I can't remember how I came across it.

(As this is a thread about the 'last movie you watched' 8 Heads... is about the movie I'm about to re-watch.)

Joe Pesci
Kristy Swanson
George Hamilton
David Spade (I can like and hate him at the same time)
etc

I think the title sort of gives the game away. A black comedy, mix-ups and hilarity ensue. I don't want to say anymore other than it is a Must Watch!

As I post, it has started....

[fromdownunder]

I do like a lot of genres but it appears that the type of movie I could watch again and again more than others would be spoof or absurd comedies. Galaxy Quest, Mars Attacks, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, the above-mentioned Murder By Death, Flying High, come to mind. Get Shorty just came to mind (John Travolta, well..)

These all ring a bell. Murder by Death is quite brilliant, and I have seen all three versions of the Movies based on the Agatha Christie book, and have the actual book (where the original book title shall not be named) which inspired them and the Murder by Death send up of them.

Get Shorty, I have not seen and with John Travolta in it, in all honesty, I have no particular need to. It's a bit like recommending a Nicolas Cage Movie to me.

I don't think this movie has been mentioned in this thread but I suggest you give this a watch (especially you Norm, if you haven't seen it - if you have, your verdict?): 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1998)

I will admit I have never heard of it, but I looked up a quick review without spoilers and it does sound like my kind of fun. A small dose of Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia [horrid Movie] crossed with a large dose of What's up Doc [hilarious Movie]?

If you like screwball comedy, you would love What's up Doc with Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal, about mixed up travel bags, one containing important musical rocks.

Norm

[castores]

8 Heads in a Duffel Bag

Some of the music is detrimental to the wanted effect on screen but otherwise I enjoy this movie (not up to Murder By Death standards but a good jaunt).

Get Shorty

Give it a go Norm (try to get past the aforementioned one). Maybe knowing Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito, James Gandolfini, etc are in it might help?? Also, it is one of the very few movies where I have sought out the soundtrack for. Anyone else have a view?

I haven't seen "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia [horrid Movie]" but I'll be sure to give it a miss (don't forget to give Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! a miss also).

I have never watched What's up Doc for only one reason I am a bit averse to Barbara Streisand for some reason. I honestly wouldn't be able to put my finger on it. Another actress would be Meryl Streep though what I have seen of her is so realistic I am at a loss to explain why. I'll consider you view regarding, except for her grating Australian accent that is.

I have done a bit of a search on Agatha Christie based movies to learn a bit more and also see which ones I have (many movies, many still to watch). As an aside, I enjoy practically all sci-fi movies (weren't the '60s & '70s great for that). But then there is also film noir and they're so good to watch. But then I enjoy a good rom/com (50 First Dates has been previously mentioned). But then I enjoy a good Western. Okay... bottom line I like a lot of movies...

[Clapas]

A Very Long Engagement (French: Un long dimanche de fiançailles, "A long Sunday of engagement")

A 2004 romantic war film, co-written and directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring Audrey Tautou. It is a fictional tale about a young woman's desperate search for her fiancé who might have been killed during World War I. It was based on the 1991 novel of the same name by Sébastien Japrisot.

The film was nominated for the Oscar for Best Art Direction and the Academy Award for Best Cinematography at the Oscars.

I watched again with great pleasure

In 1919, Mathilde was 19 years old. Two years earlier, her fiance Manech went to the front of the Somme. Like millions of others, he is "dead on the field of honor". It's in black and white on the official notice. However, Mathilde refuses to admit this evidence. If Manech was dead, she would know! She clings to her intuition as to the last tenuous thread which would still link her to her lover. Mathilde refuses to drop the thread. She clings to it with faith and embarks on a real counter-investigation.
False hopes in uncertainties, she will gradually unravel the truth about the fate of Manech and his four comrades.

This film is particularly beautiful, aesthetically and sentimentally speaking. The story is very touching and Audrey Tautou is wonderful in this role. The will and the hope to find his love is very moving, a very beautiful story well led and well narrated, perfect drama, sets, costumes, atmosphere everything is respected and beautifully put in place In short, a realization, a scenario and an interpretation 5 stars make this film a real masterpiece. This film undoubtedly has its place in the pantheon of the most beautiful films; Royal! 10/10

[fromdownunder]

Ride Like a Girl (2019)

Sam Neill and Teresa Palmer.

The true story of jockey Michelle Payne, who became the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup riding Prince of Penzance (at 100 to 1) in 2015.

It was beautifully acted by the leads (and indeed by Stevie Payne, Michelle's real life brother), but continuity wise it was either badly edited or badly written, because purely from the viewers point of view, you are never shown or told much of what she had done before the Cup race, apart from a major plot line of her fall, injury, and rehabilitation, and wondered why in hell she was getting a ride in the Cup in the first place. The racing scenes do not excite all that much either, but with horse races as drama, there is not a lot you can really do.

But it is well worth a watch, and with quite a bit of Aussie humour throughout, for me it is a 7.5/10.

Norm

[Ainz]

The Gray Man (2022)
i'm after watching this movie. I loved the role played by Chris Evans as an antagonist with funny elements. The movie plot is great.
If anyone is thinking of watching this movie, go for it.

[kionjustin]

Victoria and Abdul 2017

Went to see this tonight and I was very impressed. The acting by both Dame Judi Dench and the man who played Abdul Karim was excellent. As far as I am concerned Judi is Queen Victoria. It is also a gritty reminder of how racist the British were and had shocked they were at the Queen's behaviour and her favour of Abdul Karim (The Munshi FM Whatsapp Download= teacher in Urdu).

The story is pretty sad and QV dies in the end , the character development is very deep and the only let down is the disjointed nature of the story, it skips from 1887 to about 1898 - 1901 very quickly. You will also be shocked by how vindictive Edward VII was towards him and the shallowness of late Victorian snobbery is revealed.

[sammer]

Jackie (2016)

Natalie Portman.

Told in flashback, the story of how Jackie Kennedy handled herself and grew in the few days following the Presidents assassination. Really, nothing more to it than that. Cross my heart and hope to die if it aint so.

Unless you are specifically interested in Jackie give it a miss. If you are interested in a great acting performance, watch it. Twice.

Because with The Perfect One starring, and receiving 29 Best Actress nominations (I didn't know there were even that many award shows), and winning nine, I had to mention this Movie if only because of her tour de force performance as Jackie. I won't score it though. I'm prejudiced when it comes to Miss Portman.

Norm

Nice post, An account of the days of First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, in the immediate aftermath of John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963.GB Whatsapp