Watch, Watched, Watching: New Year, New List.

[roxWolfox]

I can now personally vouch for the brilliance of Pink Floyd The Wall. It really is an experience to watch this film. The music is of course mindblowingly good, the imagery is deeply disturbing, Geldoff gives a great performance, the animation is unsettling and the whole atmosphere of the movie is really powerful.

omg.

I think I was 20 when this came out in the theatres and my 'weed friendly' friends dragged me out to see it ... and I was stupified, being a non 'weed friendly' person. Over the years I've come to realise the sheer brilliance of the film, but back then? Shook my head throughout the whole thing.

lol

I marathoned Fargo in the last day and a half. Extraordinary. I couldn't stop watching -- would have gone through all 10 episodes back to back if I hadn't needed to sleep. I'm a fan of FX but I wasn't expecting this kind of quality. Probably the best thing they've ever made. The cast, the characters, the writing, the score, the cinematography.. everything was very well done. Billy Bob Thornton as the second coming of Anton Chigurh was fantastic but I think Allison Tohlman really stole the show.

I can't believe someone decided to make a TV series off a random movie made 20 years ago. I also can't believe they were able to re-create the tone and writing so well.

This has been such a great year for television.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show, especially Billy Bob Thornton's input, as I'd never really cared for any of his other work ... just all round great stuff from everyone (cast and crew) this past season. Makes me look forward to what else they can come up with. :)

[Ramsay B.]

Smart choice. It's easily the best new show this year (yes Fargo > True Detective).

That's some bold words right there. I'll try to forget them or my expectations will be too high.

[Howdyphillip]

That's some bold words right there. I'll try to forget them or my expectations will be too high.

Yup... toss them right out. Fargo had performances that were up to the standard, but the writing was shoddy in places. It was still a great show.

[Veltigar]

After watching Attack on Titan last month and Stuckmann's video 'why anime is important' last week, I finally decided to get over my anti-anime bias and check out some classics. I started out with Cowboy Bebop. I watched all 26 episodes and the movie. I have to say that I was impressed. The show almost deserves its score (9) on IMDB.

Now, I wouldn't say it was perfect. There were some bad episodes (2 and 17). The wardrobe for the main female star was - in typical anime tradition - designed to appeal to horny teenage boys instead of being practical. There were some threads left dangling that I found kind of strange (there is a discovery in episode 9 which seemed rather huge, but is never brought up again). And there was one character (whom I shall dubb 'annoying Edward') who seemed to embody everything I hated about anime for years. If they ever make a live action movie, I pray they have to sense to cut that waste of space.

However this show had some stunning highs. The soundtrack is great, the atmosphere is cool and every time the characters back story is adressed (with the exception of annoying Edward) you can bet you'll be on the edge of your seat. It has a couple of great stand-alone episodes (Sympathy with the devil, Asteroid Blues, Brain Scratch, Pierot le Fou, Waltz for Venus). It's also all over the map concerning genre. It's mostly spacewestern, but there are lots of other elements in it (film noir, hardboiled detective stories, horror, etc.) and some episodes have a different focus like episodes that pay hommage to the Alien franchise and to Blaxploitation movies (although I can't say I enjoyed the latter).

The real sellingpoint however, is the finale. The way this show ends is nothing short of majestic. I'm thrown back and forth between wanting more episodes and preserving the ending the way it was originally conceived. If they ever make a good live action adaptation and end it the same way, than a lot of peoples mind would be blown.

The movie was okay. It had some pacing issues and there were times when I though the story was pretty sloppy. As if the writers thought, this needs to happen now and just insert it, without paying much attention to why it happens. It's a shame though, the ideas behind the movie were more than solid. Perhaps if they made it into a two part episode they might have achieved another highpoint with this series.

Like most comedy sequels, it made the mistake of repeating all the well-recieved jokes from the first one, and completely overdid it.

I sadly agree completely.

I agree. It wasn't good at all. Even though I did laugh through the fight scene. Especially when the History channel showed up. That was the only thing in the whole movie that I even enjoyed.

I was so looking forward to that scene, but it was so uninspired.. This movie wasn't even as funny as the trailer. All the jokes I laughed at while watching the trailer just completely failed in the movie.

omg.

I think I was 20 when this came out in the theatres and my 'weed friendly' friends dragged me out to see it ... and I was stupified, being a non 'weed friendly' person. Over the years I've come to realise the sheer brilliance of the film, but back then? Shook my head throughout the whole thing.

lol

I can't even imagine watching the Wall on weed, that must be terrifying XD

I thoroughly enjoyed this show, especially Billy Bob Thornton's input, as I'd never really cared for any of his other work ... just all round great stuff from everyone (cast and crew) this past season. Makes me look forward to what else they can come up with. :)

Not even in Bad Santa? I don't like him much either but he was great in that :D

Smart choice. It's easily the best new show this year (yes Fargo > True Detective).

I'll have to disagree :P TD might have had a disappointing ending, but the first few episode were phenomenal. Fargo on the other hand started to fizzle out from the beginning. The pilot was really good, but it was just ordinary after that, with an occasional flash of brilliance (like a certain shoot-out in the snow). I'm a huge fan of Martin Freeman and some of the other actors involved but it just didn't grab me. I fell behind and stopped watching after episode 6, since I heard that the ending wasn't very good.

[paddington]

I can't even imagine watching the Wall on weed, that must be terrifying XD

I got the giggles, probably ruined the mood.

[Nox Irradiata]

I'm 6 episodes into the first season of Hemlock Grove. It's had some pretty cool special effects, but overall the story is just...well...not very good, in my opinion. I'm a big werewolf/vampire fan, and I really wanted to like this show, but it's not doing much for me.

I'm going to finish it, though. Clocking 60 hours of Night Shift work this week. Weeeee!

[Theda Baratheon]

I'm 6 episodes into the first season of Hemlock Grove. It's had some pretty cool special effects, but overall the story is just...well...not very good, in my opinion. I'm a big werewolf/vampire fan, and I really wanted to like this show, but it's not doing much for me.

I'm going to finish it, though. Clocking 60 hours of Night Shift work this week. Weeeee!

it's worth watching the first to get to the second season which I thought was pretty neat!! Also Olivia is pretty awesome in the second season and hilariously drops her not quite british accent that annoys everyone in the first. Shelley and Dr Pryce's stories are solid and the ENDING OF SEASON 2 IS INSANE. Oh and destiny has a much bigger part in the second season which is great. Honestly stick it out - end of season 1 is pretty cool too.

[Nox Irradiata]

it's worth watching the first to get to the second season which I thought was pretty neat!! Also Olivia is pretty awesome in the second season and hilariously drops her not quite british accent that annoys everyone in the first. Shelley and Dr Pryce's stories are solid and the ENDING OF SEASON 2 IS INSANE. Oh and destiny has a much bigger part in the second season which is great. Honestly stick it out - end of season 1 is pretty cool too.

That accent is so bizarre! LOL! I'm not sure what is more irritating, the accent or Roman's weird pouty face. But yeah, I'm planning to stick it out. :) Hopefully we'll get to see more of the special powers.

[Theda Baratheon]

That accent is so bizarre! LOL! I'm not sure what is more irritating, the accent or Roman's weird pouty face. But yeah, I'm planning to stick it out. :) Hopefully we'll get to see more of the special powers.

I love Roman's face lol.

Olivia is so much better in season 2.

[Veltigar]

Finally got around to seeing Idi i smotri (aka Come and See). It really is one of the greatest warmovies ever made and one of those rare movies that doesn't glorify war at all, so there is no Saving Private Ryan crap in it. Still, it wasn't as great as I thought it would be (that will teach me to keep my expectations in check).

The main problem imo was that it was a little bit to black and white in some parts. I can't really elaborate on it, because I would spoil things. However, it's still well worth a watch. I guarantee that some images and scenes in this movie will stay with you forever.

[Sci-2]

In the Loop, a movie about how the UK & US fell into the worthless war in Iraq.

Good to see Malcom Tucker ride again.

[roxWolfox]

After watching Attack on Titan last month and Stuckmann's video 'why anime is important' last week, I finally decided to get over my anti-anime bias and check out some classics. I started out with Cowboy Bebop. I watched all 26 episodes and the movie. I have to say that I was impressed. The show almost deserves its score (9) on IMDB.

Ah, Attack on Titan. Never did finish watching all the episodes, but must do so, as hubs and I were hooked on the episodes we did see. And now you've convinced me to check out Cowboy Bebop to boot! :cheers:

I'm 6 episodes into the first season of Hemlock Grove. It's had some pretty cool special effects, but overall the story is just...well...not very good, in my opinion. I'm a big werewolf/vampire fan, and I really wanted to like this show, but it's not doing much for me.

I'm going to finish it, though. Clocking 60 hours of Night Shift work this week. Weeeee!

I wasn't sure about this show (being a werewolf fan), and yet Famke Janssen was so mesmerising that I couldn't not watch it ... just because of her evilly evilness. I'm definitely a fan of hers because of the show, but the rest (story, effects) didn't impress me much. Not that I could do a better job, of course. It's just that I'd rather re-watch Grimm or American Horror Story episodes when I'm marathoning tv. :P Did I mention how much I love Famke Janssen in it? :lol:

In the Loop, a movie about how the UK & US fell into the worthless war in Iraq.

Good to see Malcom Tucker ride again.

Woot! I recommend this movie to any of my pals who ask ... if only for the Malcolm Tucker vs James Gandolfini snark-off!!!

What a fun movie (which reminds me that I'm really looking forward to him in Doc Who!).

[Nox Irradiata]

I wasn't sure about this show (being a werewolf fan), and yet Famke Janssen was so mesmerising that I couldn't not watch it ... just because of her evilly evilness. I'm definitely a fan of hers because of the show, but the rest (story, effects) didn't impress me much. Not that I could do a better job, of course. It's just that I'd rather re-watch Grimm or American Horror Story episodes when I'm marathoning tv. :P Did I mention how much I love Famke Janssen in it? :lol:

I haven't seen too much of this evilly evilness, yet. So far, she's spending most of her time

taking weird crack eyedrops and sleeping with Norman,

and wearing awesome dresses. :P I'd like to see them do more with her character. Theda says she gets more interesting in Season 2, so I still have hope.

Edit: I'm up to the Season 1 finale now. LOL! Wtf, bacon grease? This show is so bad it's good.

[Grand Moff Mithrandir]

The IT crowd re-watch on Netflix. Fuck yes.

awesome! I love Katherine Parkinson.

[Arbor Gold]

JFC. I had an impromptu Film Festival this weekend, and enjoyed every single one of the six (!) movies I watched.

First up, via Netflix, was The Immigrant. Prohibition-era NYC; Joaquin Phoenix being creepy, tense, and scary; Marion Cotillard being amazing; Jeremy Renner being charming with a ridiculous mustache; this movie has it all.

Then, Boyhood. Filmed over 12 years, follows...a boy growing up, basically. Richard Linklater flick. Phenomenal. Didn't feel like it was nearly 3 hours long.

Next up: Snowpiercer. Didn't know what I was getting into with this one. Thought it was alright but didn't love it as much as everyone else seems to. I had trouble buying in to the premise, so I wasn't totally paying attention the entire time. Probably more a fault of the viewer rather than the film. I do like trains, though, and this movie takes place on a train, so that was cool I guess.

Sunday viewing: Inspired by Boyhood and filling my Linklater deficit, I did Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight. Yep, never saw 'em. *sigh* Loved them all, but particularly Before Sunrise.

[Theda Baratheon]

I looooove the Before films. Really do need to see Boyhood though.

[Theda Baratheon]

I looooove the Before films. Really do need to see Boyhood though.

[Mexal]

I looooove the Before films. Really do need to see Boyhood though.

Same. I was going to go this past weekend but saw 22 Jump Street instead which I will not complain about. That movie was hilarious. I'll try to see Boyhood this Sunday if I can. Looks amazing.

[Theda Baratheon]

Same. I was going to go this past weekend but saw 22 Jump Street instead which I will not complain about. That movie was hilarious. I'll try to see Boyhood this Sunday if I can. Looks amazing.

Might see if a friend will go watch it with me, if not will just go alone and watch it.

[Sci-2]

Same. I was going to go this past weekend but saw 22 Jump Street instead which I will not complain about. That movie was hilarious. I'll try to see Boyhood this Sunday if I can. Looks amazing.

22 Jump Street was incredibly hilarious.

The credits sequence was awesome.

eta:

it's worth watching the first to get to the second season which I thought was pretty neat!! Also Olivia is pretty awesome in the second season and hilariously drops her not quite british accent that annoys everyone in the first. Shelley and Dr Pryce's stories are solid and the ENDING OF SEASON 2 IS INSANE. Oh and destiny has a much bigger part in the second season which is great. Honestly stick it out - end of season 1 is pretty cool too.

You've convinced me, will give this a shot now.