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Watch, Watched, Watching: Britannia doesn't rule the waves


Veltigar

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Watched the entirety of the Alien franchise over the weekend as I nursed my birthday hangover.  I really do like the new ones a lot, but man, they really missed out on gelling these prequels up to the originals.  They just leave a number of plot holes open that I feel like they tried to fill, but man did they fail.  I do like that

Spoiler

The creators created humans, the humans created the AI, and the AI created the aliens; with a synthetic wiping out the creators and the aliens wiping out the humans.  I wish they would have explored that more and had more explanation how David's creation got onto a random spaceship in the middle of nowhere.

Alien Resurrection is definitively terrible though.  The plot is so convoluted, the 'new' Alien is weird and doesn't make any sense, and Ripley is nonsense.  It's just SO bad and I'm glad I wasn't that into the series when it came out.

Also watch AvP which is actually fun if you think of it as a Predator movie that has nothing to do with the Alien universe.

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I’ve been holding off on watching seasons 6 and 7 of Game of Thrones because I don’t like the tv series that much and I’d rather not be spoiled for Winds of Winter. It’s so ubiquitous now though that I’ve been hearing stuff anyway and, honestly, I’ve given up on the books getting finished so I might as well just watch it. 

It’s ok so far.

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Man I watched a lot of movies over my three day weekend. I saw 12 Angry Men on Friday. That was honestly one of the best movies I've ever seen. I love how claustrophobic it feels, and there's no excessive fat on the bone. This is a movie that everyone should see, even if you have no interest in the underlying story (it's about a jury deliberation). 

I watched three movies on Saturday. First up was Groundhog's Day. I'm surprised I hadn't seen it before, given how famous and popular it is. I liked it, but it's not without it's problems. For starters, I don't think it's aged well given what Hollywood, and really the whole world, is going through. The main character is a predator of sorts. Also, I think you label the movies as a horror film as well as a comedy. What Murray's character goes through is an absolute nightmare. Next up was Battle of the Sexes. Solid film. Not the type I'd ever go see in a theater, but it's well worth the $6 on demand. The cast is great and they did a great job of telling the story. Lastly I saw Alien: Covenant. Can't say I liked this one. I guess it's alright if you're looking for a big dumb monster movies, but I don't expect I'll see it again. I'm not sure what you saw in it @aceluby, but to each their own. I honestly am not sure if you can make another great Alien movie at this point. The first would worked because we had no idea what to expect, and the second one wisely pivoted into an action film. After that, I'm not what's left to work with. 

I saw Ghost in the Darkness on Sunday. It wasn't the first time I've seen it, but I think it really holds up. I don't think it's a very well known movie, especially for younger individuals, but it's definitely worth checking out. I'll keep the spoilers to a minimum, but it's about a British engineer who goes to Africa to build a bridge for a train in 1898. Things go well at first, until a pack of lions find their way to his encampment. I find it to be a very enjoyable fill, and it's loosely based on a true story.

Last night I also manged to watch  Goodfellas. Excellent movie. I've always loved it. I'm not sure where in ranks in the gangster movie genre, but I can really only think of a few that could be put ahead of it. I'll never understand how it lost Best Picture to Dances with Wolves. Also, how the hell did Ghost get a Best Picture nod? I always thought that got panned as a cheesy romance movie. 

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3 hours ago, Tywin et al. said:

Last night I also manged to watch  Goodfellas. Excellent movie. I've always loved it. I'm not sure where in ranks in the gangster movie genre, but I can really only think of a few that could be put ahead of it. I'll never understand how it lost Best Picture to Dances with Wolves. Also, how the hell did Ghost get a Best Picture nod? I always thought that got panned as a cheesy romance movie. 

A few better gangster movies?? Pfft...there’s only two acceptable answers and those are Godfather I & II. And even then Goodfellas is right there with them at the top. It’s a masterpiece. And yes, I’ve always thought Dances with Wolves beating it for best picture was ridiculous. At least Pesci won best supporting actor. Not easy to upstage Robert De Niro, but Pesci was absolutely the best thing about Goodfellas. 

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15 hours ago, Tywin et al. said:

Lastly I saw Alien: Covenant. Can't say I liked this one. I guess it's alright if you're looking for a big dumb monster movies, but I don't expect I'll see it again. I'm not sure what you saw in it @aceluby, but to each their own. I honestly am not sure if you can make another great Alien movie at this point. The first would worked because we had no idea what to expect, and the second one wisely pivoted into an action film. After that, I'm not what's left to work with. 

I think the Alien part was actually my least favorite part, which is also why I think I liked Prometheus while others really didn't.  What I liked about it was the atmosphere of an unknown world, the characters, and how they delve into creation and life.  I enjoyed the dichotomy between David and Walter a lot, thought Danny McBride did an amazing job in his role, and love that they stuck to a strong female lead.  Also, seeing these movies in a row like I did, knowing the universe, I think it holds up well with the originals.  But as you say, to each their own, when it comes down to it these are all just big dumb monster movies :)

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20 hours ago, Nictarion said:

A few better gangster movies?? Pfft...there’s only two acceptable answers and those are Godfather I & II. And even then Goodfellas is right there with them at the top. It’s a masterpiece. And yes, I’ve always thought Dances with Wolves beating it for best picture was ridiculous. At least Pesci won best supporting actor. Not easy to upstage Robert De Niro, but Pesci was absolutely the best thing about Goodfellas. 

Idk about that. Some people enjoy some of the less famous gangster movies more so than the top billed ones. I, for example, like Once Upon A Time In America more than all of those movies, but that's just me. And how wide a birth are we allowing the "gangster genre" to be? Would Pulp Fiction qualify as a gangster film? Because I think that's a better movie than Goodfellas

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8 hours ago, aceluby said:

I think the Alien part was actually my least favorite part, which is also why I think I liked Prometheus while others really didn't.  What I liked about it was the atmosphere of an unknown world, the characters, and how they delve into creation and life.  I enjoyed the dichotomy between David and Walter a lot, thought Danny McBride did an amazing job in his role, and love that they stuck to a strong female lead.  Also, seeing these movies in a row like I did, knowing the universe, I think it holds up well with the originals.  But as you say, to each their own, when it comes down to it these are all just big dumb monster movies :)

I too really enjoyed Prometheus. I just think people went in expecting a different movie which left audiences mostly disappointed. Chris Stuckmann has a pretty good video about how if you watch the film in a different light it comes off a lot better. And I do agree the things you listed are the strongest aspects of the film, but for whatever reason it just didn't do much for me. 

You also bring another important point; binge watching films that are linked together can vastly improve your perception of an individual film. A good example is Quantum of Solace. It's not a great Bond movie, but I rank it higher than a lot of people do. However, if you watch it directly after watching Casino Royal, it becomes a lot more enjoyable.

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3 hours ago, Tywin et al. said:

Idk about that. Some people enjoy some of the less famous gangster movies more so than the top billed ones. I, for example, like Once Upon A Time In America more than all of those movies, but that's just me. And how wide a birth are we allowing the "gangster genre" to be? Would Pulp Fiction qualify as a gangster film? Because I think that's a better movie than Goodfellas

OUATIA is great, and very underrated, imo, but I have Goodfellas ahead of it. Anyone interested it that one needs to make sure to watch the extended directors cut. Thankfully it’s the only version I’ve seen, but I’ve read what the studio did to it for the theatrical release, and they fucked Leone big time. 

I’ll concede on Pulp Fiction. I think it was the best movie of the 90’s, therefore I guess I have to have it ahead of Goodfellas. I just don’t necessarily think of it right away when talking about gangster/mob movies. For whatever reason. 

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On 2/6/2018 at 4:22 PM, Tywin et al. said:

Man I watched a lot of movies over my three day weekend. I saw 12 Angry Men on Friday. That was honestly one of the best movies I've ever seen. I love how claustrophobic it feels, and there's no excessive fat on the bone. This is a movie that everyone should see, even if you have no interest in the underlying story (it's about a jury deliberation). 

Great, great movie. 

In my MBA program, the professor teaching the negotiations class showed a clip from this movie to illustrate a point.  I was stunned that I was the only person in a class of 60+ who had seen the movie. 

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Finished up the Marvellous Mrs Maisel, which was excellent. I was rather surprised and disappointed when I realised I had watched the last episode, I was still eager for much more. Seemed very successful though so I imagine a second season is all but guaranteed. 

Some of the jokes went over my head and/or would probably be funnier if I understood the references (age and culture are the barrier here) but it was still hilarious. I think Rose’s melodrama was probably my favourite part though. Get the fainting couch indeed.

eta: also why is Joel so detestable. Pretty much wanted to punch him every time he was on screen

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16 hours ago, Tywin et al. said:

I too really enjoyed Prometheus. I just think people went in expecting a different movie which left audiences mostly disappointed. Chris Stuckmann has a pretty good video about how if you watch the film in a different light it comes off a lot better. And I do agree the things you listed are the strongest aspects of the film, but for whatever reason it just didn't do much for me. 

You also bring another important point; binge watching films that are linked together can vastly improve your perception of an individual film. A good example is Quantum of Solace. It's not a great Bond movie, but I rank it higher than a lot of people do. However, if you watch it directly after watching Casino Royal, it becomes a lot more enjoyable.

That's my favorite of the new bond films!  Also, because I love watching them in order and that silent action scene is one of the best ever filmed IMO.

ETA: Also, seeing them all in a row, Aliens just doesn't do it for me anymore.  It's too much of a standard 80's action film except w/ a female lead.  The guys running around in rubber alien suits, the horrifically 80's action movie dialog, the 'boss battle' at the end...  The 'action film' pieces just don't hold up, while her relationship w/ Newt and her interactions with Paul Reiser (sp?) were absolutely amazing.  Really exemplifies the big dumb monster movie with some good character interactions thrown in IMO.  So I definitely give the new one a bit of leeway in that regard.

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On ‎2‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 6:22 PM, Tywin et al. said:

I watched three movies on Saturday. First up was Groundhog's Day.

I saw Ghost in the Darkness 

Last night I also manged to watch  Goodfellas.

I deleted comments for space saving...

Loved Groundhog's Day. Seen it several times. Even joked about them making a sequel, part 2, but then having it actually be the original movie again, since that would be perfect!

Ghost and the Darkness, loved this movie.

Goodfellas, all time favorite gang/mafia movie, hands down. My wife loves the Godfather more but this is close for her.

I saw Post this week. Really good movie, solid acting. Worth the trip!

Binged Altered Carbon on Netflix. If you like SciFi or even detective movies give this a watch. I really enjoyed it and you can tell they spared no expense.

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I watched the first episode of Vikings. Late to the party, but it's been on my list for a while. The first episode kept my interest (I would hope, right?), so I'll keep going. From what I've read, seems like the show grows stale at a point. 

I'll check out Altered Carbon this weekend. 

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Watching the web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee on Netflix. Funny stuff. Basically, Jerry Seinfeld just picks up friends and fellow comedians/actors in rare cars and they go get coffee or lunch. Not sure how I missed this when it was first on but he had so many people I like as guests. I think Bob Einstein and Don Rickles have been my favorites so far.   

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On 2/6/2018 at 6:22 PM, Tywin et al. said:

I watched three movies on Saturday. First up was Groundhog's Day. I'm surprised I hadn't seen it before, given how famous and popular it is. I liked it, but it's not without it's problems. For starters, I don't think it's aged well given what Hollywood, and really the whole world, is going through. The main character is a predator of sorts. Also, I think you label the movies as a horror film as well as a comedy. What Murray's character goes through is an absolute nightmare.

Last night I also manged to watch  Goodfellas. Excellent movie. I've always loved it. I'm not sure where in ranks in the gangster movie genre, but I can really only think of a few that could be put ahead of it. I'll never understand how it lost Best Picture to Dances with Wolves. Also, how the hell did Ghost get a Best Picture nod? I always thought that got panned as a cheesy romance movie. 

Groundhog Day is excellent. I'm so glad they went dark because with someone caught in the same loop for 10 years (or 10,000 there's debates upon debates about this) and with his no consequences power, it shows what someone probably would do. Just adds more to the movie, it's a layered and in depth philosophical treatise wearing the mask of a quirky 90's SNL alum comedy.

Goodfellas is my favorite gangster movie and always in my top 5 all time favorite movies. I used to rank The Godfather higher but while my love and esteem for that movie (which is very high) has pretty much plateaued, I seem to just love Goodfellas more every time I watch it or even think about it.

Dances With Wolves, ugh. I've never even seen it all the way through. Costner was still a golden boy from The Untouchables, Bull Durham, and Field of Dreams, while Water World, The Postman, and even Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (which was a hit, audiences loved it but admitted it was hokey, Costner's performance and "accent" being a big part of that hokeyess - that was and is my take on it as well) were still dark clouds in Costner's future. It was just one of those Oscar years where Dances had all the momentum, everybody had seen it and loved it, people were rooting for it, those who saw Goodfellas were definitely more fanatically in love with it but it just wasn't as popular when it came out, it was one of those movies that just got bigger over time while Dances With Wolves became lesser.

Ghost was never panned. Critics gave it rave reviews and people were crazy about it. It only got cheesy as it aged. When it came out it wowed everybody and it was the sleeper hit of 1990, in a summer that started off with Dick Tracy, Total Recall, and Die Hard 2 among others it opened up in theaters modestly but through word of mouth and positive reviews people just kept coming to see it and it made huge bank that way. I remember seeing it in theaters in July of 1990 when it had just came out and then going with some of my family to see it again close to Halloween. Whoopi Goldberg got her Oscar O in her EGOT as a best supporting actress for this movie.

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On 2/6/2018 at 9:33 PM, Nictarion said:

A few better gangster movies?? Pfft...there’s only two acceptable answers and those are Godfather I & II. And even then Goodfellas is right there with them at the top. It’s a masterpiece. And yes, I’ve always thought Dances with Wolves beating it for best picture was ridiculous. At least Pesci won best supporting actor. Not easy to upstage Robert De Niro, but Pesci was absolutely the best thing about Goodfellas. 

 

On 2/7/2018 at 6:18 PM, Tywin et al. said:

Idk about that. Some people enjoy some of the less famous gangster movies more so than the top billed ones. I, for example, like Once Upon A Time In America more than all of those movies, but that's just me. And how wide a birth are we allowing the "gangster genre" to be? Would Pulp Fiction qualify as a gangster film? Because I think that's a better movie than Goodfellas

You know, I loathed Pulp Fiction when it came out. It just caught me by surprise and instead of being impressed by the unique type of film it was, I was put off by it. Over time I've come to appreciate what Tarantino did and that the performances were really excellent by the actors. I believe I've shaken off my fuddy-duddy-ness, I loved Django Unchained and the Kill Bill movies and I like Inglorius Basterds more every time I watch it. But like a memory of something tasting bad that prohibits you from really enjoying a certain food completely then on even if it's served perfectly I still now have a bad taste in my mouth from the initial shock of seeing it and I can never put Pulp Fiction on list of even my top 100 favorite movies.

Like I said in the above post, I love The Godfather, it's really up there for me even if Goodfellas is now higher. But The Godfather, Part II while I really liked it was always flawed to me. The flashback scenes of Vito were absolutely the best. The early scenes in Nevada with Michael and his family were great. The Senate hearings were interesting, and the ending was phenomenal. But the entire Cuba portion of the story is where I feel the movie gets bogged down and a little bit, just a little bit, dull. Since my first time seeing the films that's always put the first Godfather as a better movie for me. 

I also love OUATIA but not as much as any of the Godfather movies or Goodfellas. Yes, any of the Godfather films. I love part III as well just not as much as parts I and II. I love that movie as a coda to the series, the scenes in Sicily are tearjerkingly beautiful, New York is filmed with such character, even though I miss Robert Duvall as Matt Hagan I LOVE Connie stepping in as matriarch and consigliere and Shire plays her awesomely! Connie's ark in the film series is one of the best things about it. Pacino and Garcia, and to a lesser extent Joe Montegna, are excellent in it, and if only a better actress had played Mary it probably would rank at the same level with me as part II.

 

Now, for what I am to watch...

I just haven't been in a movie watching mood lately. I was happily able to discover that with my On Demand I could watch all of season 2 of The Good Place, so I'm all caught up on that. To keep with the theme of the last few posts, in another thread I said I thought I was done with regular network sitcoms but just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in!

I really love The Good Place and recommend it.

I've also watched all three seasons of Red Oaks on Amazon. I thought it had its ups and downs but at its worst it was meh but at best it was very, very, awesome. It's just that it wasn't at its best that much.

Now I am thinking of watching either Handmaid's Tale or Altered Carbon. Which should it be?

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7 minutes ago, drawkcabi said:

Like I said in the above post, I love The Godfather, it's really up there for me even if Goodfellas is now higher. But The Godfather, Part II while I really liked it was always flawed to me. The flashback scenes of Vito were absolutely the best. The early scenes in Nevada with Michael and his family were great. The Senate hearings were interesting, and the ending was phenomenal. But the entire Cuba portion of the story is where I feel the movie gets bogged down and a little bit, just a little bit, dull. Since my first time seeing the films that's always put the first Godfather as a better movie for me. 

I wouldn’t go so far as dull, but this is my reason for ranking the original slightly ahead of part II as well. It’s tighter, and better paced. Michael’s arc is also one of the best in movie history, imo.

Part III over OUATIA is crazy talk though... :P

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