What Movie Did You Watch This Weekend?

[Lyle (Mooska)]

AMEN to that.

My reply is HERE!

[Ennis Del Mark]

Is that your review of MAGIC MIKE, Lyle?

For me it was a little too...brief!

(Jane Hathaway laugh)

[bubba]

 

[Jeff Wrangler]

Well, yesterday wasn't a weekend, but it was a holiday, and TCM seemed to be showing a whole slew of historical-set films. I saw The Devil's Disciple, based on Shaw and starring Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster (as a clergyman!  ), and Laurence Olivier (who made a pretty good Gen. "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne). I forgot they were showing one of my favorites, Drums Along the Mohawk, in the afternoon.    In the evening I saw my old Fourth of July standby, Yankee Doodle Dandy, with Jimmy Cagney. I love that film! 

[killersmom]

I saw "Stars and Stripes Forever" (1952) about John Philip Sousa and then "The Glenn Miller Story", these were later in the evening on TCM. Wish I had known about "Yankee Doodle Dandy" as it is one of my favorites as well, Jeff. I was at a BBQ earlier in the day so I may have missed it anyway, but could have recorded it.

~~Waves at Jeff~~

[Cally]

I finally saw the dvd of The Best Exotic Magnolia Hotel.  I did find it pleasant and watchable, but not much more than that.

[andy]

A case of too much hype, would you say, Sara?

[Cally]

The reviews were only so-so, but it certainly delighted a great many people.  It was a "nice" film, and I did enjoy it.  And I hadn't known that the story of one of the characters was a gay one, pleasantly done.

[gattaca]

Saw "The Amazing Spider Man" at the IMAX.   Overall, I liked the re-booting as it has been called.  The story conveys the roots of Parker's childhood,  how he lost his parents, etc.. while refreshing the characters with with a great cast:  Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Dennis Leary, Campbell Scott, Martain Sheen and Sally Field! 

The film switches between action and story often. Some of the scenes between Peter (Garfield) and Gwen (Stone) were poignant and well on the IMAX.. WOW - Garfield's eyes!   

Of all the reviews I've now read, Elbert's comes closest to my own.  with the exception that there were a few times where the film could have been tightened / edited.   Perhaps I've become accustom to expecting too many intense action sequences and need to appreciate the story telling as it unfolds here.

RT --> http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_amazing_spider_man/

Elbert --> http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120628/REVIEWS/120629969

I enjoyed the film.   In particular the facial and eye shots with Parker and Gwen.  Garfield really captured that high-school nervousness, coyness, uncertainly about life, people or confidence.  It all came thru via his facial expressions and those.... eyes       !  Secondly, Campbell Scott, one of my favorite actors  , plays Peter's father...   

I read somewhere that Sony had to make the film to avoid using the franchise rights..which may be why it feels like they could have done something different that the reboot.  Not sure if that's true or not.

Have Fun.  Vincent

[gattaca]

The reviews were only so-so, but it certainly delighted a great many people.  It was a "nice" film, and I did enjoy it.  And I hadn't known that the story of one of the characters was a gay one, pleasantly done.

I agree.  "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" was a nice, human-centric film without a blast of action sequences to numb the viewers.   It is a nice diversion about life, living, stress, reality, with a bit of "roads not traveled.... regrets... until too late"  raveled into the story.   It is certainly not everyone's cup-of-tea.   And yes, the gay character was a nice surprise as well.   Vincent

[janjo]

One of the librarians at college told me she enjoyed the film of The Exotic Marigold Hotel, but that the book was even better and much deeper.

[Jeff Wrangler]

I saw "Stars and Stripes Forever" (1952) about John Philip Sousa and then "The Glenn Miller Story", these were later in the evening on TCM. Wish I had known about "Yankee Doodle Dandy" as it is one of my favorites as well, Jeff. I was at a BBQ earlier in the day so I may have missed it anyway, but could have recorded it.

~~Waves at Jeff~~

~~Waves back at Linda~~ 

I couldn't stay up late enough for Stars and Stripes Forever.    I'd like to see that some day. I've actually had Yankee Doodle Dandy on tape for years. I presume it must be out there available on DVD somewhere, but I've never thought to look for it.

[killersmom]

I finally saw the dvd of The Best Exotic Magnolia Hotel.  I did find it pleasant and watchable, but not much more than that.

I don't know. Perhaps being widowed and single and "of the age" portrayed by most of the characters, it must have hit a deeper chord in me. Being married to someone who was not a planner, feeling at times that life has passed me by, losing jobs because of an imagined health issue (on the part of the employer)  and not being hired for ones I am more than qualified for, because of my age, wanting to live life to the fullest, wondering if there are second and third chances out there, some what ifs.

These were the issues of the characters in this movie. It hit very close to home for me, thus I enjoyed it a lot. But I am a happily ever after person, as well.

[gattaca]

These were the issues of the characters in this movie. It hit very close to home for me, thus I enjoyed it a lot. But I am a happily ever after person, as well.

Yes Linda I agree.  It hits home in many ways.  It's reminded me of my experiences with  "The Big Chill"  which I first saw while in high school.  At that time the movie made no sense to me b/c I had no points of reference, nothing in my life was similar to the messages in that film.   However after seeing it again while in college a few years, the film clicked and hit home big time.  I got it. 

Believe it or not, I thought of you while watching Marigold b/c you reminded me of the characters played by Maggie Smith (Muriel)  and Judy Dentch (Evelyn) combined - wired, witty, smart, resourceful, adventurous,  full of life, never giving up and willing to take a chance on the unknown in spite of all the curve balls.   Cheers, Vincent

[gattaca]

Went to see "Savages" with my son this afternoon at the bargain showing.  While this is an Oliver Stone Film, it's story is old and tired - drugs, violence, sex, murder, money - can you say a Miami Vice remake, only set in California.   There are some horrific on screen tortures and some implied.   While there were some descent action sequences, there were not enough in story or action to justify even the matinee price.  YYMV.  I do not expect this film to stick around very long. 

See below for more views..   

RT --> http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/savages_2012/

Elbert --> http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120704/REVIEWS/120709995/1005/GLOSSARY

Later, Vincent