The story would be unbelievable if it wasn’t true. It’s an incredibly pertinent film in the Trump America of today, and while I loved the cast and the film’s sense of humour, I never have, and doubt I ever will, like Spike Lee’s style. Some of the visual flourishes broke my suspension of disbelief and I don’t know what they’re supposed to add beyond Lee saying “hey look at me, this is my film don’t forget!”
It’s still a very good movie, I suppose it’s just personal preference.
6/8
What are your thoughts on 'Do The Right Thing'?
It’s been too long since I’ve seen it! We studied it at college, I remember it being a really smart social commentary, but I cannot remember the look and feel of it. Might need a rewatch so I can answer this properly.
The story would be unbelievable if it wasn’t true. It’s an incredibly pertinent film in the Trump America of today, and while I loved the cast and the film’s sense of humour, I never have, and doubt I ever will, like Spike Lee’s style. Some of the visual flourishes broke my suspension of disbelief and I don’t know what they’re supposed to add beyond Lee saying “hey look at me, this is my film don’t forget!”
It’s still a very good movie, I suppose it’s just personal preference.
6/8
What are your thoughts on 'Do The Right Thing'?
It’s been too long since I’ve seen it! We studied it at college, I remember it being a really smart social commentary, but I cannot remember the look and feel of it. Might need a rewatch so I can answer this properly.
It is one of my favourites, but it does contain all the stylistic stuff that he goes on to use, so I was interested if you thought it works better in that film. I can completely get why people don't go for it, though. And I think he has made some really bad films, along with some really good.
Wow. There’s so much wrong with it. The acting (it’s like Pugwall: The Movie), the whitewashing and Brian May positioning himself as the moral centre and brains of the band. And the editing. That this got nominated for an editing Oscar is fucking incredible. There are at least two scenes that are genuinely amateur hour.
Still, Malek is excellent, some of the song writing montages are well executed and the Live Aid sequence is spot on (it was an open goal so I don’t give too much credit for that).
It’s compelling viewing but I don’t quite know why. It’s technically bad filmmaking. It shouldn’t be anywhere near an awards show (not least with the man who directed the bulk of it being an accused child rapist). It just has something about it I can’t put my finger on. I don’t even know what rating to give it. I’m baffled.
I remember switching off the Ed Norton one halfway through. 25th Hour? That irritated me enough to nope out of there!
Wash your mouth out with soap and jism!
You have shocked me there, I thought 25th hour was a really smart film in 2003 ish when I first saw it and that Ed Norton was superb along with Barry Pepper, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Rosario Dawson.
Made my wife and in-laws watch 3 billboards last night, or I tried to at least, they need something a bit more mainstream sadly
Wow. There’s so much wrong with it. The acting (it’s like Pugwall: The Movie), the whitewashing and Brian May positioning himself as the moral centre and brains of the band. And the editing. That this got nominated for an editing Oscar is fucking incredible. There are at least two scenes that are genuinely amateur hour.
Still, Malek is excellent, some of the song writing montages are well executed and the Live Aid sequence is spot on (it was an open goal so I don’t give too much credit for that).
It’s compelling viewing but I don’t quite know why. It’s technically bad filmmaking. It shouldn’t be anywhere near an awards show (not least with the man who directed the bulk of it being an accused child rapist). It just has something about it I can’t put my finger on. I don’t even know what rating to give it. I’m baffled.
I know what you mean. They made it look like he came back for Live Aid despite suffering from AIDS when apparently he didn’t have any symptoms until later. I suppose it made it more poignant, but it detracted from the film for me.
I thought they edited the music very well though. And I enjoyed the early years stuff particularly.
One Cut of the Dead. An excellent zom-com from Japan where real zombies crash the filming of a low budget zombie movie and then spins off into a meta movie within a movie. Cleverly done, silly and warm-hearted too.
Clint Eastwood plays a 90 year old drug mule shipping drugs for a Mexican cartel. Gently paced but entertaining and Eastwood still has a considerable screen presence. 7/10
One Cut of the Dead. An excellent zom-com from Japan where real zombies crash the filming of a low budget zombie movie and then spins off into a meta movie within a movie. Cleverly done, silly and warm-hearted too.
I loved this, did not expect after the first set piece it would be as full of laugh and heart as it is.
Vice . A film with great intentions but ultimately I think ( and this will sound strange) it will be a little bit too political for the everyday movie goer. Rockwell is excellent as George W Bush and Bale is good too but it it don’t think it win best picture at the Oscars . 8 out of 10
Enjoyed it although found the satire a bit overdone in places - didn't find it too political. Bale is excellent as Cheney a truly repellent character who is skilled in exploiting the system.
The murky links between business and foreign policy are touched upon and you can see things under Trump are just following on from this. 8/10
Fyre on Netflix is pretty entertaining - I enjoyed watching it all going disasterously wrong, you can see whats going to happen from the start. The main guy is clearly little better than a flash con artist with no moral code, though I did feel for the local population who got shafted, especially the caterer. Glad to see the other day that she has been reimbursed my a crowd sourcing fundraiser - hopefully the money actually makes it to her!
Watched this last night - amazing documentary. Reminded me of the planning strategy for Brexit - just keep pretending all will be okay.
Billy McFarland was about as credible as Donald Trump - amazes me how people were taken in by the twunt.
Yep, it's good. Can't argue with anything that's already been said or add too much. Could have been schmaltzy or over-the-top tearjerky, but Cooper has shown himself to be a very credible director capable of sensitivity and subtlety. Especially like how he keeps the camera in close up rather than showing the vast, screaming crowds and such. Not a huge fan of Gaga's performance, it was decent and occasionally wooden, but worth casting to get her voice I suppose. Career best from Cooper.
Velvet Buzzsaw. The latest Netflix original that everyone’s talking about for the wrong reasons and I have to go with the consensus. It’s bloody awful . Labelled as a horror / Thriller it’s actually neither. What it is is a group of talented actors ( Jake Gyllenhaal , Rene Ruso etc) paid handsomely to act out a terrible movie . The dialogue is embarrassing and characters are so ridiculous you’re never actually sure if it’s meant to be a comedy . The director should never be given work again ! Avoid 2 out of 10
A pretty silly mockumentary from a couple of the blokes in Flight of the Conchords, it's about some house sharing vampires in New Zealand. Some proper belly laugh moments, it's not going to win any prizes but it did make me laugh and for a comedy that is all I can ask for.
Velvet Buzzsaw. The latest Netflix original that everyone’s talking about for the wrong reasons and I have to go with the consensus. It’s bloody awful . Labelled as a horror / Thriller it’s actually neither. What it is is a group of talented actors ( Jake Gyllenhaal , Rene Ruso etc) paid handsomely to act out a terrible movie . The dialogue is embarrassing and characters are so ridiculous you’re never actually sure if it’s meant to be a comedy . The director should never be given work again ! Avoid 2 out of 10
Did you see Nightcrawler, by any chance? And if so, how does it compare? Because that was mismarketed as a horror/thriller But was actually a great dark comedy.
Velvet Buzzsaw. The latest Netflix original that everyone’s talking about for the wrong reasons and I have to go with the consensus. It’s bloody awful . Labelled as a horror / Thriller it’s actually neither. What it is is a group of talented actors ( Jake Gyllenhaal , Rene Ruso etc) paid handsomely to act out a terrible movie . The dialogue is embarrassing and characters are so ridiculous you’re never actually sure if it’s meant to be a comedy . The director should never be given work again ! Avoid 2 out of 10
Did you see Nightcrawler, by any chance? And if so, how does it compare? Because that was mismarketed as a horror/thriller But was actually a great dark comedy.
Nightcrawler was great . This is the complete opposite . A total mess of a film .
Velvet Buzzsaw. The latest Netflix original that everyone’s talking about for the wrong reasons and I have to go with the consensus. It’s bloody awful . Labelled as a horror / Thriller it’s actually neither. What it is is a group of talented actors ( Jake Gyllenhaal , Rene Ruso etc) paid handsomely to act out a terrible movie . The dialogue is embarrassing and characters are so ridiculous you’re never actually sure if it’s meant to be a comedy . The director should never be given work again ! Avoid 2 out of 10
Did you see Nightcrawler, by any chance? And if so, how does it compare? Because that was mismarketed as a horror/thriller But was actually a great dark comedy.
Nightcrawler was great . This is the complete opposite . A total mess of a film .
A pretty silly mockumentary from a couple of the blokes in Flight of the Conchords, it's about some house sharing vampires in New Zealand. Some proper belly laugh moments, it's not going to win any prizes but it did make me laugh and for a comedy that is all I can ask for.
8/10
I really enjoyed one, it's often very silly but never stupid and did get me laughing more than I thought it would.
My son was pressing me the other day for my favourite film. I hate that question because great films move you in different ways and over time some get better, some get worse. Stan and Ollie had a real magic to it thanks to the main performances, and I think Bohemian Rhapsody likewise although neither are my favourite ever films despite being excellent. I think what elevates a film for me is the acting performances - when you get jaw dropping ones - Django Unchained had three genius performances from Christoph Waltz, Samuel L Jackson and Leonardo DiCaprio. They take the film onto another level.
I couldn't answer straight away, but on reflection, nothing can beat 'Life is Beautiful' for me. Roberto Benigni put in the performance of a lifetime and carried that film into greatness. A sure test of that is my teen son saw it, a bit under protest because it was subtitled, and then he ordered the DVD to watch with his girlfriend. If you haven't seen it, give it a go. It changes mood dramatically from one half to the other so stay with it. The last scene made me cry and that isn't easy for a film.
A few of the Netflix "Originals" of late have been stinkers despite the budgets. They need to get their act together....especially here with the limited titles available.
Green Book . A wonderful film ( and a true story ) about a unique relationship between two very different people . Superb performance from Mahershala Ali and Vigi Mortensen and Quite rightly nominated for best picture . 9 out of 10
I’ve seen all the films nominated now and for me it’s between Green Book and Bohemian Rhapsody that should win best picture.
Green Book . A wonderful film ( and a true story ) about a unique relationship between two very different people . Superb performance from Mahershala Ali and Vigi Mortensen and Quite rightly nominated for best picture . 9 out of 10
I’ve seen all the films nominated now and for me it’s between Green Book and Bohemian Rhapsody that should win best picture.
I don’t think Bohemian Rhopsody has the weight or depth to be a best picture winner. Could be wrong. Really liked the film btw.
A few of the Netflix "Originals" of late have been stinkers despite the budgets. They need to get their act together....especially here with the limited titles available.
They don’t make all of those films. Some are being made and not getting distribution deals, so Netflix snap them up on the cheap. It doesn’t seem to matter if they’re no good, at least in terms of customer retention.
And for the movies, they get to make a solid bit of cash without the ignominy of flopping publicly when released at the cinema.
Basically they’re straight-to-video titles with a Netflix Originals badge, and that’s convincing us they’re worth watching!
At least that’s how I understand it. @supaclive is the expert here.
A few of the Netflix "Originals" of late have been stinkers despite the budgets. They need to get their act together....especially here with the limited titles available.
They don’t make all of those films. Some are being made and not getting distribution deals, so Netflix snap them up on the cheap. It doesn’t seem to matter if they’re no good, at least in terms of customer retention.
And for the movies, they get to make a solid bit of cash without the ignominy of flopping publicly when released at the cinema.
Basically they’re straight-to-video titles with a Netflix Originals badge, and that’s convincing us they’re worth watching!
At least that’s how I understand it. @supaclive is the expert here.
Full Sundance review tomorrow.
@JiMMy 85 is correct. Netflix acquire films now that Studios (Paramount mostly) don't consider good enough for theatrical. They do buy some very good films at festivals but this is less and less their modus operandi.
They are financing films at script stage and believe that's the way forward.
They are $billions in debt, their subscriber base will dwindle when Disney SVOD launches, followed by other Studios.
They need to buy more great films from independent studios. But they believe differently.
My opinion is they'll never beart Amazon, Facebook, Google, Sky or ITunes in the long term streaming race.....
Green Book . A wonderful film ( and a true story ) about a unique relationship between two very different people . Superb performance from Mahershala Ali and Vigi Mortensen and Quite rightly nominated for best picture . 9 out of 10
I’ve seen all the films nominated now and for me it’s between Green Book and Bohemian Rhapsody that should win best picture.
I don’t think Bohemian Rhopsody has the weight or depth to be a best picture winner. Could be wrong. Really liked the film btw.
A few of the Netflix "Originals" of late have been stinkers despite the budgets. They need to get their act together....especially here with the limited titles available.
They don’t make all of those films. Some are being made and not getting distribution deals, so Netflix snap them up on the cheap. It doesn’t seem to matter if they’re no good, at least in terms of customer retention.
And for the movies, they get to make a solid bit of cash without the ignominy of flopping publicly when released at the cinema.
Basically they’re straight-to-video titles with a Netflix Originals badge, and that’s convincing us they’re worth watching!
At least that’s how I understand it. @supaclive is the expert here.
Full Sundance review tomorrow.
@JiMMy 85 is correct. Netflix acquire films now that Studios (Paramount mostly) don't consider good enough for theatrical. They do buy some very good films at festivals but this is less and less their modus operandi.
They are financing films at script stage and believe that's the way forward.
They are $billions in debt, their subscriber base will dwindle when Disney SVOD launches, followed by other Studios.
They need to buy more great films from independent studios. But they believe differently.
My opinion is they'll never beart Amazon, Facebook, Google, Sky or ITunes in the long term streaming race.....
I’m really interested to see what happens with Disney content on Sky in the near future. If, as I’m assuming, Disney end their output deals with Netflix and Sky, then Sky will lose a major chunk of their top rating movies. And their Disney channel. I’d wager that Sky Cinema is taking a hit from Netflix being on SkyQ too.
On another note, this studio-specific apps trend smacks of the studio system early years to me. It can’t be good for the consumer to have to pay each studio directly for their content! There’s a reason the Paramoint Case came about!! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Paramount_Pictures,_Inc.
People can pick holes is Bohemian Rhapsody all they like but all I know is , is that it was the most enjoyable film I’ve seen in a long time and easily the most affecting of the 8 films nominated and any movie that has an emotional affect on a miserable git like me ,deserves all the plaudits it can get even if , as I keep getting told , it’s got a million and one flaws . That’s for me is what movie going is all about. Hitting that nerve or creating that emotional reaction. I loved it and nobody will change my mind .
I would never deny someone’s enjoyment of a film, the way I see it, if you like a film more than me then you win.
But a film with scenes edited as badly as that shouldn’t be winning awards for editing (and I’d argue can’t possibly be ‘best film’). Some sequences are slickly cut (the title song being recorded for example) but that scene alone is so insanely bad I can’t honestly believe it was edited by a professional.
But I guess that’s all by the by. Cos regardless of how much that stuff can be overlooked in favour of its emotional punch, it is extremely unlikely to win best film with its director being accused of a litany of deeply sordid acts.
Comments
Wow. There’s so much wrong with it. The acting (it’s like Pugwall: The Movie), the whitewashing and Brian May positioning himself as the moral centre and brains of the band. And the editing. That this got nominated for an editing Oscar is fucking incredible. There are at least two scenes that are genuinely amateur hour.
Still, Malek is excellent, some of the song writing montages are well executed and the Live Aid sequence is spot on (it was an open goal so I don’t give too much credit for that).
It’s compelling viewing but I don’t quite know why. It’s technically bad filmmaking. It shouldn’t be anywhere near an awards show (not least with the man who directed the bulk of it being an accused child rapist). It just has something about it I can’t put my finger on. I don’t even know what rating to give it. I’m baffled.
You have shocked me there, I thought 25th hour was a really smart film in 2003 ish when I first saw it and that Ed Norton was superb along with Barry Pepper, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Rosario Dawson.
Made my wife and in-laws watch 3 billboards last night, or I tried to at least, they need something a bit more mainstream sadly
They made it look like he came back for Live Aid despite suffering from AIDS when apparently he didn’t have any symptoms until later. I suppose it made it more poignant, but it detracted from the film for me.
I thought they edited the music very well though. And I enjoyed the early years stuff particularly.
Clint Eastwood plays a 90 year old drug mule shipping drugs for a Mexican cartel. Gently paced but entertaining and Eastwood still has a considerable screen presence. 7/10
The murky links between business and foreign policy are touched upon and you can see things under Trump are just following on from this. 8/10
Billy McFarland was about as credible as Donald Trump - amazes me how people were taken in by the twunt.
Yep, it's good. Can't argue with anything that's already been said or add too much. Could have been schmaltzy or over-the-top tearjerky, but Cooper has shown himself to be a very credible director capable of sensitivity and subtlety. Especially like how he keeps the camera in close up rather than showing the vast, screaming crowds and such. Not a huge fan of Gaga's performance, it was decent and occasionally wooden, but worth casting to get her voice I suppose. Career best from Cooper.
7/8
8/10
The latest Netflix original that everyone’s talking about for the wrong reasons and I have to go with the consensus. It’s bloody awful .
Labelled as a horror / Thriller it’s actually neither.
What it is is a group of talented actors ( Jake Gyllenhaal , Rene Ruso etc) paid handsomely to act out a terrible movie . The dialogue is embarrassing and characters are so ridiculous you’re never actually sure if it’s meant to be a comedy . The director should never be given work again !
Avoid
2 out of 10
A pretty silly mockumentary from a couple of the blokes in Flight of the Conchords, it's about some house sharing vampires in New Zealand. Some proper belly laugh moments, it's not going to win any prizes but it did make me laugh and for a comedy that is all I can ask for.
8/10
I couldn't answer straight away, but on reflection, nothing can beat 'Life is Beautiful' for me. Roberto Benigni put in the performance of a lifetime and carried that film into greatness. A sure test of that is my teen son saw it, a bit under protest because it was subtitled, and then he ordered the DVD to watch with his girlfriend. If you haven't seen it, give it a go. It changes mood dramatically from one half to the other so stay with it. The last scene made me cry and that isn't easy for a film.
9 out of 10
I’ve seen all the films nominated now and for me it’s between Green Book and Bohemian Rhapsody that should win best picture.
And for the movies, they get to make a solid bit of cash without the ignominy of flopping publicly when released at the cinema.
Basically they’re straight-to-video titles with a Netflix Originals badge, and that’s convincing us they’re worth watching!
At least that’s how I understand it. @supaclive is the expert here.
@JiMMy 85 is correct. Netflix acquire films now that Studios (Paramount mostly) don't consider good enough for theatrical. They do buy some very good films at festivals but this is less and less their modus operandi.
They are financing films at script stage and believe that's the way forward.
They are $billions in debt, their subscriber base will dwindle when Disney SVOD launches, followed by other Studios.
They need to buy more great films from independent studios. But they believe differently.
My opinion is they'll never beart Amazon, Facebook, Google, Sky or ITunes in the long term streaming race.....
On another note, this studio-specific apps trend smacks of the studio system early years to me. It can’t be good for the consumer to have to pay each studio directly for their content! There’s a reason the Paramoint Case came about!! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Paramount_Pictures,_Inc.
But a film with scenes edited as badly as that shouldn’t be winning awards for editing (and I’d argue can’t possibly be ‘best film’). Some sequences are slickly cut (the title song being recorded for example) but that scene alone is so insanely bad I can’t honestly believe it was edited by a professional.
But I guess that’s all by the by. Cos regardless of how much that stuff can be overlooked in favour of its emotional punch, it is extremely unlikely to win best film with its director being accused of a litany of deeply sordid acts.