Almodovar's latest, out now. I generally find his films interesting but the quality varies.
This is his first film in English, starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton. It concerns a terminally ill woman who wants to manage her own death but have her friend nearby when she does it.
Its about 110 minutes, which passes easily enough but I didnt find the characters particularly engaging or sympathetic, and some of the dialogue felt a bit forced. A film considering the implications of ageing, illness and mortality is never going to be a riot, but I was glad when it ended and I could go for a Brakspears down the road. Worthy rather than enjoyable.
5.5/10
Two things: Ms AA thought it an interesting film was some amazing fashion.
You have Brakspears? You lucky, lucky bleeder.
Luck has nothing to do with it - I don't live near Henley by accident
I'm a sucker for zombie films and apocalypse event films. This one is zombie/infected shit scary running things that provide the shit-your-pants moments
The lead actor was very decent and ably supported by his pet cat who I spent a lot of the film worried about. Its a well trodden patch and there are some nice bits of humanity weaved into the story. It seems to be building to a sequel which is kind of fair enough. I enjoyed it
Watched ‘And Mrs’ on Netflix last night. Was ok, an easy watch, a few laughs.
But two things struck me, firstly I realised I feel sorry for Colin Hanks because he’s just a younger version of his Dad in everything I’ve ever seen him in. And then secondly I stopped feeling sorry for him because his syrup completely distracted me from the film…….ffs!
Jeez, I was about to reply to this and realised it was my own post.
No but I read today (in The Guardian) that it's been ranked as Spielberg's best ever film and the 3rd best film of this century overall by French film critics.
Which says more about the French than anything else if they think it’s better than Jaws , Close Encounters, Schindlers List , ET , Saving Private Ryan , Minority Report , Jurassic Park etc…
The Fablemans is a good film but it’s way , way down on the list of his best films .
I just watched it for a second time on Saturday and although I like it, I wouldn’t put it higher than 5th amongst your short list. French film critics like to look/sound clever.
I went to see Small Things Like These with Cillian Murphy at the weekend, a pretty sombre moving but quite touching. Based on a short story by Claire Keegan that my gf has read - Keegan also wrote Foster, which was turned into 'The Quiet Girl' a couple years back which I think won a few awards. Based in Ireland, I think it is meant to be Waterford, Murphy's character Bill Furlong struggles with conditions at the local convent in town which makes him reflect on his own upbringing - quite a touching story though not a happy Christmas tale even though it is set at Christmas.
I also watched Endurance on Disney+ on Friday night. Fascinating story, thoroughly enjoyed this with the mix of them telling the story of the hardships and struggles of the team, and the modern team trying to find the ship after it was swallowed by the sea. Would recommend if you have any interest in these expedition stories to watch if you can.
Wow, I can categorically say that both my wife & I thought it was the worst and most ridiculous film that we've ever seen. (not dissing your opinion).
That’s fine . I’ve spoken to people who thought the same as you but I’ve also talked to people who loved it like me . I think it will feature highly in awards season which isn’t actually saying anything because they normally get it disastrously wrong .
Just got home from seeing The Substance, a film that’s desperately trying to make a statement of some substance but grotesquely fails.
I liked the first hour or so before what could have been great science fiction becomes illogical and turns into a horror that’s so absurd that people in the cinema were laughing.
I went to see Small Things Like These with Cillian Murphy at the weekend, a pretty sombre moving but quite touching. Based on a short story by Claire Keegan that my gf has read - Keegan also wrote Foster, which was turned into 'The Quiet Girl' a couple years back which I think won a few awards. Based in Ireland, I think it is meant to be Waterford, Murphy's character Bill Furlong struggles with conditions at the local convent in town which makes him reflect on his own upbringing - quite a touching story though not a happy Christmas tale even though it is set at Christmas.
I also watched Endurance on Disney+ on Friday night. Fascinating story, thoroughly enjoyed this with the mix of them telling the story of the hardships and struggles of the team, and the modern team trying to find the ship after it was swallowed by the sea. Would recommend if you have any interest in these expedition stories to watch if you can.
Thanks for heads up on Endurance, didn't know they'd made it.
Frank Hurley, the photographer on the original expedition, was a genius, and his surviving film footage and photos are incredible.
Just got home from seeing The Substance, a film that’s desperately trying to make a statement of some substance but grotesquely fails.
I liked the first hour or so before what could have been great science fiction becomes illogical and turns into a horror that’s so absurd that people in the cinema were laughing.
That’s my issue with the Substance. It’s a good idea (although slightly predictable) and I thought the performances from the leads were good but it drags on far too long. There were a couple of moments about 30-45 mins before the finish when I assumed the film was ending, but no, on it goes with scenes that really add nothing to the story or the “message”.
Another nod to Gladiator, thought the lead guy was excellent, one or two daft moments in the filmwithout giving stuff away, they made me laugh.
And I did google one or two things that looked far fetched in the film, and stretched the boundaries a bit, but actually did happen.
Worth a watch, make your own mind up, loved the opening scenes.
I think the film actually started 39 minutes, after all the ads and trailers, the longest I can remember, sods law, you go in to see it after 30 minutes, and it’s already started! 🙄
Just got home from seeing The Substance, a film that’s desperately trying to make a statement of some substance but grotesquely fails.
I liked the first hour or so before what could have been great science fiction becomes illogical and turns into a horror that’s so absurd that people in the cinema were laughing.
That’s my issue with the Substance. It’s a good idea (although slightly predictable) and I thought the performances from the leads were good but it drags on far too long. There were a couple of moments about 30-45 mins before the finish when I assumed the film was ending, but no, on it goes with scenes that really add nothing to the story or the “message”.
If you look at Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 most of the public say something along the lines of this whereas the critics are largely gushing praise.
I think this makes a good illustration of the difference between public and critics: Is the public looking for entertainment and the critics looking for artistic merit?
I’m simplifying it somewhat but I see an ever increasing divide. Personally I want a logical storyline that’s believable. This for me is the bones of any book or film. A book then adds the flesh by good writing and a film by good acting and directing.
The Substance has good acting, directing that looks like 3 different directors have stepped in at different points, and a storyline that makes no sense in an effort to be artistic and clever. Not since AI has a film made me feel this annoyance.
Another nod to Gladiator, thought the lead guy was excellent, one or two daft moments in the filmwithout giving stuff away, they made me laugh.
And I did google one or two things that looked far fetched in the film, and stretched the boundaries a bit, but actually did happen.
Worth a watch, make your own mind up, loved the opening scenes.
I think the film actually started 39 minutes, after all the ads and trailers, the longest I can remember, sods law, you go in to see it after 30 minutes, and it’s already started! 🙄
Ads & trailers don’t usually last longer than 30 mins. I tend to get there 20 mins after the scheduled start.
The Substance in the opinion of my wife and I was the worst film we have seen at the cinema in 50 years ie our lives.
There were also people laughing when we were there & commenting on the way out how terrible it was.
Quite frankly I’m amazed that anyone could like it, but we’re all different.
A bit like artwork that looks painted by a 2 year old that some people think brilliant.
It is all about opinions . I thought it was great .
I’m often amazed how some films are classed as brilliant and I’ve hated them and Vice Versa . Especially Oscar winners . The Shape Of Water is one example I can think of . A terrible film in my opinion.
The Substance in the opinion of my wife and I was the worst film we have seen at the cinema in 50 years ie our lives.
There were also people laughing when we were there & commenting on the way out how terrible it was.
Quite frankly I’m amazed that anyone could like it, but we’re all different.
A bit like artwork that looks painted by a 2 year old that some people think brilliant.
It is all about opinions . I thought it was great .
I’m often amazed how some films are classed as brilliant and I’ve hated them and Vice Versa . Especially Oscar winners . The Shape Of Water is one example I can think of . A terrible film in my opinion.
The Shape of Water was a shockingly bad film. The Revenant was another awful film that people seemed to rate.
The Substance in the opinion of my wife and I was the worst film we have seen at the cinema in 50 years ie our lives.
There were also people laughing when we were there & commenting on the way out how terrible it was.
Quite frankly I’m amazed that anyone could like it, but we’re all different.
A bit like artwork that looks painted by a 2 year old that some people think brilliant.
It is all about opinions . I thought it was great .
I’m often amazed how some films are classed as brilliant and I’ve hated them and Vice Versa . Especially Oscar winners . The Shape Of Water is one example I can think of . A terrible film in my opinion.
The Shape of Water was a shockingly bad film. The Revenant was another awful film that people seemed to rate.
And I loved The Revenant so that kind of proves my point . I like it that people don’t agree on movies , it makes good conversation. ( most of the time !)
The Substance in the opinion of my wife and I was the worst film we have seen at the cinema in 50 years ie our lives.
There were also people laughing when we were there & commenting on the way out how terrible it was.
Quite frankly I’m amazed that anyone could like it, but we’re all different.
A bit like artwork that looks painted by a 2 year old that some people think brilliant.
It is all about opinions . I thought it was great .
I’m often amazed how some films are classed as brilliant and I’ve hated them and Vice Versa . Especially Oscar winners . The Shape Of Water is one example I can think of . A terrible film in my opinion.
The Shape of Water was a shockingly bad film. The Revenant was another awful film that people seemed to rate.
The Substance in the opinion of my wife and I was the worst film we have seen at the cinema in 50 years ie our lives.
There were also people laughing when we were there & commenting on the way out how terrible it was.
Quite frankly I’m amazed that anyone could like it, but we’re all different.
A bit like artwork that looks painted by a 2 year old that some people think brilliant.
It is all about opinions . I thought it was great .
I’m often amazed how some films are classed as brilliant and I’ve hated them and Vice Versa . Especially Oscar winners . The Shape Of Water is one example I can think of . A terrible film in my opinion.
The Shape of Water was a shockingly bad film. The Revenant was another awful film that people seemed to rate.
Gladiator II - 7/10, really good but not a as good as the original. Some of the contrived plot lines to make it connect to the first film are a bit silly and it may have been better off as a stand alone film. Denzel Washington is incredible.
It’s unusual for me to post on this thread and now I’m writing about a second film this weekend. Thankfully this time it’s about a film I loved: Get Out - this has to be the best film I’ve seen this year. Seriously, don’t even read about it, just watch it, it’s brilliant. It’s only on Netflix for two more weeks. If you can’t take my word for it, look on Rotten Tomatoes - I see loads of people are rightfully raving about it.
It’s unusual for me to post on this thread and now I’m writing about a second film this weekend. Thankfully this time it’s about a film I loved: Get Out - this has to be the best film I’ve seen this year. Seriously, don’t even read about it, just watch it, it’s brilliant. It’s only on Netflix for two more weeks. If you can’t take my word for it, look on Rotten Tomatoes - I see loads of people are rightfully raving about it.
Comments
Equally, what are these Aliens doing? Just hanging around on abandoned space craft hoping someone might show up?
Didn’t enjoy.
Perhaps I should post this on the, Things that make you feel old, thread.
What an epic piece of filmmaking. Incredible and really wish I’d got to see it in a cinema.
My Favourite film of 2024 so far. Not for the faint hearted
My Review is here
https://boxd.it/7LbMKR
In Spanish with English subtitles
I'm a sucker for zombie films and apocalypse event films. This one is zombie/infected shit scary running things that provide the shit-your-pants moments
The lead actor was very decent and ably supported by his pet cat who I spent a lot of the film worried about. Its a well trodden patch and there are some nice bits of humanity weaved into the story. It seems to be building to a sequel which is kind of fair enough. I enjoyed it
7/10
Was ok, an easy watch, a few laughs.
But two things struck me, firstly I realised I feel sorry for Colin Hanks because he’s just a younger version of his Dad in everything I’ve ever seen him in. And then secondly I stopped feeling sorry for him because his syrup completely distracted me from the film…….ffs!
French film critics like to look/sound clever.
Love the first two but reviews haven't been great.
Cinema trips with the kids next 3 weekends I suspect, Paddington, Wicked and Moana 2.
I also watched Endurance on Disney+ on Friday night. Fascinating story, thoroughly enjoyed this with the mix of them telling the story of the hardships and struggles of the team, and the modern team trying to find the ship after it was swallowed by the sea. Would recommend if you have any interest in these expedition stories to watch if you can.
Excellent 10/10.
I liked the first hour or so before what could have been great science fiction becomes illogical and turns into a horror that’s so absurd that people in the cinema were laughing.
Here’s a suitable review:
https://www.miamiartzine.com/Features.php?op=Article_17268292937334
And I did google one or two things that looked far fetched in the film, and stretched the boundaries a bit, but actually did happen.
Worth a watch, make your own mind up, loved the opening scenes.
I think the film actually started 39 minutes, after all the ads and trailers, the longest I can remember, sods law, you go in to see it after 30 minutes, and it’s already started! 🙄
I think this makes a good illustration of the difference between public and critics:
Is the public looking for entertainment and the critics looking for artistic merit?
I’m simplifying it somewhat but I see an ever increasing divide. Personally I want a logical storyline that’s believable. This for me is the bones of any book or film. A book then adds the flesh by good writing and a film by good acting and directing.
The Substance has good acting, directing that looks like 3 different directors have stepped in at different points, and a storyline that makes no sense in an effort to be artistic and clever.
Not since AI has a film made me feel this annoyance.
Quite frankly I’m amazed that anyone could like it, but we’re all different.
A bit like artwork that looks painted by a 2 year old that some people think brilliant.
Thankfully this time it’s about a film I loved:
Get Out - this has to be the best film I’ve seen this year. Seriously, don’t even read about it, just watch it, it’s brilliant. It’s only on Netflix for two more weeks.
If you can’t take my word for it, look on Rotten Tomatoes - I see loads of people are rightfully raving about it.