TV/Movies Megathread

[Eddie Teach]

The Great Gatsby. Very theatrical, indulgent, lush, surreal... By the same guy who did Moulin Rouge, fortunately there's considerably less singing. I liked it. Thinking on it, I feel it did well by the source material. There's a definite otherworldly unreality about the events in the novel that may not fully set in when you're reading it in print.

[Ideologue]

I love that comparison, and it's true.  Turns out Moulin Rouge without songs is good!

One of these days I need to watch Australia.

[celedhring]

2013 in review (the worst 10)

I've recently watched Confused Matthew's review of Star Trek: Into Darkness. I normally don't agree with his reviews (but watch them anyways, to get a different perspective/opinion on things), but I thought this time he was pretty spot on. The first act sets up all kinds of interesting conflicts (Kirk having to act more rational and obey orders - leading to problems when the orders are questionable, Spock realizing that following the rules all the time may hurt his friendships, Section 31 and its impact on the peaceful Federation, etc.).

But hardly any of this is really followed through for maximum impact, and instead it gets bogged down in mindless action.

Pretty much agree on that. The whole beginning of the movie is full of interesting and engaging stuff that then dissipates. Even the villain ends up defeated kinda easily.

[Scipio]

2013 in review (the worst 10)

I've recently watched Confused Matthew's review of Star Trek: Into Darkness. I normally don't agree with his reviews (but watch them anyways, to get a different perspective/opinion on things), but I thought this time he was pretty spot on. The first act sets up all kinds of interesting conflicts (Kirk having to act more rational and obey orders - leading to problems when the orders are questionable, Spock realizing that following the rules all the time may hurt his friendships, Section 31 and its impact on the peaceful Federation, etc.).

But hardly any of this is really followed through for maximum impact, and instead it gets bogged down in mindless action.

Pretty much agree on that. The whole beginning of the movie is full of interesting and engaging stuff that then dissipates. Even the villain ends up defeated kinda easily.

It's tempting to think that a competent film-maker could take all the footage and recut it into a passable film.

[Josquius]

I loved the beginning of Into Darkness. So wonderful to see a TOS style crazy adventure done with modern movie technology.

[Norgy]

Why did we need a serialisation of From Dusk Till Dawn again?

[Ed Anger]

So now I can finally put 2013 behind me!

2013 in review (the middle 80)
2013 in review (the top 10)
2013 in review (the worst 10)

Happy New Year everyone!

Her. #3. SUFFERIN SUCCOTASH

[frunk]

Yeah, but that happens in Star Trek II as well, except it's nuanced and stuff.  Kirk fucks up bad when he lets the Reliant close in.  Spock saves everybody.  It's entirely Kirk's fault (and one wonders if, were Star Trek more realistic, he'd have faced a career setback even without the actual treason in ST:III).

It's different when they are [spoiler]reprising the same situation[/spoiler].  It's questionable if Spock would of done better than Kirk when facing the Reliant, there's no doubt that [spoiler]Into Darknesss Spock did better than ST 2 Kirk[/spoiler].

[Syt]

Also, ST2 for the most part follows through on its themes (aging, reconciling oneself with the past, coping with unwinnable scenarios, the need to be the one in the big chair and prove oneself, science as tool for peace and war, revenge ....), while STID seems to throw up its hands after half the movie and say, "Fuck it, can't be bothered. Here's some explosions and silly fisticuffs."

And the last half hour was really bad. [spoiler]A giant ship crashing into San Francisco causing 9/11 times 1000 (911,000?) but a few blocks away everybody carries on with their lives, Spock fighting Khan, Kirk being brought back dead ...[/spoiler]

[Ideologue]

So now I can finally put 2013 behind me!

2013 in review (the middle 80)
2013 in review (the top 10)
2013 in review (the worst 10)

Happy New Year everyone!

Her. #3. SUFFERIN SUCCOTASH

I'm frankly amazed you even saw it.

[Ideologue]

Yeah, but that happens in Star Trek II as well, except it's nuanced and stuff.  Kirk fucks up bad when he lets the Reliant close in.  Spock saves everybody.  It's entirely Kirk's fault (and one wonders if, were Star Trek more realistic, he'd have faced a career setback even without the actual treason in ST:III).

It's different when they are [spoiler]reprising the same situation[/spoiler].  It's questionable if Spock would of done better than Kirk when facing the Reliant, there's no doubt that [spoiler]Into Darknesss Spock did better than ST 2 Kirk[/spoiler].

Okay, I buy it, but to what extent does that say anything about the characters, except Young Kirk sucks (which is already axiomatic)?

[frunk]

Okay, I buy it, but to what extent does that say anything about the characters, except Young Kirk sucks (which is already axiomatic)?

It entertained me.  I thoroughly disliked the first reboot movie, primarily because I didn't like Kirk and thought the plot, such that it was, never even tried to make sense.  Into Darkness had many dumb plot points but at least they were strung together in a logical order.  That's all I really expect out of a Star Trek movie, so the back references were a nice bonus.

[Neil]

Anyone else very excited by Noah?

The last movie about Russell Crowe on a boat was amazing, so I'll give it a chance.

[celedhring]

Anyone else very excited by Noah?

The last movie about Russell Crowe on a boat was amazing, so I'll give it a chance.

Master & Commander 

Such a pity they didn't adapt a few more.

[Viking]

Anyone else very excited by Noah?

The last movie about Russell Crowe on a boat was amazing, so I'll give it a chance.

The last movie about Russell Crowe about the end of the world was mediocre.