What's on your summer Must-Watch Movie List?

[Front-Ranger]

I've listed a few films I've recently seen or plan to see. Give me your list, and I'll add them!!

[Front-Ranger]

Okay, at least 10 people have viewed this poll, but no one has voted yet. What gives?

[Front-Ranger]

Okay, I added some more movies. I could also post here a little more about these movies if that helps!

[Brown Eyes]

From this list I voted for BBM and Maurice.  There's a very highly likelihood that I'll watch both of these movies at some point this summer.   Since I own both of them and they're generally in heavy rotation in my "to-watch list" anyway.

In terms of movies in the theatre, I'd like to see Moon since it's getting good reviews and mainly because I'm curious about the Bowie connection.  I also voted for other, because I'm really looking forward to the new Harry Potter movie.  I know I'm a geek... but I really enjoy those movies.  It's very rare that I see movies in the theatre anymore, but I'll make a point to see that one on the big screen.

[southendmd]

Well, on a recent Don Wroe's Cabin weekend, our intrepid Brokies watched these together:

Roar (TV, I know)
Were the World Mine
Shelter
BBM

While I liked Mysterious Skin, I don't think I'd like to see that one many times.
But, Joseph Gordon-Levitt has a new film--500 Days of Summer. 
I secretly hope he stars in the Heath Ledger Story. 

[Ellemeno]

But, Joseph Gordon-Levitt has a new film--500 Days of Summer. 
I secretly hope he stars in the Heath Ledger Story. 

I secretly hope so too, now that you've planted the idea in me 'ead.

[Ellemeno]

I really want to see Away We Go, starring the adorable and intelligent John Krasinski and the equally adorable and intelligent Maya Rudolph.

I'm going to see it tonight on a hhot date (said in a old, phlegmy Yiddish accent a la Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally) tonight with Mr. Meno.  We are going as part of the celebration of my fiftieth birthday tomorrow.  I am turning fifty tomorrow.  Fifty years old.  Me.  Fifty.  Mefifty.  I am practicing, to get proficient at believing it.

Fifty.  Moi.

[Meryl]

I am turning fifty tomorrow.  Fifty years old.  Me.  Fifty.  Mefifty.  I am practicing, to get proficient at believing it.

Fifty.  Moi.

What!  I thought you were around 45.  Well, welcome to the fifties!  I think you'll find them quite nice. 

[Front-Ranger]

Okay I added two more and you can change your vote if you wish! Let us know what you think of Away We Go, Elle! I agree with Meryl, I think you'll like the 50s...I do!!

p.s. Have a happy birthday!

[Front-Ranger]

I have a lot of movies to catch up on. Last Friday i watched Brokeback Mountain with 5 friends in high-definition, lying on my lambskin. I think that's a good way to kick off the summer viewing season, don't you? Saw Little Ashes on Saturday, and am halfway through Big Eden. I'll see Cheri tomorrow night and hope to see at least one other movie before heading out to Wyoming next week. What'll it be...hmmm. Maybe one that's not on this list. Maybe, Tipping the Velvet!!

[Front-Ranger]

Tonight, it's Michelle Pfeiffer and Rupert Friend in Cheri. Clarissa, since it's your birthday, we won't expect a report on Away We Go until tomorrow (a.m. preferably!). 

[Jeff Wrangler]

This morning on TV I saw a commercial for movie called Julie and Julia, or something close to that. It's a kind of double story with Amy Adams as Julie and Meryl Streep as the one and only Julia Child, and it looks to be very funny indeed. I gather the plot involves Amy Adams cooking everything in Julia Child's cookbook and blogging about her experiences doing so. It appears to pair the Julie plot with a comic bio of Julia Child.

Amy Adams is very good, and Meryl Streep can do anything. Anyone who hasn't seen the two of them in Doubt should do so.

[Lynne]

I saw 500 Days of Summer at a film festival in Somerville earlier this year and thought it terrific!.  I love JGL even if he doesn't always come through for me (like Killshot *shudder*)

[serious crayons]

This morning on TV I saw a commercial for movie called Julie and Julia, or something close to that. It's a kind of double story with Amy Adams as Julie and Meryl Streep as the one and only Julia Child, and it looks to be very funny indeed. I gather the plot involves Amy Adams cooking everything in Julia Child's cookbook and blogging about her experiences doing so. It appears to pair the Julie plot with a comic bio of Julia Child.

Amy Adams is very good, and Meryl Streep can do anything. Anyone who hasn't seen the two of them in Doubt should do so.

And it's a true story, too. I remember that blog running on Salon.

I picked Up. If there were a thread asking what movies are on my must-avoid list, I would pick Transformers II: Revenge of the Fallen.

[Kd5000]

I was hoping to see MOON.  It sounds like an arthouse science fiction movie and it's getting good reviews, especially Sam Rockwell's performance.  Ppl say it's more like Solaris then your typical a mission to moon/Mars movie.  This should be a rare treat in the summer.  Most summer science fiction movies tend to be very NOISEY!  I hate having to sit thru a bunch of movie trailers where everything seems to be exploding.

[Front-Ranger]

Added the two Julies!!

Cheri WAS an indulgence...beautiful faces and bodies...fabulous costumes...lovely scenery and interiors. Kathy Bates was, as usual, superb. There were a couple of things that annoyed me about the movie, though. Primarily it was Pfeiffer's breathy delivery. Why couldn't she continue the great performance she gave as Ellen in The Age of Innocence? I tried to tune it out, but she's in almost every scene!! Rupert Friend was awesome. If I were his parent, I would have an overwhelming urge to name him Faithful or Fairweather or something. Rupert?? Oh, well, it makes him seem even more beautiful in contrast!!

[Jeff Wrangler]

Added the two Julies!!

Cheri WAS an indulgence...beautiful faces and bodies...fabulous costumes...lovely scenery and interiors. Kathy Bates was, as usual, superb. There were a couple of things that annoyed me about the movie, though. Primarily it was Pfeiffer's breathy delivery. Why couldn't she continue the great performance she gave as Ellen in The Age of Innocence? I tried to tune it out, but she's in almost every scene!! Rupert Friend was awesome. If I were his parent, I would have an overwhelming urge to name him Faithful or Fairweather or something. Rupert?? Oh, well, it makes him seem even more beautiful in contrast!!

The local reviewer in my morning newspaper described Rupert Friend as having lips like ripe plums.

Yum. ...

She didn't like the movie, though. She says it's a bad adaptation, that the original Collette story is actually a tragedy but you don't get that from this film.

[Front-Ranger]

The local reviewer in my morning newspaper described Rupert Friend as having lips like ripe plums.

Yum. ...

She didn't like the movie, though. She says it's a bad adaptation, that the original Collette story is actually a tragedy but you don't get that from this film.

Yes, and much was made of his eyes like soles, or souls. I was thriled by, of all things, his arms, as well as the arms of the two leads in Little Ashes. I'm becoming an arm person. Have I been influenced by Michelle O. perhaps?

There were two novels, Cheri and Last of Cheri. Neither one was a tragedy, IMHO. I don't think the reviewer read those books anytime recently!! Besides, the movie did have a sad ending. Perhaps the reviewer didn't stay till the end. There is a longish speech at the end, which I liked, but all the guys in the audience were squirming...

My other gripe with the movie is that we see a scene at the beginning of their affair, and then jump to the last day of their affair six months later when Cheri's engagement was announced!! I felt cheated!!

[southendmd]

What's wrong with Rupert?  Here are two lovely Ruperts:

[Front-Ranger]

Let's see...one Rupert, two Ruperts...where's the second Rupert, friend? Hopefully, he's coming! Coming soon!!

Oh, and another thing, there were these smacking sounds when they kissed. One or two smacks is alright but every time? Yuck!

[Jeff Wrangler]

Yes, and much was made of his eyes like soles, or souls. I was thriled by, of all things, his arms, as well as the arms of the two leads in Little Ashes. I'm becoming an arm person. Have I been influenced by Michelle O. perhaps?

There were two novels, Cheri and Last of Cheri. Neither one was a tragedy, IMHO. I don't think the reviewer read those books anytime recently!! Besides, the movie did have a sad ending. Perhaps the reviewer didn't stay till the end. There is a longish speech at the end, which I liked, but all the guys in the audience were squirming...

My other gripe with the movie is that we see a scene at the beginning of their affair, and then jump to the last day of their affair six months later when Cheri's engagement was announced!! I felt cheated!!

Oh, she stayed for the end, because she complains about the movie's "hasty third act and abrupt denouement." As for the story being a tragedy, what she said was, "If you are not familiar with the source material, a May/September romance about the power and powerlessness of love, will you understand from this film that the seriocomic story is one of literature's great tragedies? I think not." She concludes her review, "What is lacking in this version, with its hasty third act and abrupt denouement, is the surprise that their union [Lea and Cheri] may be the deepest love either will ever know."

That concluding comment reminds you of somebody, don't it? The review makes me want to read Collette rather than go to the movies.

Except that I'm straight for Michelle Pfeiffer and have been since at least The Witches of Eastwick. 

[Ellemeno]

I LOVED Away We Go.  I think everyone who has participated in this thread will too.

You know how you go to a movie, and all the previews look horrible and stupid and awful?  Not this time.  Every preview looked great.  500 Days of Summer with JGL and the quirky and interesting Zooey Deschanel looks great, and Whatever Works, with Larry David playing Woody Allen looks good, and Julie and Julia does too.  I'm excited.  I don't often have movies I'm eager to see.

[serious crayons]

Maybe we should start picking which movies to go to based on which ones will be accompanied by the best trailers!

I very rarely see horror movies or action movies, but every now and then there's some exceptional one and I go. And the trailers are always awful.

[Front-Ranger]

Definitely read Colette and if some are inspired to by this movie, then it will have served a good purpose!!

I don't blame the reviewer for bemoaning the hastiness of the third act, because the "third act" in life is often hasty and anticlimactic as well. That is when you realize that you had something good and you threw it away and you hastily rummage through the trash can looking for your treasure, only to find that it is just a shadow of its former self. You breath in the smell of it hoping for the sweet salty stink but there is nothing there, nothing but your memories and imagination.

Except that I'm straight for Michelle Pfeiffer and have been since at least The Witches of Eastwick. 

I'm envious of her! MP has the most wonderful bow-shaped upper lip which I've never noticed before!! I bet I could teach her to kiss without smacking! Look for my credit as her kissing coach in her next movie!!

[serious crayons]

I saw Up this afternoon. It was good, very touching.

While at the theater, I also took in little 5-minute samples of The Proposal, The Hangover and Away We Go, and all looked like they'd be fun.

[Jeff Wrangler]

The Hangover

I learned this week that Bradley Cooper is from the Philadelphia 'burbs. He developed his hot bod rowing crew in high school.

[Front-Ranger]

I saw Up this afternoon. It was good, very touching.

I'm so glad you saw it and liked it! Did you see it in 3-D? Did you keep your glasses?

[serious crayons]

I'm so glad you saw it and liked it! Did you see it in 3-D? Did you keep your glasses?

I did. But it's a little problematic, because I wear them over my regular glasses. I turned them back in at the end of the show.

[Front-Ranger]

I went with a whole row full of people, Brokies mostly, and my friend Adam demanded that we turn the special glasses over to him at the end of the show. Can't imagine what he's plotting!!

[Front-Ranger]

The New Yorker calls Up "a complete triumph, even an instant classic." Time for more voters to have their say on this year's summer movies!!

[Front-Ranger]

I was thinking of seeing Away We Go this pm, and would appreciate a review from a Brokie.

There's a great article on Nora Ephron in this week's New Yorker, which touches on her new movie Julie and Julia. I can't imagine Meryl Streep as Julia Child (who I met once) so this is a must-see for me!!

[southendmd]

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81pGaV9RIbA[/youtube]

This looks hilarious.

[Front-Ranger]

Thanks, friend. That does look good!! I'd better not go with an empty stomach!!

[Front-Ranger]

Over 400 views yet only 7 people cared to vote? No wonder the motion picture industry is declining!! 

[Mikaela]

OK, I voted and I voted for "Other". The only film I *know* I'll be seing without a hint of a doubt isn't on your list - The Half Blood Prince. Fresh Alan Rickman as Snape.... wild horses couldn't drag me away! 

I also hope to go see Julie and Julia, Cheri and certainly 500 DAys of Summer.

I think I was nearly scared off your list by the prominent placement of "Mysterious Skin". Yes, I've seen it, and it really takes a person summoning strenght and courage to do so.... not exactly standard light summer fare!

[Penthesilea]

Over 400 views yet only 7 people cared to vote? No wonder the motion picture industry is declining!! 

I didn't vote because there are no movies I plan to watch (what did you just say about the movie industry declining? ).

But then I remembered that in fact I do plan to see a movie: Ice Age 3 (and I voted!).
The kids want to see it. Now, lets see if there are other reasons for the declining movie industry than desinterest of people:

I will go, plus my three kids, plus a friend of my daughter = 5 people. Approx entrence fee is 6 € pp.

Then of course every child wants a small popcorn or silimar, and a small beverage (me, too). Popcorn is 2,20; soda is 2,20€.
Makes 10,40€ per person. X 5 = 52€ = 72$.

My kids are not overly demanding, and I think the smallest popcorn size available and the smallest soda availabe are reasonable wishes. But an afternoon at the movies for 72$? That's something which is only infrequently on our schedule.

[belbbmfan]

I didn't vote because there are no movies I plan to watch (what did you just say about the movie industry declining? ).

But then I remembered that in fact I do plan to see a movie: Ice Age 3 (and I voted!).
The kids want to see it. Now, lets see if there are other reasons for the declining movie industry than desinterest of people:

I will go, plus my three kids, plus a friend of my daughter = 5 people. Approx entrence fee is 6 € pp.

Then of course every child wants a small popcorn or silimar, and a small beverage (me, too). Popcorn is 2,20; soda is 2,20€.
Makes 10,40€ per person. X 5 = 52€ = 72$.

My kids are not overly demanding, and I think the smallest popcorn size available and the smallest soda availabe are reasonable wishes. But an afternoon at the movies for 72$? That's something which is only infrequently on our schedule.

I hear you Chrissi.

We saw Ice Age 3 two days ago with the kids and my nephew. The total cost of the tickets was 51 euros, the candy and bottled water was 27 euros.

 

The tickets were more expensive because the movie is in 3D. They gave us these special glasses (we all looked great wearing them  ). The movie was well worth it though. We had a great time.

But not something for every week. 

[Meryl]

I have seen Cheri and thought it was so-so, except for the exquisite costumes and sets and the eye candy provided by Rupert Friend, who looks like Orlando Bloom's brother.

Also must see Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock, the Harry Potter movie, Meryl Streep's Julia Child and Woody Allen's latest.

[Front-Ranger]

I have seen Cheri and thought it was so-so, except for the exquisite costumes and sets and the eye candy provided by Rupert Friend, who looks like Orlando Bloom's brother.

Also must see Ang Lee's Taking Woodstock, the Harry Potter movie, Meryl Streep's Julia Child and Woody Allen's latest.

Okay, I added HP and the Half-Blood Prince and Taking Woodstock. You can edit your votes if you want! Thanks for voting!

[Front-Ranger]

Nine of the first ten selections are available on DVD!

Considering the high cost of movies (especially in Europe...shocking!) and how difficult it is to go to the movies with our busy lives, that says a lot about the movie Brokeback Mountain, which all of us made time to see, sometimes multiple times!!

Okay, I am starting to get an idea of the lineup of our summer movie festival, but I need just a few more voters!

[serious crayons]

There's a great article on Nora Ephron in this week's New Yorker, which touches on her new movie Julie and Julia. I can't imagine Meryl Streep as Julia Child (who I met once) so this is a must-see for me!!

I read and enjoyed that article, too. I was already looking forward to J & J, so all the more so now! Someone in that article was quoted as saying that her performance is so good, Meryl IS Julia.

BTW, that article was written by Ariel Levy, whose great essays and articles I have posted here before. I see she's now a staff writer. (Sorry, this should probably be in the "In the New Yorker" thread!  )

[Front-Ranger]

To kick off our summer film festival, I would like to propose that we plan to watch Brokeback Mountain individually sometime between now and Monday, July 20th. As you are watching, think of something totally new that you see and can bring to the discussion. Or, compare the movie to another movie you've seen recently. I will set up a discussion area on the 20th, and we can bring our fresh insights to it!!

If for some reason you are not able to watch the movie, but want to participate, then read the short story and find something new or compare it to another story. It will work just as well.

If people want to have viewing buddies either in real life or online, that's great! Feel free to use the chat room for this purpose if you like.

I'm jazzed about Brokeback Renaissance!!

[Ellemeno]

I was thinking of seeing Away We Go this pm, and would appreciate a review from a Brokie.

If you look back in this thread, I gave Away We Go a very short, very positive review.  

I have now also seen Whatever Works, the new Woody Allen movie that stars Larry David, Evan Rachel Wood, the fantabulous Patricia Clarkson and a really good supporting cast.  I don't think everyone here would like it, but I loved it.  

And the cinematography shows New York at its most lovely - that almost bucolic, peaceful look it can have in the real neighborhoods.  "Bucolic" is of course not literally the right word, but still, Woody Allen movies of New York can have a sun-dappled, walking-down-a-lovely-country-road feel to them, and I remember real moments like that in New York from my childhood there, so that view of New York is precious to me.

[southendmd]

Has anyone dared to see Bruno?

[belbbmfan]

Has anyone dared to see Bruno?

LOL!

No, 'Borat' was enough for me. 

I read that Bruno did very good at the box office in the US though. 

[Front-Ranger]

To kick off our summer film festival, I would like to propose that we plan to watch Brokeback Mountain individually sometime between now and Monday, July 20th. As you are watching, think of something totally new that you see and can bring to the discussion. Or, compare the movie to another movie you've seen recently. I will set up a discussion area on the 20th, and we can bring our fresh insights to it!!

If for some reason you are not able to watch the movie, but want to participate, then read the short story and find something new or compare it to another story. It will work just as well.

If people want to have viewing buddies either in real life or online, that's great! Feel free to use the chat room for this purpose if you like.

I'm jazzed about Brokeback Renaissance!!

Hurray, 12 people want to watch Brokeback Mountain!! Schedule a time and day before July 20th, so we can all discuss it starting then for our Brokeback Renaissance Summer Film Festival!!

[southendmd]

OMG, I just saw Bruno and my sides hurt from laughing and screaming--out loud--at the screen, along with everyone else at the theatre. 

Chrissi, you will love the mock-German.

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M073dn2sss[/youtube]

[Front-Ranger]

I'm glad to hear that about Bruno and will add it to my list. I could use a good laugh.

Meanwhile, here comes Harry Potter! I'm looking forward to a wonderful time tomorrow at the theater with my good friends!!

Everyone, don't forget to watch Brokeback Mountain before July 20 to kick off our Renaissance Summer Film Festival!!

[Front-Ranger]

Everyone, don't forget to watch Brokeback Mountain before July 20 to kick off our Renaissance Summer Film Festival!!

I'm so excited about discussing BBM anew with everyone! Here's the thread in the Open Forum set up for our discussions. You can start posting there now!! Let us know when and where, you're watching!! Oh, and if you're watching on Blu-Ray or Hi Def, let us know that too!

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,36830.msg527064.html#new

[Front-Ranger]

I'm so excited about discussing BBM anew with everyone! Here's the thread in the Open Forum set up for our discussions. You can start posting there now!! Let us know when and where, you're watching!! Oh, and if you're watching on Blu-Ray or Hi Def, let us know that too!

http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,36830.msg527064.html#new

Big weekend coming up!! Puleeeze watch Brokeback Mountain...it's about time!!

[Front-Ranger]

Winners in the summer film festival lineup are Brokeback Mountain, Maurice, Big Eden, Were the World Mine, and Shelter. All of these are available on DVD! Let's all plan to see both BBM and Were the World Mine by July 27 so we can compare and contrast.

[Front-Ranger]

Please come over to The Culture Tent to discuss Julie and Julia, which I have moved to its own thread. See you there!

[Front-Ranger]

I just ordered Local Hero (set in Scotland) and The Secret of Roan Inish (set in Ireland). I have also pre-ordered Little Ashes.

[Front-Ranger]

It's a little late, but I might revise this poll. I've seen 6 new movies this summer and here they are in order of my preference: Inception, I Am Love, I Love You Phillip Morris, The Kids are All Right, Agora, and, in the Number One spot, Hubble. The old movies I saw again were Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Local Hero. Unfortunately, I haven't seen Brokeback Mountain this summer, and I'm starting to miss it.

What have you seen and how would you rank them?

[Sophia]

This summer started out with Prince of Persia and ended so far with Inception, and in between it has been a big mix of variations of different kind of movies. Like...

Crazy heart,Batman- the dark knight, tv-episodes of Sex in the city, Thunderheart, Moonlight mile, Lovely and amazing, Proof, I buried my heart at wounded knee, Wives and daughters (BBC tv-production), SNL with Jake Gyllenhaal and SNL with Joseph Gordon Lewitt. 

[Brown Eyes]

Heya,
I just can't believe how bad I am about getting out to the movies these days.  I've hardly seen any movies in the theatre for many months now.  Of course I saw PoP, but that's reallly about it in recent memory.

I really want to go see The Kids are All Right... it looks very interesting to me.  I think it takes a lot to inspire me to go out to the movies anymore.

[Front-Ranger]

That has happened to me occasionally friend. Movie burn=out can happen. I remember after watching Brokeback Mountain so many times in the theater, I just couldn't bring myself to go see another movie. I think the next movie I saw after that was Little Miss Sunshine. I also burnt out after The Hours came out. It was a depressing, though beautiful movie. There are so many depressing movies with sad endings. Last week I needed an escape after hearing the tragic news about our friend Rich. I saw The Kids Are All Right and it perked me up (although there are a couple of depressing scenes in that one as well). I hope you do see that movie, friend, because there's a burning question I want to ask you about Nic and Jules' video watching preferences. Is that for real??

[Brown Eyes]

Heya,
Yeah, honestly BBM was a total milestone for me in terms of my attitude towards other movies.  Ever since seeing BBM I'm been pretty reluctant to go see other movies.  I have seen other movies, of course, and some which I've liked quite a lot.  But, it's like having experienced BBM "perfection" very few other movies or movie-trailers seem too appealing to me.  Or, appealing enough to go out and spend money on a movie ticket. 

I've mentioned before on BetterMost that in grad school I was a teaching assistant for two different film history/theory classes.  And, it totally amazes me how much BBM had changed my whole attitude towards movies.  It's hard to articulate or explain why this happened.

[Ellemeno]

I loved The Kids Are All Right.

I went to see Dinner for Schmucks yesterday, hoping for a lot of laughter and enjoyment.  It has some very funny people in it - Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, primarily, with Jemaine Clement, Ron Livingston and others I enjoy in smaller roles.  I was disappointed.  The plot line and dialogue lacked coherence.  It was mostly really mediocre.  My favorite aspects of the movie by far were the touching little mouse dioramas that Steve Carell's character made and the hawt yet ridiculous large paintings that Jemaine Clement's character made.  When I think of those, the movie was worth it, otherwise not.

[serious crayons]

I went to see Dinner for Schmucks yesterday, hoping for a lot of laughter and enjoyment.  It has some very funny people in it - Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, primarily, with Jemaine Clement, Ron Livingston and others I enjoy in smaller roles.  I was disappointed.  The plot line and dialogue lacked coherence.  It was mostly really mediocre.  My favorite aspects of the movie by far were the touching little mouse dioramas that Steve Carell's character made and the hawt yet ridiculous large paintings that Jemaine Clement's character made.  When I think of those, the movie was worth it, otherwise not.

I saw DFS this weekend with my son, and totally agree. We'd both been looking forward to it, but I was disappointed, and he was, too. I like all the people in it when they're in other projects, but not this one. I think the main problem was the script. From the earliest lines, the movie seemed extremely "written," if that makes sense. Mainly, it just wasn't funny.

So needless to say that when my son asked me the very next night to take him to The Other Guys, my immediate answer was no. It seemed like just more of the same -- another dumb bromantic comedy that wouldn't be funny. The trailer didn't look that great. I'm not the hugest Will Ferrell fan and although I sometimes find Mark Wahlberg interesting I am ambivalent about him for Brokie reasons. But then, as night approached, I found myself wanting to go to a movie and knew that "The Kids Are All Right" would be a hard sell for a 14-year-old boy. So I capitulated to TOG. And tell you what, it turned out to be worth seeing. The characters were appealing, the script was outright funny in parts, and it had a nice mildly political message, underscored by the graphics that accompany the closing credits.

So you never know.

[Ellemeno]

I saw DFS this weekend with my son, and totally agree. We'd both been looking forward to it, but I was disappointed, and he was, too. I like all the people in it when they're in other projects, but not this one. I think the main problem was the script. From the earliest lines, the movie seemed extremely "written," if that makes sense. Mainly, it just wasn't funny.

So needless to say that when my son asked me the very next night to take him to The Other Guys, my immediate answer was no. It seemed like just more of the same -- another dumb bromantic comedy that wouldn't be funny. The trailer didn't look that great. I'm not the hugest Will Ferrell fan and although I sometimes find Mark Wahlberg interesting I am ambivalent about him for Brokie reasons. But then, as night approached, I found myself wanting to go to a movie and knew that "The Kids Are All Right" would be a hard sell for a 14-year-old boy. So I capitulated to TOG. And tell you what, it turned out to be worth seeing. The characters were appealing, the script was outright funny in parts, and it had a nice mildly political message, underscored by the graphics that accompany the closing credits.

So you never know.

I can't remember - what's Mark Wahlberg's Brokie issue?

[David In Indy]

Eat Pray Love

Charlie St. Cloud

The Kids Are All Right

I doubt I'll have a chance to see them in theater though. So, I'll wait for them to come out on DVD.

[David In Indy]

I can't remember - what's Mark Wahlberg's Brokie issue?

Who knows?

But he's as homophobic as hell,...  at least that's what I've heard. So I spit on his name.

*pfft pfft!*

And to think it was gay men who launched him to celebrity status in the first place.

 Marky Mark anyone?

He screwed us, and I have an issue.

[southendmd]

I can't remember - what's Mark Wahlberg's Brokie issue?

At one point, he and Joaquin Phoenix were set to play Jack and Ennis, but MW backed out because of the sexual nature.  I don't recall if he said anything specific.

[Ellemeno]

At one point, he and Joaquin Phoenix were set to play Jack and Ennis, but MW backed out because of the sexual nature.  I don't recall if he said anything specific.

Yes, God forbid Mark Wahlberg do anything of a sexual nature.   

Wow, not to be sacrilegious or to wish anything different, but Joaquin Phoenix would have been amazing.

[serious crayons]

Yes, he claims he spoke with Ang about a part in BBM, and he made some pretty despicable comments about it.

"I met with Ang Lee on that movie, I read 15 pages of the script and got a little creeped out. It was very graphic, descriptive - the spitting on the hand, getting ready to do the thing. I told Ang Lee, ‘I like you, you’re a talented guy, if you want to talk about it more…’ Thankfully, he didn’t.”

Obviously the parts eventually went to Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal who both received Oscar nominations for the film, and the movie was almost unanimously critically claimed, but Wahlberg says he had no real desire to see the film.

He adds, “I didn’t rush to see Brokeback, it’s just not my deal… Obviously, it was done in taste - look how it was received.”

But in this more recent interview, he semi-recanted:

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4wnBLo67u0[/youtube]

And still more recently (4/28/10):

http://www.irishcentral.com/story/ent/amyandrews_gossipgirl/mark-whalbergs-priest-told-him-no-brokeback-mountain-92340764.html

This week the National Enquirer reports that Wahlberg turned down the role on the advice of his priest:

"The 38-year-old reformed bad boy relies on his closest confidante and longtime religious mentor, the Rev. James Flavin, to help him pick and choose his parts. 'Mark is a practicing Catholic, and he never makes a final decision on a starring role until Father Flavin gives his OK,' an insider revealed to The Enquirer.
 
'Mark says he owes his career to Father Flavin. 'Father Flavin pushes Mark to honor his religious roots,' said the source. 'Even though Mark was offered one of the leads in Brokeback Mountain, he passed because of the gay subject matter, which clashes with Catholic doctrine.'
 
So now Catholic doctrine is saying its a sin to even pretend to be gay? Wow that's comprehensive. It's also really, really hypocritical.
 
Because, of course, playing a coke and meth-addicted hustler with a 10-inch you know what in Boogie Nights was just fine. Nothing objectionable about that. No doubt Father Flavin gave him the go-ahead. And let's not forget it was walking around in his underwear onstage at every opportunity that made him famous (as a gay pin-up, among other things).

 

To me, he just doesn't seem like the brightest bulb. So far, I find I can watch him in a movie and for the most part set aside my reservations about the real-life actor, the way I do with Tom Cruise and just about everyone except maybe Mel Gibson.

[Brown Eyes]

I'm actually really glad the original casting idea didn't work out.  I'm not a fan of either Joaquin Phoenix or Mark Wahlberg.

[oilgun]

Speaking of Joaquin Pheonix, a poster for that "documentary" about him by Casey Affleck has recently surfaced.  The film is called I'm Still Here and it's billed as "A documentary on Joaquin Phoenix's transition from the acting world to a career as an aspiring rapper."

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1356864/

[bailey1205]

Inception was the best movie I have seen in 4 years.

I'm going to see it again, and I never do that unless the movie is really good.

It's a movie that makes you think, and also the special effects are excellent.

[Monika]

I'm actually really glad the original casting idea didn't work out.  I'm not a fan of either Joaquin Phoenix or Mark Wahlberg.

I like Joaquin but Mark Wahlberg is one of very few actors that I actually go out of my way to avoid.
If Mark had been in Brokeback, I would never have seen it, and I suspect I wouldn´t have missed much if I hadn´t.

[Monika]

I´m somewhat at a loss what to watch at the moment. I long for something exciting to come along!


I´ve been rewatching the tv-series Roswell.
Jason Biehr as Max. Yummy.

[Berit]

No movies, sad to say......

Foyles War and In Treatment..........and Midsumer Murders.........and Mrs Maple.......just TV-series, mostly english.

[southendmd]

Jason Biehr as Max. Yummy.

Jason Behr is beyond yummy.  Rent "The Tattoist". 

[Front-Ranger]

Contemplating the land beyond yummy, friend, I think I would start with "succulent."

[southendmd]

Contemplating the land beyond yummy, friend, I think I would start with "succulent."

You got a way with words, FRiend!

[David In Indy]

I´m somewhat at a loss what to watch at the moment. I long for something exciting to come along!


I´ve been rewatching the tv-series Roswell.
Jason Biehr as Max. Yummy.

I'm planning on getting a copy of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" sometime during the next week. I think it's a Swedish film. I'm looking forward to watching it. I just hope they don't dub it. I can't speak a word of Swedish, but I'd rather watch the movie in its native language with the English subscript. It ruins the experience when they dub movies, imo.

[dontwanttosayGB]

I just watched, last night, Clash of the Titans...and would reccomend this as a big FAT "DON"T BOTHER"...what a waste of time that movie was, and terribly done also...

[ifyoucantfixit]

   I saw Shutter Island.  I liked it a lot, but it was very depressing too.  Definitely
worth the see, if you can handle heavy subjects.  I was rather disappointed with
Despicable Me..and I expected to like it a lot.   I did really like Inception however.
Best thing I have seen this year.

I also watched The Single Man  liked it a lot

[Ellemeno]

If we can add TV, I am raving about Doc Martin.  I watched all four seasons on Netflix streaming.  Loved it.

[Sophia]

I'm planning on getting a copy of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" sometime during the next week. I think it's a Swedish film. I'm looking forward to watching it. I just hope they don't dub it. I can't speak a word of Swedish, but I'd rather watch the movie in its native language with the English subscript. It ruins the experience when they dub movies, imo.

 all three books has been adapted to movies in Sweden. And I am sure you can download them on pirate.bay. And we never dub our movies we always use subtitles. If you like I can help you get it. But my opinion is that it ain't so good movie like the books. But I do looking forward to the American version, I am sure they can do a better job.   

[Monika]

I just watched, last night, Clash of the Titans...and would reccomend this as a big FAT "DON"T BOTHER"...what a waste of time that movie was, and terribly done also...

I saw the trailer and thought that was enough

[dontwanttosayGB]

   I saw Shutter Island.  I liked it a lot, but it was very depressing too.  Definitely
worth the see, if you can handle heavy subjects.  I was rather disappointed with
Despicable Me..and I expected to like it a lot.   I did really like Inception however.
Best thing I have seen this year.

I also watched The Single Man  liked it a lot

Agree on Shutter Island, worth a watch but somewhat creepy and depressing but the ending took me for a bit of a loop and wasn't sure if it was believable, but worth a watch for sure.

And also agree on Inception, very fun movie and keeps you glued to the screen even though it is 2 1/2 hours...I liked it alot...

[dontwanttosayGB]

I saw the trailer and thought that was enough

LOL, Monika! 

[Sophia]

Jason Behr is beyond yummy.  Rent "The Tattoist". 

thank you Paul for the inspiration. I watched it yesterday evening, but I didn't rent it thou. I downloaded it, ups!   
I liked it a lot, it was a bit scary thou. So I had to cover my eyes sometimes. 

[Mandy21]

The last three nights, I've watched three movies from Academy Award winners, and been disappointed by all three --

1. "The Book of Eli" with Denzel Washington -- I only made it through the first 35 minutes before I was utterly embarrassed for him
2.  "Invictus" with Morgan Freeman -- I guess this was supposed to be inspirational, but to me, it was a pointless waste of time (although Matt Damon in shorts was a highlight)
3.  "Julia" with Tilda Swinton -- all I can say about this movie is "Huh???"

I either need to go back to books for my entertainment, or I need a big 'ole dose of "Pelican Brief", "Glory", and "Michael Clayton" to cancel out these bad memories.

I am looking forward to "Inception", after reading the reviews here.

[Front-Ranger]

Seen it yet, Mandy? What did you think? There's only time for a couple more movies before the summer is over. I've seen some interesting trailers...what are your recommendations?

[Marina]

You've got to see Inception in IMAX.   I've seen it at my regulary theater, and recently again in IMAX, and it was even more stunning.   

[Mandy21]

No, I haven't seen it yet, Lee and Marina.  Unfortunately, I don't believe it was ever offered in IMAX, here in the St. Louis area at least.  I'll try to see it in the next couple of days.  Also, Prince of Persia, which I'm embarrassed to say I haven't seen yet, is now playing at our "dollar show" in town, which is the last stop before it goes to DVD.  Might see that as well this week.

[Front-Ranger]

I wonder if there is a trend where most people just wait for the DVD of a movie they think they will like? Presumably we all USED to like to go to movies back in 2005-2006, because this forum is founded on Brokeback Mountain. Maybe I should start a new poll about movie viewing and see how many have giving up theater-going altogether.

[Front-Ranger]

TKAAL stands out among a somewhat lackluster summer movie slate. It's starting to win awards. Seven people planned to see it this summer, and it's available on DVD now. I say we can discuss it, with spoilers. Speak now if you disagree!!

[Jeff Wrangler]

Jason Behr is beyond yummy.  Rent "The Tattoist". 

Very nice physique but way too much "body art" for my taste. It's like covering Michaelangelo's David in graffiti. 

[Jeff Wrangler]

I either need to go back to books for my entertainment, or I need a big 'ole dose of "Pelican Brief", "Glory", and "Michael Clayton" to cancel out these bad memories.

Glory is such a wonderful movie--another that I've always been meaning to add to my collection but have never gotten around to it--I can be such a procrastinator. 

[southendmd]

Very nice physique but way too much "body art" for my taste. It's like covering Michaelangelo's David in graffiti.  

Don't fret--t's only makeup.

[Jeff Wrangler]

Don't fret--t's only makeup.

Considering the title of the movie, I didn't suppose it was real.

I wonder why his name seems familiar to me? I just looked him up on IMDb and I haven't seen anything he's done. Maybe I remember it from commercials 'n' such for Roswell. I see he was in The Shipping News.

[southendmd]

Fully clothed in The Shipping News.

[Mandy21]

Just finished watching "Prince of Persia" for the first time.

First thing I can say is "Ouch!"

That was the longest 1 hour and 48 minutes of an incredibly poor excuse for a movie that I've ever seen.  And I've seen tens of thousands of movies.

No fault to Jake, or the two other award-winning actors who played the parts that they signed up to well.  But the plot and the cinematography were ridiculous, and any chemistry or charm from and between the leading lady and Jake was absolutely disingenuous.

I can't think of a single movie where the actors were so poorly cast.  Are Hollywood actors THAT hard up for money that they take roles like this???

It took every bit of strength I had to sit through every minute of this film.  Was watching the clock ON the DVD player more than I was watching the movie.

If this kind of action-adventure-fantasy-pseudo-sci-fi-ridiculous-nonsensical-utterly-pointless-and-stupid genre is what Jake is going to pursue in the future, then count me out of his fan club.

I'm trying now to take deep breaths and remember Brokeback and Jarhead and Donnie Darko and Brothers, etc...

[RouxB]

Just finished watching "Prince of Persia" for the first time.

First thing I can say is "Ouch!"

That was the longest 1 hour and 48 minutes of an incredibly poor excuse for a movie that I've ever seen.  And I've seen tens of thousands of movies.

No fault to Jake, or the two other award-winning actors who played the parts that they signed up to well.  But the plot and the cinematography were ridiculous, and any chemistry or charm from and between the leading lady and Jake was absolutely disingenuous.

I can't think of a single movie where the actors were so poorly cast.  Are Hollywood actors THAT hard up for money that they take roles like this???

It took every bit of strength I had to sit through every minute of this film.  Was watching the clock ON the DVD player more than I was watching the movie.

If this kind of action-adventure-fantasy-pseudo-sci-fi-ridiculous-nonsensical-utterly-pointless-and-stupid genre is what Jake is going to pursue in the future, then count me out of his fan club.

I'm trying now to take deep breaths and remember Brokeback and Jarhead and Donnie Darko and Brothers, etc...

I tried for Jakey's sake. I am not much of a film snob-I can like stupid movies but I was so sad for him over this one.