The Screening Room

[Oldschool]

For discussions related to movies, tv shows and the like.

A while back Thingirl and some other members were discussing anime. While not a big fan - I've watched some modern anime.

Members more closer to my age may remember some of these and more. They may not technically be anime but the anime discussion fueled this trip down memory lane, so enjoy..... :D

The Hobbit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_JMOPCo31M)

Return of the King (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfLXFkzQRSI)

Golgo 13 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5u0iPWF0IQ&feature=related)

Rock and Rule (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFqLh2cL-_4)

The Last Unicorn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5RpRxS28RA)

American Pop (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yEbGULbKCU)

Heavy Metal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGwn_0k_TQo)

Fire and Ice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz-yLWGaIxM)

[wetheril]

Of the entire list, I definitely recall The Last Unicorn. :) That's one of my favorite older cartoons, and I love the theme song by America.

The cartoons I "grew up" with include An American Tale (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WqpDfikwWA) and The Land Before Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZA41HbwPLs). They still make me tear up.

[Lightwielder]

The cartoons I "grew up" with include An American Tale (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WqpDfikwWA) and The Land Before Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZA41HbwPLs). They still make me tear up.

Oh, yes. I remember both of those. I remember specifically, my favorite Land Before Time episode was The Land Before Time VII: The Stone of Cold Fire.

(At least, I think it was number seven.)

[scout1idf]

The Hobbit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_JMOPCo31M) remember it

Return of the King (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfLXFkzQRSI) remember it

Heavy Metal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGwn_0k_TQo) got it (the original). I also have several of the old Heavy Metal Magazines.

An American Tale (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WqpDfikwWA) got it

The Land Before Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZA41HbwPLs) got it


How about some of my favorite cartoons....

Bugs Bunny (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luKU53ihiK8)

And (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2NGI00vI94)

[smv1973]

What about the Dungeons & Dragons animated show that ran from 9/1983-9/1985. I have the complete animated series.

[Badstench]

One of my favourite movies (of many years ago) was film set at the beginning of the 1500's, Germany, at about the time when plague was sweeping Europe.

It starred Rutger Hauer and Jennifer Jason Lee and was called Flesh + Blood

This was a historical movie only loosely based on fact. The details of the story were completely fictional.

I was especially fond of this movie over the proliferation of 'sword and sorcery' films being released at the time because of it's gritty believability - the main characters (who collectively made up a party of adventurers) were portrayed as anti-heroes... despicable rogues who served no master but the almighty gold coin. They were dirty, diseased, unscrupulous, and desperate; all traits which suited the time in which the story was told.

Gunpowder was an invention that had recently arrived from the mysterious East, and clever men had worked out ways to utilise it's explosive power in destructive ways. However, it would be fair to say that the practitioners of the 'exploding powder' were often more at risk than those they attempted to use it against.

Steel was still the main material of destruction, and soldiers wielded swords, pikes, and similar weapons with greater ease.

There are excerpts of the movie on Youtube, but the first few minutes of the address below sums up the 'feel' of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQuqx1Wm9f0&feature=related

My favourite quote came from a scene where a physician was examining a captain and noted that he had bubonic plague.

"He's strong" said the physician.

"What does that mean?" asked his superior.

"It means he'll take longer to die" came the stoic answer.

[Badstench]

There's nothing so staisfying as watching a Clint Eastwood western.

Somehow, we ended up with two movies borrowed from a friend, both Clint Eastwood westerns.

Pale Rider
Unforgiven

Years apart in the making, but similar in content.

doesn't matter... the end is a bang bang shoot'em'up.

Some reckon John Wayne was the quintisential movie cowby.... for me it was Clint Eastwood.

Him and Harry Callaghan.

[texlaw1992]

"Speed Racer" and "Star Blazers" - two great anime shows. I think "Star Blazers" was the first Japanese anime sci-fi series to play on US tv.

[Badstench]

I spent a drizzly afternoon watching "A Christmas Carol" in 3D at the Imax theatre.... it was great. the last 3D movie I saw was years ago (Jaws 3, I think).

3D has come a long way.

There was a 3D trailer for "Avatar", which I'll go see at the Imax. I've been looking forward to this movie, but have to admit that the CGI was not all I hoped for.

[Lightwielder]

Avatar was awesome. I'm thinking of going to see the live action movie.

[Zen And Tonic]

Now that the Star Trek movie is out on DVD, I might get around to watching that one eventually. It looks like fun.

Other than that... haven't seen any movies that's really blown my mind recently. The last movie that I've watched that I thought was extremely good was WALL-E.

Also a big fan of vintage martial arts movies, but that's because I practiced kungfu myself a while back.

[Oldschool]

Currently watching one of the best movies ever on AMC - Jeremiah Johnson. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068762/)

[Lightwielder]

How many of you have seen the Disney XD original movie, Skyrunners? They claim it's a movie, but based on the way it ends, I think it might be the pilot to a new series. They might just do sequel movies, though. Either way, I'm certain there will be more.

[Badstench]

Remember when "The Blair Witch" movie came out? It was touted as being new and exciting and a cinematographical wonder.

The camera work wasn't novel, but it was novel for a major cinema release.

I avoided it like the plague (and still haven't seen it), not because of the camera work, but because I don't like gratuitous horror movies.

Fast forward, and another movie was advertised as being filmed in the "Blair Witch" style. And then another, and another.

I'm an avid movie watcher, so when I ran out of new content to watch from my local DVD store, I relented... and picked up "Cloverfield".

I absolutely loved it! And not in a Pulp Fiction sort of way, or a Jason Bourne sort of way... I loved this movie because it offered me a fresh perspective on the reason why I love to hate movies.

I hated it so much that I actually enjoyed it!

Now, forget everything I've said. :eek:

I want to ask you... has anyone seen "District 9?"

To begin with, the greatest claim to fame for this movie (which came out of South Africa) was that Peter Jackson (of LOTR fame) was involved with the production.

Anyway, I started watching the movie and thought, "I'm gonna hate this".

But by the end, I was wishing for more.

The first 20 minutes were disjointed and documentary style, and the 'live' camera perspective was disorientating. I couldn't figure out who the hero was, or even if there was a central character.

Furthermore, I found myself being judgemental... seeing the movie as an extenuation of the white south african xenophobic bullshit that had created apartheid in the first place.

I'm glad I kept watching, because as the story unfolded, three things happened;

1) a character developed to become the hero

2) It took me past the shallows of my own political ignorance

3) I found myself sympathising.

But, sympathising with who? There were baddies and goodies, but the line of demarcation between the two was so greyed that it was hard to decide which side I was rooting for.

In the end, I sat back and whistled appreciatively.

Mind you, if an alien ship ever does hover over Auckland, please nuke the bastards! (oo... did I actually type that?")

[texlaw1992]

I really don't see New Zealand as the focus of alien attention. It reminds me of Blofeld's coment to James Bond in "You Only Live Twice" - "Your tiny little island hasn't even been threatened yet."

After all, aliens are seen almost exclusively at American trailer parks.

[Oldschool]

It's been awhile since anyone has posted here so....

Does anyone recognize my current avatar? I'm sure several of you are familiar with it. Btw I moved my previous avatar to my profile pic.

[Oldschool]

Well it is a little small and hard to see so.......


----- Profanity Warning -----


Some foul language so be warned but a definite classic,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbWg-mozGsU

[Young Ned]

Once I took off my glasses and got a close look at the avatar, I realized it was a set of polyhedral dice, as used in D&D and many other roleplaying games. Very appropriate! :)

But what does that Blazing Saddles excerpt have to do with your avatar? And what does your avatar have to do with this thread, "The Screening Room"? I think I'm missing a connection here...

[Doolipalally]

He's changed his avatar again. When he posted, it was a still, presumably from 'Blazing Saddles', though I didn't have a chance to check it out.

[Oldschool]

:rolleyes: Yeah the victims of rapid fire avatar changing it seems - sorry.

Here's the original a little larger btw.

Regarding this thread and my current (boy that's a loaded term of late, eh) avatar - no connection. Again that was in relation to my Blazing Saddles avatar.

http://img.youtube.com/vi/SbWg-mozGsU/3.jpg

[Young Ned]

Ah, gotcha.

[Badstench]

I went to see "Alice In Wonderland" the other day, at the IMAX theatre in all its 3D glory.

I fell asleep.

[thingirl]

I went to see "Alice In Wonderland" the other day, at the IMAX theatre in all its 3D glory.

I fell asleep.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guess it wasn't very good then.

[Needle]

I have to put a plug in for "The Hurt Locker". It is a great piece of work. How the directors and actors get one to actually care about the characters and the story without the luxury of any kind of exposition is amazing. Fundametally, the movie involves watching the same team of 3 soldiers doing a similar task repeatedly, diffusing a bomb. But each time, the circumstances are just different enough that you get an additional glimpse into the characters. The approach to story-telling is surprisingly minimalist yet effective.

[Oldschool]

The remake of Clash of the Titans looks promising.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKEiLVxDw0A

And some of you may recognize the original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVcT5YWBzq8

[Needle]

The remake of Clash of the Titans looks promising.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKEiLVxDw0A

And some of you may recognize the original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVcT5YWBzq8

I just watched the blu-ray of the original a few days ago. The last time I saw it was back in '81 in the theater! I did not remember that Laurence Olivier was in it, not to mention a much younger Maggie Smith of Harry Potter fame. Harryhausen was the man!

[scout1idf]

The remake of Clash of the Titans looks promising.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKEiLVxDw0A

And some of you may recognize the original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVcT5YWBzq8

Thanks for the info. I didn't know they were doing a remake....

When the trailer was finished, I found this one for Robin Hood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSqL9ygBCck

I think I'll have to see both of them....

[Oldschool]

I think I'll have to see both of them....

No doubt especially when I saw Ridley Scott's name plastered across the screen.

[Oldschool]

Don't think it's any secret that Jeremiah Johnson is one of my favorite movies period.

So imagine my delight when I just turned the t.v. on at the beginning of the last scene between Bear Claw Chris Lapp (Will Geer) and Jeremiah Johnson (Robert Redford). One of the best and most poignant scenes in the movie. Ah, who am I kidding the whole movie is one great scene.

[spencer]

My favorite movie is The Natural

[Badstench]

I've heard a rumour that there's going to be a prequel to "Alien"

"Alien" is one of my all time favourite movies. It's not often that a sequel beats the original, but Aliens succeeded. They were different in approach; the first was more in the way of a thriller, whereas the second was more action oriented.

Regardless, I loved them both. (Alien 3 was a disappointment, but I did enjoy Alien Ressurection).

Anyway... a prequel? It should be interesting.

Which opens a question... can you name a sequel movie that was as good, if not better, than the original? Trilogy movies are disqualified.

Off the top of my head, I think Predator 2 was better than Predator.

[Drape]

I saw Alice in Wonderland in 2D last week and loved it. Of course, much of my fondness for the movie probably arises from the fact that I found Mia Wasikowska....um......very attractive:D

[Needle]

Which opens a question... can you name a sequel movie that was as good, if not better, than the original? Trilogy movies are disqualified.


Disqualifying Trilogy movies makes it tough! :confused: There are so many strong second movies within trilogies.

It seems like once studios discover that they hit gold with a second movie, then they plan on a third just to "cash in" on the second. Stopping with a good second movie seems rare. One could even say that the Alien vs. Predator movies (as well as the upcoming Predators) disqualifies Predator 2.

I'll be interested to see what people come up with; for the time being I have to think about it more...

[Oldschool]

Disqualifying Trilogy movies makes it tough! :confused: There are so many strong second movies within trilogies.



I totally agree - especially since if the sequel was even moderately successful a third follows or is in development.

However since Badstench said trilogy movies I'm going to take him literally :cool: , therefore series counts as long as there are more than 3 total in it. Plus Badstench mentioned Aliens which I agree with him on - it being the second in a series of 4, 5 if you count Alien vs. Predator.

And I'm actually going with the second movie in a series. Actually I think if you have a series any subsequent movie could classify as a sequel but I'm not sure that's what Badstench wants and this is his discussion. I could be wrong about series but I don't think so since he mentions Aliens.

So with that said,


Star Trek II - Wrath of Kahn
Die Hard II
The Road Warrior (Mad Max was the first)
Dawn of the Dead (Romero's series of several)
Superman II

And the only two I can think of that only have two in the series (I think) are:


Evil Dead 2
28 Weeks Later

[Badstench]

Let me clarify "trilogy" vs "sequel"

By trilogy, I actually mean any series of movies that tells a complete story... Like Lord of the Rings, The Star Wars saga, etc It doesn't have to consist of three movies. I used "trilogy" as a binding example.

"Sequels" are movies that are specifically written to follow an earlier complete movie like Predator, Alien, A Nightmare on Elm Street, etc. The subsequent movie might follow the original, but could also stand alone.

[Needle]

Thanks for the clarification, Badstench. In that case, I'm going to go with Sergio Leone's For a Few Dollars More.

[spencer]

I liked the second Jason Bourne movie better than the first. The whole movie series is way different from the books, but I liked the movies. I don't think that either of my very favoritest movies: The Natural and Field of Dreams could have a sequel.

[spencer]

I totally agree - especially since if the sequel was even moderately successful a third follows or is in development.

However since Badstench said trilogy movies I'm going to take him literally :cool: , therefore series counts as long as there are more than 3 total in it. Plus Badstench mentioned Aliens which I agree with him on - it being the second in a series of 4, 5 if you count Alien vs. Predator.

And I'm actually going with the second movie in a series. Actually I think if you have a series any subsequent movie could classify as a sequel but I'm not sure that's what Badstench wants and this is his discussion. I could be wrong about series but I don't think so since he mentions Aliens.

So with that said,


Star Trek II - Wrath of Kahn
Die Hard II I have to disagree here, I liked the first a bit better.
The Road Warrior (Mad Max was the first)
Dawn of the Dead (Romero's series of several)
Superman II

And the only two I can think of that only have two in the series (I think) are:


Evil Dead 2
28 Weeks Later


I agree with the rest, though.

[spencer]

I've heard a rumour that there's going to be a prequel to "Alien"

"Alien" is one of my all time favourite movies. It's not often that a sequel beats the original, but Aliens succeeded. They were different in approach; the first was more in the way of a thriller, whereas the second was more action oriented.

Regardless, I loved them both. (Alien 3 was a disappointment, but I did enjoy Alien Ressurection).

Anyway... a prequel? It should be interesting.

Which opens a question... can you name a sequel movie that was as good, if not better, than the original? Trilogy movies are disqualified.

Off the top of my head, I think Predator 2 was better than Predator.

I wholeheartedly agree about Aliens...I don't get rattled that easily and that movie had me on edge almost the entire time.

[Badstench]

I've got to disagree with "Die Hard II", Oldschool.

Die Hard is an all-time Man (ug-ug) classic... Die Hard II should have been named "Try Hard". It came nowhere near close to the original.

[Needle]

I just finished watching the Blu-Ray of Ralph Bakshi's animated version of The Lord of the Rings. This movie seems to be similar to Neil Diamond, in that people either love it or hate it; there isn't much of a middle ground. I love Bakshi's version, and wish that he would've gotten funding to finish the story. It was released in 1978, and I remember seeing it in the theaters and being awestruck. Part of my love for the movie is probably nostalgia-based, but I think I'd even give it kudos if I were seeing it for the first time today. How do you all feel about this movie? Do you remember seeing it in the theater?

[Badstench]

I saw it when it was released, but it was so long ago that my memory of it is hazy. I remember that it covered The Fellowship, maybe a bit more, but it didn't tell the whole story... and then I read somewhere that it wouldn't be finished, and I was quite angry about that.

[Doolipalally]

I remember seeing it on TV. I think I found it a bit hard to connect with, though I appreciated the imagination behind a lot of the animation. My main problem was with the hobbits, who just weren't quite right for me; particularly Sam, who looked far too much like a cross between a gnome and a comedy stupid rustic.

I seem to remember it took the story as far as Helm's Deep.

[Badstench]

"Back To the Future"

I liked that movie. Truth be told, I like movies with a Time-line involvement. Having said that, I open myself for the "Oh, you big girl's blouse" comment when I say that I liked "The Lakehouse".

But I really liked the original "Butterfly Effect".

Okay, let's go back to "Back To the Future". That was a great movie, okayed by the sequel, then destroyed by the third installment.

One of the all-time great movies involving Time has to be the original "Planet of the Apes". When the main actor (whose name escapes me at the moment) rode his horse along the beach to discover the ruined remains of the statue of liberty... that was awesome!

The sequels were all crap!

So, now let's talk about Indianna Jones. The first movie was excellent, the second didn't match up, the third went "over the top". And then along came the fourth, "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull". That was visually cool, but otherwise stink.

And how about the second "Transformers" movie? Honestly , the hilight for me was Megan Fox, and that was questionable. The action scenes went on and on and on and on and... on.

and then they went on some more.

big guns and explosions are only good for their surprise factor.

What guy hasn't always imagined himself as Jason Bourne? The "Bourne Identity" was excellent, and so was the "Bourne Supremacy". I'd like to say something derogatory about the third movie, but I can't. The "Bourne Ultimatum" was not as good as the previous movies, but it wasn't any worse, either. It was a conitnuation of a damned good action movie.

Speaking of which... I liked Daniel Craig as James Bond.

[Doolipalally]

Speaking of which... I liked Daniel Craig as James Bond.

Me too. Casino Royale better than Quantum, but that wasn't his fault.

[Oldschool]

Badstench that would be Charlton Heston that you're thinking about in the Planet of the Ape movies. Irrc he only appeared in the first two. I don't know if it was because of continuity with the time travel element or other reasons.

[scout1idf]

Badstench that would be Charlton Heston that you're thinking about in the Planet of the Ape movies. Irrc he only appeared in the first two. I don't know if it was because of continuity with the time travel element or other reasons.
And the character was know as Taylor.

From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_of_the_Apes_%281968_film%29)....

Astronauts Taylor (Heston), Landon (Robert Gunner), Stewart (Dianne Stanley), and Dodge (Jeff Burton) are in deep hibernation when their spaceship crash-lands in a lake on an unknown planet in the year 3978 A.D. after a 2006-year voyage at near-light speed (during which the crew ages only 18 months due to time dilation). The planet has no moon and the clouds at night are luminous. The astronauts awaken to find that Stewart has died in space due to an air leak and her body in decomposition and that their ship is sinking. They use an inflatable raft to reach shore. Once there, Dodge performs a soil test and pronounces the soil incapable of sustaining life. Taylor suggests they are on a planet in the constellation of Orion some 320 light years from Earth but admits he is not sure.If the planet is Earth as suggested, then what happened to the moon?

Someone made an over-site in the writing of the story.

[Young Ned]

I just finished watching the Blu-Ray of Ralph Bakshi's animated version of The Lord of the Rings. This movie seems to be similar to Neil Diamond, in that people either love it or hate it; there isn't much of a middle ground. I love Bakshi's version, and wish that he would've gotten funding to finish the story. It was released in 1978, and I remember seeing it in the theaters and being awestruck. Part of my love for the movie is probably nostalgia-based, but I think I'd even give it kudos if I were seeing it for the first time today. How do you all feel about this movie? Do you remember seeing it in the theater?

I did see it in the theaters when it came out, and was disappointed. Bakshi used an animation technique called rotoscoping, where you film in live-action first and then create the animation by, basically, tracing the live-action footage frame by frame. While this does provide you with very realistic animation, in this case it was a little too realistic. By that, I mean the characters and their movements seemed too ordinary and mundane; for a tale as mythic as LotR, the characters need to be "larger than life", not merely "lifelike". They just didn't seem heroic enough.

And I really disliked how the orcs looked. I seem to recall he followed the Star Trek method of making alien races: human beings with latex "appliances" glued to their faces and heads. They just looked tacky.

I thought I heard Bakshi did eventually produce a sequel called Return of the King that covered the second half of LotR (the first movie basically covered Fellowship plus some of The Two Towers, IIRC). If he did, though, I've never seen it, so I can't comment on it.

[Oldschool]

There was/is an animated Return of the King but Bakshi wasn't involved. In fact iirc it was put out by the same folks that did the animated The Hobbit. Also iirc there was supposed to be a sequel to Bakshi's LoTR but it was scrapped.

The rotoscoping Young Ned mentions was also used in Bakshi's Wizards and was a big component of American Pop. Rotoscoping was also used on Fire and Ice. Incidentally Frank Frazetta was also involved in Fire and Ice.

[Badstench]

I have a new favourite movie. Is anyone familiar with a Vincent Ward movie called, "What Dreams May Come?"

It stars Robin Williams in a non-comedic role.

It's a love story with a harsh twist.

A man meets his soul partner, saves her in real life, then saves her in the afterlife. He gives up Heaven to be with her in Hell, and such s the strength of his love that he saves them both.

It was a nice story.

[spencer]

Incredibly good movie and the title is lyrical and very reflective of the movie. I agree, it is most excellent.

[Doolipalally]

Haven't seen the movie, but I know where the title comes from :)

[spencer]

I shamefully admit that I did not know it was from Hamlet until after researching after reading dooli's post :o

[Doolipalally]

You're forgiven ;)

(I had a teenage phase of learning Shakespeare speeches while waiting for my lift to school. Sad but true...)

[thingirl]

(I had a teenage phase of learning Shakespeare speeches while waiting for my lift to school. Sad but true...)

Shakespeare? Why not just get a mini radio and listen to something.

[Doolipalally]

Shakespeare? Why not just get a mini radio and listen to something.

Couldn't stand music radio stations. Still can't stand most of them. And it was far too early in the morning to listen to news and politicians arguing, which was the only real radio alternative.

Anyway, what's wrong with reading? The memorising thing is optional, but good practice. And I love Shakespeare's language and rhythms.

[thingirl]

Absolutly nothing is wrong with reading! And nothing is wrong with music, either, if you know what to listen to. (I ♥ Cating Crowns.)

Anyway, this is off topic...

[Doolipalally]

Absolutly nothing is wrong with reading! And nothing is wrong with music, either, if you know what to listen to. (I ♥ Cating Crowns.)

Anyway, this is off topic...

Yep, nothing wrong with music, if you're listening to something you like. Most radio stations don't play things I like, or else mix things I like with things I can't stand. And most DJs make me nauseous.

Back on topic, then, has anyone seen the Russell Crowe Robin Hood? Is it any good?

[zmflavius]

Yep, nothing wrong with music, if you're listening to something you like. Most radio stations don't play things I like, or else mix things I like with things I can't stand. And most DJs make me nauseous.

Back on topic, then, has anyone seen the Russell Crowe Robin Hood? Is it any good?

I haven't actually seen it, but where I live, I heard that it's pretty bad, because apart from the characters, it's a giant Tea Party, anti-tax, anti-government ad. Which is bizarre, given how socialist the traditional Robin Hood is.

[spencer]

I have not seen Robin Hood, but we saw Iron Man II over the weekend and I would give it a solid 7 on the 10 scale.

[scout1idf]

I have a new favourite movie. Is anyone familiar with a Vincent Ward movie called, "What Dreams May Come?"

It stars Robin Williams in a non-comedic role.

It's a love story with a harsh twist.

A man meets his soul partner, saves her in real life, then saves her in the afterlife. He gives up Heaven to be with her in Hell, and such s the strength of his love that he saves them both.

It was a nice story.

I couldn't remember the title, but since it stars Robin Williams (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pHCtLzmras&playnext_from=TL&videos=05ia0QzcXq8) I figured that we had seen it.

We did.

That was an awesome and sometimes confusing movie. It's been years so I'll have to get it again.

Probably buy it this time around since sometimes buying is almost as cheep as renting (depending on the movie).

[Young Ned]

Back on topic, then, has anyone seen the Russell Crowe Robin Hood? Is it any good?

Haven't seen it, but the San Francisco Chronicle liked it: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/05/14/MVL91DDIMM.DTL

This particular reviewer writes very reasonable, well-informed reviews, so I tend to trust his opinion a lot.

BTW, the icon of a little man sitting up in his chair clapping is from the Chronicle's idiosyncratic rating system, equivalent to four stars out of a possible five (with a "bomb" icon equivalent to zero stars).

[texlaw1992]

I was planning to reserve judgment on whether to see "Iron Man 2" until "Iron Man" played on cable. I can't believe that while 2 is out, the first one has still not played on cable.

I may well go see "Robin Hood" though. The wife went with some friends to see the remake of "Clash of the Titans." No thanks.

[Badstench]

I'm habitual by nature. What I mean by that in context of this thread (and the Concert Hall) is that I have an addicitve personality where habits are concerned; ie, I'm a collector.

My big passion is music, or more specifically, accumulating CD's (it used to be LP's). But my favourite CD store has suddenly become devoid of recordings that really interest me. I've found myself buying stuff just for the sake of being in the shop so I may as well get something/anything.

I recognise my addiction, and it's one of the reasons I avoided perusing through the DVD section of the same shop.

Which is as big a hint I can give to tell you that I have suddenly found myself starting a DVD collection.

I've only got six DVD's, but that's six more than I had a few weeks ago, and I find myself thinking about other movies I'd like to see on my shelf. Uh oh!

In my defence, I've only picked up the movies which I absolutely love, but I know of at least seven more that I want.

The word to zero in on with that last sentence was "want". I don't "need" them... heck, I've seen these movies dozens of times!... but I "want" them. This is my addictive personality rearing it's unnecessary head!

The six movies I have are:
Pulp Fiction
12 Monkeys
The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Supremacy
The Bourne Ultimatum
Aliens

This little collection started innocently: I spotted a store having a sale on DVD's when I was on my way to rent some movies. A quick excercise in mental arithmatic had me realise that the price of two movies to keep was the same as two new release rentals.

And now I want to buy:
The Song Remains The Same
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King
The Usual Suspects

Oh, no! another collection is starting!

[spencer]

I love The Usual Suspects

[Badstench]

It's a goodie, eh Spencer?

For all you blokes who haven't seen it... get thee to a DVD rental store.

The "Usual Suspects" is a 'MAN-MOVIE'.... no chicks allowed!

[Oldschool]

Usual Suspects - definitely a must see.

Badstench you could sorta bridge your collections starting with The Song Remains the Same. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGWTEK814U0)

And while you may not be a fan or listener of all of the following they would make a nice addition to any collection.

Some of my favs off the top of my head.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF4H8lB2Y_o)
Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk8hbSxY0sE)
Freebird the Movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9nnRDft8eQ)
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTgjZnGH8nY)
Pink Floyd The Wall (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djTU80l0ZE4)
Iron Maiden Flight 666 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHWv6wp06Qo)
Let There Be Rock: The Movie (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXODLkJ9h1s)
KISS Loves You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXHRWVxledo)
Metal: A Headbanger's Journey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfIhuhB5wBY)
Woodstock (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPlYsaiZSTE)
Tommy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9WGIYjxzVU)
Gimme Shelter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPNeh4d9guk)

Sheesh I thought I'd have trouble coming up with more than a handful - that's an even dozen and I'm still thinking of several others The Last Waltz, Live at Pompeii, Monterey Pop, Black and Blue, You Gotta Move, Live Vengeance '82 plus a pile more of concert videos.

Definitely not an all inclusive list it would seem :rolleyes: by any means and proof that I really like live versions.

[Badstench]

double sheesh!

But I must admit, if Iwas really going to get into music DVD's, I'd have to find Leo Kottke... I think it's the Denver concert.

Erm... no, that was "Yes".

damn! there's another one I "want"!

[Scarbrow]

Hey, what's doing a video collection including any LOTR movies without The Matrix? Even if you don't like the sequels, the original is a pop culture gem.

I would also heartily recommend a mix of Tarantino's films (any or all of them) and a few action ones. Let's say "Gladiator" for Ridley Scott, "Robin Hood" (once it's available, and for the same reasons) and "300", just because THIS. IS. SPARTA!

That's the problem with good movies and good books. Too many of them, can't see them all, can't have them all. But we try nonetheless. And I have more bookcases on my home than any other thing, saved books stored on them.

[thingirl]

And I have more bookcases on my home than any other thing, saved books stored on them.

I knew I liked you! I'm the same way, except that for money/space saving my Library card is one of my most prized possessions.

[Oldschool]

This one definitely looks promising - The Expendables (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6RU5y2fU6s).

[Young Ned]

Could've sworn I saw Schwarzenegger in there for a few seconds, but he's not named in the credits. Probably just a lookalike; I don't think he's done any movies since he's been governor.

[Doolipalally]

Could've sworn I saw Schwarzenegger in there for a few seconds, but he's not named in the credits. Probably just a lookalike; I don't think he's done any movies since he's been governor.

Bruce Willis was in there too, I think, but not named. I was assuming he and Arnie just nip in for a quick cameo.

[spencer]

I saw Despicable Me over the weekend...fantastic movie and all of us (ages 5-45) thoroughly enjoyed it :)

[Young Ned]

Bruce Willis was in there too, I think, but not named. I was assuming he and Arnie just nip in for a quick cameo.

That could be. I'm so bad at recognizing celebrities that I just figured I got it wrong...

[Oldschool]

Better late than never.....

Was doing some shopping at the local grocery store and a series of laid out magazine covers with shots of different cast members caught my fancy. Seems 2010 is the 30th anniversary of "The Empire Strikes Back". Probably wouldn't have thought much more about it but as I started to log on there was an AMC promo about movie anniversaries leading with "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" which is celebrating it's 35th. And although it's not mentioned in the following link it also happens to be the 40th anniversary of one of my favs - Hawk the Slayer. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawk_the_Slayer)

So I got to thinking about other milestone movie anniversaries and did a bit of googling. And since I had to start somewhere I decided to start at the 25th anniversary mark with movies that debuted in 1985.

25th Anniversary Movies: http://www.awesome80s.com/Awesome80s/Movies/1985/

30th: http://www.awesome80s.com/Awesome80s/Movies/1980/

35th: http://www.super70s.com/Super70s/Movies/1975/

40th: http://www.super70s.com/Super70s/Movies/1970/

Could go farther at least till the next benchmark that being the 50th but the above two websites are ones that I visit time to time and they don't cover any other decades.

But here's a good film site and the links should open in the 60's for anyone interested. http://www.filmsite.org/1965.html