Let's Talk Movies v.15! (Old, New, Funny, Dramatic, Silent, Talky...Whatevah!)

[Karina1974]

This thread makes me miss old Hollywood and I'm only in my twenties.

Now you sound like me. I've got a whole pile of VHS tapes from when I was taping movies off of AMC and TCM, that I like to delve into from time to time.

Don't get too starry eyed though. Old Hollywood had its trashy moments (with the stars' personal lives) just like today. I laugh when people talk about the "good old days" as if everybody was perfectly behaved because, in reality, society had the same kind of shit going on then that it does now, it's just more out in the open now. Difference back then was that, when you were "under contract" with a studio, you had a publicity dept. to cover everything up if you were a star who got into trouble, unlike now.

[overedge]

I laugh when people talk about the "good old days" as if everybody was perfectly behaved because, in reality, society had the same kind of shit going on then that it does now, it's just more out in the open now. Difference back then was that, when you were "under contract" with a studio, you had a publicity dept. to cover everything up if you were a star who got into trouble, unlike now.

And studios have publicity departments now that do exactly the same thing. And even more, like inviting reporters on trips to exotic places to see advance screenings of new films and to interview the stars. And if the reporter's review is bad and/or the reporter asks the star an embarrassing question, they will never get invited on one of those trips again - which is how so many crap movies end up getting great reviews and lots of publicity about how much the star enjoyed making the movie.

[PeterG]

So you've had time to watch the trailers for the selections in the poll, I was surprised that some unknown titles would grab my interest so much and a few popular titles would disappoint so greatly. Here's my rankings based on interest (due mostly to the trailers):

1. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

This looks like it could be incredibly wondrous and deserving of many Academy Awards. But the academy members have short memories and rarely remember movies that were released so far in the past (like six months ago...)

2. Another Earth

Fascinating concept. Could be a wondrous sleeper for summer viewing.

3. Crazy, Stupid, Love

This looks to be successful as both a comedy and a drama. Julianne Moore's always a pleasure to watch on screen and Ryan Gosling is SMOKING hot in this trailer! Dude's been working OUT. Love Emma Stone's quip about that at the end of the trailer!

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Two

Normally I'd put this higher on the list, but part one was just so daaaaark. So I'm expecting more for the conclusion. Wondering how this finale will do with Academy Award nominations. The Lord of the Rings was overlooked for part two, then got quite a few nominations with the final installment. I think the Harry Potter movies have received far too few nominations over the years. There should have been a supporting acting nod for at least somebody for each film. I'm thinking Ralph Fiennes should get a nod for sure. Who would you nominate?

5. Cowboys & Aliens

I have a thing for cowboys. Aliens? Not so much! This one could end up being a summer pleasure/treasure. Don't let us down, boys!

6. The Ledge

Another sleeper. Hope it gets some publicity and is not overlooked. Patrick Wilson is the type of actor who only chooses really great movies to be a part of, so give this one a chance, world!

7. The Devil's Double

The trailer surprised me, hadn't heard anything about this movie, or anybody in the cast. But I really want to see it!

8. Horrible Bosses

Could be phenomenal, but could be a major let-down. Trailer looks good, but does not look great. Plus there's nobody famous in this movie. Other than Jason Bateman, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey and Donald Sutherland.

9. Transformers: Dark of the Moon

I admit, I'm a sneaker. If I go to a multiplex and can sneak into a second movie, I do so. (Bless me, father...) So the second Transformers was one I snuck into...and left after 20 minutes. And I didn't even pay for it! But this trailer looks much better. If I can sneak into it, I will.

10. Larry Crowne

This looks kind of stupid. And Julie Roberts just can't pull off a miserable, uncaring oaf. Too many teeth. Ms. Roberts and Mr. Hanks were much better in Charlie Wilson's War (very good movie!). It wasn't a blockbuster, so I guess they thought their next movie together should be dumbed down for the audience. That could come back and bite them in the behind...

11. Friends with Benefits

This looks alright, but doesn't look amazing either. Maybe it'll be a great movie with an adequate trailer...

12. Captain America: The First Avenger

This looks AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Blech! Yuch! Patooey!!!

I'm guessing it's not just an awful trailer, but the movie gave the trailer editors nothing to work with. The short weakling that is Chris Evans in the beginning looks fake and FUGLY/creepy. I think Mr. E. is smokin', but this movie looks so that even when he got his pec-tacular makeover, I just didn't care anymore...

[agalisgv]

I liked Super 8 . That's probably too déclassé for peeps.

For Peter--I would nominate Alan Rickman from HP. Also I thought the trailer for Capt America looked pretty good . I seem to be the lone voice on that tho...

[allezfred]

Also I thought the trailer for Capt America looked pretty good .

It was. Can't see myself sitting through the whole film just to see yer man nekkid for 10 seconds though.

[agalisgv]

No, I actually thought the movie looked interesting. It didn't occur to me until reading this thread that it was supposed to be a hunk movie.

[Rex]

It's interesting you say that about Chris, Rex, because I think the same thing about Josh Hartnett lol. His acting is so bland and monotone.

I don't think Captain America will do that well...the outfit is cheesy, and the storyline looks ridiculous.

Ahhh, I just think Josh is cute. But not the next DeNiro, not by a country mile. He is pretty much the same person in every flick. But some of his films have been interesting, even if he has not been interesting in them.

[allezfred]

No, I actually thought the movie looked interesting. It didn't occur to me until reading this thread that it was supposed to be a hunk movie.

Yeah, yeah that's what they all say.

[PeterG]

No, I actually thought the movie looked interesting. It didn't occur to me until reading this thread that it was supposed to be a hunk movie.

shuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuure!!!

I would nominate Alan Rickman from HP.

Maybe all the supporting actor categories will be made up of the Harry Potter cast.

[PeterG]

I'm going to see Kung Fu Panda 2 on Friday as a chaperone with my friend's grade 5/6 class. But I did not see part one! Will I be able to understand what's going on without having viewed it's predecessor?

[allezfred]

I'm going to see Kung Fu Panda 2 on Friday as a chaperone with my friend's grade 5/6 class. But I did not see part one! Will I be able to understand what's going on without having viewed it's predecessor?

Wikipedia? They'll probably be a plot summary there. It isn't like Kung Fu Panda 1 was "The Usual Suspects" or anything.

[Beefcake]

THIS is all I need to see to proclaim Horrible Bosses the best movie of Summer 2011!


(((( Peter )))) I know that you're kidding, but ... I managed to catch up to that intricately woven KFP plot within 40 seconds. (They help us via some stick drawings during the opening credits.) And once you catch up, you're ... pretty much set, as there is no more plot to follow for the entirety of KFP2. KFP must have been miles better than the excrement that was KFP2, or else the latter would've never been greenlighted.

That said, it was fun to match up the superstar voices (Jolie, Hoffman (so good, actually), Lucy Liu, Seth Rogan, David Cross, Ian McShane) to the characters.
.
.

[BigB08822]

THIS is all I need to see to proclaim Horrible Bosses the best movie of Summer 2011!

Mmmmm, that made me thirsty.

[PeterG]

I managed to catch up to that intricately woven KFP plot within 40 seconds. (They help us via some stick drawings during the opening credits.)

Whew! Now I will sleep well tonight.

[Wyliefan]

Old Hollywood had its trashy moments (with the stars' personal lives) just like today.

Yeah, but the movies were better. I know that's a generalization, and I know there are good movies now, but it seems to me that the ratio of good movies to crap was significantly larger then. (If "larger" is the word I want. Math is not my strong suit. )

[Grannyfan]

Yeah, but the movies were better. I know that's a generalization, and I know there are good movies now, but it seems to me that the ratio of good movies to crap was significantly larger then. (If "larger" is the word I want. Math is not my strong suit. )

I agree.

[Cheylana]

I'm going to see Kung Fu Panda 2 on Friday as a chaperone with my friend's grade 5/6 class. But I did not see part one!

You didn't miss much

[PeterG]

Back home from seeing Kung Fu Panda 2. BEST PICTURE OF THE YEAR!!!!

(Kidding!!!)

It was decent. None of the kids booed. Actually, a few of the girls clapped because they loved the ooey-gooey stuff between Panda and his goose-Papa.

The movie looked good and the 3-D effects were better than Alice In Wonderland, I think. (But I hated Alice In Wonderland...) The message of the movie (which I won't spoil ) was good, but...

You didn't miss much

...the movie was very much overshadowed by fighting and smashing and kicking and bashing and blasting and crashing... Good lord there is lots of violence in kids movies. I honestly don't know what everyone involved in this movie was thinking. I wouldn't let any of them take care of my children with their obliviousness to the fact that they are normalizing violence to such a young audience. I find if especially strange that someone like Angelina Jolie, who does so much volunteer work with the United Nations, keeps choosing movies that have so much violence in them...

Anyway, if you don't mind children being brainwashed into being violent criminals, then you should definitely catch this flick.

[overedge]

Anyway, if you don't mind children being brainwashed into being violent criminals, then you should definitely catch this flick.

Did you riot on the way out?

[PeterG]

Did you riot on the way out?

That was the plan, but I was surrounded by sixth-graders with camera phones.