Let’s Talk Movies! #31: Pandas, Zombies, Male Models, Superheroes, Greeks and…Caesar!

[Simone411]

Okay, I'm a Little House fan, too. I still watch it sometimes on the Hallmark Channel and when it comes on the INSP Channel. It's my get away to watch it when I see things becoming a little too crazy in the world or I've had too many challenges I've tried to face all at once.

I just can't picture anyone taking the place of Melissa Gilbert as Laura, Melissa Sue Anderson as Mary or Alison Arngrim as Nellie Oleson. And no one could replace Michael Landon as Pa.

I may decide to watch it, but I'll have to wait until it either comes out on DVD or is on Netflix because of my traveling limitations. I just don't believe it could ever come close to our original Little House on the Prairie.

 

[PeterG]

Weekend Domestic Chart for February 26th, 2016

Deadpool continues to slay all competition. #1 for the third week in a row, making 31 million over the weekend, more than double that of Gods of Egypt, which came in at #2, making 14 million. Gods of Egypt has a 140 million budget, so not a good debut. Although it has made 24 million internationally, so maybe how it performs overseas will keep it from ending up in the red.

Triple 9 debuted at #5, taking in six million on a 20 million budget and Eddie The Eagle came in at #6, also making six million on a budget.

Movies that make big revenue jumps from last week include:

+97% - Embrace Of The Serpent
+54% - Son Of Saul
+42% - Room
+41% - Spotlight

 

[Jay42]

The way they ended it, they certainly set it up for a sequel. But perhaps the disappointing box office means they won't take the risk.

I thought it was a ton of fun, and I'm surprised it didn't do better than it did.

The studio marketed The Man From U.N.C.L.E so badly. It could have been a hit if they had advertised it for what it was. I didn't expect it to be as good as it was when I went to it. It's definitely one of my favourite movies from last year.

 

[watchthis!!]

Grab a couple of hankies before you see Batkid Begins. And you should see it, it's a really great movie, lots of sweet moments and a great example of many people working together to acheive something bigger than all it's parts. I've heard some criticisms about this whole event going overboard, but it became something bigger than making a child's wish come true. It became an opportunity for hundreds if not thousands of people to see how they can work together to make something celebritory and becoming a part of a community as a result. I loved this one!

The studio marketed The Man From U.N.C.L.E so badly. It could have been a hit if they had advertised it for what it was. I didn't expect it to be as good as it was when I went to it. It's definitely one of my favourite movies from last year.

It's interesting how we were all hyped for Hail Ceasar! and then those of us who saw it were disappointed. And with The Man From U.N.C.L.E. it seems that whatever people's expectations for it were, it surpassed what everyone hoped for. Now I should really get to seeing this one!

 

[watchthis!!]

Oscar Winner George Kennedy Dies At Age 91
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Oscar-Winner-George-Kennedy-Dies-Age-91-115467.html

Kennedy won for best supporting actor in 1967 for Cool Hand Luke. He was featured in many westerns (Rawhide, Maverick, Peter Gunn) as well as the disaster flick Airport, which was followed up by three apperances in the Naked Fun parody movies.

 

[mrr50]

The absolute best role George Kennedy ever had was that of Warren G Harding in the TV miniseries Backstairs at the White House. He was so Warren.

 

[Integrity]

Has anyone ever been to a National Theater Live performance at a movie cinema?

 

[skatesindreams]

The absolute best role George Kennedy ever had was that of Warren G Harding in the TV miniseries Backstairs at the White House. He was so Warren.

He was indeed.

He loved the art/craft of acting.
We were so fortunate that he did; and shared that with us.
Thank you!
RIP

 

[Artemis@BC]

Has anyone ever been to a National Theater Live performance at a movie cinema?

Many, many times. Almost all of them since they started the broadcasts, barring a few of the Shakespeare ones. And for the most part they've ranged from excellent to phenomenal.

I was about to dig up the Theatre thread to talk about the latest one I saw on the weekend: a fabulous production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

 

[Wyliefan]

The studio marketed The Man From U.N.C.L.E so badly. It could have been a hit if they had advertised it for what it was. I didn't expect it to be as good as it was when I went to it. It's definitely one of my favourite movies from last year.

Love that one. I've seen it twice -- well, technically 1 1/2 times -- and am seriously thinking of getting it on DVD. Just so much fun and had that great '60s style, with the costumes and the music and so forth.

I saw Eddie the Eagle and The Lady in the Van last weekend. (Been wanting to see the latter for ages.) Enjoyed them both. Dame Maggie plus Roger Allam and Claire Foy, two other favorites of mine, were fantastic!

 

[Integrity]

Many, many times. Almost all of them since they started the broadcasts, barring a few of the Shakespeare ones. And for the most part they've ranged from excellent to phenomenal.

I was about to dig up the Theatre thread to talk about the latest one I saw on the weekend: a fabulous production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

Thanks! If you've been that often, I guess you enjoy the experience. If I were going alone for the first time, I'd just go, but will take a friend along and wanted to hear a review first.

 

[Cachoo]

I absolutely HATE Poirot in the TV show (and the TV series in general)

I have the opposite problem with Miss Marple: I thought Joan Hickson was so great in the role that I have a problem seeing anyone else as Miss Marple.

I watched "The Raven" last night. It was not a great film but I appreciated the idea of trying something a little different with gothic themes. And I know John Cusack was looking for different roles. Edgar Allen Poe certainly fits that bill.

 

[PeterG]

I watched Too Many Girls (1940) recently as we were talking about Ann Miller. This was one movie which she starred in which my library had, plus it had Lucille Ball and Dezi Arnaz, so I was definitely in! I believe this is how they met, so it was very cool to watch (in a way) the beginning of their relationship. They both looked wonderful and I can see the talent and charm in Arnaz that our Lucy fell for. We see Lucy as such a big star now, but this movie is definitely an ensemble, with the men hired to look out for her maybe having more screen time than Ball herself. Eddie Bracken stands out as one of the guys looking out for Ball along with Arnaz. And Ann Miller was great, although she basically just has one number, but it's a great one. No trailer for this one at youtube, which is a shame as this one is definitely worth seeing.

I saw The Danish Girl ...

Plus, having some Matthias Schoenarts never hurts

Hurts so GOOD!!

Not gonna lie, I kind of wonder if another Avatar movie will every actually be released.

I have no doubt that not only will there be many Avatar movies, but they will be released when Cameron feels damn sure they are ready and that they will be released at a time where they will have maximum success. I don't think he's the kind of person who wants a box office battle to show who or what is better, but wants the best possible outcome. He's very serious about his work!

 

[Artemis@BC]

Thanks! If you've been that often, I guess you enjoy the experience. If I were going alone for the first time, I'd just go, but will take a friend along and wanted to hear a review first.

Was there a particular production you were wondering about? There's an encore of As You Like It later this month -- I'll probably pass on that one, I'm a bit Shakespeared out. But I'm really looking forward to the new Martin McDonagh comedy, Hangmen, coming in April.

I see a lot of live theatre as well, and the one thing these broadcasts don't give is the intimacy and immediacy of a live performance. But on every other level they're fabulous -- top-notch acting, great material, and excellent views, all for about $22.

 

[smurfy]

Has anyone ever been to a National Theater Live performance at a movie cinema?

I saw a replay of 'The Audience' with Helen Mirren a few years ago. I loved it. Can't see everything live, due to cost, and location. So a great way to see more. There have been other shows available, but the dates were not good. Usually they are only shown live, and then a couple more times.

 

[Artemis@BC]

^ Yes, the dates can be tricky -- in Canada most of the shows only have 2 broadcast dates. The Audience had a lot more though, since it was so popular. Same with Frankenstein (the Benedict Cumberbatch - Johnny Lee Miller alternating role one).

 

[skatesindreams]

TCM is showing a group of movies that were banned/condemned by the "Catholic Legion of Decency"; on Thursday evenings in March.

 

[Xela M]

I've mentioned this film before, but I came across it again on youtube and this time with English subtitles. It's the first film of the "Sissi" trilogy. It's about Austria's most beloved Empress Elisabeth of Austria (nicknamed "Sissi"). This film trilogy is absolutely gorgeous, well-made, amazingly acted and surprisingly historically accurate. It's about Sissi's younger years as a Bayern princess and her marriage to her cousin, the Emperor of Austria Franz Joseph II.

This is the best feel-good film of all time and a must see for anyone who hasn't seen it. German-speaking people were literally obsessed with it and hounded Romy Schneiner (who plays Sissi) so much she lived all her life abroad.

She was only 15 when the filming of the first film began and her on-screen mother is played by her actual mother. Emperor Franz Joseph is played by one of the most handsome and brilliant actors of all time - Karlheinz Boehm (http://www.purestars.de/artikel/kar...aus-sissi-filmen-stirbt-mit-86-jahren_a2467/2 ) who in addition was an incredible personality off-screen. (He dedicated his life to charity projects in Ethiopia and moved there with his family).

Anyway, here is the first part of the trilogy in German with English subtitles... https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pHlYi3tD0Pw

In my view, one of the best-made historical dramas ever.

 

[PeterG]

Movies being released this week listed below. The Wave is one I'm looking forward to as it reminds me of the 70's movies I saw as a kid (Earthquake, Towering Inferno, etc.). But now with much better effects! And only three psycho revenge thriller pics this week to choose from (and Camino, Desierto and Road Games). I can only watch so many of this type of movie until I end up feeling really yucky. All three look like well made films, but Camino seems like it might have a better story than the others. Plus it's great to see a woman kicking butt. If anybody sees Desierto or Road Games, I'd really like to hear what you think about them. And last (and certainly least), I dumped "Emelie" to the bottom of the list as it looks like a disgusting idea for a movie. BLECH!!


March 4th - Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Biographical comedy drama with Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Alfred Molina and Billy Bob Thornton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxAcIWDi8ps

March 4th - London Has Fallen - Action with Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Jackie Earle Haley, Melissa Leo and Robert Forster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMbyPhQo75A

March 4th – Zootopia - Animated comedy with Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba and J.K. Simmons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWM0ct-OLsM

March 4th - Knight of Cups - Fantasy drama with Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Antonio Banderas, Brian Dennehy, Freida Pinto, Wes Bentley, Cherry Jones, Armin Mueller-Stahl and Natalie Portman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI2j1FHCjtM

March 4th- The Other Side of the Door - Horror with Jeremy Sisto and Sarah Wayne Callies [The Walking Dead]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1HjOEubv2Y

March 4th - The Wave (Limited) – Action drama. From imdb.com: “Even though awaited, no-one is really ready when the mountain pass of Åkneset above the scenic narrow Norwegian fjord Geiranger falls out and creates a 85-meter-high violent tsunami. A geologist is one of those caught in the middle of it.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIr90-aG26Y

March 4th - Camino (Limited) – Adventure thriller with Zoe Bell and Kevin Pollak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RSiNfQVAms

March 2nd - Songs My Brothers Taught Me (Limited) – Drama. From imdb.com: “With an older brother in jail and living with their single mother on Pine Ridge Reservation, Johnny and his sister Jashuan's lives develop new challenges when their absentee cowboy father suddenly dies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lUHAE9lMb8

March 4th - Trapped (Limited) – Documentary. From imdb.com: “From 2011 to 2013, hundreds of regulations were passed restricting access to abortion in America. Reproductive rights advocates refer to these as "TRAP" laws, or Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers…”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjgVPPEoFt8

March 4th - Desierto (Limited) – Dramatic thriller with Gael García Bernal and Jeffrey Dean Morgan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEt8Mhya3vI

March 4th - They Will Have to Kill Us First (Limited) – Musical documentary. From imdb.com: “Islamic extremists have banned music in Mali, but its world famous musicians wont give up without a fight...”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cmeCapZdGo

March 4th - Road Games (Limited) – Thriller. From imdb.com: “The sun drenched days of summer turn dark and ominous for hitchhiking duo Jack and Véronique when they become inexplicably entangled with a mysterious married couple and a local road kill collector in rural France.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI8guzFYSPI

March 4th - Ava’s Possessions (Limited) – Horror with Carol Kane, William Sadler and Lou Taylor Pucci
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjkfTD_MW1M

March 4th - A Bit of Bad Luck (Limited) – Comedy drama thriller with Cary Elwes and Teri Polo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv_wh1-Ht5g

March 4th - Me Him Her (Limited) – Comedy with Haley Joel Osment, Luke Bracey, Geena Davis, Jake McDorman [Limitless] and Scott Bakula
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ3FkhULloo

March 4th - Emelie (Limited) – Thriller. From imdb.com: “After their regular babysitter can't make it, the Thompson family turns to her friend Anna to supervise the children while they go out to celebrate their anniversary.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZoLut2Ti0U

 

[Johnny_Fever]

This looks like it will be interesting. The soundtrack in any case.

Nina

 

[Nan]

I finally watched Cinderella last night. It was enjoyable enough, but that dress really was the best bit. My husband is still talking about it this morning.

 

[Xela M]

I finally watched Cinderella last night. It was enjoyable enough, but that dress really was the best bit. My husband is still talking about it this morning.

I loved that dress too! I got my daughter a fancy dress version of it. I wish I could wear it

 

[gk_891]

I've mentioned this film before, but I came across it again on youtube and this time with English subtitles. It's the first film of the "Sissi" trilogy. It's about Austria's most beloved Empress Elisabeth of Austria (nicknamed "Sissi"). This film trilogy is absolutely gorgeous, well-made, amazingly acted and surprisingly historically accurate. It's about Sissi's younger years as a Bayern princess and her marriage to her cousin, the Emperor of Austria Franz Joseph II.

This is the best feel-good film of all time and a must see for anyone who hasn't seen it. German-speaking people were literally obsessed with it and hounded Romy Schneiner (who plays Sissi) so much she lived all her life abroad.

She was only 15 when the filming of the first film began and her on-screen mother is played by her actual mother. Emperor Franz Joseph is played by one of the most handsome and brilliant actors of all time - Karlheinz Boehm (http://www.purestars.de/artikel/kar...aus-sissi-filmen-stirbt-mit-86-jahren_a2467/2 ) who in addition was an incredible personality off-screen. (He dedicated his life to charity projects in Ethiopia and moved there with his family).

Anyway, here is the first part of the trilogy in German with English subtitles... https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pHlYi3tD0Pw

In my view, one of the best-made historical dramas ever.

Romy replayed Sissi in a Luchino Visconti movie during the early 1970s called Ludwig. It was one of those odd movies that had some wonderful and terrible qualities to it simultaneously! But I admit I'm biased since I'm not a fan of Visconti.

 

[Xela M]

Romy replayed Sissi in a Luchino Visconti movie during the early 1970s called Ludwig. It was one of those odd movies that had some wonderful and terrible qualities to it simultaneously! But I admit I'm biased since I'm not a fan of Visconti.

I know the film, but I couldn't get through it to be honest (although I know people who loved it). First of all, it's a mostly made-up Visconti version of events. There's no evidence that Ludwig was even homosexual. Secondly, the film was made in Italian I believe and in the German version Romy Schneider is dubbed by someone else! She sounds completely different to the way she sounded in Sissi, which was so distracting. I loved Helmut Berger as Ludwig though.

A bit of trivia... apparently, when Romy Schneider was engaged to Alain Delon, they all lived together with Romy's mum and Visconti. It is said that every night the three of them (Romy, her mum and Visconti) would sit around and wait to see in whose room Alain Delon would spend the night...

 

[gk_891]

I know the film, but I couldn't get through it to be honest (although I know people who loved it). First of all, it's a mostly made-up Visconti version of events. There's no evidence that Ludwig was even homosexual. Secondly, the film was made in Italian I believe and in the German version Romy Schneider is dubbed by someone else! She sounds completely different to the way she sounded in Sissi, which was so distracting. I loved Helmut Berger as Ludwig though.

A bit of trivia... apparently, when Romy Schneider was engaged to Alain Delon, they all lived together with Romy's mum and Visconti. It is said that every night the three of them (Romy, her mum and Visconti) would sit around and wait to see in which room Alain Delon would spend the night...

Berger as Ludwig was one of the few performances where I could tolerate him (the other one was The Gardens of the Finzi-Continis). I've only seen the Italian version of Ludwig and I remember being shocked at how effective he was. Almost every other movie I've seen him in I would always cringe every time he opened his mouth.

 

[Integrity]

Was there a particular production you were wondering about? There's an encore of As You Like It later this month -- I'll probably pass on that one, I'm a bit Shakespeared out. But I'm really looking forward to the new Martin McDonagh comedy, Hangmen, coming in April.

I see a lot of live theatre as well, and the one thing these broadcasts don't give is the intimacy and immediacy of a live performance. But on every other level they're fabulous -- top-notch acting, great material, and excellent views, all for about $22.

"Hangmen" is going to be shown in my area on Sunday afternoon. Thanks again.

 

[watchthis!!]

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin is one of those documentaries where the first part of of the movie explains the basics of an issue, I think, "okay...I get it". And then as the movie covers more complex parts of the subject, my cloudy confusion makes things all foggy again. The movie was interesting in showing us a bunch of people trying to take some power away from those in power who are being irresponsible, if not unawful. But that same issue seems to be what the people involved with bitcoin seemed to be surprisingly unaware of. If you are creating a new kind of currency, how will it's use be monitored and people held responsible for however it is used? People started using bitcoin to do illegal business dealings (drug dealing) where less scrutiny gave them more freedom. Plus there's the matter of taxes which the IRS would certainly be concerned about and seemingly everyone involved with bitcoin didn't put any thought. For a bunch of people who are much more intelligent than I am, they're also kinda stoopid!

 

[Artemis@BC]

I watched Queen of Earth last night. Very stylish, intense little psycho-drama. A must-see for Elisabeth Moss fans, she was amazing -- but so was Katherine Waterston, her co-star. The movie itself is unsettling and inconclusive (intentionally so) so you'd probably have to be in the right mood for it.

 

[BaileyCatts]

I have never been into the whole "superhero" thing but ..... aren't Superman and Batman both 'good guys'? If they are, why are they fighting each other?

 

[PeterG]

I have never been into the whole "superhero" thing but ..... aren't Superman and Batman both 'good guys'? If they are, why are they fighting each other?

Batman was playing around behind Superman's back with their nanny.