Let's Talk Movies #35 – Sparrows and Panthers and Dinosaurs…Oh My!

[LeafOnTheWind]

Saw Mortal Engines. It is a dystopian film with incredible computer generated effects. I enjoyed it, but it is formulaic with stock characters. But I loved the steampunk metropolis jalopies.

We had the same evening. I was just about to post the same thing.

None of the twists surprised me at all but I loved the steampunk look to everything. I do wish they could have shown more of everyday life and scenery from London and the Shield Wall of Batmunkh Gompa.

 

[watchthis!!]

The Program is a really good movie about Lance Armstrong...or is it really about the cycling world, featuring Lance Armstrong. Ben Foster plays Armstrong and is incredible. The movie packs a lot into a 100 minute movie. So much that maybe it should have been a TV mini-series. Too much story for such a little running time is my only complaint with this movie. Everyone in it gives a great performance, and it nicely summarizes the whole MESS that the cycling world was once. At least I hope like it once was...not sure if some cycling fans would say it's still a dirty game these days, as I'm not a cycling fan myself. Definitely a movie to see.

Trailer for The Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwiaNK_q66Q

 

[Vash01]

The Program is a really good movie about Lance Armstrong...or is it really about the cycling world, featuring Lance Armstrong. Ben Foster plays Armstrong and is incredible. The movie packs a lot into a 100 minute movie. So much that maybe it should have been a TV mini-series. Too much story for such a little running time is my only complaint with this movie. Everyone in it gives a great performance, and it nicely summarizes the whole MESS that the cycling world was once. At least I hope like it once was...not sure if some cycling fans would say it's still a dirty game these days, as I'm not a cycling fan myself. Definitely a movie to see.

Trailer for The Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwiaNK_q66Q

New movie?

 

[Japanfan]

I need to see A star is born again. I may have missed many things the first time.

After seeing the Streisand/Kristofferson version, I don't feel I ever need to see it again.

However, I confess that I am not a fan of musicals in general ('Sound of Music' being the exception) or of Lady Gaga in particular.

 

[Aussie Willy]

The Program is a really good movie about Lance Armstrong...or is it really about the cycling world, featuring Lance Armstrong. Ben Foster plays Armstrong and is incredible. The movie packs a lot into a 100 minute movie. So much that maybe it should have been a TV mini-series. Too much story for such a little running time is my only complaint with this movie. Everyone in it gives a great performance, and it nicely summarizes the whole MESS that the cycling world was once. At least I hope like it once was...not sure if some cycling fans would say it's still a dirty game these days, as I'm not a cycling fan myself. Definitely a movie to see.

Trailer for The Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwiaNK_q66Q

I saw this one a while ago and I agree it is very good. Ben Foster is one of those actors who is very transformable. If I see him on the poster I am interested in seeing it. The last movie I saw was Leave No Trace which is worth seeing too.

I had read the book the movie is based on - Seven Deadly Sins. David Welch, who is played by Chris O'Dowd in the movie, sacrificed a lot. He was one of the people that never believed that Armstrong was clean. He ended up be ostracised by not only the cycling community but also his fellow journalists. Worth reading the book as well.

 

[MacMadame]

However, I confess that I am not a fan of musicals in general ('Sound of Music' being the exception) or of Lady Gaga in particular.

I used to think I wasn't a fan of musicals but it turns out that I'm not a fan of films of musicals. They are filled too realistically usually and then people suddenly burst into song, usually in ways not too well integrated into the filming, which isn't realistic at all.

Now that I have a kid who wants to be an actress in musical theater, I have seen many, many musicals on the stage and I found that I often enjoy them.

As for Lady Gaga, I like her Bad Romance song. Not because it is good. Because it is bad in a similar way to all those cheap Regency romances I used to read.

 

[VGThuy]

I find that a lot of people don't like musicals, which is fair. A lot of people I know tried but just don't like it. I love musicals but I do think a lot of film musicals are pretty bad especially ones made these days. They don't really know the art form well or how to balance the theatrical elements and yet still be a great filmmaker. Also, some times the content just isn't good.

I separate those who simply don't like musicals to those who tell me they don't understand musical numbers or why characters sing or how to separate the musical number scenes from the "book" scenes and that getting in the way of their enjoyment. The way I explain musicals to those people who aren't used to watching musicals is to imagine the musical numbers are like a martial arts action sequence in a martial arts film (or any action sequence in an action/western film). They're really just heightened expressions of emotions the characters are feeling (whether it be a soliloquy or a dialogue between two people or a dance sequence). It's to present to the audience not just the words they're saying but giving off the feelings as well and the atmosphere.

I think a lot of film directors have issues with it because usually they can just do a close-up or do something totally gnarly with the editing/camera work/musical score to portray that. I think it takes a certain talent to direct a film musical. You have to understand theatre but you also have to understand film as many theatre directors who become film directors really aren't the same sort of artists behind the camera (Rob Marshall is an example who I think does only ok or serviceable work behind the camera and he has a musical theatre background). A lot of film directors don't quite understand how to manage a musical either.

 

[Japanfan]

I separate those who simply don't like musicals to those who tell me they don't understand musical numbers or why characters sing or how to separate the musical number scenes from the "book" scenes and that getting in the way of their enjoyment.

I am actually not very musical in general. It rarely occurs to me to listen to music for entertainment. In fact, I sometimes find music annoying (especially when it's blaring in restaurants) and just prefer quiet.

I do listen to a lot of music while watching FS, however. For the most part, that's enough for me.

I think it takes a certain talent to direct a film musical. You have to understand theatre but you also have to understand film as many theatre directors who become film directors really aren't the same sort of artists behind the camera (Rob Marshall is an example who I think does only ok or serviceable work behind the camera and he has a musical theatre background). A lot of film directors don't quite understand how to manage a musical either.

ITA.

 

[watchthis!!]

New movie?

It was in theaters the fall of 2015.

 

[made_in_canada]

My husband and I watched Dumplin’ last night. Both of us really enjoyed it. It managed to avoid being too sickly sweet and was just a really nice feel good movie with some lovely performances.

 

[VGThuy]

My husband and I watched Dumplin’ last night. Both of us really enjoyed it. It managed to avoid being too sickly sweet and was just a really nice feel good movie with some lovely performances.

The trailer looks great.

 

[VGThuy]

I just finished Roma and I have complicated feelings about it. I think it's beautiful cinema and shot extremely well. As a directorial job, this may be Alfonso Cuaron's masterpiece. However, I'm some issues with the portrayal of the lead character as written by Cuaron who was in real life in the shoes of the privileged child whose family employed her. So at times it feels as though he's disconnected to who she really was and he wrote the character in a way that he understood her, which is limited to say the least. That said, it really is beautiful cinema and there are moments of pure wonder in it. I do think there's a real love for the character as evidenced as how he shot the main actress. I think it's definitely worth a watch and it at least provides enough to have a real substantive debate/discussion about, which is much more than most movies these days.

 

[Erin]

The Program is a really good movie about Lance Armstrong...or is it really about the cycling world, featuring Lance Armstrong. Ben Foster plays Armstrong and is incredible. The movie packs a lot into a 100 minute movie. So much that maybe it should have been a TV mini-series. Too much story for such a little running time is my only complaint with this movie. Everyone in it gives a great performance, and it nicely summarizes the whole MESS that the cycling world was once. At least I hope like it once was...not sure if some cycling fans would say it's still a dirty game these days, as I'm not a cycling fan myself. Definitely a movie to see.

Trailer for The Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwiaNK_q66Q

I’m surprised I hadn’t heard of this movie at all, as I was watching a lot of the Armstrong-related movies and reading a lot of the books when they came out. This one may have been too late, after I stopped paying attention. Anyway, I watched it on Sunday and generally agree with this review but would emphasize that it really should have been a mini series as it was way, way, way too rushed. The whole investigation of Lance, which was a cat and mouse game that went on for years, was reduced to 30 seconds and had no dramatic tension. But I agree that the performances were good.

 

[smurfy]

I saw 'Widows'. Great movie, very entertaining ride, the acting was the best. Complicated story with many people and angles. I was on the edge of my seat, it had a great twist and thoroughly entertained. I highly recommend.
As I think about it now, I can poke holes in it. But just watch and enjoy the story unfold.
The whole cast is very good, Viola Davis is always wonderful but so was the rest of the large cast.
I have not read the book.

Re - Lance Armstrong. I saw some documentary a few years ago, I think it was multi part - several hours? on cable tv.
After seeing it, I was disgusted with Armstrong and it was before he confessed. And when I talked with some people before he confessed they would say how great his accomplishments were and how everyone cheated. But he sued and ruined other peoples that told the truth, which just turned me off. I just read he made a ton of money off some investment, either Uber or some other 'in' thing.

 

[Buzz]

Actor Ludi Lin wants to play Shang Chi in the MCU, and from the looks of his resumé he certainly has the skills and acting chops. Hope he gets it.
https://screenrant.com/marvel-shang-chi-movie-ludi-lin/

 

[VGThuy]

Actor Ludi Lin wants to play Shang Chi in the MCU, and from the looks of his resumé he certainly has the skills and acting chops. Hope he gets it.
https://screenrant.com/marvel-shang-chi-movie-ludi-lin/

Thanks to social media and discovering certain actors on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and also YouTube where they do videos for Wong Fu and other Asian-American content creators, I'm now in a position to think there are a lot of young Asian-Am men who should be in a running. I'm glad I can say that.

 

[UGG]

After seeing the Streisand/Kristofferson version, I don't feel I ever need to see it again.

However, I confess that I am not a fan of musicals in general ('Sound of Music' being the exception) or of Lady Gaga in particular.

Interestingly, here is Lady Gaga performing songs from Sound of Music at the Oscars a few years ago. If you are a fan of the musical and have not seen this, it’s worth watching!

https://youtu.be/JxcFcKvjZCk

 

[Aussie Willy]

I love musicals, whether they be onstage or live. As long as it is good, then I am in.

I have never seen Cabaret. Will need to get it on DVD as I can't find it on a streaming service.

 

[Aussie Willy]

My husband and I watched Dumplin’ last night. Both of us really enjoyed it. It managed to avoid being too sickly sweet and was just a really nice feel good movie with some lovely performances.

Glad you liked it. One of those nice movies which makes you feel good. We need those sometimes.

 

[Buzz]

Saw Aquaman yesterday and really enjoyed it! Jason Mamoa does a great job as Aquaman. The only real downside is that I eat popcorn during the movie and ended up with the worst upset stomach ever! LOL

 

[skatesindreams]

Interestingly, here is Lady Gaga performing songs from Sound of Music at the Oscars a few years ago. If you are a fan of the musical and have not seen this, it’s worth watching!

https://youtu.be/JxcFcKvjZCk

To the surprise of many, I suspect, she was really good; gaining confidence as she sang.
Imagine how she must have felt when Dame Julie came onstage!

 

[mrr50]

Aquaman is a very good superhero movie. Once again the special effects are fantastic. I seem to write that phrase often. Note that Julie Andrews's voice is used for Karathen.

 

[SandraMGfan]

Haven’t seen as many movies as I wanted in December but saw First Reformed and Green Book. Two films I saw without knowing much about it bad the fact that the leads were getting awards nominations.

First Reformed - I didn’t enjoy unsurprisingly as anything relying on religion is not my cup of tea (movie or life!). Ethan Hawke was quite good and deserve the praise he’s gotten though!

Green Book - on the other hand might be in my top 5 of the year. Based on a true story, it was refreshing to see the roles a bit reversed (the white guy being clearly less smart) and to see how his opinion change on his views throughout the movie and how his friendship with the black pianist grows.
I really recommend this!

 

[clairecloutier]

Has anyone seen the new Mary Poppins movie? My husband suggested going to it with the kids this week. I'm hesitant, as I don't see how anyone can compare with Julie Andrews in the role.

 

[Wyliefan]

I posted in the other movie thread about it (maybe the wrong thread? I forgot we had two). In a nutshell: frenetic but sweet, with charming songs. Of course Blunt can't measure up to Andrews, but she's good, and so is LMM.

 

[VGThuy]

I saw The Favourite and although the last scene is a bit strange, I think I understood the point of it. It’s one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. Rachel Weisz is outstanding and I would not be mad if she pulled off an Oscar win for it. Olivia Colman is the MVP of the film and her performance surprised me with the emotional depth behind it and yet how she kept the humor. Her classical training is quite evident and puts her above many of the Best Actress contenders. I would love it if she could pull off a win here as the level of acting on display is simply incredible and yet did not feel “Actorly” but natural. Emma Stone’s accent goes in and out but she did a good job here. One of her better performances. I highly recommend watching it in the theater.

 

[Jay42]

I saw The Favourite and although the last scene is a bit strange, I think I understood the point of it. It’s one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. Rachel Weisz is outstanding and I would not be mad if she pulled off an Oscar win for it. Olivia Colman is the MVP of the film and her performance surprised me with the emotional depth behind it and yet how she kept the humor. Her classical training is quite evident and puts her above many of the Best Actress contenders. I would love it if she could pull off a win here as the level of acting on display is simply incredible and yet did not feel “Actorly” but natural. Emma Stone’s accent goes in and out but she did a good job here. One of her better performances. I highly recommend watching it in the theater.

I've been so excited for this movie for so long and I still don't know when I'll get the chance to see it. I'm living vicariously through everyone else via postings about it online at this point.

 

[Tesla]

Has anyone seen the new Mary Poppins movie? My husband suggested going to it with the kids this week. I'm hesitant, as I don't see how anyone can compare with Julie Andrews in the role.

I felt the same way until I saw a trailer, and now I kind of want to see it.

 

[vgerdes]

Saw Aquaman yesterday and really enjoyed it! Jason Mamoa does a great job as Aquaman.

Aquaman is a very good superhero movie. Once again the special effects are fantastic. I seem to write that phrase often. Note that Julie Andrews's voice is used for Karathen.

I enjoyed it as well. Agree that the special effects were well done - and the colors were gorgeous.

 

[SandraMGfan]

Watched Dumplin’ (Netflix) yesterday. Really enjoyed it. Nice treatment of the subject, very good cast.
Was quite surprised to see that Jennifer Aniston (producing) is behind it - but good for her!
(Not sure if it belongs here, but also watched Ellen Degeneres’s Relatable and that was utter disapointment. Not only I didn’t laugh but I found that material to be very subpar)