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

[skatesindreams]

Saw it yesterday and liked it a lot. Thought the performances by Rockwell, Hauser, and Wilde were excellent. Seemed like an old-fashioned telling of a story that was done well.

Jewell's life was ruined by assumptions; and a "rush to judgement", by many people.

 

[Vash01]

Jewell's life was ruined by assumptions; and a "rush to judgement", by many people.

Just got back from seeing this movie. It was good. The acting was really good. The screenplay was good. It seemed slow at first but it picked up. I didn’t remember all the details from 1996. The media and the FBI were both guilty of ruining Jewel’s life. I am surprised he didn’t sue them.

 

[Buzz]

I’ve got tickets for Star Wars!

 

[SandraMGfan]

Saw Little Women yesterday evening - I was really looking forward to it - loved the book back in the day and loved the 1994 version. So with Greta Gerwig and that cast, I was really excited and ... really disappointed
Without giving anything away, I just didn’t enjoy the choice of timeline, found the Amy character poorly cast and even if Timothée Chalamet is the same age as (end of book) Laurie - he just look way too young for the role.
On the subject of taking a modern look at it - this was clearly visible but with the movie still set in the same time period, some things just felt weird.

I’ll go and watch Winona Ryder and Christian Bale version again!

 

[VGThuy]

Did Saoirse capture the tomboy and louder aspects of Jo? I love the Winona Ryder version but the problem I have with it is that she’s so pretty and waif-like that I don’t get the same sense of insecurity other actresses who have played Jo and played up her more rambunctious nature and who have played her “big” and “larger than life” captured. That said, she gave us an almost 90s introvert version of Jo, which I truly appreciate as someone who can relate to that.

Also, there is a huge discrepancy and awkwardness to Samantha Mathis’s portrayal of Amy compared to Kirsten Dunst. I always found it odd and it made me feel no chemistry between her and Laurie which helps the Jo/Laurie shippers.

 

[Vash01]

Saw Little Women yesterday evening - I was really looking forward to it - loved the book back in the day and loved the 1994 version. So with Greta Gerwig and that cast, I was really excited and ... really disappointed
Without giving anything away, I just didn’t enjoy the choice of timeline, found the Amy character poorly cast and even if Timothée Chalamet is the same age as (end of book) Laurie - he just look way too young for the role.
On the subject of taking a modern look at it - this was clearly visible but with the movie still set in the same time period, some things just felt weird.

I’ll go and watch Winona Ryder and Christian Bale version again!

I have not read the book, so I may still enjoy the movie. I love Ronan and Chalamet.

 

[MacMadame]

Any thoughts on the Richard Jewell movie?

According to this article, Eastwood changes some key facts to make the media out to be villains:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-clint-eastwood-blew-the-story-of-1996/2019/12/18/837225cc-21b5-11ea-bed5-880264cc91a9_story.html?utm_campaign=todays_headlines&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Newsletter&wpisrc=nl_headlines&wpmm=1

 

[Vash01]

According to this article, Eastwood changes some key facts to make the media out to be villains:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-clint-eastwood-blew-the-story-of-1996/2019/12/18/837225cc-21b5-11ea-bed5-880264cc91a9_story.html?utm_campaign=todays_headlines&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Newsletter&wpisrc=nl_headlines&wpmm=1

I hate it when journalists expect movies based on true stories to be like documentaries.
Those are "based on". They are not exactly how the real story happened. Movies can take poetic license tp create drama, suspense, and yes, entertainment. If they are presenting history, they do need to protect major facts and events. This movie is not history, but it has presented major events correctly. The poetic license applies to the details.

I did object to the poetic license taken in 'The Social Network'. Zuckerberg had a steady girl friend (now his wife) for years; the movie portrayed him as someone who his fictional girl friend had problems with.

I am no fan of Eastwood, but he has done a good job in RJ. Not Oscar worthy, but pretty good.

 

[Vash01]

I am really hating this year's top movies- not all, but those who are getting high praise and awards, like Parasite, Once upon a time in Hollywood. I am sure there are more that I have not yet seen. I don't plan on seeing Joker, mainly because of the comments I have read - e.g. difficult to watch, dark, etc. I do want to watch Joakim Phoenix, who has received high praise but I am not sure I can stomach that movie. I hate parasite, like a benchmark of a bad movie (for me). Is Joker better (less violence/blood/gore) or worse?

 

[VGThuy]

I think the portrayal of Scruggs played by Olivia Wilde is a valid criticism. She was a real person and for a film that is about false media portrayals and character assassination, those close to the actual woman say the movie did just that to her.

 

[SandraMGfan]

Did Saoirse capture the tomboy and louder aspects of Jo? I love the Winona Ryder version but the problem I have with it is that she’s so pretty and waif-like that I don’t get the same sense of insecurity other actresses who have played Jo and played up her more rambunctious nature and who have played her “big” and “larger than life” captured. That said, she gave us an almost 90s introvert version of Jo, which I truly appreciate as someone who can relate to that.

Also, there is a huge discrepancy and awkwardness to Samantha Mathis’s portrayal of Amy compared to Kirsten Dunst. I always found it odd and it made me feel no chemistry between her and Laurie which helps the Jo/Laurie shippers.

She was more tomboy-ish than Winona Ryder but not massively.
Agree that changing actresses to play Amy was strange in the 1994 version but having the 4 girls not changing at all physically here with the weird choice of timeline was confusing (the timeline will confuse people who have not read the book I believe - or seen any other versions)

 

[Maofan7]

Upcoming Releases (US)

20 December 2019

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Wikipedia

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Star Wars 9: Ultimate Final Trailer | The Rise of Skywalker

▿#StarWars #StarWars9 #TheRiseofSkywalker ▿The film is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 20, 2019.The Rise of Skywalker will see the...

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Bombshell

Bombshell (2019 film) - Wikipedia

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Bombshell Trailer #1 (2019) | Movieclips Trailers

Check out the official Bombshell trailer starring Nicole Kidman! Let us know what you think in the comments below.► Buy or Rent Bombshell: https://www.fandan...

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Cats

Cats (2019 film) - Wikipedia

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CATS - New Trailer

You’re invited to the most joyful event of the holiday season. Watch the new trailer for CATS now. 🐱✨ #CatsMovieFacebook: http://unvrs.al/catsFBTwitter: ht...

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Invisible Life

The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão - Wikipedia

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Invisible Life (2019) | Trailer | Julia Stockler | Carol Duarte | Flávia Gusmão | Karim Aïnouz

Watch Invisible Life (2019) Trailer on The Match Factory Rio de Janeiro, 1950. Eurídice, 18, and Guida, 20, are two inseparable sisters living at home with t...

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Dabangg 3

Dabangg 3 - Wikipedia

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Dabangg 3: Official Trailer | Salman Khan | Sonakshi Sinha | Prabhu Deva | 20th Dec'19

India's most badass and lovable cop Chulbul Robinhood Pandey is back with 'Dabangg 3'. Watch the Hindi trailer of the Salman Khan starrer directed by Prabhud...

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25 December 2019

Little Women

Little Women (2019 film) - Wikipedia

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LITTLE WOMEN - Official Trailer (HD)

This Christmas, own your story. 🖊 Watch the new #LittleWomenMovie trailer now.Visit Site:https://www.littlewomen.movie/?hs308=youtubeorgFollow Us on Social:...

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1917

1917 (2019 film) - Wikipedia

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1917 - Official Trailer [HD]

1917 In Select Theaters Christmas, Everywhere January 10https://www.1917.movie Sam Mendes, the Oscar®-winning director of Skyfall, Spectre and American Beaut...

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Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems - Wikipedia

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UNCUT GEMS Trailer (2019)

Official Uncut Gems Movie Trailer 2019 | Subscribe ➤ http://abo.yt/ki | Adam Sandler Movie Trailer | Release: 2019 | More https://KinoCheck.com/film/4p8/uncu...

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Ip Man 4: The Finale

Ip Man 4: The Finale - Wikipedia

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IP MAN 4 Official Trailer (2019) Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Action Movie HD

Check out the IP MAN TV Series for FREE! https://youtu.be/AmdlV8qLwr0IP MAN 4 Official Trailer (2019) Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Action Movie HDSubscribe HERE...

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Spies in Disguise

Spies in Disguise - Wikipedia

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Spies in Disguise | Official Trailer 3 [HD] | 20th Century FOX

Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is …...

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The Song of Names

The Song of Names - Wikipedia

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THE SONG OF NAMES | Official Trailer (2019)

Martin Simmonds (Tim Roth) has been haunted throughout his life by the mysterious disappearance of his “brother” and extraordinary best friend, a Polish Jewi...

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27 December 2019

Clemency

Clemency (film) - Wikipedia

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Clemency [Official Trailer] – In Theaters December 27, 2019

Starring Alfre Woodard. A Film by Chinonye Chukwu. In Theaters December 27, 2019. #ClemencyYears of carrying out death row executions have taken a toll on pr...

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Good Newwz

Good Newwz - Wikipedia

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YouTube

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[Buzz]

Saw Star Wars and loved it!!! It did take me by surprise a couple times and at least once not in a good way. But the movie is quite the fun ride and totally worth it. I don’t want to say anything else until more people have seen it. Oh yeah and there is no post credit scene.

 

[misskarne]

The In The Heights trailer has dropped and I'm so frickin excited right now:

IN THE HEIGHTS - Official Trailer

Turn up the volume on your dreams. #InTheHeightsMovie, only in theaters 2020. https://www.tiktok.com/@InTheHeightsMovie http://www.facebook.com/InTheHeightsM...

www.youtube.com

 

[Vash01]

Has anyone seen ‘A hidden life’, directed by Terence Malick? I saw the trailer and thought it looked interesting. It has 7.6 on imdb.

 

[agalisgv]

I am surprised he didn’t sue them.

He did. He won a couple settlements (not huge given the level of damage done), but didn’t prevail against the newspaper in question.

 

[MacMadame]

I hate it when journalists expect movies based on true stories to be like documentaries.

I think the portrayal of Scruggs played by Olivia Wilde is a valid criticism. She was a real person and for a film that is about false media portrayals and character assassination, those close to the actual woman say the movie did just that to her.

Exactly. It completely changes the story to say she got her information by offering to sleep with someone when she didn't. And to pretend it wasn't the media who figured out Jewell couldn't have committed the crime also completely changes their role in the story.

 

[Vash01]

I saw The French Lietenant’s woman on DVD. I had seen it years ago and I remember being confused by the two stories within the movie. I was not confused this time but I felt that the modern story was unnecessary. The Victorian love story held my attention, but the modern story diluted the effect. Meryl Streep was phenomenal and Jeremy Irons looked very attractive and he acted very well. So much so that I wondered if he might have been a better choice to play Denis (played by Robert Redford) in ‘Out of Africa’?

Some of the scenes involving Streep were stunning, particularly in the first part when she is cloaked and she turns around, very close to the crashing waves. I read that it was very dangerous to be there, so they used a double for her. I wouldn’t have liked to be that double, LOL.

 

[Maofan7]

Has anyone seen ‘A hidden life’, directed by Terence Malick? I saw the trailer and thought it looked interesting. It has 7.6 on imdb.

Here is a good review of the film

A Hidden Life review – Terrence Malick's rhapsody to a conscientious objector

Malick’s second film about the second world war is a high-minded hymn to modern saint that never quite comes to life

www.theguardian.com

 

[Maofan7]

More Upcoming Release In Late December 2019

December 20

Togo

Togo (film) - Wikipedia

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TOGO Trailer (2019)

Official Togo Movie Trailer 2019 | Subscribe ➤ http://abo.yt/ki | Willem Dafoe Movie Trailer | Release: 20 Dec 2019 on Disney+ | More https://KinoCheck.com/f...

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The Two Popes

The Two Popes - Wikipedia

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The Two Popes | Official Trailer | Netflix

Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce star in this intimate look at a historic turning point in the Catholic Church. Directed by Academy Award nominee Fernando ...

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December 25

A Hidden Life

A Hidden Life (2019 film) - Wikipedia

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A HIDDEN LIFE | Official Trailer [HD] | FOX Searchlight

Based on real events, from visionary writer-director Terrence Malick, A HIDDEN LIFE is the story of an unsung hero, Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to fight ...

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Just Mercy

Just Mercy - Wikipedia

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JUST MERCY Official Trailer

JUST MERCY In theaters this December.https://www.justmercyfilm.com/https://www.facebook.com/JustMercyFilm/https://www.instagram.com/justmercyfilm/https://twi...

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December 27

Ice Princess Lily

Tabaluga (film) - Wikipedia

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ICE PRINCESS LILY Trailer (2019)

Watch the official trailer for Ice Princess Lily, an animation movie starring Mackenzie Ziegler and Cameron Ansell. In theaters December 27, 2019.Lily, a fea...

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[Buzz]

Just Mercy looks really good!

 

[skatesindreams]

The Two Popes

The Two Popes - Wikipedia

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The Two Popes | Official Trailer | Netflix

Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce star in this intimate look at a historic turning point in the Catholic Church. Directed by Academy Award nominee Fernando ...

m.youtube.com

Article of interest:

This 'Two Popes' actor reveals the secret to playing Pope Francis

Actor Jonathan Pryce says he was anxious about what Catholic leaders would think of his portrayal of Pope Francis in the new Netflix film, "The Two Popes."

www.cnn.com

 

[snoopy]

I just watched the 1991 version of point break. Someone went out of their way to ensure all the boys were all the pretty ones. A young Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayzee, jeebus. And Lori petty is the love interest, odd since I only know her from orange is the new black. The movie itself is pretty bad. It must be a classic for the bodies.

 

[Maofan7]

I just watched the 1991 version of point break. Someone went out of their way to ensure all the boys were all the pretty ones. A young Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayzee, jeebus. And Lori petty is the love interest, odd since I only know her from orange is the new black. The movie itself is pretty bad. It must be a classic for the bodies.

Gary Busey was also in that film, and he will never top his performance as Buddy Holly

The Buddy Holly Story True Love Ways

I do not own this movie. All rights go to Columbia Pictures, the film makers, and all who worked on this great movie. True Love Ways Taken from The Buddy Hol...

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[smurfy]

Saw Star Wars and loved it!!! It did take me by surprise a couple times and at least once not in a good way. But the movie is quite the fun ride and totally worth it. I don’t want to say anything else until more people have seen it. Oh yeah and there is no post credit scene.

I loved it too. Yes enjoy the ride. Some nice moments and a few things that bother me. But overall a good way to wrap it up.
It does ignore some stuff from the previous movie that annoys me, but oh well.
Oscar Isaac has become one of my favs.

 

[Wyliefan]

Did Saoirse capture the tomboy and louder aspects of Jo? I love the Winona Ryder version but the problem I have with it is that she’s so pretty and waif-like that I don’t get the same sense of insecurity other actresses who have played Jo and played up her more rambunctious nature and who have played her “big” and “larger than life” captured.

That's always been my problem with her portrayal as well. So many people love her as Jo, but she just never rang true for me.

 

[Aussie Willy]

I saw The Wild Goose Lake today. Chinese film about a gangster who is on the run from the police. I really liked this film. Very good performances and well directed.

The Wild Goose Lake (2019) ⭐ 6.7 | Crime, Drama

1h 53m

www.imdb.com

 

[Kasey]

I went and saw Bombshell yesterday. The acting of course was great, from the three leading ladies and others involved. John Lithgow was unrecognizable to me and was fabulous as well. An interesting look at the timeline and events that brought down Roger Ailes. A bit anticlimactic for me though.

 

[Vash01]

Just got back after seeing Starwars-The rise of Skywalker. It was really good. The story had some surprises. The special effects were fantastic. The acting was good too. Some old characters came back to life, but how on earth did they bring back Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher and the character). Didn’t she die in Episode 8? Regardless, it was nice to see Carrie Fisher in a movie again.

 

[MacMadame]

I feel like a grinch but I didn't like the movie at all. I found the first part really slllooooowww and the last part as completely preposterous. (I won't say more until more people have seen it.)

Didn’t she die in Episode 8?

Nope, not at all. She died in real life only.

According to JJ Abrams, they used footage they'd taken filing Episode 8 but couldn't use for that movie. (And a lot of shooting from behind with a body double.)