Let's Talk Movies #36 - 2020 - Yep it is a new decade

The Pact is a spooky movie about a woman whose mother has just passed away and whose sister and niece have gone missing. So in the midst of dealing with a death in the family and estate matters, she must now figure out what has happened to them. Complicating matters is that something is amiss with their family home...and it's becoming more problematic, even threatening as things proceed. Caity Lotz does a good job of carrying this movie as it's lead, some of you might know her from various DC TV shows (such as Legends of Tomorrow) where she plays Sara Lance / White Canary. Uber-hunk Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) plays a police office trying to help Lotz' character make sense of her troubles.

The Pact is a good enough movie, making seven million on a half million budget and ultimately spawning a sequel. But it's not a classic although if you like movies with a female lead (seemingly) taking on the world and never giving up in spite of many difficulties...and aren't afraid to get scared along the way, then this might be something for you to consider.
 
You Are My Sunshine is a small-budget gay romantic drama. This is the kind of movie where people had their heart in the right place, but maybe not enough time and money to make this into the movie they hoped for. The movie beings in the early 1970’s when two young meet and fall in love. There is a dual storyline of the two of them in present day as well. I just wish the script had been touched up a bit more and that this gay-themed movie could have had more support in term of the production budget. And probably a stronger director. Overall, the movie has kind of a Hallmark feel to it. Sweet, a little sappy, but with an edge to it so that it’s not overly sweet.

Trailer for You Are My Sunshine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MCCmiZix18
 
Keira Knightley, Carrie Coon, Alessandro Nivola and Chris Cooper headline "Boston Strangler" about two female reporters and their determination during and after the Boston Strangler murders. This is a true story about their efforts and their reports and some of the difficulties they had doing their job as they were "girls" and many thought they should be focused on "girly" subjects. It was a good story. One is led to question much of police procedure in this film. HULU
 
The Lady Eve is a wonderful 1941 screwball comedy starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda. Both do some great work in this movie. Stanwyck and her father are con artist card sharks on an ocean cruise. The plan is to swindle Fonda’s character out as much money as they can get, but soon after they begin their scam, Stanwyck starts to fall in love with Fonda. There is one scene where some affection ensues between the two and it’s both funny and sexy and very well acted!

Some of the recognition for The Lady Eve include:
  • Oscar nominated for best screenplay
  • The New York Times named The Lady Eve as the best film of 1941.
  • The Lady Eve was listed by Time magazine as one of the All-TIME 100 Movies.
  • The film ranked 59th on Entertainment Weekly's list of the 100 greatest films of all time
  • AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes nomination for Stanwyck’s line: "I need him like the axe needs the turkey."
Trailer for The Lady Eve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeVAJre7PWU
 
There has been some movie reviews and new in the television show thread with are worthy of us movie-lovers. So I'm sharing them in the movie thread in case any of you don't go into the television thread.

This one sounds really good, posted by @Buzz

Buzz said:
Saw a little movie on Netflix called 50-1. It’s the story behind Mine That Bird’s 2009 Kentucky Derby win. I really enjoyed it and have watched those final minutes with the race a couple times over! LOL Famous last words: “Please god… Just don’t let him be last!” I think somebody promised Bird a lifetime supply of free donuts if he won! LOL

www.planetsport.com

Rags to riches Kentucky Derby winners: Mine That Bird

Mine That Bird was a 50/1 outsider when winning the 2009 Kentucky Derby under the guidance of Calvin Borel.
www.planetsport.com
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Mustang is an amazing movie! From @Jimena

Jimena said:
I just watched The Mustang on Netflix and am now a weepy mess. My goodness. I've been wanting to watch it for a while and finally got to do it. I'm going to be super puffy-eyed on Mother's Day.

It was a beautiful movie. And Matthias Schoenaerts is so amazing.
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watchthis!! said:
More (very worthy!!) Matthias Schoenaerts love from @Cachoo



For Marvel movies lovers, from @Buzz
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I was so excited because I generally believe HBO creates some good programming and at one time they announced casting for a limited series about Lewis and Clark. They went to far as to cast Schoenaerts as Clark. And, as many projects go, it fell apart.
Sigh.

Theater Camp! (This looks like a hoot) https://youtu.be/Mu9AkMHEyb0
 
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Al Pacino delivers a powerful performance in "Danny Collins," truly embodying his character's struggles and transformation. He shines brightly in his role as an aging rock star, showcasing his range and depth as an actor.

The film’s narrative, while it has its humorous moments, primarily delves into the profound themes of regret and unfulfilled potential. It's a story that many can relate to, expressed in a way that is both authentic and emotionally resonant.

Supporting performances by Annette Bening and Bobby Cannavale are noteworthy, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative. Their performances, combined with Pacino's, create a harmonious ensemble that elevates the film.

"Danny Collins" impresses with its adept storytelling and strong performances, offering viewers an immersive and engaging cinematic experience.
 
Cachoo said:
I was so excited because I generally believe HBO creates some good programming and at one time they announced casting for a limited series about Lewis and Clark. They went to far as to cast Schoenaerts as Clark. And, as many projects go, it fell apart.
Sigh.
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I saw that original post and thought, "Matthias Schoenaerts doesn't do television". So it's interesting to hear about this project. I would watch him in anything. Then out of curiosity, I looked at imdb.com and see that he was in a TV show last year called "Django". It's an Italy-France produced western that co-stars Noomi Rapace.

It's interesting how the entertainment world has changed in that actors were TV actors or movie actors and rarely worked in both mediums. Now it's rare to see a performer do just one and never the other.
 
PeterG said:
I saw that original post and thought, "Matthias Schoenaerts doesn't do television". So it's interesting to hear about this project. I would watch him in anything. Then out of curiosity, I looked at imdb.com and see that he was in a TV show last year called "Django". It's an Italy-France produced western that co-stars Noomi Rapace.

It's interesting how the entertainment world has changed in that actors were TV actors or movie actors and rarely worked in both mediums. Now it's rare to see a performer do just one and never the other.
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Well this series came about in the teens so maybe he doesn't do tv NOW (a shame if true.) But I'm more upset because I think Lewis and Clark's expedition would make a terrific series. And then I was bummed again because I thought Scorsese was going to film that fantastic book "The Devil in the White City." People remember his East coast movies more but I thought Scorsese's sets on "Hugo" and "The Aviator" could be breathtaking. I was looking forward to seeing his version of the "White City." Oh well.
 
Chris Hemsworth was in two Thor movies before Blackhat came out (and flopped). Undeservedly so, in my opinion. Hemsworth plays an imprisoned hacker who is released from prison by the FBI to combat other hackers creating havoc around the globe. Hemsworth’s casting as a computer geek was criticized, but hey, this is the world of movies, not some dour documentary. And why can’t hackers be uber-hot? I thought the movie’s plot was good enough, there’s some thrilling scenes and the cast is very strong (and international). Viola Davis, Tang Wei (Lust, Caution), Leehom Wang (UglyDolls) and John Ortiz (the Fast & Furious franchise) co-star along with Hemsworth.

Trailer for Blackhat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CA95Bzpy7s
 
Cachoo said:
I watch some behind the scenes videos and find them informative but this one left me—as the Brits say—gobsmacked. It is about the ballroom scene in Cinderella. I think I would have paid to be an extra. There is so much detail to make that kind of magic. https://youtu.be/2J-s-pXBX0E
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I am always conflicted about the level of detail spent on movies when I see the behind the scenes things.

It does provide work for a lot of the artistically minded people. However, my sister and her family couldn't afford to take kids to the movie theater and streaming service costs can add up quickly. It seems that a lot of profit controls are put on needs but profit margins on wants are unchecked. They could take all this money they spend on this level of detail and make more diversified movies. It would also be nice if the cost all the way downstream to viewers was reduced as well. That's the short version of what needs to happen with some of that money. That could be a very extensive and long conversation.

I end up half in awe at what people can create and half resentful.
 
LeafOnTheWind said:
I am always conflicted about the level of detail spent on movies when I see the behind the scenes things.

It does provide work for a lot of the artistically minded people. However, my sister and her family couldn't afford to take kids to the movie theater and streaming service costs can add up quickly. It seems that a lot of profit controls are put on needs but profit margins on wants are unchecked. They could take all this money they spend on this level of detail and make more diversified movies. It would also be nice if the cost all the way downstream to viewers was reduced as well. That's the short version of what needs to happen with some of that money. That could be a very extensive and long conversation.

I end up half in awe at what people can create and half resentful.
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I love being awed by sets in film. And I know it is expensive. I rarely go to the cinema—I wait for streaming or look for something I missed on Tubi or Pluto. But I still want to be dazzled. It doesn’t happen often. I hear what you are saying but I would hate to sacrifice that scene. But I’m willing to punt the Fast and Furious franchise. :sneaky:
 
Carrie Pilby is a comedy drama film based on the best-selling novel by Caren Lissner. Bel Powley (The Morning Show) stars as the lead character, a 19 year old child prodigy living alone in New York City. She is as unhappy as she is intelligent, so her therapist (played by Nathan Lane) has her set goals focussing on trying new things and reaching out to new people. Life improves thanks to work friend Vanessa Bayer (Saturday Night Live) and hunky next door neighbour (The Royals TV show on E!). Powley is really great as the title character. It would be easy to find this type of character annoying, but over time she becomes more charming and less annoying.
 
watchthis!! said:
Carrie Pilby is a comedy drama film based on the best-selling novel by Caren Lissner. Bel Powley (The Morning Show) stars as the lead character, a 19 year old child prodigy living alone in New York City. She is as unhappy as she is intelligent, so her therapist (played by Nathan Lane) has her set goals focussing on trying new things and reaching out to new people. Life improves thanks to work friend Vanessa Bayer (Saturday Night Live) and hunky next door neighbour (The Royals TV show on E!). Powley is really great as the title character. It would be easy to find this type of character annoying, but over time she becomes more charming and less annoying.
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Wow...I just watched this yesterday and, like you, I enjoyed it. She is wonderful and I especially enjoyed Nathan Lane and Gabriel Byrne in this.
 
LeafOnTheWind said:
I am always conflicted about the level of detail spent on movies when I see the behind the scenes things.

It does provide work for a lot of the artistically minded people. However, my sister and her family couldn't afford to take kids to the movie theater and streaming service costs can add up quickly. It seems that a lot of profit controls are put on needs but profit margins on wants are unchecked. They could take all this money they spend on this level of detail and make more diversified movies. It would also be nice if the cost all the way downstream to viewers was reduced as well. That's the short version of what needs to happen with some of that money. That could be a very extensive and long conversation.

I end up half in awe at what people can create and half resentful.
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I feel like you do about space exploration and miscellaneous scientific studies. Why we don't ensure all human beings have homes before we send people off of our planet in a rocket ship is beyond me. And how much money is spent researching that students who do homework get better grades and that cereal tastes better with milk?

20 Obvious Things Confirmed by Science

As for the film world, I cut them some slack because they bring a lot of people joy. And like @Cachoo mentioned, free streaming services are a fantastic idea. I review a lot of movies in this thread and I don't do any streaming. And I rarely go to the movie theatre. Pretty much every single movie I review in this thread I watch on DVD that I got for free at my public library. :cheer: :cheer2:

As for diversity in film, I think we're at an all-time high in that area. And I believe that's going to continue improving in the future.
 
Or we could just stop treating any one group of people as more special than anyone else since we have a massive problem with making sure voices are heard anyway. 🤷‍♀️ If you want income equality you look at income first. No special groups.
 
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Dying Laughing is a 2016 documentary about the behind the scenes lives of stand-up comedians. I enjoyed that this movie was just as informative as it was funny. I laughed out loud multiple times when usually funny movies make me smile but not actually laugh like I was at a comedy show laughing along with everybody else. And what a great line-up of people who took part in this movie:

Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, Cedric the Entertainer, Tiffany Haddish, Garry Shandling, Jamie Foxx, Jerry Lewis, Billy Connolly and so many others.

Some of my favourite parts of Dying Laughing is when comedians are speaking about some topic and then the crew can’t help but laugh when the set is supposed to be quiet. Emo Phillips got the most laughs…why don’t I know more about him?!

Trailer for Dying Laughing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROwZySP7suE
 
Serena (Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper) is a good enough movie. How's that for a recommendation. There's a lot to like about the movie (beautiful scenery, great performances, interesting storyline). I think that maybe I wasn't in the right mood for it when I started watching. As the movie progressed, I wished I had paid more attention to the beginning, I missed some stuff later on because I wasn't paying enough attention earlier.

The movie takes place just before (and as) the Great Depression hits. Cooper plays a timber baron in North Carolina and meets the glamourous Lawrence...the two are soon married. Her character also has a background in the same industry and the two form a powerhouse team...unless they end up getting in their own way. (Three guesses as to whether that happens!) :lol:

Some of the other great performances come from Rhys Ifans, Toby Jones, the often scary Sean Harris (the Mission Impossible movies), David Dencik (No Time To Die) and Charity Wakefield (The Great television show).

Apparently some people thought this movie was a stinker...

The Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence Movie That Totally Missed the Mark

The two have also been on screen together in Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and Joy.
 
Well the last two movies I've watched were a blast. One, mentioned in another thread, is Missing on Netflix and the action occurs online as a teenaged girl tries to unravel a mystery with so many twists and turns. It moves fast...good popcorn movie.

The other, Tetris on Appletv is a true story about one man's ballsy attempts to license the game from the Russians in the late 80's. Taron Edgerton is the lead, who must navigate so many moving parts on the Russian side of things. And he is told repeatedly not to try because, at that time, it was often dangerous to attempt these negotiations. Indeed. It sounded like dry material to me--it turned out to be interesting and moved quickly.
 
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I watched The Secret of Roan Inish (1994), directed by John Sayles, on Peacock last night and really enjoyed it! :)

Long post with spoilers in the Archives: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/threads/movie-recommendations-needed-please.18954/#post-370117
An excerpt by Bris:
I listed random mythical subjects related to The Secret of Roan Inish below, to give you a rough idea of the movie itself(that is, if you have not seen it):
-The Irish mythology/"folklores"
a) the Irish tales about Selkies, seals that can shapeshift into humans at will; sometimes live among the humans, or in fact have children with humans, until they miss the sea too much& leave the humans behind (think mermaids)
b) "the sea" as "the mysterious"-- not exactly an expert on Irish mythology-- but probably something along the lines of "mother sea", "the dark sea"(and perhaps both, since the Irish depended on the sea- I would not be surprised if it's both benign& malign, which, according to my view, closely resembles that shamantic hunter-sentiment, esp. noticeable in animal portrayals). Very interesting is that the sea is also portrayed as somewhat human-like, for example, "[the sea grew disgusted/angered and spit out the fisherman (who would have drowned otherwise)]"
There's also an idea that "the sea and land are one"; also, at least for the protagonist's family, the sea is friend.
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