|
|
Post by sethan on Feb 25, 2017 11:00:06 GMT
I just saw Lion in theater. I like it. It's a very sensitive film. The Awards thing I think it harmed it a bit because it is not a manipulative film at all. And it is not a "best actors" movie neither. It is quite a film of direction, cinematography and editing. There are a lot of creative decisions that privilege the power of cinema language over melodrama. Garth did a beautiful job and Rooney looks wonderful under Fraser's lens. Rooney's performance is subtle as expected but the nice thing is that the rest of the cast is in that tone as well. Garth manages to make a film of sensations and textures as he likes. It somehow narrates a chunk of life and memories and lets the viewer feel it. It's also one of the best and honest movies I've ever seen about motherhood and roots. But it's necessary watching it for what it is and not for what you projected on it. I think Roo did this movie for similar reasons why she did Trash. But this is a lot better movie. The score is stunning. The screenplay could be better but it doesn't hurt cause it's such a visual film. I'm watching this in 3 days. Can't wait. Great!. Let me know what you think. |
|
|
|
Post by RedSparrow on Feb 25, 2017 20:42:35 GMT
I just finished Jackie! I thought it was absolutely fantastic, the cinematography, the music, and Natalie's performance. 
Now off to watch 20th Century Women! (Have any of you guys seen that one yet, what did you think of it?)Haven't seen it yet. Let us know what you think of it and if Annette Benning was robbed of an Oscar nom :popcorn: |
|
|
|
Post by RedSparrow on Feb 25, 2017 22:00:32 GMT
Just finished 20th Century Women. It was fantastic, it was amazing, it was beautiful, it was everything. The film follows Jamie (a fantastic performance by newcomer Lucas Jade Zumann) a teenager growing up in Santa Barbara, alongside his mother Doretha (a career best Annette Bening, robbed of a nomination). He lives in a house alongside photographer Abbie (an amazing Greta Gerwig), a contractor William (Billy Crudup). Doretha enlists the help of the three (mainly) to help raise Jaime. The film has a fantastic screenplay by Mike Mills, who deserves the nomination. The screenplay is incredible, including a beautiful ending.  The film's score is absolutely incredible, and it was definitely robbed of many Oscar nominations and wins. The four main actors are amazing in their performances, especially Annette Bening, she's incredible. I just can't say how incredible this film is. You'll really like it. I only found out recently that Mike Mills directed this film. I adored Beginners He should've been nominated for that as well  |
|
|
|
Post by RedSparrow on Feb 25, 2017 22:13:05 GMT
In a few hours, I will finally watch Moonlight  (I'm so late to the game, it never came to my area sadly). I think I'll love it. Have you guys seen it? Tomorrow morning, I will finish awards season with, ELLE! Have you guys seen that as well? I hope you love it , It's the film of the year for me |
|
|
|
Post by Lex Salander on Feb 25, 2017 23:43:59 GMT
My review of Silence
Silence was one of my most anticipated films of 2016. Every time Martin Scorsese makes a film, I’m in, no matter what the premise. This film was actually a passion project of Scorsese’s, he wanted to make this movie for over 20 years. So I was definitely interested in what he had in store for us. Scorsese didn’t disappoint with Silence. This is a brutal, harsh and real movie about faith and the conflict that can be caused from it. With the complex story, flawless direction as well as the brutal performances, this is a fantastic movie.
What I love about this movie is how complex it is. It doesn’t try to pick sides (Christianity or Budhism) or paint everything in black and white, it just allows the story to play out and its fascinating to see these people. The theme of faith is throughout the movie and it is fascinating, with the different ways characters see faith, to the way that their views change. This is particularly shown in the conversations. The screenplay is near perfect This movie is long, at around 2 hours 40 minutes. Now even though I felt the long length throughout the movie, I was completely invested in the story, my attention never wavering. The last 5-10 minutes however, I do think could’ve been better, the film could’ve been wrapped up a little faster. That’s probably my only problem with the movie however.
The performances in this film are amazing. Both Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver are great as these missionaries. Garfield particularly stands out, this is the best performance I’ve seen from him (though I haven’t seen Hacksaw Ridge yet). His character changes a lot in the movie, as seen in both the way he acts as well as the things he says and believes. His views on faith are one of the most interesting aspects to watch as it changes after he witnesses and experiences certain events. Liam Neeson is not in this movie a huge amount but he is great, very complex and interesting. The other supporting cast shouldn’t be overlooked. Yosuke Kubozuka is great as a bit of an ambigious character who pops up frequently throughout the movie (that’s all I’ll say). Also great is Issey Ogata as one of the Inquisitors that’s trying to remove Christianity from Japan. Like many of the characters, he is ambigious, he’s not portrayed as a one dimensional bad guy, he’s a lot more interesting.
Martin Scorsese’s direction for Silence unsurprisingly is flawless. The cinematography was immaculate, every shot is framed perfectly, the way the camera moves always fits the moment. The locations also are beautiful and perfect, it feels like it’s right out of that time period and locations. This film in the technical department is perfect.
Silence is hands down one of the best films of 2016. Unfortunately, this movie has been overlooked by many people. I will say that this movie is one that’s really only worth watching once, not because of the length, but because of the emotionally draining story. As long as you know what you’re getting into, I suggest watching this movie, it is well worth your time. The fantastic story, performances and direction are so well crafted that I guarantee that this movie will be looked back upon as possibly one of Scorsese’s best films, which is saying a lot.
Link of review from my blog at youngcinemabuffs.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/silence-2016-review/
|
|
|
|
Post by RedSparrow on Feb 26, 2017 1:11:23 GMT
Just finished Moonlight. I loved it. It was fantastic, the acting was truly amazing. Mahershala Ali was fantastic. :bow2: I loved the scene where he taught Chrion to swim. Ashton Sanders was fantastic during that classroom scene It's so good. It's fantastic, I loved it. I loved every minute! Naomi Harris also was fantastic. I loved how they showed her transition from the beginning through the end. Andre Holland was also really good! Janelle Moane (I think I spelled that wrong) was great in her role, loved her little comic relief! :D Barry Jenkins did a fantastic job with the script Moonlight was fantastic. She's the only actor present in all three stages. And the scene at the end with Trevante Rhodes when she opens up to him  |
|
|
|
Post by RedSparrow on Feb 26, 2017 1:17:46 GMT
My review of Silence
Silence was one of my most anticipated films of 2016. Every time Martin Scorsese makes a film, I’m in, no matter what the premise. This film was actually a passion project of Scorsese’s, he wanted to make this movie for over 20 years. So I was definitely interested in what he had in store for us. Scorsese didn’t disappoint with Silence. This is a brutal, harsh and real movie about faith and the conflict that can be caused from it. With the complex story, flawless direction as well as the brutal performances, this is a fantastic movie.
What I love about this movie is how complex it is. It doesn’t try to pick sides (Christianity or Budhism) or paint everything in black and white, it just allows the story to play out and its fascinating to see these people. The theme of faith is throughout the movie and it is fascinating, with the different ways characters see faith, to the way that their views change. This is particularly shown in the conversations. The screenplay is near perfect This movie is long, at around 2 hours 40 minutes. Now even though I felt the long length throughout the movie, I was completely invested in the story, my attention never wavering. The last 5-10 minutes however, I do think could’ve been better, the film could’ve been wrapped up a little faster. That’s probably my only problem with the movie however.
The performances in this film are amazing. Both Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver are great as these missionaries. Garfield particularly stands out, this is the best performance I’ve seen from him (though I haven’t seen Hacksaw Ridge yet). His character changes a lot in the movie, as seen in both the way he acts as well as the things he says and believes. His views on faith are one of the most interesting aspects to watch as it changes after he witnesses and experiences certain events. Liam Neeson is not in this movie a huge amount but he is great, very complex and interesting. The other supporting cast shouldn’t be overlooked. Yosuke Kubozuka is great as a bit of an ambigious character who pops up frequently throughout the movie (that’s all I’ll say). Also great is Issey Ogata as one of the Inquisitors that’s trying to remove Christianity from Japan. Like many of the characters, he is ambigious, he’s not portrayed as a one dimensional bad guy, he’s a lot more interesting.
Martin Scorsese’s direction for Silence unsurprisingly is flawless. The cinematography was immaculate, every shot is framed perfectly, the way the camera moves always fits the moment. The locations also are beautiful and perfect, it feels like it’s right out of that time period and locations. This film in the technical department is perfect.
Silence is hands down one of the best films of 2016. Unfortunately, this movie has been overlooked by many people. I will say that this movie is one that’s really only worth watching once, not because of the length, but because of the emotionally draining story. As long as you know what you’re getting into, I suggest watching this movie, it is well worth your time. The fantastic story, performances and direction are so well crafted that I guarantee that this movie will be looked back upon as possibly one of Scorsese’s best films, which is saying a lot.
Link of review from my blog at youngcinemabuffs.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/silence-2016-review/
Great review. Why do you think so many disliked it? Is it the pacing, the subject matter or something else? |
|
|
|
Post by sethan on Feb 26, 2017 1:32:21 GMT
I just finished Jackie! I thought it was absolutely fantastic, the cinematography, the music, and Natalie's performance. Now off to watch 20th Century Women! (Have any of you guys seen that one yet, what did you think of it?) Jackie is a piece of art. The best movie of the year (so far). I know I will love 20th C cause I adore Mike Mills... I don't know why Amampura Pictures or whatever it's the name is so out of the game in PR. Awards and stuff but I'm glad that it's finding its audience, people who appreciates it |
|
|
|
Post by Lex Salander on Feb 26, 2017 2:03:43 GMT
My review of Silence
Silence was one of my most anticipated films of 2016. Every time Martin Scorsese makes a film, I’m in, no matter what the premise. This film was actually a passion project of Scorsese’s, he wanted to make this movie for over 20 years. So I was definitely interested in what he had in store for us. Scorsese didn’t disappoint with Silence. This is a brutal, harsh and real movie about faith and the conflict that can be caused from it. With the complex story, flawless direction as well as the brutal performances, this is a fantastic movie.
What I love about this movie is how complex it is. It doesn’t try to pick sides (Christianity or Budhism) or paint everything in black and white, it just allows the story to play out and its fascinating to see these people. The theme of faith is throughout the movie and it is fascinating, with the different ways characters see faith, to the way that their views change. This is particularly shown in the conversations. The screenplay is near perfect This movie is long, at around 2 hours 40 minutes. Now even though I felt the long length throughout the movie, I was completely invested in the story, my attention never wavering. The last 5-10 minutes however, I do think could’ve been better, the film could’ve been wrapped up a little faster. That’s probably my only problem with the movie however.
The performances in this film are amazing. Both Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver are great as these missionaries. Garfield particularly stands out, this is the best performance I’ve seen from him (though I haven’t seen Hacksaw Ridge yet). His character changes a lot in the movie, as seen in both the way he acts as well as the things he says and believes. His views on faith are one of the most interesting aspects to watch as it changes after he witnesses and experiences certain events. Liam Neeson is not in this movie a huge amount but he is great, very complex and interesting. The other supporting cast shouldn’t be overlooked. Yosuke Kubozuka is great as a bit of an ambigious character who pops up frequently throughout the movie (that’s all I’ll say). Also great is Issey Ogata as one of the Inquisitors that’s trying to remove Christianity from Japan. Like many of the characters, he is ambigious, he’s not portrayed as a one dimensional bad guy, he’s a lot more interesting.
Martin Scorsese’s direction for Silence unsurprisingly is flawless. The cinematography was immaculate, every shot is framed perfectly, the way the camera moves always fits the moment. The locations also are beautiful and perfect, it feels like it’s right out of that time period and locations. This film in the technical department is perfect.
Silence is hands down one of the best films of 2016. Unfortunately, this movie has been overlooked by many people. I will say that this movie is one that’s really only worth watching once, not because of the length, but because of the emotionally draining story. As long as you know what you’re getting into, I suggest watching this movie, it is well worth your time. The fantastic story, performances and direction are so well crafted that I guarantee that this movie will be looked back upon as possibly one of Scorsese’s best films, which is saying a lot.
Link of review from my blog at youngcinemabuffs.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/silence-2016-review/
Great review. Why do you think so many disliked it? Is it the pacing, the subject matter or something else? Thanks. I guess it's a bit of a mix of both aspects. Religion is always a controversial subject, so naturally some people might be turned off by this movie. As for the pacing, although I was completely invested in this movie for most of it (despite its slow pace and long runtime) I can see how some people would be bored with it. I guess a lot of people just weren't really interested in a long movie about religion, that's my only guess. |
|
|
|
Post by drilbey on Feb 26, 2017 12:41:41 GMT
Don't have a particularly long, in depth review but I just want to post my thoughts on this. Saw Swiss Army Man and it was absolutely beautiful. Every second from beginning to end. One of the most earnest and thoughtful films about love, happiness and farts. 10 farts out of 10. Paul Dano and Radcliffe are both terrific. The score to this movie is amazing and the fact that tripe like Passengers was nominated over it is just a travesty.
|
|
|
|
Post by RedSparrow on Feb 26, 2017 13:32:39 GMT
Don't have a particularly long, in depth review but I just want to post my thoughts on this. Saw Swiss Army Man and it was absolutely beautiful. Every second from beginning to end. One of the most earnest and thoughtful films about love, happiness and farts. 10 farts out of 10. Paul Dano and Radcliffe are both terrific. The score to this movie is amazing and the fact that tripe like Passengers was nominated over it is just a travesty. I have been meaning to watch this for quite some time now. And yea, I had heard there's a plenty of farting in this one  My kind of film :  |
|
|
|
Post by nenya on Feb 26, 2017 14:01:04 GMT
Don't have a particularly long, in depth review but I just want to post my thoughts on this. Saw Swiss Army Man and it was absolutely beautiful. Every second from beginning to end. One of the most earnest and thoughtful films about love, happiness and farts. 10 farts out of 10. Paul Dano and Radcliffe are both terrific. The score to this movie is amazing and the fact that tripe like Passengers was nominated over it is just a travesty. I have been meaning to watch this for quite some time now. And yea, I had heard there's a plenty of farting in this one My kind of film : do it, it's insane! insanely good :D i enjoyed it a lot. it made quite a big splash at 2016 Sundance Film Festival, and then just disappeared, such a shame! Paul Dano should work with Rooney some day  |
|
|
|
Post by RedSparrow on Feb 26, 2017 14:17:44 GMT
I have been meaning to watch this for quite some time now. And yea, I had heard there's a plenty of farting in this one My kind of film : do it, it's insane! insanely good :D i enjoyed it a lot. it made quite a big splash at 2016 Sundance Film Festival, and then just disappeared, such a shame! Paul Dano should work with Rooney some day They almost did in Night Moves But yea, I completely agree, they totally should |
|
|
|
Post by renoh on Feb 26, 2017 21:36:31 GMT
Don't have a particularly long, in depth review but I just want to post my thoughts on this. Saw Swiss Army Man and it was absolutely beautiful. Every second from beginning to end. One of the most earnest and thoughtful films about love, happiness and farts. 10 farts out of 10. Paul Dano and Radcliffe are both terrific. The score to this movie is amazing and the fact that tripe like Passengers was nominated over it is just a travesty. I have no idea what this movie is about what I love that hand made animation and the music that sounds so 90's or so Arcade Fire though a Brita filter, I'll watch this because I love the tune :) |
|
|
|
Post by Lex Salander on Mar 5, 2017 0:23:03 GMT
My review of Logan
Logan was one of my most anticipated films of 2017. At the same time though, I was incredibly nervous. This film was going to send off Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart as Wolverine and Professor X respectively. This film needed to be perfect, or at least perfect in the way that it ended their stories. I am not exaggerating when I say that this is one of the best comic book movies I’ve seen. I know that I say this with many comic book movies, but this is like top 5 level. Logan truly blew me away.
Make no mistake, although Logan is set in the X-Men universe, tonally it doesn’t feel like the previous X-Men films, or really any other superhero movie you’ve ever seen. It’s quite bleak, dark and much more smaller and personal, it’s not an end of the world type of story. It actually does have many themes of a Western. Now this movie is R rated, and it’s not just for the violence (which I’ll get into later), it’s also so that it can allow the filmmakers to tell a darker story, and I’m glad they did that. Don’t also go into this movie expecting a comic accurate movie. I won’t spoil anything but there are some differences from the comics, I was completely fine with it but I just know that some people won’t be. Comic accuracy is not the most important thing everything however. I can’t really find a fault in the story. I guess the second act is slower (at least compared to the first and third act) but I still liked it, and it allowed for some more character developing moments. As for whether Logan and Professor X and sent off well, I’ll just say yes, they pulled it off. The ending of the movie was perfect.
Both Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart give magnificent final performances as their iconic characters. Both characters have clearly been through a lot and aren’t as optimistic as they were in previous movies. Their arcs were done incredibly well, especially Logan’s, it was the perfect arc to end his story. There’s a great new addition to the X-Men series with X-23/Laura, played by Dafne Keen. She’s definitely a showstealer, just in the way she acts, looks at people (she doesn’t even need to say any lines and we can tell what she’s thinking), and of course the action scenes. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of her in future movies. This is a character driven movie, and these three characters are done so incredibly well. Boyd Holbrook plays one of the Reavers hunting Laura down. He is really effective and quite entertaining but as the film progresses he sort of gets pushed more into the background. Other supporting actors like Stephen Merchant and Richard E. Grant are also good in their roles.
The action is brutal and unrelenting and it is excellent. While the violence is bloody, it never felt excessive, it felt appropriate for the story that was being told. Unlike most comic book movies, Logan tries to make it’s action as realistic and smaller as possible and it pays off, don’t expect big explosions or planes falling from the sky. In terms of the stand out action sequence, I’ll just say that it’s in the third act. The cinematography I also should mention was also beautiful.
Logan is truly a magnificent movie. Along with the brutal action and the great performances, the story works so perfectly. I haven’t seen a comic book movie like this, one that is willing to risk everything and deciding to create this story. I’m being vague because I want you to experience this movie for yourself without knowing too much about it. So yes, definitely check it out. Even though I’m praising this highly (like everyone else), I must emplore you to lower your expectations (high expectations usually result in disappointment). I will say though that no matter what you think of the overall movie, there would be no denying that Wolverine was given a perfect sendoff.
10/10
My review of Logan is also at youngcinemabuffs.wordpress.com/2017/03/05/logan-2017-review/
|
|
