Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I saw that in the theatre. I didn't realize that I was only 5 years old. I was wondering if they were the same.
Box Office Films
- Status
I saw that in the theatre. I didn't realize that I was only 5 years old. I was wondering if they were the same.
Came away quite disappointed with the Coen brothers' latest offering, Hail, Caesar!. A star-studded cast was widdled down to into cameo roles. Given their allotted screen time, and character quirks, many were quite memorable, particularly Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes. However, the story was scattered and I couldn't quite pick up what angle they were going for.
Probably the most disappointed I've been with a Coen brothers film.
2/4.
Probably the most disappointed I've been with a Coen brothers film.
2/4.
One of my favorites from 2015 came out on Netflix yesterday: Dope! Strongly recommended. Shameik Moore stole the show!
Catching Deadpool tonight. First R-rated superhero film I can remember in the recent superhero era.
Catching Deadpool tonight. First R-rated superhero film I can remember in the recent superhero era.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
I'll check it out.
I know nothing about Deadpool, but I am a Marvel fan. I may try and get to a matinee tomorrow. Curious how he is going to be integrated into the forthcoming Marvel movies.
IlliniRunIn07
- Tampa, FL
Not exactly the right thread, but have you seen the Netflix Original Dare Devil? If it were a movie, I'm not 100% sure it would be rated R, but it was extremely dark at times.
Have not yet seen Daredevil, but it's been on my list forever. Season 2 is right around the corner, too, I believe. Netflix just barraged me new episodes of 4 or 5 seasons to catch up on. Heard John Bernthal was cast as the Punisher. LOVE that casting. Hoping to catch Jessica Jones, too.
Reporting back on Deadpool. This character represents the ultimate anti-comic book comic book antihero. That was wordy, but it is a spot on description. Many breaks of the 4th wall, self-deprivation of cast and crew during the film, sarcastic wit, vulgarity, humor, everything. I knew nothing other than basic back story of Deadpool going in, but having that wouldn't have changed my opinion after the credits rolled.
This role was made for Ryan Reynolds. The supporting cast fit very well together, particularly T.J. Miller, Morena Baccarin, and Gina Carano. I didn't particularly like Ed Skrein in the villain role; he felt robotic. Perhaps it was a good cast to match the comic.
All in all, it very well could be my favorite Marvel film. Critically not the best, but one that was most enjoyable for me.
3.5/4
Finished some reviews today:
-Hail, Caesar!: https://doublefeaturefilmreviews.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/hail-caesar-2016/
-Deadpool:https://doublefeaturefilmreviews.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/deadpool-2016/
-Hail, Caesar!: https://doublefeaturefilmreviews.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/hail-caesar-2016/
-Deadpool:https://doublefeaturefilmreviews.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/deadpool-2016/
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
I just got home from Deadpool. I really enjoyed it. I knew zero about the character outside of the fact he was a smarta$$. Lots of good adult humor, but alas, that makes it not a good flick for kids/early teens (sex, nudity, x-rated innuendos).
Last edited:
Just finished my review of Carol.
https://doublefeaturefilmreviews.wordpress.com/2016/02/18/carol-2015/
Catching the horror film The Witch tonight. Will report back!
https://doublefeaturefilmreviews.wordpress.com/2016/02/18/carol-2015/
Catching the horror film The Witch tonight. Will report back!
I'm not quite sure how I feel about The Witch.
From a production standpoint, it was as well-done a horror film as you'll seen. Missing were the usual tropes to make a horror movie cliche, which was greatly appreciated. The acting was strong, and the story was intriguing (built on suspense rather than jump scares), but the payoff couldn't live up to the rest. It had a more detail-oriented Ti West vibe to it, which hardly a bad thing.
Nonetheless, a solid debut from writer/director Robert Eggers.
3/4 (?)
From a production standpoint, it was as well-done a horror film as you'll seen. Missing were the usual tropes to make a horror movie cliche, which was greatly appreciated. The acting was strong, and the story was intriguing (built on suspense rather than jump scares), but the payoff couldn't live up to the rest. It had a more detail-oriented Ti West vibe to it, which hardly a bad thing.
Nonetheless, a solid debut from writer/director Robert Eggers.
3/4 (?)
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
Ti West?
He's a director who has put out a number of horror films. One of which that I liked is currently streaming on Netflix, The Sacrament (I'm not a big fan of the "found footage" technique, but it worked in this one). I was a really enjoyed The House of the Devil. I think he's working on a western now.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
I'll check some of his work out, thanks.
I'm not sure how good it will be, but the cast of Triple 9, opening this weekend, is loaded: Casey Affleck, Aaron Paul, Teresa Palmer, Kate Winslet, Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gal Gadot, Anthony Mackie, Norman Reedus. I've only seen 2 of director John Hillcoat's films, The Road and Lawless. I really enjoyed the former and didn't care for the latter.
Worst case scenario, I'm hoping for an entertaining shoot-em-up action movie.
Worst case scenario, I'm hoping for an entertaining shoot-em-up action movie.
Last edited:
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
I loved The Road, Lawless was just okay. Not high on Shia as an actor. The preview for Triple 9 didn't make me put it on my list of movies to see. I'll wait for your review Ian! 
I actually think Shia is a good actor. Its just hard to get the Disney kid out of your mind when you see him. He was hilarious in Transformers to very good in Fury IMO. I thought Lawless was pretty solid myself. Never seen The Road.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
Could be that. First Transformers was good, others, blah. For some reason I haven't seen Fury yet. The Road, I thought, was well made but it's not for everybody.
Shia had a nice role in the Nymphomaniac films as well. Seconded his being very good in Fury. Bernthal, Pena, and Pitt gave great performances in that one.
The Road is fairly slow-paced. If you're into something that could potentially leave you feeling depressed, I'd recommend it.
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
Potentially?
I'll second the praise for Fury, great film all around--performances, production, effects, score, script. I don't really think it got its due.
If you've read the novel "The Road" (Cormac McCarthy) the movie is IMO a bit of a letdown. On its own I think the movie is good, but not great. McCarthy novels are difficult to adapt. No Country for Old Men is probably the most well done. Rumor has it that James Franco is pushing to get "Blood Meridian" into production.
Shia LeBeef.....I'm hot and cold on this guy. He's done some good roles, some bad roles, and some stupid roles, and he does really, really stupid stuff in his personal life. I don't mind watching his films, but I don't think I'd want to share a meal with him.
Posted my review of The Witch yesterday. A solid film debut from Robert Eggers, but its conclusion left so much to be desired.
https://doublefeaturefilmreviews.wordpress.com/2016/02/23/the-witch-2016/
https://doublefeaturefilmreviews.wordpress.com/2016/02/23/the-witch-2016/
Anyone on here gonna watch the Oscars this Sunday? If so, you all have any predictions for the major award winners?
Though I think the ceremony is dragged out a bit long, it's always a pleasure of mine to watch.
This was my instant reaction when the nominees were released (post #332):
"Oscar nominations came out today. My quick reactions:
-Best Picture: 8 nominees this year. Love the Mad Max: Fury Road nomination. The only swap I'd make is Carol for Bridge of Spies. I think this category comes down to The Revenant or Spotlight. Both fantastic films.
-Best Actor: This one comes down to Leonardo DiCaprio vs. Michael Fassbender. I think Leo finally gets his.
-Best Supporting Actor: I'd love to see Mark Ruffalo get this one, but Tom Hardy and Sylvester Stallone are strong contenders. Benecio Del Toro was deserving of a nomination for Sicario.
-Best Actress: Brie Larson should win. I'm a little upset that Jennifer Lawrence got a nomination. Her performance in Joy was nothing short of mediocre.
-Best Supporting Actress: This category could go anywhere. I'm hoping Rooney Mara (she was snubbed back in 2011).
-Best Animated Film: If Anomalisa hadn't come into the running so late, I'd say Inside Out would be a lock. Still going to pick the latter.
-Cinematography: The Revenant will win. Very glad Sicario got a nomination in this category.
-Best Director: Love that George Miller gets a nomination, but this comes down to Inarritu vs. McCarthy.
-Original Score: Pulling for Ennio Morricone from The Hateful Eight. Beautiful music set for the film.
-Visual Effects: I'd love to see Ex Machina steal this one, but it'll likely go to Max Max: Fury Road or The Martian.
-Adapted Screenplay: Wide open. If I had to guess, I'd pick Carol.
-Original Screenplay: Tarantino's The Hateful Eight is snubbed in this category in favor of Bridge of Spies. Very happy with the Straight Outta Compton nomination. The winner will be Spotlight.
Full list of nominees: http://oscar.go.com/nominees"
Only change I'd make is that I think George Miller might get the win for Best Director. Rewatched Mad Max: Fury Road and was in awe once again. He might take this one!
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
I just saw a, not so recent, movie that I had never gotten around to watching. Stephen King's, The Mist. I really enjoyed it and absolutely loved the ending! Made me do a search on King's works that have been made into movies. WOW, I guess I knew of most of them, just never realized how much of his work has been turned into film and TV work. Amazing! I have to confess, The Lawnmower Man has always been a guilty pleasure to watch. Sort of a Charly meets Tron mishmash, lol.. :thumb:
Not really too many surprises thus far. Although at this point it's been some of the lesser awards that they've announced.
First surprise of the night. Mark Rylance wins Best Supporting Actor over Mark Ruffalo and Sylvester Stallone.
- Status