Author Topic: The RAWK Film Thread (Read 3467638 times)

hooded claw · « **Reply #40 on:** July 20, 2005, 04:54:11 pm »

Quote from: Bradigor Biscan -81- on July 20, 2005, 04:44:00 pm

Stars the excellent actress that is Franka Potente

Probably best known for her role in 'Bourne Identity' for the masses. But for those a little more into thier films she is excellent in a highly recommended film called 'Run Lola Run' She does a decent turn in 'Creep'. She has 4 new films due this year,(includung a film about the life of Che Guevara) and despite a long CV it is weird saying that she is one to look out for in the future for western audiences.

'Anatomie' is worth a look too.

The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society · « **Reply #41 on:** July 20, 2005, 04:54:54 pm »

Quote from: hooded claw on July 20, 2005, 04:54:11 pm

'Anatomie' is worth a look too.

what? ya mean she's fit?

hooded claw · « **Reply #42 on:** July 20, 2005, 04:55:57 pm »

Quote from: The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society on July 20, 2005, 04:54:54 pm

what? ya mean she's fit?

In a teutonic way, kinda.

bradigor · « **Reply #43 on:** July 20, 2005, 04:57:54 pm »

Quote from: hooded claw on July 20, 2005, 04:54:11 pm

'Anatomie' is worth a look too.

If it is a hoody recommendation then i shall check it out.

Lo · « **Reply #44 on:** July 20, 2005, 04:58:19 pm »

Quote from: Bradigor Biscan -81- on July 20, 2005, 04:45:02 pm

still says on pre order when i look at it

www.playusa.com not www.play.com

thats just silly it should say on both for stupid people like me

The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society · « **Reply #45 on:** July 20, 2005, 05:01:33 pm »

there is a film called firecracker which i feel i must promote cos mike patton (who i've followed the very diverse career of since he left faith no more) plays two roles in it, doesn't look good that the only reason he plays both roles is that dennis hopper turned one of them down. but having been nominated for two awards, and a best actress award for karen black re-affirms my belief that it will be a class film and the synosis sounds good.

http://www.dikenga.com/films/firecracker/synopsis/index.htm

bradigor · « **Reply #46 on:** July 20, 2005, 05:06:00 pm »

Quote

FIRECRACKER is a bold and shocking true-to-life tale of murder in small town Kansas. Set against the stark beauty of Middle America, this astonishing story of abuse, suffering and denial reveals dreams of escape. The inevitable confrontation unleashes the truth concealed behind the pleasant façade of small-town U.S.A.

Meek, reclusive and talented Jimmy is emotionally imprisoned by his abusive, alcoholic older brother David – and fanatically religious mother Eleanor. With evil lurking in the shadows, the setting sun gives way to the blue of evening and Jimmy finds escape in the neon glow of a traveling sideshow carnival. Unlike its drab, depressing daytime reality, the carnival becomes a nightly glittering solitaire on the prairie, beckoning all around to its illusions and make-believe. With a guise of red satin and the lure of a heavenly voice, Sandra, billed as an “oddity of nature,” is the carnival’s premier attraction. Yearning for a way out, Jimmy befriends Sandra, unaware that her imprisonment and degradation, at the hands of Frank, the carnival owner, mirror his own. Sandra, taken by his innocence, finds her own inner strength and suppressed dreams. When David disappears, the metaphorical white-picket fences collapse, leaving raw emotions exposed to the spark of truth.

Throughout it all Police Chief Ed searches for truth, uncovering bits of evidence suggesting deceit, abuse, murder and cover-up. As her investigation leads her closer to the truth, the lives of those involved become lit fuses – until they explode, one-by-one, in a dramatic and harrowing conclusion.

FIRECRACKER pulls no punches nor hides from the ugliness that mars reality. It also reveals in its imagery a vividness and majesty that transcends mere mortality, exploding the myth of Middle America’s sanctity and piety, while opening the door to atonement

Sounds intersting. Out already in US, any news on a UK release, would imagine it would be on limited release aswell.

The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society · « **Reply #47 on:** July 20, 2005, 05:16:11 pm »

Quote from: Bradigor Biscan -81- on July 20, 2005, 05:06:00 pm

Sounds intersting. Out already in US, any news on a UK release, would imagine it would be on limited release aswell.

funnily enough it was premiered in england before the U.S, about 3 months back, in london only. i think the only chance of seeing it in the uk are places like FACT. I'm not holding much hope though and am awaiting for a dvd release date. got that site bookmarked.

another great film you may or may not have seen is 'irreversible' starring Vincent Cassel, works on the same concept as memento. i.e. back to front storyline.

bradigor · « **Reply #48 on:** July 20, 2005, 05:19:06 pm »

Quote from: The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society on July 20, 2005, 05:16:11 pm

funnily enough it was premiered in england before the U.S, about 3 months back, in london only. i think the only chance of seeing it in the uk are places like FACT. I'm not holding much hope though and am awaiting for a dvd release date. got that site bookmarked.

another great film you may or may not have seen is 'irreversible' starring Vincent Cassel, works on the same concept as memento. i.e. back to front storyline.

very disturbing film is that. We got one copy in at work a while back. Hard to use the words good film, even though it is, it is hard to describe how it left me feeling.

The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society · « **Reply #49 on:** July 20, 2005, 05:25:40 pm »

just deleted my post just in case someone hasn't seen it and wants to, suggest you do the same otherwise it makes my deletion futile.

TSC · « **Reply #50 on:** July 20, 2005, 05:26:40 pm »

Quote from: The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society on July 20, 2005, 05:16:11 pm

another great film you may or may not have seen is 'irreversible' starring Vincent Cassel, works on the same concept as memento. i.e. back to front storyline.

Seen that film, and though it was well made, the main theme was a bit shocking obviously.

In fact the whole atmosphere of the film was a bit dark and sickening - including the revenge killing of the perpetrator (not saying it was unjustified - but a bit gory!).

bradigor · « **Reply #51 on:** July 21, 2005, 11:14:58 am »

Just watched Hotel Rwanda.

Powerful film, great performance by Don Cheadle.

bradigor · « **Reply #52 on:** July 22, 2005, 02:00:43 pm »

Todays Cinema Releases.

JULY

---------- July 22nd ----------

Fantastic Four

What's it about? Adaptation of the Marvel comic about four astronauts who are given superpowers when they're hit by cosmic rays. Forming a league of superheroes, they battle the similarly mutated Dr Doom.
Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Julian McMahon, Kerry Washington
Director: Tim Story (Barbershop, Taxi)
Cert PG | 105 minutes | Fox | General release | USA

Dark Water

What's it about? Remake of a Japanese ghost story from the creator of The Ring. A divorced mother and her daughter move into an apartment building to find it partially flooded and totally haunted.
Cast: Jennifer Connelly, Ariel Gade, Shelley Duvall, Dougray Scott, Pete Postlethwaite, Tim Roth, John C Reilly
Director: Walter Salles (Central Station, Behind The Sun, The Motorcycle Diaries)
Cert 15 | 105 minutes | Buena Vista | General release | USA

Kicking And Screaming

What's it about? Comedy starring Will Ferrell as a mild mannered man who finds he turns into a competitive maniac like his father when he takes over coaching a kids' soccer team.
Cast: Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Steven Anthony Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Kate Walsh
Director: Jesse Dylan (American Pie: The Wedding)
Cert PG | 95 minutes | UIP | General release | USA

TSC · « **Reply #53 on:** July 24, 2005, 01:41:12 am »

Anyone watching '2001 A Space Odyssey'? Classic. My reason for staying up late.

Derzyjudek · « **Reply #54 on:** July 24, 2005, 01:45:25 am »

Quote from: TSC on July 24, 2005, 01:41:12 am

Anyone watching '2001 A Space Odyssey'? Classic. My reason for staying up late.

when its finished...please explain the ending to me will ya....i havnt got a clue.

rednich85 · « **Reply #55 on:** July 24, 2005, 01:50:09 am »

just got my hands on the new casino speacial edition dvd.

Some good extras and commentarys

Worth adding to a collection

TSC · « **Reply #56 on:** July 24, 2005, 01:56:16 am »

Quote from: rednich85 on July 24, 2005, 01:50:09 am

just got my hands on the new casino speacial edition dvd.

Some good extras and commentarys

Worth adding to a collection

Corking film that. But still doesn't come close to Goodfellas, for pure evil and atmosphere.

rednich85 · « **Reply #57 on:** July 24, 2005, 02:07:20 am »

which leads to my next point.....

Goodfellas Directors cut...another personal favourite

hooded claw · « **Reply #58 on:** July 24, 2005, 08:53:40 am »

Quote from: derzyjudek on July 24, 2005, 01:45:25 am

when its finished...please explain the ending to me will ya....i havnt got a clue.

Try here

It's a short flash presentation, but well worth it.

The Bill Hicks Appreciation Society · « **Reply #59 on:** July 24, 2005, 01:44:30 pm »

just to demonstrate how subjective taste is, i went to see 'identity' at the cinema. at the end i thought it was a thoroughly enjoyable film, but the girl in front of me turned to her mate and said "i hate films like that, didnt understand it at all", personally i didn't see what there was to understand, it wasn't particularly hard to follow imo.

and another time i'd watched kubricks 'eyes wide shut' which is quite a long film, but didn't seem it (to me that proves it's quality) i came out thouroughly entertained, and this scally girl as i was walking out the theatre turned to her mate and said "that's the most boring film i've ever seen" i was gobsmacked but i guess it just wasn't her cup of tea.

bradigor · « **Reply #60 on:** July 24, 2005, 07:55:56 pm »

Few class looking films out on DVD worth looking at.

The Quiet Family - Korean Film
Somersault
Arahan - (described as - what the matrix would of been had it had Jackie Chan instead of keanu reeves) - Korean Film
The Nest - French Film
My Own Private Idaho - Classic
H
Sling Blade - Trust Me worth a watch
Duck Season - mexican Film
Tarnation - Documentary (Kind of)

Garstonite · « **Reply #61 on:** July 24, 2005, 07:58:53 pm »

New DVD release not so long ago: Constantine. Went to see this at the cinema and, despite it being quite strange shall I say, it's worth a watch. Maybe it would be a good idea to rent in first, and then buy, because it might not be everybody's cup of tea.

Good review courtesy of moviehole.net

Constantine
by 'Edward Weller'

I just got back from a screening of the Keanu Reeves Vs the devil flick called Constantine right here in good old Atlanta.

It was a packed theater full of all walks of life that would love to be the first to see anything before it comes out( I'm one of them) and people were actually turn away because of how pack the theater was. We had no idea what was going to be shown (I was hoping for the Aviator) but we got this instead. Constantine tells the story of a urban sorcerer (Keanu Reeves) who helps a cop (Rachel Weisz) look into her sister's death which was cause by supernatural forces that is trying to steal souls and cause a war on earth. They both must stop an evil that not only threatens their safety but the fabric of the boarders of hell itself, which threatens to break wide open. It's a decent movie with some pretty good effects but it's hindered by a couple of glaring problems. One of them is in fact Keanu Reeves and if you call his range as an actor a series of glum expressions and moments of him staring into space for no reason at all, than you pretty much got him nailed. The character he plays is just as bewildering as Keanu Reeves himself and is in fact the most underdeveloped character in the entire film.

Which leads to the next glaring problem, which is the fact that you don't really give a crap about his character. His character is really an asshole that does not treat people well and abuses himself to the point of death. The funny part of all of this (and the part that make absolutely no sense once you really think about it) is that he wants redemption and is willing to put himself in jeopardy in order to secure a spot for him in heaven, despite the fact that he still does not treat himself or others well. Even with the knowledge that he's not good health does not make you care about him and that's a real testament on how much of an asshole the character is in this film. Now I can understand the reason why the people who made this film wanted to have a character like John Constantine in it. People always love the reluctant hero, who is sometimes very shady and is not always thinking of others best interest but himself. But when he's needed, he always does the right thing when it matters the most. You know whom I mean, the Han Solos or the Captain Jack Sparrows that make the movie much more interesting than it is. Now the big difference between those characters and the character of John Constantine is the fact that you do see their humanity despite how shady they seem and you still want to spend more time with them regardless of their faults. On top of that, you had actors who knew how to show you those things when they needed to be shown and give you a reason to believe in their characters despite of their short comings. Keanu Reeves on the other hand fails miserably in doing that because he does not have it in him to pull it off and the fact that the script itself does not show any humanity in the character is a big problem all in itself. Another problem this movie has is the fact that the story is really something we have all seen before on an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with all the demons and half breeds that populate that show, but in a much bigger scale and with better special effects. The story is much more than an episode of that show but it still is in the same ballpark. There are some good things to say about the movie that does kind of outweigh the bad. Rachel Weisz's performance as the cop and her doom twin sister is much better than the film itself and much more realistic than the actual story. You really do root for her and hope she does overcomes the problems she's facing, which is a blessing when you think about it because of how much of a drag Keanu Reeve's character is to the film itself. The worlds of heaven and hell itself in also pretty interesting, giving you the impression of how close they are to themselves and of the actual world that we live in. There is a scene that has Constantine trying to get a demon out of a little girl that is a little scary and some of the demons do look creepy enough to give you a brief pause when you look at them, so it does have a good scare or two in the film but it's really an action flick with supernatural elements thrown in for effect.

The twist in the ending is pretty inventive but typical when it involves the lead character doing something noble for a change.

To put it all in perspective. It's decent for what it is but with Keanu playing a character as befuddled as he is as an actor, the movie is only held together by the great performance of Rachel Weisz and a few good scares that are few and far between.

bradigor · « **Reply #62 on:** July 24, 2005, 08:01:05 pm »

Quote from: Garstonite on July 24, 2005, 07:58:53 pm

New DVD release not so long ago: Constantine. Went to see this at the cinema and, despite it being quite strange shall I say, it's worth a watch. Maybe it would be a good idea to rent in first, and then buy, because it might not be everybody's cup of tea.

Was fairly impressed with it, better than i was expecting.

bradigor · « **Reply #63 on:** July 28, 2005, 01:56:08 pm »

---------- July 29th ----------

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

What's it about? Tim Burton's version of Roald Dahl's classic children's book stars Johnny Depp as the enigmatic confectioner Willy Wonka, who invites a group of children to tour his factory.
Cast: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee, Noah Taylor
Director: Tim Burton (Beetlejuice, Batman, Ed Wood)
Cert PG | 115 minutes | Warner Bros | General release | USA

The Skeleton Key

What's it about? Spooky suspense thriller in which nurse Kate Hudson is hired to look after an elderly couple living in an old gothic mansion just outside New Orleans. She discovers the house hides a terrifying secret.
Cast: Kate Hudson, Peter Sarsgaard, John Hurt, Gena Rowlands, Joy Bryant
Director: Iain Softley (Hackers, The Wings Of The Dove, K-PAX)
Cert 15 | 104 minutes | UIP | General release | USA

Shallow Ground

What's it about? Independent American horror movie. A year after a teenage girl was brutally murdered, a boy walks into a police station, naked and covered with blood.
Cast: Timothy V Murphy, Stan Kirsch, Patricia McCormack, Lindsey Stoddart, Rocky Marquette
Director: Sheldon Wilson
Cert 18 | 97 minutes | Anchor Bay | Limited release | USA

hooded claw · « **Reply #64 on:** July 28, 2005, 01:57:16 pm »

Just got round to seeing Annie Hall for the first time.
Loved it. Just loved it.

wellsimple · « **Reply #65 on:** July 28, 2005, 02:05:19 pm »

Quote from: hooded claw on July 28, 2005, 01:57:16 pm

Just got round to seeing Annie Hall for the first time.
Loved it. Just loved it.

Yeah, great film. Unfortunately wrecked by it being emotionally tied to an ex.

bradigor · « **Reply #66 on:** August 4, 2005, 10:24:39 am »

---------- August 5th ----------

Stealth

What's it about? High tech action thriller in which three stealth plane pilots are the only ones who can stop a new, super-intelligent defence computer from starting World War III. WarGames meets Top Gun?
Cast: Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel, Jamie Foxx, Joe Morton, Sam Shepard
Director: Rob Cohen (Dragonheart, The Fast And The Furious, xXx)

The Perfect Catch
(US title: Fever Pitch)

What's it about? Nick Hornby's novel about love and football, "Fever Pitch" - already filmed in 1997 with Colin Firth - has been transplanted to America for this remake. The Boston Red Sox baseball team replaces Arsenal FC as the object of hero Jimmy Fallon's obsession.
Cast: Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore, KaDee Strickland, James Sikking, Ione Skye
Directors: Peter Farrelly & Bobby Farrelly (Dumb And Dumber, There's Something About Mary, Shallow Hal)
Cert PG | 103 minutes | Fox | General release | USA

The Devil's Rejects

What's it about? Rob Zombie's sequel to his cult smash of 2003, House Of 1000 Corpses. This time, the murderous freaks are chased out of their lair by the state police so they go on a cross-country killing rampage.
Cast: Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon, Ken Foree, Michael Berryman
Director: Rob Zombie (House Of 1000 Corpses)
Cert 18 | 109 minutes | Momentum | Limited release | USA

Herbie: Fully Loaded

What's it about? Disney revives its Love Bug series about a Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own. Lindsay Lohan plays a young woman who dreams of becoming a NASCAR racing driver and gets a helping hand from Herbie.
Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Breckin Meyer, Matt Dillon, Michael Keaton, Alanna Ubach
Director: Angela Robinson (D.E.B.S.)
Cert U | 101 minutes | Buena Vista | General release | USA

kev78 · « **Reply #67 on:** August 4, 2005, 10:27:33 am »

Not very much to get excited about there then?!

bradigor · « **Reply #68 on:** August 4, 2005, 10:30:34 am »

Quote from: kev78 on August 4, 2005, 10:27:33 am

Not very much to get excited about there then?!

Devils Rejects

Alan_X · « **Reply #69 on:** August 4, 2005, 10:32:29 am »

Quote from: blurred on July 19, 2005, 10:32:56 pm

Oh, and Leaving Las Vegas is on ITV 2 now, straight after the footie...

I'm sure I didn't imagine it but isn't there a Liverpool FC crest on the wall behind the bar when Nicholas Cage goes for breakfast?

kev78 · « **Reply #70 on:** August 4, 2005, 10:37:58 am »

Quote from: Bradigor Biscan -81- on August 4, 2005, 10:30:34 am

Devils Rejects

Not really, as House of 1000 Corpses was hardly anything to write home about!

bradigor · « **Reply #71 on:** August 4, 2005, 10:59:38 am »

Quote from: kev78 on August 4, 2005, 10:37:58 am

Not really, as House of 1000 Corpses was hardly anything to write home about!

For what it was, it was a decent enough film. This is better than that and should be worth a watch

kev78 · « **Reply #72 on:** August 4, 2005, 11:04:40 am »

Off to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the weekend.

Is 'The Island' out soon? Anyone know if it's going to be any good? Trailer looks ok but probably just all style and no substance I'm guessing.....

Bradigor - I'll wait and see on 'Devils Rejects' then.....

Ben_JP · « **Reply #73 on:** August 4, 2005, 01:25:41 pm »

Quote from: kev78 on August 4, 2005, 11:04:40 am

Is 'The Island' out soon? Anyone know if it's going to be any good? Trailer looks ok but probably just all style and no substance I'm guessing.....

Like the look of The Island too, although it flopped in the 'States. Probably another dumb blockbuster from the Michael Bay canon, but The Rock and Armageddon were enjoyable enough so probably worth a watch with a bucket of popcorn. Out on the 12th August. And I haven't even mentioned Scarlett Johansen in a tight white outfit...

IrishDave · « **Reply #74 on:** August 4, 2005, 03:28:06 pm »

Finally saw Batman Begins last night. Really liked it.

All the trailers beforehand looked shit except for The Chronicles of Narnia which looked fucking cool, if a little Lord of the Rings-esque.

Ben_JP · « **Reply #75 on:** August 30, 2005, 12:32:36 pm »

Right, seen twenty films at Frightfest 2005 over the weekend and was thoroughly disappointed with the vast majority, here are some of the high/low points.

Red Eye - drafted in to the festival's line up at the last minute, this is a taut thriller that really does have a great set-up. Shame it completely unravels once the plane lands, letting all the build-up go to waste and be replaced with a ludicrously dull final third. About as thrilling as watching a Blueshite training session.

Wolf Creek - another major disappointment. The villain of the piece is more comical than scary, and despite a gruesome kill midway through, this is a poor rehash of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. About as scary as a trip to Tesco's (unless your local Tesco's is in Hades and is populated by blood-lusting zombies, vampires and, erm, fire-breathing dog beasts)

Born to Fight - No plot just an excuse for loads of ridiculous kung-fu stunts. You won't remember much about it, but you will believe a football can be a lethal weapon. Rent it post-pub and forward to the last half hour and insane end credits (then watch Police Story and see the same sort of thing done ten times better)

Land of the Dead - George Romero brings his zombie franchise back to life and.....it ain't too bad. There's nothing new to be found, and the RRRRRRRROCK soundtrack is a bit much but if you like watching the undead wander about eating people then this is going to make you grin like a zombie chewing a mouthful of human flesh.

Antibodies - a German thriller that is no doubt grateful to Silence of the Lambs for providing much inspiration, but this is still a cut above the average serial killer thriller. The ending is a slight disappointment and about ten or fifteen minutes could have been snipped to tighten it up a bit, but overall Antibodies is an interesting addition to the genre, and will no doubt be subject to a slick US remake.

The 10 Steps - Only a short, but this was an absolute gem. Well worth seeking out, especially if you have a passion for horror films and want an example of how to create tension with a very simplistic story.

The Collingswood Story - It screams Blair Witch and is hardly original in its set-up, but like The Ten Steps, it creates a sinister feel with a very simplistic story, all filmed on a hyper-low budget (we're talking Blue Nun cheap) The premise (two friends talking on their webcams, one in a house where gruesome murders took place) could well be worth a reworking.

Anyways, like I say, the majority of the weekend was a disappointment, if the selection of films that were on offer is an indication of where horror is heading, then it's going to be a barren few years for the genre.

Buck Pete · « **Reply #76 on:** August 30, 2005, 01:59:31 pm »

Cheers for the heads up Ben. Where was Frightfest and is this an annual event?

Listened to an interview with George Romero on 909 regrding the "Land of the Dead". Sounds quite good.

There is a thread on the Brit Horror "The Descent" on page 2 that ive tried to bump. Anything to add there would be appreciated - ta.

Ben_JP · « **Reply #77 on:** August 30, 2005, 02:15:17 pm »

Quote from: Buck Pete on August 30, 2005, 01:59:31 pm

Cheers for the heads up Ben. Where was Frightfest and is this an annual event?

Listened to an interview with George Romero on 909 regrding the "Land of the Dead". Sounds quite good.

There is a thread on the Brit Horror "The Descent" on page 2 that ive tried to bump. Anything to add there would be appreciated - ta.

No worries. Frightfest is an annual event, it takes place over the August Bank Holiday. In previous years it has been held at the Prince Charles (great little venue on the edge of SoHo/Chinatown), but this year they upgraded to the Odeon West End just around the corner.
I've been the last couple of years and have to say it wasn't as good this year, but still took away a fair bit from the experience. Website here: www.frightfest.co.uk

Romero came on stage before Land of the Dead - he got a great reaction. He's quite frail looking and softly spoken, doesn't look the sort to conjure up violent zombie flicks

As for The Descent, I've not seen it, although I still intend to. Also want to see The Cave, I know it looks a bit hokey, but good to get an opinion, not just rely on a reviewer's verdict.

slapnuts · « **Reply #78 on:** August 31, 2005, 11:55:33 pm »

watched it tonight.

Quite a good film, a bit confusing along the way. Reminded me a bit of fight club crossed between memento for some reason.

Christian Bale looks like he was on the Peter Crouch diet for that role.

anyone else seen it?

WelshMike · « **Reply #79 on:** September 5, 2005, 02:47:03 pm »

Anyone seen the 40 year old virgin? Is it any good?