At the Movies with CC!

[ComicChick]

Hey Yall,

With a teeny tiny bit of encouragement from the Community Lounge, I have forayed into the Movies Forum to start my own Movie Review thread!
Will it be legit reviews? Stream of Consciousness? I don't know! Maybe both?!

There are a ton of movies I've never seen, much to the public outcry of members here and friends and family in my real life, so I hope to knock some of these off within the upcoming year. I'll also post reviews et all from movies I really enjoy as well.

Feel free to suggest films, ask questions about my film tastes etc!

 

[ComicChick]

List of Films I'm watching:

• Die Hard - first time viewing! (12/25/18)
• Jumanji 2: Welcome to the Jungle (first time viewing 12/29/18)
• Crazy Rich Asians (first time viewing, early Jan 2019)
• Aquaman (first time viewing, early March 2019)
• Captain Marvel (March 7. 2019)
  
• The Way Back (first time viewing (June 21, 2020)
• Me Before You (first time viewing, August 2020)

 

[ComicChick]

Today is Christmas 2018, and I took to the task of selecting a Christmas movie I had never seen before. The three choices were between A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, and Die Hard. The masses selected Die Hard and with that, I will be watching it in just a few short minutes!

​

Here's what I know going in:

Die Hard stars Bruce Willis and Severus Snape, featuring Carl Winslow. It takes place in the Nakatomi Plaza. It has caused quite a debate between people on whether it is a Christmas Movie or not, so I am watching it on Christmas!

Snape is Gruber. Willis is McClane. The film came out in 1988 and this year is the 30th Anniversary. And I love that the movie is totally pushing it with the Christmas theme with the newly released Christmas packaging.

I know Yippee Ki Yay, Mofos is from this movie. I know Bruce Willis is in a white tank top and shoeless for quite a bit. Other than that, I know nothing about it, but I'm about to watch it... so here goes!

 

[ComicChick]

well the movie is over, so let me just say...

Yippee Ki-Yay. Fun movie. Loved the banter, the action was pretty sweet and I enjoyed the CB talk between Al and John. I liked the back story of Al, why he was a desk cop, and considering how prevalent what he did is today, it was kinda interesting. I really liked seeing the newscaster get punched in the face. He almost got Holly killed because of his antics to try and get the scoop, and in today's instant media world, that's one of my pet peeves. people rushing to be "first" and ruining stuff for others or spreading false info etc. Plus it was shady as heck what he did to try to get to the kids (threatening the nanny).

I kept thinking the long blonde haired terrorist reminded me of Chris Lambert, and I couldn't figure out where I recognized Theo from until it dawned on me; Walker! Texas Ranger. Snape was great, and i laughed when he pretended to be a hostage. I can't imagine how long it took to get all the glass out of John but i cringe just thinking about the idea of walking on broken glass like he did. (this is the part of the review where Krypton would post a vid of Annie Lennox singing Walking on Broken Glass).
Shout out to Argyle. He was funny and I liked how he helped in the end. Kinda nice little twist about the watch coming full circle and watching Hans fall to his demise.

Again, this was my first time watching Die Hard, and I dont really do that whole rating 1-10 thing people do. But I would definitely watch it again. And this was the first movie I ever streamed in UHD, so it also has that going for it.

 

[flickchick85]

Great review, CC! Glad you finally checked this one off the list.

I kept thinking the long blonde haired terrorist reminded me of Chris Lambert, and I couldn't figure out where I recognized Theo from until it dawned on me; Walker! Texas Ranger.

I just watched this with my family last night, and my mom and aunt tell me that guy was also a famous ballet dancer once upon a time, lol.

 

[Schlosser85]

Great review, CC! Glad you finally checked this one off the list.


I just watched this with my family last night, and my mom and aunt tell me that guy was also a famous ballet dancer once upon a time, lol.

Alexander Godunov was a Russian ballet dancer who defected to the US and became an actor. He was also in Witness with Harrison Ford (as the Amish man with the hots for Kelly McGillis).

He was a long-term lover of Jacqueline Bisset.

Sadly a few years after Die Hard he literally drank himself to death.

 

[flickchick85]

Alexander Godunov was a Russian ballet dancer who defected to the US and became an actor. He was also in Witness with Harrison Ford (as the Amish man with the hots for Kelly McGillis).

He was a long-term lover of Jacqueline Bisset.

Sadly a few years after Die Hard he literally drank himself to death.

Aw man, that's a not-so-fun fact. Poor guy.

 

[KRYPTON INC.]

well the movie is over, so let me just say...

Yippee Ki-Yay. Fun movie. Loved the banter, the action was pretty sweet and I enjoyed the CB talk between Al and John. I liked the back story of Al, why he was a desk cop, and considering how prevalent what he did is today, it was kinda interesting. I really liked seeing the newscaster get punched in the face. He almost got Holly killed because of his antics to try and get the scoop, and in today's instant media world, that's one of my pet peeves. people rushing to be "first" and ruining stuff for others or spreading false info etc. Plus it was shady as heck what he did to try to get to the kids (threatening the nanny).

I kept thinking the long blonde haired terrorist reminded me of Chris Lambert, and I couldn't figure out where I recognized Theo from until it dawned on me; Walker! Texas Ranger. Snape was great, and i laughed when he pretended to be a hostage. I can't imagine how long it took to get all the glass out of John but i cringe just thinking about the idea of walking on broken glass like he did. (this is the part of the review where Krypton would post a vid of Annie Lennox singing Walking on Broken Glass).
Shout out to Argyle. He was funny and I liked how he helped in the end. Kinda nice little twist about the watch coming full circle and watching Hans fall to his demise.

Again, this was my first time watching Die Hard, and I dont really do that whole rating 1-10 thing people do. But I would definitely watch it again. And this was the first movie I ever streamed in UHD, so it also has that going for it.

You see how it became the hit and cultural phenomenon it is still.

I am happy you could appreciate it. What I think sets the film apart from so man 80's action films is that John is a real human being unlike Sly or Arnie. The moment that cements it is when he has to jump off the roof with the fire hose wrapped around him. He doesn't let loose a catch phrase or some tough guy talk. He just looks over the edge and says "Please God... Don't let me die." Such a simple choice by the director but it makes you connect with John.


Are you taking suggestions for the next film CC?

 

[Lily Adler]

Where should I get your bald cap and fat suit?

 

[3rdstone]

I really enjoyed your review on this particular action classic, CC (it happened to be a nice 30th anniversary for me this year since watching it at the cinema in - 88, and I also managed to watch it again at a local cinema over here earlier this month). Also, bonus points for a great introduction.

But more important, I highly support the concept of this thread, and will looking forward to your further movie experiences with following reviews.

 

[jmc]

Die Hard still holds up to this day. May very well be the perfect action movie.

 

[3rdstone]

It certainly is one of the very best to this day.

 

[terry78]

This thread is so you.

 

[ComicChick]

You see how it became the hit and cultural phenomenon it is still.

I am happy you could appreciate it. What I think sets the film apart from so man 80's action films is that John is a real human being unlike Sly or Arnie. The moment that cements it is when he has to jump off the roof with the fire hose wrapped around him. He doesn't let loose a catch phrase or some tough guy talk. He just looks over the edge and says "Please God... Don't let me die." Such a simple choice by the director but it makes you connect with John.


Are you taking suggestions for the next film CC?

I read that Arnold turned it down and a lot of other big name actors.

And as for suggestions, sure

 

[ComicChick]

Tonight's movie is...

​

Here's what I know going in:

This is a sequel of the 1990's movie starring Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt (and Kirsten Dunst and David Alan Grier et al). I enjoyed this movie a lot as a kid. To this day I still remember in the jungle you must wait, until the dice read 5 or 8.

So from what I can tell, this isn't exactly the same, and instead of a board game coming to life, the characters are sent into a video game as the avatars of Jack Black, Kevin Hart, the Rock and Nebula (Karen G!). The snobby girl becomes Jack Black, and I'm not sure who everyone else switches into from the trailer right off, but I'll find out in a minute!
A lot of people I know did not want anything to do with this movie when it came out, but once they gave it a chance, they also said it was very enjoyable, so I hope to enjoy it too.

Review to follow.

 

[Schlosser85]

That was the case with me. I got grudgingly dragged to it and found it surprisingly enjoyable.

 

[ComicChick]

Okay so in the beginning, the guy finds the Jumanji board game while running on the beach, and gives it to the boy who obviously prefers video games. Overnight the game magically turns itself into a video game. MAGIC! And side note; when they pan out to show the house from the front, I swear i've seen this house in another movie or show before. It's very familiar to me.

I recognize Spencer from Paper Towns, the other guy from Vampire Diaries and NBA 2k19 lol. I've never seen the two females before. But I recognize the gym teacher! Mrs. Fran Stalinovskovichdavidovitchsky should've had them playing dodgeball instead of throwing a football lol.

Jack Black is pretty funny as Bethany. Actually, they all play off each other pretty well and it's pretty funny so far. The peeing scene was funnier than I expected. Seeing Dr. Shelly get eaten by a hippo was enjoyable as well as the play on the video game parallels, with cut-scenes, characters only able to say certain things in certain scenarios etc.

The Alan Parrish plank of wood was a nice touch. And welcome to the game Jonas Brother.

 

[2kt09]

Jack Black is pretty funny as Bethany. Actually, they all play off each other pretty well and it's pretty funny so far. The peeing scene was funnier than I expected. Seeing Dr. Shelly get eaten by a hippo was enjoyable as well as the play on the video game parallels, with cut-scenes, characters only able to say certain things in certain scenarios etc.

I was shocked by how well they'd lean into it while still being so accessible. We like the idea of video game movies more than we care to be bogged down by what people already enjoy about specific games.

 

[ComicChick]

final thoughts:

really enjoyed it and would definitely watch again.

i remember in the first film, Alan's father also played the Hunter, also named Van Pelt. So I take it that this version was supposed to be the same character, just evolved? It's a crazy world where Nick Jonas becomes Colin Hanks lol

 

[Black Narcissus]

Hey Yall,

With a teeny tiny bit of encouragement from the Community Lounge, I have forayed into the Movies Forum to start my own Movie Review thread!
Will it be legit reviews? Stream of Consciousness? I don't know! Maybe both?!

There are a ton of movies I've never seen, much to the public outcry of members here and friends and family in my real life, so I hope to knock some of these off within the upcoming year. I'll also post reviews et all from movies I really enjoy as well.

Feel free to suggest films, ask questions about my film tastes etc!

Could you post this list? Then let the hype brehs decide your next viewing. Big Trouble in Little China better not be on there tho, it would break my heart.

 

[flickchick85]

i remember in the first film, Alan's father also played the Hunter, also named Van Pelt. So I take it that this version was supposed to be the same character, just evolved?

Oh damn, I never even made that connection!

 

[ComicChick]

Could you post this list? Then let the hype brehs decide your next viewing. Big Trouble in Little China better not be on there tho, it would break my heart.

i'm a heartbreaker :/
the list is very long, but i could name a few i suppose:

Spoiler

Mission Impossibles
Lord of the Rings
Planet of the Apes ( i did see the James Franco/Malfoy one though)
Riddicks
The Oceans Franchise
All the James Bonds (except Casino Royale with Craig, and part of Skyfall)
American Psycho
Blade Runner
Star Wars (anything before The Force Awakens, I've seen everything after)
Pretty in Pink

it's harder to think of a list on the spot than i thought

 

[Black Narcissus]

 

[KRYPTON INC.]

i'm a heartbreaker :/
the list is very long, but i could name a few i suppose:

Spoiler

Mission Impossibles
Lord of the Rings
Planet of the Apes ( i did see the James Franco/Malfoy one though)
Riddicks
The Oceans Franchise
All the James Bonds (except Casino Royale with Craig, and part of Skyfall)
American Psycho
Blade Runner
Star Wars (anything before The Force Awakens, I've seen everything after)
Pretty in Pink

it's harder to think of a list on the spot than i thought

I would suggest checking out the first film in the Clooney Ocean series and... none of the others. But it's a tight and fun heist film. It's kinda like Soderbergh decided to let his inner Tarantino out a bit, but it's more smooth jazz to Quentin's heavy funk.

The original Apes with Heston I think more or less still holds up and it's screenplay by Serling sets the tone. Again... You could skip most of the other films in the original series and not miss much of anything. That said... Finish up the Serkis Ape films. I think that in a few years people will recognize them as one of the best trilogies of the past 15-20 years. The last one was like a mix of Unforgiven, The Great Escape and the story of Moses.

Blade Runner is the grandaddy of dystopian noir sci fi and it deserves it's place in film history. Whether style or substance it's got both to spare.

Those would be my votes CC.

 

[flickchick85]

My vote would go:

Star Wars (original trilogy)
Mission Impossibles (at least the last few)
Blade Runner