Eh, I thought that the movie was unearned smug preachy garbage but to each his/her own.
I hate it when directors think that they are saying something profound when they really aren't. If you are going to talk about our violent culture you damn well better make a better film than Funny Games.
The Great Escape
I feel this wouldn't have been 2 hours 45 minutes if they'd just given Charles Bronson a gun. But seriously, an incredible ensemble film, completely lacking in the smugness of todays ensemble caper flicks. The film takes it's time to develop every character, and keeps you guessing as to their fates until the very end (Mostly because I'd known that in real life the successful escapees where Norwegian and Dutch and because the blurb at the beginning of the film said they fictionalised all the characters). A true classic.
-Since you liked Midnight in Paris so much, you'd probably like other Woody Allen movies, though most lean toward Allen's cynical more than the relatively optimistic tone of Midnight in Paris.
-If nothing else, I'd say read the book just to pique your curiosity. I recall liking it more than the movie, but it's been probably six years since I read the book and maybe five since I last saw the movie in full, so I don't have a strong opinion on either.
Next - 3/10
Cage Rating - 8/10
This is the quirky Nic Cage that I very much enjoy. The martinis at nine o'clock in the morning, the exact amount of corn flakes, the prolonged stares, etc. Hilarious. And he narrates! The movie is ****, over using his ability only to then have the biggest cop out I might have ever seen in a film. Though an hour and a half, this needed to be shorter. I fell asleep and woke up only to discover it was still happening. But I will say, this has the most hilarious opening shot to a film I've ever seen. I had to watch it two more times.
Have you got round to seeing Deadfall yet? It's right up there with Vampire's Kiss, Wicker Man and Bad LT for classic Cage craziness.I didn't know that was ever considered. A spin-off about Wahlberg's character, maybe?Contraband
The movie is ok but....
MARK ****ING WAHLBERG was sitting there in attendance! He did a Q&A afterwards, the questions where the same generic celebtrity questions, with the exception of Wahlberg being asked who has a bigger dick, Dirk Diggler or himself (Dirk Diggler does apparently). In terms of movie news, he says The Departed 2 and The Brazilian Job are dead, but Five Brothers might happen. I totally expected him to be a dick, but the man was a complete gentleman and a total professional who wasn't afraid to be candid. He crapped all over The Vow, but totally tried to cover his tracks by praising how much money it made. It was really funny.
The only recent ones I've seen are Vicky Christina Barcelona and Match Point, which, by most accounts, are the only good ones of the 2000s. As far as others go:I've heard of the differences between the more cynical and oprimistic Woody Allen films. I've heard his recent films have been more cynical. I might check out some of his stuff. One of my friends is a huge Woody Allen fans.
I'm contemplating on picking the book up at the comic book store today.
I love your "Cage ratings" manHave you got round to seeing Deadfall yet? It's right up there with Vampire's Kiss, Wicker Man and Bad LT for classic Cage craziness.
And indeed we watched Deadfall. Two of my friends and I (who like me, are huge Cage fans) watched it a few weeks ago along with Vampire's Kiss (my second time watching it) and Season of the Witch in one night. Friday nights are Cage nights.
The only recent ones I've seen are Vicky Christina Barcelona and Match Point, which, by most accounts, are the only good ones of the 2000s. As far as others go:
-Annie Hall and Hannah and Her Sisters are the best.
-Bananas and Sleeper are the funniest.
-The Purple Rose of Cairo probably reminded me most of Midnight in Paris.
-Sweet and Lowdown had the main character that reminded me most of Wilson's Gil.
-Crimes and Misdemeanors really showcases Allen's conflict between his cynical and optimistic sides.
-Manhattan's really good, but it isn't one of my personal favorites.