Cmon guys, we have a good thread going here, no food fites please. Lively debate like Siskel and Ebert in the old days is good, but let's keep the typical chat board fighting down.
Just watched "The Pledge", late, late night movie-2001, directed by Sean Penn, starring Jack Nicholson and some other people . Strange movie-based on a book, yet from all accounts, bearing little resemblance to it. Started well, went well......huge plot spoiler, (hey, its an old movie) and while it maintained some dramatic tension, gave the impression it was actually building up to something very impressive, and i dont think it did. A number of things bugged me-why Nichollsons character would make such a ridiculous "pledge" in the first place, but this can be explained by his characters directionless, and to him , seemingly hopeless future; it sort of works. His almost offhand, yet quite deliberate plotting of his retirement and future seem believable, what else would a retired detective do, and his character is well portrayed. Its actually quite suspenseful at times, yet it doesn't gel overall-it wasnt supposed to be an action thriller, but thats not the point, ultimately. His highly unlikely romance, for a start, the confusion over the plot holes-unlike some films, where something is utterly inexplicable, this movie simply doesn't fill in the gaps to leave the audience aware of the actual reality, breaking up the narrative to an unsatisfying degree, for mine. Looking around the web, i notice a lot of people had similiar issues-such as not knowing, exactly, who the real killer was, the preacher, or the completely obscure Oliver, whomever he was? Did Nichollsons character actually know, and if he did, how could he, or anyone else, have not noticed the car crash, in which the uber suspect died? It might not save his relationship, but wouldnt you mention it to the people you made the pledge to find their daughters killer to? The director didn't seem to think it mattered, but i think it did. You make a film, with a premise, and then leave the audience baffled and guessing as to what actually occurred. Nichollson was great, and there were some great dramatic scenes, but it could have been a much, much better film.
On a separate note, i would love to hear any reviews of"Australia", the Baz Lurhman epic. Supposedly. Between the reviews, the oprah sickfest of love, and the obvious reality it simply will not work as a movie, in the hands of a far too touchy feely THEATRE director, (moulin rouge, etc) Im smelling....... TURKEY for christmas. I hope im wrong, but the director is a tosser, and this movie doesnt even have the premise of anything deserving the name "Australia". He likely hasnt gone further than pott's point in his life, yet took on this......his obsession with Nicole Kidman is unsettling to begin with. Based on my innate knowledge of film, and film history, im going to call this an overwrought, underdone, and largely meaningless piece of cringeworthy tosh. Yes, the delicate english rose, the rough rider cowboy, the native kid who wins everyones hearts.......what a load of crap, it could be a more artistic john wayne movie, same difference. Please, tell me I'm wrong, after all i havent seen it yet....but all the signs are there. In the meantime, if you would like to watch an actually GOOD australian movie, dealing directly with actual history and issues, and brilliant from start to finish (unlike this turkey, or corcodile dundee, or road warrior) try this, "The Tracker". http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212132/ A great film.
Good to see this thread is still going and hasn't turned to shit. I haven't been checking in as often because for the time being this market environment is not conducive to my long term swing style. Waiting for a trend. Not really an internet type when not trading..... busy with other things. Will plan to throw some old classics on the blue ray over this Holiday. Im sure this threat will go on for a long time to come. There are always new films coming out, and thousands of greats yet to be discussed. We also change our prefered genres and styles over time. Thanks to all for great contributions. Happy Holidays to all my friends on E.T.
Duck! Where have you been?? I just started a Netflix subscription, but my DVDs for the next five months will be for a tv series. I get one 2 hour download movie to watch per month, and I haven't yet watched one. I have to find one under the two hour limit!
I agree, Australia sucked. I had hopes for it from the trailer. Trailers always make want to see the film, esp. at the theater trailers ...they're so well done. The new Terminator looks killer.
Well, I picked a boner. I downloaded an indie movie called "Sugar". I give it one star because of the death scene, if not for that it would get zero stars. I could not follow the story line, typical for most indie movies, but I believe that Butch contracted AIDS judging by the sores that were on his body. However, he slams his hand though a window in a drug, (or maybe withdrawal) induced rage and bleeds to death. It was touching. I don't care that I'm posting an unannounced spoiler here, it really was a terrible movie. I hope I pick a better one next month.