The Film Lovers Thread!

[xerq]

yes audrey is in and it was made after amelie. it's a great film

on the subject of Asian cinema, one of my favorites is definitely bright future.a must see

amazon

 

[Mistique]

I just watched Julie & Julia and I have to say: I've fallen in love. In the movie as in well with Meryl Streep, now I've counted that I've seen four other movies starring Meryl, which are the following:
Manhattan
Lemony Snicket's A series of unfortunate events
Prime
The devil wears Prada

I hope someone could help me to the real gems in her filmography, which ones are a must-see?

 

[rayoflight]

I love her in comedy:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098309/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104070/

 

[adorefaith]

I just watched Julie & Julia and I have to say: I've fallen in love. In the movie as in well with Meryl Streep, now I've counted that I've seen four other movies starring Meryl, which are the following:
Manhattan
Lemony Snicket's A series of unfortunate events
Prime
The devil wears Prada

I hope someone could help me to the real gems in her filmography, which ones are a must-see?

well it's the most recent but i have to say It's Complicated is really worth watching. i don't know if everyone agrees with me but she is stellar in this movie, and honestly the whole movie is quite hilarious - i don't often find hollywood films funny but this one really cracked me up. it's quite touching too, in that corny hollywood way
I know it's not one of her more serious choices where she really shows her chops, but it's definitely worth seeing imo.. i think it's Meryl at her most spirited.. you can just see her radiating joy in so many moments.

 

[adorefaith]

i think part of the reason i loved in the mood for love was because i did actually watch it two or three times and wrote a paper about it for the Asian Cinema course I took in college, and we were also getting cultural/historical background information which i think probably helped to contextualize the film for me...
and if you think about sexuality in asian cinema it tends to traditionally be more repressed (which you can see in this film for sure, the sexual magnetism and attraction is definitely kept under wraps and is repressed)
i think it's something that improves every time you watch it...
plus, maggie cheung's clothes!!
how beautiful and sort of rigid were they?! she looks so elegant... and restrained
this movie (and hero which has a more traditional pace from what i can remember... not so slow) really made me fall in love with her...
i think she has the ability to be really magnetic on screen

i need to watch a very long engagement...
was that made before or after amelie? i know audrey tatou is in it, right?

yes, you should see a very long engagament. i wouldn't mind re-watching it actually..

i agree with the repression - absolutely. the clothes were so much a part of her character, i thought...along with the music and the way she moved and walked...it all wrapped together to give us a very strong and immediate sense of her poise, control and unhappiness really, i think. very restrictive.. restrained, as you say.

It's funny you use the word magnetic, as quite honestly i found her a bit vacant at moments and wondered if i was missing something. perhaps i was - this is the first time i have seen her onscreen and as you say the culture was at times without context for me so my review is probably unfair. i understood the repression, the withdrawal.. but at times i honestly couldn't tell if her character really was that out of touch or if she as an actress was just not emoting properly.. there were bits and pieces where it looked like nothing was going on behind her eyes.. although that could have been very much intentional, i don't know.

I might have to give it some time and then watch it again to appreciate it more.. i feel bad that i didn't enjoy it more

 

[ChrissyM]

don't feel bad! i think so many factors are involved in whether we like a film or not...
it could have been one of those performances that i was attracted to for whatever reason at the time...
we don't need to force ourselves to see what others see...
it's probably more interesting when we disagree...
i'll have to rewatch the movie soon and see if i still feel the same way about it...

as far as meryl streep...
i think i pretty much love her in EVERYTHING...
whenever i see her in something i end up having a meryl moment where i need to see more of her films...
i think she absolutely MADE julie & julia...
i loved her every time she was onscreen and she just completely embodied the character...
the meryl/julia sections of the movie were definitely the strongest either way but i found myself wishing the julie parts would go by faster so we could get back to meryl/julia...

i watched sophie's choice in the last year (she won an oscar for it) and she was fantastic in that...
i feel like i need to rewatch kramer vs kramer (another oscar-winning performance)
but i loved her in doubt... was completely captivated by her, she blew me away

she's just awesome.. i feel like i'll willingly watch anything that she's a part of

 

[Mistique]

rayoflight: thank you. I belive a couple of years ago I saw some of Death becomes her, I liked what I saw, so I got to get that one.

adorefaith and ChrissyM: thank you both. I think I just have to start getting myself a Meryl Streep dvd collection

 

[KoV]

I just watched Julie & Julia and I have to say: I've fallen in love. In the movie as in well with Meryl Streep, now I've counted that I've seen four other movies starring Meryl, which are the following:
Manhattan
Lemony Snicket's A series of unfortunate events
Prime
The devil wears Prada

I hope someone could help me to the real gems in her filmography, which ones are a must-see?

As far as her must-see performances, I'd say Mamma Mia! because she sings in it and she's very...loose in it. Very unrestrained. I can't really put it into words but if you see it you'll know what I'm talking about. The Hours is an absolute must-see, as is Adaptation. She's completely wonderful in both of them. I think she got Two Oscar nominations the year those two came out. The Bridges of Madison County is a very sweet movie. A little slow, though. And she's incredible in Silkwood and gives my favorite performance by anyone ever in Sophie's Choice.


Really, though, she's wonderful in everything. I must have seen about 15 of her movies and she's great in every one.

 

[lostgirl]

I just watched Julie & Julia and I have to say: I've fallen in love. In the movie as in well with Meryl Streep, now I've counted that I've seen four other movies starring Meryl, which are the following:
Manhattan
Lemony Snicket's A series of unfortunate events
Prime
The devil wears Prada

I hope someone could help me to the real gems in her filmography, which ones are a must-see?

Comedy:
She-Devil
Death Becomes Her
Defending Your Life

Drama:
Doubt
Angels In America (miniseries)
The Hours
Adaptation
Marvin's Room
Sophie's Choice (possibly one of the most devistating screen performances I've ever seen)
The French Lieutenant's Woman

The River Wild isn't a great movie by any means but it's very entertaining

 

[Mistique]

As far as her must-see performances, I'd say Mamma Mia! because she sings in it and she's very...loose in it. Very unrestrained. I can't really put it into words but if you see it you'll know what I'm talking about. The Hours is an absolute must-see, as is Adaptation. She's completely wonderful in both of them. I think she got Two Oscar nominations the year those two came out. The Bridges of Madison County is a very sweet movie. A little slow, though. And she's incredible in Silkwood and gives my favorite performance by anyone ever in Sophie's Choice.


Really, though, she's wonderful in everything. I must have seen about 15 of her movies and she's great in every one.

Ever since I saw the trailer for Mamma Mia I have sort of avoided it, even though I'm a fan of musicals, it just looked pretty bad...maybe I should give it the benefit of doubt.

I don't believe anyone have metioned Out of Africa, I have it on dvd, maybe I'll watch it today or tomorrow.

 

[Erin]

well it's the most recent but i have to say It's Complicated is really worth watching. i don't know if everyone agrees with me but she is stellar in this movie, and honestly the whole movie is quite hilarious - i don't often find hollywood films funny but this one really cracked me up.

ABSOLUTELY. It's Complicated was surprisingly wonderful... Meryl looked so natural in this role, and she played her character beautifully. My mother isn't a Meryl fan, but I told her she should watch the flick anyway and she really enjoyed it.

 

[Jenna-maria]

Talking about Meryl Streep and her movies.
I know she is respected actress and have done tons of good movies.
But I just don´t really...like her that much.
I don´t know why.
She seems to be sweet person but on screen she is little...

But there are few movies I really like her in.
One (and must be one of my favourite movies of all time actually...)
is Death Becomes Her.
I have seen it like billion times and still find it hilarious and well done movie.
also Mamma Mia! feel good movie.
and Sophie's Choice is also good...as many people know.
Oh and I liked Julie&Julia also.
Am I bad person because I am not so into Meryl?
It feels like when ever I tell that for people they are like

``WHAAAAAT?!?!?! you crazy woman´´

 

[KoV]

^ you crazy women! lol

photogallery.filmofilia.com


CHLOE - 4.5


Pros:
- Julianne Moore is a great actress. This isn’t close to her best work, but she’s still excellent.
- Liam Neeson has alot of presence.
- Amanda Seyfried’s big, slightly creepy eyes are put to good use here. And she’s also fairly convincing in the role
- The locations they chose really were superb.
- I kinda liked the music.
- The basic premise of the movie is quite good.

Cons:
- The twist was kind of ludicrous. I didn’t see it coming. That’s the only good thing I can say about it.
- By the end of the movie, I couldn’t stand or didn’t buy a single character - an almost hilarious completely awful death scene
- The lesbian sex scene and basically all of the nudity seems more…sensationalistic then necessary. The sex scene felt a bit cheep.
- Even though the locations were wonderful, they didn’t really employ them as well as they should have. When your characters live, work, f*** and play in architectural/interior design masterpieces, you should play it up a bit more.
- There’s a last shot that’s clearly trying to be all clever and ambiguous and it does NOT work.
- Once you get past the first half hour or so, the character’s actions start to become really…inexplicable. I don’t feel like I’m missing something that would explain it, I feel like the movie just has people do things to move the story along without regard to basic questions such as “would this character do this?”
- It really wasn’t very thrilling or scary. This isn’t really a big deal, but it was advertised as a thriller, which it tries and fails to be.

 

[nita-karoliina]

Talking about Meryl Streep and her movies.
I know she is respected actress and have done tons of good movies.
But I just don´t really...like her that much.
I don´t know why.
She seems to be sweet person but on screen she is little...

But there are few movies I really like her in.
One (and must be one of my favourite movies of all time actually...)
is Death Becomes Her.
I have seen it like billion times and still find it hilarious and well done movie.
also Mamma Mia! feel good movie.
and Sophie's Choice is also good...as many people know.
Oh and I liked Julie&Julia also.
Am I bad person because I am not so into Meryl?
It feels like when ever I tell that for people they are like

``WHAAAAAT?!?!?! you crazy woman´´

Ha,ha ha! I love Meryl but she is like Al Pacino. You even love her/him or hate her/him.

I love both of them. ( Al is also so hot..B))

Sophies choice and hours are brilliant!She has done many good movies. I´ts complicated was a dicapointment. But her acting was good in it though.
This is a fun thread! Great that we movienerds have this own little topic!

Oh, and about chloe. It was kind of a mediacore but i think Amanda was the best thing in it. Before chloe i had seen her only really lame roles like dear John for example and i tought she is the next Jessica Alba romcom snoozefest actress. But she proved me wrong. That girl has talent and she stole the show from Julianne which is dificult, because mrs.Moore is brilliant.

About Lars von trier i warmly recommend DOGVILLE. That movie is one of my all time favorite and just watch it and you understand. It also has amazing cast.

 

[adorefaith]

I thought chloé was okay.. not great and not terrible. the ending was pretty bad, i thought it sort of stained the whole movie and cheapened it, actually. it turned it into some strange faux thriller, when instead it could have been a quirky psychological story. i really like julianne moore and i thought she did a good job... amanda seyfried was better than expected too - i think for the most part it was just poorly executed.. borderline silly, but with moments that redeemed it. i think i'd say it is probably worth watching as long as you don't expect too much.

saw Doubt the other night. both meryl and phillip seymour hoffman gave really riveting performances - they made the movie. i don't think i would have liked the film or the story that much if not for them. they both have so much going on in any given moment.. they give their characters so much depth, all they have to do is glance a certain way and you are flooded with emotion and thought.

also watched Flight of the red balloon... i'd really, really recommend this one.

 

[Mistique]

About Lars von trier i warmly recommend DOGVILLE. That movie is one of my all time favorite and just watch it and you understand. It also has amazing cast.

I agree with this. You might feel it goes by a bit slowly at times, but trust me you got to stick by till the end - 'cause the ending is amazing .

 

[Jenna-maria]

This is not the best film of movie history but few days ago I saw ZOMBIELAND and let me tell you, it was pretty awsome

entertaining and ... bloody.
woody harrelson is so funny.
and oh yeah, there is coming zombieland 2!!!

 

[nita-karoliina]

Yeah, Doubt is really good. I think Amy Adams is one of the best as Meryl is too. Also Junebug is amazing!

 

[KoV]

If you're into Lars von Trier, watch Dancer in the Dark with Bjork. INCREDIBLE movie.


VERTIGO - 10

Like all the best Hitchcock movies, Vertigo is extremely tense and involving, is full of interesting characters, has great visual style, and is built upon a very good premise. I remember really almost nothing about Vertigo from a past viewing so the twist was surprising to me and, really, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I have a love/hate relationship with Jimmy Stewart and here he's at his best. He a very convincing everyman and he's also got a very convincing wounded hero thing going on. Kim Novak is nothing short of great in a role that requires quite a bit of range. I loved the costumes and settings and score. And it's really a haunting movie. I was kind of afraid watching it all alone in my room at night Embarassed . So yeah, thrilling, haunting, entertaining, etc. Another home run for Hitchcock.




THE COMPANY - 7

The ballet sequences are really beautiful and it's just a pleasant, pretty even keel movie. It's too bad the characters aren't a bit more fleshed out. It's hard to truly care about them.




IN THE BEDROOM - 9.5

I don't have alot to say about this movie except that the movie is absolutely heartbreaking. I had to pause it on two occasions because I was crying too hard to see the screen or really pay attention. BRILLIANT acting. So not...showy. But so real. I ****ing knew those characters. The only thing I take issue with is SPOILERS Matt, Ruth, and Willis all being in on killing Richard. I'm just not entirely convinced those characters would do such a thing. I know that grief and tragedy changes people and brings out things that would never normally surface, but it just seems a tiny bit fake. Maybe I'll chance my mind on a re-watch, I dunno.




THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT - 10

Mark Ruffalo is so good and so sexy in this movie. I appreciated his three or four nude scenes.
Annette Benning's two oscar nominated performances aren't nearly as good as her performance here.
Julianne Moore was so different then she usually is in movies. She was so unhinged. lol
Josh and Mia were both really good as well. Neither annoyed me for one second which is quite remarkable considering my track record for finding the children really really annoying in movies about adults.
It's more hilarious then most movies that are supposed to be 100% comedy. Even the sad or dramatic parts are a bit funny
The sex in this movie is pretty primal. I liked that.
I loved the locations/sets. Kind of chic without feeling forced. They seem like actual places these characters would occupy.
The music was really good
Not many movies can make me laugh and cry. This is one of them.
There need to be more movies like this one.

 

[nita-karoliina]

Just little notice, I recently watched Remember me and Rob Pattinson can act! I used to thought otherwise but man i was wrong.
The movie otherwise was mediacore and womanlead was a total miss.