What Movie Did You Just Watch? ... And Robin

[Goliath]

Va, vis et deviens (2005)

About a little Ethiopean boy who, together with thousands of other refugees, gets taken to Israel in the 1980's as part of 'Operation Moses': the Israeli government had decided to recognize the Falashas in Ethiopia as decendants of King Solomon and thus jews, paving the way for them to be allowed a life in Israel. While adjusting to life in a whole other, modern country, where he faces a lot of discimination because he's black, he also has to keep secret he's not really a jew.

(Because you're denied settling in Apartheid state Israel if you're not of the 'correct' religion. Later in the movie, while the boy is in Paris, he's advised not to return to Israel because the government is deporting Ethiopeans who lied about their religion. Imagine the uproar if a majority-muslim country would set a 'religious test' for entering the country, and deported people who lied about being muslim! Or what would happen in a European government would only allow 'Christian' immigrants access to their country! It would cause diplomatic crises.

In the movie, the historic fact is stated that the number of suicides among the Falashas was spectacularly higher than average, because they were not fully accepted in Israel.)

The movie was fairly enjoyable, but a bit long and it could use some more lighter moments, to give some 'air' to it.

[BelleGirl]

Va, vis et deviens (2005)

About a little Ethiopean boy who, together with thousands of other refugees, gets taken to Israel in the 1980's as part of 'Operation Moses': the Israeli government had decided to recognize the Falashas in Ethiopia as decendants of King Solomon and thus jews, paving the way for them to be allowed a life in Israel. While adjusting to life in a whole other, modern country, where he faces a lot of discimination because he's black, he also has to keep secret he's not really a jew.

(Because you're denied settling in Apartheid state Israel if you're not of the 'correct' religion. Later in the movie, while the boy is in Paris, he's advised not to return to Israel because the government is deporting Ethiopeans who lied about their religion. Imagine the uproar if a majority-muslim country would set a 'religious test' for entering the country, and deported people who lied about being muslim! Or what would happen in a European government would only allow 'Christian' immigrants access to their country! It would cause diplomatic crises.

.

Well, it's quite hard to be a Christian (or Jewish, Bahai or anything non-muslim) in countries dominated by Islam. Just think of Indonesia, Egypt (Copts), Pakistan, where a Christian politican was murdered because he protested against the blasphemy law. When muslims convert to christianity (for instance) and are open about this in those countries, their lifes are threatened, as aposty is punishable by death according to a certain intepretations of Islam. That comes pretty close to setting a religious test. But does it cause a diplomatic crisis? I haven't noticed it.

[dvdjunkie]

Duel (1972)

This originally made-for-television movie was Steven Spielberg's first full-length feature film as a director and he showed he had the stuff needed to make a thrilling, tension-filled, psychological drama.

The story is about a businessman (Dennis Weaver) on his way to an interview and he passes a big 18-wheeler, who takes offense to the way the pass was made and sets out to give this guy the ride of his life.

It's hard to make a movie where the only two stars are a big Peterbilt truck and a red Plymouth sedan, but Spielberg pulls it off. The tension builds and builds to the ultimate climax that leaves the average viewer breathless.

Highly recommended for those who want to see the film that launched Mr. Spielberg and make it possible for him to do some quality films like "The Sugarland Express", "Jaws", and the Award-winning "Schindler's List".

[Goliath]

@ BelleGirl: I would be the last one to defent the kind of practices you mention. But what you have to remember, and this is vital, is that the countries you mention are (or were, pending how you characterize Egypt and Pakistan) dictatorships. Israel is a democracy and has been hailed as the one 'Western' country in the Middle-East (meaning they are a country of laws and human rights, contrary to its neighbouring countries). But how does this religious test fits in there? Yes, Christians often have a hard time in even democratic muslim countries like Egypt and Indonesia, and you may even be able to cite dozens of examples of clashes between christians and muslims, but that's happening on a local level, and is not dictated on the state level. In other countries, like Saudi-Arabia or Iran or a country like Afghanistan, which is ruled by warlords who are even in parliament (even though Bush-appointee Karzai is acting mayor of Kabul) you have corrupt dictatorships who use religion as part of their politics to divide and conquer the people. We usually don't put Israel in the same class as those countries. When we support Israel (which I do as well) and pour in millions of dollars into the country and its defense, shouldn't we expect them to abolish such a backward practice?

[TheSequelOfDisney]

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - It started off a little slow, but then it definitely got better by the films' end. I don't know if I like it better than the original trilogy, but this film was great nonetheless. My favorite scene was definitely the mermaid scene, but the ending was pretty good as well. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next two films.

[Flower's Friend]

I just watched Conquest for the Planet of the Apes (unrated version) on Blu-ray.

[SillySymphony]

Last week's viewing:

First Knight ✰✰
Get Smart ✰✰1/2
Pirates: Curse of the Black Pearl ✰✰✰✰1/2
Pirates: Dead Man's Chest ✰✰✰1/2
Pirates: At World's End ✰✰✰✰

Pirates: On Stranger Tides ✰✰✰1/2
(First impression. Subject to change.)

[dvdjunkie]

The Mechanic (2011)

As remakes go, this one is above the line for story, entertainment, and casting the right people. Jason Statham has the Charles Bronson role of Arthur Gibson, the Mechanic of the title, Ben Foster as Steve, the ne'er-do-well son of Gibson's best friend played by Donald Sutherland. The reimagining of this 1972 classic movie, is very well done moving the place of origin to the swamps of Florida. Movie starts out with a bang and never slows down, and has an even kinkier twist-ending than the original and that's probably why I like this one so much. Put this one right up there with "3:10 to Yuma" and one of the better remakes.

[dvdjunkie]

Breaking Away (1979)

Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture, "Breaking Away" is the story of four 19-year-old young men who are "in danger of turning 20". Starring Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earl Haley, Barbara Barrie and Paul Dooley this film is all about a young group of men who are called "cutters" because of the jobs that there parents once held. Filmed in Bloomington, Indiana it's the story of one bicycle rider Dave (Christopher) who tries to pass himself off as Italian to his family and a girl he meets. He worships the Italian Bicycle Racing team sponsored by Cinzano and when he gets a chance to ride in a race with his heros, it's a wake-up call for him and his friends to take place in the "little 500" riding against representatives from various college teams. A wonderful movie that won "Best Screenplay" and provides a lot of laughs and a lot of tears. Recommended viewing for all who call themselves movie buffs. This is top notch entertainment at its best.

[Goliath]

Disney's Rapunzel (2010)

The third time in less than two months. Like I said before, this is not something I do with any other film, not even other Disney films (not counting watching with audio commentary on). There's just something about this movie that keeps me coming back to it [insert hi-la-rious remark by Super Aurora about hot little Rapunzel here]. I think it's just the Flynn-Rapunzel dynamic which I love so much. Their interaction is great; they're both strong characters; they're voiced incredibly well; and they just work together great. Actually, there isn't a weak character in it (as opposed to lots of characters from recent Disney movies). Even the King and Queen have personality. There's more emotion in their faces in those short flashes we see them than there was in, say, King Stephan and his Queen in Sleeping beauty, though they had larger and speaking parts. No dull or wasted moment in all of it; even the end credits are worth watching: it's just a great experience every time I watch it!

[Flower's Friend]

I watched Robin Hood Prince of Thieves on Blu-ray and Batman The Movie 1966 with "Holy Trivia Track, Batman!" on Blu-ray.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

The A-Team - I really had no idea what this was about (apparently there was a TV show?) but it turned out to be a pretty good action flik. It's not one of the best action-oriented films I've seen, but it was decent nonetheless. Good film, but not one I have an urge to watch again anytime soon.

[JiminyCrick91]

The A-Team - I really had no idea what this was about (apparently there was a TV show?)

You never saw Mr. T in action?

-Skyler

[TheSequelOfDisney]

The A-Team - I really had no idea what this was about (apparently there was a TV show?)

You never saw Mr. T in action?

-Skyler

Nope, I can't say I have.

[Flower's Friend]

Alice in Wonderland (TV 1985) on Dvd.

[BelleGirl]

Somewhere last week.

Another beautiful movie from Sophia Coppola. Movie star who lives in a hotel leading a luxurious life has to look after his 11 year old daughter who is dropped at his door by his ex-wife. They have a good time together.
On the surface the world seems to be at the feet of the movie star, but underneath he is unhappy. Why, for instance, is he receiving those nasty textings on his mobile, and who sends them? Coppola leaves this question open, just like the ending. She is not afraid to linger long on a scene either to make us feel it more intense

[BelleGirl]

@ BelleGirl: I would be the last one to defent the kind of practices you mention. But what you have to remember, and this is vital, is that the countries you mention are (or were, pending how you characterize Egypt and Pakistan) dictatorships. Israel is a democracy and has been hailed as the one 'Western' country in the Middle-East (meaning they are a country of laws and human rights, contrary to its neighbouring countries). But how does this religious test fits in there? Yes, Christians often have a hard time in even democratic muslim countries like Egypt and Indonesia, and you may even be able to cite dozens of examples of clashes between christians and muslims, but that's happening on a local level, and is not dictated on the state level. In other countries, like Saudi-Arabia or Iran or a country like Afghanistan, which is ruled by warlords who are even in parliament (even though Bush-appointee Karzai is acting mayor of Kabul) you have corrupt dictatorships who use religion as part of their politics to divide and conquer the people. We usually don't put Israel in the same class as those countries. When we support Israel (which I do as well) and pour in millions of dollars into the country and its defense, shouldn't we expect them to abolish such a backward practice?

I think it has to do with the idea behind the fouding of the modern Israel, to be a 'homeland' for Jews in particular. Apparently Israel cannot let go of that idea.

[ajmrowland]

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - It started off a little slow, but then it definitely got better by the films' end. I don't know if I like it better than the original trilogy, but this film was great nonetheless. My favorite scene was definitely the mermaid scene, but the ending was pretty good as well. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next two films.

I saw the movie on Saturday. It felt refreshing, starting a new adventure after a sloppy 2-parter. The cast was quite good as a whole, with Richard Griffiths playing his Majesty. I dont think it started off slow at all. above anything else, Jack's intro was different than the others and it was inventive.

It was in 3D on a Marcus theater Ultrascreen. The 3D was okay, considering it wasnt shot 3D, and the screen was, of course, a nice, big one. There were issues with the transfer, mostly color banding coming off of torches.

[Dr Frankenollie]

Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver is Martin Scorsese’s magnum opus, a movie made in the 1970’s, set in the 1970’s and symbolic of everything wrong with the 1970’s in America. It is told through the eyes of one Travis Bickle (Robert DeNiro), the quintessential anti-hero, as well as the quintessential anti-villain. Taxi Driver is dark, is daring and is immensely powerful.

It opens with a long shot of Travis in a taxi cab, watching through a dense mixture of fog, smoke and steam the hellish streets of New York City, filled with pimps, prostitutes, drug addicts, gangsters and killers. Travis is a former marine, and can’t sleep at night; he’s been mentally scarred (most likely by his time in the Marine Corps, which he was discharged from). Travis just drives round at night. It gives him something to do. It makes him brood. He’s uneducated, and lonely. He doesn’t know much about anything-even trivial things like politics, music and cinema-and we don’t know too much about him either. But we feel sorry for Travis, and as we watch his everyday life, we feel like we know him-making his descent into insanity all the more effective.

Travis tries to be social, and there’s always desperation to the character, shown especially through DeNiro’s performance; he wants to connect with others, but fails to do so. His failure as a social human being leads to his madness. He first tries to connect to Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a sassy young woman who is campaigning for Senator Palantine (Leonard Harris), a liberalist who has his eyes set for the White House. He fails in doing so, taking her to a disgusting pornographic movie, upsetting and insulting her. Travis also meets Palantine himself; before then, he feigned his support for Palantine in an attempt to attract Betsy, but his slogan ‘We are the people’ attracts Travis to Palantine.

However, Travis’ bizarre personality and anger at the ‘scum’ on the streets shocks the senator, and following Betsy’s rejection of him, Travis comes to believe that Palantine is just like everyone else, and to Travis, Palantine’s slogan comes to mean that the senator wants to help and listen to the people he hates. As well as that, he sees Palantine as a father figure to Betsy, thus giving him one more reason to assassinate the senator. Whilst he plans the assassination, Travis also becomes obsessed with child prostitute Iris (Jodie Foster), a skimpily dressed 12-year-old brainwashed by the pimp Sport (Harvey Keitel). The film ends in a gruesome bloodbath, a deeply disturbing scene that has never been equalled by another violent movie.

Taxi Driver is set in a dystopian exaggeration of reality that is beautifully shot; Scorsese’s vision of the Big Apple is of a ghastly dump of a city comparable to the brilliantly designed Gotham City in Batman, a perfectly vivid representation of the sordid America of the 1970’s. The look of the film is grainy, and it looks like it was filmed on the best possible camera at the time, and then had the film prints urinated on, before the urine-stained prints were digitally re-mastered. The film has great colour style; most of it is shot in either daylight or the middle of the night, but sometimes electrical neon lights are shown and they’re almost visually assaulting in their brightness. There’s also a scene which ends with darkness, before it cuts to Travis walking along a road the following morning. It’s a brilliant way of startling audiences and was also used by Stanley Kubrick.

Speaking of Kubrick, Taxi Driver has the greatest tracking shot I’ve ever seen in a film; it goes on for long time, taking place immediately after the aforementioned climactic bloodbath, and isn’t accompanied by dialogue or sound effects-just music, and the marriage of the unnerving score (by the forever brilliant Bernard Herrmann, the man behind the music in Hitchcock’s best films) and slow, sweeping camera angles showing the most revolting areas of NYC is unforgettable.

Cinematographer Michael Chapman deserved an award for his work.
The acting is first rate of course. Foster is a fine child actress here (a few years before she portrayed Tallulah in Bugsy Malone), and her performance has a surprising amount of layers-she plays a confused little girl pretending to be a streetwise know-it-all; that kind of depth in a character played by a child is irregular, and what’s even more irregular is the depth-filled material being done well. Foster’s performance was hugely controversial at the time, but Scorsese’s confidence in the young actress and his film as a whole paid off greatly.

There are plenty of creepy performances in this, such as Keitel, who is able to take the already horrific material (at one point his character tells Travis all the disgusting, sexual things he can do to Iris before adding ‘but no rough stuff’) and make it even creepier. Scorsese himself makes a cameo as a racist passenger who fantasises about killing his wife.

But undoubtedly the best performance is by DeNiro himself. DeNiro is able to add so many different levels of emotion and character to Travis through subtle changes in tone and facial expression, making the protagonist unpredictable but likable, well-meaning but psychotic, indifferent but obsessive. DeNiro is one of the few actors who can really act using his eyes (one of the few others being F Murray Abraham in Amadeus), and he also has a flair for improvisation (the notorious ‘Are you talkin’ to me?’ sequence was completely improvised). DeNiro is irreplaceable in his role, and it would be ridiculous to think of someone else playing Travis. Scorsese’s direction deftly suggestions emotions through his unique style, and DeNiro keeps us guessing what he wants and what he’s going to do through his subtle and well-restrained performance; many do not spot how racist Travis is, as DeNiro keeps the character’s disgusted glares directed at black people to a minimum.

What makes Travis a memorable character is that even though he’s an evil psychopath (although doesn’t commit many evil deeds) we want to reform and we want him to do good deeds instead of bad ones. There are villains like the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, who audiences hate and we want her to die; and then there are villains like Travis Bickle. He’s a sick, twisted, racist man, but like with Seymour in One Hour Photo, we think we can understand him, or at least sympathise with him due to his lack of social skills. Then we become disgusted with ourselves when he plans or commits evil deeds. There’s one scene where
Travis has paid to see Iris, and at first we think he’s going to help her.

But as the build-up to the scene lengthens, we begin to realise that we don’t know much about Travis, and start to worry that he will do something sexual with Iris. We reassure ourselves that he wouldn’t, but the seeds of doubt have been planted, and as a result the scene is one of the most intense moments of cinema.

Overall, everything about Taxi Driver is excellent, and it’s without a doubt the best film to come out of the 1970’s. It’s an atmospheric and often thrilling slice of era-based drama, and both Scorsese and DeNiro’s finest hour.

[Just Myself]

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides -

I saw the movie on Saturday. <snip> The 3D was okay, considering it wasnt shot 3D

I'm actually 100% positive it was shot in 3D, but you're right, it was decent. Honestly, the IMAX 3D presentation of Thor was much better, and that was a conversion.