MOVIES ~ Any of ya'll seen any good (or shitty) movies in recent weeks/months? Post reviews, feedback, movie news, trailers, recommendations, etc ...

[godofwine]

This movie comes to mind:

Where and why do you think they fall flat? Is it relying on tropes and stereotypes? Is it poor Direction? Bad writing? As a lover of black Cinema and Cinema in general I want to find ways or just find out the reason why we can't seem to do it at a level that satisfies us as black people who love the art.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

 

[Flawless]

Last of the Mohicans
The Good the Bad and the Ugly
Conan the Barbarian
Robocop
Transformers 1st movie (Michael Bay)
Donnie Darko.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Godzilla Minus One Did VFX the ’90s Way and That's Why It Won an Oscar - IGN

Godzilla Minus One’s Oscar win proves Hollywood needs to change its attitude towards VFX.

www.ign.com

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

The Absence of Eden Trailer: Zoe Saldaña Leads Thriller Drama Movie

The official trailer for Roadside Attractions' thriller drama The Absence of Eden has been released, starring Marvel vet Zoe Saldaña.

www.comingsoon.net

 

[MistaPhantastic]

Where and why do you think they fall flat? Is it relying on tropes and stereotypes? Is it poor Direction? Bad writing? As a lover of black Cinema and Cinema in general I want to find ways or just find out the reason why we can't seem to do it at a level that satisfies us as black people who love the art.

It shat the bed in the third act.
The conversations, points and counter points, etc. were excellent.
When it came to the end, instead of giving it the ending that it should have had, they gave it the ending that a certain viewing demographic would want to see. Either studio execs made him (Nate Parker) change the ending (likely) or there was lingering pressure from him being MeToo'd after Birth of A Nation. Either that or he himself wanted to get back in the good graces of Hollywood, so he gave it the ol' snip-snip to keep a certain demographic from becoming alarmed. IDK.

If you don't tell stories the way the big Jews in Hollywood want you to, they will burn your ass. I think this is the last major movie Nate did. That sexual assault case made him radioactive in Hollywood. Nobody would go near him. From what I read, it was just a case of him and his boy banging a drunk chick when he was 19 that he used to knock from time to time. The chick died, though. Bad timing for Nate. That news dropped in the middle of the MeToo era when they were snagging everybody they could.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Carrie Fisher lost her virginity to childhood pal Griffin Dunne

The 68-year-old This Is Us alum wrote about Carrie and other remarkable stories in his 400-page memoir The Friday Afternoon Club, which hits shelves June 11

www.dailymail.co.uk

How Princess Leia, Carrie Fisher, lost her virginity to ‘After Hours’ star Griffin Dunne

“I was doing her a favor,” he said. “She had a boyfriend and she didn’t want him to know she was a virgin and she trusted me and gave me the honor.”

pagesix.com

 

[blackbull1970]

X-Men: Dark Phoenix
2019

6/10

Me and my sons watched this tonight while eating dinner at home.

The story shows/revolves around the movie origin of Jean Grey becoming the Dark Phoenix which we saw in “X-Men: The Last Stand”.

Wolverine is not in this movie.

It starts out in 1975 showing Jeans powers kick in and the movie then jumps to 1992 for the rest of the film.

There really wasn’t anything for action besides the big fight scene between Jean and the X-Men that took place on a residential street.

Jean’s origin of her Phoenix powers are explained by some aliens and the movie just goes from there to the end.

Not an impressive film, especially when dealing with the classic “Phoenix” storyline from the comics.

I hadn’t seen it in theaters when it released, but saw it on HBO, this is the 2nd time watching it.

We gonna watch the first Wolverine film tonight in a little bit.
Synopsis

The X-Men face their most formidable and powerful foe when one of their own, Jean Grey, starts to spiral out of control. During a rescue mission in outer space, Jean is nearly killed when she's hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. The X-Men must now band together to save her soul and battle aliens that want to use Grey's new abilities to rule the galaxy.

​

 

[blackbull1970]

X-Men Origins: Wolverine
2009

5.5/10

We watched this one tonight on Disney+ soon after the last film I reviewed.

I can’t remember if I saw this in theaters or HBO, but I did see it once before.

The movie came out in between “X-Men: Last Stand” and “X-Men: First Class”. I believe it was the first film for whatever reboot of the franchise they were doing.

This film focuses around the origin of Wolverine from a child to when he became “Weapon X” getting his Adamantium.

The film starts out showing Logan as a boy with his brother Sabertooth and his family in 1845. It then proceeds forward in time showing Logan/Sabretooth in the military fighting the Civil War, WW 1 & 2 and Vietnam.

In Vietnam, this film officially debuts Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. The film got flack for his appearance because his depiction was not close to the comics. With the Deadpool 3 movie coming out this year, there will be a high chance there will be some funny references to this film.

A number of other mutants debut.

Not much for action in this film. VFX/SFX did not look great and the story just didn’t keep me interested. It was a entertaining film for what it is. So far out of all the X-Men films I have seen recently, this one rates the lowest.

Synopsis

Seeking solace from his dark past, Logan (Hugh Jackman), better known as Wolverine, seems to have found love and contentment with Kayla Silverfox (Lynn Collins). Logan's peaceful existence is shattered when Victor Creed (Liev Schreiber), his vicious brother, brutally murders Kayla. Logan's thirst for revenge propels him into the Weapon X program, where he undergoes a painful procedure to bond his bones with adamantium, making him virtually indestructible and more than a match for Victor.

​

 

[neptunes007]

This was solid

 

[MistaPhantastic]

This was solid

Guy Pearce is low key one of the best actors in Hollywood. He is a swiss army knife of actors. I think if he had the right role, he could have had Daniel Day-Lewis status. They use him because he's solid but don't give him the primo roles for some reason.

 

[joneblaze]

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire



Going Bust !!

PRAISE : Fourty Years after the first movie brings fans of the series to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and its story about the discovery of an ancient artifact that unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old team up to try and stop it. The strongest parts of the story involve McKenna Grace’s Phoebe and and Emily Alyn Lind as Melody. Even though I could see where their part of the story was going it was definitely the most charming and involving thread. Grace does well with the sense of longing and wonder for Phoebe has.
If anyone is looking for GB nostalgia there is tons of it here and I really didn't mind some of it.I liked that Ernie Hudsons Winston Zeddlemore was the voice of reason. There is a great scene with him and Dan Akroyds Ray Stantz
The villain and look of the villain was very interesting also it's power set was thrilling to see. There are some great scenes involving animation, new ghost busting tech and a handful of new ghosts. There are never really any laugh out loud moments but definitely a few chuckle worthy moments. Yes its still great to see the veteran, core Ghostbusters even though they are underused.

PROBLEMS: To many cast members with not much to do. I can just see the producers and casting standing around saying: well this actor/comedian has a fan base let's put them in the movie for a scene or two. Unfortunately those scenes are painfully unfunny and dull. The shtick that worked in previous GB films is overdone in this movie so much so I found myself begging the movie to move on. Some moments felt tacked on and cheesy. I guess it all depends on how much cash the movie can scare up if another GB movie will be made but I'm fine with the films ending here.

Scale of 1 to 10 a 5½





Roadhouse




Rocky Road

PRAISE: The original Roadhouse starring the late great Patrick Swayze is the go to fun, intense, action and memorable one liner movies of all time. I respect this 2024 version for trying to be it's own thing. Changing things up with the background of the main character and the settings. This versions story Ex-UFC fighter Dalton takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.
I thought Jake Gyllenhaal delivered a good and subdued but ready for action performance. As Ben Brandt, Billy Magnussen is funny as a jerk off living in his daddy's shadow and wanting to take over the Roadhouse.Conor McGregor as Knox, a sociopath is a cartoon character, complete with a Popeye stance and walk and he was entertaining for the most part. The action sequences are well done for the most part and I can see why Director Doug Liman wanted his movie to be seen on the big screen some would have definitely looked great on an IMAX screen. There are a few funny one liners.

PROBLEMS: The romantic part of the story with Ellie (Daniela Melchior) is watered down almost literally. Some of the fight scenes feel muted and over choreographed. I can almost see the director saying when you raise your left leg I want you to tilt and......
So many other characters are underwritten and I never really go to know them enough to care about them.

Scale of 1 to 10 a 7½

 

[neptunes007]

Guy Pearce is low key one of the best actors in Hollywood. He is a swiss army knife of actors. I think if he had the right role, he could have had Daniel Day-Lewis status. They use him because he's solid but don't give him the primo roles for some reason.

If they ever make a live action Metal Gear Solid film, I could see him playing Revolver Ocelot or Liquid Snake.

 

[ViCiouS]

Rocky Road

PRAISE: The original Roadhouse starring the late great Patrick Swayze is the go to fun, intense, action and memorable one liner movies of all time. I respect this 2024 version for trying to be it's own thing. Changing things up with the background of the main character and the settings. This versions story Ex-UFC fighter Dalton takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.
I thought Jake Gyllenhaal delivered a good and subdued but ready for action performance. As Ben Brandt, Billy Magnussen is funny as a jerk off living in his daddy's shadow and wanting to take over the Roadhouse.Conor McGregor as Knox, a sociopath is a cartoon character, complete with a Popeye stance and walk and he was entertaining for the most part. The action sequences are well done for the most part and I can see why Director Doug Liman wanted his movie to be seen on the big screen some would have definitely looked great on an IMAX screen. There are a few funny one liners.

PROBLEMS: The romantic part of the story with Ellie (Daniela Melchior) is watered down almost literally. Some of the fight scenes feel muted and over choreographed. I can almost see the director saying when you raise your left leg I want you to tilt and......
So many other characters are underwritten and I never really go to know them enough to care about them.

Scale of 1 to 10 a 7½

Road House is hilarious

 

[blackbull1970]

White Line Fever
1975

6/10

This is a classic old school trucker film. It’s considered one of the best. I watched it tonight at home on tubi.

It was made before the new Federal Regulations went in place during the Carter Administration.

The movie gives a good portrayal of Owner/Operator in trucking and the BS they had to deal with dealing with crooked brokers and law enforcement.

The film was filmed on location around the Tucson, AZ. area. The famous TTT truck stop is shown.

Jan Michael Vincent drives a classic Ford Cabover CL9000. A number of other classic brands are shown from the era.

Also, the film depicts the life of OTR drivers and little nuances that goes along with the job, positive and negative. A lot still applies today. They do a lot of shit in this film that will get you in trouble today.

The film has a number of well known supporting actors. You get to see a younger Martin Kove (Cobra Kai - John Kreese) in it.

Good film if you want to see what trucking is about.

tubi plans on removing the film at the end of the month. It’s on a number of free streaming services. tubi has a clean copy.

Synopsis

An independent trucker (Jan-Michael Vincent) with a pregnant wife (Kay Lenz) fights cargo crooks and the big shot they work for.

​

 

[ViCiouS]

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

How ‘Dune: Part Two’ Became the Movie Event of 2024

Three years ago it wasn’t even a guarantee that ‘Dune’ would get a Part Two, but the stars have aligned in a fascinating way since then

theringer.com

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces review – intimate portrait of a comedy legend

From his childhood job in Disneyland and huge standup success to movie stardom and later life career as a dry humorist this is a fascinating insight into a wild and crazy career

www.theguardian.com

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Pregnant Vanessa Hudgens out with husband Cole Tucker in Arizona

Pregnant Vanessa Hudgens was spotted with husband Cole Tucker for the first time since her pregnancy announcement.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Pirates of the Caribbean producer says new film will be a reboot

Nearly seven years after the last installment, Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer said 'it's hard to tell' what will come of the sixth movie, which is moving forward as a reboot of the franchise

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Paul1970]

Riverbend(1989)

Stars Steve James And Margaret Avery.

AWOL soldiers show a town how to fight back in a redneck town.

It's on YouTube.

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

The 8 Best Horror Movies Of 2024 So Far - SlashFilm

Let's get scary as we look at the best horror movies of 2024 so far.

www.slashfilm.com

Horror Director Scott Derrickson Is Remaking A Classic Noir Thriller - SlashFilm

Sinister and The Black Phone director Scott Derrickson is developing a new take on the classic '50s novel turned Noir film, The Night of the Hunter.

www.slashfilm.com

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

There's A Chinese Remake Of B-Horror Classic Anaconda, And The Trailer Is Absolutely Bonkers - SlashFilm

1997's Anaconda was already a pretty ridiculous B-movie, but the trailer for the upcoming Chinese remake puts the original to shame.

www.slashfilm.com

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

The 26 Best Movies Of 2024 So Far - SlashFilm

If you're looking for a great movie to watch, we've got you covered. Welcome to our continuously updated list of the best movies of 2024 so far.

www.slashfilm.com

The 6 Best Sci-Fi Movies Of 2024 So Far - SlashFilm

From sweeping cosmic blockbuster epics to strange, esoteric small-scale dramas, here are the best sci-fi movies of 2024 so far.

www.slashfilm.com

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Every Movie We Reviewed At SXSW 2024 - SlashFilm

On today's episode of /Film Daily, our festival goers talk about every movie they reviewed at SXSW 2024, from The Fall Guy to Monkey Man and beyond.

www.slashfilm.com

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Best and Worst of SXSW 2024 Film & TV Festival

Which films impressed reviewers during the 2024 edition of the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival? We recap the reactions of critics to all of this year's major SXSW premieres and tell you which titles won the festival's major awards.

www.metacritic.com

Best Movies This Year - Metacritic

Metacritic aggregates music, game, tv, and movie reviews from the leading critics. Only Metacritic.com uses METASCORES, which let you know at a glance how each item was reviewed.

www.metacritic.com

 

[godofwine]

Guy Pearce is low key one of the best actors in Hollywood. He is a swiss army knife of actors. I think if he had the right role, he could have had Daniel Day-Lewis status. They use him because he's solid but don't give him the primo roles for some reason.

I loved him in Count of Monte Cristo (I gotta watch that again soon)

 

[bbuzzard]

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

Good song choice for the trailer, and callback to the original film ...

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

The 15 Greatest Documentaries of All Time: Explore Films by Werner Herzog, Errol Morris & More

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who recognize the phrase 'corny dialogue that would make the pope weep,' and those who don't.

openculture.com

Dev Patel says watch more Korean action movies — here are 5 bangers

Korean cinema "changed my life," says Patel

polygon.com

 

[playahaitian]

Nitehawk Cinema workers unionize, accuse management of ‘aggressive union-busting campaign’ • Brooklyn Paper

After a “clandestine” monthslong organizing campaign, workers at Nitehawk Cinema’s Prospect Park location voted to unionize last weekend in a two-day election.

www.brooklynpaper.com

 

[blackbull1970]

Rideshare
2017

4.5/10

I watched this one tonight. tubi has a shit load of “Uber” horror movies, this one caught my eye when watching the preview.

The film somewhat has a found footage look to it, but it doesn’t play out that way. It’s a somewhat slow burn film, but because of what is going on with the majority of the film revolving around a ride share car. It makes sense.

The lead actor has a boring, monotone voice which comes off as annoying. But as the film plays out and you see him more in action, it fits.

There isn’t anything for graphic violence, the film tries to use suspense to get thrills but falls flat.

For the Pervs, there are a few scenes that you will enjoy.

The film has a small twist at the end which sets it up for potential sequels.
Synopsis

Jason is an overweight rideshare driver annoyed with this social media generation. When one passenger sets him over the edge, he takes drastic action and decides to turn his car into a murder wagon.

​

 

[blackbull1970]

Style Wars
1983

8/10

This is a cult classic documentary on the history of NYC Graffiti/Hip Hop in the early 1980s. I had seen it when it originally aired and had a VHS tape in the 90s that has disappeared. I need to find a Blu-Ray for my collection.

I watched it last night cuz it’s been over 20 years since I had last seen it.

It originally debuted on PBS was later shown at a number of film festivals where it gained recognition. It was shown around the world and it’s believed to be the film that spread Graffiti around the world influencing artists everywhere.

The film covers the perspective of a number of legendary Graf writers from NYC. It also covers to POV from former NYC Mayor Koch, MTA workers, NYPD and regular people on the streets.

Classic Artwork from Subways are shown thru-out the film displaying various styles.

If you are a Graf Head/Writer (I was back in the 80s), this is a must see film.

Synopsis

A documentary that exposes the rich growing subculture of hip-hop that was developing in New York City in the late '70s and early '80s, specifically focusing on graffiti art and breakdancing.

​

Stations of the Elevated
1981

8/10

After watching “Style Wars”, tubi had listed this in the recommendations that come up while the end credits roll.

I watched it immediately.

It’s a simple documentary with basically no dialogue. It is nothing but visuals of NYC Subway trains of the 1980s filmed around the Bronx, NY and outer boroughs.

Footage of trains in yards, moving around on elevated tracks thru the Bronx and coming in/out of stations is mainly shown. Sounds of the trains as they sit and move are heard thruout the scenes. The film is full of background music of smooth jazz and some R&B. Aretha Franklin music is heard.

Trains are shown with full Graf Art on them as the move.

It’s an interesting short film if you are a fan of 80s Graf Art.

Synopsis

A portrait of New York City made by an alien. It's an almost wordless trip up and down the tracks of the subway, from the enormous rail yards of the outer boroughs into the busy hubbub of Midtown and out again.

​

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

2024 Summer Preview

Neil and Joanna look ahead to some of the biggest movies and TV shows releasing this summer. Stay tuned for the Steven Spielberg Trial Royale next week!

www.theringer.com

An Afternoon in New York City With Godzilla

Ahead of his latest collaboration with King Kong and fresh off an Oscar win, the legendary kaiju traveled to New York to take in the sights

www.theringer.com

‘Road House’ and the Top 10 Junk Fight Movies. Plus: Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Immaculate’!

‘Immaculate’ director Michael Mohan joins the pod to talk about working with Sweeney, what he hopes to do moving forward, and more!

www.theringer.com

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

How AI Is Already Transforming Moviemaking

Matt Panousis joins to talk AI in moviemaking. Later, a box office prediction from Belloni about the opening weekend of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’

www.theringer.com