Slaine mac Roth

I'm going to come down on the sides of the people that loved the film. Certainly, it wasn't perfect but it did exactly what it set out to do - delivered a well needed shot in the arm to a tired franchise that was in serious need of major life support after Nemesis (not as terrible as some made it out to be but not brilliant) and Enterprise (with the exception of Jolene Blalock - dull). I've watched Star Trek since I was about 5 years old and, although I'm not the obsessive some seem to be (except for a brief 18 month period in my early 20s), I've always found it to be decent enough entertainment (until Enterprise, that is). What JJ Abrams did was to bring back the entertainment value to the film. No, it didn't have the "weighty issues" but it featured, in my opinion, an "epic" style plot which, for my money, is far better. In addition, I generally thought the cast were pretty on the ball - Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg and, in particular, Karl Urban being the stand outs. So, all in all, I think the Star Trek franchise has a pretty rosy future ahead of it.

I've got this one as well and it does sound great - even if it isn't one of their best performances in my opinion. The way I heard it (and I'm sure I'll be corrected if I'm wrong), it was a soundboard recording done for Les Claypole out of Primus but someone swiped it before he could collect it - hence the high quality

QUOTE (Jack Aubrey @ Oct 13 2008, 10:26 AM) 'Star Trek' sucks, 'Star Wars' (the OT, anyway) is better! Can I just say that, although I like Star Trek and Star Wars about equally, neither of them can hold a candle to Firefly/Serenity

QUOTE (Jack Aubrey @ Mar 21 2010, 01:57 PM) Oh, and rule number one of Video Vertigo is: Thou shalt not compare any director to the great and wonderful Ridley Scott! Not even Ed Wood? On a more serious note, I'll put my hand up and say that I thoroughly enjoyed Sunshine. For me, it made a pleasant change for Sf cinema to go back to the 60s/70s style of lower key, character driven cinema (2001, The Andromeda Strain, et al) as opposed to the Independence Day/Armageddon 'let's see how many explosions we can get on screen per minute' popcorn fodder we've had lately. While Sunshine wasn't perfect (and what film is?), it was certainly more thought provoking then the majority of films that are made these days and, for this alone, the cast and filmakers certainly deserve to be lauded.

Juror #3: You're talking about a matter of seconds. Nobody can be that accurate. Juror #8: Well I think that testimony that can put a boy into the electric chair SHOULD be that accurate. Juror #8: I'd like to find out if an old man who drags one foot when he walks, cause he had a stroke last year, could get from his bedroom to his front door in fifteen seconds. Juror #3: He said twenty seconds. Juror #8: He said fifteen! Juror #3: He said twenty seconds! What are you tryin' to distort... Juror #9: He said fifteen. Juror #3: How does he know how long fifteen seconds is? You can't judge a thing like that. Juror #9: He said fifteen seconds. He was very positive about it. Juror #3: He was an old man. Half the time he was confused. How could he be positive about anything! 12 Angry Men

Actuall Tarantino was also the writer of FDTD. I happen to quite partial to the Rodrigeuz films I've seen but I hav to confess that this is probably my least favourite

QUOTE (Rolinda Bonz @ May 16 2010, 05:20 AM) QUOTE (Slaine mac Roth @ May 15 2010, 11:21 AM) Seeing as there has been no activity on this thread for a while, and no new puzzle posted, I trust no-one will object if I kick us off with a brand new one. So, for your consideration, O present: DOWN HOLE (Song title - 2,4,2) We Hold On I know, it was easy, but I've not done this for a while (oo-err ). Go on, thrill us

I think the main thing you're failing to take into account is the fact that, like anything to do with arts, opinions are 100% subjective. What someone loves, the next person will hate and the one after them will look upon with total indifference. If you happen to be either the second or third person then, when a large number of people starts singing the praises of a particular film or book, you are, by definition, bound to consider it overated. Now, I have personally stated that, technical accomplishments aside, Forrest Gump leaves me cold. While I don't think it to be a bad film, I was unable to connect with it in any particular way - not like I could with a film like, for instance, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly or 12 Angry Men. (I also find it interesting to note that, after accusing me of being dismissive of black and white films, there isn't a single one among your list.) The simple fact of the matter is that, out of the films you listed, there are two that I haven't seen so I can't comment on them. However, out of the ones I have seen, there are 4 that I don't like that much (that doesn't mean they're shit, I just don't particularly like them), 3 three I think are enjoyable and only 1 that I would class as a truly great film. Just as a matter of comparison, my all time top 10 (at the moment, it does change according to my mood) are: Serenity 12 Angry Men A Matter of Life and Death The Haunting (the Robert Wise original, not the remake) Excallibur Stardust The Birds The Thing (John Carpenter but I also love the original) A Fist Full of Dollars Zulu Now, you probably disagree with most, if not all, of this list but that's fine by me. I'm not going to cast aspersions on your mentality or ability to appreciate the art of cinema so I'd appreciate it if you'd allow me to state my own opinion regarding films without it getting personal. After all, it'd be boring if we we all liked the same.

QUOTE (Alex @ May 15 2010, 08:53 PM) Ok, so explain what makes it such an overrated film? The acting was good, the plot was good, the cinematography was good. It was a well put together movie that deserved the Oscars it got that year. Why is it so overrated? Best movie ever? Well no. Overrated? No. Mainly because people I spoke to who had seen it, tried to make out it was one of the best films ever made. And when I saw it, it just didn't strike a chord with me. Its as simple as that. I'm not denying that, on a technical level, it was superbly done but techinical accomplishment is not the be all and end all - a film has to strike a chord. I know that there are a lot of people who love Forrest Gump. It just does nothing for me (probably doesn't help that I'm not a big fan of Tom Hanks). My overated comment was in respone to the original post in this thread. QUOTE (ALifeson85 Posted: May 15 2010 @ 03:46 AM ) One of the greatest movies of all time. I rest my case in defence of my overated statement. If people are going to make such sweeping statements, people who disagree are going to voice their opinion and that is exactly what I was doing. In fact, I thought the whole matter of debate was the whole point of forums like this or have I missed the point? Actually, this also ties into my citing of Pulp Fiction as being overated. While I was at University, someone told me that cinema was only invented so that Pulp Fiction could be made. Now that is overstating the quality and importance of a film - everyone knows that accolade belong to Plan 9 From Outer Space

QUOTE (Alex @ May 15 2010, 08:17 PM) QUOTE (Slaine mac Roth @ May 15 2010, 12:50 PM) Personally I find Forrest Gump, along with Mrs Doubtfire and Pulp Fiction, to be one of the most overated films I've ever seen. I will admit that I found it reasonably diverting but I really cannot see why it inspires such lavish praise when there are far better films around. I bet you don't even think Citizen Kane is good. Probably bland because of the black and white film and the acting was a bit dull right? Why you put Forrest Gump, Pulp Fiction and Mrs. Doubtfire in the same sentence is beyond me Excuse me for taking a while to respond to your post but I was too busy dodging the dummies you spat out of you pram because I had the temerity to disagree with you. Why is it that you seem to taking this so personal and is there any reason to be so patronising. To respond to your comments: I cannot pass judgement on Citizen Kane simply for the fact I just haven't gotten around to seeing it yet. I managed to pick it up on VHS last year but, before I got around to watching it, my VCR packed up and I haven't got a new one yet. For your information, I am a great lover of black and white films and can count such classics as The Day the Earth Stood Still, Seven Samurai, Dead of Night, King Kong, Went the Day Well, Dr Strangelove, Psycho, Its a Wonderful Life, Metropolis and Cassablanca among films I thoroughly enjoy watching. As for putting Forrest Gump, Mrs Doubtfire and Pulp Fiction into the same sentance, if you consider everything I wrote, you'll notice that I called them three of the most overated films I have seen. In other words, before I saw them, I had had many, many people telling me how brilliant/fantastic (substitute your superlative of choice) they were but, when I got around to seeing them, I was, on the whole, unimpressed. Therefore, the three films are closely linked by the sense of dispointment I felt when i watched them. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that are people in the world who will disagree with you so it might be an idea to come to terms with it. Other people are allowed to have opinions too.

Seeing as there has been no activity on this thread for a while, and no new puzzle posted, I trust no-one will object if I kick us off with a brand new one. So, for your consideration, O present: DOWN HOLE (Song title - 2,4,2)

Personally I find Forrest Gump, along with Mrs Doubtfire and Pulp Fiction, to be one of the most overated films I've ever seen. I will admit that I found it reasonably diverting but I really cannot see why it inspires such lavish praise when there are far better films around.

QUOTE (rushgoober @ May 15 2010, 05:07 PM) QUOTE (Alex @ May 15 2010, 09:40 AM)QUOTE (rushgoober @ May 15 2010, 11:16 AM) highly overrated, unnecessary gratuitous violence, style just for style's sake, egotistical megalomania, etc. You bastard inglourious? Reservoir Dogs is in no way too violent? Are you sure we both saw the same movie? I have seen Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction My original assessment fits those movies perfectly IMHO. I've seen enough of his movies and parts of others that I know I don't ever want to watch anything by him again. I'm glad I'm not the only person with this view of Tarantino. While I will conceed that Resevoir Dogs was a reasonably gripping film, I don't count it as one of my favourites. Pulp Fiction, on the other hand, I felt was one of the most pretentious and incoherent couple of hours comitted to celuloid. However, perhaps the most annoying thing I find about Tarantino is the sycophantic attitude his devotees display towards him. Give me Stanley Kubrick or Alfred Hitchcock any day of the week - they really knew how to make a film

Does this mean the whole Avatar spat has run its course? Please let it be so

QUOTE (rushgoober @ May 14 2010, 05:55 AM) Wow. Greatest movie ever? Great fun time and uplifting story with breathtaking visuals? Do I care if others don't like it? Was I wildly entertained? Has anyone (James Cameron) ever been this successful while being so deeply polarizing at the same time? I honestly don't think I could have put it any better with bells and whistles on

QUOTE (Xanadoood @ May 9 2010, 10:16 PM) QUOTE (rushgoober @ May 9 2010, 09:50 AM) QUOTE (Xanadoood @ May 9 2010, 07:29 AM) I cant believe this movie is still being discussed. Amazing what 3-d will do to boost the popularity of a film. It's more that that. The movie made almost $750 million domestically, and almost 2 billion dollars for the rest of the world - that's over 2.7 billion dollars worldwide. Those numbers are absolutely insane, and obviously a LOT of people saw the movie multiple times. I'm not saying high sales numbers mean everything, as obviously they don't, but obviously a LOT of people (myself included) thought this was a great movie. Yeah, it's obviously massive , as far as sales go, but if you are a movie buff, i just don't consider Avatar to be a movie worth discussing. It's great entertainment, but as far as the story goes, and the dialogue, its shit, IMO. If its not worth discussing, why are you discussing it then?

QUOTE (metaldad @ May 6 2010, 03:14 PM) I gotta go with C None of the above . Same with me. You could call this poll Preening Poseurs vs Navel Gazers (or is that just the fans? )

For me the 3-D aspect had nothing to do with it as I don't tend to watch 3-D films (can't get on with the glasses ). My DVD version of Avatar is a straight 2-D version and I still found it immensely enjoyable as did both of my children (9 and 7 years old). More to the point, it held my son rivited even though, most of the time, he usually wanders around the room while keeping his fixed on the screen. While I admit that the 3-D aspect WAS a selling, I don't think it can be held accountable for the immense popularity of Avatar.

Cate Blanchett notwithstanding, I'm quite looking forward to this. As our local hero, despite what the thieving gits from Yorkshire say, Robin Hood has always been important to me - there is a tree in my home town that marks what used to be the centre of Sherwood Forest. Over the years, I've always enjoyed the various incarnations of Robin Hood (although Prince of Thieves is not a favourite). What appeals to me about this one is the fact that we have a superb director and two very talented actors who will carry the film. I have no qualms at all about Russell Crowe, the man might be an arse at times but he is a superb actor, and it should never be forgotten that the greatest Robin Hood of all times was from the Antipodes.

QUOTE (Astromancer @ May 8 2010, 10:30 PM) PS: How the f**k did the Smurf's arrows pierce the windows of the gunships? How did that one pilot bitch go "I didn't sign up for this", and fly away without being shot down or court marshaled? How did the protagonist ass block the Kernel dickhead's mechsuit at the end of the movie without being turned into a big blue stain(I know they have carbon fiber level of strength bones, it wouldn't have helped that much)? How did the floating mountains float? Where were the exit wounds(i don't care about the rating)? Why are so many people Avatards? Haven't you ever heard the phrase suspension of disbelief?

QUOTE (Andrew1 @ May 8 2010, 03:49 PM) QUOTE (Slaine mac Roth @ May 8 2010, 04:16 AM) As a big fan of Ridley Scott, I'm also looking forward to seeing this. Even more so as it also features Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett is smoking hot. And one hell of an actress. I don't think I could have said it better myself

I finally got around to seeing Avatar last night and was very impressed. As has been said, its not the most original story around but, as has been said, there are seven basic plots in literature so, when you look at it from that level, there is nothing truly original anymore. Saying that, at least it wasn't another bloody pointless remake. What I will say is that I found the story engaging with characters that, on the whole, acted logically within the framework of the film (even though they were largely archetypes). The culture of the Na'Vi well reasonably well defined and drew sympathy for their plight. On a technical level, the visuals were breathtaking but, fortunately, didn't overwhelm the rest of the film. Cameron used the effects to help the story not, as I felt Emmerich did in Independence Day, use the story as an excuse for the visual effects. In addition, evedn though I only saw it on DVD without surround sound or anything special, the sound design was awesome. On the whole, I found Avatar to be a rewarding and entertaining film to watch.

As a big fan of Ridley Scott, I'm also looking forward to seeing this. Even more so as it also features Cate Blanchett

OK, I know its not a film but I've got to give a mention to the episode 'The Body' from Season 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer - the one where her mother dies. I don't think I've seen so much emnotion packed into 45 minutes, nor such intense performances.

Quite recently, James, Mary and myself were inviting to the wedding of someone I work with. Sadly, James was ill and unable to go, much to the disapointment of Lucas, the 3 year old son of a friend who, like James, is very much into dinosaurs. The main reason Lucas was disapointed was the fact that he wanted to ask James some questions about different dinosaurs. However, when Lucas and his mother, Sam, arrived, Mary ran up to meet them and, aftertelling Lucas that James had been unable to attend, she told him not worry because, proudly stating, "James shares all his knowledge with." In addition, Mary had a great time because it was one of the few occasions she was able to dress up. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/Jimyyz2112/kids/Mary-1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/Jimyyz2112/kids/mary3.jpg By the way, that's Lucas visible underneath Mary's arm. Plus he keeps asking his Mum when he's going to see her again