Recent Posts
So, rather then being depressed about all the remakes being mentioned on the other thread, I figured I'd be positive about something, and discuss original films. (As in, not a remake, sequel or something based on a book)
The last original film I watched recently was Gran Torino, which I felt was a really good film from Clint Eastwood, and had new ideas and a new plot. Something I really appreciated as a lover of films. I do want to see Drag Me to Hell soon as well, and I'm hoping there are some more films later that are new coming out this year.
Anyone seen any good new films recently? Or looking forward to any?
So, rather then being depressed about all the remakes being mentioned on the other thread, I figured I'd be positive about something, and discuss original films. (As in, not a remake, sequel or something based on a book)
The last original film I watched recently was Gran Torino, which I felt was a really good film from Clint Eastwood, and had new ideas and a new plot. Something I really appreciated as a lover of films. I do want to see Drag Me to Hell soon as well, and I'm hoping there are some more films later that are new coming out this year.
Anyone seen any good new films recently? Or looking forward to any?
Gran Torino was an awesome film! It was the best thing I've watched since Boondock Saints!
EDIT: I know it would be sequel but I am looking forward to the upcomming Boondock Saints 2.
From a letter I sent to Wolgang and Nick yesterday...
Movie recommendation: OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies
It's a 2006 French film that does better retro recreation cinema than anyone else, ever. If you remember the champagne-drenched whimsical action and spy films that came out from 1955 to 1963, there were many common traditions at that time we don't often think of, but these guys got it down pat and added humor. This film starts slow, and though it amps up a little it maintains a laid back attitude, but I laughed, gawped at how right they got the tone, and learned that they still make guys who can play a debonair role role with uncomprimising testosterone.
In 2009 there was a critically acclaimed sequel, and there's a third film on the way.
Two months ago I saw a film that's now in my top twenty of all time.
My only criticism is that it ended and I was left in a dark room, moved, with nowhere to go from there. Reluctantly birthed back into reality.
There are some controversies regarding a poor translation of a few important lines, but the dubbed version (the one I saw) was pretty dern amazing. Rumor has it Magnet Films/Magnolia Pictures will be releasing a more faithful version.
Let the Right One In
Agreed, excellent film.
But it was based on a book; are we counting that as original, or are only remakes of movie/TV disqualified?
Two months ago I saw a film that's now in my top twenty of all time.
My only criticism is that it ended and I was left in a dark room, moved, with nowhere to go from there. Reluctantly birthed back into reality.
There are some controversies regarding a poor translation of a few important lines, but the dubbed version (the one I saw) was pretty dern amazing. Rumor has it Magnet Films/Magnolia Pictures will be releasing a more faithful version.
The Onion AV Club did a really good Book vs. Film comparison.
**WARNING: SPOILERS***
Book vs. Film
From a letter I sent to Wolgang and Nick yesterday...
Movie recommendation: OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies
It's a 2006 French film that does better retro recreation cinema than anyone else, ever. If you remember the champagne-drenched whimsical action and spy films that came out from 1955 to 1963, there were many common traditions at that time we don't often think of, but these guys got it down pat and added humor. This film starts slow, and though it amps up a little it maintains a laid back attitude, but I laughed, gawped at how right they got the tone, and learned that they still make guys who can play a debonair role role with uncomprimising testosterone.
In 2009 there was a critically acclaimed sequel, and there's a third film on the way.
I caught this at the Seattle International Film Festival two years ago (where it won the top prize). It's a GREAT movie. I can't wait to see the sequels.
When I read the title of this thread I was going to pop in and suggest Gran Torino (surely one of the best films I've seen in years), but I see the OP himself beat me to it.
So.... uh.... Land of the Lost?
"Gran Torino" is the best film I've seen in years! I went into it thinking it would be a typical Clint Eastwood shoot'em up, and left with a big "WOW".
It's sad that it's so hard to think of a movie that isn't a remake...
I heard "Doubt" was good, but I haven't seen it yet. Also, "The Wrestler" is well worth seeing, even if you're not a pro wrestling fan.
Oh yes, the Wrestler. Forgot about that to my shame. Such a brilliant film that one. Really impressive performances all round, especially from Mickey Rourke. I'd say that Let the Right One In counts as an original film, given that the book isn't well known to Western Audiences, although I will admit it's a bit of a cop out.
There's a new Sci Fi film coming out called Moon that looks pretty interesting. Certainly seems original and has gotten plenty of good reviews. Shame about the limited distribution at the cinema, but I'm sure it'll become a cult classic on DVD.
On a more mature bend, and less Sci fi bend, a good original movie I watched the other day is YPF. Its quirky and wierd, but very much adult so no kids! I enjoyed Undead or Alive aswell as aparody of westerns and zombie films all at once, good stuff. In all honesty it really is hard to think of movies that arent based on some other property....
I'd say that Let the Right One In counts as an original film, given that the book isn't well known to Western Audiences, although I will admit it's a bit of a cop out.
When will I stop paying for my crime, Uzzy? The rumors of me choosing a novel based movie for this thread are making it so I can't land a job. Everyone knows! I can't even walk down the street without people pointing at me and shrieking like peturbed pod people with a palpable propensity for public punishment!
Er, uh... sorry if I spit on ya there. <:)
You'll never stop paying for this most heinous of crimes. In years to come, you'll wake in the dead of night in a cold sweat, your nightmares haunted by the memory of this. It will eat at your very soul..
Anyway, I do of course count all Pixar films in this list of original films. Wall-E was an absolute delight, and I'm looking forward to Up when it comes out later.
I'm rather annoyed that Let the Right One In doesn't seem to be playing in many cinemas over here, while dreck like Terminator Salvation gets massive showings all over the place. Ah well. Must stay positive! I'll get to see it when it comes out on DVD.
On that note, I'd like to share a rather good French film I had the pleasure of viewing recently, one called Les femmes de l'ombre, or Female Agents. It's about a group of women recruited into the Special Operations Executive during WW2, who have to go over to Nazi occupied France and rescue a British geologist who has information about the D-Day Landings. Really impressive film, that I found quite gripping from start to finish. Also quite nice to see a whole five strong female lead characters in a film, especially given the dearth of them in many films these days.
*points at The Jade and shrieks*
Aliens are so rude.
You'll never stop paying for this most heinous of crimes. In years to come, you'll wake in the dead of night in a cold sweat, your nightmares haunted by the memory of this. It will eat at your very soul..
Sorry... if it tries eating at my soul it'll run into Pazuzu (from Exorcist 2), who entered my spirit just to spite your hate of sequels.
I loved Wall-E too (so much of the film delights without a hint of dialog), and Kung Fu Panda.
I'll check out that French film... or are we still calling them Freedom films in the US?
The Onion AV Club did a really good Book vs. Film comparison.
**WARNING: SPOILERS***
Book vs. Film
Thank you for posting that link. I had seen the movie last December, and enjoyed it, but I had a few points of confusion regarding the plot. That article cleared them all up and gave me a lot to think on when I see it again.
were both awesome and came out in the last couple years and I am pretty sure they aren't based on previous works. Of course, knowing the backstories to these films added to the depth of my enjoyment.
I also loved The Wrestler. I saw Milk, and as much as Penn was awesome there, the academy shoulda given the statue to Mickey, that guy was that character!
As for this year's stuff...Ive seen some alright movies (Watchmen, Soloist, Gran Torino) but I dont know if I need to see any of them again soon.
Waitress was very good. I didn't want those specific pies I saw in the film, but I did bake one right afterward, so it had an effect.
Adrienne Shelly was in it... and wrote it. The way she made her career was long an inspiration to me. It affected the way I've approached all creative projects in the last decade+.
She caught a contractor from another apartment going through her stuff. She threatened to call the cops and he hung her in her bathtub and staged it as a suicide... but never cleaned up his dirty boot prints off the ceramic white beneath. Idiot. They got him. She was married with a two year old daughter at the time. Her only child. This film will be the best footage of her mother while she lived. Remember that when you see the movie and the story's thrust will hit you doubly hard, because in my opinion it's all a love letter to her daughter.
Uzzy: Nathan Fillion is Captain Hammer too, maybe that is the source of the buzz.
Jade: Thats what I mean. That story, told in part in the extra features of the dvd, and pieced together from imdb and other sites made that movie special. I was told it wasnt what it looked like on the box (like Lynora, I thought it was a rom-com with emphasis on 'CUTE'!) But it is a very real take (with hyper-real moments) of relationships and jobs and life. Just a super film.
The story behind 'Once' is powerful too. And their acceptance speech for the Oscar they so DESERVED was probably the best moment for Oscars in a long time. "Make art! Make art!"
Trey: I love the original of "Pellham 123". Amazing look at NYC and Shaw and Giancarlo are scary as the bad guys and Matthau is amazing as he juggles comedy and drama in his own smart-alecky way.
"Warriors", "And Justice for All" "Serpico" and "French Connection" all have amazing backdrops of real 'bigcity' life. For that matter "Pawnbroker" "On the Waterfront" "Love with a Proper Stranger" "The Killing" are great black n whites that capture big cities and how they are grimy and beautiful at the same time.
Its about four years old now but The Proposition is one of the most beautifully shot films I’ve seen in quiet a while, it looks amazing in Hi-Def and its brilliant screenplay was written by one of my favorite musicians, Nick Cave.
It's essentially a western with an Australian spin. The pacing on it is what I like to call deliberate (others may call it slow) but I thought it was fantastic; it rates up there with one of my other favorite westerns, Unforgiven.
Another more recent original film that was also very well-crafted was the Guillermo Del Torro produced spanish horror flick The Orphanage. It's one of the only horror movies to almost make me shed a tear and was a nice change of pace from the torture porn garbage that seems to have become so popular lately.
I'm rewatching the original Taking of Pelham One Two Three. The atmosphere reminds me of what NYC was like when I was first introduced to it. Not sure if I'm going to see the remake.
I saw the remake and it is just as good as the original. The Scott brothers did an excellent job of updating it, without ruining the feel of the original. Denzel Washington and John Travolta are both excellent. I all, I thought it was a great parable about the meaning of heroism.
