What movies have you watched recently?

[Sweet Pea]

Jun 20, 2015 13:40:09 GMT -5 Scotty said:

Jurassic World - I loved it! Has some silly moments but has some great nods to the original movie.

Pitch Perfect 2 - Fun movie, catchy songs, with some good surprise cameos.

i thought pitch perfect was okay, kind of meh in places, but ok. i rather enjoyed watching the dinosaurs eat people though. don't know what this says about me. heh.

[Stranger]

Saw Jurassic World recently, and as much as I wanted to like it, I just can't agree. It felt like a Syfy movie, only more expensive, and less funny. The plot seemed to consist of one bad idea after another, and I'm pretty sure they took a couple of scenes out of Sharknado.

Mad Max was a lot better, although hard to put into words. I felt pretty lost for a while having never seen the original movies, but by the end it didn't matter. Overall it was quite entertaining, and surprisingly original. The guitar guy has to be one of my favorite movie characters ever.

[Scotty]

Ant-Man! Really enjoyed it! Fun movie! Now the long wait for Civil War! (Though we do have season 3 of Agents of Shield and the Jessica Jones Netflix series before then!)

[Sexy Spork #37]

Ex Machina

I would honestly rate this movie as the second greatest science fiction movie ever made. Nothing will ever top '2001'.

It's an independent movie that came out this year and somehow, they only made it for $15 million. I just have no idea how. It's that good.

It's about a man, Caleb, who works as a programmer for the world's biggest search engine company. One day, he wins a prize to go and stay with the boss for a week in some remote location. The boss, as it turns out, has invented an AI machine. It is the job of Caleb to determine if the machine can pass the Turing Test. It's such a simple idea but it makes for one of the most engaging and captivating pieces of cinema I've ever seen.

It's cerebral, so it won't be for everyone. It's intellectual and talky. But each of the characters are wonderfully acted and each have motivations that unravel rather beautifully. You don't know who is who. You make judgments and then those judgments change. And keep changing. But these twists and turns aren't headache inducing, they're captivating. They are the narrative. A story portrayed quite unlike anything else we've seen before in sci-fi cinema.

This isn't a movie made on a huge budget with the biggest of stars in it. It's very small scale and somewhat contained. Much of the movie focuses on deep conversations, in particular, between the machine, Ava, and Celeb. You just don't know what's gonna happen next. And it's so refreshing to see such simplistic yet intelligent approach to science fiction, one that is gentle and not confusing.

It really does go to the heart of many big issues, and in particular, what humanity and the nature of it is. But you don't have to be as clever as it is to enjoy it. It never goes off on a tangent. The story, even if you're as dumb as me, maintains a connection with the viewer that is not often seen these days. It's brave. Bold. Adventurous. Exciting. Thoughtful. Intelligent. And British! First 2001, then Moon, now this. Rule Britannia...

It may have been made for 'only' 15 mil, but it is one of the most visually stunning movies I've seen. The CGI on Ava is just - it's defining. One of those effects in cinema history that is nothing short of an absolute marvel. And it looks so real. The whole movie is drenched in realism. The ending you won't see coming, either. The direction is sublime. Simply brilliant. And the music. Very post-rock, very melodic, brave and adventuresome. Much like the movie.

Many won't like this film. But it goes straight to number two on my favourite sci-fi films list, knocking Moon to third. I'd probably put 'Her' at four and 'Love' at five. 'Love' is phenomenal. If you can watch that without your head exploding, congratulations, you're in a very small club...

Some will watch 'Ex Machina' and hate it. Others will bask in its genius. I'm in the latter. I just pray there isn't a sequel. There's potential, believe me. But it doesn't need it. This movie got wall to wall brilliant reviews. It earned more than double the cost to make. And yes, internet nerds hate it, of course they do, but screw 'em, they're wrong. I'd say that if you like sci-fi, it really is a movie to see before you die.

10/10. Every day of the week.

[ura]

What I would like to know Spork is did you see the ending, did you predict the ending before it arrived (I'm trying to reveal as little as possible).

[Sexy Spork #37]

No, not at all. When Caleb's plan was revealed, I started to question who was good and who was bad. Before then, it was very black and white, but then it became murkier. I didn't know what to think after that. But then, about halfway through that scene, I clicked. I suddenly realised what Caleb's real plan was. But I never, for one moment, suspected that ending was coming.

For me, the whole movie had so many layers mixed together that you ended up with a narrative goo that's hard to analyse. I very much see it as a bit like 'The Walking Dead'. It's long been believed that the title refers to the zombies, when in fact, it refers to those still alive. The humans. Much like Channel 4's 'Humans', that, for me, refers to the humanity the robots in that programme are displaying. Not how we, the humans, judge those robots and act toward them.

In much the same way, I feel like we, the audience, ARE part of the Turing Test. The story is so clever that you start to question whether Ava is human. You start to believe but you don't realise you're believing it. When the end came, I thought to myself: hang on, were WE the interviewers? The ending, in my interpretation, made it blatantly obvious that we were.

In retrospect, that seems like an obvious ending, but you don't see it coming. It's obvious she has to remove obstacles that will stop her but it's still a tad brutal.

And the thing is, once you've seen it, you start to question your conclusion to the Turing Test. The answer is obvious come the ending. But then, when you think about it, it becomes ambiguous. She displays both simulation and genuine humanity in equal measure to the point whereby the Turing Test becomes somewhat meaningless.

And in a way, I think that is the point of the film. To shine the spotlight on humanity and make it obvious that the day make come when we can't tell what's real and what's artificial. Before the movie, I think most would think that we'll never arrive at such a day, but after, rather brilliantly, it makes you realise that such a day is inevitable. It's one of the most terrifying moments in cinema history. That you realise you could been drawn into such a world and never notice.

Honestly, you could debate this movie a million times and never agree and constantly change your mind over your opinion of it.

Oh, and that dance sequence? Cherry on cake, for me...

[ura]

I never considered that perhaps the audience are part of the Turing test also, the film didn't seem to break the fourth wall at all but it doesn't necessarily need to in order to test the viewer either. I enjoyed it immensely as a film but I wouldn't rate it as highly as you have, it was made on a very small budget and it doesn't look cheap because the most important parts of the film are the conversation between the AI and human, so fantastic looking special effects are not necessary, like you said in that one scene where we see her full body the effects are well done.

I read once that the ability for humans to lie is a sign of a highly advanced brain, anybody of course can lie and your aptitude at lying doesn't show intelligence but the mere fact that humans can lie shows that humans are empathetic enough to be able to sense other emotions and be able to deceive them.

Perhaps re-watching the film might make it look painfully obvious what is happening and it might spin another character in a completely different light.

That dance sequence is great, that's what scene sticks out in my mind too.

[Strawberry]

Over the past couple of months or so...

What If; Love, Rosie; The Best of Me - All very good...but each made me sad in some way. The first was the happiest of the three, quite loved the banter between the main characters. The last one listed is the most depressing.

Nightcrawler; Gone Girl - Dark films, but both well-made.

It Follows - Really fucked up. Didn't find it scary at all, personally...just wondered what the hell it was all about. Came up with my own ideas behind it, but reading the writer's view...he was pretty vague about it all.  Come Back To Me --- saw this one quite a while ago, but "It Follows" kind of reminded me of this one. Just as fucked up, if not more so.

Fifty Shades of Grey - yep, admitting to watching this. More to see what all the hype was about...and honestly? I don't get the excitement behind this one.  Quite disappointed.

Captain Phillips; Jersey Boys; Wild - Each different, but enjoyed them all.

So of all those...I'd just not recommend 50 shades. "It Follows" and "Come Back To Me" -- wouldn't really recommend those either, unless you just want to feel like, "Whoa, what's happening?!" or stupefied the whole time.

[Sexy Spork #37]

Melancholia (2011).

I just... I mean... Honestly... What the hell was that?

The opening 15 minutes are, undoubtedly, the craziest, barmiest, nuttiest, most eye popping madness I've ever seen in a mainstream cinematic release. I'd say it's like you're having an acid trip, but that's not right at all. An acid trip is probably nowhere near as crazy. Like the whole movie, the cinematography is sublime. The music is dramatic and moving. The acting is phenomenal, as is the direction. It's very art house.

It's hard trying to describe the movie after that substantial opening. It does settle down into a story about the depression of a new bride, Jasmine, at her wedding reception. It is one of the most brutally honest depictions of depression I've ever seen. Kirsten Dunst's performance is utterly mesmerising. She knocks it out of the park and then some. Forget everything you know about her. This is the pièce de résistance of her acting career. I'd go so far as to say it's one of the best female leads in any movie ever made.

Part two of the movie explores the relationship between her and her sister, whilst Jasmine's depression hits an all-time low. Oh, and erm, there's a rogue planet heading for Earth. I told you - the movie is absolutely nuts.

This second part has the depression angle front and centre before moving onto the rogue planet element. It's such a hard movie to describe. It divided critics but some called it a masterpiece and I agree. It really is a modern classic. It doesn't sound like it makes any sense but it works so, so well. It's beautiful.

One thing I will say: pay very close attention to what happens in the opening art house insanity.

There are so, so many interpretations of this film that one could discover. So many metaphors and figurative uses of imagery and language. I don't know what was going through the head of director Lars von Trier, but he's Danish, and you know what they say about the crazy Danes...

It has a stellar cast, too. It's not just a tour de force for Dunst. It also stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgård, Brady Corbett, Cameron Spurr, Charlotte Rampling, Jesper Christensen, John Hurt, Stellan Skarsgård, Udo Kier and Kiefer Sutherland. As an astronomer. I know. An astronomer. Never thought I'd see the day, personally.

It's not for everyone and some will compare it to the brilliant 'Another Earth'. But I think it stands on its own two feet rather well. A thoughtful, intriguing, beguiling, interesting and downright enjoyable piece of cinema.

Oh, and there are a few laughs. In the first part. Just a few. Including a wonderful gag with some spoons.

There's also a lot of shaky camerawork. And marvellous CGI. And there is some nudity and heavy swearing.

Don't watch it with grandma, is my advice...

10/10.

[Sexy Spork #37]

Predestination (2014).

My head hurts...

[Sexy Spork #37]

Chappie (2015)

Man... What a movie.

I was quite worried after the disaster that was 'Elysium', but fair dues, Blomkamp really learnt from that. 'Chappie' takes a lot from 'District 9', it's very similar in places, but somehow manages to feel like a completely different movie.

It has so much depth and humanity, something 'District 9' excelled at. I actually think 'Chappie' is better than 'District 9' in some respects - visually, and not just the CGI. The camerawork and direction are gorgeous. Blomkamp really knows how to make a movie. If he keeps making movies to the standard of his first and third, he will go down as one of the all time great directors.

But I just loved 'Chappie'. I love in Blomkamp's work we are introduced to characters who others in the movie dislike and have been portrayed as villainous throughout movie history, yet they turn out not to be villains at all. It really is a masterclass in prejudicial views. Machines. Servile. Second class citizens. Aliens. Scum. Second class citizens. Yet in both cases, there's so much more to these people. These ideas reflect real issues throughout human history hauntingly well.

Honestly, I found myself so close to tears at moments during 'Chappie'. I wanted to reach out and grab that robot and pull him away from all that hell. I felt sick at parts. Yet it's, sadly, quite true to real life.

I really do believe District 9, Chappie, Elysium and the upcoming District 10 are part of a shared universe. Makes sense, to me at least.

Blomkamp is such a wonderful talent.

He's the perfect choice for 'Alien 5'.

Probably set in Johannesburg...

---

Take Shelter (2011)

Quite a movie. There's not much one can say about it without giving too much away.

It's, basically, about a guy who starts having these lucid nightmares. They're quite chilling, some of them. When it goes quiet, look away. These 'visions' centre on some kind of upcoming storm.

It's played as a man descending into a world of schizophrenia and it's played brilliantly. The two leads aren't necessarily the most well known actors but they are phenomenal. It's an intriguing look at mental illness, a film, I think, that will go down as an all time classic.

I think a lot of reviewers felt that way, too, until the ending, which was hugely controversial. It's... not an ending that is easy to swallow. It's difficult. You'll either think it's the greatest ending ever or the worst piece of crap imaginable and completely ruins the film. I think if you take it literally, it probably isn't great. But I think it's perhaps not black and white. I think there's more to it than meets the eye.

These types of low budget indie movies are quite clever, after all.

I'll give it a solid 9/10.

---

Under the Skin (2013)

This movie is nuts.

Scarlett Johansson plays an alien who drives around Glasgow in a white van picking up guys to horribly murder.

The best part is that the guys didn't know. It was all a hidden camera job. These were real Glaswegians, largely drunk, getting picked up by a Hollywood superstar in disguise and they had no idea.

It sounds barmy, but it's absolutely brilliant.

Okay, one or two are actors, but most of them aren't.

There's a scene near the end set in some woods. The guy in that is the guy who looks after it. The casting is brilliant. I tell you what, Scarlett Johansson looks like a lovely person to know. Very sweet. And murderous. But sweet...

It's such an unusual idea for a movie but it's really worth watching.

She's in disguise as a human, by the way.

I know the Scots like a drink, but they're never so drunk they can't tell an octo-lizard from space from a glamorous Hollywood actress.

So damn lucky...

10/10.

[Strawberry]

^ I saw Chappie! Surprisingly (and strangely) a cute movie.

'Cute' may not be the right word...but I think I just saw it more on the humorous/entertaining level. Definitely different, but I enjoyed it.

[ura]

The last Blomkamp film I enjoyed was District 9, I didn't really think adding Die Antwood to Chappie made it enjoyable, but at least chappie was much better than Elysium.

[Scotty]

I finally got to see Inside Out this week! It was so cute! And I teared up at parts. Damn you Pixar! Making me feel things!

[Slinky]

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation - I've loved the last few films, including this one.  Yes not that original or groundbreaking, but I was gripped throughout.  The set-pieces are great, pacing just right, and I liked the balance and banter between the Mission team.  I was pleasantly surprised when Ving Rhames reprised his role.  Top notch action film.

Big Hero 6 - I absolutely loved this.  Soooo good.  Funny, sad, escapist, moving.  Another animated movie I cried whilst watching. Great.  My masculinity must be rolling around somewhere....