Filums

[Bunnylump]

It just struck me that we didn't have a specific thread to mention films we have seen / enjoyed / hated! So here it is.

I've just been to see Hail Caesar (the latest Cohen Brothers' film.) It is gloriously weird and unpredictable, with bizarre twists and turns and zany characters. It's set in 1950s Hollywood, and although it's technically a "comedy", I would describe it as being grimly amusing and weirdly fascinating. Some amazing photography and sets (as ever) and a star cast including George Clooney, Josh Brolin and Tilda Swinton. I enjoyed it, but I suspect that many people would simply be bemused by it!

[Wulfruna]

Well I can endorse the enjoyment of a brilliant film. I am in London for a couple of days this week and went to the local cinema in the company of a certain joker (an early birthday treat....). Hail Caesar is very quirky and people seem to be either puzzled by it (as silly) or love it (as a superb tribute to both the worst and best in Hollywood movies). We both laughed until we cried (yes, really!), with some superb actors going wildly over the top and using every cliche in the book. And yet somehow at the same time it gets across a profound message about human values.
I don't go to the cinema very often these days, but this was a great treat

[Bunnylump]

Went to see Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight at the Odyssey. It didn't get particularly good reviews, but I actually enjoyed it (well, if you can count squirming in my chair at the extreme violence! )

Considering most of the action takes place in one room, the quality of the photography and the sets were excellent.

Considering the length of the film (about three hours) it was fast-paced and didn't drag.

Considering the level of bloodshed and horror, it was all pretty well done. Typical Tarantino OTT and almost comedic blood bath - e.g. when people's heads were being blown off it actually LOOKED like a melon being exploded.

The acting (with the exception of Tim Roth, who was dreadful) was impressive, especially considering the bizarre characters and plotline.

Oh, and there was a good deal of humour to be found throughout the film.

I'd recommend this one if it's still about anywhere near you - I think it was originally released in December, so it might not be.

[SparkOut]

I expect Scurra would laugh if I posted anything in this thread.

[Bunnylump]

Are you just emerging from the "I've only been allowed to watch Disney films for the past 15 years" stage?

[Scurra]

I too thought The Hateful Eight was pretty good, especially the cinematography - as noted, considering it mostly takes place in a room, it looks amazing. I still think that Tarantino thinks a bit too much of his own writing skills; there's the sense that some of the actors were hired by basically being told "...and here's your monologue scene" and that it could have been half-an-hour or even more shorter without losing much. He does do good jokes though.

[Bunnylump]

Went to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them at the weekend. I enjoyed it rather more than I thought I might. Eddie Redmayne gave his usual irritatingly mumbly delivery, but it suited the character Newt. My worry had been that I didn't like the idea of the Harry Potter world being taken to America, but actually, the grubbiness of all the little streets and bars in Manhattan had a certain charm. It was very fast-paced, had lots of interesting effects, and a few touching elements as the characters developed their relationships. Worth seeing, although I don't think I would personally have taken children to see it!

[Bunnylump]

I went to see Murder on the Orient Express (the Kenneth Brannagh version) today. I enjoyed it on the whole - the set and scenery are amazing, and there is a whole host of stars in it.Although I must admit that it sort of seemed rather a shame to have all those stars in it(Judi Dench / Johnny Depp etc.) as most of them only had relatively small parts...it seemed rather a "Kenneth Brannagh extravaganza" overall. Oh, and the moustache is RIDICULOUS.

[Scurra]

Isn't that kind of the point of MotOE though? Basically it's Poirot plus a bunch of cameos of greater or lesser significance. That's what makes it such a good story, of course... usually you get maybe three or four viable suspects in your confined space; here you get something like 13 so obviously there's no time or room for any of them to dominate.

[Bunnylump]

Well yes, but some really were like cameos, so it seemed a bit of a waste of talent!

I must admit that the shots of the bridge bit actually made me feel physically sick! The opulent feel of the train was really well done, too.

Anyway, what I want to know is... could YOU grow a moustache like that, Scurra? Bet you a tenner you can't!

[LAT]

Anyway, what I want to know is... could YOU grow a moustache like that, Scurra? Bet you a tenner you can't!

Good challenge!

[Bunnylump]

Just been to see Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri. I really can't decide whether I loved it or hated it. It was certainly shocking and thought provoking, but the message of the film was extremely disturbing, to say the least. I would be very interested to hear what anyone else thinks about it, if you see it!

[Bunnylump]

Tonight's film was The Greatest Showman. This was not a film that I would have picked to see myself (I hate musicals) but a friend had a ticket, so why not?

It is very cheesy, and certainly puts a rosy spin on P.T.Barnum which does not ring at all true when compared to things I have read about him. However, it's very colourful and well-choreographed, and has quite a feel-good vibe. I must say that Hugh Jackman is a really good singer and dancer - in fact, in general the standard of the singing is very good.

[Scurra]

Jackman made his name in stage musicals (I think he broke through in a UK version of Oklahoma!) and he was very good in Les Mis a few years ago.

[Bunnylump]

Went to see Darkest Hour yesterday. It was worth a watch, but a little cliched and some parts. Has anyone else seen it? If so, what did you think?

[LAT]

We also went to see Darkest Hour yesterday. We really enjoyed it. I did start wondering how much we owe to Clementine!

[Bunnylump]

Yes, I thought that!

[Bunnylump]

We have just got back from seeing The Favourite. We particularly enjoyed it as it was filmed at Hatfield House which we visited in August...and the fact that they have filmed using natural light makes it look really authentic. It's weird, very weird, but strangely compelling. Definitely a must - see!

[LAT]

We have just got back from seeing The Favourite. We particularly enjoyed it as it was filmed at Hatfield House which we visited in August...and the fact that they have filmed using natural light makes it look really authentic. It's weird, very weird, but strangely compelling. Definitely a must - see!

Definitely weird in parts!
I actually quite enjoyed it but thought that it could easily have been cut by about 20 minutes - mainly of long slow camera shots focused on one face at various times. I has made me want to learn a bit more about Queen Anne.