Seen any good films lately? [3]

Anyone else seen Big Trouble In Little China? I recently re-watched it, it's one of my favourite movies and one of John Carpenter's most underrated, a bizarre but hugely entertaining fusion of fantasy, comedy and martial arts flick, with Kurt Russel on fine form as the permanently befuddled Jack Burton, a blowhard truck driver who fancies himself the next John Wayne, but is actually the comedy sidekick in his own movie:

Yeah, that film is such silly fun I love Kurt Russell in that. He plays Mr Macho really well. At that time I think men were ok with sending themselves up a bit, it was the usual stereotypical He-Man type that couldn't really do things right & they weren't as tough as they made out Watching films like that I always think, they must have had so much fun making them the laughs they must have had

watched the BFG I didn't know it was a Steven Spielberg film, its really lovely.

Actually watched a Nicolas Cage film that I really enjoyed called 'Knowing'. Timey Wimey and really entertaining. Good popcorn movie.  nearly as good as the Denzel Washington timey wimey film 'Deja Vu'.

Awh, that's the one with Mark Rylance doing the voice for the giant isn't it ? I liked that one also there again I like Mark Rylance. He was good in Bridge of Spies. I haven't seen Dunkirk yet, he's in that isn't he

I got to see " I, Tonia". That was quite good. I really liked that one. Not quite how I thought it would be ? Better actually. The mother in it was as tough as old boots. If you haven't seen it & want to, Id better shut up

Well, bugger me bandy, Ive reached 13000,

Congratulations, Azriel!

Thank you

"bugger me bandy"

I remember Figgs had a great bugger me phrase.  Can't remember it now.  Bugger me sideways?  No.  I think it alliterated but am not sure.  Something complex. Bugger me to something or other.

Or was it "Blast me to Buggery?"

halfwise wrote:Or was it "Blast me to Buggery?"

indeed it was. Blast it to buggery, or, Buggering bollox. if you will.

I think the exact phrase was "blast it all to buggery"

"Bugger" is so versatile don't you think ? I also like.. " sod me up a gum tree " Gawd knows what that is spose to mean

The Jumanji sequel/reboot thingy was actually surprisingly good, a bit formulaic and it descending into hollywood action cliche in the final quarter, but good natured family friendly fun with lots of funny jokes, good set pieces and a nice nod to the original, Dwayne Johnson has great fun sending up his 'beefcake' image but Jack Black stills the show.

I'm fond of the original a lot, I guess because of Robin Williams. I thought the look of this one was too Hollywoody "lets do this!" kind of cheese ? I should really check out trailers more often.

the original Jumanji was enchanting, might be wrong but the new one looks like its had all of the charm sucked out to be replaced by the usual high octane sexyladeez n violent action cgi. Not to mention a certain female wearing a belt for a skirt. I am so bored with sequels prequels and reboots.

I've seen posters of her about; only problem is, that isn't her.

its a plastic Stepford Wives version.

Back to Good Films: I just saw Red Cliff - the Chinese movie directed by John Woo about the battle that began the Three Kingdoms era in China. It was huge in China but never really gained traction in the West.

Aside from all the pyrotechnics it had very well defined and memorable characters, much needed in a film over 4 hours long. This includes a scrappy princess type, which is always appreciated; and even though there's clear sparks between her and the young but wise counselor the script doesn't take the easy way out and go for filming a love affair - very true to real life. The role of young but wise character is often attempted but rarely believable; in this case they captured it because they had such a strong historical role model to base him on - there's shrines to the guy and detailed descriptions of what made him famous, and we see some of it. Militarily he was the Chinese Hannibal in that he always had a trick up his sleeve.

If in the mood for something epic this fits the bill quite nicely.

You are rather a fan of that genre aren't you?

I saw part of Red Cliff in a history class once. Looked pretty good but I never got around to finding and watching the full film.

halfwise wrote:Back to Good Films: I just saw Red Cliff - the Chinese movie directed by John Woo about the battle that began the Three Kingdoms era in China.  It was huge in China but never really gained traction in the West.

 Aside from all the pyrotechnics it had very well defined and memorable characters, much needed in a film over 4 hours long.  This includes a scrappy princess type, which is always appreciated; and even though there's clear sparks between her and the young but wise counselor the script doesn't take the easy way out and go for filming a love affair - very true to real life.   The role of young but wise character is often attempted but rarely believable; in this case they captured it because they had such a strong historical role model to base him on - there's shrines to the guy and detailed descriptions of what made him famous, and we see some of it.  Militarily he was the Chinese Hannibal in that he always had a trick up his sleeve.

If in the mood for something epic this fits the bill quite nicely.

I will check it out, the Chinese films make some of the most beautiful imagery I have ever seen. Those sweeping landscapes and costumes.

Forest Shepherd wrote:You are rather a fan of that genre aren't you?

Oh I am. You can get exotic scenery and cultures without fear of being interrupted by a Bollywood song and dance. And the Asians do scrappy young women like nobody's business.

To convince Forrest that I don't only watch Asian epics, I saw Four Lions last night.  It's a comedy about a group of bumbling British Muslims trying to pull off terrorist attacks.  I'm not sure if I've ever seen a comedy with a greater density of actual comedy: nonstop grins and laughs for the first 45 minutes, then it becomes a bit less funny.  But Liverpool accents are just inherently funny. (sound like Liverpool but not set in Liverpool).

I really wanted this to have been written and directed by Muslims, but was disappointed to find it wasn't.  The writer spent 3 years researching it though, so it rings true.

Fake Edit: yes, I've seen Marx Brothers movies.  They try to be constantly funny, but by my lights they just ain't.  Too contrived.  And when not contrived, too random.

I hate contrived comedy. I hate these stupid TV shows like our British "You've been framed" oh feck ! Its cringe able !! People making out they didn't notice the edge of a pool & "oops, silly me " they fall in What crap !! The only honest vids are the babies/children & animal ones. They are honest