If ever there was a film that needed Frank Darabont and Thomas Newman involved, it was this one. It could have been Shawshank in the right hands but instead what we got was… fine. It needed a Newman score.
The name "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" is a literal translation of the Chinese idiom "卧虎藏龙" (Wuo hu zhan long) which describes a place that is full of talented or extraordinary people who remain hidden and undiscovered, or simply means "talented or extraordinary people hidden from view". It is from a poem of the ancient Chinese poet Yu Xin (513-581) that reads "暗石疑藏虎，盘根似卧龙", meaning "behind the rock in the dark likely hides a tiger, and the coiling giant root resembles a crouching dragon."
The famous ancient strategist Zhuge Liang (181–234) had a nickname called 诸葛卧龙 (Zhu Ge Wo Long). Zhu Ge is the family name. Wo Long is Crouching Dragon. The story is that before he was invited to be the chancellor of Liu Bei, the Shu's king, Zhuge Liang was a hermit living in Longzhong as a regular farmer. But Liu heard his name and knew he got great talent and capability, so Liu visited him for three times hoping that he could be Liu's strategist. After refusing Liu twice, Liang came to be touched by Liu's caring for the people and his sincerity and accepted his invitation at the third time. Now you know why he was called 诸葛卧龙.
In the movie, the female protagonist Jen's nickname, Jiaolong, is "delicate dragon" in Chinese. And Lo's name, Xiaohu, means "little tiger". So the title means all the main characters (the talented and extraordinary) generally as well as Jen and Lo specifically.
Former LA police office, author and peak-oil activist, Michael Ruppert, shares his bleak vision for the future of humanity. You start out thinking these are the typical ramblings of a conspiracy-theorist, but his arguments are compellingly persuasive. By the end you are desperately hoping he’s a lunatic, because the terrifying alternative is that he is right.
"Your Mom's Martha?
Dude! MY Mom's Martha too!
We should be friends now!"
Are you fucking kidding me?
When I was a kid, I still remember the first time I read Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns". As a child whose idea of Superman & Batman was Christopher Reeve & Adam West, it was a revelation. Dark, brooding and so far removed from the movie and TV versions of these characters, yet so much more interesting for it. I remember dreaming of a movie version of Frank Miller's Batman & Superman.
This is why it was so surprising to me that when this film was announced, I wasn't more excited about it - here finally was "The Dark Knight Returns" adapted for the screen. The problem, was that I had watched 'Man of Steel' and wasn't enamoured with Snyder's vision - I felt that while that movie had had the potential to be good (the trailer's had made it look awesome!) it had failed to deliver on the fun - it just wasn't as fun as a Superman film should be. Nolan's Batman films were FUN, although the first one was a little weak, The Dark Knight found the perfect formula and ran with it. Dark and brooding, yes, but with humour and fun too. I never felt the fun with the Man of Steel - we're talking about a flying alien here! - and It was with this feeling that I sat down to watch Batman vs Superman.
It's worth noting here that I watched the Ultimate Edition at home - I never saw the theatrical cut that everyone had hated so much - but its safe to say my expectations weren't high. Having watched it, I am pleased to be able to say that it I actually enjoyed it way more than I expected, and it was not the complete train-wreck I feared. My conclusion is that it still lacks a sense of fun, and takes itself too seriously, but SOMEWHERE on the editing room floor is an absolutely AMAZING film. With the right editing this could have been something incredible. I've always felt that Snyder's films tend to be all style but no substance. While he has definitely matured in his ability to create multi-dimensional characters he still has a way to go. The whole Martha coincidence was just terrible writing, but that being said, there was actually a lot to like here (Ben Affleck makes a great Miller Batman. He nailed it.
Gareth Edward's first movie. Very impressive considering the shoestring budget. Not at all what you expect - much more character-driven than action packed. More romantic drama, than horror, though there are definitely scares to be had here. Very well shot, and keeps the suspense up by not showing the monsters until necessary. Recommended.
Fun but instantly forgettable. If you don't like Melissa McCarthy, this isn't going to change your mind. Standouts are Jason Statham, playing against type as a bumbling idiot, Rose Byrne, as the villain and Miranda Hart, in (AFAIK) her first Hollywood role.
Arnie was good and it was moody and atmospheric, but this movie's fundamental problem stems from the fact that it is a zombie movie without any zombies....
My head is still exploding having just watched The Force Awakens in 3D IMAX. Absolutely awesome - one of the best cinema-going experiences I've ever had. Definitely the best Star Wars film in three decades, and maybe the best one ever. You'll laugh, cry and want to leap in the air. The new cast are all great, but when Han Solo and Chewie arrive it's like your childhood comes crashing into the present. Harrison Ford is one of the best things in this film.
Critics have complained that this film borrows too much from episode IV. I think it is more homage for the fans and doesn't bother me one iota. It may not be perfect but man is it FUN. It's a wonderful throwback to the original trilogy that recaptures the humour and fun so lacking from the prequels. Star Wars is back!
Disney have clearly learned from Marvel's successes and are doing some major world building here leaving many questions unanswered. Comic book movies are often rebooted and no-one complains but many other movies are considered sacrosanct. What JJ Abrams has done here is to produce BOTH a sequel and a reboot. It's inspired, and helpfully sets up a world of stories to explore in future movies.
This is just the beginning. Welcome to the Star Wars Cinematic Universe....
Trivia: The girl kissed by Elliott in the classroom scene is none other than former playmate and baywatch star Erika Eleniak!
I haven't had this much fun with an action movie since John Woo's Hard Boiled. Amazing fight sequences and a high body count that doesn't let up from start to finish. What more do you want from an action film?
This what a great movie. I'm just not sure it was a great Bond movie. It just didn't have the sense of fun that I expect from Bond.
RIP Robin Williams & Elliott Smith. Two amazingly talented individuals who sadly took their own life.
Will: "Fuck you!"
Sean: "You're the shepherd....!"
It was actually better than I expected (but I expected it to be terrible!). Some of the jokes miss their mark, bug when they hit you'll be laughing out loud. It was also cleverer than I expected with an amusing take on the rise of Murdoch journalism, and the rolling 24hr news machine.
On paper this sounded terrible, except for one thing - it came from the mind Guillermo Del Toro. This was the only reason I decided to watch it, and I was pleasantly surprised. As blockbuster monster movies go this one seriously delivers. The special effects are first rate, and it's really a lot of fun.
Performance wise, Idris Elba and Rinko Kikuchi and standouts. Del Toro favourite, Ron Perlman, has a small but fun role. The weaker links are Charlie Hunnam and Charlie Day, the latter serving as comic relief. Day merely does his usual "It's always sunny in Philadelphia" schtick which tonally doesn't sit that well with the rest of the film.
On the flip side the spectacle of huge monsters and robots battling each other while destroying the cities around them, is worth the admission price on its own. It's the ultimate Sunday night movie - unlikely to challenge you intellectually, but a perfect mindless end to the weekend!
Scientists have zeroed in on the cause of the massive bee die offs - pesticides called neonicotinoids from phamaceutical giant Bayer are responsible. Please go here to sign the petition to get them banned from retail stores: http://action.sumofus.org/a/home-depot-lowes-bees-neonicotinoids/9/2/?sub=fb
An engaging short film which stays with you long after its 23 minute running time. A sharp inciteful script, and a powerful and moving performance from Joseph Gilgun is sured up by Gourlay's solid direction. I look forward to more things from this director. Recommended.
Not sure how this one passed me by. Brilliant and terrifying.
Every few years Woody Allen's newest film is trumpeted by the press as his "best film in years" - Wimbledon, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Midnight in Paris - and while these films are good, when you finally get to watch them, they can't quite live up to the hype. Blue Jasmine more than lives up to it.
Cate Blanchett's Jasmine is one of the finest pieces of acting I have ever seen - a powerhouse performance. A touching portrayal of a woman holding on to life by her fingernails. The supporting roles are also first rate.
Blue Jasmine IS Woody Allen's best film in years, hell I'd even go as far to say that it could be one of his best films ever. At 77 years old he can still surprise us.
I not surprised she hated it - Dick van Dyke's "cockernee" accent was horrendous!
My absolutely favourite of the Walt Disney-era Disney films. Amazing songs and great characters. It also stands up well to the test of time. Trivia - This was the last film to have Walt Disney's personal touch before his death in 1966.
How have I only just watched this film? Absolutely breathtaking. The corridor fight scene, all shot in one take, is masterfully choreographed. I haven't seen the remake yet, but something tells me, it won't be a patch on this. Just watch it.
Forget "A Good Day to Die Hard", THIS should have been the new Die Hard movie. With only a few changes this could easily have replaced Channing Tatum with Bruce Willis as John McClaine. Other that a few minor flaws, it surprisingly delivered all the thrills of a classic 80s action movie. Sure the plot was preposterous - but that's kind of what makes it fun. For pure DieHardian action this movie leaves you smiling.
Nothing about this movie should work, and without Vaughn and Wilson it wouldn't. It is a credit to their chemistry as a double act, that they are able to elevate something which should be mediocre and make it thoroughly entertaining.
Zombies on a plane! Love it!
Trivia: Stoker was written by Wentworth Miller, the actor who played Michael Scofield in Fox's 2005 TV drama "Prison Break". Hard to believe, I know!
Trivia: Fans of cult movie Withnail & I should look out for Ralph Brown (Withnail & I's hilarious drug dealer, Danny) as the sheriff. I did a triple-take since I just couldn't believe it was him...
Hilarious. While on the first viewing not everyone will get its charms, it is a film that only improves with repeated viewings. The performances are top notch, and it is chock full of memorable lines. I particularly love John C Reilly in a role that we would probably have seen Bill Murray in 10 years ago.
This will be released in the UK as "The Rise" on September 20th 2013
