Metropolitan (1990) - A group of young upper-class Manhattanites are blithely passing through the gala debutante season, when an unusual outsider joins them and stirs them up.

This is a charming little indie. I'd like to see how Whit Stillman directs more experienced actors than the mostly unknowns here though so I'll check out his later films, The Last Days of Disco and Damsels in Distress at some point. I wish I had known beforehand that it was a Christmas movie so I could have watched it over the holidays. 1/2

[Edited 1/15/15 22:24pm]

sexton said:

The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) - The spoiled young heir to the decaying Amberson fortune comes between his widowed mother and the man she has always loved.

It's a shame the original cut no longer exists, but the edited version is still very good.

a&e produced the full version based on welles' original screenplay. it's available on dvd...i've seen both versions. i prefer welles', of course. i love joseph cotten. the a&e version is kinda meh...not very well acted.

sexton said:

Metropolitan (1990) - A group of young upper-class Manhattanites are blithely passing through the gala debutante season, when an unusual outsider joins them and stirs them up.

This is a charming little indie. I'd like to see how Whit Stillman directs more experienced actors than the mostly unknowns here though so I'll check out his later films, The Last Days of Disco and Damsels in Distress at some point. I wish I had known beforehand that it was a Christmas movie so I could have watched it over the holidays. 1/2

[Edited 1/15/15 22:24pm]

Coincidentally, I just re-watched this!

Even though it's set during Xmas, this actually had a summer release! Was nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

I saw Last Days of Disco again, recently, and enjoyed that, too. His second film was Barcelona, which a lot of people seem to regard as his second best (after Metropolitan). I haven't watched it since it came out, but maybe I should revisit that one, as well. IMHO, Chris Eigeman steals all three!

Damsels is another story. It was Stillman's first movie in thirteen years and I watched it online. I couldn't get through it. Even Greta Gerwig (whom I usually love) couldn't save it for me. It just seemed ridiculous.

peedub said:

sexton said:

The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) - The spoiled young heir to the decaying Amberson fortune comes between his widowed mother and the man she has always loved.

It's a shame the original cut no longer exists, but the edited version is still very good.

a&e produced the full version based on welles' original screenplay. it's available on dvd...i've seen both versions. i prefer welles', of course. i love joseph cotten. the a&e version is kinda meh...not very well acted.

The A&E remake would be interesting and sad to watch knowing what was lost.

Ace said:

sexton said:

Metropolitan (1990) - A group of young upper-class Manhattanites are blithely passing through the gala debutante season, when an unusual outsider joins them and stirs them up.

This is a charming little indie. I'd like to see how Whit Stillman directs more experienced actors than the mostly unknowns here though so I'll check out his later films, The Last Days of Disco and Damsels in Distress at some point. I wish I had known beforehand that it was a Christmas movie so I could have watched it over the holidays. 1/2

[Edited 1/15/15 22:24pm]

Coincidentally, I just re-watched this!

Even though it's set during Xmas, this actually had a summer release! Was nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

I saw Last Days of Disco again, recently, and enjoyed that, too. His second film was Barcelona, which a lot of people seem to regard as his second best (after Metropolitan). I haven't watched it since it came out, but maybe I should revisit that one, as well. IMHO, Chris Eigeman steals all three!

Damsels is another story. It was Stillman's first movie in thirteen years and I watched it online. I couldn't get through it. Even Greta Gerwig (whom I usually love) couldn't save it for me. It just seemed ridiculous.

I recorded Metropolitan off TCM last September after liking Stillman's pilot for The Cosmopolitans which aired on Amazon. The premise was what drew me into that one (expats in Paris) since I was clearly not a Stillman fan having never seen any of his movies before. Barcelona was on TCM that same night I think. Looking back, I should have recorded that one too.

sexton said:

Ace said:

Coincidentally, I just re-watched this!

Even though it's set during Xmas, this actually had a summer release! Was nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

I saw Last Days of Disco again, recently, and enjoyed that, too. His second film was Barcelona, which a lot of people seem to regard as his second best (after Metropolitan). I haven't watched it since it came out, but maybe I should revisit that one, as well. IMHO, Chris Eigeman steals all three!

Damsels is another story. It was Stillman's first movie in thirteen years and I watched it online. I couldn't get through it. Even Greta Gerwig (whom I usually love) couldn't save it for me. It just seemed ridiculous.

I recorded Metropolitan off TCM last September after liking Stillman's pilot for The Cosmopolitans which aired on Amazon. The premise was what drew me into that one (expats in Paris) since I was clearly not a Stillman fan having never seen any of his movies before. Barcelona was on TCM that same night I think. Looking back, I should have recorded that one too.

I haven't seen The Cosmopolitans; I think Canada's geo-blocked for Amazon shows. Is it worth switching on the ol' Hola unblocker for? Do you have a link?

Inherent Vice (2014) - In 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles detective Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.

I could have used a cheat sheet while watching this because it was difficult keeping track of the dense plot and large cast of characters. There were many fine moments throughout, but ultimately it was too much for me to really appreciate after only one viewing. I could see myself possibly liking this movie a lot more after seeing it again--which would be worthwhile to get another eyeful of Katherine Waterson. Oh my. 1/2

sexton said:

Inherent Vice (2014) - In 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles detective Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.

I could have used a cheat sheet while watching this because it was difficult keeping track of the dense plot and large cast of characters. There were many fine moments throughout, but ultimately it was too much for me to really appreciate after only one viewing. I could see myself possibly liking this movie a lot more after seeing it again--which would be worthwhile to get another eyeful of Katherine Waterson. Oh my. 1/2

This film has two characteristics which will probably keep me away: quirkiness and Joaquin Phoenix*.

*(Although I will, of course, see the next Woody Allen - in which he co-stars with Emma Stone).

Ace said:

sexton said:

I recorded Metropolitan off TCM last September after liking Stillman's pilot for The Cosmopolitans which aired on Amazon. The premise was what drew me into that one (expats in Paris) since I was clearly not a Stillman fan having never seen any of his movies before. Barcelona was on TCM that same night I think. Looking back, I should have recorded that one too.

I haven't seen The Cosmopolitans; I think Canada's geo-blocked for Amazon shows. Is it worth switching on the ol' Hola unblocker for? Do you have a link?

This is the U.S. link: http://www.amazon.com/Pil...B00MR9WKFU

I found it entertaining enough. At half an hour, it certainly didn't overstay its welcome. I hope the additional scripts Amazon ordered entice them to produce a full season.

[Edited 1/16/15 19:12pm]

sexton said:

Ace said:

I haven't seen The Cosmopolitans; I think Canada's geo-blocked for Amazon shows. Is it worth switching on the ol' Hola unblocker for? Do you have a link?

This is the U.S. link: http://www.amazon.com/Pil...B00MR9WKFU

I found it entertaining enough. At half an hour, it certainly didn't overstay its welcome. I hope the additional scripts Amazon ordered entice them to produce a full season.

[Edited 1/16/15 19:12pm]

Thanks! I guess you've heard Amazon's signed Woody for a series?

Ace said:

sexton said:

This is the U.S. link: http://www.amazon.com/Pil...B00MR9WKFU

I found it entertaining enough. At half an hour, it certainly didn't overstay its welcome. I hope the additional scripts Amazon ordered entice them to produce a full season.

[Edited 1/16/15 19:12pm]

Thanks! I guess you've heard Amazon's signed Woody for a series?

Yes, I did! And even though I've only seen a handful of Allen films, I'm actually looking forward to this project.

sexton said:

I've only seen a handful of Allen films

Really? Which ones?

Very well-written, directed, photographed and acted.

3/4

Westworld (1973) out of

HBO has a Westworld tv series in development, so I watched the movie it will be based on. It was fine. This is the first Yul Brynner film I've seen that isn't The Ten Commandents.

I didn't know Amazon had ordered more scripts for The Cosmopolitans. That's exciting to hear cause I thought they had just passed on it.


On Thursday Amazon released the new pilots for their fourth pilot seaso. The Man in The High Castle is getting enormous buzz.

The Man in the High Castle
Creator: Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files)
Premise: An alt-history saga adapted from the Philip K. Dick novel of the same title imagines America in a world where the Axis powers won World War II—by beating everyone else to the bomb and nuking Washington D.C. The year is 1962, and the United States is split in two, à la Berlin. The Nazis control the East, the Japanese control the West, and the cold war between the former confederates threatens to explode, pending the outcome of political instability in Germany: Hitler, it seems, has Parkinson’s, and not long to live. Against this backdrop, we meet a variety of characters suffering or surviving each oppressive culture. Two of them in particular—Julianna (Mob City’s Alexa Davalos), investigating the murder of her sister, and Joe (Luke Kleintank of Pretty Little Liars andBones), a newcomer to the resistance—are on a collision course, drawn to each other by the mystery of illicit newsreels depicting a different, better history, one where the Allies carried the day. The films are rebel art, producing an Anonymous-like subversive known only as “The Man in the High Castle.”

Ace said:

sexton said:

I've only seen a handful of Allen films

Really? Which ones?

Before I list them, I will clarify that I wrote off Woody Allen for a long time with the excuse that, as a person of color, I couldn't relate to his films. It wasn't until he used Scarlett Johansson as bait that I gave in and of course realized that I was wrong.

Sleeper (I saw this in high school I think)

Match Point

Scoop

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Midnight In Paris

To Rome With Love

Blue Jasmine

I know, I really need to watch Annie Hall and Manhattan at the very least. Both of those were on the last Sight & Sound top 250 poll so I've made them a priority.

sexton said:

Ace said:

Really? Which ones?

Before I list them, I will clarify that I wrote off Woody Allen for a long time with the excuse that, as a person of color, I couldn't relate to his films.

He's Chris Rock's favorite filmmaker.

It wasn't until he used Scarlett Johansson as bait that I gave in and of course realized that I was wrong.

Sleeper (I saw this in high school I think)

Match Point

Scoop

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Midnight In Paris

To Rome With Love

Blue Jasmine

I know, I really need to watch Annie Hall and Manhattan at the very least. Both of those were on the last Sight & Sound top 250 poll so I've made them a priority.

Manhattan's worth it just for Gordon Willis' stunning cinematography alone.

I love Match Point. What'd you think of that? And Hannah and Her Sisters isn't on your really-need-to-watch list? Was very popular and critically-acclaimed (won Oscars, etc.). I have a problem with the ending, but still a great film.

Other Woody "classics":

Crimes and Misdemeanors

Husbands and Wives

The Purple Rose of Cairo

Broadway Danny Rose

Zelig

Less-popular ones that I personally love:

Alice

Deconstructing Harry

Celebrity

Whatever Works

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger

Shadows and Fog

In terms of the 'early, funnier ones', I think my favorite's Bananas.

Hudson said:

I didn't know Amazon had ordered more scripts for The Cosmopolitans. That's exciting to hear cause I thought they had just passed on it.


On Thursday Amazon released the new pilots for their fourth pilot seaso. The Man in The High Castle is getting enormous buzz.

The Man in the High Castle
Creator: Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files)
Premise: An alt-history saga adapted from the Philip K. Dick novel of the same title imagines America in a world where the Axis powers won World War II—by beating everyone else to the bomb and nuking Washington D.C. The year is 1962, and the United States is split in two, à la Berlin. The Nazis control the East, the Japanese control the West, and the cold war between the former confederates threatens to explode, pending the outcome of political instability in Germany: Hitler, it seems, has Parkinson’s, and not long to live. Against this backdrop, we meet a variety of characters suffering or surviving each oppressive culture. Two of them in particular—Julianna (Mob City’s Alexa Davalos), investigating the murder of her sister, and Joe (Luke Kleintank of Pretty Little Liars andBones), a newcomer to the resistance—are on a collision course, drawn to each other by the mystery of illicit newsreels depicting a different, better history, one where the Allies carried the day. The films are rebel art, producing an Anonymous-like subversive known only as “The Man in the High Castle.”

I'm very interested in that. I read quite a few pkd novels in the nineties (including that one), & then went through a huge binge about two years ago (including MITHT again), & am still occasionally dipping my toes into a few short story comps. High Castle isn't one of my favourites (those would be Ubik & VALIS, probably), but I've always thought it was really fertile ground for tv or film adaptation.

[Edited 1/18/15 7:01am]

Ace said:

sexton said:

He's Chris Rock's favorite filmmaker.

It wasn't until he used Scarlett Johansson as bait that I gave in and of course realized that I was wrong.

Sleeper (I saw this in high school I think)

Match Point

Scoop

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Midnight In Paris

To Rome With Love

Blue Jasmine

I know, I really need to watch Annie Hall and Manhattan at the very least. Both of those were on the last Sight & Sound top 250 poll so I've made them a priority.

Manhattan's worth it just for Gordon Willis' stunning cinematography alone.

I love Match Point. What'd you think of that? And Hannah and Her Sisters isn't on your really-need-to-watch list? Was very popular and critically-acclaimed (won Oscars, etc.). I have a problem with the ending, but still a great film.

Other Woody "classics":

Crimes and Misdemeanors

Husbands and Wives

The Purple Rose of Cairo

Broadway Danny Rose

Zelig

Less-popular ones that I personally love:

Alice

Deconstructing Harry

Celebrity

Whatever Works

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger

Shadows and Fog

In terms of the 'early, funnier ones', I think my favorite's Bananas.

For whatever it's worth, Crimes & Misdemeanors & Purple Rose are my personal favourites, and the two that I think are the most complete & satisfying of all that I've seen - but put a big asterisk on that, since I'm far from a completist.

damosuzuki said:

Ace said:

For whatever it's worth, Crimes & Misdemeanors & Purple Rose are my personal favourites, and the two that I think are the most complete & satisfying of all that I've seen - but put a big asterisk on that, since I'm far from a completist.

Purple Rose is one of Woody's personal favorites.

Ace said:

damosuzuki said:

For whatever it's worth, Crimes & Misdemeanors & Purple Rose are my personal favourites, and the two that I think are the most complete & satisfying of all that I've seen - but put a big asterisk on that, since I'm far from a completist.

Purple Rose is one of Woody's personal favorites.

I have a fairly firm memory of a quote in his Rolling Stone interview back in '87 (or so) where he was dismissive of the critical praise Hannah... received the year before (& of critics in general), & stated that he thought PRoC was a far better film that hadn't received 1/2 the attention. Can't find the quote - hopefully i'm not just making it up.

damosuzuki said:

Ace said:

Purple Rose is one of Woody's personal favorites.

I have a fairly firm memory of a quote in his Rolling Stone interview back in '87 (or so) where he was dismissive of the critical praise Hannah... received the year before (& of critics in general), & stated that he thought PRoC was a far better film that hadn't received 1/2 the attention. Can't find the quote - hopefully i'm not just making it up.

Sounds accurate. He's said he blew the ending to Hannah.

It was fine intill Will Ferral showed up and it became a Toy Story movie.

Not my thing and the only time I find it interesting was when Meryl was on screen.

[Edited 1/18/15 12:06pm]

My wife initially wanted to see the latest Kevin Hart crap....instead went to go see "American Sniper"...much better choice, great movie.

lazycrockett said:

Not my thing and the only time I find it interesting was when Meryl was on screen.

[Edited 1/18/15 12:06pm]

I just saw this today as well. Disappointing.

sexton said:

lazycrockett said:

Not my thing and the only time I find it interesting was when Meryl was on screen.

[Edited 1/18/15 12:06pm]

I just saw this today as well. Disappointing.

I recommend the stage version. It is much better and more dark. There is much more death and comedy in the stage version. And you get a second Princes song in which they are in "Agony" over new ladies who are both a sleep (Snow White & Sleeping beauty). The last lyric in the song is; "Oh, well. Back to my wife."

Meryll does not deserve a nom even less a win.

Pride 7.5 / 10

Unbroken 8 / 10