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Post by dvdjunkie on Oct 26, 2009 8:57:59 GMT -6
The H1N1 isn't available around here yet, so this was just the regular flu shot. I had never bought into these shots, but for some reason this year I thought it would be a good thing. I was told that you get a mild case of the flu from the shot, but I guess I was open for whatever came with it, and ended up with a full blown case of the flu. I am over it now, and Beverly is in the last days of it with that horrible cough. It is all behind us now, and we can get on with our holiday shopping and getting ready for the ghosts and goblins of Halloween this Saturday night.
Watching a lot of movies in the last few days, including "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, along with my favorite scene-stealer Betty White. Very funny movie, and worth every minute of the time it takes to watch this one. Also watched "Monsters vs. Aliens" with the grandkids and had a ball. Watched "Transformer Revenge of the Fallen", the second of the Transformers movies, also directed by Michael Bay. Watching a lot of Disney movies, and late at night I delve into my 'film noir' classics.
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Post by Hedvig on Oct 26, 2009 17:40:34 GMT -6
Monsters Vs. Aliens, for some reason. The plot isn't great and sci-fi doesn't appeal to me on its own, but it's a fun film about some nice friendships - something I'm a sucker for - and centered around a woman who becomes powerful. In one really brilliant scene, the bad guy thinks he has her in a safe cage and that he's in total control, but she is completely unimpressed by his trap, breaks free and chases him through the spaceship! Why weren't there more films like that when I was a kid? Lets see: I had Aladdin, where Jasmine first tries to seduce the enemy before being captured, Beauty and the Beast - which is okay I guess, although women who have experienced spousal abuse might see dark undertones in Belle's relationship with the Beast, I had Little Mermaid, Aristocats, Robin Hood, Snow White, The Lion King, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan. Oh, and Mulan and Anastasia. Those two were great. I also fled to history. Queen Christina stimulated my imagination. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina_of_SwedenGirls do enjoy having adventures. Action heroines were always a lot more fun to play. Of course I loved the other princesses too. Yesterday I also saw A Special Day, a great, downtoned movie by Ettore Scola, set in fascist Italy during the 30's. I'm looking forward to exploring the classic era of Italian cinema more.
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Post by Hedvig on Nov 1, 2009 15:23:48 GMT -6
I hope you're feeling better, Bill! I'm sorry I missed that you said you had flu, how awful!
Midge wrote:
Is it the 1993 reissue? This is the one Disney classic I really want in a good restored version. Well of course it would be nice to have them all but if I could pick one... re. Chaplin, is that sort of thing inevitable do you think? I thought it was slightly unnecessary to make certain characters his enemies when they really were not, he certainly had a number of real antagonists who would have provided the drama. Of course, originally the film was supposed to be longer, with more room for nuance.
The Bride of Frankenstein - the sequel, supposed to be better than the original Frankenstein movie from 1932.
I don't really agree with that. Bride was like the original, but with the level of hysteria ten times higher. They made the monster talk, in what I thought was a very stereotypical way - when does Hollywood caveman-speak ever sound authentic? Everything was overblown. The phrase "it/she/he's alive" was repeated very many times in different contexts, because it was so famous in the last film I guess. Everyone was at the pinnacle of some strong emotion all the time, Elisabeth and the blind man standing out for overplaying it extra much.
On the other hand, Colin Clive was really good I thought, not overacting although he could have. Dr Pretorius was a fun character, so exaggerated in his evilness. The exaggerations made this movie really entertaining, actually. It established all the conventions, but did any movie ever again present them with such spirit as this one? It's well made, as a film, and intelligently made and written too. I get the sense that it's funny because it was supposed to be, not because it's old and corny. Some of the serious parts are melodramatic rather than dramatic, but on the whole the pacing is good. There is never a dull moment.
I rather liked The Bride, it was a fun film, but I think the more understated original was better - perhaps one dosage of the monster is all I need?
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Post by Midge on Nov 1, 2009 20:03:42 GMT -6
Yes, Hedvig, the Snow White I have on VHS is the 1993 version. Your comments on Young Frankenstein were interesting. I think it is Mel Brook's greatest comedy, but if you aren't into that sort of humor it would seem overdone, I guess. The original Bride of Frankenstein is my favorite horror movie of all time.
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Post by dvdjunkie on Nov 2, 2009 10:01:17 GMT -6
Halloween movies were at the top of the list Saturday, and we started the day off with the original Frankenstein and followed that with Bride of Frankenstein. While we were still in our 30's spooky movie mindset we also watched my favorite of the Frankenstein movies, House of Frankenstein. Then we got a little more up to date and delved into my Hammer Horror Film collection and watched Horrors of Dracula (1958) starring Peter Cushing as Doctor Van Helsing and Christopher Lee as Count Dracula. This considered one of the best of the Hammer Films. Then we followed it up with a visit to two 1970 Hammer hits Taste The Blood of Dracula and The Scars of Dracula. Both films featuring Christopher Lee as the evil Count Dracula.
We took a little break by watching some Halloween cartoons from Warner Bros. and Disney, and then back to the movies. Next on the bill of fare was Abbott & Costello Meet The Killer, Boris Karloff, a very funny movie with more laughs than scares. Then it was the classic Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein, in which Lou has been hand picked to have his brain put into the Frankenstein monster, in the film played by Glenn Strange. The other Universal monsters are along for the ride, Lon Chaney as The Wolf Man, and Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula.
We only had about thirty trick or treaters, so we do have a lot of left over candy, but I am sure the grandkids will help it keep from getting to stale.
Our evening Halloween fare included the original Night of The Living Dead and my favorite film from 1981, Venom starring Nicole Williamson, Sterling Hayden (in his screen role), Klaus Kinski, Oliver Reed and Susan George. Very creepy movie about an attempted kidnapping that goes very wrong, and involves a Black Mamba Snake. And our final movie of the night was one of the favorites from the past few years, 2006's Comedy/Horror masterpiece Snakes on A Plane starring Samuel L. Jackson and Julianna Marguilles. Just 90 minutes of fun 20,000 feet in the air when a killer arranges for a load of poisonous snakes to be turned loose in the cabin of the plan that is carrying the only witness to a crime he committed. What I like about this movie is that it never takes itself to seriously, and there are lots of laughs between the screams and the jumps. Over 60 percent of the snakes are CGI, so that in itself tells you that this is a fun movie. Some very pointed dialogue, most of which cannot be repeated here, but Samuel L. Jackson has the best line in the movie.
That was our Halloween fare for Saturday, October 31, 2009.
;D
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Post by filmnoirfanatic on Nov 6, 2009 8:29:14 GMT -6
Hi! Diner Members... I plan to check out a couple of recommended films for the first time viewing this weekend...Starting with the Bela Lugosi Collection,( In this boxset I have only watched The Raven. In The Valley of Elah, and two films from the The Forgotton noir boxset...FBI Girl and Tough Assignment and the 20th Century Fox film RoadHouse. starring R.Widmark, I.Lupino and C. Wilde. (This will be my 4th time watching this film, but my first time on a dvd...The previous times that I viewed it was on Fox Movie Channel.) (I can't wait to open and watch this film in order to listen to author Eddie Muller's commentary on the DVD.) Diner Members, I hope that all have a pleasant, weekend too! DeeDee
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Post by Midge on Nov 6, 2009 16:05:20 GMT -6
Thanks, Dee Dee. The same to you! Last night I watched an early Merchant-Ivory production called Roseland (1977). All the action takes place in the famous Manhattan ballroom which went into a slow decline after the end of the Big Band era. The movie is a series of three bittersweet vignettes of people who come to Roseland looking for love or just a simple human connection. I have to say that I found the film to be slow, talky and episodic, but what a cast! There's the aging Teresa Wright (she was 59 at the time of the filming), Lou Jacobi as Wright's emotionally constipated dance partner; and a young Christopher Walken, who is the paid companion of an elderly rich woman but who pines for the gentle, luminous Geraldine Chaplin. Walken was a year away from his breakout role in The Deer Hunter, which would make him a star. I stuck through to the end because of the cast and the soundtrack of Big Band standards, but I can't really recommend this movie.
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Post by gina1975 on Nov 13, 2009 18:34:27 GMT -6
This is SO sad...About the only thing that I get to watch anymore is educational children's shows on the Disney, Nick Jr and PBS Sprout. If you would like info on shows like Sesame Street, Elmo's World, Wow Wow Wubbzy, Mickey mouse club house, Yo Gabba Gabba, or Handy Manny then I'm your gal.
I did get to see a little of a show on a Persian mummy this morning on the science channel, then Tora got up and it was play time, running errands and house work.
I might get to watch something about midnight tonight when she is asleep and things are done if I don't fall asleep.
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Post by Hedvig on Nov 19, 2009 17:08:17 GMT -6
Oh dear, I sympathize with you! It'll be a bit more fun when you can progress to Disney movies... Do you enjoy classic films? That might be a pleasant thing to watch, they're often kid-friendly even though a lot of the sophistication goes over children's heads. Obviously Tora is too young for that now, but it might be a pleasant thing for you two to watch later on.
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Post by tclion on Nov 19, 2009 21:57:12 GMT -6
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Post by gina1975 on Nov 20, 2009 1:00:56 GMT -6
She is never too much for me after 11 years of taking care of half our counties children. Just didn't realize how much the "age appropriate networks" repeated themselves. The old daycare lady in me wants to write them and remind them that too much repeats is as bad as watching junk. The only reason that I even let her have TV time is because the shows she watches are educational, with the exception of spongebob squarepants. Oh dear, I sympathize with you! It'll be a bit more fun when you can progress to Disney movies... Do you enjoy classic films? That might be a pleasant thing to watch, they're often kid-friendly even though a lot of the sophistication goes over children's heads. Obviously Tora is too young for that now, but it might be a pleasant thing for you two to watch later on. I like some of the classic films although I have never seen Casablanca or more modern classics like Titanic or Saving Private Ryan mostly because I have come to realize that I am put off by all the praise that the movies get. I have seen a few films that are highly acclaimed because I have read the books first or have had family tell me about them and know that I would be interested. I would have to say that my favorite classic movie is It's a Wonderful life. I like just about anything that James Stewart is in.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on Nov 20, 2009 20:35:32 GMT -6
I like some of the classic films although I have never seen Casablanca .... WHAT!?!?!?!?! Oh my God! Gina, I never realized, after all these years, that you haven't seen Casablanca! I am shocked .... devastated .... appalled .... crushed .... traumatized .... embalmed, er, oops, wrong adjective! :nervous:
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Post by diane on Nov 23, 2009 1:01:54 GMT -6
We bought a multi pack of DVDs of old detective shows - there's really nothing much to watch at certain times. Last night we watched Burkes Law - we could remember the music and that he was a bit of a playboy, if nothing else. It was so enjoyable - back in the times when cop shows didn't take themselves so seriously. I noticed there are a few episodes of Checkmate - I can vaguely remember it but I suppose I will when I watch it. Does anyone remember these shows?
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Post by diane on Nov 23, 2009 1:05:53 GMT -6
Just reading Bill's post - I just love that movie Venom - I will have to dig it out. I have it on VHS and haven't seen it for years. I know the fact that the little boy had the black mamba was a mistake but what kid nowadays would be allowed in a taxi with a snake!!!
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Post by Midge on Nov 23, 2009 2:08:11 GMT -6
Diane, I remember Checkmate better than Burke's Law and, though I wasn't a regular viewer of either program. I hadn't thought of Checkmate for years until you mentioned it. Sebastian Cabot made a huge impression on me, no pun intended. I also remember that I was impressed by the bold chess board graphics in the credits.
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Post by Hedvig on Nov 23, 2009 13:38:55 GMT -6
Then you've got good taste! I also love It's a Wonderful Life. Amazing, and surprisingly dark performance. I can sympathize with you not seeing Titanic or Saving Private Ryan. Sometimes it's hard to make yourself watch a movie you don't feel like watching when everyone says you should, the hype often has the opposite effect! However,
You should probably at least watch Casablanca before you die.
If only for Claude Rains. He's really funny!
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Post by Hedvig on Nov 24, 2009 13:29:18 GMT -6
What's happened to me? I haven't watched a film in ages...
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Post by Midge on Nov 25, 2009 3:24:25 GMT -6
You're a busy hard-working student, Hedvig. I've been busy, too, getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner and preparing for a house guest this weekend. There hasn't been much time for movies. I did get to see an early Hitchcock film from 1929, Blackmail. That is the one with the famous dinner table scene. The conversation is muffled except for the shrill voice of a woman who keeps repeating the word "KNIFE!"
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Post by Hedvig on Nov 27, 2009 18:49:43 GMT -6
Oh, Blackmail! It's one of those rare films you can actually find in stores here. I saw it years ago when I was new to classic films. The same scene you mentioned is the one I can remember the most strongly. I know it was such an early talkie, there were definitively technical limitations, the sound was far from perfect - although some of that might have to do with my cheap DVD - but he still came up with those creative, psychological scenes. I think Hitchcock's movies are involving in a different way than many other classic films of the golden age in Hollywood. He had fun with point of view shots with the camera, and managed to create some very special, memorable scenes with that, like the scene where the woman passes out on the train station in My Lady Vanishes for instance.
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Post by Midge on Nov 27, 2009 20:47:29 GMT -6
Hitchcock was so creative as a visual storyteller. I agree, the sound in Blackmail is pretty bad. It appears to me that some of the scenes may have been silent but had audio dubbed over them later. It's especially noticeable when the characters sometimes speak but they're facing away from the camera you can't see their lips move. I read in Hitchcock's Women that all of Anny Ondra's dialogue had to be dubbed because of her accent.
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Post by Hedvig on Nov 30, 2009 14:41:31 GMT -6
Yes, I heard that too and you can tell, can't you. There is supposed to be a silent version of Blackmail too, I wonder if it's better?
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Post by filmnoirfanatic on Dec 12, 2009 23:15:55 GMT -6
Hi! Diner members, Yesterday I watched two films for the first time... Girl From Rio and Bulldog Drummond's Bride....Coming up: Suspense and The Hunted starring actress Belita and some Christmas films. DeeDee
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Post by diane on Dec 13, 2009 15:43:11 GMT -6
Belita - she brings back memories from when I was a kid - watching her on television. Wasn't she an ice skater. Anyway over the weekend I watched - "West of Zanzibar" with Lon Chaney as a revenge crazed cripple and the beautiful Mary Nolan as the girl in distress (boy, was she ever in distress). Yesterday I watched "Betrayed" - I can't remember the original title but you would know this DeeDee. It starred Kim Hunter who marries a stranger, who seems to have a lot of secrets (that are not really explained during the film) and Robert Mitchum is her friend who offers his shoulder to cry on. I just bought "B Movies" by Don Miller and he thought this was the "best B ever made". I had it in my video collection - always remembered liking it and got it out for a look. I still like it but have got a bit more critical in my old age. Nothing the husband (Dean Jagger) did was ever explained. When she got to the apartment and found a different name near the bell - his explanation about the alias was "I do that sometimes"!! Now if the male roles were reversed and Robert Mitchum played her husband - because as her friend he seemed a bit too suave - that would have been better. Just me rambling.
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Post by Larry's 66 Diner on Dec 13, 2009 21:12:19 GMT -6
Sounds like an intriguin movie, Diane ... one I'd like to watch. The only movie I watched this weekend was a 2007 horror movie, Dead Silence, on DVD. As many of you here know, I love horror movies — past and current! This was one particular movie that sent shivers and chills up and down my spine! And I haven't felt a good spine-tingler in a long time! :thumbsup: In fact, my skin was crawling! :uhuh: WOOHOOHOOHOOHOOHOO!!!! ;D
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Post by diane on Dec 13, 2009 23:33:26 GMT -6
Your movie intrigued me too. I looked it up and noticed that Ryan Kwanten was in it. He used to be in an Australian soap "Home and Away". he played Vinnie, the jolly prankster of the Bay. I haven't seen it for years but the other night we saw him on TV. He has obviously made a big success in Hollywood and was out here for a premiere. I didn't recognise him - he has lost an awful lot of weight and now has (or thinks he does) movie star looks. He has obviously put his "aussie soap" days behind him and looked as though Australia was the last place he wanted to be!!!!
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Post by dvdjunkie on Dec 26, 2009 10:25:09 GMT -6
Santa brought me a boatload of movies, both reglar and Blu-Ray, so we sat down after dinner and watched, or should I say started to watch, Fraggle Rock - The Complete Series. A box set that contains all four seasons of the HBO series that everyone from 3 to 103 enjoyed! After about 12 episodes we thought it was time to watch a real movie, so I broke open my Thin Man Anthology Collection and thoroughly enjoyed the first two of the 'Thin Man' movies starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. Looking forward to finishing these off before New Year's. ;D
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Post by tclion on Dec 28, 2009 10:39:23 GMT -6
Bill I envy you I love Fraggle Rock.. Watch some of those for me too will you... :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump: :jump:
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Post by Hedvig on Dec 28, 2009 16:11:32 GMT -6
I watched Mary Poppins yesterday. It's the first movie I can remember seeing, ever. Back then I couldn't speak English very well - and I think I must have watched it before I could read properly, because I have always been habitually ignoring the subtitles, used to the fact that they don't mean anything to me anyway. I kept my parents' translations in mind for years. I never knew what words like "indubitably" meant - still don't as a matter of fact, so the movie still has a lot to offer to me!
Actually, the reason why I enjoy it now is because it arouses the same feelings within me as it did when I first saw it. When Mary flies in I get the same feeling of awe. How can you explain that? It's pure movie magic. Now I can also appreciate all the subtleties of the dialogue while still remembering how perfectly clear and logical the kids' thoughts and reactions are.
The kids are also great actors - Jane in particular, is a more convincing crier than many adults, and a believable older sister ("Michael, don't exaggerate."). And Julie Andrews is practically perfect as Mary Poppins. Now of course I get how corny Bert's "cockney" is - when I was little the only thing that bothered me about it was that I sometimes couldn't hear what he was saying - but he's still a good friend to the kids and a good dancer. So it was a positive experience, rediscovering this childhood favourite.
I was so inspired by it that I bought a pair of Mary Poppins-style shoes. Something I've been wanting to do ever since we bought our 1994 VHS of the movie.
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Post by Kimmer on Dec 28, 2009 18:37:54 GMT -6
Oh, I love "Mary Poppins." It's one of my favorite films from my childhood. I love everything about it....except Dick Van Dyke's atrocious attempt at a cockney accent. But the rest of the film is so magical. I love the penguin waiters, the carousel horses....oh, I need to watch this again!!
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Post by Midge on Dec 28, 2009 20:54:28 GMT -6
I am fond of Mary Poppins because I saw it on my first real date with a boy. By the way, Hedvig, "indubitably" is just another way of saying "without a doubt" or "undoubtably." I wonder what your subtitles did with "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."
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