Flipside Movie Emporium

The Third M?n · Posted: 09.16.2003 10:07 am Post subject:

So Mike, tell me, why didn't you like Lawrence of Arabia? Really...

Michael Scrutchin · Posted: 09.16.2003 1:54 pm Post subject:

matt header · Posted: 09.16.2003 2:48 pm Post subject:

Saw "Masked and Anonymous" yesterday. It is the worst movie of the year so far, arrogant, incomprehensible, and ridiculous - there may be some subject matter in there, but (a) you'd have to wade through a lot of atrocity to get to it, and (b) I don't think there is. I love Dylan's mid-60's work, but with this movie there's only one explanation for his once greatness: it turned into vanity.

Anyone else see it? Disagree? Thoughts?

The Third M?n · Posted: 09.16.2003 3:05 pm Post subject:

The Third M?n · Posted: 09.16.2003 7:21 pm Post subject:

I just saw Paths of Glory, my third Kubrick film (2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining being the other two). I loved it, especially the dramatic use of the steady cam. A masterpiece.

the night watchman · Posted: 09.16.2003 9:00 pm Post subject:

matt header · Posted: 09.16.2003 9:12 pm Post subject:

Understandable. Some movies are so atrocious, so inexplicably bad, it's like a miracle of nature, but not in a good way. I, too, would like to see "The Brown Bunny," and Madonna's "Swept Away."

beltmann · Posted: 09.16.2003 9:35 pm Post subject:

As I understand it, Miramax's dubbing of Benigni's Pinocchio was devastating. I watched the subtitled version on DVD, and despite the lame special effects, I found a great deal to admire: Although Benigni's overgrown prancing, squealing, and double takes require a learning curve, I enjoyed the brisk pace, the visual imagination, and the willingness to include the stress and violence of the original Collodi tale. The truly singular tone grew on me. I can't say it was a good movie exactly, but I certainly didn't think it was one of the worst pictures released last year, not by any stretch.

I think I share a sensibility with Night Watchman about poorly received films--the worse the reviews, the more interested I become. I haven't seen Masked and Anonymous yet, but it sure looks like a mess.

Eric

matt header · Posted: 09.17.2003 3:32 am Post subject:

I just got back from a screening of Woody Allen's "Anything Else." I loved it, but I am also a passionate fan of Allen; others may not be so appreciative. It remains within the genre conventions of the teenage romance comedy, but adds Allen's sophisticated wit and turns a sweet allegory on art, friendship, and love into an optimistic and absolutely beautiful slice-of-life. At first there are problems with Jason Biggs' performance, which mimics Allen to a T, but I eventually became comfortable with the notion that he is supposedly Allen's neurotic protege, both in performance and in the story itself. Witty, funny, human, great - one of my favorite movies of the year so far.

beltmann · Posted: 09.17.2003 4:12 pm Post subject:

The Third M?n · Posted: 09.17.2003 9:44 pm Post subject:

I just watched The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers for a second time and loved it even more, if that can be said. What d'you guys think about it?

beltmann · Posted: 09.17.2003 9:51 pm Post subject:

Not my favorite type of film--there's something off-putting about its willingness to find exhilaration in mass slaughter. Still, I can't deny the skill and artistry involved. I think I would have loved it as a kid--really, what more do we want from an action-fantasy epic?--and I managed to include it on my Top Ten last year. (I snubbed the first film, and still think I made the right call.)

Eric

The Third M?n · Posted: 09.17.2003 9:53 pm Post subject:

Yes, I'd seen your list earlier. Incredible stuff. I, for one, cannot wait for The Return of the King to come out.

My next viewing will probably be Casablanca (2nd).

beltmann · Posted: 09.20.2003 2:00 am Post subject:

matt header · Posted: 09.20.2003 4:35 am Post subject:

Man, I can't wait to check that out - unfortunately my Internet is undergoing some really aggravating bug right now, and I can't bring up any images - only words. Which is fine when checking out the interesting discussion among fine Flipside fellows, but this is pretty much the only website I can check out right now. Which sucks. Really sucks.