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For the life of me (Reply to this comment)
by Mr.Eyore
I can't figure why anyone thinks Before Sunrise is anything other than an epic hunk of poo ... or why Canadians still spell it "Honourable".
I haven't seen any of the movies you actually reviewed here, so I'll leave it at that.
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Apr 06 '05
3:32 pm PDT
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Re: . (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Munkus-
I totally agree with your number #1.
Which one was #1 again? I forget.
(And, by the way, is it redundant to write "number #1"? Isn't that like writing "I love Jim Carrey and & Kate Winslet"? Just checking...)
But I'd have knocked the Incredibles further down the list. I dunno why, but as pretty as it was I found it considerably more forced than Nemo... as if Brad Bird et al knew that had an awful lot of hype to live up to. I didn't find it as funny... but just long. I still enjoyed it of course, but... yeah. That was my general feeling about the movie. But... yeah.
But... yeah indeed. Let me just say that I agree with you, mostly. "The Incredibles" wasn't nearly in the same league as "Nemo" (which, if you'll check my list from 2003 [http://www.epinions.com/content_4054360196], I thought pretty highly of). It was a very good film in an otherwise lackluster year. Not that that should take away from its quality.
Also, my respect for Bird has plummeted after the bit with Pierce Brosnan and Edna Mould fell completely flat at the Oscars.
I didn't feel like Bird got hit by any of the shrapnel from that piece. After all, I think the fact that this is the man who made "The Iron Giant" more than makes up for any wrongheaded decisions he might ever make. To be fair, it's a long Oscar-night tradition to force some wooden Hollywood actor into acting opposite a bit of animated shenanigans. It was either Edna or Shrek, and I know which one I prefer.
-mike
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Mar 01 '05
8:21 am PST
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. (Reply to this comment)
by munkus
I totally agree with your number #1. But I'd have knocked the Incredibles further down the list. I dunno why, but as pretty as it was I found it considerably more forced than Nemo... as if Brad Bird et al knew that had an awful lot of hype to live up to. I didn't find it as funny... but just long. I still enjoyed it of course, but... yeah. That was my general feeling about the movie. But... yeah.
Also, my respect for Bird has plummeted after the bit with Pierce Brosnan and Edna Mould fell completely flat at the Oscars.
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Feb 28 '05
5:47 pm PST
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Re: Wish I Knew... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Pippa-
Wish I Knew what you would have thought of Below Sunshine or whatever the hell that trash was...
Oh that's rich. You're so apathetic about the movie that you can't bother quoting it's correct title, while being convinced that it's trash without even seeing it. I know it's all a joke to you, but I'm not laughing.
...without Ethan Hawke. Coz I just have a hard time watching movies with all that grease.
Like Ethan Hawke, or don't like Ethan Hawke. That's cool. I just don't see why any of this is my problem...
-mike
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Feb 23 '05
7:14 am PST
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Wish I Knew... (Reply to this comment)
by pippadaisy
... what you would have thought of Below Sunshine or whatever the hell that trash was without Ethan Hawke. Coz I just have a hard time watching movies with all that grease.
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Feb 21 '05
9:02 am PST
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Re: the passion of the scot: a big, juicy squirt of...? (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Andy-
good to see you! hi, i'm andy, and i've been ridiculously sporadic around these parts lately. i see you have too, so you mightn't ever see this comment. therefore, here comes the random insult:
mfunk75 is a prick.
Commence ass kicking.
"collateral" was ok-ish, i thought. i get what you mean about tom cruise as a prop; it was sort of funny. he reminded me of the terminator in a way. with slightly less comedy value. and a little more malice. but the ending sucked a little bit. even you gotta admit that.
The Terminator comparison is most apt. Though it points out one of the movie's main failings. In "T" and "T2", Auhnuld is pushing the envelope of his emotional range. Which makes it funny. In "Collateral", we know that Cruise can do more than this. And yet he doesn't. Which makes him kind of pathetic. And not at all scary. As for the ending, well, you're right. It could have been a bit less cops-and-robbers and a bit more existential-anti-hero-and-metallic-super-killer. But it wasn't.
oh, "shaun of the dead" gets me every time. i freakin' love it. simon pegg is one of my favourite actors; he was in a brilliant little british sitcom called "spaced" that you'd probably enjoy. look out for it. and how can you beat a tim-and-dawn return? (even if they didn't actually make contact with each other.)
I'm trying to get my hands on a copy (or copies) of spaced. Despite Crispy's recommendation, it certainly does sound like something up my alley. Unfortunately, we here in North America, while being late to the "Office" party, are not invited to view "Spaced". Just yet. And a little bit of Tim-and-Dawn goes a long way, as you well know. I just had a couple of sick days, last week, and spent most of my time (between retching) making my way through my "Office" DVDs again. And it was nirvana.
i've noticed you appear to be a bit of a tarantino fanboy. true?
It is indeed. For more of my Tarantinorgasms, check this out: http://www.epinions.com/content_3078004868
"eternal whotsit": two weeks ago i was staying at a friend's flat in a drunken stupor, and he handed me this movie on DVD in the midst of our drunken state. probably with the notion that i should take it home and watch it immediately. i should've technically saw it when it came out in the movie theatre, but some girl decided not to speak to me anymore (bitch! bitch!) so it was a no-go. anyway, i forgot to take it with me in the morning, which was a bit silly. and dammit, i really wanted to watch that one.
Erm, well, yeah. Great story. ;) Just watch the movie, and all your bitchy-girl troubles will magically end, food will taste better, and you'll instantly be 6 inches taller. Whether you want it or not.
Nice to see you again. Don't be so scarce (he says, hypocritically)...
-mike
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Feb 20 '05
7:46 am PST
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Re: Re: Re: --- (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Chrisp-
Here's a hint: I reviewed a film recently, and even say in my summary "film of the year? Oh yes" or words to that effect. So I'm guessing it's that one.
Got it. Though I would take umbrage with the use of the word "recently" in that first sentence. Unless you're using it in a relative sense. I know I'm not one to talk, when talk comes to reviewerly output, but still.
And what's with this four day thing? Dude, I did a review recently. You're expecting two in the same month? Dream on...
I would not ask of you that which I am unwilling to do myself. Or maybe I would. Who knows? Just get on it, peckerhead.
Good, sarcastic highlighting of my confusing wording there. I meant to write 'vouch', but it came at as 'vote'. It must be my accent.
Yes, well, I know what that's all aboot.
I'm happy for you. Really. I didn't want an explanation, I just wanted to criticise you. If I want your life story, I'll ask for it.
Born in Toronto in 1975, Michael Stone was a happy baby, full of... oh wait. So you don't want my life story? My bad.
Not really. You're a great advertisement for the education industry. I imagine your teaching methods aren't a million miles away from Jack Black's in School Of Rock: "I have a headache and the runs. So I say, time for recess".
Except for the whole coming-to-class-drunk-(er-hungover) thing, I'd say my teaching methods are pretty close to the Jack Black style. I even bring my flying-V to class, sometimes.
Dude, I watched Jersey Girl for you. I went to the cinema and paid goddamn money to watch that film, because you said I had to.
True, but that was for a write-off that you entered voluntarily. If you can come up with a write-off excuse for me to watch "Napoleon Dynamite" (*shudder*) then I'll watch it again and review it. Also, you must guarantee many many rates, lots of happy comments, and a bump up in my WOT. Otherwise... no dice.
So the least you can do is give me a review of a film you've already seen. Mike, I'm not asking you to review this film, I'm telling you.
The least I can do is sit here in my underwear and not reply to your whiny little comments. That's the least I can do.
Pretty please [flutters eyes]
Get those things away from me. You're scaring the neighbours.
-mike
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Feb 20 '05
7:35 am PST
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the passion of the scot: a big, juicy squirt of...? (Reply to this comment)
by andym173
mike,
good to see you! hi, i'm andy, and i've been ridiculously sporadic around these parts lately. i see you have too, so you mightn't ever see this comment. therefore, here comes the random insult:
mfunk75 is a prick.
ah, i feel so much better now. cuz mfunk75 would kick my ass if i ever actually said that to his face (computer screen). anyway, your choices for top movies, yeah.
"collateral" was ok-ish, i thought. i get what you mean about tom cruise as a prop; it was sort of funny. he reminded me of the terminator in a way. with slightly less comedy value. and a little more malice. but the ending sucked a little bit. even you gotta admit that.
oh, "shaun of the dead" gets me every time. i freakin' love it. simon pegg is one of my favourite actors; he was in a brilliant little british sitcom called "spaced" that you'd probably enjoy. look out for it. and how can you beat a tim-and-dawn return? (even if they didn't actually make contact with each other.)
i'm with you on "kill bill 2" -- i enjoyed it much more than its predecessor. the first was a little too heavy on the fight scenes for me. with tarantino, it's all about the dialogue baby, and if there's not enough of that, well, his movies tend to fall apart.
i've noticed you appear to be a bit of a tarantino fanboy. true?
ah, and your top two. "the incredibles" i'm definitely with you on. i've never felt like such a big kid in my life. but it was great! and "eternal whotsit": two weeks ago i was staying at a friend's flat in a drunken stupor, and he handed me this movie on DVD in the midst of our drunken state. probably with the notion that i should take it home and watch it immediately. i should've technically saw it when it came out in the movie theatre, but some girl decided not to speak to me anymore (bitch! bitch!) so it was a no-go. anyway, i forgot to take it with me in the morning, which was a bit silly. and dammit, i really wanted to watch that one.
ah well... absolutely flabulous list! cheers,
- andy
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Feb 19 '05
3:07 pm PST
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Re: Re: --- (Reply to this comment)
by Simply_Crispy
Mike -
What? That can't be? I didn't include any Japanese horror, any British zombie films, or any Swedish snuff films!
That's true, but I'm making an exception for you, because I know that you're not sophisticated enough to appreciate such films.
You tease. It's been 4 days since you left this comment, and we're still no closer to learning which Swedish snuff film tops your Best of 2004 list. Out with it, man.
You've more or less hit the nail on the head with the suggestions you gave above. Here's a hint: I reviewed a film recently, and even say in my summary "film of the year? Oh yes" or words to that effect. So I'm guessing it's that one. And what's with this four day thing? Dude, I did a review recently. You're expecting two in the same month? Dream on...
Compared to Vol. 1, it's a bit more Tarantino-fied. Which is why I "voted" for it.
Good, sarcastic highlighting of my confusing wording there. I meant to write 'vouch', but it came at as 'vote'. It must be my accent.
I found its reliance on QT's dialogue, and his ability to coax breathtaking performances out of staid actors ("Kung Fu", anyone?), the greatest points in its favour. Vol. 1 went more for show-offy sword fighting, and that just doesn't get my blood a-boilin' on repeat viewings.
I'm happy for you. Really. I didn't want an explanation, I just wanted to criticise you. If I want your life story, I'll ask for it.
That's odd, because I don't do anything these days. Unless my doing of nothing surprises you.
Not really. You're a great advertisement for the education industry. I imagine your teaching methods aren't a million miles away from Jack Black's in School Of Rock: "I have a headache and the runs. So I say, time for recess".
Despite that delicious promise, I can't bring myself to watch "ND" again. And it will certainly take a repeat viewing to get up to 1000 words, for I've done my best to banish all my memories of that film since I viewed it the first time.
Dude, I watched Jersey Girl for you. I went to the cinema and paid goddamn money to watch that film, because you said I had to. So the least you can do is give me a review of a film you've already seen. Mike, I'm not asking you to review this film, I'm telling you.
Pretty please [flutters eyes]
Chris
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Feb 19 '05
5:09 am PST
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Re: --- (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Chrisp-
Gotta say, for the most part I agree with you here.
What? That can't be? I didn't include any Japanese horror, any British zombie films, or any Swedish snuff films!
"Eternal Sunshine" is a beautiful and thoroughly addictive film and I agree that any critic worth their salt will have it as their film of the year (which is to say that it will not be at the top spot in my imminent list).
You tease. It's been 4 days since you left this comment, and we're still no closer to learning which Swedish snuff film tops your Best of 2004 list. Out with it, man.
I'm surprised that you can vote for Kill Bill Vol. 2 in there. Compared to Vol.1 it's a bit flat.
Compared to Vol. 1, it's a bit more Tarantino-fied. Which is why I "voted" for it. I found its reliance on QT's dialogue, and his ability to coax breathtaking performances out of staid actors ("Kung Fu", anyone?), the greatest points in its favour. Vol. 1 went more for show-offy sword fighting, and that just doesn't get my blood a-boilin' on repeat viewings.
But you do so many things these days that surprise me, it doesn't surprise me.
That's odd, because I don't do anything these days. Unless my doing of nothing surprises you.
And I want more bile about Napolean Dynamite please. I honestly yearn to hear your thoughts on this film via a scathing 1000 word review. It doesn't even have to be any good, you know I'll just read the first sentence and rubberstamp it anyway.
Despite that delicious promise, I can't bring myself to watch "ND" again. And it will certainly take a repeat viewing to get up to 1000 words, for I've done my best to banish all my memories of that film since I viewed it the first time.
-mike
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Feb 18 '05
4:09 pm PST
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--- (Reply to this comment)
by Simply_Crispy
Mike
Gotta say, for the most part I agree with you here. "Eternal Sunshine" is a beautiful and thoroughly addictive film and I agree that any critic worth their salt will have it as their film of the year (which is to say that it will not be at the top spot in my imminent list).
As for the others, well, I'm surprised that you can vote for Kill Bill Vol. 2 in there. Compared to Vol.1 it's a bit flat. But you do so many things these days that surprise me, it doesn't surprise me.
And I want more bile about Napolean Dynamite please. I honestly yearn to hear your thoughts on this film via a scathing 1000 word review. It doesn't even have to be any good, you know I'll just read the first sentence and rubberstamp it anyway.
Chris
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Feb 14 '05
9:50 am PST
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: A big, long comment (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Suenderbritches-
Hey, somebody cleaned it up! Where's all my stuff?
You'll get it back when I get my Kilmereviews. Get crackin'.
And if not....."That 70's Show" and 1000 words of Greek Wedding praise. I can hardly lose now, can I?
I still don't know why you keep insisting that this was part of the original deal. Because it was not. The original deal stated that, in exchange for two Kilmereviews I would bestow credibility and respect on you. That is a priceless prize, and you know it.
Did you know that the theaters here aren't metric? And don't have automatic ticket and food dispensers?
Just two of the many reasons why I will (or may) never visit Wisconsin. See if you can get the Chamber of Commerce to fix that, and I may change my mind.
Oh. My. God. It's the best thing since the Love Toilet. I must have one.
Just one?
I may be a big dork, but the five year olds don't know it yet - they've never heard of Kate Beckinsale.
You mean "The Last Days of Disco" wasn't a big hit with the first-grader set? I am shocked. Shocked!
I still have user-name envy. Oh, woe is me....
Hey, it could be worse. Just look at my competition:
http://tinyurl.com/47v8r
-mikesauce
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Feb 11 '05
11:57 am PST
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Re: Re: Re: Re: A big, long comment (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket,  in Movies
Tater mike,
That's where Fuzzy Britches answers all her e-mail... and contracts infectious diseases in the process.
Hey, somebody cleaned it up! Where's all my stuff?
The longer the journey to Valhalla, the sweeter the comedy will be.
And if not....."That 70's Show" and 1000 words of Greek Wedding praise. I can hardly lose now, can I?
You should know better than that. The only actual theatre you should ever set foot in must have a giant Rubik's Cube on the roof. Otherwise, the movie-watching experience will be ruined.
You'd think I would have learned my lesson by now. Did you know that the theaters here aren't metric? And don't have automatic ticket and food dispensers? What's up with that? It's like the nineteenth century here.
http://www.dexterton.com/dic_furniture/ruf/cinema.html
Oh. My. God. It's the best thing since the Love Toilet. I must have one.
*snort* (--ironic snort)
Fine, I may be a big dork, but the five year olds don't know it yet - they've never heard of Kate Beckinsale.
Fuzzy Britches, meet wonderbritches. Wonderbritches, meet Fuzzy Britches (and be careful not to steal her thunder, or compare her to Kate Beckinsale. She hates that.).
I still have user-name envy. Oh, woe is me....
Suebik's Cube
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Feb 09 '05
9:53 pm PST
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Re: Re: Re: Re: A big, long comment (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Chad-
It's quite clear to us all by now that Sue's movie radar is falling out of whack. First, she dares dislike the genius of Ron Burgandy, then she doesn't feel moved by Eternal Sunshine.
For these crimes, Sue and only Sue is to blame. I recommend forty lashes with a wet noodle.
And then, she has the audacity to move Val Kilmer movies UP in her queue. That's blasphemy.
That's my fault. I'm trying to convince Sue that Val was funny, once, back during the period where he churned out such Zuckerfied hits as "Top Secret!" and "Real Genius". Even you, Chad, must have a fondness in your heart for those classic gems.
If you don't, then I will be forced to hate you.
-mpunk
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Feb 09 '05
9:20 am PST
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Re: Re: Re: A big, long comment (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Wonderbritchsue-
You know the old expression, "better overly precious or nice (in Britain) than to only like movies in English".
Thanks, Stephen_Murraynocket. ;)
Because you're not only president of the Optimist's Club for Canuck's, but you're also a member?
I would never join an Optimist's Club that would have me as a member.
Have you been window peeping again? I told you, that's against the law down here in civilization.
Not only have I been peeping, but also I've been taking pictures. Just one of many:
http://tinyurl.com/3sttk
That's where Fuzzy Britches answers all her e-mail... and contracts infectious diseases in the process.
Oh, and Garden State is first on the queue (in the mail right now!) because I bumped it up. Val hasn't gotten that kind of special attention. He'll need to earn it.
That's fine. Val can wait (though I'm having a bit of trouble waiting for him, but we'll let that pass). The longer the journey to Valhalla, the sweeter the comedy will be.
I did see it in an actual theater, which may well have made me so uncomfortable by its strangeness that I couldn't enjoy the movie.
You should know better than that. The only actual theatre you should ever set foot in must have a giant Rubik's Cube on the roof. Otherwise, the movie-watching experience will be ruined.
I might like it better on the nice, smaller screen with a couch in front of it.
Or, better yet:
http://www.dexterton.com/dic_furniture/ruf/cinema.html
I may be a dork, but I'm not that big a dork.
*snort* (--ironic snort)
How many tater tots did you get?
As many as my pockets could hold. Duh.
Hey, who's that wonderbritches person on your WOT? I have user-name envy.
Fuzzy Britches, meet wonderbritches. Wonderbritches, meet Fuzzy Britches (and be careful not to steal her thunder, or compare her to Kate Beckinsale. She hates that.).
-wondermike
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Feb 09 '05
9:17 am PST
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Re: Re: Re: Re: A big, long comment (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
she has the audacity to move Val Kilmer movies UP in her queue.
Okay, I'll cop to the Ron Burgundy and the Spotless Mind (I wanted to love it, but only liked it - I promise I'll try again, really, I do!) but not to moving Val up on the queue. Garden State got moved up on the queue, Val is inching up all by himself - at the insistence of mpunk. I am not guilty!
Not guilty I say!
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Feb 09 '05
6:06 am PST
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Re: Re: Re: A big, long comment (Reply to this comment)
by lemon_lime
Mike,
It's quite clear to us all by now that Sue's movie radar is falling out of whack. First, she dares dislike the genius of Ron Burgandy, then she doesn't feel moved by Eternal Sunshine. And then, she has the audacity to move Val Kilmer movies UP in her queue. That's blasphemy. Unless that movie is Alexander. In which case, I feel incredibly sorry for the entire Nocket household.
Sue, Sue, Sue. We barely knew ye.
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Feb 08 '05
10:04 pm PST
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Re: Re: A big, long comment (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Napoleon Dynamike,
twee adj. Chiefly British. Overly precious or nice.
"Sue's reviews are often quite lightweight; her fellow reviewers, behind her back, call her Millitweeket, for her unabashed tweeness."
At least my tweeness is unabashed. You know the old expression, "better overly precious or nice (in Britain) than to only like movies in English".
That's Brian's greatest fault, though: he looks for the bright side in even the most heinous of films. I don't have that luxury.
Because you're not only president of the Optimist's Club for Canuck's, but you're also a member?
When in doubt, blame the 'stache.
Or the smell....
I know. I read the review. May have even left a snarktastic comment or two.
You did. I'd forgotten. Must be my tweeness kicking in.
I'm betting you had so much trouble with the furrin accents, you kept asking Dr. Nocket just what it was they were muling back and forth. And then, in a bout of confusion, you tried storing some of your vast supply of baby powder up your butt. Am I close?
Have you been window peeping again? I told you, that's against the law down here in civilization.
I have mixed emotions about the above paragraph. On the one hand, you express in interest in my favourite movies. ON the other hand, you're that much closer to basking in the comedic gold that is Val Kilmer, circa 1985. What's a boy to do?
It's a dilemma, to be sure. I think that a boy should heap praise upon the most twee, woeful person he can find - it will make him feel good and darn it, it's just the right thing to do.
Oh, and Garden State is first on the queue (in the mail right now!) because I bumped it up. Val hasn't gotten that kind of special attention. He'll need to earn it.
Well, they movie does follow them on the road -- backwards as it may be -- to breaking up. I'm not sure anyone is radiate while their relationship is coming to an end. Except, possibly, the Human Torch.
Maybe I just couldn't get into it. I did see it in an actual theater, which may well have made me so uncomfortable by its strangeness that I couldn't enjoy the movie. I might like it better on the nice, smaller screen with a couch in front of it.
He hears you. And -- yup -- he doesn't care a lick.
I know, but I can try.
Boo!
Oh, stop it. Yes, Ethan is icky, but I still put the movie on the queue, didn't I? Yes I did. So shut up.
That list, in all its eccentricities, actually makes me want to see that movie.
Do it. Then review it. Dare ya.
Can I make a suggestion? Next time you go down to the elementary school, wear a shirt that says "Pedro for President". See how many tater tots you get. And then beat yourself up for ever following such a ridiculous idea.
I may be a dork, but I'm not that big a dork.
How many tater tots did you get?
Hey, who's that wonderbritches person on your WOT? I have user-name envy.
Twee Britches
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Feb 07 '05
10:59 pm PST
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Re: spotless judgment, vol. 2004 (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Voxy-
The woodwork must be quite empty, because you, Fienberg, and I have always recently come out of it!
I've only seen six non-documentary movies from 2004. I loved four and disliked one (Mean Girls being too insubstantial to feel a thing about),
I bet you say that just to cover up the embarrassing squeals of delight you let out upon seeing Lindsay Lohan on screen for the first time.
so it's a pleasure to see Eternal Sunshine, Before Sunset, and Garden State in your top six in the right order.
I did much research, before publishing list, in order to find out just what the correct order was. I'm glad that all my legwork paid off.
It's a pleasure to see I Heart Huckabees getting a tip of the cap as a movie you suspect is brilliant and perceptive (which it is, although not necessarily because Russell's versions of Buddhism and nihilism are as deep as he thinks they are).
I'm thinking that the mix of philosophy with more practical talk of relationships and living in the modern world and Dustin Hoffman's moptop makes "Huckabees" a more consequential movie than I'd first imagined. I know that David O. is never going to be mistaken for Bertrand Russell (or even Kurt Russell), but he doesn't have to be. He's a moviemaker, after all. He's not trying to crack God's Code.
And it's lots of fun to see Napoleon Dynamite getting less mercy from you than i afforded it. Although it sounds like it's less fun for you to feel. Down here in N.C., Nap's a lot less influential on the kids.
I saw a 13-year old girl laugh at a retarded boy today. All he wanted to do was be her friend. That's the kind of person who holds "Napoleon Dynamite" close to their chest, and it really has me worried.
David Edelstein of Slate had the same criticism of Team America that you did. He liked the movie anyway, but the critique kept me away
Surprisingly, I've only recently discovered the joys of Mr. Edelstein, and will seek out his "TA" review, just to make myself feel more right. Though I do worry about his rabid Wes Anderson aversion. I guess we can't all be perfect.
(i'm getting very sick of Michael Moore bashing,
I think the worst part is the fact that Stone/Parker don't bash Moore for his rampant liberalism. Instead, they just mock his fatness (the marionette Moore always has mustard and ketchup stains on his shirt, and a hot dog in each hand).
and am ready to read the bestseller Anne Coulter is a Trim, Attractive Idiot any day now).
I'm sorry, but is Ann Coulter a real person? I thought she was just a remnant from a bad dream I had the other night...
some of the negative things i've heard about Million Dollar Baby seem persuasively negative to me.
The thing about "Million Dollar Baby" is this: I tend to agree with most of the negative things written about it (the cinematic, but not the political, negative things). But I think it packs enough of an emotional wallop (and then follows that up with a stunning melancholic haymaker to the jaw) that I can easily discount its flaws, and just feel my way through the film. If that helps.
-mike
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Feb 07 '05
1:38 pm PST
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Re: A big, long comment (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Sueper Size Me-
Okay, first of all, someone please tell me what the hell "twee" means. Is it good or bad? Can I use this word in casual conversation? If so, someone please provide an example.
twee (twē) adj. Chiefly British. Overly precious or nice.
"Sue's reviews are often quite lightweight; her fellow reviewers, behind her back, call her Millitweeket, for her unabashed tweeness."
Haven't seen it yet - it's on the queue. But I do recall Brian bashing it a good one.
He did. Though, from my perspective, he was way too nice on it. That's Brian's greatest fault, though: he looks for the bright side in even the most heinous of films. I don't have that luxury.
Anchorman? Oh dear. Didn't like that one much, but maybe it's a testosterone cologne thing....
When in doubt, blame the 'stache.
Loved Super Size Me
I know. I read the review. May have even left a snarktastic comment or two.
and just saw Maria Full of Grace last night. You'll have to wait a few days to find out what I thought - I know this has you on pins and needles. All I can say is that I can't play favorites - you'll find out with everyone else.
I'm betting you had so much trouble with the furrin accents, you kept asking Dr. Nocket just what it was they were muling back and forth. And then, in a bout of confusion, you tried storing some of your vast supply of baby powder up your butt. Am I close?
The others (except that Metallica thing, of course - good lord) are going to have to wait until nobody cares any more and they come out on DVD (yeah, some already are, but some Val Kilmer movies somehow got ahead of them on the queue).
I have mixed emotions about the above paragraph. On the one hand, you express in interest in my favourite movies. ON the other hand, you're that much closer to basking in the comedic gold that is Val Kilmer, circa 1985. What's a boy to do?
Of your top ten I have only seen two - The Incredibles and Spotless Mind. I liked The Incredibles - it was good fun and the kids adored it.
Yay!
Like John, though, Spotless Mind didn't hit me like I thought it would.
Boo!
I had some trouble with the chemistry between Carrey and Winslet - it just didn't radiate off the screen.
Well, they movie does follow them on the road -- backwards as it may be -- to breaking up. I'm not sure anyone is radiate while their relationship is coming to an end. Except, possibly, the Human Torch.
I find this sad, because not only do I love Charlie Kaufman, but I wanted to love the movie and just didn't quite make it. I think what John said about it being a mood thing might apply to me as well. Maybe I'll try it again.
Maybe the two of you naysayers should down some Ecstasy and take in a matinee showing together. I can't have you both talking trash about "Eternal Sunshine". Can I?
As for the others, I'm looking forward to seeing each and every one, except the one I'm not (do you hear me Quentin Tarantino?).
He hears you. And -- yup -- he doesn't care a lick.
Even the icky Ethan starring Before Sunset is on the queue.
Boo!
Because you are Canadian, however, I expect you to revere only those films with "poutine" in the title. What's wrong with you?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0267633/keywords
That list, in all its eccentricities, actually makes me want to see that movie.
Sueweet! (yeah, I hear it too - all over the elementary school. I didn't know where it came from - do these kids realize that this is something that we said when I was in college back in the middle ages? Coming from their mouths it sounds as incongruous and ridiculous as if they were saying "those healthy snacks are nifty, Mother!". Oy)
Can I make a suggestion? Next time you go down to the elementary school, wear a shirt that says "Pedro for President". See how many tater tots you get. And then beat yourself up for ever following such a ridiculous idea.
-eternal sunshine of the spotless mike
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Feb 07 '05
1:27 pm PST
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Re: Re: Re: From Canadians (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Jack-
And which Texan, exactly, am I supposed to be competing against?
That would me moi, I must admit.
I kind of figured that. Though I'm not sure why he's leaving secret mash notes for you in my comment section. I feel so... used.
This is a comment left by Stephen "Heinous William Hurt Bashing" Murray in my Best of 1992 list:
Tell me, Jacko,
Can it be that there has never been a movie in some language other than English worthy of inclusion in one of your ten-best list? Not that there were any really compelling 1992 candidates, but in the aggregate your lists seem as ethnocentric as Dubyah (who is purportedly bilingual, but what I've heard of his Spanish is even more cringe-inducing than his mangled English).
My gosh, that's pompous. Is his reasoning such that non-English language films are inherently better because they're non-English language? And that every critic worth his/her salt has to bow down at the altar of the Other? I stand by my previous assessment of his dickliness.
don't worry. Just say you love Hurt's brilliant Oscar-winning performance in "Kiss of the Spider Woman", and 'ol Stevie will turn aghast and act like Santa Claus and leave your presence.
Nah. Instead I'll just keep up the Kurt Russell bashing. That's proven to have the desired effect, time and again. ;)
-mike
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Feb 07 '05
1:15 pm PST
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Re: agree to agree (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Paul-
Napoleon Dynamite sucks, and I agree with four of your top five
Agreeing is fun! "Napoleon Dynamite" does suck! Whoop whoop!
(I have not seen "The Incredibles")
Well obviously I'd recommend that you drop everything, rush out to the cinema, and see this post-haste. In fact, that's exactly what I'll do. Incredibles ho!
I don't know how I feel about this. If you have any ideas, please tell me.
I'd say that there's strength in numbers, damn the torpedoes, and let's make the best of it.
-mike
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Feb 07 '05
1:11 pm PST
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spotless judgment, vol. 2004 (Reply to this comment)
by voxpoptart
I've only seen six non-documentary movies from 2004. I loved four and disliked one (Mean Girls being too insubstantial to feel a thing about), so it's a pleasure to see Eternal Sunshine, Before Sunset, and Garden State in your top six in the right order. It's a pleasure to see I Heart Huckabees getting a tip of the cap as a movie you suspect is brilliant and perceptive (which it is, although not necessarily because Russell's versions of Buddhism and nihilism are as deep as he thinks they are). And it's lots of fun to see Napoleon Dynamite getting less mercy from you than i afforded it. Although it sounds like it's less fun for you to feel. Down here in N.C., Nap's a lot less influential on the kids.
David Edelstein of Slate had the same criticism of Team America that you did. He liked the movie anyway, but the critique kept me away (i'm getting very sick of Michael Moore bashing, and am ready to read the bestseller Anne Coulter is a Trim, Attractive Idiot any day now). Sounds like that was just as well.
I'd been undecided about Collateral and Kill Bill, and some of the negative things i've heard about Million Dollar Baby seem persuasively negative to me. But i'll credit your taste enough to Queue them, especially since i agree with you about Michael Mann's visual judgment; remind me in 2009, and i'll let you know how they worked for me.
cheers,
- Brian
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Feb 07 '05
1:25 am PST
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A big, long comment (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Okay, first of all, someone please tell me what the hell "twee" means. Is it good or bad? Can I use this word in casual conversation? If so, someone please provide an example.
The film that made me the angriest, in 2004, was "Napoleon Dynamite".
Haven't seen it yet - it's on the queue. But I do recall Brian bashing it a good one.
Honourable Mentions:
20. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, 19. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, 18. Fahrenheit 9/11, 17. The Aviator, 16. In Good Company, 15. Ocean's Twelve, 14. Super-Size Me, 13. Maria Full of Grace, 12. Sideways, 11. Metallica: Some Kind of Monster
Anchorman? Oh dear. Didn't like that one much, but maybe it's a testosterone cologne thing....
Loved Super Size Me and just saw Maria Full of Grace last night. You'll have to wait a few days to find out what I thought - I know this has you on pins and needles. All I can say is that I can't play favorites - you'll find out with everyone else. The others (except that Metallica thing, of course - good lord) are going to have to wait until nobody cares any more and they come out on DVD (yeah, some already are, but some Val Kilmer movies somehow got ahead of them on the queue).
Of your top ten I have only seen two - The Incredibles and Spotless Mind. I liked The Incredibles - it was good fun and the kids adored it. Like John, though, Spotless Mind didn't hit me like I thought it would. I had some trouble with the chemistry between Carrey and Winslet - it just didn't radiate off the screen. I find this sad, because not only do I love Charlie Kaufman, but I wanted to love the movie and just didn't quite make it. I think what John said about it being a mood thing might apply to me as well. Maybe I'll try it again.
As for the others, I'm looking forward to seeing each and every one, except the one I'm not (do you hear me Quentin Tarantino?). Even the icky Ethan starring Before Sunset is on the queue.
Because you are Canadian, however, I expect you to revere only those films with "poutine" in the title. What's wrong with you?
Sueweet! (yeah, I hear it too - all over the elementary school. I didn't know where it came from - do these kids realize that this is something that we said when I was in college back in the middle ages? Coming from their mouths it sounds as incongruous and ridiculous as if they were saying "those healthy snacks are nifty, Mother!". Oy)
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Feb 06 '05
8:49 pm PST
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agree to agree (Reply to this comment)
by spus025
Mike,
Napoleon Dynamite sucks, and I agree with four of your top five (I have not seen "The Incredibles"), especially your number one. I don't know how I feel about this. If you have any ideas, please tell me.
-Paul
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Feb 06 '05
8:57 am PST
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Re: Twee!!! (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Twee12345-
I love that word (used in description of Garden State, which I only glimpsed as I was leaving another movie).
I love that word too. It sounds so small and helpless, you just want to cuddle it in your arms and whisper, "It'll all be okay" in its ear.
As for "Garden State", I sometimes think that people love or hate that one based solely on their ability to tolerate Natalie Portman. I can (in large quantities), therefore I liked the flick. Let that bit of advice be your guide.
I can't say Eternal (etc)
Did you forget the rest of the title, there? How apropos!
...did much for me, but it could have been a mood thing. I doubt it. Me loves me Adaptation. though. (Note, you are missing the period in your review).
Nobody has been able to explain to me why that period is included in the first place. So I don't use it. It's the same reason why I still insist on calling "Snatch." "Snatch".
I think your #s 19 and 20 may be the same film, so that doesn't count.
Yeah, I know what you mean. I often find myself referring to "Anchorman: A True Underdog Story" and/or "Dodgeball: The Legend of Will Ferrell's Hideously Bushy Moustache". It's all very confusing.
Query: did you catch Vera Drake?
Answer: No I did not. I always mean to catch Mike Leigh's movies, but for some reason the best laid plans of mice and men...
I've been as busy as ever, having started today on a three-month long tour in a children's theater production, having composed the music for the show.
That sounds like a lot more fun than my three-month long tour in children's classrooms (as a substitute teacher). I find myself yelling "quiet" over and over for 7 hours a day. Probably doesn't give me the same thrill that composing music gives you.
Also, just bought my first apt...
Neat! When's the apartment-warming party? I'll bring the merlot (just to piss off "Sideways"!).
Nice to find your post here-- I may break my silent streak, as well.
Those silent streaks are tough hombres, aren't they? Good luck handling yours...
-mike
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Feb 06 '05
6:20 am PST
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Re: comparing notes (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Jer-
I haven't seen Million Dollar Baby yet (it took the Oscar nominations to finally open both it and Sideways here last weekend),
That's a shame. I'm finding that "MDB" is my movie-most-recommended this Christmas/New Year's season. I'm trying to start my own word-of-mouth marketing campaign.
but your 1-4 picks will definitely make my list as well, and the fact that Chad notes the similarities between your Top 5 and his only affirms just how good the best of this year's best films were.
That's one way of looking at it. I'd argue that the second-tier of movies, this year, was so weak that anyone with taste (i.e. Chad, myself, you, etc.) will probably agree on just who should top this particular heap.
I am also with you in the "no, it's not as good as his other films, but it's still damn good" camp on The Life Aquatic,
I still don't understand the bile some people have for this film. I get why people would find "Rushmore" or "Tenenbaums" slow and aloof. And why those same people would find the same qualities in "Zissou". But I've seen people get angry about Wes' latest, and I just don't get why.
while the backlash that I've been noticing over the popularity of Garden State makes me all the more protective of it, so I'm happy to see someone else still willing to come to its defense.
I think I need to see "Garden State" one more time, just to get the best reading on it. As I say, I worry that the first strong wind will blow it from my memory. I wonder if it has the legs to stand the test of time (as its forefather, "The Graduate", has done).
The only other films that I've seen from 2004 so far that I feel all that passionate about were Fahrenheit 9/11, another one that seems to have fallen out of favor with a lot of critics but which you list as a runner-up,
I list it as a runner-up, mainly for its good intentions. I was really disappointed with it as a piece of filmmaking, or even just as a polemic. I thought that "Bowling for Columbine", while sledgehammering home a point of view, was actually an entertaining and well-constructed piece of art. "Fahrenheit 9/11" was as dry as a history textbook (and not one of those funny history textbooks that "The Daily Show" puts out; but an actual history textbook). Good propaganda grabs you by the lapels and shakes you until you agree. This one was barely a light tap on the shoulder.
and Open Water, which a lot of people hated and you don't seem to have an opinion on.
Haven't seen it, based solely on the opinion of those who hated it. But if you're offering up a recommendation, I'm willing to give it a shot.
But I still do need to see Sideways, Tarnation, Goodbye Dragon Inn, Million Dollar Baby, Control Room, Birth, Spring Summer Winter Fall...and Spring, The Return, The Machinist and, grudgingly, Napoleon Dynamite before I feel comfortable enough to finalize my list, which I'd like to publish by Oscar weekend. Think I can manage?
My feeling is that, unless you're a paid movie critic, there has to be a point where you realize that you're not going to see all the movies. I figured I had enough in my rearview mirror to make up the list.
And, to answer the question you didn't ask, you don't need to see "Napoleon Dynamite". It'll take precious years off your life. Believe me.
-mike
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Feb 06 '05
6:08 am PST
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Re: From Canadians (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Stephen-
From Canadians we hope for a bit more consmopolitan diet than we expect from Texans.
I'm going to assume that you're complaining (or should that be "conplaining" [sic]) about the lack of global diversity in my list. Well, I'd answer that charge if I were at all concerned about conforming to your ideas of what a Top 10 list should look like, rather than truthfully relating what my Top 10 list actually includes. Also, you're a dick for even bringing it up, so I feel safe in ignoring that charge.
And which Texan, exactly, am I supposed to be competing against?
"The House of Flying Daggers"
Didn't see it, mainly because I was so disappointed by "Hero".
and "Bad Education"
Didn't see it, either. Though not because of choice, but more because of oversight. I can't see them all, can I?
(and, if the Canadian release was as late as the US one, "Hero").
See above.
-mike
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Feb 06 '05
5:56 am PST
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Re: >>>> (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Dan-
Wait, so if our lists overlap on five or six entries, do I really need to make a list?
Yes. Yes you do. Though I am honoured to host you, here in my comment section, I feel that the least you can do is draw up a full list. I think you owe it to the Eps community.
I don't feel like there was much depth to the best offerings of the year and thus there's gonna be a lot of general overlap...
I tend to agree. This is the kind of year where a film as workmanlike but ultimately forgettable as "Sideways" manages to look good by comparison. I liked "Sideways", but c'mon! It's not the second coming of "The Days of Wine and Roses"! It's barely "About Schmidt", for that matter.
And you've done such a good job here. I guess my only recourse is gonna be to write longer than you. Yup. That's how I'm going to compete! Woo-hoo!
Well, that's just music to my ears.
And yes, I just got around to Napoleon Dynamite yesterday and I was irked by the contempt of the film and by the fact that the people who MTV is marketing the movie toward are the exact people who would have beaten up real-life Napoleon Dynamites in high school. Grumble.
I am not privy to the MTV marketing campaign (thank YHWH), so I at least can avoid that bit of anger. But the movie itself, outside of any marketing campaign, appears to be mocking not only Nap, but also all of its characters. It holds them up, puts them in a Lucite box, and asks you to toss eggs at them. I'd give Jared Hess credit, for pulling off a weird kind of teen-comedy subversion, if I thought that's what he meant to do. Bah.
Thanks for popping in. Makes my return to Eps, after more than a month away, almost worth it.
-mike
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Feb 06 '05
5:47 am PST
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Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
DeciChad-
I'm somewhat freaked out that I just made my list over the past few days...and SEVEN of the films in your top ten also made it into mine.
Now I'm worried about the three that didn't. And how I can help those three get back in your good graces. Any suggestions? Bribery? Backrubs? Lap dances? They're up for anything...
That's astonishing overlap, which can only mean that we are true geniuses.
Or that we're both idiots. I'm betting on somewhere in between.
Even scarier: Your top 5 is almost exactly my top 5, and the order is even near the same.
The scariest thing would be if your top 5 and my top 5 matched the Oscars' top 5. Then we'd know that something was truly wrong with the universe. Thankfully, the Oscars are still fooled by melodrama and slick marketing campaigns, so our hard-won opinions are safe.
This can only be good for American-Canadian relations.
Gosh, I wonder what would have happened if our lists were like totally different! Would Dubya take that as a cue to bomb us? Golly gosh!
Nice list, and Napoleon Dynamite bothered me too. The next person that says "Gosh" to me gets a punch right in the face.
*duck*
-mike
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Feb 06 '05
5:35 am PST
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