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Re: Loved It..... (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket,  in Movies
Tom,
Nicholson's facial expressions alone were worth the cost of the movie. I liked the rather quiet, introspective tone of the movie as well. This was certainly one of Nicholson's finest performances.
Isn't he great? This is such a change of pace from what we expect from him and he handled it beautifully. I still can't quite figure out how he is able to make me forget his public persona and disappear into a character like he does, it's amazing.
I also liked the tone. The characters and message would have been lost in anything more rapid-fire or garish. A great film, is makes me very eager to see Payne's "Sideways".
Sue
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Apr 01 '05
10:52 pm PST
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Loved It..... (Reply to this comment)
by tombarnes
We just saw this tonight. Nicholson's facial expressions alone were worth the cost of the movie. I liked the rather quiet, introspective tone of the movie as well. This was certainly one of Nicholson's finest performances. Tom Barnes
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Mar 29 '05
10:25 pm PST
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Re: Re: Re: hey there... (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Tom,
You mean other people like comments also ?!? Who would have
thought...??
I know. I try and keep it a well guarded secret.........;)
Comments good . . .TMI bad...:-)
That TMI - it gets me every time.
Not bad for 'off-the-cuff'. And totally fits the . . .'problems' the man
suffers in the movie.
I'm proud of my made up psycho-babble answers sometimes. Other times they're just babble, but once in a while I score!
Sue
"'Tis better to be a compulsive giver of "TMI" than never to give any "I" at all" - Philosonocket
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Feb 18 '04
9:52 am PST
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Re: Re: hey there... (Reply to this comment)
by sleeper54,  in Movies
..
You mean other people like comments also ?!? Who would have
thought...??
Comments good . . .TMI bad...:-)
you said...
". . .the giant monster recreational vehicle is symbolic of Warren's
decreasing confidence in his own masculinity in the face of life
changes and situational depression. I just totally made that up
right this second."
Not bad for 'off-the-cuff'. And totally fits the . . .'problems' the man
suffers in the movie.
...tom...
' out-sized by longernocket . . .how truly depressing... '
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Feb 15 '04
1:41 pm PST
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Re: hey there... (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Tom,
Just saw this on cable and your review was 'top-o-the-heap' so you
get my extended comment.
Woo-hoo! I love comments. I wonder if anyone ever guessed that? ;)
At least Des Moines and my alma mater Drake University got a
shout-out or two. I am surprised you did not mention that, miz T.M.I....
Any movie that can make the Midwest interesting has to be brilliant on some level (just kidding, I live in the Midwest). Looks like Mr. TMI deleted his comment. Go figure.
And how big was that Winnebago thing he was driving about ?!?
Started in Omaha and had to stop for gas in Grand Island? Must get
six miles to the gallon.
Oh, six miles max. Imagine trying to pass that behemoth on I80.
I think your review is lacking for not having
included the metaphorical meaning of that particular vehicle...
Well, the review in general I believe was lacking in all sorts of information. But just for you - the giant monster recreational vehicle is symbolic of Warren's decreasing confidence in his own masculinity in the face of life changes and situational depression. I just totally made that up right this second.
While my wife and I usually have widely divergent views on what is
funny or not, I found myself thinking this movie was sadly funny while
she was thinking it to be almost 'stupid' to be very disturbing.
Oh, I found it absolutely sadly funny. He reminded me so much of people I know sometimes it made me laugh with a big lump in my throat.
Perhaps I will get her the pine box...
I'm telling. ;)
Very nicely done!
Thank you very much. I'm glad you liked the movie - it was one of my favorites last year.
P.S.
Dang, that don't look so long after all...
Yeah, but look how long I made the reply!
Sue
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Feb 15 '04
10:24 am PST
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hey there... (Reply to this comment)
by sleeper54, in Movies
..
Just saw this on cable and your review was 'top-o-the-heap' so you
get my extended comment. (You'll need your tape measure to know
just how long it really is...)
At least Des Moines and my alma mater Drake University got a
shout-out or two. I am surprised you did not mention that, miz T.M.I....
And how big was that Winnebago thing he was driving about ?!?
Started in Omaha and had to stop for gas in Grand Island? Must get
six miles to the gallon. I think your review is lacking for not having
included the metaphorical meaning of that particular vehicle...
While my wife and I usually have widely divergent views on what is
funny or not, I found myself thinking this movie was sadly funny while
she was thinking it to be almost 'stupid' to be very disturbing.
Perhaps I will get her the pine box...
Very nicely done!
...tom...
"Preparation for old age should begin not later than one's teens. A life which is empty of purpose until 65 will not suddenly become filled on retirement." —Dwight L. Moody
P.S.
Dang, that don't look so long after all...
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Feb 14 '04
10:58 pm PST
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Re: T M I again (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
I certainly try not to give too much away - especially on movies I really like. But I do write fairly in depth. Some like that, others don't, I guess. And I absolutely agree - Nicholson is fabulous here. As usual, he surprises me with how great he is in front of the camera.
Sue
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Sep 18 '03
8:24 am PDT
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Re: I kept waiting (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Margaret,
I kept waiting for Nicholson to do something Nicholsonian.
No kidding! Just a stray look at the camera, a single lifted eyebrow. But he never did it. I am always on edge at first with him, then I just get sucked in.
Altogether a somewhat disturbing and uncomfotabele experience!
Ha! Well, I guess there are worse things you could say about a movie - disturbing and uncomfortable are better than boring and lame! And he was so on the money - ultimately that's what made the movie work for me.
Thanks for stopping to comment!
Sue
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Aug 12 '03
11:18 pm PDT
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I kept waiting (Reply to this comment)
by Penguinlady
I kept waiting for Nicholson to do something Nicholsonian. I agree with you that he did a masterful job, but his own persona is so dominant that I couldn't quite let him slip into Schmidt without constantly being on the lookout for a flash of Jack. The fact that it never came was as disconcerting as it was evidence of his abilities to absorb and be absorbed by a character.
Altogether a somewhat disturbing and uncomfotabele experience! Although I agree that his portrayal was dead-nuts on.
Margaret
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Aug 12 '03
8:57 am PDT
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Re: Re: Oh, Schmidt (Reply to this comment)
by disinclined
Sue,
Once Buffy gets you, you can't shake her.
Boy, you ain't kidding. I used to have a life... well, no, I didn't. But I used to be relatively active on Eps. Then I got Buffy, and now my only purpose in life is to watch more episodes. Frightening.
Wait until the end of the next episode. Is the final season out on DVD yet? It's the only one I haven't seen.
I don't know, I'm only on season 2 right now. It's very exciting... everybody's getting nasty! Xander and Cordelia, Buffy and Angel, Giles and Jenny, Willow and Oz. Well, not Willow and Oz yet, but I know it's just a matter of time. Hormones rule! Ah, what I wouldn't give to be Cordelia.
dis
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Aug 07 '03
3:04 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Schmidt Happens (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Mike,
Do I really need to hear about how you worked so long, and had such a tough life? No! Just write, baby. LOL, you cute girl, you!
Nah. Rather b!tch, thanks.
Yup. With a clip-on bow tie.
http://www.crewcall-jobs.com/Assets/usher1.jpg
Look, here you are! Awwww.
Yup. But more likely I had to break-up the brawls that inevitably broke out when the Steven Seagal movies started.
What? People racing for the exits?
If by "sheer ecstasy", you mean "s.hit sandwich", then I agree completely.
Well, whatever turns your crank, I guess. I'm still glad you love the movie.
Sue
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Aug 05 '03
11:56 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Schmidt Happens (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Sue-
I worked so hard, for so long. I wanted it to be just right!
Do I really need to hear about how you worked so long, and had such a tough life? No! Just write, baby. LOL, you cute girl, you!
Did you have to wear a polyester usher suit?
Yup. With a clip-on bow tie.
And shine flashlights on the people making out during Schindler's List?
Yup. But more likely I had to break-up the brawls that inevitably broke out when the Steven Seagal movies started.
And I assume when you say "put yourself out of your misery" you mean "watch this film over and over because I find it to be sheer ecstasy".
If by "sheer ecstasy", you mean "shit sandwich", then I agree completely.
-mike
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Aug 05 '03
6:45 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
S.dogg,
Kevin Costner? Wooden? Is there an Award for Redundancy Award? Has Kevin Costner ever not been utterly, wincingly, painfully, splinterrifically wooden?
Now, s.dogg, be nice. Kevinocchio is trying really hard to stop being wooden and become a real boy! If only he'd stop lying about being an actor, it just might happen some day! But I did like him in Field of Dreams, I can't help myself.
Sue
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Aug 04 '03
11:11 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Schmidt Happens (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Mike of all trades,
Oooh, that's good. So authentic. So life-like. So deviant!
Thank you. I worked so hard, for so long. I wanted it to be just right!
I used to be an usher in a movie theatre, so I know what this guy's life must be like. But if I had to hassle and taunt theatre patrons with threats of memberships, I'd probably put myself out of my misery (by watching the 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, and 9:00 screening of My Big Loud Greeeeeeeeeek Wedding).
Did you have to wear a polyester usher suit? And shine flashlights on the people making out during Schindler's List? Yeah, I can't really imagine you taunting anyone (double snort). And I assume when you say "put yourself out of your misery" you mean "watch this film over and over because I find it to be sheer ecstasy". I thought so.
Sue
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Aug 04 '03
11:07 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by sundogg99
I am keeling over with laughter at N8's line (or was it Sue's?) "...I know he sounded pretty wooden..."
Kevin Costner? Wooden? Is there an Award for Redundancy Award? Has Kevin Costner ever not been utterly, wincingly, painfully, splinterrifically wooden?
Ouch.
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Aug 04 '03
10:41 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Schmidt Happens (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Sue-
He's so hot with that primo mullet. I luv that style! LOL
Oooh, that's good. So authentic. So life-like. So deviant!
Oh, I think you should have one. Think of the savings! The perks! Would you like to buy a membership, sir?
I used to be an usher in a movie theatre, so I know what this guy's life must be like. But if I had to hassle and taunt theatre patrons with threats of memberships, I'd probably put myself out of my misery (by watching the 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, and 9:00 screening of My Big Loud Greeeeeeeeeek Wedding).
-mike (born under a bad sign)
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Aug 04 '03
8:18 am PDT
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Re: Yes (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Virginia,
I can attest that it happens - and Nicholson's portrayal of a lost soul who sacrificed life for a "career" was heartbreakingly real. What a great actor.
He truly is. For a man who will probably never wonder "what have I done with my life?" he gave a remarkable performance.
One day you will wake up and look in the mirror and ask yourself, "What the heck happened? When did I get so old?"
I'm already doing that! ;)
The sad thing is that the people who really need to get that message, won't. They're too busy making the big bucks, or the next sale, to see that there's more out there. Thanks for the comment, it's always a pleasure.
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
6:44 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Schmidt Happens (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Mike,
Although, if I were to get snippy, I'd like to get snippy with this dude:
http://home.primus.ca/~liam3/images/aboutschmidt_lg_04.jpg
He's so hot with that primo mullet. I luv that style! LOL
Now where's my snippy?
Well, I remember them using these images for the opening credit sequence. There it seemed almost beautiful in its banality.
Banal is right.
But out of context, I can't imagine sitting through shot after shot of Omaha skyscrapers. Blech.
Or anything in Omaha, really.
Oh no, not you too! Stop these hardball sales tactics!
Oh, I think you should have one. Think of the savings! The perks! Would you like to buy a membership, sir?
Sue (born to sell)
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Aug 03 '03
6:37 pm PDT
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Re: ---------------------- (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Jack,
I agree that he sank deep into the character of Schmidt, and it was truly amazing not to see any cutting up or over-the-top eyebrow antics going on.
I haven't seen The Border, but loved The Pledge, where he pulled a similar disappearing act. And even though The Border isn't on DVD, VHS makes for excellent treadmill viewing. Thanks for the suggestion.
Also liked your bit on the filmmakers taking an intimate look at a character who's made a life out of shunning initimacy. Some myopic-minded baby boomers took exception to the unflattering interpretation of Schmidt
I suppose some people (read: me) saw those they know in this film, and others saw themselves, which must be hard to take. Too bad people think you have to set the world on fire to live a good life.
My one problem was with the Mulroney character. He's a good actor and all, but I didn't find his character all that believable, nor that Schmidt's educated daughter would have fallen so hard for him. I just didn't buy it.
I actually did buy it. I saw her as a woman with increasingly limited options. No matter her education or talent or anything else, society tells women that if they haven't married by a certain age, they've failed. She was, in her own way, not so different from her father. Doing what was expected of her.
And I know you didn't like the naked Kathy Bates, but I did. It's nice to see someone take that kind of chance in this world of fake everything and not an inch of skin over the age of 25 ever seen on film. And the look on Nicholson's face as she climbed into that hot tub was just priceless.
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
6:30 pm PDT
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Re: Oh, Schmidt (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Dis,
"About Schmidt" was one of the movies they were showing on the cruise ship when I went on vacation a couple of months ago. I had vague plans to go and watch it someday, but I never quite got around to it.
Far better things to do on a cruise!
Similarly, I have vague plans to put it on my Netflix queue someday, but I still have a few thousand "Buffy" episodes to go first.
Again, completely understandable. Once Buffy gets you, you can't shake her.
I might just be able to muster the willpower to click over to Netflix and add it on.
Wait until the end of the next episode. Is the final season out on DVD yet? It's the only one I haven't seen.
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
6:04 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Nate,
It's funny, because I just watched Dances with Wolves for the first time a few weeks ago and I thought the voice over narration worked well.
It was the woodenness (is that a word?) that got to me. Even if it was intentional, it was so distracting - the rest of the movie had a certain flow, and it just seemed so out of place. Even so, I still liked the movie. I am nothing if not consistently inconsistent :)
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
6:00 pm PDT
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Yes (Reply to this comment)
by Granniemose
Having "been there, done that, and seen that" - not only in my husband and in myself for that matter - but in many of my friends, I can attest that it happens - and Nicholson's portrayal of a lost soul who sacrificed life for a "career" was heartbreakingly real. What a great actor.
Sue, this is a fine review, and a warning of what young people must not let happen to them. Start your own personal life while you are young with hobbies and a plan - for those dim dark days of the future come at you without warning. One day you will wake up and look in the mirror and ask yourself, "What the heck happened? When did I get so old?"
Virginia
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Aug 03 '03
5:41 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Schmidt Happens (Reply to this comment)
by mfunk75
Sue-
Come on, make with the snippy!
Can't do it. You included no "LOL"s, no gushes over the cute boys, and no half-baked ideas. Although, if I were to get snippy, I'd like to get snippy with this dude:
http://home.primus.ca/~liam3/images/aboutschmidt_lg_04.jpg
A snip here, a snip there, and he'd be back to normal in no time.
It's truly a boring and strange set of vignettes. I can't imagine why anyone bothered spending the time or money to do these.
Well, I remember them using these images for the opening credit sequence. There it seemed almost beautiful in its banality. But out of context, I can't imagine sitting through shot after shot of Omaha skyscrapers. Blech.
But really, make the old guys day and get the membership.
Oh no, not you too! Stop these hardball sales tactics!
-mike
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Aug 03 '03
1:08 pm PDT
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Oh, Schmidt (Reply to this comment)
by disinclined
Sue,
"About Schmidt" was one of the movies they were showing on the cruise ship when I went on vacation a couple of months ago. I had vague plans to go and watch it someday, but I never quite got around to it. Similarly, I have vague plans to put it on my Netflix queue someday, but I still have a few thousand "Buffy" episodes to go first. You know how that goes. (In fact, that's why I was so late getting to this review - sorry...)
Anyway, thanks for the reminder. With your seal of approval backing it, I might just be able to muster the willpower to click over to Netflix and add it on.
about dis
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Aug 03 '03
11:39 am PDT
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Re: I'm afraid to watch this movie... (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Quinn,
It all seems way too real to me, and I'd be watching my dad and his life.
It was, in a lot of ways, like watching my dad (there is a part where he's fussing over the leftovers going to waste that was my dad all over the place).
And that just makes me wince in pain. Just your review (excellent, by the way) was painful enough...it's a bitter pill.
Sometimes things just hit too close to home, don't they? There are movies that I simply can't see for similar reasons - no matter how good they may be. And some that I've seen that caused more pain than anything else that I wish I'd skipped. Film is a powerful medium, and I forget that sometimes.
Now go see a happy movie.
What's that? ;)
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
11:25 am PDT
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Re: I'm very concerned (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Marsha,
I've no idea why you couldn't view this. That's odd.
I do know a lot of Warrens, and most of them aren't doing well.
I think that, at some point, Warrens come into all our lives. Some do better than others, but it was poignant and funny to see this one go through this transition.
I do want to see this film (although some have said it's very, very slow, but maybe they just didn't get it), but I'll probably wait for cable.
It isn't super fast paced, that's true. But as a character study more than anything else, the slower pace serves the story very well. To do it differently, I think, would have diminished the impact of Nicholson's performance.
You wrote this beautifully.
Thanks.
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
11:20 am PDT
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Re: Very Well Critiqued... (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
29th,
As a Nicholson fan, you shouldn't miss this one. I hope you like it, let me know what you think after you see it!
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
11:14 am PDT
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Re: ... (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Nate,
I was ultimately a little disappointed with Schmidt, if only because it didn't connect with me the way Payne's other films did.
I think it connected with me because I saw a lot of my dad in Warren (not the nasty parts of Warren).
you're absolutely right about the voice-over narration; it's rare to see it used so appropriately and with so much success.
It can be such an annoying device (I always think of Costner in Dances With Wolves and wince). But this was such a clever set up, it worked beautifully.
I'd really like to watch it again, actually; I have a feeling I'd appreciate it more now that I know what to expect.
I thought that last scene was really beautiful - he was finally able to grieve, and let go. I'd love to know what you think of a second viewing.
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
11:12 am PDT
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Re: Mullets and boobs (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Becky,
Kathy Bates' character was one of the best of the year.
She just cracked me up to no end. Her nude sequence in the hot tub, and Warren's reaction to it, are priceless.
Compare this role to the one he played in Lovely and Amazing.
It's hard to believe it's even the same actor. And then there's the role he played in "My Best Friends Wedding" - he's a versatile guy.
http://www.mulletsgalore.com/home/images/american_pabst_w.jpg
Now that's a mullet that does this Midwestern girl's heart good. Too bad I only have to go about 3 blocks to see one in person.
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
11:04 am PDT
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Re: Schmidt Happens (Reply to this comment)
by millinocket, in Movies
Mike,
While I'm glad you liked the review, I like snippy. Come on, make with the snippy!
Hearing that said disc comes with a "Woodman Tower Sequence" makes me think my decision not to get a membership was the most prudent decision I made all day.
It's truly a boring and strange set of vignettes. I can't imagine why anyone bothered spending the time or money to do these. But really, make the old guys day and get the membership.
Now you know.
Yes, yes I do.
Sue
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Aug 03 '03
10:59 am PDT
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