Can anybody recommend good movies?

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reclegend22's avatar

reclegend22

Cool Hand Luke

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Jul 16, 2013 11:01 PM
Laley23;1473613 wrote:Leo is awesome. Will Smith, not so much. Matt Damon destroys his best acting with several roles.
In terms of pure global starpower, Will Smith is probably the biggest of any actor of all time. The money his films have grossed and the records they've broken are remarkable. So that's part of my argument for placing Smith at or near the top.

But I also love his acting. I thought Smith's emotionally-gripping performance in Seven Pounds was as good as anything that Denzel Washington has ever done. I use Washington as an example because I think Smith and Washington have very similar emotional styles. Again, just my opinion.
Jul 16, 2013 11:01pm
Laley23's avatar

Laley23

GOAT

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Jul 16, 2013 11:09 PM
reclegend22;1473627 wrote:In terms of pure global starpower, Will Smith is probably the biggest of any actor of all time. The money his films have grossed and the records they've broken are remarkable. So that's part of my argument for placing Smith at or near the top.

But I also love his acting. I thought Smith's emotionally-gripping performance in Seven Pounds was as good as anything that Denzel Washington has ever done. I use Washington as an example because I think Smith and Washington have very similar emotional styles. Again, just my opinion.
Thats because Will Smith is in summer blockbuster after summer blockbuster. Movies geared towards wide released worldwide to break the box office. He is only in a few movies that require any kind of talent from him. Thats a bad argument for who is a better actor.

But ironically, Jason Bourne is better than any of Smiths "action heros".

Damon has played so many types of roles and rarely, if ever, gives a bad performance. Most label him as an action guy, which is wrong. Just look at We Bought a Zoo, Rounders, Good will Hunting, Invictus, Talented Mr. Ripley, All the Pretty Horses.

I dont hate Will Smith. But he doesnt choose roles that challenge him very often, and his best role/acting was either 7 Pounds, Happyness or Ali. I would put at least 3 of Damons roles above them all. Damon just has more talent and a much deeper resume to back it up.
Jul 16, 2013 11:09pm
reclegend22's avatar

reclegend22

Cool Hand Luke

8,772 posts
Jul 16, 2013 11:27 PM
Laley23;1473648 wrote:Thats because Will Smith is in summer blockbuster after summer blockbuster. Movies geared towards wide released worldwide to break the box office. He is only in a few movies that require any kind of talent from him. Thats a bad argument for who is a better actor.

But ironically, Jason Bourne is better than any of Smiths "action heros".

Damon has played so many types of roles and rarely, if ever, gives a bad performance. Most label him as an action guy, which is wrong. Just look at We Bought a Zoo, Rounders, Good will Hunting, Invictus, Talented Mr. Ripley, All the Pretty Horses.

I dont hate Will Smith. But he doesnt choose roles that challenge him very often, and his best role/acting was either 7 Pounds, Happyness or Ali. I would put at least 3 of Damons roles above them all. Damon just has more talent and a much deeper resume to back it up.
Those are the films -- in addition to I Am Legend -- that define Will Smith as an actor for me. Not the summer blockbusters, which I rarely care to watch (in fact, I never watched Hancock, any of the new MIB, I Robot or any of the other action movies that Smith has starred in). I agree that summer blockbusters and box office sales are not the best way to determine the greatness of an actor, but I also do not believe such evidence can be ignored. Smith, to a significant degree because of such monumental commercial success, will go down in history as one of the greats and a giant of acting. He is extremely versatile. Action, comedy, drama, Will Smith can do it all.

As a matter of personal taste, while I love Matt Damon, I don't believe he's done anything that surpasses what Smith portrayed in Seven Pounds and Pursuit of Happyness. Damon was great, and perhaps just as good, in one or two of the films you mention, but I don't concur that he was better.

We'll just have to agree to disagree. One thing I do agree with you on, though, is my wish that Smith would put some of those big blockbuster action roles aside and really concentrate on more films such as Seven Pounds and Happyness.
Jul 16, 2013 11:27pm
T

Tiernan

Senior Member

13,021 posts
Jul 17, 2013 8:36 AM
The Lone Ranger...I've seen it 7 times already. Can't figure out why I'm the only one in the theatre tho...
Jul 17, 2013 8:36am
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ohiobucks1

USA American

4,915 posts
Jul 17, 2013 8:47 AM
Dr. Heinz Kesler;1473396 wrote:Just saw:
But as a taoist jew
Explain that one to me.
Jul 17, 2013 8:47am
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BoatShoes

Senior Member

5,703 posts
Jul 17, 2013 12:05 PM
Laley23;1473546 wrote:Ugh. That movie pissed me off. They did so much shit that didnt actually happen...just ugh.
I never heard the true story but just new it was based on one. Maybe that allowed me to enjoy the movie a bit more???
Jul 17, 2013 12:05pm
se-alum's avatar

se-alum

The Biggest Boss

13,948 posts
Jul 17, 2013 12:15 PM
End of Watch is another really good movie I watched recently.
Jul 17, 2013 12:15pm
Heretic's avatar

Heretic

Son of the Sun

18,820 posts
Jul 17, 2013 12:22 PM
wes_mantooth;1473419 wrote:Thankskilling

You're welcome in advance
lol, there's nothing quite like when guys intentionally go all out to make the worst movie imaginable. Could make it a quadruple header and add in Uncle Sam, as well as Jack Frost AND Jack Frost 2.
reclegend22;1473536 wrote:The Mist is a classic. The best adaptation of any Stephen King book, ever, in my view.
I sort of agree with that. I loved that film, but I don't know if I'd put it above Shawshank, Stand By Me and Shining. At the very least, though, it was 5 million miles in front of the umpteen hilariously horrible renditions of his various short stories. You know, Maximum Overdrive, Children of the Corn, Graveyard MotherFuckingBullshit Shift, etc.
Jul 17, 2013 12:22pm
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Laley23

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29,506 posts
Jul 17, 2013 1:06 PM
BoatShoes;1473891 wrote:I never heard the true story but just new it was based on one. Maybe that allowed me to enjoy the movie a bit more???
It was all based on true events. But then the glamorized it up and made stuff that would have been MORE powerful if just left to be told the true way and made it more dramatic and unrealistic. That is what pissed me off.

For example: They did find a kid and they did help him. They didnt climb a giant fucking tree, etc.
Another: They did all meet back up at the hospital. But it wasnt a giant goose-chase. The kid heard his dad was there, called out, and they all met up...
Jul 17, 2013 1:06pm
se-alum's avatar

se-alum

The Biggest Boss

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Jul 17, 2013 2:00 PM
reclegend22;1473681 wrote:Those are the films -- in addition to I Am Legend -- that define Will Smith as an actor for me. Not the summer blockbusters, which I rarely care to watch (in fact, I never watched Hancock, any of the new MIB, I Robot or any of the other action movies that Smith has starred in). I agree that summer blockbusters and box office sales are not the best way to determine the greatness of an actor, but I also do not believe such evidence can be ignored. Smith, to a significant degree because of such monumental commercial success, will go down in history as one of the greats and a giant of acting. He is extremely versatile. Action, comedy, drama, Will Smith can do it all.

As a matter of personal taste, while I love Matt Damon, I don't believe he's done anything that surpasses what Smith portrayed in Seven Pounds and Pursuit of Happyness. Damon was great, and perhaps just as good, in one or two of the films you mention, but I don't concur that he was better.

We'll just have to agree to disagree. One thing I do agree with you on, though, is my wish that Smith would put some of those big blockbuster action roles aside and really concentrate on more films such as Seven Pounds and Happyness.
They were both really good in The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Jul 17, 2013 2:00pm
reclegend22's avatar

reclegend22

Cool Hand Luke

8,772 posts
Jul 17, 2013 9:25 PM
Heretic;1473920 wrote:I sort of agree with that. I loved that film, but I don't know if I'd put it above Shawshank, Stand By Me and Shining. At the very least, though, it was 5 million miles in front of the umpteen hilariously horrible renditions of his various short stories. You know, Maximum Overdrive, Children of the Corn, Graveyard MotherFuckingBull**** Shift, etc.
Damn it. I completely forgot about Shawshank being a King novel. For whatever reason, that did not register. Without a doubt, Shawshank Redemption is the magnum opus of all King adaptations. I'd also place The Green Mile in that conversation.

I would, however, rank The Mist, as a horror film, right up there alongside The Shining. Stanley Kubrick's version, not Stephen King's. That is the reason why I kind of glossed over The Shining to begin with, since King's film adaptation of the book really didn't stand a chance when measured against the great Kubrick.

Anyone who didn't appreciate the masterpiece that is The Mist doesn't appreciate the art of a fine tragedy. It was much more than a monster movie. It was a human tragedy, culminating with one of the most beautifully sad endings to any movie ever.
Jul 17, 2013 9:25pm
reclegend22's avatar

reclegend22

Cool Hand Luke

8,772 posts
Jul 17, 2013 9:25 PM
se-alum;1473997 wrote:They were both really good in The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Another great movie that I let slip my mind. Good call.
Jul 17, 2013 9:25pm
S

sportchampps

Senior Member

7,361 posts
Jul 18, 2013 12:05 AM
How are you guys talking about Stephen King and not mention Stand by Me. I also really like dream catcher.
Jul 18, 2013 12:05am
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ZWICK 4 PREZ

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7,733 posts
Jul 18, 2013 6:48 AM
ccrunner609;1473413 wrote:Watched Shutter Island last night...........mind blown.
not surprised
Jul 18, 2013 6:48am
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derek bomar

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3,722 posts
Jul 18, 2013 11:49 AM
ccrunner609;1473413 wrote:Watched Shutter Island last night...........mind blown.
not surprised. That maybe blows. Wife and I figured it out in like 10 minutes.
Jul 18, 2013 11:49am
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ZWICK 4 PREZ

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Jul 18, 2013 11:52 AM
derek bomar;1474578 wrote:not surprised. That maybe blows. Wife and I figured it out in like 10 minutes.
It's not hard when they show him battling with his mind throughout the entire movie.

Well not hard for normal people.
Jul 18, 2013 11:52am
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Heretic

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18,820 posts
Jul 18, 2013 12:04 PM
reclegend22;1474270 wrote:Damn it. I completely forgot about Shawshank being a King novel. For whatever reason, that did not register. Without a doubt, Shawshank Redemption is the magnum opus of all King adaptations. I'd also place The Green Mile in that conversation.

I would, however, rank The Mist, as a horror film, right up there alongside The Shining. Stanley Kubrick's version, not Stephen King's. That is the reason why I kind of glossed over The Shining to begin with, since King's film adaptation of the book really didn't stand a chance when measured against the great Kubrick.

Anyone who didn't appreciate the masterpiece that is The Mist doesn't appreciate the art of a fine tragedy. It was much more than a monster movie. It was a human tragedy, culminating with one of the most beautifully sad endings to any movie ever.
It's kind of tricky to remember Shawshank was King because it (and 2/3 of the other novellas in Different Seasons, where it was published) have nothing whatsoever to do with the supernatural. Those other two (Apt Pupil and The Body) also became movies with The Body (Stand By Me) also being a big hit. The other one (The Breathing Method) may have been the most boring-ass thing he's written. Or at least that he wrote while in his peak prime -- since I couldn't bother to finish From a Buick 8, that might be the worst.

And one thing about the ending to The Mist -- King loved the ending to it. The novella just had some vague ending where the handful of survivors were driving in the vague hope that the main guy hadn't imagined hearing the word "Hartford" through radio static. A really unsatisfying way to end something, in my opinion. This, on the other hand, was a nice punch to the gut that stuck in my mind a long time after the credits rolled. My kudos to all involved, it's rare that a movie does that.
sportchampps;1474318 wrote:How are you guys talking about Stephen King and not mention Stand by Me. I also really like dream catcher.
I DID IN MY POST A FEW BACK!!!!! Just briefly in a list, but I did mention it. Loved that one. Dream Catcher...not so much. In a way, it reminded me of the film version of Christine, where it sort of wound up feeling like a rushed Cliff Notes version of the book on film. There was some good acting in the film, which was really nice, but having read the book, I guess I was expecting more. Which may have been dumb of me, considering we're talking about a book where the monsters were commonly referred to as "shit-weasels".
Jul 18, 2013 12:04pm
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Dr Winston O'Boogie

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Jul 18, 2013 7:52 PM
My favorite movie of all time is Fargo. I'm a fan of the other Coehn brother films, but that one is clear and away the best. It is perfect moviemaking.
Jul 18, 2013 7:52pm
S

sportchampps

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7,361 posts
Jul 18, 2013 8:26 PM
Sharknado
Jul 18, 2013 8:26pm
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Mohican00

Dirty White Boy

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Jul 18, 2013 8:36 PM
Dr Winston O'Boogie;1474882 wrote:My favorite movie of all time is Fargo. I'm a fan of the other Coehn brother films, but that one is clear and away the best. It is perfect moviemaking.
Not No Country for Old Men?

Seriously, dude. Seriously
Jul 18, 2013 8:36pm
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Dr Winston O'Boogie

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Jul 19, 2013 6:45 AM
Mohican00;1474905 wrote:Not No Country for Old Men?

Seriously, dude. Seriously
No Country for Old Men was excellent. One of the greatest villians of all time. But I go with Fargo as their masterpiece.
Jul 19, 2013 6:45am
M

Manhattan Buckeye

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7,566 posts
Jul 19, 2013 7:11 AM
Both are great movies but I prefer Fargo over No Country. Fargo is damn near a perfect film in script and direction.
Jul 19, 2013 7:11am
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said_aouita

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8,532 posts
Jul 19, 2013 3:42 PM
The Chosen
Jul 19, 2013 3:42pm
gerb131's avatar

gerb131

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9,932 posts
Jul 19, 2013 5:36 PM
Recently would be Trouble With The Curve, I enjoyed that one.
Jul 19, 2013 5:36pm
reclegend22's avatar

reclegend22

Cool Hand Luke

8,772 posts
Jul 19, 2013 7:42 PM
What's everyone's favorite horror film?

As far as general creepiness is concerned, The Strangers is probably my choice. If you live on a secluded property in the center of nowhere, it'll make you think twice before wandering out into the dark in the middle of the night. The French horror film Ils (Them) is another masterpiece of frightening unease. The entire movie is in a foreign language, which obviously makes it tough to follow, but it's worth the watch.

I've heard and keep reading good things about The Conjuring being one of the most unsettling films ever made. Really hoping this is true.
Jul 19, 2013 7:42pm