Honestly, I liked it. I think it embodies a sense of exploitation a lot more than a lot of current films with that similar idea (of exploiting). Especially the 3D, that was pretty impressive, and I’m not a fan of 3D technology as of yet. Plus, you get to see hundreds of rich college students die during spring break and Jerry O’Connell get what he deserves. Better yet, the Jaws references fit nicely too. By no means is it a great film or a must watch, but it is pretty fun, pretty well crafted, and worth giving a look at.
Interesting. I like that sort of thing, but I resisted the idea of seeing it partly because I’d gotten bored with Aja, but mostly out of loyalty to the old Joe Dante/John Sayles film (which I haven’t actually seen since I was a kid).
Piranha 3D was a lot of fun. Not sure what it would be like watching it at home alone but in a packed theater, it’s a hoot.
And yes, it’s probably the best film I’ve seen in 3D (better than Avatar, Hugo, etc.).
OK, confession: @Santino and Lover
A few weeks ago I actually tried to watch City of Life and Death, but (spoilers)
I stopped after the mass execution scenes. I probably just wasn’t in the mood. (I think I had another film I had to see before I returned it to the library.) I was thinking about seeing starting where I left off, but I remembered how both of you urged me to watch it in one sitting. So since I wasn’t able to do that, I just gave up.
I don’t feel too bad, though, since Santino has yet to watch one the mumblecore films I recommended. ;)
Prometheus
I’ve been trying to avoid reading or hearing anything about this film, but I caught the title of review, and heard some brief comments like, “So-and-so liked it, but there a few holes.” I also know that some people seem to really love it and others hate it. So, here’s what I think. I’m guessing the film has one or two really good things about it—and if I had to guess, it would be the set-pieces and atmosphere of the film—-and those who love the film, love these one or two things so much that they’re indifferent to other weaknesses in the film, no matter how significant to the overall film. In this way, it’s reminding me of Blade Runner. This does not bode well for me, as I’m one of those who love the production values and set design in Blade Runner, but I don’t love it enough to think highly of the film overall.
Still, I’m probably going to see the film since it since it seems to be so polarizing here.
I can’t give an answer from any movie, mainly because it violates my philosophy to be as neutral as possible before I see a movie.
Some films I’m considering seeing:
Argo
The trailer seems to contain everything interesting and funny about this film. I have a feeling the film won’t surpass the trailer. Whatever details or scenes the film provides won’t add much to what we’ve already seen in the trailer. I suspect the some of the characters and politics might be oversimplified for entertainment value (e.g., buggling bureaucrats that the savvy and clear-sighted, maverick operative has to navigate around).
Perks of Being a Wallflower
Normally, I wouldn’t be interested in this, but the trailers made me think of John Hughes films (as if a new generation of filmmakers are showing the Hughes influence). Plus, a good friend thought this was a good film. He claims it’s not predictable, but it looks predictable to me. A shy new kid befriends eccentric and wacky friends who help him cope with the teen years. Maybe they help him get out of his shell, introduce him to drugs and sex.
Cloud Atlas
I enjoyed the book, and I’m not sure how they’re going to make this film work. I’m guessing they must really pare down some of the stories. The trailers make me think the idea and feelings will be cheesy and sentimental. Tom Hanks, who I sort of like, and Halle Berry, who I really don’t [not as an actor], add to this impression. I have a feeling the way the film ties together the various plots might be hokey. Some of the visual presentation of aspects from the novel might not go over well, too. I have a feeling the handling of the storylines might be messy and confusing.
So why am I considering seeing this? Well, it’s something the wife might be interested in, and we haven’t seen a movie in a long time, so…
Matt Parks
No . . . is it worth it?