The book (Arthur C. Clarke’s masterpiece) goes like this in the end:
Dave Bowman enters the Star Gate and is flung to the far reaches of space. The aliens use the monoliths to jumpstart evolution in other species, including humans. They model a human-like Victorian room for Bowman when he exits the other side of the Star Gate, and the aliens present Bowman with another monolith, this one designed to make him evolve into an even higher state. Bowman returns to Earth, now being nothing more than pure energy, and surveys his home.
Clarke wrote the novel at the same time Kubrick created the film. That’s why they are both equally amazing. So many film adaptations of books fall short of the power of the original novel. However, I believe anyone who sees the film (whether they love it or not) should read the book.
The 400 Blows…dammit, I own it!!
Bicycle Thieves…but I’m watching it tonight.
8 1/2
Seven Samurai
Godfather Part II
A Clockwork Orange
East of Eden
::hangs head in shame::
I loved the film. The images have stayed with me to this day. Rourke’s acting is heartfelt, and his emotional distress is both human and realistic. Evan Rachel Wood’s performance is spectacular. I can’t wait to see her in Woody Allen’s upcoming film. I must say, I connected more deeply with Randy the Ram than with Slumdog’s protagonist and thought the overall film was ten times better than Boyle’s. The theme of mental, emotional, and physical self-flagellation in film is not new (Raging Bull), but Rourke brings a new approach to the theme, allowing his sorrowful eyes and pained facial expressions to cut into the heart of the viewer as sharply as the razor blade with which he cuts his forehead. With time, I believe this film (and Rourke’s acting in it) will go down as one of the best.
So no, this is not another Rocky. Not even in the same league.
I liked the film. I admit, it had its weaknesses, but I thought it was an overall well-made film. Should Criterion have released it? I don’t know and I really don’t care. The fact is, they did. I wouldn’t dare compare it to CC’s release of Armageddon or the Rock (eww…).
-Aeon Flux
-Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood
-Premonition
-Juno
-The Happening
-Pirates of the Caribbean 3
-Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
-Smoking Aces
-Transformers
-Sisterhood of the Pants 2! (why the crap did I see the sequel!?!!)
The Happening was a way for Shyamalan to say, “Hey look! I can make an R rated movie! I’m a big kid now!” I must admit, within the first two scenes, my initial reaction was, “Shyamalan’s back!” But when Wahlberg appears on screen and opens his mouth, that’s it. It’s all downhill. And that is why The Happening is more disappointing than Lady in the Water. Lady in the Water was terrible from beginning to end. The Happening could’ve been (and that’s a HUGE could) decent. It wasn’t.
The Sixth Sense really appealed to me, as did Unbreakable, Signs and The Village (yes, The Village). There were writing flaws (scenes in which the characters sound like two Shyamalans talking to one another) of course, but the cinematography, staging, and musical scores completely set the feeling of his pictures. It’s very sad to watch his filmmaking spiral downward.
And don’t compare him to Rod Serling…there will never be another Rod.
I saw Dazed and Confused and Armageddon before I had ever heard of Criterion (and before I knew what a REAL movie was…stupid Armageddon). But I consider my first to be Ran. I had been eyeing it for a while, and my girlfriend bought it for me. I was not only hooked on Criterion but also hooked on her.
I read the short story this is based off of (Richard Matheson’s “Button Button”). I’m a big fan of Matheson as an author (he wrote I Am Legend and many screenplays for the Twilight Zone), and this story is one of Matheson’s best. However, no Matheson story can properly be adapted for the screen, unless it’s for a 30-minute Twilight Zone segment. Stories like these work in the short story format, but not in a movie format. Cameron Diaz is an AWFUL actress and James Marsden is just terrible. Frank Langella’s an amazing actor, but from now on, every time I see/hear him, I’m gonna think of Richard Nixon (thank you, Ron Howard). And the trailer is cheesier than Kraft singles…what’s happened to modern cinema?
I recently watched Scorsese’s biopic masterpiece Raging Bull…and didn’t like it at all. I had been waiting eagerly to see this film. I mean, it’s supposedly one of the greatest films of all time and the greatest biopic. But sadly, it failed to affect me in any way whatsoever, and I can’t figure out why. Robert De Niro’s performance was excellent. The cinematography was immaculate. But for some reason, the plot, pacing, directing, and writing failed to impress me. I feel like I’ve blasphemed cinema! And I don’t want to do that (because I love cinema and blasphemy is frowned upon). I seriously need some help! Can someone please help me to appreciate this film because I really do want to love it!
I recently watched Scorsese’s biopic masterpiece Raging Bull…and didn’t like it at all. I had been waiting eagerly to see this film. I mean, it’s supposedly one of the greatest films of all time and the greatest biopic. But sadly, it failed to affect me in any way whatsoever, and I can’t figure out why. Robert De Niro’s performance was excellent. The cinematography was immaculate. But for some reason, the plot, pacing, directing, and writing failed to impress me. I feel like I’ve blasphemed cinema! And I don’t want to do that (because I love cinema and blasphemy is frowned upon). I seriously need some help! Can someone please help me to appreciate this film because I really do want to love it!
We’ve all done it at least once….wandered aimlessly into a movie store. Two twentys in our pocket. Walked over to the Criterion section. Picked up a film with a cool title and an artistically impressive front cover. Looked at the synopsis. Walked to the smiling lady behind the register and bought the film without any prior knowledge of what it’s all about.
Have you had any luck with your blind buys? Do you do it often? What’s your worst Criterion blind buy? What’s the best one? Do you feel a bit naughty after you do it?
Yeah I have to admit…in response to my first post, I usually do research on a Criterion before I buy it. So that’s not really a blind buy. That’s more of an educated guess. I agree with Loofrin: I may blind buy a DVD (rarely it’s a Criterion) if it’s to satisfy a “buy two, get one free” kind of deal.
And yes…two twentys are hard to come by ;)
I only wish I knew of a library that had Criterion releases I could check out…
Thank you so much! I will definitely watch this film again. I am new to Scorsese’s works, it’s true. I’ve also had my butt kicked around by a she-devil. I’ve been meaning to see Taxi Driver, but alas…I have not yet seen it. I understand that I don’t have to make myself like a film that is a part of the cinema canon. The fact is, I liked so many aspects of the film, but there was something still missing that didn’t completely make me like it. And I love how unlikeable La Motta is…it makes him all the more human.
Like I said, I loved the acting and the cinematography. What are the aspects of the film that you loved?
@ Justin—I really enjoyed reading your summation of the film. The scenes you alluded to are my favorite scenes. They are the ones that really affected me…especially the scene with him in the jail cell.
@ David Ehrenstein—I would appreciate it if you would not call me “dumber than a box of rocks.” I started this thread so that more experienced cinephiles could aid me in understanding this film fully, not to be called names.
And I really appreciate all the advice from all of you.
I have to say the film was a spectacular adaptation of McCarthy’s novel. But I feel that to properly and completely understand the story, one needs to read the book before seeing the movie. McCarthy is a gifted author and I was impressed with the Coens’ work. (Read The Road too!)
The story is a fable about the evil that can manifest and spiral out-of-control in a society that lusts after greed and the power that accompanies that avarice. The evil is a realistic portrayal. It is dark and relentless. But Chigurh isn’t the only one to scrutinize. Llewelyn is just as animalistic as the killer who is tracking him. He steals the money and ultimately chooses it over his life. He places his wife and mother-in-law in jeopardy. No he doesn’t kill relentlessly like Chigurh, but he is just as determined.
The film is also a comment on the lax and aloof nature of law enforcement and those who are “sworn to protect.” Ed Tom and his partner are bumbling and slow-witted. They track the killings like two fools. When Llewelyn asks permission to cross over the border into the States, the patrolman asks him what division he was in during Vietnam and then lets him through (HUGE comment on the negligent security of border patrol).
Francisco Torres is right: the film does deal with the futility of life. But it also deals with the true nature of humans when they are confronted with the futility of their lives. Chigurh tells Llewelyn’s wife that every person says the same thing before he or she is killed. They sit awkwardly like they are about to get their picture taken and plead quietly for their lives. But there is nothing for them to plead for. Their lives are as ephemeral before they die as when they were born. There is no law to protect the characters. No cop to handcuff the bad guy. No one to burst through the door and kill the villain before he murders the protagonist. Because when evil is set loose, it can’t be stopped.
Drew, I agree with you. I don’t feel that I have to like the main character to understand him or her or to appreciate him or her. I liked De Niro’s portrayal of La Motta because I found him to be self-destructing and out-of-control.
And I must interject concerning the nature of rewatching films: I can slightly understand how Bobby Wise feels. The majority of advice I’ve gotten from this thread is to rewatch Raging Bull. And I will. But there are a ton of movies I have in line to watch first. Perhaps those movies will affect the experience I will have with watching Raging Bull a second time.
“I think about that a lot. It fills me with great joy to know that there will always be more movies to watch, more books to read, more paintings to see…”
I love that, Jason. The feeling that there is so much more to read and observe and take part in is a great feeling.
And Fredo, I can stare at a Dali or Max Ernst painting for two hours (approximately…) and discuss it in analytical detail. That’s the beauty of art.
Captain Where
General Why
Officer When
Dental Assistant What"
HAHAHAHA!!!!
Drew! You’ve given me an idea…you speak of the amount of Criterions you will get in the upcoming B&N sale (if only we were all ludicrously wealthy…). Any ideas on which ones you might get? Does anyone have a list of Criterions they’re looking at purchasing during the sale?
Mom: “I kinda wanna watch a movie tonight…”
Me: “Well, I’ve got plenty! What are you in the mood for? Italian neorealism? A surreal Bunuel piece? Ooh, ooh I just bought Bergman’s the Seventh Seal! And I’ve got—”
Mom: “Let’s watch Practical Magic!”
Me: ::sulks away::
My girlfriend and I watch great stuff. She bought me my first Criterion, which was amazing. My sister also watches a lot of the same stuff I do (sans the foreign…).
My dad introduced me to many scifi/horror films of the golden age when I was a kid. Of course, he showed me Alien and Aliens. As a kid, I could watch Aliens (to an extent…I was 10, ya know), but Alien scared the shit out of my Power Rangers breeches. As an adult, I can say that I love both. Alien is claustrophobic and suspenseful. I liken it to a haunted house movie. The set for Alien will always scare me: it’s dark, dripping like the inside of a wet cave, and eerie. Aliens is more of an action film, but it’s a GOOD action film (sometimes hard to come by). Plus, Aliens has one of the single greatest end sequences of any movie I’ve ever seen.
What the...? What really means the ending about 3 years ago
The book (Arthur C. Clarke’s masterpiece) goes like this in the end:
Dave Bowman enters the Star Gate and is flung to the far reaches of space. The aliens use the monoliths to jumpstart evolution in other species, including humans. They model a human-like Victorian room for Bowman when he exits the other side of the Star Gate, and the aliens present Bowman with another monolith, this one designed to make him evolve into an even higher state. Bowman returns to Earth, now being nothing more than pure energy, and surveys his home.
Clarke wrote the novel at the same time Kubrick created the film. That’s why they are both equally amazing. So many film adaptations of books fall short of the power of the original novel. However, I believe anyone who sees the film (whether they love it or not) should read the book.
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most overrated oscar performances or robberies almost 3 years ago
Absolutely Shakespeare in Love over Saving Private Ryan…no words to describe how ridiculous that was.
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CONFESSIONS--FILMS YOU ARE ASHAMED TO SAY YOU HAVE NOT SEEN (YET) almost 3 years ago
The 400 Blows…dammit, I own it!!
Bicycle Thieves…but I’m watching it tonight.
8 1/2
Seven Samurai
Godfather Part II
A Clockwork Orange
East of Eden
::hangs head in shame::
Go to Comment
Was "The Wrestler" really a great film or just another Rocky almost 3 years ago
I loved the film. The images have stayed with me to this day. Rourke’s acting is heartfelt, and his emotional distress is both human and realistic. Evan Rachel Wood’s performance is spectacular. I can’t wait to see her in Woody Allen’s upcoming film. I must say, I connected more deeply with Randy the Ram than with Slumdog’s protagonist and thought the overall film was ten times better than Boyle’s. The theme of mental, emotional, and physical self-flagellation in film is not new (Raging Bull), but Rourke brings a new approach to the theme, allowing his sorrowful eyes and pained facial expressions to cut into the heart of the viewer as sharply as the razor blade with which he cuts his forehead. With time, I believe this film (and Rourke’s acting in it) will go down as one of the best.
So no, this is not another Rocky. Not even in the same league.
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Benjamin Button!?!? What the Hell? almost 3 years ago
I liked the film. I admit, it had its weaknesses, but I thought it was an overall well-made film. Should Criterion have released it? I don’t know and I really don’t care. The fact is, they did. I wouldn’t dare compare it to CC’s release of Armageddon or the Rock (eww…).
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Ten Worst Movies You've Ever Seen? almost 3 years ago
Well, here I go:
-Aeon Flux
-Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood
-Premonition
-Juno
-The Happening
-Pirates of the Caribbean 3
-Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
-Smoking Aces
-Transformers
-Sisterhood of the Pants 2! (why the crap did I see the sequel!?!!)
I mean, these SUCKED.
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CONFESSIONS--FILMS YOU ARE ASHAMED TO SAY YOU HAVE NOT SEEN (YET) almost 3 years ago
To Call me Al:
I wouldn’t bother watching Transformers 2…hell, I wouldn’t watch the first one. Its just a grossly overdone 9/11 allegory…
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What Has Happened to You M. Night Shymalan? almost 3 years ago
The Happening was a way for Shyamalan to say, “Hey look! I can make an R rated movie! I’m a big kid now!” I must admit, within the first two scenes, my initial reaction was, “Shyamalan’s back!” But when Wahlberg appears on screen and opens his mouth, that’s it. It’s all downhill. And that is why The Happening is more disappointing than Lady in the Water. Lady in the Water was terrible from beginning to end. The Happening could’ve been (and that’s a HUGE could) decent. It wasn’t.
The Sixth Sense really appealed to me, as did Unbreakable, Signs and The Village (yes, The Village). There were writing flaws (scenes in which the characters sound like two Shyamalans talking to one another) of course, but the cinematography, staging, and musical scores completely set the feeling of his pictures. It’s very sad to watch his filmmaking spiral downward.
And don’t compare him to Rod Serling…there will never be another Rod.
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What was the first Criterion movie you watched? almost 3 years ago
I saw Dazed and Confused and Armageddon before I had ever heard of Criterion (and before I knew what a REAL movie was…stupid Armageddon). But I consider my first to be Ran. I had been eyeing it for a while, and my girlfriend bought it for me. I was not only hooked on Criterion but also hooked on her.
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The Box (2009, Richard Kelly) trailer almost 3 years ago
I read the short story this is based off of (Richard Matheson’s “Button Button”). I’m a big fan of Matheson as an author (he wrote I Am Legend and many screenplays for the Twilight Zone), and this story is one of Matheson’s best. However, no Matheson story can properly be adapted for the screen, unless it’s for a 30-minute Twilight Zone segment. Stories like these work in the short story format, but not in a movie format. Cameron Diaz is an AWFUL actress and James Marsden is just terrible. Frank Langella’s an amazing actor, but from now on, every time I see/hear him, I’m gonna think of Richard Nixon (thank you, Ron Howard). And the trailer is cheesier than Kraft singles…what’s happened to modern cinema?
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Who's better than Stanley Kubrick? almost 3 years ago
I wouldn’t say one director is better than another.
But Kubrick is a hell of a lot better than most ;)
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The Gultiest of Guilty Pleasures. almost 3 years ago
I love Halloween 3!!! I thought I was the only one! Where have you people been all my life?!
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STOP THE LISTS! almost 3 years ago
Threads like these just tickle my fancy! :D
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I Didn't Like Raging Bull... almost 3 years ago
Ok. Here goes:
I recently watched Scorsese’s biopic masterpiece Raging Bull…and didn’t like it at all. I had been waiting eagerly to see this film. I mean, it’s supposedly one of the greatest films of all time and the greatest biopic. But sadly, it failed to affect me in any way whatsoever, and I can’t figure out why. Robert De Niro’s performance was excellent. The cinematography was immaculate. But for some reason, the plot, pacing, directing, and writing failed to impress me. I feel like I’ve blasphemed cinema! And I don’t want to do that (because I love cinema and blasphemy is frowned upon). I seriously need some help! Can someone please help me to appreciate this film because I really do want to love it!
Go to Comment
I Didn't Like Raging Bull... almost 3 years ago
Ok. Here goes:
I recently watched Scorsese’s biopic masterpiece Raging Bull…and didn’t like it at all. I had been waiting eagerly to see this film. I mean, it’s supposedly one of the greatest films of all time and the greatest biopic. But sadly, it failed to affect me in any way whatsoever, and I can’t figure out why. Robert De Niro’s performance was excellent. The cinematography was immaculate. But for some reason, the plot, pacing, directing, and writing failed to impress me. I feel like I’ve blasphemed cinema! And I don’t want to do that (because I love cinema and blasphemy is frowned upon). I seriously need some help! Can someone please help me to appreciate this film because I really do want to love it!
Go to Comment
Blind Buys almost 3 years ago
We’ve all done it at least once….wandered aimlessly into a movie store. Two twentys in our pocket. Walked over to the Criterion section. Picked up a film with a cool title and an artistically impressive front cover. Looked at the synopsis. Walked to the smiling lady behind the register and bought the film without any prior knowledge of what it’s all about.
Have you had any luck with your blind buys? Do you do it often? What’s your worst Criterion blind buy? What’s the best one? Do you feel a bit naughty after you do it?
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Blind Buys almost 3 years ago
Yeah I have to admit…in response to my first post, I usually do research on a Criterion before I buy it. So that’s not really a blind buy. That’s more of an educated guess. I agree with Loofrin: I may blind buy a DVD (rarely it’s a Criterion) if it’s to satisfy a “buy two, get one free” kind of deal.
And yes…two twentys are hard to come by ;)
I only wish I knew of a library that had Criterion releases I could check out…
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I Didn't Like Raging Bull... almost 3 years ago
Thank you so much! I will definitely watch this film again. I am new to Scorsese’s works, it’s true. I’ve also had my butt kicked around by a she-devil. I’ve been meaning to see Taxi Driver, but alas…I have not yet seen it. I understand that I don’t have to make myself like a film that is a part of the cinema canon. The fact is, I liked so many aspects of the film, but there was something still missing that didn’t completely make me like it. And I love how unlikeable La Motta is…it makes him all the more human.
Like I said, I loved the acting and the cinematography. What are the aspects of the film that you loved?
Go to Comment
I Didn't Like Raging Bull... almost 3 years ago
@ Justin—I really enjoyed reading your summation of the film. The scenes you alluded to are my favorite scenes. They are the ones that really affected me…especially the scene with him in the jail cell.
@ David Ehrenstein—I would appreciate it if you would not call me “dumber than a box of rocks.” I started this thread so that more experienced cinephiles could aid me in understanding this film fully, not to be called names.
And I really appreciate all the advice from all of you.
Go to Comment
Heads up!!!! 50% off Criterions almost 3 years ago
Criterions are my crack…
50% off is like…like…I can’t even describe it.
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What is No Country actually about? almost 3 years ago
I have to say the film was a spectacular adaptation of McCarthy’s novel. But I feel that to properly and completely understand the story, one needs to read the book before seeing the movie. McCarthy is a gifted author and I was impressed with the Coens’ work. (Read The Road too!)
The story is a fable about the evil that can manifest and spiral out-of-control in a society that lusts after greed and the power that accompanies that avarice. The evil is a realistic portrayal. It is dark and relentless. But Chigurh isn’t the only one to scrutinize. Llewelyn is just as animalistic as the killer who is tracking him. He steals the money and ultimately chooses it over his life. He places his wife and mother-in-law in jeopardy. No he doesn’t kill relentlessly like Chigurh, but he is just as determined.
The film is also a comment on the lax and aloof nature of law enforcement and those who are “sworn to protect.” Ed Tom and his partner are bumbling and slow-witted. They track the killings like two fools. When Llewelyn asks permission to cross over the border into the States, the patrolman asks him what division he was in during Vietnam and then lets him through (HUGE comment on the negligent security of border patrol).
Francisco Torres is right: the film does deal with the futility of life. But it also deals with the true nature of humans when they are confronted with the futility of their lives. Chigurh tells Llewelyn’s wife that every person says the same thing before he or she is killed. They sit awkwardly like they are about to get their picture taken and plead quietly for their lives. But there is nothing for them to plead for. Their lives are as ephemeral before they die as when they were born. There is no law to protect the characters. No cop to handcuff the bad guy. No one to burst through the door and kill the villain before he murders the protagonist. Because when evil is set loose, it can’t be stopped.
Go to Comment
I Didn't Like Raging Bull... almost 3 years ago
Drew, I agree with you. I don’t feel that I have to like the main character to understand him or her or to appreciate him or her. I liked De Niro’s portrayal of La Motta because I found him to be self-destructing and out-of-control.
And I must interject concerning the nature of rewatching films: I can slightly understand how Bobby Wise feels. The majority of advice I’ve gotten from this thread is to rewatch Raging Bull. And I will. But there are a ton of movies I have in line to watch first. Perhaps those movies will affect the experience I will have with watching Raging Bull a second time.
“I think about that a lot. It fills me with great joy to know that there will always be more movies to watch, more books to read, more paintings to see…”
I love that, Jason. The feeling that there is so much more to read and observe and take part in is a great feeling.
And Fredo, I can stare at a Dali or Max Ernst painting for two hours (approximately…) and discuss it in analytical detail. That’s the beauty of art.
Go to Comment
STOP THE LISTS! almost 3 years ago
“Dr. Who’s best friends:
Captain Where
General Why
Officer When
Dental Assistant What"
HAHAHAHA!!!!
Drew! You’ve given me an idea…you speak of the amount of Criterions you will get in the upcoming B&N sale (if only we were all ludicrously wealthy…). Any ideas on which ones you might get? Does anyone have a list of Criterions they’re looking at purchasing during the sale?
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What Does Your Family Think Of Your Love of Cinema? almost 3 years ago
Mom: “I kinda wanna watch a movie tonight…”
Me: “Well, I’ve got plenty! What are you in the mood for? Italian neorealism? A surreal Bunuel piece? Ooh, ooh I just bought Bergman’s the Seventh Seal! And I’ve got—”
Mom: “Let’s watch Practical Magic!”
Me: ::sulks away::
My girlfriend and I watch great stuff. She bought me my first Criterion, which was amazing. My sister also watches a lot of the same stuff I do (sans the foreign…).
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STOP THE LISTS! almost 3 years ago
All right man! I’m also looking into Battle of Algiers and Olivier’s Shakespeare. Have you seen Bicycle Thieves? If you haven’t, you MUST get it!
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STOP THE LISTS! almost 3 years ago
By the way, that above post was to you, Drew.
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Alien vs. Aliens almost 3 years ago
My dad introduced me to many scifi/horror films of the golden age when I was a kid. Of course, he showed me Alien and Aliens. As a kid, I could watch Aliens (to an extent…I was 10, ya know), but Alien scared the shit out of my Power Rangers breeches. As an adult, I can say that I love both. Alien is claustrophobic and suspenseful. I liken it to a haunted house movie. The set for Alien will always scare me: it’s dark, dripping like the inside of a wet cave, and eerie. Aliens is more of an action film, but it’s a GOOD action film (sometimes hard to come by). Plus, Aliens has one of the single greatest end sequences of any movie I’ve ever seen.
Favorite quote: “Get away from her, you bitch!”
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Alien vs. Aliens almost 3 years ago
@ Scooter
My dad quotes “Game over, man” when something not-so-good happens :) Great line.
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Heads up!!!! 50% off Criterions almost 3 years ago
Ok, so I’m new to Tarkovsky…should I get Andrei Rublev or Solaris?
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Great Films Turned Into Pornos And Their Plot Lines! (No Kinder!) almost 3 years ago
This is ridiculous…
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