Louis: What are your overall thoughts on Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as Batman and Joker respectively? Personally, I believe they're the best voices for those two.
Calvin: That would have been interesting. Now that I think about it, I also think that Tim Curry could have been a great Joker, although Hamill was the right choice.
I saw Free State of Jones. I liked it a lot actually, but I'm kind of a sucker for films set during the Civil War. I think it's too long, and there's a framing story that's pretty unnecessary, but overall I found it an effective film with a very strong leading performance.
The Cast: McConaughey-4.5 Ali-4 Mbatha-Raw-3 Murphy-2 Franklin-1.5
Everyone else is fine, but they kinda just bleed into each other, which actually works for the film.
Anything with McConaughey nowadays, regardless of quality, is at the very least watchable because of him. I think people forget that he's still on a roll in terms of great performances (have also just checked out first season of True Detective and boy are he and Harrelson amazing).
Saw Green Room and Eye in the Sky really liked both of them.
Luke:
Noted.
Castellaneta - (Well I should note that everyone's work has diminished along with the series, except for Harry Shearer's, as their vocal work has become progressively more wacky and one dimensional sounding. Looking at the prime Simpsons though Castellaneta's variety of work is impressive. He's got the great hilarious though technically less nuanced work in roles like Hans Moleman and Groundskeeper Willy. Then his major roles of Homer, Grampa, and Krusty are particularly well realized. They can of course be extremely funny, yet when it calls for it there is quite the emotional potential for all of them like in Homer's Triple Bypass for example. His stand out of all is Homer as he managed to create a classic character out of what started as a bad Walter Matthau impression.)
Kavner - (Her voices are as Marge, her mother and her sisters, and though all similair she does make them distinctive. As with Castellaneta there is often the times where she simply serves the purpose of being funny, and delivers those moments well. Again though often there is asked for more, in the best episodes, and she always delivered then particularly in the flashback episodes.)
Cartwright - (Great in the different forms that the show called for Bart to be whether that was just the standard mischievous scamp, the more straight forward kid, or even again in some of the more dramatic moments when they did show up such as in "Bart Gets a F". Then again her extras also are often very amusing and occasionally a bit more. I actually prefer her Ralph from "I Love Lisa", than the one note simpleton they eventually made him.)
Smith - (Only one voice, but to be fair it does absolutely fit Lisa's character. Although Lisa soon became just loud opinion spouter, she actually delivered the funny moments Lisa was allowed early on quite well. Most of the time before she became too one note she was given the more serious matter the show did offer, and did very well with it such as with "Lisa's Substitute")
Azaria - (Just a variety of great voices from him big or small. I suppose Moe is probably his biggest focus, and he is particularly hilarious when just a straight forward funny character. Again though he brings the needed subtly to his work when any of the characters need it and it is impressive the emotional poignancy that can sometimes be felt with so often just really funny characters. It's such a shame that the show and the performers really did not maintain this balance throughout. Well except for..)
Shearer - (Again the sheer variety is incredibly impressive. The highlights for Shearer though are Mr. Burns and Mr. Smither. His vocal work I feel definitely contributed to what allowed Mr. Burns to be one of the breakout characters of the show. It's marvelous the way he can bring so much out of just the standard boss character as he is such a consistently hilarious character. Even more impressive I suppose is the chemistry of sorts in his interactions with himself as Burns and Smithers. Even in the later episodes I've seen Shearer still deliver with his characters even when the rest of the cast don't)
Grammer - (The best guest voice the show ever had, if you can completely count him as such. His Sideshow Bob episodes though are highlights of already great seasons. He creates such a perfect balance in his vocal work in terms of cruelty and refinement, as well as a genuine menace along with still being absolutely hilarious.)
Anonymous:
Conroy - (Conroy's voice work is brilliant as he develops to distinct separate voices for Bruce Wayne and Batman. The most interesting touch for him though is that he makes Batman his real voice and Bruce Wayne his false one. His vocal work is so careful as when he's with just Alfred, even out of costume gives the true Bruce/Batman voice, while in public creates the right light weight phony persona. Now past all that his voice just is Batman as it just carries the right command, menace and power to it.)
Hamill - (Hamill's voice work is also brilliant and he does brings variations in his own way. I will say with both Hamill and Conroy if it's a drawing or an animation of the two characters I except these voices out of the characters no matter what. They are the only ones that seem absolutely right. Hamill's Joker is great though as he brings the needed charisma, enthusiasm and humor to the Joker. There is madness in every breath, and I love how he manages to make the character work no matter what. He finds the right variation in just the purely scheme episodes, yet naturally finds a darker vein in episodes like "Mad Love", or in the Batman Beyond: Joker Returns movie.)
Gale - 4(Like Combs hams it up in just the right fashion. He really is hilariously skeevy throughout the film, and only becomes progressively more ridiculous as the film continues. This is fitting given what happens to him, and his faces as a head are particularly memorable.
Thoughts/ratings for the casts of both Green Room and Eye in the Sky? Really hope Mirren gets into awards discussions. Also liked Paul, Rickman, Abdi and Fox quite a bit.
My favorite part of the DCAU was actually the Justic League and Justice League Unlimited. The episode that counts as a series finale to Batman Beyond has one of my favorite moments in any cartoon. Ace's death and how Batman handles it is the anthiesis to everything someone like Zack Snyder thinks of that character.
Louis: Completely agree with your thoughts on all those voice performances. I also agree that I always want to hear Conroy and Hamill voice those characters, but if you haven't seen Under the Red Hood, Bruce Greenwood and John DiMaggio are both excellent as Batman and Joker, respectively.
What are your thoughts on Albert Brooks' voice work on "You Only Move Twice", and as you mentioned Return of the Joker, I'm assuming you at least sort of like that movie?
Robert: Justice League was great. I'm trying not to lose hope for the films because Gadot's Wonder Woman has a lot of potential and Affleck's Batman could be saved under a better director. Unfortunately, Snyder.
Poots - 4.5(She disappears into the role completely and you just feel the history of her character through her performance. She alludes to the rougher edges of her character so well. I love how she balances it in terms of the fear of her present situation but at the same time suggests her understanding of the world she's grown up in. She's terrific in bringing this certain madness of her own that she kind of cultivates through the film that she shows is almost a survival mechanism for her character. She also develops a very effective low key chemistry with Yelchin that makes a few dark humorous moments in the film really work well.)
Stewart - 4(Stewart downplays the role of the Neo Nazi leader. He is quite chilling in portraying his character who is so at ease in basically breaking down a series of murders as calmly as he possible can. He carries the needed charisma of such a leader as he feels in control of every moment of the situation while being so menacing in the role despite never even needing to raise his voice for even a moment.)
Blair - 4(Very strong work from him as he manages to convey his character's arc that is pretty much entirely left to him. Blair makes the moments of just a few reactions throughout that he makes it absolutely convincing, and even a bit affecting what his character does by the end of the film.)
Shawkat - 3.5(She does add a nice bit of natural humor in the earlier scenes, and even just the right amount in the later scenes as well. She though does deliver in the more dramatic moments and gives a palatable sense of her character's growing fear.)
Cole & Turner - 3(Both bring the right amount of life and character in the early scenes, that makes what happens later have quite the impact to say the least.)
Mirren - 4(I felt she delivered the tough as nails personality of her character in a very effective fashion. She just brought that command without question and never over did the military personality type either. What I found most remarkable about her work though is how she brought across and made you see her character's mindset throughout, while she still never has her character lose her resolve. She wears the severity of the situation, and though you may or may not agree with her character's actions she made you understand them.)
Paul - 4(Well I'm glad I saw this performance since I was worried about his potential past Jesse Pinkman. Paul delivers here in what is in a particularly constricted role as his character is really mostly in one place, and has to keep a certain emotional level throughout. Paul though again delivers the emotional conflict of his character so well in such a quiet fashion yet powerful fashion. What I loved most out of the film was that it let you make the decision with the characters, and did not paint anyone as an obvious hero or villain.)
Abdi - 3.5(I hope he continues to find work as he is a naturally engaging performer. Abdi's role is interesting in that his character is never tasked with the pressure of the decision faced by the other characters, but rather faces the pressure of being in such a dangerous situation. Abdi brings this to life so well through his performance as he aids in creating a real sense of the tension to the situation in terms of the danger of being where he is)
Fox - 3(Overshadowed somewhat by Paul, but I did find her largely reactionary performance moving.)
Glen - 3(I'll admit I found his Jorah beard a bit funny, and probably not quite fitting to the role of Foreign Secretary. However I did like what he did in basically portraying the eagerness to defer, and frustration in actually coming up with a real decision.)
Rickman - 4(Not a bad swansong to go out on in the least. Rickman brings just the right amount of his his trademark deadpan to fit the role of the man who wants to keep the situation as organized and calm as possible, while he still always still reflects well the heightening tension due to the politicians passing of the buck. He breaks this well in a knockout final scene, as he makes such an impact by delivering the needed passion and disgust as he reveals just how much the situation did matter to him.)
1970's The Truman Show (directed by Peter Bogdanovich) Truman Burbank: Gene Wilder Hannah Gill/Meryl Burbank: Ellen Burstyn Christof: Maxmillian Schell Louis Coltrane/Marlon: Frederic Forrest Sylvia: Cybil Sheperd
1960's Shakespeare in Love (directed by Fred Zinneman) William Shakespeare: Terrence Stamp Viola de Lesseps: Susannah York Philip Henslowe: Alec Guinness Lord Wessex: Anthony Quayle Ned Alleyn: William Shatner (come on, this would be awesome) Hugh Fennyman: Leo McKern
Man, Clift and Welles, that would've been something to watch.
1970's The Master (directed by Francis Ford Coppola) Freddie Quell: Al Pacino Lancaster Dodd: Gene Hackman Peggy Dodd: Elizabeth Hartman Val Dodd: Timothy Bottoms Doris: Unsure
Fine, some retro castings. 1930's The Terminator (directed by James Whale) T-800: Boris Karloff Sarah Connor: Barbara Stanwyck Kyle Reese: Clark Gable
1940's Million Dollar Baby (directed by John Huston) Frankie Dunn: Walter Huston Maggie: Claire Trevor Dupris: Lionel Barrymore
1950's The Master (directed by Billy Wilder) Freddie Quell: Kirk Douglas Lancaster Dodd: Lee J. Cobb Peggy Dobb: Eleanor Parker Val Dodd: Jack Lemmon Doris: ?????
I don't think I'd quite buy Gable as the Kyle Reese type. Robert Montgomery might be a good choice. Stanwyck and Karloff are great choices, though; I assume it'd be more of a machine horror affair.
Llewyn Davis: Robert Duvall Jean Berkey: Diane Ladd Roland Turner: Paul Ford Jim Berkey: Robert Morse Bud Grossman: Claude Rains Johnny Five: Alan Arkin
Green Room (1980's directed by David Cronenberg)
Pat: Michael J. Fox Amber: Rosanna Arquette Sam: Marcia Gay Harden Reece: John Hawkes Tiger: Anthony LaPaglia Darcy: Vincent Price Gabe: John Lithgow
Calvin:
Chalk - (Chalk's voice carries the right innate warmth yet still a firm command about him that sets Primal well as the right type of leader. He's never one note in this quality, not just the clear one note hero type, and find the nuance of certain vulnarbilities with the character rather well.)
McNeil - (Very impressive given that I'd never would have guessed that Waspinator, Rattrap, Silverbolt and Dinobot were ever voiced by the same character. Now his Waspinator is pretty to the point, but enjoyably so. Silverbolt is that often in portraying just kind of a semi-egotistical fop, though when more is needed for the character, he delivers. His most impressive are Rattrap and Dinobot, as both star potentially as just kind of the comic relief and a berserk respectively. McNeil does a great job of helping the characters evolve during the series to so much more.)
Newman - (I kind of like Rhinox as the guy who probably should be in charge but is too humble to be so. Newman's voice delivers this well by having the innate intelligence and strength within his voice while always being very modest in his approach.)
Corlett - (He's just fine in giving the right youth and enthusiasm to Cheetor, who I won't say is quite endearing, yet he managed to not make him obnoxious as he easily could have been.)
Mankuma - (Puts the emphasis on the soulfulness of the character of Tigatron, but it works well. He also adjusts well later on in his brief scenes to show the change in the different version of the character)
Newstone - (She's fine but it is easy to see why they dropped the character, as there was just nothing especially dynamic about her)
Sobolov - (He brings the needed intensity in his voice, but pulls back just enough that it's not all there is to the character. He brings out in the right moments, and makes it have a strong impact by bringing so much of a sort of sadness within the anger)
Kaye - (Delightful work that subverts well the usual vicious villain routine, by making his character so "highbrow" in style. What's notable about this is that this never compromises his ability to be menacing, and he is intimidating whenever it calls for it despite never dropping the overall style of his vocal performance even in these moments.)
Brown - (One note and goofy. It's very easy to see why they got rid of his character.)
Parker - (He actually brings far less nuance than Chris Latta gave Starscream in the original 80's series where there was less called for it. Parker just kind of screams at the top of his lungs. This works alright for Terrorsaur, but is disappointing with Starscream.)
Willows - (One of the less impressive of the long standing voices. His approach is very arch and though this work well enough most of the time, there are few moments where the character could get more under the skin than he does.)
Terzo - (She does well in doing almost kind of a femme fatale routine in her earlier episodes, however as the series progressively she's quite good in creating the gradual evolution of her character throughout to make the transition feel natural)
Byrner - (One note but hilariously so)
Murdock - (One note as well, but enjoyable enough)
Lane - (He brings the viciousness that's needed, but does well in that there is some pathos in there particularly in the "Transmutate" episode.)
Michael:
1934:
1. It Happened One Night 2. The Thin Man 3. Babes in Toyland 4. The Lost Patrol 5. Twentieth Century 6. The Black Cat 7. Manhatten Melodrama 8. The Scarlet Pimpernel
Would not include the others I've seen on a top ten.
1950:
1. Rashomon 2. Sunset Blvd. 3. The Asphalt Jungle 4. All About Eve 5. Winchester 73' 6. Cinderella 7. Harvey 8. D.O.A 9. Scandal 10. Morning Departure
1951:
1. Scrooge 2. Strangers on a Train 3. The Lavender Hill Mob 4. Ace in the Hole 5. A Place in the Sun 6. A Streetcar Named Desire 7. Alice in Wonderland 8. The Man in the White Suit 9. The Enforcer 10. The Idiot
Louis: Could you watch War And Peace (2016) in the somewhat distant future. I've re-watched all 6 episodes recently and Paul Dano gives his finest work to date. :)
I have only seen three of these nominees. Year of the Dragon sounds interesting, despite its critical reception. This film was directed by the guy who directed Thunderbolt and Lightfoot and The Deer Hunter, but also directed the infamous Heaven's Gate. Haven't seen the latter, yet the story of its production is rather funny.
I would call Year of The Dragon a solid movie that didnt deserve the racist backlash and although it has some problems, I think he holds up due to some good shootouts, a fantastic controntation at the end on that train track between Mickey and John, as well as both of them putting a lot of effort into their work.
I heard Siskel and Ebert both liked Year of The Dragon.
Michael: He is certianly a cocky dick but I agree I felt I could see why he was that way, that scene where he tells John Lone to fuck off while Lone creepily stares at him is quite good, I felt the best scenes in the film belonged to the scenes where they went toe to toe.
Louis: I always love the pictures you choose for the actors, like you chose John Lone for the scene that Rourke tells him to fuck off and Lone just shows this killer side to him as he trys to be charming and civil but his eyes show a killers intent.
The moment Mickey Rourke tells John Lone to F off and Lone just stares angrily back at him and says " What did you say" is pretty darn tense.
Lone's work actually has stayed with me quite a bit, his scenes seemed like they were from a better film. I can't honestly say I completely disagree with the criticisms that the film is racist though.
Wonder what Lone's doing nowadays. Funnily enough not having seen him in this or The Last Emperor (shocking I know) yet, his work in The Iceman and M. Butterfly is enough for me to consider him a pretty good actor.
John Lone looks pretty good for his age, I mean in Rush Hour 2 he looks no different, what I am about to say is very complimentary and not bad in anyway but would people agree that many asian actors look better in their 40s and over than other ethnicitys, I say this because actors like Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Jackie Chan and Anthony Wong look no different than they did fifteen years ago, even John Lone looks great in Rush Hour 2 and his final film War (2007) looks great for his age.
I am curious what John Lone is doing nowadays, I am sure he is doing well though, maybe he is like his character in The Last Emperor, he is living a life of peace and harmony I reckon.
I honestly didn't get the impression that Year of The Dragon was that racist if im being honest, despite what the critics said, I don't think the films intention was to offend, I always felt that the film just wanted to be a crime film with a angry man wanting to enforce the law at all costs and a kingpin who just wanted control at all costs. I think John Lones performance proves the film wasnt trying to be racist since he is portrayed very evenly and actually at times, more likable and sympathetic than Rourkes characters.
I have seen pretty much all of John Lones critically lauded films and I think he is a great actor incapable of giving a bad performance, extremely underrated, I put him in the same category as the great Oskar Werner as an underrated actor who uses (aside from M Butterfly) the same voice in all of his films yet always gives great range.
M Butterfly I haven't seen fully, only clips and John Lone really goes for it, I think it works so far because he is consistent, I disagree with Siskel and Ebert that he doesnt sound like a woman, i dont know what else he can do here?, its not like Jaye Davidson, anybody who has Jaye Davidson in interviews knows he sounds exactly like Dil in real life as he does in The Crying Game.
Green Room is probably my favorite film of the year so far. A tight captivating thriller in every regard. I love how it actually begins in a way in that it could have just followed this hapless band trying get to their next gig, I would have been fine with that actually. It takes its dark turn though, enforces a tight grip which never lets go. The atmosphere of the situation is brilliantly realized and I love the detail given to the sick world the band comes into contact with. The violence that proceeds is incredibly raw, though I did not feel gratuitous as it bluntly showed the horror of the situation. I found the way the deaths of certain characters particularly disturbing because of how casually they occurred. The film is minimalist yet it gives just enough time to invest in the characters' plight. There is also a vein of dark humor that's never abused but only makes the film all the more compelling. Loved it.
Eye in the Sky is close to being my favorite film of the year. I really liked how despite the play like structure of the different people talking in rooms about the situation, the film was always absolutely engaging, and cinematic. The film is remarkable in how well it builds tension not only through the scenes on the ground, but through every conversation given. Even though there is a direct narrative to follow, it never loses the characters, and they never feel restricted despite technically being so. My favorite aspect of the film was that it leaves the viewer to decide on the central decision. It shows both sides clearly, and gives understanding to each. It does not make easy villains or easy heroes, instead conveying the difficulty of making the choice.
I'll consider the recommendation. I won't be seeing the BFG tonight.
Anonymous:
Beats me, I wish he'd come back. It's such a shame what happened to his career to begin with as he's probably the closest a non-martial artist Asian actor has come to being a leading man in the U.S.
A glitch occurred when I was updating Ford's score, not sure what happened to it.
Anonymous:
1. The Sword of Doom 2. Harakiri 3. Ran 4. Kagemusha 5. Yojimbo 6. The Human Condition I 7. Sanjuro 8. Kill! 9. The Human Condition II 10. The Face of Another
RatedRStar: I've actually never found Jay Davidson to sound all that womanly. Even before watching it without knowing the twist for the first time, I knew there was something off. Not that I minded at all, I still think it's a great performance, and frankly I think the voice is less important than the way/manner the actor carries himself in for a role like this.
Michael McCarthy: I would agree with that with that comment but I think John Lones work proves that there was something more there, a well rounded character that cuts through the film. I also think Ariane Koizumis performance is supposed to be smart and sympathetic but because she gives such a poor performance it comes off as just silly.
Also, Louis, have you read the original script for The Hateful Eight? I skimmed it a while ago and it's pretty much the same bar a one big detail: there's no final hanging of Daisy and everyone dies in a heated shootout in the end, meaning there's no Lincoln Letter scene to cap it off. I don't know about you but I'm kind of glad it leaked and forced Tarantino to change the ending, which is actually my favourite part of the film.
Good choices. The more I think about The Nice Guys the more problems I have with it, though.
Speaking of non-martial artist Asian leading men, two others who came near were Sessue Hayakawa and James Shiegta. Haven't seen any of their leading world but we all know how talented the former was, and I've always liked how the latter played his role in Die Hard. For once the boss character is not some spineless idiot but a brave and righteous character.
Calvin Law: That is interesting, I always seemed to find him quite effeminate and not to mention his appearance in general so I kinda just accepted him really as a woman, maybe because he was standing next to very manly Stephen Rea lol, its the voice I think, that sort of needy desperate voice that Jaye uses " Dont Go like that" that made me believe, and made me believe he could convince others at the very least.
Louis: While I liked Niven's performance in Separate Tables, do you think someone could have played his role better? I think Olivier, Mason or even Guinness could have worked.
I actually agree with you about the Nice Guys it's not aging especially well for me, though I would like to give it a re-watch when I have the chance to.
Anonymous:
I'd say all three would have worked in those roles.
RatedRStar: It's not bad at all. It's not that different from his usual voice from what I've seen, but he pitches it a bit higher to make it work quite well. I should note I don't think much of the film but he's quite good in it. Would go for a 3.5 (he'd be a 4.5 in The Iceman. I also really need to see The Last Emperor.)
Also you are completely right why his performance works has a lot to do with the contrast to Rea. The more I think about it the more I like it.
Louis: I've actually re-watched it and also rewatched Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in between the two viewings. I think that might have something to factor into my lessening appreciation for the overall smugness and ill-nature of some of the equivalent scenes in The Nice Guys which were treated with heart and charm in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Also I was a little less impressed by Gosling and Rice second time round, though if anything more impressed by Crowe.
Anonymous: It's a divisive film but check him out in Alpha Dog, he's MVP there for me. Also really good in Love Crazy, a fairly standard romantic film but with excellent work from him and Felicity Jones.
So I re-watched Room for the first time and I must say pretty much all my reservations are gone, and I'd push my ratings for the whole cast/nominate it in a few more categories. I have to ask, Louis, why is Joan Allen a 3 for you? Because this time round I must say I found her extremely effective, as opposed to just good.
Louis: I think that the other actors from Gentleman's Agreement also needed to be replaced like Peck, with the exception of Stockwell. What do you think?
R.I.P Michael Cimino, this is truly crazy timing given that Year of The Dragon is soon to be reviewed, a great director who should have been given more.
I have no complaints against her performance she just did not leave that much of an impact for me.
Anonymous:
Well certainly for Anne "gives the exact same performance in every film" Revere. Maybe for some of the others but they had razor thin material to work with to begin with.
Louis, can I get your top 10 films of 1933, 1947, and 1961?
Also just out of curiosity, does anyone else watch Orange is the New Black? Because I'm well into the new season and it's been really strong so far, especially considering how underwhelming the last one was.
Louis: what's your thoughts/ratings for Jackie Earle Haley and Walton Goggins in Lincoln? I re-watched it again today and they actually both made an extremely strong impression on me this time round.
Does anyone watch Mr. Robot? I finished watching the first season a few months ago. It's pretty fantastic, and I'd say Rami Malek deserves to win the Emmy for Drama Actor this year.
I love Farrell's performance as well, but I'm comfortable giving Gleeson the sole win.
Anonymous:
Songs:
1. "Marry The Mole" - Thumbelina 2. "Die Another Day" - Die Another Day 3. "Addams Whoomp" - The Addams Family Values 4. "Cool as Ice" - Cool as Ice 5. "Peace in Our Life" - Rambo First Blood Part II 6. "Addams Groove" - The Addams Family 7. "Therapist" - A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 8. "I Want Your Sex" - Beverly Hills Cop 2 9. "Bring Your Daughter the Slaughter" - A Nightmare on Elm Street 5 10. "Hero" - Spider-Man
Michael:
1933:
1. King Kong 2. The Invisible Man 3. Dinner at Eight 4. The Testament of Dr. Mabuse 5. Sons of the Desert 6. Duck Soup 7. The Private Life of Henry VIII 8. Counsellor At law 9. 42nd Street 10. The Kennel Murder Case
1947:
1. Odd Man Out 2. Miracle on 34th Street 3. Out of the Past 4. Ride the Pink Horse 5. A Double Life 6. Kiss of Death 7. The Bishop's Wife 8. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir 9. Black Narcissus 10. Snow Trail
1961:
1. Yojimbo 2. The Innocents 3. The Hustler 4. Divorce Italian Style 5. 101 Dalmatians 6. The Mark 7. One, Two, Three 8. The Guns of Navarone 9. Through the Glass Darkly 10. Judgment at Nuremberg
Calvin:
Goggins - (Goggins I find gives an enjoyable burst of humor to the film in portraying his dimwitted character in an honest yet enjoyable fashion. He really earns that "Shoot me" moment, and manages to give it more of an impact that it would have had otherwise.)
Haley - (I rather like his performance as well since he does not vilify the character with his performance. I like the earnestness he brings when he thanks thanks the soldiers for their service presenting himself as a proper politician. Then in his scene with Day-Lewis I find he brings an actual incisiveness to his words when he counters Lincoln with the amount that have died during the war.)
I have a nostalgic love for all the Sam Rami Spider-Man films, including the song Hero. In particular, Spider-Man 2, try as I might to look at it objectively for flaws, is one superhero flick I think I'll always love.
If I had never seen Sean Penn act in a movie, I would presume he's a bad actor from the ratings on this site. With that said, what do y'all think are his Top Five performances?
I still have a soft spot for Spider-Man 3, despite dislking Grace's portrayal of Venom. My favorite Venom portrayal is that of the 2000 PS1 game. Daran Norris was having the time of his life.
I never had a problem with Yelchin in general, I just did not care for his Chekhov. To be fair to him the part as written was more of an accent than a character, thinking about it he barely interacts with the other characters in both films. I'm sure I would have preferred him over Cera in Scott Pilgrim.
I meant that most of us on here like Cera's performance more than you do, but I get your drift. I think that is a problem with a lot of the writing on the new Star Trek films.
Louis: Rating and thoughts on: Glenn Ford and Bette Davis in Pockettful of Miracles Tyrone Power in The Big Trail (Let me guess, he's as bland as his son)
Also, Louis: do you consider Poots lead or supporting in Green Room? I put her in lead where she's my number 3, but in supporting she'd easily be my win.
Ford - 1.5(Ford barely makes an impression here with much of his performance just kind of being there most of the time. It's a bland seemingly disinterested work that does not make much of an impact either way.)
Davis - 2.5(This performance of hers just feels excessively by the numbers as it's difficult to see any real passion for the material with her work. She does the crude side of Apple Annie alright, the same goes for the tender side of the character, but neither add up to all that much.)
Power - 2.5(He just plays a fairly thin and very standard western villain. He's decent enough within these limits, but that's about it.)
Calvin:
She's in the most grey area for category placement that I can imagine. I have her in supporting, where she's easily my win as well, but if you'd place her lead I'd agree to that as well. For my argument though I'd place her supporting since she's just about completely absent from the first act, definitely feels supporting in the second act, and only feels like a lead in the last act. It's not clear cut either way though.
Everyone: just wondering what would be your top 5 performances by actresses and actors in Woody Allen's films? Mine are something like this:
1. Gena Rowlands - Another Woman 2. Geraldine Page - Interiors 3. Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine 4. Judy Davis - Husbands and Wives 5. Diane Keaton - Annie Hall
1. Martin Landau - Crimes and Misdeamenors 2. Woody Allen - Husbands and Wives 3. Jonathan Rhys Meyers - Match Point 4. Michael Caine - Hannah and Her Sisters 5. Woody Allen - Manhattan Murder Mystery
Louis: I'll ruminate awhile. I have to say, I hope this means more good roles for Poots. She's such a unique screen presence who's been given thankless roles for too long. She somehow managed to make clicking on a lighter such a fascinating piece of characterization.
Gus B.:
1. Mia Farrow - The Purple Rose of Cairo 2. Mia Farrow - Broadway Danny Rose 3. Judy Davis - Husbands and Wives 4. Diane Wiest - Hannah and Her Sisters 5. Diane Keaton - Annie Hall
(I should note I've only seen Husbands and Wives, and Match Point out of Allen's most 'serious' works)
1. Martin Landau - Crimes and Misdemeanors 2. Jeff Daniels - The Purple Rose of Cairo 3. Michael Caine - Hannah and Her Sisters 4. Woody Allen - Manhattan 5. Corey Stoll - Midnight in Paris
Charlotte Rampling is quite brilliant in Allen's Stardust Memories. I don't really like the movie but her performance is great. And I have to say I actually kind of love Scarlett Johansson in Match Point, probably her best performance after Under the Skin.
Saw The BFG a little bit ago. It was fun and I suppose it fulfilled Spielberg's quota of warm fuzzies, but it was a little slow and I think it would've been more impactful if the stakes were raised a bit.
Anton Yelchin as Scott Pilgrim would've been something. Maybe the movie would've been a hit, since I think people were already tired of Michael Cera by the time the movie came out.
150 comments:
1. Holm (Dreamchild)
2. Day-Lewis
3. Lone
4. Holm (Wetherby)
5. McDowall
1) Daniel Day-Lewis
2) Ian Holm (Dreamchild)
3) Ian Holm (Wetherby
4) John Lone
5) Roddy Mcdowall
1.Day-Lewis
2.Holm (Dreamchild)
3.McDowall
4.Holm (Wetherby)
5.Lone
1. Day-Lewis
2. Holm (Dreamchild)
3. Holm (Wetherby)
4. Lone
5. McDowall
Louis: Is Harada 3rd or 4th for Supporting Actress.
1. Day-Lewis
2. Holm (Dreamchild)
3. John Lone
4. Holm (Wetherby)
5. McDowall
1. DDL
2.Holm (Dreamchild)
3.Holm (Wetherby)
4.Lone
5.McDowall
1. DDL
2. Holm (Dreamchild)
3. Lone
4. Holm (Wetherby)
5. McDowall
1. Day-Lewis
2. Holm (Dreamchild)
3. Holm (Wetherby)
4. Lone
5. McDowall
1. DDL
2. Holm (Dreamchild)
3. Lone
4. Holm (Wetherby)
5. McDowall
Louis: Rating and Thoughts on 11.22.63.
Louis: Your thoughts on the main voice cast and Kelsey Grammer in The Simpsons.
Louis: What are your overall thoughts on Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as Batman and Joker respectively? Personally, I believe they're the best voices for those two.
I've always thought they could've worked as live action versions of the character too. Batman: The Animated Series had some fantastic voice casting.
Calvin: That would have been interesting. Now that I think about it, I also think that Tim Curry could have been a great Joker, although Hamill was the right choice.
Rating and thoughts on Gale in Re-Animator?
1) Holm (Wetherby)
2) Day-Lewis
3) Lone
4) Holm (Dreamchild)
5) McDowall
Louis: Lastly, Rating and Thoughts on Daredevil Seasons 1 and 2.
1. Holm (Dreamchild)
2. Day-Lewis
3. Lone
4. Holm (Wetherby)
5. McDowall
I saw Free State of Jones. I liked it a lot actually, but I'm kind of a sucker for films set during the Civil War. I think it's too long, and there's a framing story that's pretty unnecessary, but overall I found it an effective film with a very strong leading performance.
The Cast:
McConaughey-4.5
Ali-4
Mbatha-Raw-3
Murphy-2
Franklin-1.5
Everyone else is fine, but they kinda just bleed into each other, which actually works for the film.
Anything with McConaughey nowadays, regardless of quality, is at the very least watchable because of him. I think people forget that he's still on a roll in terms of great performances (have also just checked out first season of True Detective and boy are he and Harrelson amazing).
Nice to see Ali gets a good role for once, too.
McConaughey as an actor has really grown on me.
Saw Green Room and Eye in the Sky really liked both of them.
Luke:
Noted.
Castellaneta - (Well I should note that everyone's work has diminished along with the series, except for Harry Shearer's, as their vocal work has become progressively more wacky and one dimensional sounding. Looking at the prime Simpsons though Castellaneta's variety of work is impressive. He's got the great hilarious though technically less nuanced work in roles like Hans Moleman and Groundskeeper Willy. Then his major roles of Homer, Grampa, and Krusty are particularly well realized. They can of course be extremely funny, yet when it calls for it there is quite the emotional potential for all of them like in Homer's Triple Bypass for example. His stand out of all is Homer as he managed to create a classic character out of what started as a bad Walter Matthau impression.)
Kavner - (Her voices are as Marge, her mother and her sisters, and though all similair she does make them distinctive. As with Castellaneta there is often the times where she simply serves the purpose of being funny, and delivers those moments well. Again though often there is asked for more, in the best episodes, and she always delivered then particularly in the flashback episodes.)
Cartwright - (Great in the different forms that the show called for Bart to be whether that was just the standard mischievous scamp, the more straight forward kid, or even again in some of the more dramatic moments when they did show up such as in "Bart Gets a F". Then again her extras also are often very amusing and occasionally a bit more. I actually prefer her Ralph from "I Love Lisa", than the one note simpleton they eventually made him.)
Smith - (Only one voice, but to be fair it does absolutely fit Lisa's character. Although Lisa soon became just loud opinion spouter, she actually delivered the funny moments Lisa was allowed early on quite well. Most of the time before she became too one note she was given the more serious matter the show did offer, and did very well with it such as with "Lisa's Substitute")
Azaria - (Just a variety of great voices from him big or small. I suppose Moe is probably his biggest focus, and he is particularly hilarious when just a straight forward funny character. Again though he brings the needed subtly to his work when any of the characters need it and it is impressive the emotional poignancy that can sometimes be felt with so often just really funny characters. It's such a shame that the show and the performers really did not maintain this balance throughout. Well except for..)
Shearer - (Again the sheer variety is incredibly impressive. The highlights for Shearer though are Mr. Burns and Mr. Smither. His vocal work I feel definitely contributed to what allowed Mr. Burns to be one of the breakout characters of the show. It's marvelous the way he can bring so much out of just the standard boss character as he is such a consistently hilarious character. Even more impressive I suppose is the chemistry of sorts in his interactions with himself as Burns and Smithers. Even in the later episodes I've seen Shearer still deliver with his characters even when the rest of the cast don't)
Grammer - (The best guest voice the show ever had, if you can completely count him as such. His Sideshow Bob episodes though are highlights of already great seasons. He creates such a perfect balance in his vocal work in terms of cruelty and refinement, as well as a genuine menace along with still being absolutely hilarious.)
Anonymous:
Conroy - (Conroy's voice work is brilliant as he develops to distinct separate voices for Bruce Wayne and Batman. The most interesting touch for him though is that he makes Batman his real voice and Bruce Wayne his false one. His vocal work is so careful as when he's with just Alfred, even out of costume gives the true Bruce/Batman voice, while in public creates the right light weight phony persona. Now past all that his voice just is Batman as it just carries the right command, menace and power to it.)
Hamill - (Hamill's voice work is also brilliant and he does brings variations in his own way. I will say with both Hamill and Conroy if it's a drawing or an animation of the two characters I except these voices out of the characters no matter what. They are the only ones that seem absolutely right. Hamill's Joker is great though as he brings the needed charisma, enthusiasm and humor to the Joker. There is madness in every breath, and I love how he manages to make the character work no matter what. He finds the right variation in just the purely scheme episodes, yet naturally finds a darker vein in episodes like "Mad Love", or in the Batman Beyond: Joker Returns movie.)
Robert:
Gale - 4(Like Combs hams it up in just the right fashion. He really is hilariously skeevy throughout the film, and only becomes progressively more ridiculous as the film continues. This is fitting given what happens to him, and his faces as a head are particularly memorable.
Thoughts/ratings for the casts of both Green Room and Eye in the Sky? Really hope Mirren gets into awards discussions. Also liked Paul, Rickman, Abdi and Fox quite a bit.
Eye in the Sky is my favorite movie so far this year, glad you liked it. Thoughts on the casts of both films?
Also I know they're not everyone's cup of tea but I love the Batman Beyond series/The Return of the Joker film.
1. Daniel Day-Lewis
2. Ian Holm (Dreamchild)
3. John Lone
4. Ian Holm (Wetherby)
5. Roddy McDowall
Louis: What are your thoughts on the voice cast of Beast Wars?
My favorite part of the DCAU was actually the Justic League and Justice League Unlimited. The episode that counts as a series finale to Batman Beyond has one of my favorite moments in any cartoon. Ace's death and how Batman handles it is the anthiesis to everything someone like Zack Snyder thinks of that character.
Louis: Completely agree with your thoughts on all those voice performances. I also agree that I always want to hear Conroy and Hamill voice those characters, but if you haven't seen Under the Red Hood, Bruce Greenwood and John DiMaggio are both excellent as Batman and Joker, respectively.
What are your thoughts on Albert Brooks' voice work on "You Only Move Twice", and as you mentioned Return of the Joker, I'm assuming you at least sort of like that movie?
Robert: Justice League was great. I'm trying not to lose hope for the films because Gadot's Wonder Woman has a lot of potential and Affleck's Batman could be saved under a better director. Unfortunately, Snyder.
(I personally love Return of the Joker for the record, mostly because of Hamill's performance, but I was curious what your opinion of it was)
Return of the Joker is imperfect, but goddamn the flashback scene in brilliant.
Yeah, that flashback may be Hamill's best work as The Joker.
Calvin:
Green Room:
I'll save Yelchin.
Poots - 4.5(She disappears into the role completely and you just feel the history of her character through her performance. She alludes to the rougher edges of her character so well. I love how she balances it in terms of the fear of her present situation but at the same time suggests her understanding of the world she's grown up in. She's terrific in bringing this certain madness of her own that she kind of cultivates through the film that she shows is almost a survival mechanism for her character. She also develops a very effective low key chemistry with Yelchin that makes a few dark humorous moments in the film really work well.)
Stewart - 4(Stewart downplays the role of the Neo Nazi leader. He is quite chilling in portraying his character who is so at ease in basically breaking down a series of murders as calmly as he possible can. He carries the needed charisma of such a leader as he feels in control of every moment of the situation while being so menacing in the role despite never even needing to raise his voice for even a moment.)
Blair - 4(Very strong work from him as he manages to convey his character's arc that is pretty much entirely left to him. Blair makes the moments of just a few reactions throughout that he makes it absolutely convincing, and even a bit affecting what his character does by the end of the film.)
Shawkat - 3.5(She does add a nice bit of natural humor in the earlier scenes, and even just the right amount in the later scenes as well. She though does deliver in the more dramatic moments and gives a palatable sense of her character's growing fear.)
Cole & Turner - 3(Both bring the right amount of life and character in the early scenes, that makes what happens later have quite the impact to say the least.)
Eye in the Sky:
Mirren - 4(I felt she delivered the tough as nails personality of her character in a very effective fashion. She just brought that command without question and never over did the military personality type either. What I found most remarkable about her work though is how she brought across and made you see her character's mindset throughout, while she still never has her character lose her resolve. She wears the severity of the situation, and though you may or may not agree with her character's actions she made you understand them.)
Paul - 4(Well I'm glad I saw this performance since I was worried about his potential past Jesse Pinkman. Paul delivers here in what is in a particularly constricted role as his character is really mostly in one place, and has to keep a certain emotional level throughout. Paul though again delivers the emotional conflict of his character so well in such a quiet fashion yet powerful fashion. What I loved most out of the film was that it let you make the decision with the characters, and did not paint anyone as an obvious hero or villain.)
Abdi - 3.5(I hope he continues to find work as he is a naturally engaging performer. Abdi's role is interesting in that his character is never tasked with the pressure of the decision faced by the other characters, but rather faces the pressure of being in such a dangerous situation. Abdi brings this to life so well through his performance as he aids in creating a real sense of the tension to the situation in terms of the danger of being where he is)
Fox - 3(Overshadowed somewhat by Paul, but I did find her largely reactionary performance moving.)
Glen - 3(I'll admit I found his Jorah beard a bit funny, and probably not quite fitting to the role of Foreign Secretary. However I did like what he did in basically portraying the eagerness to defer, and frustration in actually coming up with a real decision.)
Rickman - 4(Not a bad swansong to go out on in the least. Rickman brings just the right amount of his his trademark deadpan to fit the role of the man who wants to keep the situation as organized and calm as possible, while he still always still reflects well the heightening tension due to the politicians passing of the buck. He breaks this well in a knockout final scene, as he makes such an impact by delivering the needed passion and disgust as he reveals just how much the situation did matter to him.)
Anonymous:
I'll get you those thoughts soon.
Matt:
I like it well enough, the uncut version anyways.
@Matt: "That's not funny. That's not..." Easily his best line delivery.
That's perfect, but I'm also a *huge* fan of "Secrets that are mine alone to know...*Bruce*."
I had the exact same reaction as you did to Paul. Also glad that you're saving Yelchin for now.
In fact I think I'll watch Green Room now.
1. Daniel Day-Lewis (I think he's lead though)
2. John Lone
3. Roddy McDowall
4. Ian Holm (Dreamchild)
5. Ian Holm (Wetherby)
Louis, what are your top ten films of 1934, 1950, and 1951?
Who would your ideal cast be for a remake of The Deer Hunter? I've always picture Jake Gyllenhaal in De niro's part but what about the others?
Some more retro castings (do pitch in):
1970's The Truman Show (directed by Peter Bogdanovich)
Truman Burbank: Gene Wilder
Hannah Gill/Meryl Burbank: Ellen Burstyn
Christof: Maxmillian Schell
Louis Coltrane/Marlon: Frederic Forrest
Sylvia: Cybil Sheperd
1960's Shakespeare in Love (directed by Fred Zinneman)
William Shakespeare: Terrence Stamp
Viola de Lesseps: Susannah York
Philip Henslowe: Alec Guinness
Lord Wessex: Anthony Quayle
Ned Alleyn: William Shatner (come on, this would be awesome)
Hugh Fennyman: Leo McKern
Let me take a stab at 94dfk1's request...
The Deer Hunter (2010's, directed by Kathryn Bigelow)
Michael: Jake Gyllenhaal
Nick: Ben Foster
Stevie: Andrew Garfield
Linda: Evan Rachel Wood
Stan: Simon Pegg
Also, I don't know how I haven't done this one yet...
1960's The Master (directed by Stanley Kubrick)
Freddie Quell: Montgomery Clift
Lancaster Dodd: Orson Welles
Peggy Dodd: Lee Remick
Val Dodd: George Segal
Doris: Lori Martin
Man, Clift and Welles, that would've been something to watch.
1970's The Master (directed by Francis Ford Coppola)
Freddie Quell: Al Pacino
Lancaster Dodd: Gene Hackman
Peggy Dodd: Elizabeth Hartman
Val Dodd: Timothy Bottoms
Doris: Unsure
Alternative, James Caan as Freddie, and Donald Sutherland as Dodd.
Louis: Your 1985 results page (for the official Oscar nominees) seems to have been deleted.
Louis, what are your top-10 Tatsuya Nakadai performances?
Fine, some retro castings.
1930's The Terminator (directed by James Whale)
T-800: Boris Karloff
Sarah Connor: Barbara Stanwyck
Kyle Reese: Clark Gable
1940's Million Dollar Baby (directed by John Huston)
Frankie Dunn: Walter Huston
Maggie: Claire Trevor
Dupris: Lionel Barrymore
1950's The Master (directed by Billy Wilder)
Freddie Quell: Kirk Douglas
Lancaster Dodd: Lee J. Cobb
Peggy Dobb: Eleanor Parker
Val Dodd: Jack Lemmon
Doris: ?????
What do you guys think of these?
I don't think I'd quite buy Gable as the Kyle Reese type. Robert Montgomery might be a good choice. Stanwyck and Karloff are great choices, though; I assume it'd be more of a machine horror affair.
Calvin: I kind of made a mistake there. I was going to choose him over Gable.
Happy 100th birthday to Olivia de Havilland.
Isn't that so encouraging when you think of how many artists have passed away too soon in the last year?
Throw in a couple myself.
Inside Llewyn Davis (1960's)
Llewyn Davis: Robert Duvall
Jean Berkey: Diane Ladd
Roland Turner: Paul Ford
Jim Berkey: Robert Morse
Bud Grossman: Claude Rains
Johnny Five: Alan Arkin
Green Room (1980's directed by David Cronenberg)
Pat: Michael J. Fox
Amber: Rosanna Arquette
Sam: Marcia Gay Harden
Reece: John Hawkes
Tiger: Anthony LaPaglia
Darcy: Vincent Price
Gabe: John Lithgow
Calvin:
Chalk - (Chalk's voice carries the right innate warmth yet still a firm command about him that sets Primal well as the right type of leader. He's never one note in this quality, not just the clear one note hero type, and find the nuance of certain vulnarbilities with the character rather well.)
McNeil - (Very impressive given that I'd never would have guessed that Waspinator, Rattrap, Silverbolt and Dinobot were ever voiced by the same character. Now his Waspinator is pretty to the point, but enjoyably so. Silverbolt is that often in portraying just kind of a semi-egotistical fop, though when more is needed for the character, he delivers. His most impressive are Rattrap and Dinobot, as both star potentially as just kind of the comic relief and a berserk respectively. McNeil does a great job of helping the characters evolve during the series to so much more.)
Newman - (I kind of like Rhinox as the guy who probably should be in charge but is too humble to be so. Newman's voice delivers this well by having the innate intelligence and strength within his voice while always being very modest in his approach.)
Corlett - (He's just fine in giving the right youth and enthusiasm to Cheetor, who I won't say is quite endearing, yet he managed to not make him obnoxious as he easily could have been.)
Mankuma - (Puts the emphasis on the soulfulness of the character of Tigatron, but it works well. He also adjusts well later on in his brief scenes to show the change in the different version of the character)
Newstone - (She's fine but it is easy to see why they dropped the character, as there was just nothing especially dynamic about her)
Sobolov - (He brings the needed intensity in his voice, but pulls back just enough that it's not all there is to the character. He brings out in the right moments, and makes it have a strong impact by bringing so much of a sort of sadness within the anger)
Kaye - (Delightful work that subverts well the usual vicious villain routine, by making his character so "highbrow" in style. What's notable about this is that this never compromises his ability to be menacing, and he is intimidating whenever it calls for it despite never dropping the overall style of his vocal performance even in these moments.)
Brown - (One note and goofy. It's very easy to see why they got rid of his character.)
Parker - (He actually brings far less nuance than Chris Latta gave Starscream in the original 80's series where there was less called for it. Parker just kind of screams at the top of his lungs. This works alright for Terrorsaur, but is disappointing with Starscream.)
Willows - (One of the less impressive of the long standing voices. His approach is very arch and though this work well enough most of the time, there are few moments where the character could get more under the skin than he does.)
Terzo - (She does well in doing almost kind of a femme fatale routine in her earlier episodes, however as the series progressively she's quite good in creating the gradual evolution of her character throughout to make the transition feel natural)
Byrner - (One note but hilariously so)
Murdock - (One note as well, but enjoyable enough)
Lane - (He brings the viciousness that's needed, but does well in that there is some pathos in there particularly in the "Transmutate" episode.)
Michael:
1934:
1. It Happened One Night
2. The Thin Man
3. Babes in Toyland
4. The Lost Patrol
5. Twentieth Century
6. The Black Cat
7. Manhatten Melodrama
8. The Scarlet Pimpernel
Would not include the others I've seen on a top ten.
1950:
1. Rashomon
2. Sunset Blvd.
3. The Asphalt Jungle
4. All About Eve
5. Winchester 73'
6. Cinderella
7. Harvey
8. D.O.A
9. Scandal
10. Morning Departure
1951:
1. Scrooge
2. Strangers on a Train
3. The Lavender Hill Mob
4. Ace in the Hole
5. A Place in the Sun
6. A Streetcar Named Desire
7. Alice in Wonderland
8. The Man in the White Suit
9. The Enforcer
10. The Idiot
Louis: where have you given your thoughts on Green Room?
Louis: Are you seeing The BFG tonight. If so, can I have your thoughts on the film and ratings and thoughts on the cast.
Thoughts on Green Room and Eye In The Sky.
Louis: Very happy to see Cinderella in your Top 10!
And Happy 100th Birthday to Olivia de Havilland!
Louis: Could you watch War And Peace (2016) in the somewhat distant future. I've re-watched all 6 episodes recently and Paul Dano gives his finest work to date. :)
Louis: And I actually like it more than Wolf Hall, which is quite something. :)
Happy 100th birthday to Olivia de Havilland.
Happy 100th Birthday, Olivia. :)
Happy Birthday Olivia =D legend that you are.
I have only seen three of these nominees. Year of the Dragon sounds interesting, despite its critical reception. This film was directed by the guy who directed Thunderbolt and Lightfoot and The Deer Hunter, but also directed the infamous Heaven's Gate. Haven't seen the latter, yet the story of its production is rather funny.
I would call Year of The Dragon a solid movie that didnt deserve the racist backlash and although it has some problems, I think he holds up due to some good shootouts, a fantastic controntation at the end on that train track between Mickey and John, as well as both of them putting a lot of effort into their work.
I heard Siskel and Ebert both liked Year of The Dragon.
Mickey Rourke was on fire in most of his 80s films, always putting a lot of effort in his films.
I don't have any major criticisms of Rourke's performance in Yea of the Dragon, but I don't think any actor could've made that character likable.
Michael: He is certianly a cocky dick but I agree I felt I could see why he was that way, that scene where he tells John Lone to fuck off while Lone creepily stares at him is quite good, I felt the best scenes in the film belonged to the scenes where they went toe to toe.
Louis: I always love the pictures you choose for the actors, like you chose John Lone for the scene that Rourke tells him to fuck off and Lone just shows this killer side to him as he trys to be charming and civil but his eyes show a killers intent.
The moment Mickey Rourke tells John Lone to F off and Lone just stares angrily back at him and says " What did you say" is pretty darn tense.
Lone's work actually has stayed with me quite a bit, his scenes seemed like they were from a better film. I can't honestly say I completely disagree with the criticisms that the film is racist though.
Wonder what Lone's doing nowadays. Funnily enough not having seen him in this or The Last Emperor (shocking I know) yet, his work in The Iceman and M. Butterfly is enough for me to consider him a pretty good actor.
I haven't seen it, but it sounds pretty racist on a conceptual level.
John Lone looks pretty good for his age, I mean in Rush Hour 2 he looks no different, what I am about to say is very complimentary and not bad in anyway but would people agree that many asian actors look better in their 40s and over than other ethnicitys, I say this because actors like Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Jackie Chan and Anthony Wong look no different than they did fifteen years ago, even John Lone looks great in Rush Hour 2 and his final film War (2007) looks great for his age.
I am curious what John Lone is doing nowadays, I am sure he is doing well though, maybe he is like his character in The Last Emperor, he is living a life of peace and harmony I reckon.
I honestly didn't get the impression that Year of The Dragon was that racist if im being honest, despite what the critics said, I don't think the films intention was to offend, I always felt that the film just wanted to be a crime film with a angry man wanting to enforce the law at all costs and a kingpin who just wanted control at all costs. I think John Lones performance proves the film wasnt trying to be racist since he is portrayed very evenly and actually at times, more likable and sympathetic than Rourkes characters.
Ariane Koizumi is really bad in the film though.
Louis what do you reckon John Lone is currently doing?
I have seen pretty much all of John Lones critically lauded films and I think he is a great actor incapable of giving a bad performance, extremely underrated, I put him in the same category as the great Oskar Werner as an underrated actor who uses (aside from M Butterfly) the same voice in all of his films yet always gives great range.
M Butterfly I haven't seen fully, only clips and John Lone really goes for it, I think it works so far because he is consistent, I disagree with Siskel and Ebert that he doesnt sound like a woman, i dont know what else he can do here?, its not like Jaye Davidson, anybody who has Jaye Davidson in interviews knows he sounds exactly like Dil in real life as he does in The Crying Game.
Luke:
Green Room is probably my favorite film of the year so far. A tight captivating thriller in every regard. I love how it actually begins in a way in that it could have just followed this hapless band trying get to their next gig, I would have been fine with that actually. It takes its dark turn though, enforces a tight grip which never lets go. The atmosphere of the situation is brilliantly realized and I love the detail given to the sick world the band comes into contact with. The violence that proceeds is incredibly raw, though I did not feel gratuitous as it bluntly showed the horror of the situation. I found the way the deaths of certain characters particularly disturbing because of how casually they occurred. The film is minimalist yet it gives just enough time to invest in the characters' plight. There is also a vein of dark humor that's never abused but only makes the film all the more compelling. Loved it.
Eye in the Sky is close to being my favorite film of the year. I really liked how despite the play like structure of the different people talking in rooms about the situation, the film was always absolutely engaging, and cinematic. The film is remarkable in how well it builds tension not only through the scenes on the ground, but through every conversation given. Even though there is a direct narrative to follow, it never loses the characters, and they never feel restricted despite technically being so. My favorite aspect of the film was that it leaves the viewer to decide on the central decision. It shows both sides clearly, and gives understanding to each. It does not make easy villains or easy heroes, instead conveying the difficulty of making the choice.
I'll consider the recommendation. I won't be seeing the BFG tonight.
Anonymous:
Beats me, I wish he'd come back. It's such a shame what happened to his career to begin with as he's probably the closest a non-martial artist Asian actor has come to being a leading man in the U.S.
The main reason I think Year of the Dragon is racist is that every Asian character is either a villain or completely incompetent.
Tahmeed:
A glitch occurred when I was updating Ford's score, not sure what happened to it.
Anonymous:
1. The Sword of Doom
2. Harakiri
3. Ran
4. Kagemusha
5. Yojimbo
6. The Human Condition I
7. Sanjuro
8. Kill!
9. The Human Condition II
10. The Face of Another
RatedRStar: I've actually never found Jay Davidson to sound all that womanly. Even before watching it without knowing the twist for the first time, I knew there was something off. Not that I minded at all, I still think it's a great performance, and frankly I think the voice is less important than the way/manner the actor carries himself in for a role like this.
Louis: so is your top 5,
1. Green Room
2. Eye in the Sky
3. The Nice Guys
4. Civil War
5. Deadpool
Michael McCarthy: I would agree with that with that comment but I think John Lones work proves that there was something more there, a well rounded character that cuts through the film. I also think Ariane Koizumis performance is supposed to be smart and sympathetic but because she gives such a poor performance it comes off as just silly.
Also, Louis, have you read the original script for The Hateful Eight? I skimmed it a while ago and it's pretty much the same bar a one big detail: there's no final hanging of Daisy and everyone dies in a heated shootout in the end, meaning there's no Lincoln Letter scene to cap it off. I don't know about you but I'm kind of glad it leaked and forced Tarantino to change the ending, which is actually my favourite part of the film.
Calvin:
Yes that would be my top five.
I greatly prefer the film's ending in regards to The Hateful Eight.
Good choices. The more I think about The Nice Guys the more problems I have with it, though.
Speaking of non-martial artist Asian leading men, two others who came near were Sessue Hayakawa and James Shiegta. Haven't seen any of their leading world but we all know how talented the former was, and I've always liked how the latter played his role in Die Hard. For once the boss character is not some spineless idiot but a brave and righteous character.
Calvin Law: That is interesting, I always seemed to find him quite effeminate and not to mention his appearance in general so I kinda just accepted him really as a woman, maybe because he was standing next to very manly Stephen Rea lol, its the voice I think, that sort of needy desperate voice that Jaye uses " Dont Go like that" that made me believe, and made me believe he could convince others at the very least.
Louis: While I liked Niven's performance in Separate Tables, do you think someone could have played his role better? I think Olivier, Mason or even Guinness could have worked.
Calvin Law: Did you actually see M.Butterfly, or at least a clip, what did you reckon to John Lones voice?
Calvin:
I actually agree with you about the Nice Guys it's not aging especially well for me, though I would like to give it a re-watch when I have the chance to.
Anonymous:
I'd say all three would have worked in those roles.
RatedRStar: It's not bad at all. It's not that different from his usual voice from what I've seen, but he pitches it a bit higher to make it work quite well. I should note I don't think much of the film but he's quite good in it. Would go for a 3.5 (he'd be a 4.5 in The Iceman. I also really need to see The Last Emperor.)
So, I just watched Green Room, and wow. Never thought Yelchin had it in him to give a good performance.
Also you are completely right why his performance works has a lot to do with the contrast to Rea. The more I think about it the more I like it.
Louis: I've actually re-watched it and also rewatched Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in between the two viewings. I think that might have something to factor into my lessening appreciation for the overall smugness and ill-nature of some of the equivalent scenes in The Nice Guys which were treated with heart and charm in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Also I was a little less impressed by Gosling and Rice second time round, though if anything more impressed by Crowe.
Anonymous: It's a divisive film but check him out in Alpha Dog, he's MVP there for me. Also really good in Love Crazy, a fairly standard romantic film but with excellent work from him and Felicity Jones.
I hate Alpha Dog, but I'd concede Yelchin is the least bad thing about it.
And who would direct?
So I re-watched Room for the first time and I must say pretty much all my reservations are gone, and I'd push my ratings for the whole cast/nominate it in a few more categories. I have to ask, Louis, why is Joan Allen a 3 for you? Because this time round I must say I found her extremely effective, as opposed to just good.
So, I just watched Neon Demon and liked some parts of it and disliked others. I can imagine what it could have been if Lynch had directed it.
Ratings for the cast:
Fanning: 4/4,5
Malone: 4,5
Lee: 4,5
Gigi: 4
Nivola: 3
Reeves: 3
Glusman: 2,5
Louis: I think that the other actors from Gentleman's Agreement also needed to be replaced like Peck, with the exception of Stockwell. What do you think?
R.I.P. Michael Cimino
R.I.P. Michael Cimino.
RIP Michael Cimino
R.I.P Michael Cimino, this is truly crazy timing given that Year of The Dragon is soon to be reviewed, a great director who should have been given more.
Saw Year of the Dragon. Didn't mind it. Liked Lone and Rourke and hated Koizumi.
R.I.P Michael Cimino
Calvin:
I have no complaints against her performance she just did not leave that much of an impact for me.
Anonymous:
Well certainly for Anne "gives the exact same performance in every film" Revere. Maybe for some of the others but they had razor thin material to work with to begin with.
Boy, was Independence Day 2 TERRIBLE. You know a film's in trouble when one of its most likable characters is a tyrannical warlord.
I read the original script for The Truman Show and, wow, it was much darker than the final script.
Louis: Would you consider putting Farrell along with Gleeson in the top spot for 2008 like you did for 1985 with Hurt and Julia?
Louis: In your opinion, what are the top 10 worst movie songs?
My top ten for worst movie songs are Writings on the Wall listed ten times.
You really think that's worse than "You Are My Rose"?
You Are My Rose is awesome like the rest of The Room.
Louis, can I get your top 10 films of 1933, 1947, and 1961?
Also just out of curiosity, does anyone else watch Orange is the New Black? Because I'm well into the new season and it's been really strong so far, especially considering how underwhelming the last one was.
Louis: what's your thoughts/ratings for Jackie Earle Haley and Walton Goggins in Lincoln? I re-watched it again today and they actually both made an extremely strong impression on me this time round.
Does anyone watch Mr. Robot? I finished watching the first season a few months ago. It's pretty fantastic, and I'd say Rami Malek deserves to win the Emmy for Drama Actor this year.
Louis: Apart from War & Peace and Outlander, I also recommend Peaky Blinders and Hannibal.
Saw Tarzan. Not bad, nothing great but fun enough to watch.
Skarsgard: 3.5
Robbie: 3
Waltz: 2.5
Jackson: 3
Hounsou: 2.5
Alex:
I love Farrell's performance as well, but I'm comfortable giving Gleeson the sole win.
Anonymous:
Songs:
1. "Marry The Mole" - Thumbelina
2. "Die Another Day" - Die Another Day
3. "Addams Whoomp" - The Addams Family Values
4. "Cool as Ice" - Cool as Ice
5. "Peace in Our Life" - Rambo First Blood Part II
6. "Addams Groove" - The Addams Family
7. "Therapist" - A Nightmare on Elm Street 4
8. "I Want Your Sex" - Beverly Hills Cop 2
9. "Bring Your Daughter the Slaughter" - A Nightmare on Elm Street 5
10. "Hero" - Spider-Man
Michael:
1933:
1. King Kong
2. The Invisible Man
3. Dinner at Eight
4. The Testament of Dr. Mabuse
5. Sons of the Desert
6. Duck Soup
7. The Private Life of Henry VIII
8. Counsellor At law
9. 42nd Street
10. The Kennel Murder Case
1947:
1. Odd Man Out
2. Miracle on 34th Street
3. Out of the Past
4. Ride the Pink Horse
5. A Double Life
6. Kiss of Death
7. The Bishop's Wife
8. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir
9. Black Narcissus
10. Snow Trail
1961:
1. Yojimbo
2. The Innocents
3. The Hustler
4. Divorce Italian Style
5. 101 Dalmatians
6. The Mark
7. One, Two, Three
8. The Guns of Navarone
9. Through the Glass Darkly
10. Judgment at Nuremberg
Calvin:
Goggins - (Goggins I find gives an enjoyable burst of humor to the film in portraying his dimwitted character in an honest yet enjoyable fashion. He really earns that "Shoot me" moment, and manages to give it more of an impact that it would have had otherwise.)
Haley - (I rather like his performance as well since he does not vilify the character with his performance. I like the earnestness he brings when he thanks thanks the soldiers for their service presenting himself as a proper politician. Then in his scene with Day-Lewis I find he brings an actual incisiveness to his words when he counters Lincoln with the amount that have died during the war.)
I didn't know Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter was a movie song. I thought it was just on one of Iron Maiden's albums.
Ah, Hero. And objectively terrible song I have weird nostalgic feelings for.
Tahmeed: I watch Mr.Robot, I think its great =D, the social anxiety really hits me every time.
Huh, A Double Life and Black Narcissus over Brighton Rock? I'm surprised.
Michael:
Ahhh don't know how I forgot it, it would be my #3.
I have a nostalgic love for all the Sam Rami Spider-Man films, including the song Hero. In particular, Spider-Man 2, try as I might to look at it objectively for flaws, is one superhero flick I think I'll always love.
If I had never seen Sean Penn act in a movie, I would presume he's a bad actor from the ratings on this site. With that said, what do y'all think are his Top Five performances?
I still have a soft spot for Spider-Man 3, despite dislking Grace's portrayal of Venom. My favorite Venom portrayal is that of the 2000 PS1 game. Daran Norris was having the time of his life.
94dfk1:
1. Dead Man Walking (5)
2. The Thin Red Line (4)
3. Milk (4)
4. Fast Times at Ridgmont High (3.5)
5. 21 Grams (3.5)
So, watched Green Room. Would anyone recommend Blue Ruin? Because I was really impressed with both Jeremy Saulnier and Macon Blair.
Blue Ruin is great.
I definitely dug the trailer.
Louis: I know most of us on here, myself included, like him a lot more, but would you have preferred Anton Yelchin as Scott Pilgrim.
Calvin:
I highly recommend Blue Ruin as well.
I never had a problem with Yelchin in general, I just did not care for his Chekhov. To be fair to him the part as written was more of an accent than a character, thinking about it he barely interacts with the other characters in both films. I'm sure I would have preferred him over Cera in Scott Pilgrim.
I meant that most of us on here like Cera's performance more than you do, but I get your drift. I think that is a problem with a lot of the writing on the new Star Trek films.
Will watch Blue Ruin soon.
Marry the Mole. That song gets worse every time I hear it. Or think about it.
Louis: Rating and thoughts on:
Glenn Ford and Bette Davis in Pockettful of Miracles
Tyrone Power in The Big Trail (Let me guess, he's as bland as his son)
Also, Louis: do you consider Poots lead or supporting in Green Room? I put her in lead where she's my number 3, but in supporting she'd easily be my win.
*Pocketful
Anonymous:
Ford - 1.5(Ford barely makes an impression here with much of his performance just kind of being there most of the time. It's a bland seemingly disinterested work that does not make much of an impact either way.)
Davis - 2.5(This performance of hers just feels excessively by the numbers as it's difficult to see any real passion for the material with her work. She does the crude side of Apple Annie alright, the same goes for the tender side of the character, but neither add up to all that much.)
Power - 2.5(He just plays a fairly thin and very standard western villain. He's decent enough within these limits, but that's about it.)
Calvin:
She's in the most grey area for category placement that I can imagine. I have her in supporting, where she's easily my win as well, but if you'd place her lead I'd agree to that as well. For my argument though I'd place her supporting since she's just about completely absent from the first act, definitely feels supporting in the second act, and only feels like a lead in the last act. It's not clear cut either way though.
Louis: Would you say Pocketfful of Miracles is the worst Capra film you've seen? I would have chosen Widmark for Ford's role.
Everyone: just wondering what would be your top 5 performances by actresses and actors in Woody Allen's films? Mine are something like this:
1. Gena Rowlands - Another Woman
2. Geraldine Page - Interiors
3. Cate Blanchett - Blue Jasmine
4. Judy Davis - Husbands and Wives
5. Diane Keaton - Annie Hall
1. Martin Landau - Crimes and Misdeamenors
2. Woody Allen - Husbands and Wives
3. Jonathan Rhys Meyers - Match Point
4. Michael Caine - Hannah and Her Sisters
5. Woody Allen - Manhattan Murder Mystery
Louis: I'll ruminate awhile. I have to say, I hope this means more good roles for Poots. She's such a unique screen presence who's been given thankless roles for too long. She somehow managed to make clicking on a lighter such a fascinating piece of characterization.
Gus B.:
1. Mia Farrow - The Purple Rose of Cairo
2. Mia Farrow - Broadway Danny Rose
3. Judy Davis - Husbands and Wives
4. Diane Wiest - Hannah and Her Sisters
5. Diane Keaton - Annie Hall
(I should note I've only seen Husbands and Wives, and Match Point out of Allen's most 'serious' works)
1. Martin Landau - Crimes and Misdemeanors
2. Jeff Daniels - The Purple Rose of Cairo
3. Michael Caine - Hannah and Her Sisters
4. Woody Allen - Manhattan
5. Corey Stoll - Midnight in Paris
Just saw Killer Joe. I can't say that I loved the film as a whole, but Matthew McConaughey was just incredible.
Watched Alpha Dog and Love Crazy. Yelchin was very good in both.
Charlotte Rampling is quite brilliant in Allen's Stardust Memories. I don't really like the movie but her performance is great. And I have to say I actually kind of love Scarlett Johansson in Match Point, probably her best performance after Under the Skin.
Saw The BFG a little bit ago. It was fun and I suppose it fulfilled Spielberg's quota of warm fuzzies, but it was a little slow and I think it would've been more impactful if the stakes were raised a bit.
Anton Yelchin as Scott Pilgrim would've been something. Maybe the movie would've been a hit, since I think people were already tired of Michael Cera by the time the movie came out.
I always felt like Scott needed a much more hyperactive actor play the role. Probably needed more of an unknown to play him.
Anonymous:
Yes.
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