The London Film Club - A Chat about Films

I must admit Chris, it does go slightly against the grain to prefer The Mummy 3 over The Dark Knight, lol. It is strange people either found it too long or not long enough. I can safely say it's the quickest 150 minute film I've seen, but I greatly enjoyed all the little details that are huge nods to the comics.

Anyway, from one comic book caper to another, I saw Hell Boy II last week and enjoyed it immensely. First thing I'll say is that the animation segment at the beginning was gorgeous. How I'd love something like that to be included in Guillermo del Toro's up-and-coming The Hobbit adaption. I also really liked the blend of real-life and fantasy. While at times I was reminded of Men in Black, I think this did it a million times better. What did surprise me though was how similar I found it to the first film (which on a repeating viewing I managed to enjoy). Many an article and news snippet I read suggested this would be a very different beast, but for me it wasn't at all. That didn't really spoil the party though, and this was a nice addition to the 'comic book adaptions of 2008' mantle piece, of which The Dark Knight is still very much in the centre of.

Next up for me, if I'm (un)lucky; Babalyon AD and/or The Strangers.

Anyone looking forward to Guy Ritchie's next effort?? Who would have thought he'd make another gangster film??

 

mmm,the prospect of another of guy ritchies 'style over content approach' to filmmaking fills me with dread,and i doubt gerry butler can carry a role not set in a specific time period,but we'll see...
haven't seen HB2 yet,as we've been on holiday,but maybe tomorrow...
did watch 'the prestige' again last night.
great film.
and babylon ad...?
is he kidding?

 

I liked Lock Stock, and Butler is a good actor when given the right part and material. Not sure how he'll do, but he's capable enough to pull it off.

 

went to see hellboy 2,enjoyed it very much,a rollicking good yarn.
loved johann krauss and would love to see them do roger the homunculus in the next one,
just wish liz wasn't so whiny,though.

 

Glad you liked Hell Boy II Jamie, although there was little doubt over that outcome
I even got the directors cut of the first film this week, mainly because at £4 it was a snip and has a great cover.

I did actually see Babylon AD last week and I'm the only one that felt it wasn't that bad. There were some nice ideas and at times it even looked quite good, although it would be a stretch for me to say that it was a good film, just mildly okay.
Last night I saw The Duchess and did find it to be good. Keira Knightley is certainly improving each time she stars in a film, and this was a difficult one for her to pull off but she did it with aplomb. While not a must-see at the cinema, it just about justifies it's cinematic presence this week, and let's face it it's quite nice to see a period drama next to a stupid London gangster film (guess who made that one), a stupid spoof "comedy" and a stupid action film re-make.

I hope to see The Boy in Striped PJ's when it's out, but apart from that it's all eyes on Mr. Bond

 

PLEASE. Save your money and DO NOT see Bangkok Dangerous. Some parts were funny (but I don't think the filmakers meant them to be), the pacing is slow and the story just isn't that engaging.

Nicolas Cage wore a terrible hairpiece - just give in man, and shave it all off!!

 

lol, I haven't been tempted to see it Yrol, more so considering I'm not a Nicolas Cage fan. However, my fellow projectionist who did watch it quite liked it.... I was shocked too!

I saw Eden Lake last night, a british horror film that isn't made by Neil Marshall, although you'd be forgiven for thinking that it was. It reminded me greatly of The Descent, more so considering David Julyan does the music (and does it brilliantly, as always). Just swap the caves with woods and the cave monsters with hoodies, and there you go. Pretty good stuff, although very graphic too. If you're in the mood for a good, modest, british horror film, then I'd recommend it.

 

I must say I prefer my horror villains to be inhuman or masked, hoodies are a bit too real life for comfort. But it has got good reviews so I might give it a shot.


Saw Get Smart yesterday. I thought it was very funny, a good spy spoof with a good cast and good action pieces. The cast all gelled well together.
My only real issue with it was that I found Carrel a bit unconvincing as a major love interest. I couldn't really see him & Anne Hathaway as an item.
But overall a pretty solid film I thought.

 

hoodies i can deal with,its the emos and the goths that scare the **** out of me.

 

Goths I can put up with, they may have outfits with sharp pointy parts but at least they don't stab you with them.

 

I know it's off topic, but anyway...

I spent 7 hours yesterday at Glasgow Central waiting for the sleeper - I've been to Glasgow several times and didn't find it very interesting - and some time after 7 o'clock their goth scene really came alive. I go with Richie. I have not heard of a goth or emo bothering anyone in the general public, and never did a punk raise my eyebrow, except for their taste of style maybe... But hoodies make me uncomfortable too. Fortunately, didn't see many kids in Glasgow with their underwear sticking out of their trousers either. Well, I saw one, but he was with his parents and got it covered up with his jacket. I thought that was funny.

 

I heard a good joke about emos a few weeks ago but best not say it here

Today I saw Eagle Eye and despite one or two (almost) glowing reviews, I found it to be a load of tosh. Too far fetched and a very deeply flawed plot. I'm sorry, but a super computer that smart would find a much easier and quicker way to kill the president. In fact I think I have no idea what was going on at all on reflection. It was pointless!!

I also saw Taken a few weeks ago. It's simple, it's French, it has Liam Nesson going nuts. It's a modern day cult classic, lol. Worth a watch, but a little salt may be needed.

And so we now await Quantum of Solace
Although it looks like High bloody School bloody Musical bloody 3 will be snatching the limelight...... bum!

 

There are some films that should not be shown on principle, High School Musical is one of those. I fear the mass influx of kids coming to see it

I saw Tropic Thunder recently, and I thought it was extremely funny. There are controversial bits (I thought they used the word "retard" far too much and made no effort to show people with a disability can be as smart as anyone else) but most is brilliant reflection of how actors and those in the move industry take themselves too seriously. Great perfomances by th cast, especially Robet Downey Jr & Tom Cruise.

I also did enjoy Taken.

But I was disappointed that Appaloosa was dropped after a week before I got a chance to watch it. It looks like a good film and I'll try to go and see it somewhere else.

I thought Mirrors was dull. The whole thing went wayward in the middle and Keifer Sutherland's varied scowling didn't really carry the film very far. If Hollywood remakes of foreign horrors are anything to go by, the soon to be released Quarantine (remake of Spanish horror REC) will probably fail also

 

I concur RE: High School Musical 3, and our cinema has the highest pre-sales in the country for our chain, and we're not even that big a cinema. I have no idea how that's happened, but it does mean we may secure a digital copy of the film which is something of a bonus.

I think the film studio/distributor made a mess of Appaloosa, constantly delaying it, then not releasing it at all, and then releasing it with no warning. I think it would have fitted a nice January/February release as it looks like that sort of film. One for the DVD collection, perhaps.

I saw The Rocker last night and it was good, harmless fun. I'd recommend it over Eagle Eye, that's for sure. I would like to see Burn After Reading so might see it at the weekend if time allows.

 

Saw the new Bond movie Quantum of Solace, and I must say I was disappointed with it.

The chases & fight sequences are excellent, worthy of being among the best in Bond movies, but it felt like they were thrown in to distract from a bizarre and fragmented plot and weak villain.
Judi Dench was good and the film regained credibility having her play in a big role. Craig also was excellent with what he had to work with.

There was not enough of the wry humour, and I dislike the idea of leaving the theme at the end as they did in Casino Royale

I thought Matthieu Almaric's character was very flat and not really menacing, he did not come across as a dangerous or powerful person. He reminded me too much of Jonathan Pryce as Elliot Carver in Tomorrow Never Dies, another rather timid villain.

I think this didn't work as a direct sequel to Casino Royale. But hopefully since all was resolved by the end the next Bond can go in a new direction and be better.

I credit the idea of trying to modernise Bond, Casino Royale was very good. However it lacks classic Bond traits like Q and nifty gadgets in watches and cars that are part of what Bond is. Realism is OK but too much damages the franchise, doesn't matter if it's not totally believable that is part of the point. If they still can do the animated credits with the song then they should keep other classic Bond elements.

 

With a heavy heart, I agree with you Richie in that Quantum of Solace left me very disappointed too. The story was the main problem, caused by a rushed script so it could avoid the writers strike and thus, any filming delays. What should have happened is the producers saying "No!! We want to get this spot on and so if it gets delayed for another year then so be it." They've cocked-up big time sadly.

I didn't even think the action scenes were all that. All the great work that made Casino Royale such a brilliant film seem to have been for nothing now, and for me that is the greatest aspect of my disappointment.

Personally I don't miss the gadgets or Q; in fact I hated all that touch-screen computer technology that MI6 were using in Quantum because it's too futuristic imo.

The only good things I can say about the film were a great performance from Craig, and Judi Dench's M having a very good role. You do feel this story had real potential but clearly needed much more time (and talent) to develop. Sadly I felt director Marc Foster was completely out of his depth with this one but with that script it's hardly surprising. I did however really like the Opera sequence which was a nice touch and reminded me of Moonraker, lol.

So in conclusion, Quantum is a huge disappointment largely due to the brililance of Casino Royale and a poor rushed script. The film reeks of conflict between writer, director and editor. I bet all regret rushing this film too.... no wonder Craig is questioning whether he'll return for a third and I can't blame him.

 

Well, he said he'd do it if he was offered, and I'm sure he will be. Can't think of anyone else who would be suitable at the moment.

New Bond stories can be done, after all weren't most if not all the Brosnan movies made up using Bond material but not based on any book?

Besides Casino Royale, I think the first 15 Bond movies were based on the book and the others were not. So if Brosnan can make generally pretty good films I don't see why Craig can't.

Now that they've resolved the Casino Royale story they can try something new. A direct sequel is not really the way to go.

 

I loved Quantum of Solace!

Shorter than most Bond flicks but so much more INTENSE! The man is pissed and he wants answers NOW. He was more suave in this one (you really start to see those signature mannerisms start to appear), and he was so efficient and deadly. Love that they set up this 'Green Planet' corporation to look like Spectre, love that they had some great vintage Bond send-ups (the opening montage with the naked girls, girl covered in oil; the drink shaken, not stirred; his way with the ladies.... ).

Yes, I know the subplot can be a bit confusing (Green Planet buying up seemingly worthless land in order to divert critical water sources and co-opt governments in the process) but it doesn't really matter. James isn't here to save the world from this diabolical plot - at least not in this movie. He's out to get Vesper's corruptors, and NOTHING will stand in his way. Leave you in the desert with nothing to drink but a can of motor oil? Brilliant, cocky and so cold. Bond and M's banter - classic! Did you catch the Q pin he pulled out of the goodie bag? Awesome!

The opening car chase sequence - my jaw dropped. Phenomenal!! The action sequences and fight scenes are really amazing.

No, I didn't like the theme song. But I did like certain things about it. Loved the music, dug the words - but Alicia Keyes and Jack White are like oil and water. Apart they're great, but together they sound terrible. If Keyes had just done the vocals it would've been WAY better. Or Amy Whinehouse for that matter.

Definitely different from Casino Royale - but I understand that they aren't attempting to copy the exact same formula. I liked that it had a very different feel than Casino Royale - as a sequel, that itself helped set QoS apart. Bond is evolving - and I think Craig showcases that brilliantly.

 

i enjoyed it.
it whipped through the events,at no point did the film become bogged down.
although what was that building made out of that caught fire so quickly?

 

I thought it was good but not as good as CR. CR was sooooo Bond. QoS could have been any other action hero, it didn't feel like Bond that much. And I agree about the Hi-Tech touch screen whizzy computers that MI6 use. They are far too distracting and divert your attention from the information being given by the characters. The villains were weak and two dimensional, aprt from Mr White whom I thought was great. It looks like Quantum will be returning to wreak havoc in the 3rd film as a modern day Spectre.

It's been a while since I read a Bond novel, but I like that Craig's Bond is a closer version than most recent Bonds to the character in the book. Rugged and cold!

I look forward to no 3!

I live in Kent but this seems to be the nearest forum for a carrot muncher like me from the country!

 

it's okay,we take in anybody round here.

 

Greetings Palp_Faction. I live in kent too so you're more then welcome in here

I saw The Day the Earth Stood Still today and firstly I must start by saying that I grew up watching the original so I felt slightly on-edge walking into the screen as I started it. Given that there's been very little seen or heard about the film too, I felt the odds were heavily stacked against this being any good but I'm pleased to say that my fears were unfounded. Instead I got a sophisticated, entertaining and enjoyable retelling of a sci-fi classic that clearly pays a great deal of respect to its source material. It's no masterpiece, but when you imagine just how this could have turned out you have to say well done to all involved. Keanu made for a very good Klaatu, the updating of GORT was adequate and there are some very classy moments indeed. It does lack a bit of punch (needed to be longer in one or two places) but I can go to bed tonight feeling fairly satisfied.

 

Perfect sort of role for Reeves considering he played a relatively wooden & expressionless character.

Working in one of the two cinemas in Europe that just got a digital IMAX screen installed (the other being ODEON Wimbledon), I must say I think The Day the Earth Stood Still will be very impressive in that format.
I saw Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa in IMAX and thought it was a decent entertaining movie. Had some dodgy parts but overall it held together pretty well.

Dreamworks are still going to have to step up another level if they seriously want to compete with PIXAR

 

Hello All.
I wanted to bring your attention to Underworld, which for me was a surprisingly brilliant film. Saw this on Sunday and haven't stopped talking about it since. I actually think its a contender for film of the year. Here's a teaser to wet your appetites:
This prequel traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires and their onetime daylight guardians, the Lycans (werewolves). In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor, the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them (not sure where Count Dracula fits into all this). Lucian is joined by his secret lover Sonja (Viktor's daughter) in his battle against Darth Vader uh.. Death Dealer, and the struggle for Lycan freedom.

And there's a nice little history to all this as well:
Alexander Corvinus, a Hungarian warlord who lived in the early fifth century, ascended to power just in time to watch his village be ravaged by an unknown plague, leaving Alexander the only survivor. His body had adapted to the virus and had, through some unknown means, made him the first immortal. The term "Corvinus Strain" is used to describe this genetic anomaly. Years later, with his wife Helena, Alexander fathered three children, two of whom inherited the Corvinus Strain in active form, his twin sons Marcus and William. Marcus was bitten by a bat (presumably a vampire bat, as most bats are carnivorous and feed on insects, birds, and occasionally other bats, while the 'vampire' bats require blood in order to live) and became the first vampire. William was bitten by a wolf and became the first Lycan (a werewolf).

And if all this alone doesn't appeal to you, there is a love tragedy amidst all this that would bring even Shakespeare to tears. It certainly brought a tear to my eye. A must see film!

Hope you're all keeping well!
Cheers,
Ram

 

As long as it's an improvement on the other 2, they weren't great.