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Spoilers What Movie Are You Watching?
- Thread starter Huntn
- Start date
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I took my wife to the new Hunger Games movie this week. She's read all the books whereas I'm just enjoying the movies. I thought the flick was good. I did leave feeling a little frustrated because I wanted more of a resolution, but I realize this is simply the second part of the trilogy and I'll have to wait for the final movie.
If I stop and analyze my feelings, I think the shift in how we consume television media has somewhat affected my ability to enjoy movies and TV. It's nice to be able to watch an entire season on Netflix or catch multiple episodes at a time on the DVR. This change has decreased the experience of being hit with a "cliffhanger" and having to wait for the continuation of the story. However, in movies it seems like we are seeing a different trend as epic stories are being told across multiple movies (Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hobbit, Hunger Games, etc.) I guess I'm getting frustrated with the long wait, in many cases a year, between movies. If this keeps up I might actually have to start reading books!
If I stop and analyze my feelings, I think the shift in how we consume television media has somewhat affected my ability to enjoy movies and TV. It's nice to be able to watch an entire season on Netflix or catch multiple episodes at a time on the DVR. This change has decreased the experience of being hit with a "cliffhanger" and having to wait for the continuation of the story. However, in movies it seems like we are seeing a different trend as epic stories are being told across multiple movies (Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hobbit, Hunger Games, etc.) I guess I'm getting frustrated with the long wait, in many cases a year, between movies. If this keeps up I might actually have to start reading books!
I took my wife to the new Hunger Games movie this week. She's read all the books whereas I'm just enjoying the movies. I thought the flick was good. I did leave feeling a little frustrated because I wanted more of a resolution, but I realize this is simply the second part of the trilogy and I'll have to wait for the final movie.
If I stop and analyze my feelings, I think the shift in how we consume television media has somewhat affected my ability to enjoy movies and TV. It's nice to be able to watch an entire season on Netflix or catch multiple episodes at a time on the DVR. This change has decreased the experience of being hit with a "cliffhanger" and having to wait for the continuation of the story. However, in movies it seems like we are seeing a different trend as epic stories are being told across multiple movies (Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hobbit, Hunger Games, etc.) I guess I'm getting frustrated with the long wait, in many cases a year, between movies. If this keeps up I might actually have to start reading books!
In some cases it seems better to catch them on Netfix after the series, season has ended.
Serial stories have a long history. The premise is a good one illustrated by serial format weekly tv shows and are outstanding forms of entertainment. But if exaggerated not so good for movies and books trying to emulate TV.
I'd like to say it's all about creativity and telling whole story to its fullest, but in reality multiple movies and books for that matter today seem to be driven by maximizing $$. Don't write a single story, plan a series! The trend seems to be take one book and make 2 movies. The worst offender is best illustrated by The Hobbit movie and in that case they had to bloat the story, destroying it in the process to create 3 movies. And for books, my example would be Hunger Games which should have been told as a single story and maybe the Sookie Stackhouse (True Blood) series where the author became very lazy churning out glorified short stories and passing them off as novels.
I am making my way through
the Hobbit AUJ extended edition. I like it much better than the theatrical version. Would have liked to see Luke Evans as Bard's ancestor Girion up close in the Ererbor sequence. The make up job they did was really cool and because he's playing two generations from the same family tree - that's great. Now I am not a Tolkien geek by any means, I love the Hobbit and there are elements of LoTR and the appendices I do enjoy, but just the challenge of playing two generations sounds cool.)
Am also very eager to see The Wolverine extended edition although that must wait until after I get back from seeing The Hobbit The Desolation of Smaug tomorrow night.
the Hobbit AUJ extended edition. I like it much better than the theatrical version. Would have liked to see Luke Evans as Bard's ancestor Girion up close in the Ererbor sequence. The make up job they did was really cool and because he's playing two generations from the same family tree - that's great. Now I am not a Tolkien geek by any means, I love the Hobbit and there are elements of LoTR and the appendices I do enjoy, but just the challenge of playing two generations sounds cool.)
Am also very eager to see The Wolverine extended edition although that must wait until after I get back from seeing The Hobbit The Desolation of Smaug tomorrow night.
I took my wife to the new Hunger Games movie this week. She's read all the books whereas I'm just enjoying the movies. I thought the flick was good. I did leave feeling a little frustrated because I wanted more of a resolution, but I realize this is simply the second part of the trilogy and I'll have to wait for the final movie.
If I stop and analyze my feelings, I think the shift in how we consume television media has somewhat affected my ability to enjoy movies and TV. It's nice to be able to watch an entire season on Netflix or catch multiple episodes at a time on the DVR. This change has decreased the experience of being hit with a "cliffhanger" and having to wait for the continuation of the story. However, in movies it seems like we are seeing a different trend as epic stories are being told across multiple movies (Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hobbit, Hunger Games, etc.) I guess I'm getting frustrated with the long wait, in many cases a year, between movies. If this keeps up I might actually have to start reading books!
Correction: final movies... Mockingjay (the 3rd book in the trilogy) is being split into 2 movies.
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I'm going to see The Hobbit DoS tomorrow as well. I saw the first one in HFR, and I kinda hated it at the time (the format, not the movie). But for some reason, I've decided to watch the second one in HFR as well. I don't know, maybe I'm a glutton for punishment?
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I watched (read was dragged to) Machete Kills last week. It was a definite roller coaster of emotions, starting with "this is going to be so lame" to "this is so lame" to "okay, its not that bad" to "that was pretty cool" to "uh...??" to "where can I sign up for a lobotomy." :facepalm:
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Did you read the book?
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Are you serious? God...
My premise is confirmed, "we've got you, now will make you pay multiple times for one story". Will stream this after it's finished.
Correction: final movies... Mockingjay (the 3rd book in the trilogy) is being split into 2 movies.
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I'm going to see The Hobbit DoS tomorrow as well. I saw the first one in HFR, and I kinda hated it at the time (the format, not the movie). But for some reason, I've decided to watch the second one in HFR as well. I don't know, maybe I'm a glutton for punishment?
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I watched (read was dragged to) Machete Kills last week. It was a definite roller coaster of emotions, starting with "this is going to be so lame" to "this is so lame" to "okay, its not that bad" to "that was pretty cool" to "uh...??" to "where can I sign up for a lobotomy." :facepalm:
Vision-wise 3D is not good for me, so I am skipping any 3D version of these films.
Machete reaction: LOL. The trailer did that to me. That you sat through the entire thing - you're strong.
Did you read the book?
Are you serious? God...
he Hobbit - yes, numerous times. Love it. Now I am not really a fan of Peter Jackson (and less of him shoe-horning in stuff like this lady elf and many of his character designs suck), BUT I am glad a favorite book is being filmed. I do like the cast choices for the leads so I'm good.
I've read Lord of the Rings three times and pretty much stick to the dwarf stuff in the appendices (from the get-go, I dug the wizards, the dwarves, the Ents, Beorn and a few of the men when I read first LoTR/the Hobbit decades ago) - so that's what I pay attention to in the films. Martin Freeman is the first hobbit I do like from any media - he's wonderful.
I've tried to reread Rings and all the family trees, place names and such make my headspin. I can't keep track.
Re: splitting final film into two - let's make as much money as we can damn it.
Vision-wise 3D is not good for me, so I am skipping any 3D version of these films.
Machete reaction: LOL. The trailer did that to me. That you sat through the entire thing - you're strong.
he Hobbit - yes, numerous times. Love it. Now I am not really a fan of Peter Jackson (and less of him shoe-horning in stuff like this lady elf and many of his character designs suck), BUT I am glad a favorite book is being filmed. I do like the cast choices for the leads so I'm good.
I've read Lord of the Rings three times and pretty much stick to the dwarf stuff in the appendices (from the get-go, I dug the wizards, the dwarves, the Ents, Beorn and a few of the men when I read first LoTR/the Hobbit decades ago) - so that's what I pay attention to in the films. Martin Freeman is the first hobbit I do like from any media - he's wonderful.
I've tried to reread Rings and all the family trees, place names and such make my headspin. I can't keep track.
Re: splitting final film into two - let's make as much money as we can damn it.
Bottom line, for the Hobbit I expected a different treatment, not LOTROzized and bloated. And for Hunger Games, they should have been 2 books maximum IMO.
I understand completely. DoS was the film AuJ should have been. A very good pace, interesting new characters (save for Tauriel who is so annoying and forced in), and a killer dragon.
I was not happy when they announced it would be three films too especially in light of how bloated AuJ was. This is the trend with 'adaptions' as you've pointed out. I'd rather have a great character driven story that leaves me wanting more than feeling I've had way too much.
The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug HFR 3D - Before I say anything, I just want to make clear that I had never read the book, so this was all new to me. First on the movie itself. I thought the story dragged. Some of the dialogue and characters seemed forced (i.e. Thuriel, and the people of the lake city). The second half picked up, and Smaug was the star of the movie. But there just wasn't enough substance in the story for it to be its own movie, in my opinion.
Now for the format. The HFR detracted from the visuals (which were supposed to be stunning), but it definitely added to the 3D experience. In close up scenes and conversations, it felt like I was watching a live theatrical performance, but other scenes where the characters are running over mountains, floating in rivers, etc, it felt like I was watching a crappy Syfy movie, visually at least. I wouldn't recommend watching it in HFR unless you want the HFR experience, which you can't really get anywhere else...
We also watched Frankenweenie, which has the typical Tim Burton feel. It was a little bit funny, a little but weird, and wholly entertaining.
Now for the format. The HFR detracted from the visuals (which were supposed to be stunning), but it definitely added to the 3D experience. In close up scenes and conversations, it felt like I was watching a live theatrical performance, but other scenes where the characters are running over mountains, floating in rivers, etc, it felt like I was watching a crappy Syfy movie, visually at least. I wouldn't recommend watching it in HFR unless you want the HFR experience, which you can't really get anywhere else...
We also watched Frankenweenie, which has the typical Tim Burton feel. It was a little bit funny, a little but weird, and wholly entertaining.
Last night went to see The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug 3D, this is the second in the series and suffers because there is no real beginning or end. The was also no suspense it played out like an 'A Team' episode but then in Middle Earth. It was too long by far, it was of course cinematically beautiful, as you would expect from Peter Jackson.
As I left the theatre I heard that Peter O'Toole had died, I remember going to the same theatre to see Lawrence of Arabia.
As I left the theatre I heard that Peter O'Toole had died, I remember going to the same theatre to see Lawrence of Arabia.
Oh, those eyes! Will watch What's Up Pussycat again, really dig him in there!
Saw Inside Llewyn Davis yesterday. Was ok in a good way. Nothing fancy but rather mellow and soft; a good choice to spend an afternoon during winter at the cinema. Had some really good laughs as well though.
The Hobbit has fallen on it's sword... I predicted as much, lol. Maybe 10 years from now when they reboot, they'll tell the real story. Not holding my breath.
Peter O'Tool, I appreciated him in Lord Jim, Murpy's War, and Becket. I suddenly have a desire to see Lord Jim again...
Lord Jim, a man looking for redemption:
Murphy against the Germans:
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The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug:
What I really enjoyed:
Sequences: Barrel sequence, High Fells, Dol Goldur, Mirkwood (Spiders), Erebor and Bard’s moments in Laketown.
Characters: Bilbo, Thorin, Bard & Girion, Beorn, Balin, Smaug, Gandalf and Thranduil – they all had terrific moments/scenes. And Bombur’s battle prowess was hilarious.
What I did not:
Tauriel (there are smoother ways to introduce a new character regardless of their station – action/romance etc. She was shoe-horned in and exceedingly annoying) It did not help that I kept hearing her and Legolas singing “Anything you can do, I can do better...” in my head. She was part of a regurgitated LoTR subplot which ground the film to a hault. A couple of other new characters did this to a lesser extent (Master and Wurmtongue - oops - Alfrid - of Laketown)
While there are some bridges I appreciate to LoTR, I sometimes got the feeling the Hobbit story is getting lost amid the filler. With PJ at the helm, three movies is overkill.
All that said, I do look forward to seeing most of this again, because I love three of the characters (although not their final cinematic look) and do want to see where they go. I am glad some incarnation of my favorite Tolkien characters are up there and three very good actors inhabit them, just a shame how bungled this is.
I can't be bothered with 3D and all that. Eyes and purse can't handle it.
>>>
and we watched Men in Black 3 for the umpteenth time. I just heard Will Smith mention his bowling tactic known as "low hanging fruit" in my head and cracked up. I still have fun with the MiB movies. If they continue, I hope they choose new agents (personally, I'd enjoy with one set in the 1960s with Bill Hader's Andy Warhol. He kills me...)
What I really enjoyed:
Sequences: Barrel sequence, High Fells, Dol Goldur, Mirkwood (Spiders), Erebor and Bard’s moments in Laketown.
Characters: Bilbo, Thorin, Bard & Girion, Beorn, Balin, Smaug, Gandalf and Thranduil – they all had terrific moments/scenes. And Bombur’s battle prowess was hilarious.
What I did not:
Tauriel (there are smoother ways to introduce a new character regardless of their station – action/romance etc. She was shoe-horned in and exceedingly annoying) It did not help that I kept hearing her and Legolas singing “Anything you can do, I can do better...” in my head. She was part of a regurgitated LoTR subplot which ground the film to a hault. A couple of other new characters did this to a lesser extent (Master and Wurmtongue - oops - Alfrid - of Laketown
)While there are some bridges I appreciate to LoTR, I sometimes got the feeling the Hobbit story is getting lost amid the filler. With PJ at the helm, three movies is overkill.
All that said, I do look forward to seeing most of this again, because I love three of the characters (although not their final cinematic look) and do want to see where they go. I am glad some incarnation of my favorite Tolkien characters are up there and three very good actors inhabit them, just a shame how bungled this is.
I can't be bothered with 3D and all that. Eyes and purse can't handle it.
>>>
and we watched Men in Black 3 for the umpteenth time. I just heard Will Smith mention his bowling tactic known as "low hanging fruit" in my head and cracked up. I still have fun with the MiB movies. If they continue, I hope they choose new agents (personally, I'd enjoy with one set in the 1960s with Bill Hader's Andy Warhol. He kills me...)
Just now got around to seeing Star Trek Into Darkness. Pretty awesome, the dude that played Kahn was super. But I really have to say that the manual over-ride switch that is on the opposite side of the ship thing is overplayed.
Season 3 starts in 2 weeks (Jan 1) on BBC!! Can't wait!
Jan 19 on PBS if you don't get BBC.
Season 3 starts in 2 weeks (Jan 1) on BBC!! Can't wait!
BBC America (I'll check)? All I can say is that BC runs circles around Guy Ritchie and RDJ.
I think so. That's what I've read before. Hopefully I'm not mistaken.
I like RDJ as Sherlock as well, but Cumberbatch has a special something that he brings, I'm not quite sure what.
that's for sure
...the only good thing about the RDj Sherlock was Jude Law as Watson, but this is much better.
...the only good thing about the RDj Sherlock was Jude Law as Watson, but this is much better.
I just think the BBC version captures the feel of what I watched as a kid, the great Basil Rathbone... even the Star Trek Next Generation Sherlock episodes.
Guy Ritchie's product is blah (personal opinion ), but I too liked Jude Law as Dr. Watson. One critique on the 2010 BBC version, I'm not yet sold on Moriarty. He seems slightly miscast, first impression.
Saw a pre-screening of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and it was terrific. I cannot wait to see it again!