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Spoilers What Movie Are You Watching?
- Thread starter Huntn
- Start date
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Five Element Ninjas (1982) Yes, this one again. 
Chan Wai Man's Kembuchi Mudou, the Supreme King of the Ninjas, makes that so easy to do. I really am not a fan of ninjas, but I love this movie largely because CWM is such a bastard and this proves what a fantastic fighter and kicker he was. And, for once, in a Chang Cheh film someone is actually wearing a historically accurate costume.
I actually received both copies I recently ordered yesterday, including 88 Films' region B set. So, of course, I had to watch. Basically, Chang Cheh lobs another China vs. Japan martial arts epic at his audience and goes full tilt gory (in the funniest, most OTT ways possible) as the formerly number one martial arts clan in China goes up against the title group of Ninjas and is nearly wiped out.
Ugh: @twietee you may have to tread lightly with 88 Films' Shaw Brothers releases as they screwed up the print of 5EN in a few spots by overdoing the color correction. Shaws used big theatre lights for their sunsets and sunrises, and I noticed a nasty yellow-orange glare on the Alliance member's back while he faces off against Kembuchi in the Earth element circuit. That might not be important to someone who has never seen this movie, but I've now watched this film in a variety of formats, and can say that either 88 karked up the color correction or Shaws licensed them a really bad digital source print. Suffice to say, I won't be buying another 88 Shaws unless Chan Wai Man is in the movie. I will eventually listen to the audio commentary by beloved Hong Kong movie historian Bey Logan to see if he actually mentions anything new about CWM.
Second copy is what appears to be a dvd-r of Media Blasters original release (which the seller, the current inheritor of MB's sales swears is not a dvd-r). This looked on par (as bad) as the 88 Films dvd version (88 has been bundling dvd and blu rays together in their Shaw releases). After complaining, I am supposed to receive a blu ray replacement - which would be nice since the Media Blasters blu ray is one of the two best prints I've seen of Five Elements.
All that said, I still would love to own a copy of the 35mm print I saw on the big screen last year, water damage and all. I love the dodgy subtitles and it was such a great viewing experience (I hope I can see this again on the big screen. Such a good time!)
==
Also revisited Samurai Bells of Death (1981) that is probably a Taiwanese period pic that CWM had a minor villainous role in, but awesome to see him wield a black fan as a weapon. Another clan vs. clan thing that was kind of boring despite women running both clans and the always nice presence of broody ex-Shaws star, Ling Yung.
Not bad once CWM rears his wicked self, but it takes awhile to get to that point.
--
Next week I am seeing the digital screening of the new 4k restoration of Bruce Lee's The Big Boss (Fists of Fury) at a Museum right around the block from my job. Should be fun. Shamefully, I have never been to this museum.
Chan Wai Man's Kembuchi Mudou, the Supreme King of the Ninjas, makes that so easy to do. I really am not a fan of ninjas, but I love this movie largely because CWM is such a bastard and this proves what a fantastic fighter and kicker he was. And, for once, in a Chang Cheh film someone is actually wearing a historically accurate costume. I actually received both copies I recently ordered yesterday, including 88 Films' region B set. So, of course, I had to watch. Basically, Chang Cheh lobs another China vs. Japan martial arts epic at his audience and goes full tilt gory (in the funniest, most OTT ways possible) as the formerly number one martial arts clan in China goes up against the title group of Ninjas and is nearly wiped out.
Ugh: @twietee you may have to tread lightly with 88 Films' Shaw Brothers releases as they screwed up the print of 5EN in a few spots by overdoing the color correction. Shaws used big theatre lights for their sunsets and sunrises, and I noticed a nasty yellow-orange glare on the Alliance member's back while he faces off against Kembuchi in the Earth element circuit. That might not be important to someone who has never seen this movie, but I've now watched this film in a variety of formats, and can say that either 88 karked up the color correction or Shaws licensed them a really bad digital source print. Suffice to say, I won't be buying another 88 Shaws unless Chan Wai Man is in the movie. I will eventually listen to the audio commentary by beloved Hong Kong movie historian Bey Logan to see if he actually mentions anything new about CWM.
Second copy is what appears to be a dvd-r of Media Blasters original release (which the seller, the current inheritor of MB's sales swears is not a dvd-r). This looked on par (as bad) as the 88 Films dvd version (88 has been bundling dvd and blu rays together in their Shaw releases). After complaining, I am supposed to receive a blu ray replacement - which would be nice since the Media Blasters blu ray is one of the two best prints I've seen of Five Elements.
All that said, I still would love to own a copy of the 35mm print I saw on the big screen last year, water damage and all. I love the dodgy subtitles and it was such a great viewing experience (I hope I can see this again on the big screen. Such a good time!)
==
Also revisited Samurai Bells of Death (1981) that is probably a Taiwanese period pic that CWM had a minor villainous role in, but awesome to see him wield a black fan as a weapon. Another clan vs. clan thing that was kind of boring despite women running both clans and the always nice presence of broody ex-Shaws star, Ling Yung.
Not bad once CWM rears his wicked self, but it takes awhile to get to that point.
--
Next week I am seeing the digital screening of the new 4k restoration of Bruce Lee's The Big Boss (Fists of Fury) at a Museum right around the block from my job. Should be fun. Shamefully, I have never been to this museum.
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An overall fun romp reminiscent of 80s-style monster movies. Terrific creature design!
Lucy Spoiler
Just finished watching "Lucy". Not to bad, but the ending was a little out there. I actually enjoyed the movie for the better part of it. But when she becomes the computer....
The critique I've head about this movie, is that at the end she should have done more in the conflict than sit there and compile data, but my response is that the screenplay they painted themselves into a corner somewhat. Without a kryptonite like substance or something to challenger her, she had absolute control of her surroundings and there would have been no fight at all.
[doublepost=1485612537][/doublepost]
SciFi to night
Q-6
Will check Spectral out. Seems like Netflix is becoming a powerhouse network and movie studio.
[doublepost=1485612675][/doublepost]
Any redeeming qualities?
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Not a blockbuster, well worth a watch if you like SciFi, better than expected. Another good indie is Europa Report
Also liking
Last night was all horror
and
Too many really could go on for days
Q-6
Not a blockbuster, well worth a watch if you like SciFi, better than expected. Another good indie is Europa Report
Also liking
Last night was all horror
and
Too many really could go on for days
Q-6
Dog Soldiers is an underrated movie in my opinion. Great little movie! Ginger Snaps isn't so bad either!
@Queen6
Talking about wolves... Queen6, if you have not seen Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), it's the time.
A classic.
"Extraordinary and extremely cool. While delving into this actual historical mystery, the heroes uncover a mad-up conspiracy involving one-armed aristocrat Vincent Cassel and a deep-cleavaged Monica Bellucci..." Dean McKenna
Talking about wolves... Queen6, if you have not seen Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), it's the time.
A classic.
"Extraordinary and extremely cool. While delving into this actual historical mystery, the heroes uncover a mad-up conspiracy involving one-armed aristocrat Vincent Cassel and a deep-cleavaged Monica Bellucci..." Dean McKenna
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Like Ginger Snaps, not so much the sequels, Dog soldiers decent in the same vein;
and similar theme sans the horror aspect
Q-6
[doublepost=1485616937][/doublepost]
@Queen6
Talking about wolves... Queen6, if you have not seen Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), it's the time.
A classic.
"Extraordinary and extremely cool. While delving into this actual historical mystery, the heroes uncover a mad-up conspiracy involving one-armed aristocrat Vincent Cassel and a deep-cleavaged Monica Bellucci..." Dean McKenna
Absolutely fabulous film, superbly executed. Well recommend, best watched in native french & subtitles for non speakers, sadly don't have it with me on this trip or would be "flipping that button"
Q-6
[doublepost=1485617356][/doublepost]Another is Das Boot, again the subtitled version if not a native speaker is the better version.
The definitive U-boat film, is long watch, equally if you get in to it the time will fly.
Q-6
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Certainly not a feel good movie.
Kind of guessed how they were going to get him in the end.
Kind of guessed how they were going to get him in the end.
Just finishing up Fail Safe (2000) decent given originally a live TV broadcast, prefer the original from 1964, a prophetic warning indeed, from a time one hopes has passed.
Tomorrows another day
Q-6
Tomorrows another day
Q-6
The 1964 movie was perfection, my Dad took me to see the '63 version at the theater when I was 11. Talk about a mind trip for a pre-teen. My favorite part is when the Ambassador's phone melts in Moscow. <- no not really.Just finishing up Fail Safe (2000) decent given originally a live TV broadcast, prefer the original from 1964, a prophetic warning indeed, from a time one hopes has passed.
Tomorrows another day
Q-6
Kill Command - Set in a near future, technology-reliant society is creating killing machines. Against this backdrop an elite army unit is helicoptered in to a remote, off-the-grid island training facility, to test the capabilities of the latest prototypes. They set up positions and make short work of the AI targets in the killing field. However, overnight their sentry goes missing, and when they find the corpse the next day they find themselves in the killing field and the tables have turned. The marines fight to survive on an island is overrun by an enemy intelligence far beyond their predecessors, which learns from their every move.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2667380/?ref_=nv_sr_2
Yes, yes, yes! A thoroughly fun movie! I've owned this movie for years and watch it regularly!@Queen6
Talking about wolves... Queen6, if you have not seen Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001), it's the time.
A classic.
Not related to wolves but another French film in the Hollywood 'action' style is Vidocq. Unlike Brother of the Wolf there is no English soundtrack in this one, so be prepared to read subtitles unless you understand French. Recommended!
.......Another is Das Boot, again the subtitled version if not a native speaker is the better version.
The definitive U-boat film, is long watch, equally if you get in to it the time will fly.
Q-6
Das Boot - both the movie and the TV series (which is a far longer version of the movie) are outstanding, and well worth watching.
Both are first rate viewing, superbly researched, scripted, acted, and historically meticulous.
Saw The Monuments Men tonight.
Despite the fact that it is based on a true story - and an actually interesting story - and had an excellent cast, this was less good than it could have been, although it could have been worse - while that excellent cast were shamefully under-utilised.
While the production values were high, the pace was uneven and the basic skill of story telling - of trying to tell a story on screen - was surprisingly poor. Indeed, it seemed to me that the movie couldn't decide whether it wanted to strike a note of whimsy or seriously examine the history and story it was telling. A pity.
Dog Soldiers is a different take on the age old werewolf tale, Kill Command is another. military focused action film, with interesting motivations & repercussion. Not A grade stuff, equally both are entertaining, with Kill Command putting films with far greater budget to shame.
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Version of Das Boot I have is the full length one they used for the mini series
See. The Monuments Men not one to keep, or revisit.[doublepost=1485653651][/doublepost]
Yes, yes, yes! A thoroughly fun movie! I've owned this movie for years and watch it regularly!
Not related to wolves but another French film in the Hollywood 'action' style is Vidocq. Unlike Brother of the Wolf there is no English soundtrack in this one, so be prepared to read subtitles unless you understand French. Recommended!
Thx will have a look, May have Watched in the past. Same always better to watch in the native language
Q-6
exactly. i wanted it to be very good and it was only "meh".
