Spoilers What Movie Are You Watching?

[Huntn]

Well, yes, thank you for trying to balance the scales of this argument by posting a picture of a well muscled Mr Thor.

However, where the portrayal of women is concerned, I am really fed up of this endless cliché.

Actually, my annoyance was such that your post almost made me decide not to go to see Star Trek Into Darkness; I really dislike that sort of imagery, - it sets my teeth on edge - and seeing it on a Star Trek movie which was made this year - and not the sixties when one might overlook the unreconstructed attitudes which prevailed in society and cinema and TV at the time as typical of the era - but was made this year, really annoyed me. It is as though the makers have learned nothing, absorbed nothing of the huge changes that have taken place in society since then.

Worse, Star Trek is supposed to be about an enlightened future, rather then reflecting fatuous and deeply rooted assumptions and attitudes to women which I sincerely hoped had died out long ago.

By all means don't see it, but I hope you realize that the future may not be as perfect as you hope. And the setup that allowed this image was based on the character Kirk not obeying a request by a girl who needed a hurried wardrobe change in the line of duty, something this character would do, while acknowledging it was a conscious decision by the script's author to entertain the men in the audience. Besides, in the enlightened sex neutral future, I really don't see people being uptight about being seen in their undergarments.

 

[Shrink]

By all means don't see it, but I hope you realize that the future may not be as perfect as you hope. And the setup that allowed this image was based on the character Kirk not obeying a request by a girl who needed a hurried wardrobe change in the line of duty, something this character would do, while acknowledging it was a conscious decision by the script's author to entertain the men in the audience. Besides, in the enlightened sex neutral future, I really don't see people being uptight about being seen in their undergarments.

I don't think the issue is, at least for me, seeing someone in their undergarments. I think it is the generally gratuitous display of someone in their undergarments, when the script doesn't really call for it, and it is included merely for the sake of displaying someone in the undergarments, that is problematic.

BTW...I'm not speaking specifically about the Star Trek movie, as I haven't seen it...just a general comment.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Seeking a Friend For the End of the World. Sorta apropo.

 

[Huntn]

I don't think the issue is, at least for me, seeing someone in their undergarments. I think it is the generally gratuitous display of someone in their undergarments, when the script doesn't really call for it, and it is included merely for the sake of displaying someone in the undergarments, that is problematic.

BTW...I'm not speaking specifically about the Star Trek movie, as I haven't seen it...just a general comment.

While I acknowledge for this movie it was out of place, they have taken the time to show Kirk romping with women. So this shot was no worse than Star Trek Enterprise (TV series) where after every away mission, some lucky crew member got to rub down Commander T'Pol in her undies, although those scenes were criticized from some corners too. And there are You Tube Videos, on of them titled: Why Don't You Rub Me Down With Disinfectant Jell

For someone (myself) who watches a lot of HBO and Showtime, there is a lot of what could be described as gratuitous nudity, but is it? If you are visiting a brothel, would it be unusual so see nude women? If two people are about to engage in sex is it better to cover up all the critical parts or not? Or is it better to just close the door and let the viewer imagine? I'd say negative! As a standard, many PG13 movies shows some sexy woman shot. And IMO this moves the Star Trek shot into triviality. Personally I enjoy it and realize I am being catered to. Don't beat me up too much!

 

[marcial]

I just finished watching The Croods on video with my kids. Couldn't find anything more enjoyable.

Watching with the kids, that is.

 

[Huntn]

I just finished watching The Croods on video with my kids. Couldn't find anything more enjoyable.

Watching with the kids, that is.

And the Croods?

 

[mscriv]

The wife and I took the kiddos and some of their friends to see Epic last night. It was fun with some good action and enjoyable humor. We saw it in 3D and it was really well done from that perspective. Nothing was over the top or in your face, but all in all it was quite subtle. This is probably the first 3D movie I've seen where I literally forgot I was wearing the glasses and just enjoyed the experience fully. My four year old liked it and my eight year old and his buddies dissected the plot fully and already think they know what Epic 2 is going to be about.

 

[twietee]

Saw Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy this afternoon - perfect movie for this 'summer'. All rainy and melancholic. Liked it a lot, great actors, great style and I appreciated the slow pace.

And just noticed that my initial link for Le Corbeau didn't work out, so: http://pov.imv.au.dk/Issue_20/section_1/artc5A.html

 

[Mac'nCheese]

Saw Star Trek Into Darkness yesterday. Compared to the first one, I was disappointed for this primary reason, the movie was too frantic, frantic action and frantic camera work.

One of the high points, surprised Kirk was not all over that. :
Image.

Star Trek Into Darkness Spoilers Follow​

Not a deal breaker, but I did not buy Kirk going into the core to kick some equipment. I really liked Khan, but wondered why he did not have long hair.

Happy to see Robo Cop and not that sad to see Admiral Pike go as I still had not forgiven him for double crossing Ashely Judd. (actors from and other movie refs)

MORE STAR TREK SPOILERS

















Star Trek was a lot of fun. All the ties in to the known Trek universe were an added bonus for us Trekkies. The mix-up of Kirk instead of Spock saving the ship was a clever shake up (thank god for that tribble!) I did kind of get lost with the plot at one point, couldn't understand how Kahn was setting all this up or what but the action was well done and there were no wasted moments. Loved the opening sequence but poor starfleet! First practically the entire fleet is wiped out and now the HQ is gone!!!

 

[Shrink]

The cable classic movie station is running a whole day of "war movies" in honor of Memorial Day.

I'm currently watching 1951 "Flying Leathernecks" with John Wayne and Robert Ryan. Surprisingly directed by Nicholas Ray...always an interesting director. It ain't high art, and Wayne is, as always, Wayne. But Ray had a bucketful of Exec Producer Howard Hughes' money to play with, and for the genre, and a John Wayne movie, it's better than average.

As Hughes is involved, the flying sequences (stock footage plus filmed) are good.

 

[Roller]

"Dumb and Dumber" is one of my guilty pleasures, which I re-visit often. I can't watch the bathroom scene and not laugh, and Lloyd's line ("So you're telling me there's a chance!") gets me every time. I sure hope that "Dumb and Dumber To" gets done.

Saw "Star Trek: Into Darkness" the other night and loved it. As a die-hard fan since TOS debuted in 1966, I realized that I just had to let go of all the tenets of ST purism and just have fun, which I did.

Looking forward to "Man of Steel" in June. I haven't really liked any of the movies since "Superman" in 1978 (!), but I have higher hopes for this one.

 

[Shrink]

I saw the remake "Dredd" last night. MEH!

First, let me say that I am judging (pun intended!) this movie based on the standards of this particular genre...action adventure films, not by the standards of films of substance, e.g. "Citizen Kane" .

Compared to the original 1995 "Judge Dredd", this was a miserable failure. In fact, judged on it's own merits, it was worse than that. The original film had a script, a bit of a plot, some decent actors (Max von Sydow, Diane Lane, the always over-the-top Arrmande Assante, and Stallone [doing a tongue-in-cheek self satire] ), good visuals, and most importantly, a tongue-planted-firmly-in-cheek sense of humor. They realized they were not doing Hamlet, and winked at the audience in shared acknowledgement of the fact that this was just for fun.

In "Dredd", none of the above existed. The film took itself so seriously, that, in itself, was ludicrously funny. There was no script, no characterization, no acting, no sense of humor...and good CGI. In fact, the whole film totally depended totally on CGI, not a sparkling recommendation for any film. They spent their entire budget on CGI...and nothing at all on the script, direction, or acting. If anyone in the cast was paid more than $122.64, they were grossly overpaid. Granting the limitation imposed on the guy playing Dredd by the fact that he had to wear the helmet for the entire film, thereby depriving him of the use of facial expression (except for an exaggerated frown, which constituted the entirety of his acting), it might have been a blessing by allowing him not to be seen and even further embarrass himself.

So, the film was a plotless shoot 'em up, with nothing much to recommend it aside from being a dandy film to watch if you want to turn off you mind completely. And even with that criteria in mind...it still wasn't worth much.

As much as I am primarily a fan of classic movies, I do enjoy action films, and did enjoy the original "Judge Dredd". This was just a really bad film...

 

[S.B.G]

Thanks for the review Shrink. I hadn't known they remade Judge Dredd and now with this, I will not even waste my time nor money on it.

There are times and certain movies where CGI can be employed to the benefit of the production and the viewer if done right. But for a movie to rely wholly or in part on CGI is a turn off for me. I think that if a film or even a T.V. show, such as Defiance, uses CGI where a real life scene or stunt could be done within reason, they shouldn't.

 

[Shrink]

Thanks for the review Shrink. I hadn't known they remade Judge Dredd and now with this, I will not even waste my time nor money on it.

There are times and certain movies where CGI can be employed to the benefit of the production and the viewer if done right. But for a movie to rely wholly or in part on CGI is a turn off for me. I think that if a film or even a T.V. show, such as Defiance, uses CGI where a real life scene or stunt could be done within reason, they shouldn't.

Just to be clear...I have no objection to the judicious use of CGI. Truly remarkable effects can be created employing the technique. My objection, in concert with SBG, is when the whole film rests on CGI and has no other of the necessary elements (script, acting, direction, etc.) to making a film of quality, no matter what's it's genre.

(BTW: In the service of full disclosure...I have a mad crush on Diane Lane...both for her looks and acting skills )

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Just to be clear...I have no objection to the judicious use of CGI. Truly remarkable effects can be created employing the technique. My objection, in concert with SBG, is when the whole film rests on CGI and has no other of the necessary elements (script, acting, direction, etc.) to making a film of quality, no matter what's it's genre.

(BTW: In the service of full disclosure...I have a mad crush on Diane Lane...both for her looks and acting skills )

I agree completely. CGI can enhance a movie (or series, say, some of the better episodes of Star Trek TNG) where it is logical to use it and where it supports rather than supplants the plot.

When watching a play, I have had the same reservation about the set; if I come out of a play, marvelling about the set, it usually means that the acting, script, plot, direction, and atmosphere all lacked a certain something....

 

[Huntn]

"Dumb and Dumber" is one of my guilty pleasures, which I re-visit often. I can't watch the bathroom scene and not laugh, and Lloyd's line ("So you're telling me there's a chance!") gets me every time. I sure hope that "Dumb and Dumber To" gets done.

I hate labeling myself, but that is one of those stupid movies I love.

Just to be clear...I have no objection to the judicious use of CGI. Truly remarkable effects can be created employing the technique. My objection, in concert with SBG, is when the whole film rests on CGI and has no other of the necessary elements (script, acting, direction, etc.) to making a film of quality, no matter what's it's genre.

(BTW: In the service of full disclosure...I have a mad crush on Diane Lane...both for her looks and acting skills )

Some movies like 300 and Sin City turn me off cause I know they have been filmed in a warehouse and the environment is stylized. Avatar is the exception, also filmed in a warehouse, but a photo realistic world were it's so good you forget it's all make believe. Avatar is a beacon of hope for the future of primarily CGI movie environments.

 

[twietee]

Anyone around here watched The House of Cards? SS, I'm looking at you...

My understanding is that there are plenty of diff. versions and I'm quite interested in the one feat. Ian Richardson, is it the 'best' version so to speak?

Equally interested in the original Tinker Tailor Soldier .... with Alec Guiness. Supposed to be better than the recent remake.


Re Dumb and Dumber, loved it as a teen but haven't seen it eversince. I'd call Zoolander my weak spot.

 

[Liquorpuki]

Fast and Furious 6. So much fun

 

[Huntn]

Anyone anticipating World War Z (June 21 in U.S.)? Yes, there is lots of zombie content out there, but marketing is excellent, and the scenes look great. If the initial reviews are good, I'll probably see this in the theater.

 

[mscriv]

Anyone anticipating World War Z (June 21 in U.S.)? Yes, there is lots of zombie content out there, but marketing is excellent, and the scenes look great. If the initial reviews are good, I'll probably see this in the theater.

The wife and I saw the new Star Trek last night and World War Z was one of the previews before the show. It does look pretty good. My wife has read the book and she's interested to see how they have adapted it for a movie. Apparently the style of the book is a collection of writings from those experiencing the zombie event. There is no real main character to follow. Thus, it would appear they have taken some real liberties to create the Brad Pitt role that we see in the previews.

As for Star Trek, I thought it was a worthy second edition of the reboot and a fun action/sci-fi movie. For those that are die hard Star Trek fans there were plenty of nods to the original with the same kind of reboot "flare" that we saw in the first edition of this new series.

 

[Roller]

Fast and Furious 6. So much fun

It does look like fun, but chances are I won't get anyone to go with me (my wife hates action movies), and I hate going alone. Probably will rent it in a few months.

 

[Plutonius]

A good movie from 1956 that was the basis for much of modern sci-fi. It's also very strange to see Leslie Nielson playing a serious role .

Apparently the style of the book is a collection of writings from those experiencing the zombie event. There is no real main character to follow. Thus, it would appear they have taken some real liberties to create the Brad Pitt role that we see in the previews.

I know a few people who read the book and refuse to go to see World War Z after seeing the previews. It looks like another movie you may enjoy more if you haven't read the book.

It does look like fun, but chances are I won't get anyone to go with me (my wife hates action movies), and I hate going alone. Probably will rent it in a few months.

I never understood this. It's not like you can talk to / interact with people when a movie is running. I have no problem going to a movie alone (get there just before it starts and you can usually snag a good seat).

 

[Huntn]

The wife and I saw the new Star Trek last night and World War Z was one of the previews before the show. It does look pretty good. My wife has read the book and she's interested to see how they have adapted it for a movie. Apparently the style of the book is a collection of writings from those experiencing the zombie event. There is no real main character to follow. Thus, it would appear they have taken some real liberties to create the Brad Pitt role that we see in the previews.

As for Star Trek, I thought it was a worthy second edition of the reboot and a fun action/sci-fi movie. For those that are die hard Star Trek fans there were plenty of nods to the original with the same kind of reboot "flare" that we saw in the first edition of this new series.

That reminds me of the style that Ray Bradbury used to write the Martian Chronicles (the colonization of Mars), but there it was a collection of loosely related stories, one of the best books I've ever read.

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Image

A good movie from 1956 that was the basis for much of modern sci-fi. It's also very strange to see Leslie Nielson playing a serious role .



I know a few people who read the book and refuse to go to see World War Z after seeing the previews. It looks like another movie you may enjoy more if you haven't read the book.

Forbidden Planet is excellent considering it was the '50s. Notice how they have a sexy woman in the robot's arms. Who were they appealing to?

Ragarding WWZ, I've not read the book so I'm safe as long as they tell a good story.

 

[Roller]

I never understood this. It's not like you can talk to / interact with people when a movie is running. I have no problem going to a movie alone (get there just before it starts and you can usually snag a good seat).

For some reason I feel odd sitting alone in a movie theater, as if people are looking at me and wondering why I can't get anyone to come along. Doesn't make sense, I know.

 

[ritmomundo]

For some reason I feel odd sitting alone in a movie theater, as if people are looking at me and wondering why I can't get anyone to come along. Doesn't make sense, I know.

Have you ever thought that about someone you saw who was alone at the theater? I doubt it. No one really cares. It's just your anxiety that you'll overcome after you try it a couple times and you get more comfortable with it.