Recently watched movies!

[MouthForWar]

Deep Sea Monster Reigo- A crushing disappointment. More thoughts in the thread for it.

Deep Sea Monster Raiga- :puke: - see thread for a more detailed explanation.

Solaris (1972)- Simply breath taking. This movie certainly isn't for everybody since it is paced slower than molasses, but from what I know, the director Andrei Takovsky was playing with things like pacing to create a certain mood and dream-like feel to the film. It certainly worked on me, because I was simply entranced and immersed in the entire thing to where I almost felt like I was in a dream. A lot of beautiful, static shots of nature and the amazing looking ocean planet are a true sight to behold on Criterion's Blu-Ray. I'd never seen it before, but I always wanted to. When I saw that the booklet had an appreciative essay by Akira Kurosawa, that sealed the deal for me. Again, the pacing isn't for everybody and it is one of those sci-fi movies made in the classic tradition, meaning that it raises more questions than it answers. But it was a fascinating film... a truly truly haunting film. Makes me curious to see the Soderbergh remake with George Clooney (even though, from what I understand it is the "Hollywood version" so to speak).

Beasts of the Southern Wild- One of the best movies of the year. I posted more thoughts in the appropriate thread, but it is a real gem and deserves multiple Oscar noms. Reminded me of Grave of the Fireflies in a few ways. Amazing performances, fantastic SPFX (more impressive considering the shoe string budget), and just a real emotional and original film... see it if it's playing anywhere near you.

Slither- I forgot how much fun this movie is... a real blast!

[jellydonut25]

[lhb412]

Yokai Monsters: Along With Ghosts

MFW's recommendation in the thread on film trilogies had me seeking out the other two of Daiei's yokai films (I already had Spook Warfare). I'm watching them in reverse order because, well, 100 Monsters hasn't been delivered yet.

This film isn't like Spook Warfare (or 100 Monsters, from what I can tell) at all. It's more of a samurai drama with supernatural elements seeping in at the edges. In fact, it kinda feels like a Zatoichi movie with the yokai appearances replacing the swordplay sequences. Since I love Zatoichi films (how about some Eclipse sets Criterion?) I have no problem with that!

[Destroysall]

Premium Rush

I actually loved this movie. It was fun, hilarious, and really good. It wasn't slow or boring, so I loved every minute of it.

[MouthForWar]

[king_ghidorah]

[lhb412]

[MekaGojira3k]

[jellydonut25]

[king_ghidorah]

[lhb412]

[Shin_Edda_Robo!!!!!]

[lhb412]

Yokai Monsters: Spook Warfare

Is there a coherent stream of words capable of describing how awesome this movie is? A Babylonian demon called Daimon (who looks like a cross between Daimajin and a vulture) sets up roost in feudal Japan and the local yokai take it upon themselves to repel this foreign haunt from their territory.

First of all, I love monsters, and when you have a primary cast of monsters you're already halfway to winning my heart. Add to that that they're likeable characters and the plot is fun and you're... err, all the way to winning my heart. I love that the yokai are basically depicted with costumes and puppetry more akin to ceremonial costumes then movie special effects. It gives them an odd credibility. My favorite yokai is Ungaikyo. Love his design and voice.

[Alpha OTS]

[MouthForWar]

[jellydonut25]

[lhb412]

[king_ghidorah]

[Shin_Edda_Robo!!!!!]

[Green Dragon]

[lhb412]

[klen7]

[lhb412]

Yokai Monsters: 100 Monsters

I end at the beginning, with the first film in the series. This one is most closely tied with the actual ghost stories these creatures come from. The story begins with some rotten officials scheming to demolish a shrine and adjoining tenement to put up a brothel - naturally, the residents are none to pleased with this, but what can they do? But the b-plot in this first act is about the ritual of telling 100 ghost stories, of which we see a couple dramatized. When the baddies decline to go through with the purification ritual after their version of the ceremony (really just a cover for a whole lot of graft among various officials) the yokai from the stories begin to appear to the baddies in the real world, spottily at first, but climaxing with a grand yokai parade.

I really liked this one, too. Probably the best movie of the three, although Spook Warfare is more fun.

[Tom R VanSlambrouck]

Jaws- Got my Blu-ray digibook in today and watched it. The film has never looked better. I also decided to watch it with my 7.1 headphones and I heard things I've never heard before. Great movie no matter how many times you watch it.

[EricDent]

The Hunger Games (via Redbox) never read the book, and have yet to see Battle Royale, so I can't compare.
It was an OK movie, though it was pretty obvious that it was just a ploy to make any government that is run by the ultra rich seem bad.
The one question I had was how the government keeps control of the people, since it seemed that not even the cops had guns.

Also watched the Richard Donner cut of Superman 2 (via Netflix DVD service). Not too much different than the theatrical version.
A few scenes were altered, and a few moved around.
The most noticable was the scene when Supes & Lois were in bed after they slept together (in an adult fashion). This was shown BEFORE the removal of his powers part, so I guess that might explain the kid in Superman Returns a bit better. Though I kinda thought that he never "did it" with her because he would kill her while doing so...

Also recently watched Sucker Punch (via Netflix DVD service).
It was the rental version so not sure what I missed from the uncut version.
It was very confusing (no exposition on how they learned to go into their minds), but the action was cool. It has an almost anime feel to it.
Hopefully this somewhat of a failure for Legendary Pictures does not bode ill will for Godzilla...