Recently watched movies!

[lhb412]

^I think Addams Family Values has a stronger story, while what little story is in the first one is just an excuse to hang out with the Addams Family for an hour and a half. Both approaches have their merits.

[XvGojira]

[jellydonut25]

I think the first has a little better production value overall so it gets my nod over Values.

Also, I think the first one (for me personally) has more funny moments spread across the entire family, while the highlight of Values is easily the summer camp, so it makes the film a little more uneven for me.
Granted, it's been years since I've watched either aside from having caught bits and pieces here and there on TV

[Hybrid Gojira]

[Dr Kain]

I thought the fights were much better in 3 because they weren't just laser effects shooting at one another. Who is Leo?

[Hybrid Gojira]

[jellydonut25]

I watched 1 fairly recently and mostly found it somewhat enjoyable for what it was.

I still haven't mustered up the strength to watch 2.

[Hybrid Gojira]

[Psycho Soldier]

I'm in a minority, because I found ROM2 tolerable when I first watched it. Maybe my expectations were so low that literally anything would have surpassed them.

[lhb412]

Josie and the Pussycats

This movie is surprisingly not bad, though I kinda wish it was more about Du Jour, the fictional boy-band from the prologue. Also, actual in-story explanation for why Alexandrea is in the movie even though she doesn't do anything:

"You know what? I still don't understand why you're here."
"I'm here because I was in the comic book."
"What?"

[XvGojira]

[Hybrid Gojira]

Guardians of the Galaxy - my wife hadn't watched this yet, so we saw it tonight. It's still a really good movie, but I think Big Hero 6 might be my favorite movie this year.

[hanshotfirst1138]

Seven Samurai- Got to see a genuine 35mm print of Kurosawa's masterpiece. Every now and then, something cool comes to my neck of the woods . Seeing this on real film was truly a privilege. It's amazing how fast the 3.5 hour runtime flies by. The film holds up remarkably well, still poetic, excitingly kinetic, and dramatically rich after more than half a century. Fully deserving of its lofty reputation, it was truly one for the ages.

[Tom R VanSlambrouck]

Went to an advanced screening of Dumb and Dumber To. If you liked the first one you'll enjoy this one. I see a lot of critics panning for being to similar to the first and compare it to The Hangover and its sequels unlike the Hangover and it's sequels there's not a 20 year gap. I think the comedy works just well and I found myself laughing more at this than I did the first which I thought was also good.

[Rody]

The Thief of Bagdad (1940) - there are far too many classics I have not yet seen, and this was one of them. Starring John Justin and Sabu, The Thief of Bagdad is a classic epic adventure about friendship and the battle of good vs evil. Sabu plays a surprisingly endearing little thief, while Conrad Veidt delivers a thoroughly slimy performance as Jaffar. Frankly, though, I think Rex Ingram stole the show as the manic and unpredictable giant genie. That laugh of his...
There's not much I can say about the plot, since it's pretty simple without any "deeper meaning", but it's told so well that there isn't much bad to say about it. If I were to harbor one complaint, it's that the romance which drives much of the plot feels pretty shallow - not that that's unusual, but romance is one plot element which tends to really bother me if it isn't handled well. No matter, though; the gorgeous sets and neat special effects grab my attention far more. This is a terrific film for all ages.
4/5 stars.

Speaking of classics:
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) - wow. There are some stories one cannot brace one's self for no matter how much one tries. This is such a powerful, thoughtful story about the battle between morality and corruption, that there really isn't much to say which isn't right there in front in the film itself. I dare say it's probably becoming even more relevant as it ages.
5/5 stars.

[Dr Kain]

Big Hero 6 - With all of the disappointing to average animated movies this year, leave it to Disney to give us something that, while predictable, feels fresh and innovative. The movie is just a non-stop roller coaster ride from start to finish as it has a lot of excellent comedy mixed together with a balance of drama and action. There characters are awesome, especially Baymax and Hero, and there is a really kick ass moment that occurs after the villain is first revealed. The animation is excellent and I just loved the mix between San Francisco and Tokyo as it gave the entire city a unique feel to it. Overall, this is a must see movie and make sure you stay through the credits as there is a scene afterwards. I give it an 8/10 stars.

Mothra - This was my first time watching it subbed (I usually watched it raw) and it is still a fantastic movie no matter how you watch it. The story is really well done and Zen is an awesome badass of a character. Unfortunately, the development is not the greatest and it seems like everyone is just there to speak on the behalf of the fairies rather than anything else. Nevertheless, the execution is great and the build up to Mothra's appearance is well done. The movie probably could have been about 10 minutes shorter though, but that is just a minor nitpick. Mothra herself (or himself, since the subs call Mothra a he) looks fine in larva form, but her adult form is incredible and is probably my favorite version of her. The miniatures found here are nothing short of spectacular and the effects nicely done. The only time they look bad is when the soldiers are super imposed to look in scale with the miniatures, but then when you think about what had to be done to make that even possible, you can not help but let that slide. Overall, one of Toho's best non-Godzilla movies and Mothra is easily one of my favorite monsters. I give this movie an 8/10 stars.

[jellydonut25]

[Hybrid Gojira]

[lhb412]

Speed Racer

Never noticed how the pep talk/heart-to-heart Moms Racer has with Speed halfway through is a sort of mission statement for the film and maybe for the Wachowskis' whole career.

Oh, and in one scene John Goodman contorts his face to make the exact angry face Pops' makes in the cartoon. One of those details I doubt I would have seen had I not rewatched the original show!

[jellydonut25]

[lhb412]

^
"Get that weak s*** off my track!"

[MekaGojira3k]

Big Hero 6 was....okay. Nothing awful, but nothing spectacular either :/
Now to find time to see Interstellar.

[Hybrid Gojira]

[Dr Kain]

[canofhumdingers]