[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by raduv1

As was I but why not put it in the film ? It's a prequel for gods sake even though at time I thought I was watching a remake.had good points as in the thing being unable to copy inorganic material, nice touch but not didnt wholly expanded on .

Split face dude was the making of the original it's what the story revolves around as in first contact . I thought it was rushed in this and should of been the hart of the story .really didn't like the CGI as this is a confined space and you need to feel the repulsion of what's going on .

For me CGI doesn't work on a film like this it's more for grand scale films such as LOTR.think some directors really need to go old school on this type of film if they want to recreate the magic of the original .

Will watch it again as I own it but could of been so much more . And I know what you like the tagged on ending when the music starts . Had the same effect on me also .

Maybe the CGI would have worked if it hadn't been so poorly executed. Apparently the director was in the process of doing the whole film with physical effects and apparently the studio decided against it. So the CG effects were a rush job and they did look terrible.

[lucasisking]

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

Maybe the CGI would have worked if it hadn't been so poorly executed. Apparently the director was in the process of doing the whole film with physical effects and apparently the studio decided against it. So the CG effects were a rush job and they did look terrible.

It's a shame because the creature effects really were the star of the show in 1982, so to skimp on that with sub-par cg really was a compromise. To be fair, some of the transformations were quite effective (the

 

woman gradually transforming behind Winstread's character

was quite chilling I thought). But when it starts going into 'roaring CG-creature' mode it just fell apart. CG human faces are just too unconvincing, especially when they race towards the camera, mouths agape. Those scenes reminded me of the likes of CG Hulk or Scorpion King from Mummy Returns- ie. ****-poor. It kills the horror.

It's doubly unfortunate because I think the film in general was a rather good effort. Winstead was excellent, as were the Norwegian characters.

[Jim Di Griz]

The Thing (2011)

Well I saw this at the cinema last year so I knew I liked it already (my German steelbook is on the way and I watched my brother's copy last night).

Well its apparent right from the off that this isnt as good as the 1982 one...of course. Did anyone think it would be? I didnt to be honest. But it is very watchable and certainly kept me gripped. Dont know if Im getting less fussy but the CGI didnt bother me at all but then again, I wasnt looking for problems etc . I thought the effects were very good and I definitely jumped in the cinema a couple of times! I do wonder what this might have been like had they got John Carpenter to do it though. I really like the end credits with the build up to the 1982 one. I also like that they didnt cop out with the 'normal' ending - I dont want to give anything away here obviously for those who havent seen it yet.

To sum up...a good (not great) sci-fi prequel to a classic film. I know as a kid that The Thing scared me more than Alien did for sure and I think it still does (even though Alien is slightly better of course).

Film 8/10
PQ 8/10
AQ 9/10

[lucasisking]

Originally Posted by Jim Di Griz

The Thing (2011)

Well its apparent right from the off that this isnt as good as the 1982 one...of course. Did anyone think it would be? I didnt to be honest. But it is very watchable and certainly kept me gripped. Dont know if Im getting less fussy but the CGI didnt bother me at all but then again, I wasnt looking for problems etc . I thought the effects were very good and I definitely jumped in the cinema a couple of times!

I do wonder what this might have been like had they got John Carpenter to do it though. I really like the end credits with the build up to the 1982 one. I also like that they didnt cop out with the 'normal' ending - I dont want to give anything away here obviously for those who havent seen it yet.

To sum up...a good (not great) sci-fi prequel to a classic film. I know as a kid that The Thing scared me more than Alien did for sure and I think it still does (even though Alien is slightly better of course).

Film 8/10
PQ 8/10
AQ 9/10

I agree it's not a bad movie, but it suffers from CG over-reliance, not enough horror, and comparison to (the memory of) the 1982 film. The more I think about it, however the more I probably enjoyed it.

The Thing v Alien? The Thing 1982 is more a b-movie, but to its credit it introduces a neat paranoia element to the traditional 'who's next' formula. Alien is creepier, but the Thing is more horrifying.

I still think the biology of the Thing is a little confusing. It seems to either a) absorb its victim and then imitate it, or b) infect it's host and take it over gradually. I'm never sure which is which.

Originally Posted by Jim Di Griz

I do wonder what this might have been like had they got John Carpenter to do it though.

Given Carpenter's recent form, I'd prefer not to.

[Jim Di Griz]

Originally Posted by lucasisking

I agree it's not a bad movie, but it suffers from CG over-reliance, not enough horror, and comparison to (the memory of) the 1982 film. The more I think about it, however the more I probably enjoyed it.

The Thing v Alien? The Thing 1982 is more a b-movie, but to its credit it introduces a neat paranoia element to the traditional 'who's next' formula. Alien is creepier, but the Thing is more horrifying.

I still think the biology of the Thing is a little confusing. It seems to either a) absorb its victim and then imitate it, or b) infect it's host and take it over gradually. I'm never sure which is which.




Given Carpenter's recent form, I'd prefer not to.

Well, we will never know! I will get round to watching the 1982 one straight after this one again at some point. I actually wish the 2011 prequel had kept the soundtrack from the 1982 film completely to be honest - its far more effective. John Carpenter films were so good back then!

[raduv1]

Given Carpenter's recent form, I'd prefer not to.

I'll second that I'm afraid

I'm goin to have another watch tonight the wife's out so maybe I'll be able to concentrate on the film

[Purperen]

You've probably seen this before, but here's a video showing work on The Thing prequel practical effects (contains spoilers):

The Thing 2011/ Creatures by ADI.mov - YouTube

Apparently
(SPOILER)

 

the tetris like computer thingy onboard the alien ship was used to cover a shot of the alien pilot's dead body (shown near the end of the video). The implication being that the alien pilot had killed itself rather than be absorbed by the Thing and that's what caused the ship to crash in the first place.

(END SPOILER)
also
(SPOILER)

 

There was shot that showed broken cages on the spaceship, with the implication that the alien pilot had inadvertently brought the Thing onboard whilst collecting other alien species. It then escaped and absorbed the other specimens.

(END SPOILER)

[lucasisking]

Originally Posted by Purperen

Apparently
(SPOILER)

 

the tetris like computer thingy onboard the alien ship was used to cover a shot of the alien pilot's dead body (shown near the end of the video). The implication being that the alien pilot had killed itself rather than be absorbed by the Thing and that's what caused the ship to crash in the first place.

(END SPOILER)
also
(SPOILER)

 

There was shot that showed broken cages on the spaceship, with the implication that the alien pilot had inadvertently brought the Thing onboard whilst collecting other alien species. It then escaped and absorbed the other specimens.

(END SPOILER)

I can see why they didn't go with the first of those ideas- it's straight out of Alien.

I like the second idea though.

[lucasisking]

Antichrist

I caught this on its TV premier the other night, and, since I couldn't figure out what to make of it, decided to follow up with a second viewing on bluray.

Still can't decide. Its uncomfortable viewing, and arguably a mysoginistic piece, but it is a superb piece of filmmaking nonetheless. Visually, sonically and thematically unique, and with a signature style that for me ranks alongside the works of Lynch and Kubrick (this had a definate Lynchian quality about it) for flair. Outstanding work by Willem Dafoe and especially Charlotte Gainsbourg. What is Lars Von Trier trying to say here? Is it a study of grief, or of acceptance of the cruelty (and perceived evil) of nature?

...or are women (as long suspected ) just inherently evil?

I'm still new to Von Trier's work but Im certainly becoming a convert. I prefer Melancholia for it's emotional wallop though.

Really enjoyed the picture. Like Melancholia it isn't reference (soft and dreamlike) but its full of detail and nice inky blacks. And although not a bombastic soundtrack, the audio is alive with detail- whispers, shrieks, acorns thumping, hailstones and billowing winds burst forth from every speaker.

Movie: 8.5
PQ: 8
AQ: 8


I'll be some time before I fully trust a woman carrying a toolbox or a pair of scissors...

[raduv1]

Second time viewing of this tonight and did find it a little better but just a little . Nothing wrong performance wise and it does take you back somewhat to JCs version.

Before I watched the movie this time first I watched the deleted/extended scenes and then the extras just to have a little more before I watched the movie.

The director said he wanted the best of both from SF as in physical and CG . As in the physical SF with a bit of CG wizardry to add to the experience. But have to agree with Todd the CG effects were the worst parts of the film. Cost cutting on behalf of the studio ? As watching the features a lot of work went in to creating real physical effects in this .

I still don't like the ending tagged on in the credits as it seems like a last minute attempt to bring it in line with JCs .and why is the radio operators suicide in the deleted scenes as it ties in with the original ?

[raduv1]

Originally Posted by lucasisking

Antichrist

I caught this on its TV premier the other night, and, since I couldn't figure out what to make of it, decided to follow up with a second viewing on bluray.

Still can't decide. Its uncomfortable viewing, and arguably a mysoginistic piece, but it is a superb piece of filmmaking nonetheless. Visually, sonically and thematically unique, and with a signature style that for me ranks alongside the works of Lynch and Kubrick (this had a definate Lynchian quality about it) for flair. Outstanding work by Willem Dafoe and especially Charlotte Gainsbourg. What is Lars Von Trier trying to say here? Is it a study of grief, or of acceptance of the cruelty (and perceived evil) of nature?

...or are women (as long suspected ) just inherently evil?

I'm still new to Von Trier's work but Im certainly becoming a convert. I prefer Melancholia for it's emotional wallop though.

Really enjoyed the picture. Like Melancholia it isn't reference (soft and dreamlike) but its full of detail and nice inky blacks. And although not a bombastic soundtrack, the audio is alive with detail- whispers, shrieks, acorns thumping, hailstones and billowing winds burst forth from every speaker.

Movie: 8.5
PQ: 8
AQ: 8


I'll be some time before I fully trust a woman carrying a toolbox or a pair of scissors...

I've watched this twice myself and although it's uncomfortable to watch it also has a Real beauty to it, for me it was more the feel of Lynch than Kubric.

From the opening scene to the log cabin i found it A very emotional journey through the levels grief of the characters not unlike Dante's inferno.A clinical approach on one side and a downward spiral into madness on the other but both unable to come to teams on there loss.

I found the opening scene to be the most disturbing of all filmed in slo mo and and every detail of the loss crystal clear really hit home.

I now keep my toolbox locked by the way.

[steviedr]

Michael Clayton for me tonight.
Have to say, Mr Clooney just isn't putting a foot wrong (I know it's a 5 year old film).
Really enjoyed this, a wee but to neat at the end, but really good work all round.
Only read tonight the director wrote the Bourne screenplays, will be interesting to see what number 4 brings in a few months.
F 8.5
P/AQ 8

[Jim Di Griz]

Hearts of Darkness (Apocalypse Now extra)

Finally managed to plough through all the extras for Apocalypse Now - and very good they are too. And finished with this of course even though I saw it not too long ago. Great documentary and Id hate to be one of the people who ordered the 2-disc US import without this!

Had a quick listen to the commentary on this too and this is just as fascinating so will be listening to this at some point too. Oh and the commentary for the film....if I can find the time!

9/10 easy for me on this documentary, if not more.

[irascian]

Meeks Cutoff and Snowtown.

Imported Meeks Cutoff as have yet to see Michelle Williams make a bad movie. Very slow movie but atmospheric. For a low-budget indie movie thought the picture quality was stunning, although the movie is presented (and was filmed) at 4:3 ratio. Very lavish packaging too. Worth seeing but a bit eclectic and not at all mainstrea.

Then Snowtown which in many ways was the opposite. Soft, dark, grungy picture - my guess is it was shot on 16mm. The most disturbing film I've seen in a long time. I admired it more than I liked it. The Aussies have been producing some interesting films lately for those of us sick of Hollywood "13 year old boy" or rom-com nonsense.

[simonblue]

Tonight was Justice,not to bad,Nicolas Cage wasnt to over the top

p/q very good
s/q very good

[Robert S]

Originally Posted by lucasisking

Antichrist

I caught this on its TV premier the other night, and, since I couldn't figure out what to make of it, decided to follow up with a second viewing on bluray.

Still can't decide. Its uncomfortable viewing, and arguably a mysoginistic piece, but it is a superb piece of filmmaking nonetheless. Visually, sonically and thematically unique, and with a signature style that for me ranks alongside the works of Lynch and Kubrick (this had a definate Lynchian quality about it) for flair. Outstanding work by Willem Dafoe and especially Charlotte Gainsbourg. What is Lars Von Trier trying to say here? Is it a study of grief, or of acceptance of the cruelty (and perceived evil) of nature?

...or are women (as long suspected ) just inherently evil?

I'm still new to Von Trier's work but Im certainly becoming a convert. I prefer Melancholia for it's emotional wallop though.

Really enjoyed the picture. Like Melancholia it isn't reference (soft and dreamlike) but its full of detail and nice inky blacks. And although not a bombastic soundtrack, the audio is alive with detail- whispers, shrieks, acorns thumping, hailstones and billowing winds burst forth from every speaker.

Movie: 8.5
PQ: 8
AQ: 8


I'll be some time before I fully trust a woman carrying a toolbox or a pair of scissors...

Very close to my thoughts on the film. I will add that any live-action film featuring a talking, doom-peddling fox is an automatic 6/10 in my book. The brooding atmosphere alone brings it higher.

[Mo Better Blues]

Last night was the turn of Hugo in 2D

FQ: 9/10
PQ: 10/10
AQ: 9/10

A quite lovely and charming film, Scorsese at the top of his game.
The picture was absolute reference quality, two hours of joy.

[pRot3us]

Originally Posted by Mo Better Blues

Last night was the turn of Hugo in 2D

FQ: 9/10
PQ: 10/10
AQ: 9/10

A quite lovely and charming film, Scorsese at the top of his game.
The picture was absolute reference quality, two hours of joy.

I think I might watch this tonight.

I was a bit perturbed to hear that there are unnecessary black borders around the image of the 2D version. Did you notice these/find them annoying?

[bosque]

Originally Posted by pRot3us

I think I might watch this tonight.

I was a bit perturbed to hear that there are unnecessary black borders around the image of the 2D version. Did you notice these/find them annoying?

I didn't see any on the 2D US disc. The HD picture quality on this disc is probably the best I've seen, even better than the IMAX scenes in Transformers 2 and Dark Knight.

[pRot3us]

Originally Posted by bosque

I didn't see any on the 2D US disc. The HD picture quality on this disc is probably the best I've seen, even better than the IMAX scenes in Transformers 2 and Dark Knight.

It only present on the UK disc apparently.

[simonblue]

The Abduction,by the book thiller,for the teen crowd,nothing much to see hear

p/q very good
s/q very good

movie

[featherhall]

Twilight breaking dawn tonight. I quite enjoy this series. Latest is reasonable fare. Solid pq and sq.
film - 7/10
PQ- 8/10
SQ - 8/10
Looking forward to part 2

[RickDastardly]

Originally Posted by irascian

Meeks Cutoff and Snowtown.

Imported Meeks Cutoff as have yet to see Michelle Williams make a bad movie. Very slow movie but atmospheric. For a low-budget indie movie thought the picture quality was stunning, although the movie is presented (and was filmed) at 4:3 ratio. Very lavish packaging too. Worth seeing but a bit eclectic and not at all mainstrea.

Then Snowtown which in many ways was the opposite. Soft, dark, grungy picture - my guess is it was shot on 16mm. The most disturbing film I've seen in a long time. I admired it more than I liked it. The Aussies have been producing some interesting films lately for those of us sick of Hollywood "13 year old boy" or rom-com nonsense.

I really enjoyed Meeks Cutoff at the cinema. I thought the entire cast were great. It's a shame it's not available in the UK. I would be tempted to import it, but I've been splurging on various upgrades to my AV gear recently, so should probably hold off for now. Where did you get it from and what was special about the packaging? (I do like it when distributors put effort into the packaging).

I've also been really keen to see Snowtown. I really enjoyed Animal Kingdom. What other Aussie films would you recommend?

[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by RickDastardly

What other Aussie films would you recommend?

Another excellent recent Australian thriller is The Square, which reminded me a little of the Coen Brothers Blood Simple (and in a good way). Two of my favourite Australian films of the last decade were the outback western The Proposition and the drama/thriller Jindabyne. .

A few more favourites: Picnic at Hanging Rock, Walkabout, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Mad Max 2, Ghosts of the Civil Dead, Romper Stomper, The Last Wave, Japanese Story, Wolf Creek, Rogue

[RickDastardly]

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

Another excellent recent Australian thriller is The Square, which reminded me a little of the Coen Brothers Blood Simple (and in a good way). Two of my favourite Australian films of the last decade were the outback western The Proposition and the drama/thriller Jindabyne. .

A few more favourites: Picnic at Hanging Rock, Walkabout, The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Mad Max 2, Ghosts of the Civil Dead, Romper Stomper, The Last Wave, Japanese Story, Wolf Creek, Rogue

Thanks for the recommendations. I've seen a few of these (Walkabout, MM2, Romper Stomper). I absolutely love The Proposition - a really fantastic film IMO. You've given me quite a few others to check out now, starting with The Square and Jindabyne. I've still not seen either Wolf Creek or Rogue (which sounds like a fun film). I'm also a little embarrassed to admit that I haven't seen Picnic at Hanging Rock - so I will need to remedy that too.

Thanks Todd.

[irascian]

Originally Posted by RickDastardly

I really enjoyed Meeks Cutoff at the cinema. I thought the entire cast were great. It's a shame it's not available in the UK. I would be tempted to import it, but I've been splurging on various upgrades to my AV gear recently, so should probably hold off for now. Where did you get it from and what was special about the packaging? (I do like it when distributors put effort into the packaging).

I've also been really keen to see Snowtown. I really enjoyed Animal Kingdom. What other Aussie films would you recommend?

I bought "Meek's Cutoff" via Amazon UK. Cost about £17.50 from memory.

The packaging is a three fold- cardboard digipack (with DVD and Blu-ray) which is inside an inner slipcase and then an outer slipcase (with different artwork) too.

Not an authority on Australian films and can't think of others off the top of my head to recommend. Just thought "Animal Kingdom" was a superb film and that "Snowstorm", while very hard to watch and very disturbing was unique and extraordinary, if challenging. Liked "Jindabyne" but didn't think it was outstanding as the two above.

[irascian]

Contagion and A Better Life

Watched Contagion and thought it was pretty impressive. "All the scientists I know say it's a question of 'when' not 'if'" says Jude Law on the extra's of this film about a super-virus escaping and killing off gazillions around the world as it spreads in a bird-flu virus scare kind of way. Music was perfectly matched and the picture quality was excellent.

I also watched A Better Life because it was oscar-nominated, had a 7.1 score on imdb and the trailer looked quite good. Unfortunately had to import it (Region A locked) and ended up disappointed as this falls very much into the "predictable, rather dull and worthy" category. A classic example of the trailer ruining the film because it is effectively the whole film just edited down to a few minutes so there are no suprises. In fact most of the trailer seems to come from the last 20 minutes so you know exactly where the film is headed if you've seen it and wonder why the film takes so long to get there.

[Movie BEXtra]

Tonight's viewing was.....

I Robot (Sky+ HD)

Cant believe I've never seen this before! I'm not a big Will Smith fan i think hes the same in most of his films. But oddly i am a fan of a lot of films hes in! Great story, great effects, couldn't help forming an emotional to Sonny/Sunny.

FQ: 7.5/10
PQ: 8/10

[HugoFJH]

The Lion King

1st time Ive ever seen this, was a lovely kids film and made me laugh a few times and was very enjoyable in general - although I was quite shocked in the difference in quality of some of the animation from one scene to another (some of the landscapes were simply stunning, while some other stuff looked like a kid had done it)

I know its a pretty old film now, so it was never going to be upto the standards of UP or anything - it was more the difference in quality throughout some of the scenes that was shocking.

Picture and audio quality was amazing though.


The Eagle
PotC:On Stranger Tides

Less said about these films the better (these were impulse buys)
I had it in my head that both of these couldnt possibly be as bad as I had heard.......how wrong I was lol - oh well I should be able to get a £5 /film so it wont feel quite so bad lol

[brian s]

Originally Posted by HugoFJH

The Lion King

I know its a pretty old film now,

Ancient! So shortly after the likes of Steamboat Willie and Bambi.


Bri