[lucasisking]

John Carter

The dull title is a good indicator of the lack of anything interesting in this expensive belly-flop of a sci-fi epic. No, it’s not that bad, but its not good either.

Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs story (the great granddad of all space opera- including star wars), some might say this is immune to accusations of plagiarism. John Carter of Mars, after all, is the original space epic. That doesn’t change the fact that the film is still a turgid, vanilla pastiche of films we’ve seen many times before: Flash Gordon (minus the camp fun factor), Avatar (without the pretty scenery), Dune (but for 10 year olds) and the arena scene from Attack of the Clones (without the lightsabers). Silly, gravity-defying acrobatics, mo-capped aliens plus panto performances from the usual Anglo-Irish suspects: Mark Strong (again), Ciaran Hinds, Dominic West and James Purefoy (complete with eyeliner). There are one or two good action setpieces (the flying fortresses) and it’s acceptable enough in an afternoon-family-blockbuster kinda way- the problem is you’ve probably already seen it.

5/10


Chronicle

Another entry in the ‘found footage/ amateur camera’ sub-genre, and for me just as enjoyable as some of the others. There’s something wonderful about the idea of something fantastical being presented in a wholly believeable way, even if these types of films don’t bear repeat viewings. The only problem with Chronicle is that it’s utterly predictable, and from the moment the protagonists make their discovery the movie is signposted right through to its climatic conclusion. The fantasy/ action also increases at an exponential rate, leading to an ending that could be something out of Superman II. Still, it’s great fun- dark at times- and with some fun moments (the magic show, and the flight scenes are terrific).

7/10

[SimonH]

I thought John Carter was actually quite a good bit of fun and nothing like as bad as critics had it down as .

Lots of homages and stunning landscapes and scale in places, not the worst ever plot concept, 7/10 I'm going for.

Shows even folks with similar taste in TV/Film can see things very differently.

[Rachael Bitchlist]

I appreciate that Disney tried to make a film outside the box some in John Carter. I like their intentions but I thought that the film was average at best and that's being generous. I could name 50 sci-fi flicks that I'd like to view again over John Carter.

[SimonH]

Originally Posted by Rachael Bitchlist

I appreciate that Disney tried to make a film outside the box some in John Carter. I like their intentions but I thought that the film was average at best and that's being generous. I could name 50 sci-fi flicks that I'd like to view again over John Carter.

Out of interest.. name em

I don't think I'll ever watch JC again, I just heard so much bad press about it, figured it would have to be truly awful but after watching it thought it was just very much like a lot of those family sci-fi films, and actually in it's own way was perfectly acceptable and fun.

[Rachael Bitchlist]

Originally Posted by SimonH

Out of interest.. name em

I don't think I'll ever watch JC again, I just heard so much bad press about it, figured it would have to be truly awful but after watching it thought it was just very much like a lot of those family sci-fi films, and actually in it's own way was perfectly acceptable and fun.

How 'bout Serenity....I cued it up last night and started it but decided I was too tired to finish it. I'll finish it tonight. Two, Outland that I watched a few days back.... I've collected a whole lot of films. I could easily reach 50.

To me, John Carter isn't bad enough to be a Dumm-Butt Film Klassic nor good enough to be compelling. I'll probably watch it again in a year or two.

[lucasisking]

Originally Posted by SimonH

Out of interest.. name em

I don't think I'll ever watch JC again, I just heard so much bad press about it, figured it would have to be truly awful but after watching it thought it was just very much like a lot of those family sci-fi films, and actually in it's own way was perfectly acceptable and fun.

It's not a turkey by any means. It's just a bog-standard, big-budget, seen-it-all-before hollywood family blockbuster.

The source material supposedly inspired many other sci-fi sagas: Star Wars, Dune, Flash Gordon and even Avatar. Yet the film versions of all of those (IMO) were more entertaining than John Carter.

[jalaldevil]

Butterfly Effect

Wasn't sure about watching this, not a fan of Aston Kutcher and the imdb rating had me thinking but I absolutely loved this. Personally prefer this over Donnie Darko and I viewed all 4 alternative versions and definitely prefer the darker Director Cuts. Seems more fitting to the tone of the movie and a better explanation about his mother back story.

[sh18]

Off to see The Dark Knight Rises tonight
Massive Bat fan but I was holding out to see if Showcase Cinemas would do a Directors Lounge showing (would be my first time) but they havnt so far so I caved and booked tickets yesterday.

Havn't read any reviews or criticisms. I know I'll love it

[liamt]

Originally Posted by jalaldevil

Butterfly Effect

Wasn't sure about watching this, not a fan of Aston Kutcher and the imdb rating had me thinking but I absolutely loved this. Personally prefer this over Donnie Darko and I viewed all 4 alternative versions and definitely prefer the darker Director Cuts. Seems more fitting to the tone of the movie and a better explanation about his mother back story.

the 3rd one is worth a watch too. different tone and feel but decent story.

i was very pleasantly surprised by butterfly effect. great little movie.

4 ending? not sure ive seen all those. maybe 2 i can think of...

[liamt]

watched tintin and the unicorn (something like that lol) the other night

weird. felt very dated in places and the faces were a bit odd, which took some getting used to (not sure why, maybe as it looks very realistic in places and cartoon in others)

the action scenes were very good though. 6/10?

also watched percy jackson again on TV. didnt enjoy it as much as last time. i love a bit of greek mythology though. 7/10

[Lancia34]

Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back - No.3 of the Top 500 and deservedly so...like Raiders it's an almost perfect movie and as a huge fan of the original trilogy it works perfectly as the middle one. BluRay looks awesome even if some of the effects have aged quite a bit.
Still, amazing fun - 10/10

[jalaldevil]

Midnight Run
What a fine, fine film. Have always wanted to watch it and finally managed too, great chemistry by the two leads, loads of laughs and heck of a lot of fun.

[Marky1973]

Finally got around to seeing the Dark Knight Rises and absolutely loved it.....am a Batfan anyway, but it was a fitting end to what is an incredible trilogy and, without giving too much away, gives both closure, but also leaves things open so Nolan's Gotham could ssarily be revisited some time in the future....not necessarily by him of course, but who knows!

Great way to spend a few hours.

[Molliwopp]

Ufc 100 greatest fights blu ray. 30hr packed blu ray. Cant stop watching it! And best of all its region free.

[TheyCallMeTJ]

I watched AI on Blu Ray. I've seen the film 3 times before but this is the first time on Blu Ray. Once again, I am rather aggravated by Spielberg's use of grain which for me ruins the whole point of hi def. Anyway, this in no way diminishes my love for this deeply hypnotic and brilliant sci fi. Its understandable why this divides critics but I am glad to be one of those appreciating its stunning visuals, heart rendering Williams score, its icy intellect, stand out AI characters, emotional impact and its epic narrative.