Track the Films You Watch (2008) - Page 49

Joe Karlosi · 07-30-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Elliott

I don't have an opinion on the actress in question but it always gets on my nerves when people overlook a bad performance just because the actress is pretty or takes her clothes off.

In the case of, say, Lina Romay, what else can there be?

Joe Karlosi · 07-30-2008, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Elliott

"After getting a 2-second flame with MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and THE PIRATE".

Tarantino has said in general (even aside from the Elvis Mitchell interview) that he often prefers the "offbeat" stuff. I mean, isn't this even obvious, looking at some of his films and influences?

As I said earlier, he named Ilona Massey in THE INVISIBLE AGENT, of all things, when asked about actresses and his tastes!

PatW · 07-30-2008, 11:10 AM

The Most Dangerous Game (1932)

There was a certain vague familarity about this movie and upon research discovered that they had used some of the same sets for King Kong as well as Fay Wray of course. The first half of this movie was rather dull but the second half was more than the price of admission and turned out to be quite a good adventure/horror/thriller. If I have one complaint it's that the actual hunt is too short. Joel McCrea was fine as a game hunter who shipwrecked on this remote island, discovers a creepy castle owned by a creepier Count Zaroff. Bob Rainsford (McCrea) discovers that he is not the only guest. Martin Throwbridge and his sister Eve (Wray) have been stranded here previously. It is soon discovered that the count tiring of hunting animals has taken up hunting humans as sport and tries to get Rainsford to become his hunting buddy. When Rainsford refuses, he becomes the hunted. Count Zaroff is played by British actor Lesley Banks who gives a delicious over-the-top performance as the madman hunter. Fay Wray's presence was probably more for eye candy than any real value to the plot. Still she was fine in the helpless female role. The film was quite short at 63 minutes but perhaps the director knew to quit while he was ahead. Entertaining movie that I'm thinking of adding to my collection.

Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

Though lacking the scope of other recent fantasy films, it is still a fun-filled adventure suitable for all members of the family. Star Freddie Highmore has certainly been in his share of good productions since his outstanding performance in Finding Neverland. Here he plays twins each with a separate and distinct personality which he does quite well. His performance and the special effects were the most memorable thing about this movie. I enjoyed the soundtrack by James Horner but he has a tendency to reuse certain bits of music from other movies. I recognized some of the music but I can't remember which movie it came from. Oh well, I'll solve it sooner or later.

Penelope (2007)

Not your standard romantic comedy but still a sweet movie all the same. This time the heroine of the story has an unfortunate facial deformity. An ancestor was cursed by a witch in that the next born daughter would have the face of a pig. Fortunately for this family only sons were born until Penelope. The only way in which the curse can be lifted is if Penelope marries a blueblood. Unfortunately anyone who comes face to face with Penelope runs away as fast as he can. Upset with her lot in life, Penelope runs away and experiences life on her own terms. This movie certainly has a message of accepting who you are for young female audience members but it doesn't seem trite and is wrapped up in such a charming package. I like this one alot.

Michael Elliott · 07-30-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi

Tarantino has said in general (even aside from the Elvis Mitchell interview) that he often prefers the "offbeat" stuff. I mean, isn't this even obvious, looking at some of his films and influences?

As I said earlier, he named Ilona Massey in THE INVISIBLE AGENT, of all things, when asked about actresses and his tastes!

I'm sure you're trying to make some kind of point by going on and on about this but I'm not catching the hint so you're just going to have to shout it out.

Joe Karlosi · 07-30-2008, 01:00 PM

I think it's obvious. How can you not understand in plain English that Quentin Tarantino prefers the more offbeat and lesser-known movies? That's all I've been saying, nothing profound.

Michael Elliott · 07-30-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Karlosi

I think it's obvious. How can you not understand in plain English that Quentin Tarantino prefers the more offbeat and lesser-known movies? That's all I've been saying, nothing profound.

Oh....I see where you're going. You're trying to connect yourself to Tarantino since you aren't interested in Kurosawa, Bergman, Keaton or various others?

I think you should do a bit more research before coming to this conclusion. I know you haven't seen many of the movies he "borrows" from but you've got some very big titles. Of course, something like BREATHLESS or ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST might be considered "B" titles by those who don't watch them.

I don't think anyone can deny he likes the "B" and "Z" movies but to say the majors haven't influenced him is rather silly.

Michael Elliott · 07-30-2008, 01:11 PM

Mario, I may have enjoyed SUSANA more but it was awfully close to the original film. I'm guessing Bunuel must have seen it because there were a few familiar shots between the two (especially the storm that brings the two sides together). The melodrama of this thing was just too much to me because it eventually got silly. I loved THE BRUTE because Bunuel took it in directions that didn't leave to just melodrama but I felt it took the simple ways out with SUSANA, which led to nothing but melodrama.

As for ROBINSON, it just left me flat-out cold. I'm really not sure what else I could say about the film because it really didn't move me any. It was funny but last night I also watched PRIVATE COLLECTIONS, which started off with a sexual spoof of this story. Again, I didn't care too much for any of the three films but that happens.

Joe Karlosi · 07-30-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Elliott

Oh....I see where you're going. You're trying to connect yourself to Tarantino since you aren't interested in Kurosawa, Bergman, Keaton or various others?

Nope. Why does this have to turn into something it's not? But now that you took it in such a direction...

Quote:

I don't think anyone can deny he likes the "B" and "Z" movies but to say the majors haven't influenced him is rather silly.

Of course they have, certainly. Where have I said they did not? I've heard enough interviews with him to know that he also grew up on the asian martial arts movies and all sorts of exploitation junk. His movies bear a lot of this influence.

But I know that even a Quentin Tarantino cannot match the true Master Of All Filmdom .. the Great Michael Elliott. He needs to see a lot more 2-minute shorts on the history of bread tie twisties and the discovery of shoelace tips in order to gain such film scholar notoriety.

Michael Elliott · 07-30-2008, 02:13 PM

I keep wondering why I waste my time going back and forth with you so it'll end now. I'm sure you'd agree that the actual film discussions are a lot more interesting than you offering nothing but jokes about what I watch. The films you refered to are by Melies. Look the name up. Now, consider yourself ignored until you can offer more up.

Joe Karlosi · 07-30-2008, 02:53 PM

You're the one who wants to go back and forth. I made a simple observation about QT, as part of our film discussion... and you started making accusations and questioning "what I was getting at". Then I only responded to you in kind. Hell, I even began by thanking you for telling me the interview was on TV!