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Added by jaytoast on 1 Sep 2010 11:02
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Dear Cinema Diary - Vol 1 E 3 - Sept 2010

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Top Picks

Well, so far some rather rough choices for this months movies. My mental focus has been on a film as related to the political and social issues at the time a film was released. Notably, the contrast of messages in Gran Torino and Straw Dogs.

People who added this item 718 Average listal rating (394 ratings) 6.8 IMDB Rating 7
Gomorrah (2008)
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People who added this item 672 Average listal rating (421 ratings) 7.7 IMDB Rating 7.8
A Prophet (2009)
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People who added this item 821 Average listal rating (459 ratings) 7.6 IMDB Rating 7.6
Hunger (2008)


Visually stunning, this film features very little dialogue. There is one lengthy conversation in the middle of the film, then the film continues to unfold in images and impressions.
jaytoast's rating:


A rather emotionally disturbing film. There is only one moment that is graphic the rest of the film uses a slow pace to build tension and anxiety. Cristian Mungiu masterfully uses space and timing to show us the story and not preach or hold our hand through some moral parable.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 4032 Average listal rating (2663 ratings) 7.5 IMDB Rating 8
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People who added this item 3147 Average listal rating (2134 ratings) 8 IMDB Rating 8.1
Gran Torino (2008)


OK, I will agree with Rebbecca that the 'white savior' motif is a bit over played. I do like this film because of unique handling of the 'might makes right' element and that while fixing the world is noble... there is a lot that a person can do just right outside their front door.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 584 Average listal rating (368 ratings) 6.7 IMDB Rating 7


This is a sweet and charming movie. Alas, sweet and charming movies don't seem to get much public attention. Still, perhaps that is the point... taking the time to enjoy life can bring about its own gentle chaos.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 1624 Average listal rating (1069 ratings) 6.3 IMDB Rating 6.6
Monster House (2006)
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People who added this item 62 Average listal rating (28 ratings) 4.6 IMDB Rating 5.4


Meh, I certainly like the rom-com with the male protagonist but I could have easily have passed on this one.
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Retro Picks

People who added this item 4624 Average listal rating (3189 ratings) 6.5 IMDB Rating 7.2


OK, most likely committing a bit of cinematic blasphemy but I did really like this version more so then the previous versions. There were a few points that were a bit 'action heavy' but I really liked how the story was handled. It was also nice that it manged to capture some of the feeling of the silent era of films.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 173 Average listal rating (82 ratings) 7.5 IMDB Rating 7.5
Distant (2002)


A quite and awkward film about personal isolation.
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People who added this item 313 Average listal rating (191 ratings) 7.6 IMDB Rating 7.8
Evil (2003)


The bullied becomes the bully and is then sent to a private boarding school. In this environment the complexities of these dynamics is further explored.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 24 Average listal rating (17 ratings) 7.5 IMDB Rating 6.9

Found via johanlefourbe list Unknown jewels

Low-key psychological thriller. One man's self absorption and obsession enters a whole new world of psychological prevision. A delightfully twisted movie.
jaytoast's rating:


Disturbing and surreal. Inside the mind of a schizophrenic as he tries to find and reconnect with his daughter. This isn't an easy film to sit through and not because of any graphic content but more that being inside the head of a disturbed mind isn't really a place you want to hangout. Lodge Kerrigan clearly marks his talent as an artist with this film as he captures more then story with the camera.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 2827 Average listal rating (1902 ratings) 6.4 IMDB Rating 7.1
Phone Booth (2002)


Very well done film. I actually wish I had watched this sooner as I can see why Colin Farrell holds such endearment as an actor.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 233 Average listal rating (100 ratings) 7.4 IMDB Rating 7.3
Little Otik (2000)


I love this movie, it is funny, horrific and surreal.
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People who added this item 1154 Average listal rating (687 ratings) 6.5 IMDB Rating 6.9
Syriana (2005)
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People who added this item 7139 Average listal rating (5193 ratings) 7.2 IMDB Rating 8
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People who added this item 21 Average listal rating (12 ratings) 7.4 IMDB Rating 6.5


I rarely watch any documentaries, it just isn't my area. This was fun and interesting. It does focus solely on Hollywood films, so you aren't going to get any information about world films.
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Classic Picks

People who added this item 438 Average listal rating (238 ratings) 8 IMDB Rating 8
Onibaba (1964)


Absolutely beautiful movie that is eloquently executed. The imagery and timing are so well done. I love the distilled story of the human nature.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 118 Average listal rating (68 ratings) 7.5 IMDB Rating 7.7
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People who added this item 933 Average listal rating (540 ratings) 7.4 IMDB Rating 7.4
Straw Dogs (1971)
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People who added this item 88 Average listal rating (41 ratings) 7.1 IMDB Rating 7
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People who added this item 342 Average listal rating (229 ratings) 7.8 IMDB Rating 7.8
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Sci-Fi & Horror Films

People who added this item 140 Average listal rating (90 ratings) 4.8 IMDB Rating 4.8


Wow, very good film.
The first HUGE hurtle for the film is the title... "Primeval"??? I don't know I some how expected goofy kids discovering living dinosaurs.

Instead is a rather simple story of hunting a killer crocodile also deals with political corruption, media perception and genocide. I was surprised that I got so wrapped up in the story and the characters.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 570 Average listal rating (375 ratings) 6.1 IMDB Rating 6.1
Frozen (2010)
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People who added this item 409 Average listal rating (246 ratings) 6 IMDB Rating 6.1
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People who added this item 384 Average listal rating (251 ratings) 5.4 IMDB Rating 5.6
Creep (2005)
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People who added this item 254 Average listal rating (172 ratings) 5.9 IMDB Rating 5.9


Very good, slightly cheesy, horror film from the 80's. I love that Larry Cohen just jumps right into the story and steamrolls forward. There are some parts that are laughable but do you really think no one was laughing about 'Chocolate Chip' Charlie and his fists of death? Well worth the effort if you like 80's horror.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 44 Average listal rating (27 ratings) 4.7 IMDB Rating 5.5
The Objective (2008)
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People who added this item 62 Average listal rating (37 ratings) 5.6 IMDB Rating 5.7
Night Train (2009)
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People who added this item 351 Average listal rating (234 ratings) 5.1 IMDB Rating 5.1
Sorority Row (2009)


This was a pretty standard fair and delivered pretty much what you would expect.... girls being bitching, getting chased down by a killer and witty barbs. Still, it was done rather well.
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The Time Machine

People who added this item 567 Average listal rating (314 ratings) 8.4 IMDB Rating 8.3


It was a good time to rewatch this and should plan to buy a copy. It is all the wonderful fundamentals of cinema that I love. Film has its own language, so this was good to revisit.
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Mixed Bag

People who added this item 451 Average listal rating (322 ratings) 2.7 IMDB Rating 2.4


This actually isn't the worst film I have seen. It does come pretty close however. Important things I learned from the film:

1. You can unload a full clip from a semi-automatic weapon right behind someone and no bullets will hit them... so long as you are wearing the same fashion accessories.

2. It doesn't matter if your a nun, armed forces or an archeologist... if your a woman you must wear lip gloss. The bra is optional.

3. It is possible to get humans to mate with inanimate objects and produce hybrid children. Which also explains how Justin Bieber came into being.

4. "Space Truckers" is still Stephen Dorff's best film.
jaytoast's rating:
Started off good then I quickly lost interest and began checking my email and cleaning the apartment :P

Oh... no... it is killer... and he is in the woods... zzz....
People who added this item 199 Average listal rating (142 ratings) 4.6 IMDB Rating 5.3


This wasn't great but it wasn't pure trash ether. Still, "White Out" and "Cliffhanger" were better films.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 32 Average listal rating (19 ratings) 6.2 IMDB Rating 5.6
In My Sleep (2010)


A rated PG erotic thriller with Philip Winchester walking around half naked the whole time. So... about the same as "Butterfly Effect 2" and just slightly more interesting than a work out video.
jaytoast's rating:
People who added this item 36 Average listal rating (18 ratings) 5.9 IMDB Rating 5
Dark House (2009)
Bah, more typical tossed together horror film. It started off rather well but quickly just became tired old murder my numbers routine.
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kathythe giraffeMoby K.Xanadon

Cinema Diary for 2010
The Year of The Tiger



This is a scrapbook of ideas, impressions and information about the movies I watch. It is basic, rough and raw in an effort to expand my personal viewing experiences. This is a creative exercise not a critical one. I hope you enjoy.


Diary Entries for 2011


October thru December | September | August | July | January

Diary Entries for 2010


December | November | October | September | August | July

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My Film Diary Index (28 lists)
list by jaytoast
Published 12 years ago 3 comments



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