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591 Views Share:Movies the giraffe watched in 2015: September
Movie list created by the giraffe 
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The breakdown: 30 movies watched, of those 11 were via Netflix, 15 on DVD, and 4 in the theatre. Of those 21 were first views, 9 were re-watches, and they came from the following decades: 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s & 2010s.
First off, I want to apologize for the belated appearance of this list. Clearly I was keeping busy with movies, but I didn't do a good job of keeping my list updated all month long. Before I added this wrap-up I had to complete notes on about a third of the films listed here, which says it all. That's OK though, I'll make up for it by throwing my October list out there after I've got a handful of films on it. Then you can all watch me update it randomly as the month goes on. Heh.
Overall this was a pretty good month. Once again I managed to avoid watching anything I truly regretted watching, though a couple of these did test my patience. My rental trips wound up being the highlight of the month as they netted some wonderful films including my pick for the month's best. Netflix torpedoed my queue, and I failed to catch more than about a fourth of what left thanks to other obligations and distractions. Ah, but half of what left was horror movies and at least half of those I'd intended to watch for my Horrorfest. I'm sure I can find films to replace them though. ;)
My Bond run is basically done, and until SPECTRE arrives I've now seen the entire series. I think I will revisit Casino Royale before catching it, just because it's been long enough now since I last watched it. It's been a mostly fun experiment, though if I had it all to do over again I think I'd stretch it across two years just to better avoid the occasional bouts of fatigue as the films tread similar ground in the story beats & formulas. But hey, at least I've finally caught up fully.
You'll also notice that I went to my shelves more often than to Netflix in search of something I was in the mood to watch, which probably also accounts for the lack of drive to catch the films that were exiting. Though to be honest all month long I'd go through the queue and wish it was October so I could watch some of the horror movies waiting for me. Fortunately now I can actually do that.
Best new-to-me film for September: The Manchurian Candidate
Best hidden gem: Stories We Tell
Worst film: Die Another Day or Romeo + Juliet
First off, I want to apologize for the belated appearance of this list. Clearly I was keeping busy with movies, but I didn't do a good job of keeping my list updated all month long. Before I added this wrap-up I had to complete notes on about a third of the films listed here, which says it all. That's OK though, I'll make up for it by throwing my October list out there after I've got a handful of films on it. Then you can all watch me update it randomly as the month goes on. Heh.
Overall this was a pretty good month. Once again I managed to avoid watching anything I truly regretted watching, though a couple of these did test my patience. My rental trips wound up being the highlight of the month as they netted some wonderful films including my pick for the month's best. Netflix torpedoed my queue, and I failed to catch more than about a fourth of what left thanks to other obligations and distractions. Ah, but half of what left was horror movies and at least half of those I'd intended to watch for my Horrorfest. I'm sure I can find films to replace them though. ;)
My Bond run is basically done, and until SPECTRE arrives I've now seen the entire series. I think I will revisit Casino Royale before catching it, just because it's been long enough now since I last watched it. It's been a mostly fun experiment, though if I had it all to do over again I think I'd stretch it across two years just to better avoid the occasional bouts of fatigue as the films tread similar ground in the story beats & formulas. But hey, at least I've finally caught up fully.
You'll also notice that I went to my shelves more often than to Netflix in search of something I was in the mood to watch, which probably also accounts for the lack of drive to catch the films that were exiting. Though to be honest all month long I'd go through the queue and wish it was October so I could watch some of the horror movies waiting for me. Fortunately now I can actually do that.
Best new-to-me film for September: The Manchurian Candidate
Best hidden gem: Stories We Tell
Worst film: Die Another Day or Romeo + Juliet
537
7.6
7.4
The Proposition (2005)
First viewing - Sept. 1st
I found a copy of The Proposition at Half Price Books for $2 recently, and couldn't pass up the opportunity to finally watch it. So I kicked off September with it, and started the month off in style. It's dark & gritty but uses light touches of humor to keep from being overwhelming, the characters are rich, the story is well-told, the music is great, and the acting is stellar. And yet it doesn't quite cross the line of greatness due to some pacing issues along the way. I found it difficult at times to hang with the film as it jumped between characters, as the transitions weren't as smooth as they could have been...or maybe there should just be less bouncing back & forth. Maybe a revisit down the road will find me reacting more favorably to the structure of the film, but on the first time through I found it more distracting than well-handled. Still, I'll gladly watch this again.
Just a thought: More movies written by Nick Cave, please.
I found a copy of The Proposition at Half Price Books for $2 recently, and couldn't pass up the opportunity to finally watch it. So I kicked off September with it, and started the month off in style. It's dark & gritty but uses light touches of humor to keep from being overwhelming, the characters are rich, the story is well-told, the music is great, and the acting is stellar. And yet it doesn't quite cross the line of greatness due to some pacing issues along the way. I found it difficult at times to hang with the film as it jumped between characters, as the transitions weren't as smooth as they could have been...or maybe there should just be less bouncing back & forth. Maybe a revisit down the road will find me reacting more favorably to the structure of the film, but on the first time through I found it more distracting than well-handled. Still, I'll gladly watch this again.
Just a thought: More movies written by Nick Cave, please.
the giraffe's rating:
1642
7.2
7.7
First viewing - Sept. 1st
So for most of my life I've known who Rambo is despite never having seen any of the films. That means that my knowledge of him has been through commercials for his films when I was younger & references to him in other films & TV shows & so on. As a result I didn't really know what to expect from this film other than that it'd be violent. But when I saw Netflix had added the first three films in the series I figured I'd give at least the first two a look, and we'll see if I pick up the third as the month goes by.
This was definitely entertaining and not at all what I'd anticipated. I figured it'd take place during a war thanks to the way the character has been portrayed elsewhere, but war is more of a character motivation than a setting. In that respect I found it rather refreshing. And really the character created here is more complex than I was led to believe, though I suspect the sequels are what changes his reputation. The rest of the cast is solid, and the soundtrack is pretty good too. It never crosses the line of greatness for me, but it's definitely well worth checking out so I'm glad I finally did.
Interesting how things are connected: The Proposition and First Blood both take place near/around Christmas.
Currently streaming on Netflix
So for most of my life I've known who Rambo is despite never having seen any of the films. That means that my knowledge of him has been through commercials for his films when I was younger & references to him in other films & TV shows & so on. As a result I didn't really know what to expect from this film other than that it'd be violent. But when I saw Netflix had added the first three films in the series I figured I'd give at least the first two a look, and we'll see if I pick up the third as the month goes by.
This was definitely entertaining and not at all what I'd anticipated. I figured it'd take place during a war thanks to the way the character has been portrayed elsewhere, but war is more of a character motivation than a setting. In that respect I found it rather refreshing. And really the character created here is more complex than I was led to believe, though I suspect the sequels are what changes his reputation. The rest of the cast is solid, and the soundtrack is pretty good too. It never crosses the line of greatness for me, but it's definitely well worth checking out so I'm glad I finally did.
Interesting how things are connected: The Proposition and First Blood both take place near/around Christmas.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
1712
7
7.2
The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Re-watch - Sept. 2nd
The kiddo was sent home from school early due to an upset stomach, so I took care of her for the rest of the day. Since I wanted her to relax I suggested she pick a movie off the shelves for us to watch, and she surprised me with this one. It's been long enough since she last watched it that she believed she'd never seen it, though I'm pretty sure the last time I watched it she was in the room with me. She enjoyed it far more this time around though, and was laughing throughout most of it.
I still think it could be better, but it's a fun film if you don't overthink it. Honestly most of my enjoyment was through her this time around.
The kiddo was sent home from school early due to an upset stomach, so I took care of her for the rest of the day. Since I wanted her to relax I suggested she pick a movie off the shelves for us to watch, and she surprised me with this one. It's been long enough since she last watched it that she believed she'd never seen it, though I'm pretty sure the last time I watched it she was in the room with me. She enjoyed it far more this time around though, and was laughing throughout most of it.
I still think it could be better, but it's a fun film if you don't overthink it. Honestly most of my enjoyment was through her this time around.
the giraffe's rating:
13
8
7.3
First viewing - Sept. 5th
Yay Netflix recommendations. I didn't love this film like Netflix suggested, but I thought it was worth watching once. It's solidly entertaining, and my favorite character was easily the drunken master. There's not much depth here though, and some of the fight scenes I could tell were choreographed instead of appearing to be realistic battles. Ah, and the funniest moment of the entire movie was when I spotted paint flaws in the "sky", which also sadly broke the film's spell temporarily. But hey, at least it was entertaining overall.
Currently streaming on Netflix
Yay Netflix recommendations. I didn't love this film like Netflix suggested, but I thought it was worth watching once. It's solidly entertaining, and my favorite character was easily the drunken master. There's not much depth here though, and some of the fight scenes I could tell were choreographed instead of appearing to be realistic battles. Ah, and the funniest moment of the entire movie was when I spotted paint flaws in the "sky", which also sadly broke the film's spell temporarily. But hey, at least it was entertaining overall.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
2396
7.1
7.3
Re-watch - Sept. 6th
This was the kiddo's pick for us to watch together on a lazy Sunday afternoon at home. She watched it before with her mom, and early on told me the fate of the horse, Artax. I had to tease her a little that she'd ruined the movie for me (as if I haven't seen this before too), and she argued that it happens near the middle of the film, not at the end. Pretty amusing.
Anyway, I still love everything about this film & I'm glad I get to share a love of it with her.
This was the kiddo's pick for us to watch together on a lazy Sunday afternoon at home. She watched it before with her mom, and early on told me the fate of the horse, Artax. I had to tease her a little that she'd ruined the movie for me (as if I haven't seen this before too), and she argued that it happens near the middle of the film, not at the end. Pretty amusing.
Anyway, I still love everything about this film & I'm glad I get to share a love of it with her.
the giraffe's rating:
3653
8.1
8.5
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Re-watch - Sept. 7th
It's easily been over 15 years since I last watched The Usual Suspects, but it's been bouncing around in my head lately so I finally sat down with it again (and as it turns out it was 20 years ago this month it was released, so nice timing on my part). It's still a smart, well-told film with a great cast. I'm now more aware of the clues the film leaves along the way, which slightly minimizes the effect of the ending. And yet the ending still has a fair bit of power to it, as it's so wonderfully put together. So the good news is I still love it, but I think that it's definitely one of those films that's best watched once every 10 or more years rather than something I'd watch with higher regularity.
It's easily been over 15 years since I last watched The Usual Suspects, but it's been bouncing around in my head lately so I finally sat down with it again (and as it turns out it was 20 years ago this month it was released, so nice timing on my part). It's still a smart, well-told film with a great cast. I'm now more aware of the clues the film leaves along the way, which slightly minimizes the effect of the ending. And yet the ending still has a fair bit of power to it, as it's so wonderfully put together. So the good news is I still love it, but I think that it's definitely one of those films that's best watched once every 10 or more years rather than something I'd watch with higher regularity.
the giraffe's rating:
731
7.4
7.7
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Re-watch - Sept. 7th
After finishing The Usual Suspects I had a strong urge to revisit this next. I forgot how good Jack Lemmon is in this, though of course the entire cast is great. There are so many good ideas along the way, and the story is very well told. Honestly the only thing this film is missing is that feeling of a perfect film, so I'm always happy to sit down with it again.
After finishing The Usual Suspects I had a strong urge to revisit this next. I forgot how good Jack Lemmon is in this, though of course the entire cast is great. There are so many good ideas along the way, and the story is very well told. Honestly the only thing this film is missing is that feeling of a perfect film, so I'm always happy to sit down with it again.
the giraffe's rating:
410
7.4
7.6
The Party (1968)
First viewing - Sept. 8th
Actually on this night I'd started The Manchurian Candidate first, but the disc I rented stopped playing shortly before the midpoint of the movie. I was pissed. I tried skipping ahead a chapter or two, but no dice. So I disgustedly put it back in its case & decided to watch this instead.
I wasn't entirely in the mood for this at the start, but fortunately it won me over. This movie is just silly, with Peter Sellers playing a bumbling fool similar to Clouseau but from India. As a result it's nothing great but it IS plenty entertaining. Watching his character wreak havoc among elites is truly a joy, though the film nearly gets stolen from him by the drunken waiter. And there are several beautiful ladies throughout the film, which also helped keep my attention. Overall it helped improve my mood vastly, which I appreciate & so I'd be willing to watch it again sometime.
Just a thought: I really don't think it was necessary to have Sellers play an Indian man...they could have made a few small changes to make him another, more believable nationality and it'd be the same film.
Actually on this night I'd started The Manchurian Candidate first, but the disc I rented stopped playing shortly before the midpoint of the movie. I was pissed. I tried skipping ahead a chapter or two, but no dice. So I disgustedly put it back in its case & decided to watch this instead.
I wasn't entirely in the mood for this at the start, but fortunately it won me over. This movie is just silly, with Peter Sellers playing a bumbling fool similar to Clouseau but from India. As a result it's nothing great but it IS plenty entertaining. Watching his character wreak havoc among elites is truly a joy, though the film nearly gets stolen from him by the drunken waiter. And there are several beautiful ladies throughout the film, which also helped keep my attention. Overall it helped improve my mood vastly, which I appreciate & so I'd be willing to watch it again sometime.
Just a thought: I really don't think it was necessary to have Sellers play an Indian man...they could have made a few small changes to make him another, more believable nationality and it'd be the same film.
the giraffe's rating:
666
7.8
7.9
First viewing - Sept. 10th
I knew this would be good, but I didn't expect it to be this good. A gripping story and stellar cast that makes for one hell of a ride. To be honest I haven't seen Angela Lansbury in many things (mostly when I think of her I think of Murder She Wrote which my mom watched every week it was on TV), but I was very impressed with her performance here. Same goes for Frank Sinatra though to a slightly lesser degree. Honestly the only thing missing was that magical feeling of perfection.
Interesting how things are connected: I didn't even realize it until later, but this, The Party, and the Bond films were all released by MGM.
I knew this would be good, but I didn't expect it to be this good. A gripping story and stellar cast that makes for one hell of a ride. To be honest I haven't seen Angela Lansbury in many things (mostly when I think of her I think of Murder She Wrote which my mom watched every week it was on TV), but I was very impressed with her performance here. Same goes for Frank Sinatra though to a slightly lesser degree. Honestly the only thing missing was that magical feeling of perfection.
Interesting how things are connected: I didn't even realize it until later, but this, The Party, and the Bond films were all released by MGM.
the giraffe's rating:
267
6.8
6.9
First viewing - Sept. 13th
I wasn't in the mood for anything in my queue on this particular Sunday afternoon, so I decided to find something I was in the mood for. This seemed like it fit the bill, so I gave it a look. And it was worth watching once, definitely amusing but nothing especially funny or noteworthy. The cast is solid and it's entertaining, I just never got that into it. In fact it barely earns a 7/10.
Currently streaming on Netflix
I wasn't in the mood for anything in my queue on this particular Sunday afternoon, so I decided to find something I was in the mood for. This seemed like it fit the bill, so I gave it a look. And it was worth watching once, definitely amusing but nothing especially funny or noteworthy. The cast is solid and it's entertaining, I just never got that into it. In fact it barely earns a 7/10.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
583
7.6
7.4
Re-watch - Sept. 14th
After watching Monkey Business I ran my rentals back & dropped them off, and made a spur-of-the-moment decision to rent a few more films rather than struggle to find something I was in the mood for on Netflix again. (Actually, what I'm in the mood for is horror but that's for next month.) So I picked up a trio of films I've never seen & decided to revisit this as well.
Blow Out is still a hell of a good film. It's smart, suspenseful, wonderfully acted, and extremely well-constructed. It's also got a fair bit of humor to release the tension, and I especially enjoy the running gag with the director trying to find women who can scream realistically. If for whatever reason you haven't seen this yet, make sure that you sit down with it.
After watching Monkey Business I ran my rentals back & dropped them off, and made a spur-of-the-moment decision to rent a few more films rather than struggle to find something I was in the mood for on Netflix again. (Actually, what I'm in the mood for is horror but that's for next month.) So I picked up a trio of films I've never seen & decided to revisit this as well.
Blow Out is still a hell of a good film. It's smart, suspenseful, wonderfully acted, and extremely well-constructed. It's also got a fair bit of humor to release the tension, and I especially enjoy the running gag with the director trying to find women who can scream realistically. If for whatever reason you haven't seen this yet, make sure that you sit down with it.
the giraffe's rating:
1347
5.7
6.2
First viewing - Sept. 15th
I decided it was time I finally watched the final Coens' film that I hadn't seen yet, especially now that I've seen the original. This one gets a bad rap, and after watching it I'm not sure why. Oh it's definitely not among their best work, but it's still better than a lot of other films out there. It works well as a remake by updating the original and maintaining the major plot points while crafting a slightly different story. The cast is amusing, and for the first time in ages it actually seems like Tom Hanks is enjoying his role...most of the time in the past decade or more he's seemed tired and/or bored in his roles, but here he comes alive again as he relishes delivering the Coens' wonderful and often poetic dialogue. The film is a bit uneven, however, a fact not helped by the church worship scenes which are overlong and thus feel like nothing more than filler (or perhaps an excuse to get more use out of frequent musical collaborators T Bone Burnett and Carter Burwell). But overall it's entertaining, and far better than I'd anticipated given its reputation.
Just a thought: It's hilarious to me that Mrs. Munson's rant against hip-hop at the beginning is mostly aimed at "Left My Wallet in El Segundo", which is among the best songs the genre ever produced.
I decided it was time I finally watched the final Coens' film that I hadn't seen yet, especially now that I've seen the original. This one gets a bad rap, and after watching it I'm not sure why. Oh it's definitely not among their best work, but it's still better than a lot of other films out there. It works well as a remake by updating the original and maintaining the major plot points while crafting a slightly different story. The cast is amusing, and for the first time in ages it actually seems like Tom Hanks is enjoying his role...most of the time in the past decade or more he's seemed tired and/or bored in his roles, but here he comes alive again as he relishes delivering the Coens' wonderful and often poetic dialogue. The film is a bit uneven, however, a fact not helped by the church worship scenes which are overlong and thus feel like nothing more than filler (or perhaps an excuse to get more use out of frequent musical collaborators T Bone Burnett and Carter Burwell). But overall it's entertaining, and far better than I'd anticipated given its reputation.
Just a thought: It's hilarious to me that Mrs. Munson's rant against hip-hop at the beginning is mostly aimed at "Left My Wallet in El Segundo", which is among the best songs the genre ever produced.
the giraffe's rating:
164
6.6
6.6
All of Me (1984)
First viewing - Sept. 15th
I quickly followed the film above with this one in my ongoing quest to catch up on Steve Martin's better films. Steve gets big points here for his physical humor throughout, and he carries the film very well. I liked the story idea and the characters, but it never really blew me away. For a comedy it's not especially funny, or at least not to my sense of humor. Most of the humor is of the mildly amusing variety really, but fortunately it's saved somewhat by the storytelling and having a heart at its center.
So in the end it was worth watching, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to watch it again.
I quickly followed the film above with this one in my ongoing quest to catch up on Steve Martin's better films. Steve gets big points here for his physical humor throughout, and he carries the film very well. I liked the story idea and the characters, but it never really blew me away. For a comedy it's not especially funny, or at least not to my sense of humor. Most of the humor is of the mildly amusing variety really, but fortunately it's saved somewhat by the storytelling and having a heart at its center.
So in the end it was worth watching, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to watch it again.
the giraffe's rating:
2111
8.3
8.5
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
First viewing - Sept. 15th
Since I'd watched two comedic films in a row, I figured I was well-prepared for the promised depression I'd been led to believe this would deliver to me. I waited until after dinner to watch this too, so I'd have a little distance from comedy before I dove in.
Grave of the Fireflies is definitely a good film with a tragic yet worthwhile story to tell. And yes, the subject matter is a downer, but the way the film is constructed prevented it from hitting me as hard as I'd been expecting. Indeed, the film's opening sets you up to anticipate the ending, which also minimizes the overall effect of said ending. If they'd skipped the first scene and just jumped in I think the film would be more effective than it is. That doesn't mean it's not worth watching, just that I personally wasn't as blown away by it as others clearly have been. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't need to watch it a second time.
Since I'd watched two comedic films in a row, I figured I was well-prepared for the promised depression I'd been led to believe this would deliver to me. I waited until after dinner to watch this too, so I'd have a little distance from comedy before I dove in.
Grave of the Fireflies is definitely a good film with a tragic yet worthwhile story to tell. And yes, the subject matter is a downer, but the way the film is constructed prevented it from hitting me as hard as I'd been expecting. Indeed, the film's opening sets you up to anticipate the ending, which also minimizes the overall effect of said ending. If they'd skipped the first scene and just jumped in I think the film would be more effective than it is. That doesn't mean it's not worth watching, just that I personally wasn't as blown away by it as others clearly have been. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't need to watch it a second time.
the giraffe's rating:
1241
6.2
6.5
Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)
First viewing - Sept. 17th
I figured it was time to jump back into this series again with the second entry...and it's OK. Much like its predecessor it's entertaining but nothing great. There's a romantic subplot that's a waste of time and energy as it barely lasts long enough to notice it. Most of the film is predictable, and then the ending you hope for doesn't really happen which is the only curveball it throws at you. It's not a bad movie by any means, just very average and not worth watching more than once.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
817
8.2
8.1
Memories of Murder (2003)
First viewing - Sept. 23rd
I picked this up with Die Another Day without realizing that both films had Korea in common. Once I did realize this, I decided I'd watch this after that film (and dinner).
I've long wanted to check out Memories of Murder thanks to its director & reputation in general, and I was very pleased that it did not disappoint at all. I didn't realize beforehand that it's a true story (such are the joys of going into films blindly), so I had very mixed feelings about the ending until I found that out. Then it made more sense, but regardless I have respect for the film for ending the way that it does. Sure it's accurate, but it's also refreshing given that it goes against the norm.
The cast is stellar across the board, creating memorable characters that I believed and felt for. There's an excellent use of humor to keep the serious subject matter from dragging you down, and and and...I could go on & on about all the things I dug about the film. But instead I'll just say that I'll definitely be watching this again down the road.
I picked this up with Die Another Day without realizing that both films had Korea in common. Once I did realize this, I decided I'd watch this after that film (and dinner).
I've long wanted to check out Memories of Murder thanks to its director & reputation in general, and I was very pleased that it did not disappoint at all. I didn't realize beforehand that it's a true story (such are the joys of going into films blindly), so I had very mixed feelings about the ending until I found that out. Then it made more sense, but regardless I have respect for the film for ending the way that it does. Sure it's accurate, but it's also refreshing given that it goes against the norm.
The cast is stellar across the board, creating memorable characters that I believed and felt for. There's an excellent use of humor to keep the serious subject matter from dragging you down, and and and...I could go on & on about all the things I dug about the film. But instead I'll just say that I'll definitely be watching this again down the road.
the giraffe's rating:
Add items to section
Big screen attractions
Films I caught in the theatre
5311
8
8.4
Re-watch - Sept. 27th
Drafthouse spent September celebrating the films of Spielberg, which I pretty much didn't care about...but when I heard they were screening this trilogy together for only $25 I decided I was going. I called up my dad to see if he was down to go too, which he was, and so we got to spend a great father-son outing watching two great movies and a really good one.
Raiders is still easily the best of the bunch, though I doubt I need to say so. Everything is just perfection & cinemagic & a damn good time to be had by all. Drafthouse added to my enjoyment with their pre-show entertainment, which included the opening of UHF and the spoof of the film's opening that was done on The Simpsons ages ago. They also showed some trailers for films that inspired this one or were inspired by it, which made for some real amusement. But yeah, I still love Raiders and always will.
Drafthouse spent September celebrating the films of Spielberg, which I pretty much didn't care about...but when I heard they were screening this trilogy together for only $25 I decided I was going. I called up my dad to see if he was down to go too, which he was, and so we got to spend a great father-son outing watching two great movies and a really good one.
Raiders is still easily the best of the bunch, though I doubt I need to say so. Everything is just perfection & cinemagic & a damn good time to be had by all. Drafthouse added to my enjoyment with their pre-show entertainment, which included the opening of UHF and the spoof of the film's opening that was done on The Simpsons ages ago. They also showed some trailers for films that inspired this one or were inspired by it, which made for some real amusement. But yeah, I still love Raiders and always will.
the giraffe's rating:
4058
7.2
7.5
Re-watch - Sept. 27th
This one is still solidly entertaining, I just wish the Willie character wasn't so damn annoying. I get that that's who she's supposed to be, but half the time it's more grating than amusing. Fortunately there are plenty of times she's not seen or silent, which helps improve the film along the way. And of course the rest of the film is so much fun it's hard to hate it too much that she's around.
Just a thought: I'd love to know what happened to Short Round between this film & the events in Raiders. That's one tale that hasn't been told, at least not to my knowledge.
This one is still solidly entertaining, I just wish the Willie character wasn't so damn annoying. I get that that's who she's supposed to be, but half the time it's more grating than amusing. Fortunately there are plenty of times she's not seen or silent, which helps improve the film along the way. And of course the rest of the film is so much fun it's hard to hate it too much that she's around.
Just a thought: I'd love to know what happened to Short Round between this film & the events in Raiders. That's one tale that hasn't been told, at least not to my knowledge.
the giraffe's rating:
4544
7.8
8.2
Re-watch - Sept. 27th
Easily the second best film in the trilogy, thanks largely to Sean Connery's presence (and how perfect is it that Indy's dad is James Bond?). The dynamic between Connery & Ford is just perfect and keeps the whole film alive. And of course there's a grail quest which is always entertaining to me, and I dig the trials and all that goes on to get them there.
In the end, this was definitely money well-spent and I'd gladly do it again some time. Hopefully next time I can take the kiddo.
Easily the second best film in the trilogy, thanks largely to Sean Connery's presence (and how perfect is it that Indy's dad is James Bond?). The dynamic between Connery & Ford is just perfect and keeps the whole film alive. And of course there's a grail quest which is always entertaining to me, and I dig the trials and all that goes on to get them there.
In the end, this was definitely money well-spent and I'd gladly do it again some time. Hopefully next time I can take the kiddo.
the giraffe's rating:
341
7
7.2
Vampire Hunter D (1985)
Re-watch - Sept. 28th
Due to some changes and other distractions, I wound up ending the month on a strong note by seeing this wonderful film on the big screen for the first time. Drafthouse screened it for FREE provided you bought at least $5 of food and/or drink, which was a no-brainer. I've loved the story & characters ever since I first caught it back in the early 90s on the Sci-Fi channel, and it was a nice change to see it with a proper audience instead of on my own or with a small group of friends. And as it turns out they're planning to screen its sequel next month, so you can bet I'll be there for that.
Due to some changes and other distractions, I wound up ending the month on a strong note by seeing this wonderful film on the big screen for the first time. Drafthouse screened it for FREE provided you bought at least $5 of food and/or drink, which was a no-brainer. I've loved the story & characters ever since I first caught it back in the early 90s on the Sci-Fi channel, and it was a nice change to see it with a proper audience instead of on my own or with a small group of friends. And as it turns out they're planning to screen its sequel next month, so you can bet I'll be there for that.
the giraffe's rating:
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Year-long focus: James Bond series
When I was growing up I watched most of the James Bond series with my dad. He'd find one of the movies on TV & call me in to join him, and at the time I liked them all. I haven't seen any of the Sean Connery or Roger Moore films since the '90s began though, so I figured I'm long overdue to revisit them as well as check out the rest of the lot. So I'm spending 2015 with about 2 Bond films per month, watched in the order they were released. At this point I'm not planning on going through the Daniel Craig films again, but I reserve the right to change my mind on those down the road. The only Craig Bond film I definitely intend to see this year is Spectre & by that point I should be about done with the series.
1682
6.1
6.5
First viewing - Sept. 11th
So I thought I'd seen this before, but it turns out I was mistaken. And honestly if I had, I would've remembered it. I'm probably in the minority here but I thought it was even better than GoldenEye, and the plot had me thinking about 9/11 and the ways American media was changed by those events which made the date I watched it appropriate. I loved Jonathan Pryce as the villain, and it was super cool to see Michelle Yeoh kicking ass with Bond. Much like its predecessor it fires on all cylinders and was rewarding to sit through in the end. It's not a Great Bond film, though it came close in my book (had Michelle Yeoh's character not caved in to Bond's advances I would've given it a 9...I get that he's supposed to get all the women, but does it really have to be all the women?) and I'd gladly watch this one again.
So I thought I'd seen this before, but it turns out I was mistaken. And honestly if I had, I would've remembered it. I'm probably in the minority here but I thought it was even better than GoldenEye, and the plot had me thinking about 9/11 and the ways American media was changed by those events which made the date I watched it appropriate. I loved Jonathan Pryce as the villain, and it was super cool to see Michelle Yeoh kicking ass with Bond. Much like its predecessor it fires on all cylinders and was rewarding to sit through in the end. It's not a Great Bond film, though it came close in my book (had Michelle Yeoh's character not caved in to Bond's advances I would've given it a 9...I get that he's supposed to get all the women, but does it really have to be all the women?) and I'd gladly watch this one again.
the giraffe's rating:
1701
6
6.4
First viewing - Sept. 12th
So I know I skipped this one when it came out because I have a general aversion to Denise Richards who annoys me. And had I realized she's barely in it I might have given it a chance sooner, because the rest of the cast is solid and the film is decent enough overall. Robert Carlyle makes an excellent Bond villain, though for a moment I thought he was supposed to be yet another incarnation of Blofeld (he's not). His affliction is somewhat ridiculous but at least makes him interesting and a formidable opponent for Bond. I totally saw the main "twist" coming here though, and it falls back into the whole routine formula again which is kind of a bummer. Still, it's not as bad as I'd feared and thus was worthwhile.
Just a thought: Farewell, Desmond Llewelyn, and thanks for all the laughs. You'll forever be the best Q.
So I know I skipped this one when it came out because I have a general aversion to Denise Richards who annoys me. And had I realized she's barely in it I might have given it a chance sooner, because the rest of the cast is solid and the film is decent enough overall. Robert Carlyle makes an excellent Bond villain, though for a moment I thought he was supposed to be yet another incarnation of Blofeld (he's not). His affliction is somewhat ridiculous but at least makes him interesting and a formidable opponent for Bond. I totally saw the main "twist" coming here though, and it falls back into the whole routine formula again which is kind of a bummer. Still, it's not as bad as I'd feared and thus was worthwhile.
Just a thought: Farewell, Desmond Llewelyn, and thanks for all the laughs. You'll forever be the best Q.
the giraffe's rating:
2192
5.7
6.1
Die Another Day (2002)
First viewing - Sept. 22nd
So let me admit that I unfairly wrote off the Brosnan run as it was playing out. All of his films have been solidly entertaining, and this one is no exception. I figured out the twist here fairly early on, but overall the story was well-handled I thought. Like the rest of his run it's not great by any means, sticks mostly to the series routine, and was ultimately worth watching once. I'm glad I didn't see this in the theatre though as the title song was fucking awful. Seeing it at home gave me the option to mute it, which I gladly did after about 30 seconds of being annoyed by the bad music and Madonna's auto-tuned voice which is barely recognizable as hers. Actually if you'd remove everything to do with her from the film I'd give it an extra star, or at least a half of one. The film also loses big points by having awful, obviously fake CGI work on display throughout, which served to distract me at times from what was going on. Little surprise then that they returned to better, more practical effects for Casino Royale.
So let me admit that I unfairly wrote off the Brosnan run as it was playing out. All of his films have been solidly entertaining, and this one is no exception. I figured out the twist here fairly early on, but overall the story was well-handled I thought. Like the rest of his run it's not great by any means, sticks mostly to the series routine, and was ultimately worth watching once. I'm glad I didn't see this in the theatre though as the title song was fucking awful. Seeing it at home gave me the option to mute it, which I gladly did after about 30 seconds of being annoyed by the bad music and Madonna's auto-tuned voice which is barely recognizable as hers. Actually if you'd remove everything to do with her from the film I'd give it an extra star, or at least a half of one. The film also loses big points by having awful, obviously fake CGI work on display throughout, which served to distract me at times from what was going on. Little surprise then that they returned to better, more practical effects for Casino Royale.
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Netflix Instant Project for 2015
Netflix Instant Project for 2015
The ongoing Netflix Instant Project involves recommendations from my fellow Listalites of lesser-known/lesser-seen films that are currently streaming on Netflix. If you use Netflix Instant Watch & want to participate, please check out the list above & the thread in the Movies Forum.
60
6.2
5.7
Tapeheads (1988)
First viewing - Sept. 6th
This movie is full of wackiness, and I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. Just look at Cusack's moustache. And everyone's clothes. Even the poster to the left is just odd. The whole film is entertaining, though I'm still unsure whether it's entertaining on its own merits or in more of a trainwreck kinda way. It's definitely got moments, and I was entertained seeing appearances by Weird Al, Stiv Bators, Fishbone, Jello Biafra, and Bobcat Goldthwait (among others). I dug the way the story played out, and there's some really good music. I think if I'd seen this back in the 90s I'd be singing its praises as some misunderstood genius film, but it's just flawed despite being amusing.
It was worth checking out for me, but I'm not sure it's for everyone & I wouldn't watch it again.
Recommended by moviewatcher122
This movie is full of wackiness, and I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. Just look at Cusack's moustache. And everyone's clothes. Even the poster to the left is just odd. The whole film is entertaining, though I'm still unsure whether it's entertaining on its own merits or in more of a trainwreck kinda way. It's definitely got moments, and I was entertained seeing appearances by Weird Al, Stiv Bators, Fishbone, Jello Biafra, and Bobcat Goldthwait (among others). I dug the way the story played out, and there's some really good music. I think if I'd seen this back in the 90s I'd be singing its praises as some misunderstood genius film, but it's just flawed despite being amusing.
It was worth checking out for me, but I'm not sure it's for everyone & I wouldn't watch it again.
the giraffe's rating:
121
6.6
6.9
White God (2014)
First viewing - Sept. 19th
Oh man, this movie. It started off strongly & I dug the parallels between the girl and her dog in the ways they change throughout the film. The acting is excellent, the pacing was good, and it was really shaping up to earn a high score overall. I mean all the scenes with the dogs (few of which involve CGI) are just outstanding and impressive. But then throughout the final third it gets beyond ridiculous to the point that it really stretched my suspense of disbelief beyond its limits. And I can't go into detail on that without spoiling things, so I'll refrain. But man is it ever silly, and the problem with that is the film continues to maintain its serious tone which makes it even harder to swallow. ย Which is a shame, because for most of the film I was really anticipating recommending that others check it out...now I'm reluctant to even mention it.
Recommended by VierasTalo
the giraffe's rating:
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Netflix exorcisms
Films I watched before Netflix removed them from my queue
115
6.2
6.1
Dear White People (2014)
First viewing - Sept. 20th
And here we have the first of about 20 films leaving my queue at the end of this month, about half of which definitely won't get watched before October 1st. Sigh. Funny enough this was just added to Netflix at the beginning of September, and yet it's already on its way back out.
Anyway, I wanted to check this out because I've heard mostly good things about it, and it turns out those mostly good things are pretty accurate. The film is smart, funny, well-acted all around, thought-provoking, and entertaining. It took me a while to find a character to latch on to, but that's because the film actually bothers to develop its characters as it proceeds which is refreshing. It didn't quite cross my personal line of greatness, but it's really good and I'd watch it again.
the giraffe's rating:
198
7.4
7.3
First viewing - Sept. 21st
I'm not sure what exactly put this one on my radar other than a strong recommendation from Netflix while browsing one night. It's a really good, simple film focusing on two brothers as they attempt to save their restaurant from bankruptcy by going all out to impress a promised famous guest. The relationship between the brothers really made it worthwhile, and the further into the film I got the more I was enjoying it. The whole cast does a great job, and I really got caught up in the story. I don't really need to watch it again, but I'd be glad to just to spend time with the characters once more.
Just a thought: I wish I could jump into the film and share in the food they're eating. Mmmm.
I'm not sure what exactly put this one on my radar other than a strong recommendation from Netflix while browsing one night. It's a really good, simple film focusing on two brothers as they attempt to save their restaurant from bankruptcy by going all out to impress a promised famous guest. The relationship between the brothers really made it worthwhile, and the further into the film I got the more I was enjoying it. The whole cast does a great job, and I really got caught up in the story. I don't really need to watch it again, but I'd be glad to just to spend time with the characters once more.
Just a thought: I wish I could jump into the film and share in the food they're eating. Mmmm.
the giraffe's rating:
109
7.4
7.5
Stories We Tell (2013)
First viewing - Sept. 23rd
I hate to say too much about this documentary...I'd wanted to watch it since it came out but just hadn't got around to it. Fortunately Netflix gave me a push to finally check it out & I highly enjoyed it. It's an enthralling film, wonderfully put together, and when it ended I sat in awe of how well-done it is.
Highly recommended.
I hate to say too much about this documentary...I'd wanted to watch it since it came out but just hadn't got around to it. Fortunately Netflix gave me a push to finally check it out & I highly enjoyed it. It's an enthralling film, wonderfully put together, and when it ended I sat in awe of how well-done it is.
Highly recommended.
the giraffe's rating:
1956
5.3
6.1
Twins (1988)
First viewing - Sept. 24th
I'm pretty sure I'd been avoiding this one due to the story idea which is still too ludicrous to buy into completely. Find me two actors this different who bear more resemblance to each other and it'd work far better than it does. But hey, it's basically a silly movie & it's not trying to be much more than that. Fortunately the relationship between the titular twins is heartfelt & endearing enough that I was able to connect with it & mostly enjoy it. Some of the acting is lacking though, and I found many ways it could be better. But not as bad as I'd feared in the end.
Just a thought: I forgot that I used to have a poster for this film on my wall as a kid, brought to me by my dad. In fact I think he had one for me & one for my sister, and each had only one of the main characters on it so that they would've gone better together than in separate rooms.
I'm pretty sure I'd been avoiding this one due to the story idea which is still too ludicrous to buy into completely. Find me two actors this different who bear more resemblance to each other and it'd work far better than it does. But hey, it's basically a silly movie & it's not trying to be much more than that. Fortunately the relationship between the titular twins is heartfelt & endearing enough that I was able to connect with it & mostly enjoy it. Some of the acting is lacking though, and I found many ways it could be better. But not as bad as I'd feared in the end.
Just a thought: I forgot that I used to have a poster for this film on my wall as a kid, brought to me by my dad. In fact I think he had one for me & one for my sister, and each had only one of the main characters on it so that they would've gone better together than in separate rooms.
the giraffe's rating:
3669
6.5
6.7
First viewing - Sept. 26th
Well, this wound up being a mixed bag, and I probably should have watched one of the other films leaving my queue instead. I dig the style of the film and the ambitious way Baz Luhrmann takes on the tale by bringing it closer to the present day. There's lots of eye candy so most of the visuals keep it worthwhile. The story is retained, which isn't bad but makes it a little odd at times since the dialogue is Shakespeare delivered by Americans as if it's still the way we speak, but at least it doesn't attempt to rewrite the tale in any major way. The cast is solid, but all the emphasis on style leaves the film lacking in substance. This is the first time I've ever felt nothing when Mercutio (who has long since been my favorite character in the tale) gets slain as I shifted between being annoyed and being indifferent toward the portrayal here, which really bummed me out.
So yeah, it's worth one look for the visual spectacle but I can't find a single reason to revisit it ever again.
Well, this wound up being a mixed bag, and I probably should have watched one of the other films leaving my queue instead. I dig the style of the film and the ambitious way Baz Luhrmann takes on the tale by bringing it closer to the present day. There's lots of eye candy so most of the visuals keep it worthwhile. The story is retained, which isn't bad but makes it a little odd at times since the dialogue is Shakespeare delivered by Americans as if it's still the way we speak, but at least it doesn't attempt to rewrite the tale in any major way. The cast is solid, but all the emphasis on style leaves the film lacking in substance. This is the first time I've ever felt nothing when Mercutio (who has long since been my favorite character in the tale) gets slain as I shifted between being annoyed and being indifferent toward the portrayal here, which really bummed me out.
So yeah, it's worth one look for the visual spectacle but I can't find a single reason to revisit it ever again.
the giraffe's rating:
Oh cruel September, where the major studios drop their worst films & deter me from hitting the theatre...the month that's basically a speed bump on my way to my annual Horrorfest, which will largely be on my mind throughout. Even Drafthouse seems poised to shoot down my frequent attendance by focusing their Terror Tuesdays & Weird Wednesdays on crap I have zero interest in seeing, plus a run through Spielberg's films which I'll mostly bypass (oh, they're films I enjoy, don't get me wrong, I just don't especially care for some reason). Sigh. And so I turn to Netflix & my local indie movie rental store for salvation, and hope for the best.
Once again I'll be watching a trio of Bond films (all Pierce Brosnan this time out) so I've got the majority out of my way in time for the release of Spectre. And who knows what hidden gems will pop up from the Netflix project?
But seriously...is it October yet?
Once again I'll be watching a trio of Bond films (all Pierce Brosnan this time out) so I've got the majority out of my way in time for the release of Spectre. And who knows what hidden gems will pop up from the Netflix project?
But seriously...is it October yet?
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the giraffe's movie lists guide
(195 lists)list by the giraffe
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the giraffe's lists for 2015
(16 lists)list by the giraffe
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