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1019 Views Share:Movies the giraffe watched in 2016: June
Movie list created by the giraffe 
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The breakdown: 27 movies & one short film watched, 17 via Netflix, 7 on DVD, and 4 in the theatre (one of which was the short film). Of those 20 were first views, 8 were re-watches, and they came from the following decades: 1940s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s & 2010s.
June started out on a strong note thanks to a trip to my local video store, and ended with my current favorite film of 2016. I managed to finally get my Netflix queue down to double digits, and for that I have to thank all of you who have voted in my lower my IQ list. You've been a great help in spurring me on to get these watched & I appreciate it. Granted I have a pair of films sitting at the top of that list right now that I wound up not watching this month, but that was more to do with my not being in the mood for them than anything else. I mean if you look at the last few films I watched this month, you'll see I wanted films that weren't deadly serious, and from what I know of Beasts of No Nation & Rampart they don't fit that at all. Ah, but there's always next month.
Best new-to-me filim for June: Swiss Army Man
Best hidden gem: Gone in 60 Seconds / The Fundamentals of Caring (tie)
Worst film: Band of Outsiders
June started out on a strong note thanks to a trip to my local video store, and ended with my current favorite film of 2016. I managed to finally get my Netflix queue down to double digits, and for that I have to thank all of you who have voted in my lower my IQ list. You've been a great help in spurring me on to get these watched & I appreciate it. Granted I have a pair of films sitting at the top of that list right now that I wound up not watching this month, but that was more to do with my not being in the mood for them than anything else. I mean if you look at the last few films I watched this month, you'll see I wanted films that weren't deadly serious, and from what I know of Beasts of No Nation & Rampart they don't fit that at all. Ah, but there's always next month.
Best new-to-me filim for June: Swiss Army Man
Best hidden gem: Gone in 60 Seconds / The Fundamentals of Caring (tie)
Worst film: Band of Outsiders
832
7.5
7.7
After Hours (1985)
First viewing - June 2nd
I finally got an opportunity to hit up my local video store again, so I picked up 4 films during their weekly 2-for-1 deal. Thus I kicked the month off with After Hours, a film that I've seen praise for in recent years which put it on my radar. I love how unpredictable this film is, combined with its excellent use of humor & perfect casting. It's a complete joy to watch from start to finish & I wish more of Scorsese's films were as rewarding to sit through.
See also: Review by Xanadon't
I finally got an opportunity to hit up my local video store again, so I picked up 4 films during their weekly 2-for-1 deal. Thus I kicked the month off with After Hours, a film that I've seen praise for in recent years which put it on my radar. I love how unpredictable this film is, combined with its excellent use of humor & perfect casting. It's a complete joy to watch from start to finish & I wish more of Scorsese's films were as rewarding to sit through.
See also: Review by Xanadon't
the giraffe's rating:
154
6
6.5
Gone in 60 Seconds (1974)
First viewing - June 3rd
So until I watched Death Proof I didn't even realize that the 2000 film was a remake of this movie, but since I found out I've been wanting to see the original. The DVD kicks off with an introduction from the writer/director/star/etc's wife explaining how this was his passion project & he used a bunch of nobodies including friends & family to make it a reality. In that light, this film is pretty damn impressive. It's also understandably flawed, but I felt like its positives outweighed the negatives by far. If nothing else, this is more than worth watching for the chase scene that makes up the last third of the film...the chase scene is so epic and wonderfully staged and just a joy to watch. And so among B movies I can certainly consider this a great film, though in the grand scheme of things it falls just shy of that distinction. Regardless I'd gladly watch this again.
So until I watched Death Proof I didn't even realize that the 2000 film was a remake of this movie, but since I found out I've been wanting to see the original. The DVD kicks off with an introduction from the writer/director/star/etc's wife explaining how this was his passion project & he used a bunch of nobodies including friends & family to make it a reality. In that light, this film is pretty damn impressive. It's also understandably flawed, but I felt like its positives outweighed the negatives by far. If nothing else, this is more than worth watching for the chase scene that makes up the last third of the film...the chase scene is so epic and wonderfully staged and just a joy to watch. And so among B movies I can certainly consider this a great film, though in the grand scheme of things it falls just shy of that distinction. Regardless I'd gladly watch this again.
the giraffe's rating:
1166
8
7.7
First viewing - June 4th
I'm pleased to discover & confirm that this film's reputation is well-earned. The film casts a spell that held me throughout the entire run-time, thanks to a well-told story, wonderful characters, and some iconic images. I loved everything about it, and the only thing missing was that perfect 10 feeling.
I'm pleased to discover & confirm that this film's reputation is well-earned. The film casts a spell that held me throughout the entire run-time, thanks to a well-told story, wonderful characters, and some iconic images. I loved everything about it, and the only thing missing was that perfect 10 feeling.
the giraffe's rating:
549
7.7
7.7
Band of Outsiders (1964)
First viewing - June 4th
You might think I watched both of these Godard films back-to-back, but that's not the case. I watched Breathless after lunch & Band of Outsiders after dinner, so I gave myself plenty of time to digest the former. If I had it to do over again, however, I would've watched this one first because of the differences between the narrative styles of each film. Where Breathless is perfectly put together, this film is rather a disjointed mess in my opinion. Godard is so focused here on being experimental that there's not much care given over to the characters & I found it hard to connect with them. And when you don't strongly sell your characters to the audience, it's hard for the audience to give a shit about the rest of the film. Sure, there are some neat moments throughout the film, some images that will stick with me over time. Some of the ways it breaks previously established cinematic rules are amusing, but some of them are so overt that it breaks the film's spell. And so in the end I found the film to be annoying overall instead of a worthwhile experience, and I can't help but think that maybe the previous film is to blame for setting a high bar for this to follow...and maybe had I watched this first I would've got more out of it. It's doubtful, but possible.
You might think I watched both of these Godard films back-to-back, but that's not the case. I watched Breathless after lunch & Band of Outsiders after dinner, so I gave myself plenty of time to digest the former. If I had it to do over again, however, I would've watched this one first because of the differences between the narrative styles of each film. Where Breathless is perfectly put together, this film is rather a disjointed mess in my opinion. Godard is so focused here on being experimental that there's not much care given over to the characters & I found it hard to connect with them. And when you don't strongly sell your characters to the audience, it's hard for the audience to give a shit about the rest of the film. Sure, there are some neat moments throughout the film, some images that will stick with me over time. Some of the ways it breaks previously established cinematic rules are amusing, but some of them are so overt that it breaks the film's spell. And so in the end I found the film to be annoying overall instead of a worthwhile experience, and I can't help but think that maybe the previous film is to blame for setting a high bar for this to follow...and maybe had I watched this first I would've got more out of it. It's doubtful, but possible.
the giraffe's rating:
728
7
7.8
The Sandlot (1993)
Re-watch - June 6th
It's been several years since I last sat down & watched The Sandlot from start to finish, and since it's felt like summer lately this seemed like a decent time to pull it from my DVD shelves & finally revisit it. It's definitely not a great film, but it's consistently fun. The kids have great rapport and are a joy to watch interact with one another. None of the performances are Oscar-worthy, but they're genuine which matters in a film like this. The Beast hasn't aged well, as I can now easily tell the giant version is fake...I swear it wasn't as obvious before. And while the premise is pretty obvious about where it's headed, the journey to get there is worthwhile. My rating of 8/10 remains, though to be honest that 8 is a high 7 rounded up.
Also Currently streaming on Netflix
It's been several years since I last sat down & watched The Sandlot from start to finish, and since it's felt like summer lately this seemed like a decent time to pull it from my DVD shelves & finally revisit it. It's definitely not a great film, but it's consistently fun. The kids have great rapport and are a joy to watch interact with one another. None of the performances are Oscar-worthy, but they're genuine which matters in a film like this. The Beast hasn't aged well, as I can now easily tell the giant version is fake...I swear it wasn't as obvious before. And while the premise is pretty obvious about where it's headed, the journey to get there is worthwhile. My rating of 8/10 remains, though to be honest that 8 is a high 7 rounded up.
Also Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
4108
7.5
8.1
The Exorcist (1973)
Re-watch - June 7th
I first saw The Exorcist when they released "the version you've never seen" to theatres back in 2000. At the time I found it to be dated, dull, and horribly overrated, not to mention the fact that it takes itself so seriously that I found some of the more outlandish moments to be laughable. There's been much lamenting around here of my 4/10 rating, but that's why it earned that from me.
Well, you'll all be glad to know that my opinion of it this time around improved. 16 years later, the only parts that were familiar to me were the scenes that involved Regan being possessed...the rest I'd completely forgotten. And I can't say I'm too surprised by that, especially the first half hour of the film which sets out to establish the characters but mostly plods along as it does so. And yeah, there's some sense of foreboding established too here & there, but I didn't think it was consistent.
Fortunately the film picks up after the introductions are out of the way & Regan gets possessed, and those moments are the highlight of course. The cast is excellent overall, which helps elevate the film, and most of the effects have held up well. I still think parts of it are more silly than scary, and didn't think it did as powerful of a job creating tension & delivering scares as horror films that came before & certainly after it. And so I find the film unfairly celebrated as the "best" horror movie ever, but I also know that we all respond to horror differently & what works for some of us doesn't work for others. Clearly this one holds more power for others than it does for me, and that's fine.
Currently streaming on Netflix
I first saw The Exorcist when they released "the version you've never seen" to theatres back in 2000. At the time I found it to be dated, dull, and horribly overrated, not to mention the fact that it takes itself so seriously that I found some of the more outlandish moments to be laughable. There's been much lamenting around here of my 4/10 rating, but that's why it earned that from me.
Well, you'll all be glad to know that my opinion of it this time around improved. 16 years later, the only parts that were familiar to me were the scenes that involved Regan being possessed...the rest I'd completely forgotten. And I can't say I'm too surprised by that, especially the first half hour of the film which sets out to establish the characters but mostly plods along as it does so. And yeah, there's some sense of foreboding established too here & there, but I didn't think it was consistent.
Fortunately the film picks up after the introductions are out of the way & Regan gets possessed, and those moments are the highlight of course. The cast is excellent overall, which helps elevate the film, and most of the effects have held up well. I still think parts of it are more silly than scary, and didn't think it did as powerful of a job creating tension & delivering scares as horror films that came before & certainly after it. And so I find the film unfairly celebrated as the "best" horror movie ever, but I also know that we all respond to horror differently & what works for some of us doesn't work for others. Clearly this one holds more power for others than it does for me, and that's fine.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
2605
7.5
7.7
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
First viewing - June 8th
I thought I had seen this before, but as it rolled along I realized I was mistaken. Perhaps I'd seen parts of it on cable at some point, but I definitely had NOT seen the entire film. Funny enough my rating was almost accurate.
I really enjoyed this film. It's entertaining, heartfelt, and didn't go where I thought it would at all. The cast is excellent all around, as evidenced that I've now finally been impressed by a DiCaprio performance. I really dug pretty much everything about this film, and will definitely be watching it again.
See also: JxSxPx's review
Currently streaming on Netflix
I thought I had seen this before, but as it rolled along I realized I was mistaken. Perhaps I'd seen parts of it on cable at some point, but I definitely had NOT seen the entire film. Funny enough my rating was almost accurate.
I really enjoyed this film. It's entertaining, heartfelt, and didn't go where I thought it would at all. The cast is excellent all around, as evidenced that I've now finally been impressed by a DiCaprio performance. I really dug pretty much everything about this film, and will definitely be watching it again.
See also: JxSxPx's review
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
34
6.1
6.5
First viewing - June 9th
This just popped up on Netflix, and as a long-time fan of Edgar Allan Poe I had to check it out. Basically they took a handful of his short stories, set them to animation, and found a narrator for all but the last segment ("The Masque of the Red Death"). I dug how different the animation was throughout the film, and that they used different styles for each tale. My favorite of the bunch was easily "The Tell-Tale Heart" read by Bela Lugosi, which is reason enough to watch this. It's also a treat to have Christopher Lee narrate "The Fall of the House of Usher", as his voice is perfectly suited to the task. The least impressive segment was the Guillermo del Toro narrated "The Pit and the Pendulum" which nearly put me to sleep, but that may have more to do with my being tired than the film.
Anyway, I thought this was worth watching, and might even watch it again. It's not great by any means, but if you're a fan of Poe then you'll likely enjoy it.
Just a thought: I'm positive it was intentional to make the doctor in "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar" look like Vincent Price.
Currently streaming on Netflix
This just popped up on Netflix, and as a long-time fan of Edgar Allan Poe I had to check it out. Basically they took a handful of his short stories, set them to animation, and found a narrator for all but the last segment ("The Masque of the Red Death"). I dug how different the animation was throughout the film, and that they used different styles for each tale. My favorite of the bunch was easily "The Tell-Tale Heart" read by Bela Lugosi, which is reason enough to watch this. It's also a treat to have Christopher Lee narrate "The Fall of the House of Usher", as his voice is perfectly suited to the task. The least impressive segment was the Guillermo del Toro narrated "The Pit and the Pendulum" which nearly put me to sleep, but that may have more to do with my being tired than the film.
Anyway, I thought this was worth watching, and might even watch it again. It's not great by any means, but if you're a fan of Poe then you'll likely enjoy it.
Just a thought: I'm positive it was intentional to make the doctor in "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar" look like Vincent Price.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
3612
7
7.5
Re-watch - June 10th
The last time I watched Eyes Wide Shut it was in theatres, so I was definitely overdue. And while I used to think I owned a copy of it, the first time I finally went to my shelves to watch it I realized I was wrong. Now that I've seen it again I'll have to correct that.
Everything about this film is impressive, from the first frame to the last. The visuals are stellar & had stuck with me all these years, and how many films can do that from a single viewing? I'm ashamed to admit that I'd forgotten how oh-my-god-Amazing the music is throughout, even more so considering I've owned the soundtrack for years. I listened to it many times back when I first got it, but as time has rolled along I've neglected it & it's sat among my CDs being ignored. That will change going forward, as I already spun it twice the day after I watched this. And you know what else? My rating has been bumped up too now. This is an absolute masterpiece from a genius filmmaker, and I'm glad to be reminded he went out on such a high note.
Currently streaming on Netflix
The last time I watched Eyes Wide Shut it was in theatres, so I was definitely overdue. And while I used to think I owned a copy of it, the first time I finally went to my shelves to watch it I realized I was wrong. Now that I've seen it again I'll have to correct that.
Everything about this film is impressive, from the first frame to the last. The visuals are stellar & had stuck with me all these years, and how many films can do that from a single viewing? I'm ashamed to admit that I'd forgotten how oh-my-god-Amazing the music is throughout, even more so considering I've owned the soundtrack for years. I listened to it many times back when I first got it, but as time has rolled along I've neglected it & it's sat among my CDs being ignored. That will change going forward, as I already spun it twice the day after I watched this. And you know what else? My rating has been bumped up too now. This is an absolute masterpiece from a genius filmmaker, and I'm glad to be reminded he went out on such a high note.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
631
6.3
6.2
Killing Them Softly (2012)
First viewing - June 12th
This is definitely an entertaining & intriguing film. The cast is excellent, and there are some visual flourishes and memorable moments along the way that make this well worth checking out. On the other hand I felt like there wasn't much to the story, and found the use of the US bank failures and 2008 election to be more distracting than anything profound. Evidently this film was edited down to remove about an hour of material, and I can't help feeling like maybe they should've left a half hour in to better build out the story. Then again, maybe the hour or so that was cut was done so for the best.
Just a thought: Hey, I've got my queue down to double digits now!
Currently streaming on Netflix
This is definitely an entertaining & intriguing film. The cast is excellent, and there are some visual flourishes and memorable moments along the way that make this well worth checking out. On the other hand I felt like there wasn't much to the story, and found the use of the US bank failures and 2008 election to be more distracting than anything profound. Evidently this film was edited down to remove about an hour of material, and I can't help feeling like maybe they should've left a half hour in to better build out the story. Then again, maybe the hour or so that was cut was done so for the best.
Just a thought: Hey, I've got my queue down to double digits now!
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
35
5.8
6
First viewing - June 14th
This was fairly entertaining, with some very good tension building at times. The actors do a good job all around, which definitely helps. The dialogue is really awkward & clunky most of the time, though that seems to be by design. Not sure that works well. It's not great, but I thought it was worth sitting through once.
Currently streaming on Netflix
This was fairly entertaining, with some very good tension building at times. The actors do a good job all around, which definitely helps. The dialogue is really awkward & clunky most of the time, though that seems to be by design. Not sure that works well. It's not great, but I thought it was worth sitting through once.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
3982
7.6
8.3
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Re-watch - June 15th
Still a great film. Surely I don't need to explain why, as most people have seen this. I think I got even more out of it this time around than previously, and so I'll have to remedy the fact that this doesn't have a home in my collection.
Currently streaming on Netflix
Still a great film. Surely I don't need to explain why, as most people have seen this. I think I got even more out of it this time around than previously, and so I'll have to remedy the fact that this doesn't have a home in my collection.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
414
6.3
6.5
Day Watch (2006)
First viewing - June 17th
So before I sat down with this one I had to refresh my memory on what happened in Night Watch, which I watched about 3 years ago. Once that was done (thank you, Wiki plot breakdowns) I settled in to a pretty damn silly film. Once again good & evil are at odds with one another, and the action partly revolves around an artifact called...The Chalk of Fate. And if you're imagining a thick piece of sidewalk chalk, you've got the idea. Every time it was mentioned throughout the film I laughed at the inanity of it, which broke the film's spell. Aside from that (or maybe because of it), I felt like this film was a bit more fun than its predecessor. I was glad to see it retain the visually playful handling of the subtitles along the way, and the world remains one that's entertaining enough to spend more time in. The whole thing is often predictable though, so I wouldn't need to sit through it again.
Currently streaming on Netflix
So before I sat down with this one I had to refresh my memory on what happened in Night Watch, which I watched about 3 years ago. Once that was done (thank you, Wiki plot breakdowns) I settled in to a pretty damn silly film. Once again good & evil are at odds with one another, and the action partly revolves around an artifact called...The Chalk of Fate. And if you're imagining a thick piece of sidewalk chalk, you've got the idea. Every time it was mentioned throughout the film I laughed at the inanity of it, which broke the film's spell. Aside from that (or maybe because of it), I felt like this film was a bit more fun than its predecessor. I was glad to see it retain the visually playful handling of the subtitles along the way, and the world remains one that's entertaining enough to spend more time in. The whole thing is often predictable though, so I wouldn't need to sit through it again.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
2245
7.5
7.8
Fantasia (1941)
Re-watch - June 18th
It's been almost 20 years since I last watched Fantasia, and as such I'd kinda forgotten about some of it. Certainly not the segment pictured above, which I first saw in elementary school & has forever stuck with me. But the first segment I didn't recall at all (though seeing it again I'm not too surprised as it's probably the weakest one of the bunch), nor the bit with the soundtrack. Having revisited this after its sequel, one thing I noticed is that having a single person introduce each segment is far less interesting than having different people for each. And to some degree I felt like the guy overdid it on explaining what was coming up next...I would've rather had a brief summary before diving in instead of getting the whole tale told up front. Still, for its time the animation was way ahead of the curve & overall the film works well. I just wanted less of the parts with actual people.
Just a thought: Leopold!
Currently streaming on Netflix
It's been almost 20 years since I last watched Fantasia, and as such I'd kinda forgotten about some of it. Certainly not the segment pictured above, which I first saw in elementary school & has forever stuck with me. But the first segment I didn't recall at all (though seeing it again I'm not too surprised as it's probably the weakest one of the bunch), nor the bit with the soundtrack. Having revisited this after its sequel, one thing I noticed is that having a single person introduce each segment is far less interesting than having different people for each. And to some degree I felt like the guy overdid it on explaining what was coming up next...I would've rather had a brief summary before diving in instead of getting the whole tale told up front. Still, for its time the animation was way ahead of the curve & overall the film works well. I just wanted less of the parts with actual people.
Just a thought: Leopold!
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
223
6.7
7
The Boys from Brazil (1978)
First viewing - June 20th
So the best thing about this film is that it involves Nazis but doesn't take place during a war. Setting it in what was then the present day made for a unique story, and the way it's told keeps you guessing for at least the first two acts. The cast is mostly excellent, especially Olivier & Peck which should surprise nobody. Jeremy Black kinda sucks though. He's the boy in the image above, and after seeing him here it's no wonder I've never heard of him (course the fact that he's only done theatre instead of TV or movies since this film is also largely to blame, no doubt). Oh and Steve Guttenberg shows up in this & kept reminding me of a Seth Rogen/Jonah Hill hybrid. Probably just me though.
I never fell in love with the film, but it was interesting and mostly entertaining, and thus worth sitting through once.
Currently streaming on Netflix
So the best thing about this film is that it involves Nazis but doesn't take place during a war. Setting it in what was then the present day made for a unique story, and the way it's told keeps you guessing for at least the first two acts. The cast is mostly excellent, especially Olivier & Peck which should surprise nobody. Jeremy Black kinda sucks though. He's the boy in the image above, and after seeing him here it's no wonder I've never heard of him (course the fact that he's only done theatre instead of TV or movies since this film is also largely to blame, no doubt). Oh and Steve Guttenberg shows up in this & kept reminding me of a Seth Rogen/Jonah Hill hybrid. Probably just me though.
I never fell in love with the film, but it was interesting and mostly entertaining, and thus worth sitting through once.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
3603
6.4
7.3
Re-watch - June 21st
On this night I was in the mood to watch something silly, and since Borat has been making appearances in my thoughts lately I figured it'd be the best thing. This movie still makes me laugh consistently, and I love the whole way it was executed. Cohen's approach is very Kaufman-esque, and it works wonders. At the same time, watching his interactions with some of these people is a sad reminder of the small-minded people in the U.S. Fortunately they make great fodder for his antics, though I still say the best part of the entire film comedy-wise is the naked fight scene.
On this night I was in the mood to watch something silly, and since Borat has been making appearances in my thoughts lately I figured it'd be the best thing. This movie still makes me laugh consistently, and I love the whole way it was executed. Cohen's approach is very Kaufman-esque, and it works wonders. At the same time, watching his interactions with some of these people is a sad reminder of the small-minded people in the U.S. Fortunately they make great fodder for his antics, though I still say the best part of the entire film comedy-wise is the naked fight scene.
the giraffe's rating:
1713
7
7.3
Cape Fear (1991)
Re-watch - June 22nd
As you may recall I recently watched the original Cape Fear, which I loved every minute of. I actually saw the remake first back when it was in theatres with my dad, and remember enjoying it at the time. Watching it again in the shadow of the original, it's lost some of its luster for me. I mean, yeah, the cast mostly kills it in their respective roles, and they're the best argument for watching this. Unlike the original, however, this film really strains your ability to suspend your disbelief at times. Choices like having an experienced lawyer not only publicly threaten someone he knows is going to get beaten but also be present for said beating are hard to swallow (as if he knows nothing of the importance of having an alibi). And Cady riding along on the bottom of the car is pretty ridiculous (course now I can't watch that part without thinking of the Simpsons version of the scene). In the end I'm glad I finally revisited it just because now I won't need to watch it again.
Currently streaming on Netflix
As you may recall I recently watched the original Cape Fear, which I loved every minute of. I actually saw the remake first back when it was in theatres with my dad, and remember enjoying it at the time. Watching it again in the shadow of the original, it's lost some of its luster for me. I mean, yeah, the cast mostly kills it in their respective roles, and they're the best argument for watching this. Unlike the original, however, this film really strains your ability to suspend your disbelief at times. Choices like having an experienced lawyer not only publicly threaten someone he knows is going to get beaten but also be present for said beating are hard to swallow (as if he knows nothing of the importance of having an alibi). And Cady riding along on the bottom of the car is pretty ridiculous (course now I can't watch that part without thinking of the Simpsons version of the scene). In the end I'm glad I finally revisited it just because now I won't need to watch it again.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
73
5.6
5.7
The Hallow (2015)
First viewing - June 24th
The Hallow gets points for ratcheting up tension throughout the film, as well as for some memorable creature designs. The cast is solid, though not exceptional, and the story moves along quickly enough that it's consistently entertaining. It's not a great film, and I probably won't need to sit through it a second time, but I liked it well enough that it was worth checking out.
Currently streaming on Netflix
The Hallow gets points for ratcheting up tension throughout the film, as well as for some memorable creature designs. The cast is solid, though not exceptional, and the story moves along quickly enough that it's consistently entertaining. It's not a great film, and I probably won't need to sit through it a second time, but I liked it well enough that it was worth checking out.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
1070
7.5
7.9
First viewing - April 26th
Easily my second favorite film of 2014, and well worth all the praise I've seen for it. What's most impressive to me though is how the film fits so well together despite the scenes requiring they be shot as it was possible over the several years it spans. Ellar Coltrane was quite a find & fully embodies his character to the point you have to wonder how much the actor and the character actually have in common. I loved watching Mason grow up, and found myself relating to the events of his life from different perspectives. The rest of the cast does a wonderful job as well. The only thing I wasn't as impressed with is most of the music in it, though I'll concede that the songs tend to fit the scenes more often than not. I'll definitely be watching this again.
Linklater double feature
Easily my second favorite film of 2014, and well worth all the praise I've seen for it. What's most impressive to me though is how the film fits so well together despite the scenes requiring they be shot as it was possible over the several years it spans. Ellar Coltrane was quite a find & fully embodies his character to the point you have to wonder how much the actor and the character actually have in common. I loved watching Mason grow up, and found myself relating to the events of his life from different perspectives. The rest of the cast does a wonderful job as well. The only thing I wasn't as impressed with is most of the music in it, though I'll concede that the songs tend to fit the scenes more often than not. I'll definitely be watching this again.
the giraffe's rating:
143
5.8
6.1
Re-watch - April 26th
After Boyhood ended I decided to finally revisit The Newton Boys which I haven't seen since it was in theatres. And my rating still stands after all these years. It's not a great film, especially among Linklater's works, but it never aspires to be either. It's based off of real events though, and never ceases to be entertaining. I'm rather surprised by how disliked it seems to be in general (look at the difference between its ratings & Boyhood's), especially since the ensemble cast works so well together. That's fine though, if I'm in the minority on digging this film then so be it.
Currently streaming on Netflix
Linklater double feature
After Boyhood ended I decided to finally revisit The Newton Boys which I haven't seen since it was in theatres. And my rating still stands after all these years. It's not a great film, especially among Linklater's works, but it never aspires to be either. It's based off of real events though, and never ceases to be entertaining. I'm rather surprised by how disliked it seems to be in general (look at the difference between its ratings & Boyhood's), especially since the ensemble cast works so well together. That's fine though, if I'm in the minority on digging this film then so be it.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
167
6.9
7.3
First viewing - June 29th
This caught my eye among the recent additions to Netflix, and since I dig some of Paul Rudd's films I figured I'd give it a shot. And I'm glad I did because I wound up really liking it. It's funny & heartfelt without taking itself too seriously, and the chemistry between Rudd & Craig Roberts keeps it rolling along wonderfully. I'd definitely watch this again at some point.
Currently streaming on Netflix
This caught my eye among the recent additions to Netflix, and since I dig some of Paul Rudd's films I figured I'd give it a shot. And I'm glad I did because I wound up really liking it. It's funny & heartfelt without taking itself too seriously, and the chemistry between Rudd & Craig Roberts keeps it rolling along wonderfully. I'd definitely watch this again at some point.
Currently streaming on Netflix
the giraffe's rating:
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Big screen attractions
Films I caught in a theatre
1016
6.2
6.9
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
First viewing - June 5th
Well, this was quite a mixed bag & the main reason it is is because the film tries to include too many fan-pleasing elements for its own good. The Quicksilver scene in Days of Future Past was the best scene of the whole film, so this time you get another one that apes it. A major arc is rendered pointless by resetting the character rather than follow through in any meaningful way. A minor character gets a transformation purely because fans dug it when it happened in the comics. Wolverine shows up for no damn reason at all besides whoever's belief that no X-Men film can leave him out. Apocalypse seems like a dangerous enough villain, which is a nice change, but the character design is awful and the moment where he brings himself up to speed on humanity is laughable. CGI is overused and often obviously utilized which is especially lamentable.
On the other hand, Fassbender remains this trilogy's highlight, McAvoy comes a close second, and the film does have some entertaining moments. If you're willing to shut off your brain for the full run-time, then it's entertaining enough on the surface for what it is I guess. But given the heights that the MCU has been able to reach lately, coupled with the excellence of the previous pair of films in this go-round with the X-Men characters, this one is a disappointment.
Just a thought: Why the hell is this set in the '80s? None of the characters have aged 10 years & almost nothing has happened since the last film, which makes no damn sense.
Well, this was quite a mixed bag & the main reason it is is because the film tries to include too many fan-pleasing elements for its own good. The Quicksilver scene in Days of Future Past was the best scene of the whole film, so this time you get another one that apes it. A major arc is rendered pointless by resetting the character rather than follow through in any meaningful way. A minor character gets a transformation purely because fans dug it when it happened in the comics. Wolverine shows up for no damn reason at all besides whoever's belief that no X-Men film can leave him out. Apocalypse seems like a dangerous enough villain, which is a nice change, but the character design is awful and the moment where he brings himself up to speed on humanity is laughable. CGI is overused and often obviously utilized which is especially lamentable.
On the other hand, Fassbender remains this trilogy's highlight, McAvoy comes a close second, and the film does have some entertaining moments. If you're willing to shut off your brain for the full run-time, then it's entertaining enough on the surface for what it is I guess. But given the heights that the MCU has been able to reach lately, coupled with the excellence of the previous pair of films in this go-round with the X-Men characters, this one is a disappointment.
Just a thought: Why the hell is this set in the '80s? None of the characters have aged 10 years & almost nothing has happened since the last film, which makes no damn sense.
the giraffe's rating:
119
7.4
8.4
Piper (2016)
First viewing - June 19th
Every Pixar film has a short that precedes it, and this was the one for Finding Dory. Like most of these shorts it's simple yet effective, and the animation was pretty stellar.
Every Pixar film has a short that precedes it, and this was the one for Finding Dory. Like most of these shorts it's simple yet effective, and the animation was pretty stellar.
the giraffe's rating:
914
6.2
7.3
Finding Dory (2016)
First viewing - June 19th
As some of you are aware, I really didn't intend to rush out to see this film. But when I was looking over the options for films my dad & I could watch together for Father's Day, this was the only one I thought we'd both be willing to sit through.
Perhaps it was due to my lowered expectations, but I rather enjoyed it. Dory was my least favorite character in Finding Nemo, but here she's better developed & it works. Hank the septopus pretty much steals the film though, and easily won me over. There's nothing earth-shattering about the story, but it's consistently entertaining even if it does occasionally get too ridiculous to swallow. And the film does pull the heartstrings a bit, as any worthwhile Pixar film would. It's definitely not a great film, but I enjoyed it enough that I'd gladly sit through it again.
As some of you are aware, I really didn't intend to rush out to see this film. But when I was looking over the options for films my dad & I could watch together for Father's Day, this was the only one I thought we'd both be willing to sit through.
Perhaps it was due to my lowered expectations, but I rather enjoyed it. Dory was my least favorite character in Finding Nemo, but here she's better developed & it works. Hank the septopus pretty much steals the film though, and easily won me over. There's nothing earth-shattering about the story, but it's consistently entertaining even if it does occasionally get too ridiculous to swallow. And the film does pull the heartstrings a bit, as any worthwhile Pixar film would. It's definitely not a great film, but I enjoyed it enough that I'd gladly sit through it again.
the giraffe's rating:
379
6.6
6.9
First viewing - June 30th
I've been eagerly anticipating Swiss Army Man since I first saw a trailer for it, so when Drafthouse put up tickets for screenings starting on Thursday I knew I couldn't wait until the weekend to see it. And for once my expectations were not only met but exceeded. Dano & Radcliffe deliver outstanding performances with wonderful chemistry between them. And the Daniels deliver a film that's original and visually Amazing with a great soundtrack to boot. I loved the film so much that I'll definitely catch it again on the big screen before it leaves theatres, and it's currently my favorite film of 2016.
If it's playing at a theatre near you, go see it.
I've been eagerly anticipating Swiss Army Man since I first saw a trailer for it, so when Drafthouse put up tickets for screenings starting on Thursday I knew I couldn't wait until the weekend to see it. And for once my expectations were not only met but exceeded. Dano & Radcliffe deliver outstanding performances with wonderful chemistry between them. And the Daniels deliver a film that's original and visually Amazing with a great soundtrack to boot. I loved the film so much that I'll definitely catch it again on the big screen before it leaves theatres, and it's currently my favorite film of 2016.
If it's playing at a theatre near you, go see it.
the giraffe's rating:
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Netflix Instant Project for 2016
Netflix Instant Project for 2016
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 & submit your recommendations.
473
6.8
6.7
This Must Be the Place (2011)
First viewing - June 11th
Sean Penn wandering around looking like Robert Smith kinda messes with my head, but he does his best to disappear into the character here. I can't say it entirely works, but he definitely brings some unusual quirks to the role to make it different & memorable. The story is pretty surreal, with occasional bursts of reality...which makes it uneven at times, honestly. And while I didn't care for the music at least it's all in the same style throughout the film. In the end I thought it was worth checking out, but nothing I'd need to watch again.
Recommended by moviewatcher122
Sean Penn wandering around looking like Robert Smith kinda messes with my head, but he does his best to disappear into the character here. I can't say it entirely works, but he definitely brings some unusual quirks to the role to make it different & memorable. The story is pretty surreal, with occasional bursts of reality...which makes it uneven at times, honestly. And while I didn't care for the music at least it's all in the same style throughout the film. In the end I thought it was worth checking out, but nothing I'd need to watch again.
the giraffe's rating:
24
7.6
7.3
Team Foxcatcher (2016)
First viewing - June 27th
I guess I missed this back when it happened, as I didn't know anything about any of it until I saw the trailers for the movie version Foxcatcher which came out last year. Granted I'm not tuned into sports really, but I found the whole thing kinda fascinating. Personally if I found myself in this situation I would've run off for safety sooner, but I guess I can understand why the wrestlers would have put up with Du Pont's antics. The doc isn't exceptional, but it's worth checking out once, and increased my interest in the other movie.
Recommended by djprojexion
I guess I missed this back when it happened, as I didn't know anything about any of it until I saw the trailers for the movie version Foxcatcher which came out last year. Granted I'm not tuned into sports really, but I found the whole thing kinda fascinating. Personally if I found myself in this situation I would've run off for safety sooner, but I guess I can understand why the wrestlers would have put up with Du Pont's antics. The doc isn't exceptional, but it's worth checking out once, and increased my interest in the other movie.
the giraffe's rating:
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Netflix exorcisms
Films I caught before Netflix removed them from my queue
3967
6.8
7
First viewing - June 28th
This was a pleasant surprise. I tend to ignore most of Keanu's films because of his limited range as an actor, but I'd say he was perfect for this role. The story takes some interesting & surprising turns along the way, & the visuals are mostly good when they're not obviously all CGI. Best of all though for me was seeing Gavin Rossdale get inflicted bodily harm. Constantine isn't groundbreaking or anything, but definitely worth seeing & I might even watch it again down the line.
This was a pleasant surprise. I tend to ignore most of Keanu's films because of his limited range as an actor, but I'd say he was perfect for this role. The story takes some interesting & surprising turns along the way, & the visuals are mostly good when they're not obviously all CGI. Best of all though for me was seeing Gavin Rossdale get inflicted bodily harm. Constantine isn't groundbreaking or anything, but definitely worth seeing & I might even watch it again down the line.
the giraffe's rating:
Last month I watched 30 films and only 2 were re-watches. So this month I think I'll re-watch more films, starting with the ones that have been voted for in my lower my IQ again list. I'm very close to dropping my Netflix queue below 100 items for the first time since I put it together, so that's kind of exciting. Perhaps before the year ends I'll finally feel ready to tackle all the TV series that are floating around in there next. That'd be another list though...
As the month starts I don't see a lot of new films hitting theatres that I want to see (thanks in part to seeing The Conjuring 2 last month, which I'd watch again but don't need to yet), but that doesn't mean Drafthouse won't lure me in with some older films. We'll see how that goes.
As the month starts I don't see a lot of new films hitting theatres that I want to see (thanks in part to seeing The Conjuring 2 last month, which I'd watch again but don't need to yet), but that doesn't mean Drafthouse won't lure me in with some older films. We'll see how that goes.
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