TC2012's User Profile

Caesar on 5/15/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Hey, thanks for accepting my friend request. I trust J.J. Abrams and his talent, so I'm psyched about Episode VII. Beyond that, I'm a bit concerned that Disney's plan to make one Star Wars movie every year is too much of a good thing. Time will tell, I guess.

smatticus on 5/16/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

Hi there, welcome to the site. If you check the Platoon vs. BOTFOJ matchup i've given my full breakdown there (i tend to rattle on a bit about films). Essentially my thoughts were that BOTFOJ is an excellent vessel for delivering the anti war message and i think much of that comes from Tom Cruise delivering his best performance which I have seen to date. But i think that Platoon is the better film in terms of execution. Naturally im biased because Platoon is one of the earliest anti war films ive seen, but i think that BOTFOJ suffers from a rushed third act and lack of focus, whereas Platoon is perfectly paced and very convincingly delivered whilst upholding it's duty as an anti war film. That said, i would still recommend them both to anyone interested in the genre. Just need to see Heaven & Earth now to complete the Stone Nam trilogy.

shane24 on 5/16/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

Well, in a way, they're just like his other movies. All his movies target a certain genre. Like Django Unchained targets all the spaghetti westerns he loves. Basterds is influenced by war films and Kill Bill is influenced by old martial arts films.

Kill Bill is probably his most stylized movie, but is presented to you like Pulp Fiction. You could probably break up his filmography into two halves. You got Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown that fit into the crime genre, or crime sub-genres if you want to break it down even more. From then on he's branched out into other genres, all with influences from older films. If you wish, you should look up Tarantino's list of his favourite genre movies, you'd find some that you'd never heard of. :)

I'm trying to think what's different. Kill Bill has a strong soundtrack, that's nothing new. Great dialogue, again, nothing new. Violence? Buckets load. :) It's most similar to Django Unchained in terms of violence. Memorable characters? Check. To tell you the truth, it's very similar really, but his styles is channeled through a different genre, with other genre classics to be inspired from.

If you like his other movies, I'm sure you'll like the Kill Bill movies. Just don't expect the same style for both movies, that's all I'll say about that, don't want to spoil. :)

I hope I helped a bit. :)

smatticus on 5/29/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

No worries man, glad you appreciated it. To be honest, I need to go back and watch Platoon again; I haven't seen it in years, but my memories of it are good. I think that an individual's perspective of what makes a certain film better than one of its competitors can be greatly influenced by the order in which they view something, hence why I think Platoon is a better war film than FMJ for instance (and I really am in a minority there! :P )

As far as American Beauty is concerned, I am a HUGE Sam Mendes fan. Rather like Danny Boyle, I haven't seen a single film of his that I didn't like (bearing in mind I still haven't seen Revolutionary Road or Away they go). I love the choices he makes in terms of cinematography and score; Thomas Newman is one of the most underrated composers in Hollywood, and is long overdue an Academy Award, and the late Conrad Hall is probably my favourite DP ever.

I loved the film, and I still do. Beautiful, melancholy and containing utterly absorbing performances (not least Kevin Spacey). I'm surprised it isn't on more people's lists, though I am aware of people who are not so taken by its messages; accusations of being shallow, superficial or even hypocritical. But I strongly disagree; I think they characters all have defined personalities which convene with the different angles of thematic exploration regarding beauty, happiness and material wealth. Granted they can be melodramatic at times, but the film sticks to its guns and works all the better for it. I can understand why someone might not like it; it might come across as overly artsy at times and it certainly isn't a film for widespread appeal. By rights it shouldn't appeal to me, but as I said before, I love Sam Mendes' style and everything in American Beauty worked for me.

That said, my personal Mendes favourite is Road to Perdition. It has the same wealth of creative talent that was behind American Beauty, acting aside, and everyone delivers in spades. Also Conrad Hall's last film, and arguably the best shot film I have ever seen; the shoot-out in the rain sends shivers down my spine every time. If you haven't seen it, definitely go check it out; I recon you'd enjoy it.

shane24 on 5/31/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Can you please tell me your thoughts on Bad Teacher? I missed it and would like to know if it's worth going back to.

shane24 on 5/31/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Thanks for that! :) If I have nothing to do, I might put it on.

shane24 on 6/13/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

I'm a big fan of all the Die Hard films (Die Hard 2 doesn't work completely for me) but I really didn't like Die Hard 5. First of all, McClane is a total jerk in this movie, he doesn't even feel like the same guy. For example, McClane on numerous occasions says "I'm on vacation"! Which wasn't funny once. Another thing, the runtime! 97 minutes! It leaves no time for any development of characters. It's all smash, bang (unspectacularly) with plot twists (stupid).

The bad guys are lame, especially when compared to Hans Gruber, which is sort of hearkened back to (not a spoiler). The score didn't add anything to the action, which is annoying because of the great music in the other films, and the whole film is written so poorly! Skip Woods is his name, I won't forget it. I looked up his other work as well...he's terrible. When you hire someone like this for a Die Hard movie, you know they only put in the minimum effort, which I felt with everything, and everybody in the movie. It's a 4/10 for me, and it might drop more. Sorry I couldn't tell you I liked it.

shane24 on 6/14/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

I even liked four, for what it was. So it's even more clear to me now that you wouldn't like it. 5 is a shadow of the original.

JC13 on 6/15/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

Thanks, your list is pretty good too. Yeah, in most of my favorite franchises I tend to like the sequels more than the original.

Caesar on 6/18/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

On a scale of 1-10, I'd give Man of Steel about a six. I did (foolishly) expect something on par with Nolan's Batman movies. Instead, Man of Steel was more on par with Superman Returns.

jeremyd99 on 7/2/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

Hey, what's up, man?
I've been trying to get some people's opinions on the best films of 2013, so I can find some new movies to watch.
I was wondering what movies from this year you would recomend from this year. Like a top 5 maybe, or at least, just ones you liked. Thanks! And, by the way, nice top 10! They're all great movies (except for Revenge of The Sith IMO). But, yeah, thanks.

jeremyd99 on 7/2/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Oh, and I hevent seen the Breakfast Club!

JC13 on 7/4/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (2 likes)

I also love that scene from No Country For Old Men.

jeremyd99 on 7/8/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

Sorry for the late response but I love that clip. too! Fantastic film! One of the few best picture winners that deserves the title of a masterpiece!

Also, I am pumped for Only God Forgives too! I honestly am having trouble sleeping cause Im so excited!

Oh, by the way, do you have a letterboxd account? You should really get one, I'll send you the likn to mine!

http://letterboxd.com/jeremyd999/

Tell me what you think!

jeremyd99 on 7/9/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

I'm gonna be out of town for a while, and I was wondering, since 'Only God Forgives' is going to be on Xfinity On Demand, can you stream it on the computer if you have a Comcast account?

Does anyone know?

Jackhammer1989 on 7/17/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

I'm kind of a sucker for the 80's teen comedies, can't you tell? Haha! You have an impressive list as well. Most of the movies in your top 100 that I haven't seen yet are on my list to watch (although I've been slowing down a lot lately what with the hot weather outside).

jeremyd99 on 7/19/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Yeah, sorry, I started to. What did you think of ZD30?

Seb on 7/24/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

thanks dude :) I relay the compliment. a lot of great 90s movies in there

re The Master, its a movie I implore everyone I know to go and see. the first half is seriously the best filmmaking ive ever seen. and Phoenix's performance is out of this world. simply mind blowing

Seb on 7/25/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

yeah, it amazes me how competent a filmmaker he was at such a young age.

re American Beauty, great film. I thinks its the definitive 90s movie. the whole world feels very lived-in, and reminds me of that 90s feeling. the music score is probably my favourite thing about it. Thomas Newman is a legend

Seb on 7/29/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

glad you dug it :)

julinona on 8/11/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

No problem. You seem to have a lot of awesome movies in your 20 top too, although I do really HATE Forrest Gump. I don't even think Tom Hanks performance was Oscar-worthy. I could say the same about Gladiator, but Russell Crowe is awesome in most things. Are there any movies that I love that you hate from what you can see on my list?

Is it just me, or does The Departed get worse (not by very much) with each viewing. I still do think it is one of the most hilarious non-comedy movies I have ever seen. What is your favorite line in the movie? Mine would have to be: Wanttosmokeyoudon'twanttosmokeyouoneofthosefitnessfreaksgofuckyourself. That line is so hilarious. I do have many others though, they are mainly from Mark Wahlberg and Alec Baldwin. Leo is PHENOMENAL in that movie. Probably his most underrated performance.

I desperately need to rewatch American Beauty. I really liked it the last viewing but I want to love it. I loved Kevin Spacey's performance.

julinona on 8/14/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

Hahaha I disagree but hey, opinions...

Those are great lines. I still love the movie though.

I rewatched American Beauty and I can say this, I need to watch it again. I didn't love it as much as to put it in my top 100. Also the experience didn't help. I paused three times during the movie, twice for 10 minutes and once for 40 minutes. Also I watched the last 30 minutes the next day. But I did love the last 30 minutes very much though. I can't say the same about the other part but it has to be the shitty time that I picked to watch it. I still am undecided on it. I do love Kevin Spacey very much in it though. I really think that ha should have had more screentime, the movie is a masterpiece every second he is onscreen, which is sadly, half of the time. But hey, I don't consider this to be my final opinion on the film.

julinona on 8/15/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

Godfather on your top 20 is awesome. You know what to do yourself, but since you had such a change of heart on The Godfather, I'd advise you do the same with the other movies in my top 5.

Yes I do have a letterboxd account, I never do anything on it though, I just read reviews. I do want to start writing reviews though, I'm just too lazy. Follow me so I can follow you if you want.

Don't take this the wrong way, but your recently added movies are mostly crap, have you given up on classics or highly regarded films?

shane24 on 8/23/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

How's it going? :) What have you seen recently that you enjoyed? :)

shane24 on 8/29/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

I loved The Way, Way Back so much! I went up to the city on the weekend to see Kick-Ass 2 and Elysium, which I have wanted to see all year!! The Way, Way Back, was an afterthought. I actually only watched it because The World's End timings didn't work out. Well, I ended up loving The Way, Way Back more than both of my highly anticipated movies! I loved the soundtrack. The songs fit the movie perfectly. I enjoyed that they cast a kid that fit the role, and not someone from Disney to play the role. It was enjoyable to see Carell branching out again, and what about Sam Rockwell! What fun I had watching him! I think it's one of my favourite performances from him. I know that one of these coming-of-age movies works for me when the main character is leaving, you feel the saddness yourself, like you don't want to say goodbye as well. It's a 9.5/10 for me, a real shock how much I enjoyed it. :)

julinona on 9/1/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

What's your name on Letterboxd?

PiccoloKing on 10/7/2013 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

Hey, we both know what's it like having a Kevin Spacey film at the top. Awesome list.

cheesydog1 on 4/12/2014 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

I see you really love American Beauty I really enjoy it my self

cheesydog1 on 4/14/2014 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

I feel embarrassed that I have Nightmare on number 1

cheesydog1 on 4/18/2014 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Forrest Gump and The Shawshank Redemption are of coarse amazing I mean I don't have to explain much about Shawshank but Forrest Gump is pooped on by a lot of people I mean I think it's one of the greatest films ever and it's not just because it's in my top ten

cheesydog1 on 4/19/2014 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

I bet you can see that my list has changed a lot yeah I haven't been changing my favorite films list much since I first got my profile on here I'm still working on it but yeah I highly suggest you see Sling Blade you won't be disappointed and also I want to say something about Taxi Driver let me tell you it's really growing on me the first time I saw it which was a long time ago I thought it was just good but the more I'm watching it the more I'm liking it I've just seen it for the third time a little while ago and I'm starting to love it I wonder what I'll think of it the next time I watch it

Koroy on 3/27/2015 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Thanks for accepting my friend request man :- ) I have to say that you have a great top 20 one of the best I have seen in this site

philip86ster on 2/16/2018 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

Nice top 20 list of the classics. I love American Beauty as well. I remember we studied it in my film class. Hopefully, people will still watch and appreciate it for years to come, despite Kevin Spacey's career being completely tarnished recently.

Eagleskywalker87 on 10/26/2019 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (1 like)

No worries mate. Yes, I also loved Into The Wild. It's just a great movie that reminds me of what's important in life following a journey of a character implying the connections and dreams we make with a great performance by Emile Hirsch.

Eagleskywalker87 on 11/7/2019 Reply  ·  Like  ·  (0 likes)

I am a massive Scorsese fan and I noticed that we both have Taxi Driver in our top 10! As of The Irishman, I'm excited but I'm trying to keep my expectations in check. I can't explain it but I'm kinda skeptical about.