list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around The Green Mile on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/The_Green_Mile/135295/default.aspx Title: The Green Mile
Year: 1999
Director: Frank Darabont
Plot: Director Frank Darabont, who made an acclaimed feature film debut with The Shawshank Redemption (1994), based on a Stephen King novel set in a prison, returns for a second feature, based on King's 1996 serialized novel set in a prison. In 1935, inmates at the Cold Mountain Correctional Facility call Death Row "The Green Mile" because of the dark green linoleum that tiles the floor. Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) is the head guard on the Green Mile when a new inmate is brought into his custody: John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), convicted of the sadistic murder of two young girls. Despite his size and the fearsome crimes for which he's serving time, Coffey seems to be a kind and well-mannered person who behaves more like an innocent child than a hardened criminal. Soon Edgecomb and two of his fellow guards, Howell (David Morse) and Stanton Barry Pepper), notice something odd about Coffey: he's able to perform what seem to be miracles of healing among his fellow inmates, leading them to wonder just what sort of person he could be, and if he could have committed the crimes with which he was charged. The Green Mile also stars James Cromwell as the warden; Michael Jeter, Sam Rockwell, and Graham Greene as inmates awaiting dates with the electric chair; and Harry Dean Stanton as a clever trustee. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 43
Number of Lists: 62
Number of blog posts: 4
Number of discussion threads: 9
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:24:16 GMTThe Green Mile1999Frank DarabontDirector <a href="/players/P____86735/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Frank Darabont</a>, who made an acclaimed feature film debut with <a href=/films/90869/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>The Shawshank Redemption</a> (1994), based on a <a href="/players/P____97473/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Stephen King</a> novel set in a prison, returns for a second feature, based on King's 1996 serialized novel set in a prison. In 1935, inmates at the Cold Mountain Correctional Facility call Death Row "The Green Mile" because of the dark green linoleum that tiles the floor. Paul Edgecomb (<a href="/players/P____93341/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Tom Hanks</a>) is the head guard on the Green Mile when a new inmate is brought into his custody: John Coffey (<a href="/players/P___240637/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Michael Clarke Duncan</a>), convicted of the sadistic murder of two young girls. Despite his size and the fearsome crimes for which he's serving time, Coffey seems to be a kind and well-mannered person who behaves more like an innocent child than a hardened criminal. Soon Edgecomb and two of his fellow guards, Howell (<a href="/players/P____50885/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>David Morse</a>) and Stanton <a href="/players/P___234983/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Barry Pepper</a>), notice something odd about Coffey: he's able to perform what seem to be miracles of healing among his fellow inmates, leading them to wonder just what sort of person he could be, and if he could have committed the crimes with which he was charged. The Green Mile also stars <a href="/players/P____15842/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>James Cromwell</a> as the warden; <a href="/players/P____35590/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Michael Jeter</a>, <a href="/players/P____60946/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Sam Rockwell</a>, and <a href="/players/P____92487/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Graham Greene</a> as inmates awaiting dates with the electric chair; and <a href="/players/P____67626/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Harry Dean Stanton</a> as a clever trustee. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide43Tag Target (>10)62493http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/u35877hmwco.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Green_Mile/135295/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_August_17_Death_Row/625/43635/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 8/19/2009 12:24:16 PM
Body: The obvious movie to mention here is The Green Mile. Pretty much the primary setting is a death row facility in this wonderful three hour film. You have all seen it right?? Also a movie that come to mind to me that I have actually never seen is The Life of David Gale. Has anyone here seen this? The reason why it sticks with me is because of Roger Ebert's famous review. Actually I just read it again and am really interested in seeing the movie because he can't reveal the spoilers but indicates how much the results angered him. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030221/REVIEWS/302210304/1023 A movie that Ebert does mention at the end of the review is another one I thought of that I have seen though. In Cold Blood ends up with a little while at death row. I believe this is where Truman Capote met the real men and coerced their story from them. It's also an amazing film and worth watching.
]]>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:24:16 GMTRisseladaWeekly Theme8/19/2009 12:24:16 PMThe obvious movie to mention here is The Green Mile. Pretty much the primary setting is a death row facility in this wonderful three hour film. You have all seen it right?? Also a movie that come to mind to me that I have actually never seen is The Life of David Gale. Has anyone here seen this? The reason why it sticks with me is because of Roger Ebert's famous review. Actually I just read it again and am really interested in seeing the movie because he can't reveal the spoilers but indicates how much the results angered him. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030221/REVIEWS/302210304/1023 A movie that Ebert does mention at the end of the review is another one I thought of that I have seen though. In Cold Blood ends up with a little while at death row. I believe this is where Truman Capote met the real men and coerced their story from them. It's also an amazing film and worth watching. http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2009/1/23/39844.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 1/23/2009 4:00:40 PM
Body: I don’t want to publish the Twitter identities of those who have won tickets to see The Dark Knight on IMAX, a contest we announced yesterday, but I will tell you what movies they told us, via Twitter, what movies they’d like to see released on the IMAX screen: Caligula Blade Runner Mulholland Drive Once Upon a Time in America / Once Upon a Time in the West Titanic Lawrence of Arabia Young Frankenstein / Close Encounters of the Third Kind Brazil Drunken Master E.T. / The Green Mile As you’d expect there are a lot of epics on the list as well as a couple of offbeat choices - I love the people who suggested Brazil and Young Frankenstein. Thanks to everyone who sent in their suggestions and look for more contests like this in the future. Make sure to keep following @spout for updates, news and more. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:00:40 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com1/23/2009 4:00:40 PMI don’t want to publish the Twitter identities of those who have won tickets to see The Dark Knight on IMAX, a contest we announced yesterday, but I will tell you what movies they told us, via Twitter, what movies they’d like to see released on the IMAX screen: Caligula Blade Runner Mulholland Drive Once Upon a Time in America / Once Upon a Time in the West Titanic Lawrence of Arabia Young Frankenstein / Close Encounters of the Third Kind Brazil Drunken Master E.T. / The Green Mile As you’d expect there are a lot of epics on the list as well as a couple of offbeat choices - I love the people who suggested Brazil and Young Frankenstein. Thanks to everyone who sent in their suggestions and look for more contests like this in the future. Make sure to keep following @spout for updates, news and more. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2009/1/5/39117.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 1/5/2009 5:01:02 PM
Body: Out of all the cinematic staples, the so-called “magical negro” is the worst to define and discuss due to it being the mother of all loaded terms. A catch-all phrase used to describe how African-Americans in film tend to be superhuman physically, spiritually or both, it’s currently in the midst of the pop cultural zeitgeist thanks to a crappy song and New Year’s faux-pas. Anytime someone sees a black character used as a story tool in a film — in the case of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Queenie (Taraji P. Henson) originally didn’t exist in Fitzgerald’s story — there is a mild cry of “There! There! I see a magical negro in the distance! Yes! There!” One should wonder why Eric Roth deemed it necessary to suddenly introduce the character as a framing device for guiding the CGI Man-Child about, but that’s up to anyone who can be assed to sit through that three hour bore. So, we’ve taken it upon ourselves—and in full expectation of the eventual backlash that will come from one friend of ours, Odienator at Big Media Vandalism—to deconstruct the favorite crutch of Stephen King, the Wachowski Brothers and whoever else has a problem understanding just what makes the worst stereotype the worst stereotype. The “Morgan Freeman” As Seen In: Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty, The Shawshank Redemption A controversial choice, sure, and quite possibly a lazy choice. But Morgan Freeman has so deeply inserted himself in our culture as the wise, old teacher that him playing a seductively raging pimp in Street Smart seems impossible. Yet his gravely, nurturing voice seems to soothe us into believing whatever he says. And for some reason, he’s now playing into the comfortable role that he’s been typecast as since Driving Miss Daisy–the wiry, coy helper who can do fine on his own, but decides to help the Lead instead. In a way, Freeman became unintentionally responsible for confusing any black actor in any role as falling under the “magic negro” cliché. The Angel As Seen In: The Family Man, The Legend of Bagger Vance, What Dreams May Come, The Preacher’s Wife Every so often, a Successful White Guy finds himself with an overwhelming problem: his girlfriend left him, he’s too rich and successful, he realizes he’s Robin Williams. And lo, a loosely defined but altruistic Black Man will appear with unknown powers to set the S.W.G. straight. Sometimes, he’ll appear as Don Cheadle. Other times, he’ll be Will Smith, emerging from the woods and help you get your (golf) game back. And rarely, he’ll be Cuba Gooding, Jr. (and later Max von Sydow) or Denzel Washington, who’ll help you re-connect with your loved ones. Best shown through the utter ridiculousness from Bagger Vance, The Angel provides a fresh start to our troubled lead character, who must pretend to have his angst quickly fixed by the folksy and whimsical lessons given by their winged friends. Ultimately, there’s a generic life lesson learned (”keep family close, don’t let work get in the way, learn golf”) that benefits both the Angel and the S.W.G. (and in case of Preacher’s Wife, Courtney Vance.) The Innocent As Seen In: The Green Mile, Radio We’re pushing it with Radio here, but hold on. The Innocent is normally portrayed by a large, intimidating figure (Michael Clarke Duncan) or, if you’re Cuba Gooding Jr., a “full retard.” Everything is child-like to them and they’re incapable of controlling their own strength–or knowingly acting as if they have mental problems for critical acclaim. And they posses a great inner spirit that seems almost magical. Not to mention their sympathetic white friends (Tom Hanks, Ed Harris) feel pity for them based on their short-comings, but are won over by their child-like sympathy–and curing their tract infections. The Teacher As Seen In: The Matrix Trilogy, The Secret Life of Bees, The Shining Whether they’re telling Keanu to free his mind, teaching Dakota Fanning about the blues and selling her precious honey, or demonstrating how to talk with your index finger–The Teacher is there. While the role could be played by anyone, here we’re given figures that seem to have all the knowledge in the world, yet all they can be is a foil to pass that onto another character–normally the dopey white guy or gal. As Spike Lee once asked, “How is it that black people have these powers but they use them for the benefit of white people?” Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:01:02 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com1/5/2009 5:01:02 PMOut of all the cinematic staples, the so-called “magical negro” is the worst to define and discuss due to it being the mother of all loaded terms. A catch-all phrase used to describe how African-Americans in film tend to be superhuman physically, spiritually or both, it’s currently in the midst of the pop cultural zeitgeist thanks to a crappy song and New Year’s faux-pas. Anytime someone sees a black character used as a story tool in a film — in the case of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Queenie (Taraji P. Henson) originally didn’t exist in Fitzgerald’s story — there is a mild cry of “There! There! I see a magical negro in the distance! Yes! There!” One should wonder why Eric Roth deemed it necessary to suddenly introduce the character as a framing device for guiding the CGI Man-Child about, but that’s up to anyone who can be assed to sit through that three hour bore. So, we’ve taken it upon ourselves—and in full expectation of the eventual backlash that will come from one friend of ours, Odienator at Big Media Vandalism—to deconstruct the favorite crutch of Stephen King, the Wachowski Brothers and whoever else has a problem understanding just what makes the worst stereotype the worst stereotype. The “Morgan Freeman” As Seen In: Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty, The Shawshank Redemption A controversial choice, sure, and quite possibly a lazy choice. But Morgan Freeman has so deeply inserted himself in our culture as the wise, old teacher that him playing a seductively raging pimp in Street Smart seems impossible. Yet his gravely, nurturing voice seems to soothe us into believing whatever he says. And for some reason, he’s now playing into the comfortable role that he’s been typecast as since Driving Miss Daisy–the wiry, coy helper who can do fine on his own, but decides to help the Lead instead. In a way, Freeman became unintentionally responsible for confusing any black actor in any role as falling under the “magic negro” cliché. The Angel As Seen In: The Family Man, The Legend of Bagger Vance, What Dreams May Come, The Preacher’s Wife Every so often, a Successful White Guy finds himself with an overwhelming problem: his girlfriend left him, he’s too rich and successful, he realizes he’s Robin Williams. And lo, a loosely defined but altruistic Black Man will appear with unknown powers to set the S.W.G. straight. Sometimes, he’ll appear as Don Cheadle. Other times, he’ll be Will Smith, emerging from the woods and help you get your (golf) game back. And rarely, he’ll be Cuba Gooding, Jr. (and later Max von Sydow) or Denzel Washington, who’ll help you re-connect with your loved ones. Best shown through the utter ridiculousness from Bagger Vance, The Angel provides a fresh start to our troubled lead character, who must pretend to have his angst quickly fixed by the folksy and whimsical lessons given by their winged friends. Ultimately, there’s a generic life lesson learned (”keep family close, don’t let work get in the way, learn golf”) that benefits both the Angel and the S.W.G. (and in case of Preacher’s Wife, Courtney Vance.) The Innocent As Seen In: The Green Mile, Radio We’re pushing it with Radio here, but hold on. The Innocent is normally portrayed by a large, intimidating figure (Michael Clarke Duncan) or, if you’re Cuba Gooding Jr., a “full retard.” Everything is child-like to them and they’re incapable of controlling their own strength–or knowingly acting as if they have mental problems for critical acclaim. And they posses a great inner spirit that seems almost magical. Not to mention their sympathetic white friends (Tom Hanks, Ed Harris) feel pity for them based on their short-comings, but are won over by their child-like sympathy–and curing their tract infections. The Teacher As Seen In: The Matrix Trilogy, The Secret Life of Bees, The Shining Whether they’re telling Keanu to free his mind, teaching Dakota Fanning about the blues and selling her precious honey, or demonstrating how to talk with your index finger–The Teacher is there. While the role could be played by anyone, here we’re given figures that seem to have all the knowledge in the world, yet all they can be is a foil to pass that onto another character–normally the dopey white guy or gal. As Spike Lee once asked, “How is it that black people have these powers but they use them for the benefit of white people?” Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/groups/The_Imagination_of_Fantasy/Re_The_Best_Fantasy/47/38868/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: pippin06
Post To: The Imagination of Fantasy
Post Date: 12/26/2008 9:31:00 PM
Body: [quote user="Risselada"] I had to check your list to see how broadly you classified a movie as being fantasy. I see you put Groundhog Day on there which really doesn't have a lot of fantastical elements other than one basic anomaly that causes him to keep reliving the same day over and over. Other than that, each day is actually pretty normal without any magic or strange creatures or fantastical geography. So it's kind of hard for me to determine in my mind which movies that have some fantastical element are fantastic enough to be considered "fantasy" Here are a few good ones though: Ugetsu Monogatari - although ghosts aren't that uncommon in East Asian storytelling. I think more people have historically considered them a part of reality more than in the west. The Devil and Daniel Webster - again, how real this is may depend on your belief in the spritual world, but mostly it's an alegory. Groundhog Day / It's a Wonderful Life - Groundhog Day is a great movie, and if we are going to include that, I think we should inclued It's a Wonderful Life too. The Seventh Seal - I guess it looks like most of my absolute favorites feature spiritual or ghostly elements. Here we have Death personified. Star Wars - the whole first trilogy of course! No Such Thing - kind of an exploration of fantasy and monsters and why the human race needs or no longer needs these characters Who Framed Roger Rabbit All of Miyazaki's movies Stalker - Stunning! Sleepy Hollow / Beetlejuice - some of my favorite Tim Burton fantasy Shoot, I'm going over 10. Let me list a couple more: Alice in Wonderland, The Sword in the Stone, Pete's Dragon, The Green Mile, Time Bandits, Hellboy, The Thief of Bagdad [/quote] Ah, but see in our Fantasy group, it's not all about dragons and magic and elves and unicorns and things. If you'll notice, the other lists include topics like "What If?" movies because, basically, if you're imagining an answer to a "what if?" that could take on many shapes and sizes, you're engaging in fantasy. Case in point: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, just released, imagines a what if scenario asking the question "what if a person is born old and grows young?" Maybe that's too obvious, though. Groundhog Day imagines, "What if you were stuck in the same day over and over again, what would happen or what would you do." Similarly, It's a Wonderful Life imagines, "What if you were never born?" Those are all questions that involve flights of imagination, and fantasy. Note dictionary.com's uber-available definition (noun form only): fan⋅ta⋅sy   /ˈfæntəsi, -zi/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [fan-tuh-see, -zee] Show IPA Pronunciation noun, plural -sies, verb, -sied, -sy⋅ing. –noun 1. imagination, esp. when extravagant and unrestrained. 2. the forming of mental images, esp. wondrous or strange fancies; imaginative conceptualizing. 3. a mental image, esp. when unreal or fantastic; vision: a nightmare fantasy. 4. Psychology. an imagined or conjured up sequence fulfilling a psychological need; daydream. 5. a hallucination. 6. a supposition based on no solid foundation; visionary idea; illusion: dreams of Utopias and similar fantasies. 7. caprice; whim. 8. an ingenious or fanciful thought, design, or invention. 9. Also, fantasia. Literature. an imaginative or fanciful work, esp. one dealing with supernatural or unnatural events or characters: The stories of Poe are fantasies of horror. Besides, the AFI validates Groundhog Day and It's a Wonderful Life on these fronts, if you have any truck with them: http://www.afi.com/10top10/fantasy.html So, yes, this is a long-winded way of saying let's include them, we like it all here, but you did go over 10. Can you limit your list and pick the absolute 10 best fantasy films from your nominations? I know it'll be a challenge, but I'm going to hold myself to that too! If you can't, that's ok, but there's a method to the madness...:-)
]]>Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:31:00 GMTpippin06The Imagination of Fantasy12/26/2008 9:31:00 PM[quote user="Risselada"] I had to check your list to see how broadly you classified a movie as being fantasy. I see you put Groundhog Day on there which really doesn't have a lot of fantastical elements other than one basic anomaly that causes him to keep reliving the same day over and over. Other than that, each day is actually pretty normal without any magic or strange creatures or fantastical geography. So it's kind of hard for me to determine in my mind which movies that have some fantastical element are fantastic enough to be considered "fantasy" Here are a few good ones though: Ugetsu Monogatari - although ghosts aren't that uncommon in East Asian storytelling. I think more people have historically considered them a part of reality more than in the west. The Devil and Daniel Webster - again, how real this is may depend on your belief in the spritual world, but mostly it's an alegory. Groundhog Day / It's a Wonderful Life - Groundhog Day is a great movie, and if we are going to include that, I think we should inclued It's a Wonderful Life too. The Seventh Seal - I guess it looks like most of my absolute favorites feature spiritual or ghostly elements. Here we have Death personified. Star Wars - the whole first trilogy of course! No Such Thing - kind of an exploration of fantasy and monsters and why the human race needs or no longer needs these characters Who Framed Roger Rabbit All of Miyazaki's movies Stalker - Stunning! Sleepy Hollow / Beetlejuice - some of my favorite Tim Burton fantasy Shoot, I'm going over 10. Let me list a couple more: Alice in Wonderland, The Sword in the Stone, Pete's Dragon, The Green Mile, Time Bandits, Hellboy, The Thief of Bagdad [/quote] Ah, but see in our Fantasy group, it's not all about dragons and magic and elves and unicorns and things. If you'll notice, the other lists include topics like "What If?" movies because, basically, if you're imagining an answer to a "what if?" that could take on many shapes and sizes, you're engaging in fantasy. Case in point: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, just released, imagines a what if scenario asking the question "what if a person is born old and grows young?" Maybe that's too obvious, though. Groundhog Day imagines, "What if you were stuck in the same day over and over again, what would happen or what would you do." Similarly, It's a Wonderful Life imagines, "What if you were never born?" Those are all questions that involve flights of imagination, and fantasy. Note dictionary.com's uber-available definition (noun form only): fan&sdot;ta&sdot;sy&ensp; &ensp;/ˈf&aelig;ntəsi, -zi/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [fan-tuh-see, -zee] Show IPA Pronunciation noun, plural -sies, verb, -sied, -sy&sdot;ing. &ndash;noun 1. imagination, esp. when extravagant and unrestrained. 2. the forming of mental images, esp. wondrous or strange fancies; imaginative conceptualizing. 3. a mental image, esp. when unreal or fantastic; vision: a nightmare fantasy. 4. Psychology. an imagined or conjured up sequence fulfilling a psychological need; daydream. 5. a hallucination. 6. a supposition based on no solid foundation; visionary idea; illusion: dreams of Utopias and similar fantasies. 7. caprice; whim. 8. an ingenious or fanciful thought, design, or invention. 9. Also, fantasia. Literature. an imaginative or fanciful work, esp. one dealing with supernatural or unnatural events or characters: The stories of Poe are fantasies of horror. Besides, the AFI validates Groundhog Day and It's a Wonderful Life on these fronts, if you have any truck with them: http://www.afi.com/10top10/fantasy.html So, yes, this is a long-winded way of saying let's include them, we like it all here, but you did go over 10. Can you limit your list and pick the absolute 10 best fantasy films from your nominations? I know it'll be a challenge, but I'm going to hold myself to that too! If you can't, that's ok, but there's a method to the madness...:-) http://www.spout.com/groups/The_Imagination_of_Fantasy/Re_The_Best_Fantasy/47/38814/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: The Imagination of Fantasy
Post Date: 12/24/2008 1:01:46 PM
Body: [quote user="pippin06"] Hi fantasy lovers! You may have noticed if you joined the group that there is a list, currently locked, called "The Best Fantasy." I created that list when I created the group, mostly because it was an excuse for a list I could create, but most of the entries are what I think are the best. I locked it because I realized - I think we need a compiled list from the membership. Something a la some of these other groups I belong to...something like a poll, or a Top 5, or a list of collaborative recommendations (and credit to all from whom I am, uh, tweaking the idea). Therefore, it's time for you to weigh in! Pick your favorite fantasy movies. No fewer than one, no more than ten. Tell us why you think they are the best! With enough responses, we can compile our very own Best Fantasy list, and then, perhaps, we can Spout it for all of Spout to hear! Mwa ha! After all, who better to make this list than us? I'll let you get the ball rolling, since I already made that list...give us a start. I'll contribute my faves asap! [/quote] I had to check your list to see how broadly you classified a movie as being fantasy. I see you put Groundhog Day on there which really doesn't have a lot of fantastical elements other than one basic anomaly that causes him to keep reliving the same day over and over. Other than that, each day is actually pretty normal without any magic or strange creatures or fantastical geography. So it's kind of hard for me to determine in my mind which movies that have some fantastical element are fantastic enough to be considered "fantasy" Here are a few good ones though: Ugetsu Monogatari - although ghosts aren't that uncommon in East Asian storytelling. I think more people have historically considered them a part of reality more than in the west. The Devil and Daniel Webster - again, how real this is may depend on your belief in the spritual world, but mostly it's an alegory. Groundhog Day / It's a Wonderful Life - Groundhog Day is a great movie, and if we are going to include that, I think we should inclued It's a Wonderful Life too. The Seventh Seal - I guess it looks like most of my absolute favorites feature spiritual or ghostly elements. Here we have Death personified. Star Wars - the whole first trilogy of course! No Such Thing - kind of an exploration of fantasy and monsters and why the human race needs or no longer needs these characters Who Framed Roger Rabbit All of Miyazaki's movies Stalker - Stunning! Sleepy Hollow / Beetlejuice - some of my favorite Tim Burton fantasy Shoot, I'm going over 10. Let me list a couple more: Alice in Wonderland, The Sword in the Stone, Pete's Dragon, The Green Mile, Time Bandits, Hellboy, The Thief of Bagdad
]]>Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:01:46 GMTRisseladaThe Imagination of Fantasy12/24/2008 1:01:46 PM[quote user="pippin06"] Hi fantasy lovers! You may have noticed if you joined the group that there is a list, currently locked, called "The Best Fantasy." I created that list when I created the group, mostly because it was an excuse for a list I could create, but most of the entries are what I think are the best. I locked it because I realized - I think we need a compiled list from the membership. Something a la some of these other groups I belong to...something like a poll, or a Top 5, or a list of collaborative recommendations (and credit to all from whom I am, uh, tweaking the idea). Therefore, it's time for you to weigh in! Pick your favorite fantasy movies. No fewer than one, no more than ten. Tell us why you think they are the best! With enough responses, we can compile our very own Best Fantasy list, and then, perhaps, we can Spout it for all of Spout to hear! Mwa ha! After all, who better to make this list than us? I'll let you get the ball rolling, since I already made that list...give us a start. I'll contribute my faves asap! [/quote] I had to check your list to see how broadly you classified a movie as being fantasy. I see you put Groundhog Day on there which really doesn't have a lot of fantastical elements other than one basic anomaly that causes him to keep reliving the same day over and over. Other than that, each day is actually pretty normal without any magic or strange creatures or fantastical geography. So it's kind of hard for me to determine in my mind which movies that have some fantastical element are fantastic enough to be considered "fantasy" Here are a few good ones though: Ugetsu Monogatari - although ghosts aren't that uncommon in East Asian storytelling. I think more people have historically considered them a part of reality more than in the west. The Devil and Daniel Webster - again, how real this is may depend on your belief in the spritual world, but mostly it's an alegory. Groundhog Day / It's a Wonderful Life - Groundhog Day is a great movie, and if we are going to include that, I think we should inclued It's a Wonderful Life too. The Seventh Seal - I guess it looks like most of my absolute favorites feature spiritual or ghostly elements. Here we have Death personified. Star Wars - the whole first trilogy of course! No Such Thing - kind of an exploration of fantasy and monsters and why the human race needs or no longer needs these characters Who Framed Roger Rabbit All of Miyazaki's movies Stalker - Stunning! Sleepy Hollow / Beetlejuice - some of my favorite Tim Burton fantasy Shoot, I'm going over 10. Let me list a couple more: Alice in Wonderland, The Sword in the Stone, Pete's Dragon, The Green Mile, Time Bandits, Hellboy, The Thief of Bagdad http://www.spout.com/blogs/usesoap/archive/2008/10/20/36516.aspx Post By: usesoap
Post To: usesoap Blog
Post Date: 10/20/2008 12:47:36 PM
Body: (Note: This is actaully written as part of my newspaper review column, whose readers may not be as obsessive about their horror films as members of the Spout community, but I felt I would include it nonetheless) Let's face it, the current economic news is far more terrifying than any feature that can grace the big screen right now. For horror devotees, there's the never-ending “Saw” franchise making its fifth trip to the multiplex this weekend. And there is really only one other legitimate fright flick for it to contend with (and no, “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “W.” don't count). The film is “Quarantine,” which I will get to later. But first, may I suggest a few more economically friendly ways to get your scare on this season of the witch by suggesting some DVD titles that you may have overlooked. For the discernible horror fan, it's always a tough trip to the video store, where, through the magic of Photoshop, DVD covers hold promises that the crappy films inside could ever keep. Fear not, for I have sifted through mounds of gore guano and will provide you with a few under-seen flesh-crawling flicks that are created with style, substance and sufficient scares. “Them (Ils)” (2006): Forget “The Strangers,” the Liv-Tyler-headlining film released this week on DVD (actually, that's unfair, for that film does create a palpable atmosphere). The similar plot of “Them” is the standard couple-stranded -in-an-isolated-locale horror theme. But after about 15 minutes of setup, the film rarely stops to catch its breath, as a young couple relies on their wiles to elude a faceless tormentor (or tormentors?). Clocking in at less than 90 minutes, the film zips by at a frenetic pace, and while the French-made film does have subtitles, the numerous bumps, creaks, crashes and screams that pump through your surround sound need no translation. “Slither” (2006): For those who enjoy a few more chuckles to lighten the mood between scenes of terror, “Slither” is an homage to those fantastic alien invasion films of the '50s, updated with a millennial sensibility. Director James Gunn lovingly recreates a world of icky aliens, intentional humor and genuine scares. Also, look for a wonderful cameo from Gunn's real-life wife Jenna (“The Office”) Fischer. “Rogue” (2007): It's hard to convince scare skeptics to give a chance to a giant killer crocodile movie, but why are they so willing to embrace a 30-foot shark as one of the best films of all time? I'm not placing this on the same level as “Jaws,” of course, but I am saying that there are a number of effective flourishes in this film that merit it a spot on your rental list. A group of tourists in Australia get cornered by a rather rabid reptile with a taste for human flesh. “Rogue” earns its scales for treating its characters as more than just croc chum and leaving us to wonder just who will bite it next. “The Mist” in black and white (2007): Director Frank Darabont has been one of the most beloved screen collaborators of author Stephen King's work. “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Green Mile” consistently rate at the top of King's page-to-screen transfers. And while you may have witnessed this film in its brief theatrical run, or even caught it on DVD, you have not really “experienced” it until you watch it in its monochromatic glory, which is available on the two-disc collector's edition. Creating the overall mood of a classic B-movie monster movie from the '50s, the film's CGI-created creatures appear seamless, the shadows are more ominous and the overall tone just a little moodier. And finally, if you still enjoy your jolts surrounded by a roomful of strangers, there is a rather effective alternative to “Saw” still playing in local theaters. Based on a much-more-effective Spanish film called “[Rec]” (as in the “Record” button) that is not yet available on DVD, “Quarantine” is still the next best thing for a fun-filled fright night. The plot focuses on a young reporter spending the night in a firehouse for a story, and she certainly gets one when the station is called to a disturbance in a nearby apartment complex. While there, she and her cameraman capture its residents succumbing to a strange virus that causes them to be cordoned off from the general public. Even though the film is structured similarly to the single-camera style of “The Blair Witch Project” and “Cloverfield,” it does not fall victim to the “shaky-cam” shots that induced nausea for so many viewers. While the film feels more polished than its Spanish predecessor, it is still provides a number of worthwhile creeps and jolts. Purists may want to steer clear, though and wait for the DVD release, as this version is almost a shot-for-shot remake. But if you are wary of having to face Jigsaw for yet another go-round at the theater this Halloween, than “Quarantine” has more than enough bite.
]]>Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:47:36 GMTusesoapusesoap Blog10/20/2008 12:47:36 PM(Note: This is actaully written as part of my newspaper review column, whose readers may not be as obsessive about their horror films as members of the Spout community, but I felt I would include it nonetheless) Let's face it, the current economic news is far more terrifying than any feature that can grace the big screen right now. For horror devotees, there's the never-ending &ldquo;Saw&rdquo; franchise making its fifth trip to the multiplex this weekend. And there is really only one other legitimate fright flick for it to contend with (and no, &ldquo;Beverly Hills Chihuahua&rdquo; and &ldquo;W.&rdquo; don't count). The film is &ldquo;Quarantine,&rdquo; which I will get to later. But first, may I suggest a few more economically friendly ways to get your scare on this season of the witch by suggesting some DVD titles that you may have overlooked. For the discernible horror fan, it's always a tough trip to the video store, where, through the magic of Photoshop, DVD covers hold promises that the crappy films inside could ever keep. Fear not, for I have sifted through mounds of gore guano and will provide you with a few under-seen flesh-crawling flicks that are created with style, substance and sufficient scares. &ldquo;Them (Ils)&rdquo; (2006): Forget &ldquo;The Strangers,&rdquo; the Liv-Tyler-headlining film released this week on DVD (actually, that's unfair, for that film does create a palpable atmosphere). The similar plot of &ldquo;Them&rdquo; is the standard couple-stranded -in-an-isolated-locale horror theme. But after about 15 minutes of setup, the film rarely stops to catch its breath, as a young couple relies on their wiles to elude a faceless tormentor (or tormentors?). Clocking in at less than 90 minutes, the film zips by at a frenetic pace, and while the French-made film does have subtitles, the numerous bumps, creaks, crashes and screams that pump through your surround sound need no translation. &ldquo;Slither&rdquo; (2006): For those who enjoy a few more chuckles to lighten the mood between scenes of terror, &ldquo;Slither&rdquo; is an homage to those fantastic alien invasion films of the '50s, updated with a millennial sensibility. Director James Gunn lovingly recreates a world of icky aliens, intentional humor and genuine scares. Also, look for a wonderful cameo from Gunn's real-life wife Jenna (&ldquo;The Office&rdquo;) Fischer. &ldquo;Rogue&rdquo; (2007): It's hard to convince scare skeptics to give a chance to a giant killer crocodile movie, but why are they so willing to embrace a 30-foot shark as one of the best films of all time? I'm not placing this on the same level as &ldquo;Jaws,&rdquo; of course, but I am saying that there are a number of effective flourishes in this film that merit it a spot on your rental list. A group of tourists in Australia get cornered by a rather rabid reptile with a taste for human flesh. &ldquo;Rogue&rdquo; earns its scales for treating its characters as more than just croc chum and leaving us to wonder just who will bite it next. &ldquo;The Mist&rdquo; in black and white (2007): Director Frank Darabont has been one of the most beloved screen collaborators of author Stephen King's work. &ldquo;The Shawshank Redemption&rdquo; and &ldquo;The Green Mile&rdquo; consistently rate at the top of King's page-to-screen transfers. And while you may have witnessed this film in its brief theatrical run, or even caught it on DVD, you have not really &ldquo;experienced&rdquo; it until you watch it in its monochromatic glory, which is available on the two-disc collector's edition. Creating the overall mood of a classic B-movie monster movie from the '50s, the film's CGI-created creatures appear seamless, the shadows are more ominous and the overall tone just a little moodier. And finally, if you still enjoy your jolts surrounded by a roomful of strangers, there is a rather effective alternative to &ldquo;Saw&rdquo; still playing in local theaters. Based on a much-more-effective Spanish film called &ldquo;[Rec]&rdquo; (as in the &ldquo;Record&rdquo; button) that is not yet available on DVD, &ldquo;Quarantine&rdquo; is still the next best thing for a fun-filled fright night. The plot focuses on a young reporter spending the night in a firehouse for a story, and she certainly gets one when the station is called to a disturbance in a nearby apartment complex. While there, she and her cameraman capture its residents succumbing to a strange virus that causes them to be cordoned off from the general public. Even though the film is structured similarly to the single-camera style of &ldquo;The Blair Witch Project&rdquo; and &ldquo;Cloverfield,&rdquo; it does not fall victim to the &ldquo;shaky-cam&rdquo; shots that induced nausea for so many viewers. While the film feels more polished than its Spanish predecessor, it is still provides a number of worthwhile creeps and jolts. Purists may want to steer clear, though and wait for the DVD release, as this version is almost a shot-for-shot remake. But if you are wary of having to face Jigsaw for yet another go-round at the theater this Halloween, than &ldquo;Quarantine&rdquo; has more than enough bite. http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Games/Movies_for_Animals/598/32720/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: csprague
Post To: Movie Games
Post Date: 7/18/2008 12:21:08 PM
Body: It's pretty simple, just pick an animal and then say what movies they would like to watch. This is a tribute to my hamster, Jeffrey. He would like to watch: Ratatouille Cinderella Of Mice and Men The Green Mile Stuart Little An American Tail An American Tail: Fievel Goes West The Killer Shrews (when he's in the horror mood)
]]>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:21:08 GMTcspragueMovie Games7/18/2008 12:21:08 PMIt's pretty simple, just pick an animal and then say what movies they would like to watch. This is a tribute to my hamster, Jeffrey. He would like to watch: Ratatouille Cinderella Of Mice and Men The Green Mile Stuart Little An American Tail An American Tail: Fievel Goes West The Killer Shrews (when he's in the horror mood) http://www.spout.com/groups/movie_maniacs/Re_REMAKES_amp_BOOK_ADAPTATION/248/17299/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: lukasblu
Post To: movie_maniacs
Post Date: 8/4/2007 10:29:29 PM
Body: How about a few stephen king books/short stories?(some original book/short story titles where changed when made in film)movies based on S. King books i liked are : Misery, Green Mile ,Stand by me and Hearts in AtlantisAmy tan books that was made into a movie :the Joy Luck Club; this movie was great!Books that i read and did not like the film version:Bridges of Madison CountyDid any one see Perfume : the Story of a Murderer (2006)? Was not highly impressed with this movie,some scenes were just outlandish,and there was barely any scare/suspense factor in this movie that i hoped it to be or as advertised to be;I am curious about checking out the book this film was based on though,it seems quite an interesting tale.
]]>Sun, 05 Aug 2007 02:29:29 GMTlukasblumovie_maniacs8/4/2007 10:29:29 PMHow about a few stephen king books/short stories?(some original book/short story titles where changed when made in film)movies based on S. King books i liked are : Misery, Green Mile ,Stand by me and Hearts in AtlantisAmy tan books that was made into a movie :the Joy Luck Club; this movie was great!Books that i read and did not like the film version:Bridges of Madison CountyDid any one see Perfume : the Story of a Murderer (2006)? Was not highly impressed with this movie,some scenes were just outlandish,and there was barely any scare/suspense factor in this movie that i hoped it to be or as advertised to be;I am curious about checking out the book this film was based on though,it seems quite an interesting tale. http://www.spout.com/groups/suspense_thriller_mystery_horror/Re_it/407/16983/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: lukasblu
Post To: suspense-thriller-mystery-horror
Post Date: 7/31/2007 9:33:05 PM
Body: "Stephen King write great books but I've yet to find one of the movies based on his books that is at all interesting. " you are right mostly on that. With the exception of Misery (1990);just about evereyone i know that have seen seen misery liked it just like me. Although, i have never read the book so i do not know how it compares to the book. A couple of memorable quotes from that movie i love is "you dirty birdy" and " I am your number one fan".Stephen king did write some non-horror books/short stories which i thought became pretty good movies(again, i never read the books and the movie name might be different from the original story by s.king).They are:Stand by Me (1986), The Green Mile (1999), and Hearts in Atlantis (2001)( this flick did not get good critical appraise,but i liked this flick)I actually saw stephen king once when he performed in a band called "Rock Bottom Remainders" with other famous authors in the miami book fair .He was pretty cool;they played a bunch of old/cassic rock songs
]]>Wed, 01 Aug 2007 01:33:05 GMTlukasblususpense-thriller-mystery-horror7/31/2007 9:33:05 PM"Stephen King write great books but I&#39;ve yet to find one of the movies based on his books that is at all interesting. " you are right mostly on that. With the exception of Misery (1990);just about evereyone i know that have seen seen misery liked it just like me. Although, i have never read the book so i do not know how it compares to the book. A couple of memorable quotes from that movie i love is "you dirty birdy" and " I am your number one fan".Stephen king did write some non-horror books/short stories which i thought became pretty good movies(again, i never read the books and the movie name might be different from the original story by s.king).They are:Stand by Me (1986), The Green Mile (1999), and Hearts in Atlantis (2001)( this flick did not get good critical appraise,but i liked this flick)I actually saw stephen king once when he performed in a band called "Rock Bottom Remainders" with other famous authors in the miami book fair .He was pretty cool;they played a bunch of old/cassic rock songs http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Tear_Jerking_Scenes/190/8954/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 5/17/2007 5:26:31 PM
Body: Good topic. When I first saw the subject I was thinking specifically of movies that brought physical tears to my eyes, but after making it broader with any scene that "tears at your heart" it may be more difficult for me to make a list. I think I'll still try to start with moments that actually did elicit real tears, and look around for other criteria if I run out of options.1. 12 Angry Men - the scene where the final juror, Juror #3 played by Lee J. Cobb, finally breaks down and votes "not-guilty". I put this movie in to play once when I was working at a video store. Maybe a bad idea. I was supposed to be acting professional but was almost breaking down when that part came on, even though I wasn't even really watching it. I just remembered it and could hear it enough for it to affect me. When he rips up the picture of his son, and realizes what he's doing. Oh MY! I'm actually crying right now!2. Rashomon - Near the end in the overarching scene in the rain at the temple gates (or whatever they are), when they find the baby and the Woodcutter decides to take him home. Wow, that's tearjerking!3. The Seventh Seal - almost every other scene really.4. Diary of a Country Priest - The very end of the movie when he dies and realizes that the one small encounter with that woman may have validated all of his efforts.5. Withnail & I - sometimes before you can really cry with a character you need to really laugh with a character. Laugh with, laugh at, be frightened with, and all the other emotions too. The final scene with the Shakespeare recitation in the rain always gets me.Some sentimental tearjerkers. I know you mentioned to avoid those that were overly sentimental. Maybe you won't even think these apply. But here are a few that I consider manipulative, but have enough quality and truth to them to make up for it. - It's a Wonderful Life - LOTS of scenes, but especially at the end when everyone shows up to pitch in some money. - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington - At the end when Senator Paine breaks down and admits the truth! - The Shawshank Redemption - Again, the final scene of the movie, on the beach. I think some scenes in The Green Mile may apply as well.And for movies that cause me to weep due to pure beauty of construction, the final scene in the cemetery in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. As my favorite movie I think I have to name it in as many categories as possible. So what makes a scene a good tearjerker? Being at the end of a movie, being in B&W, having rain, a character having some kind of breakdown or epiphany, or some combination of these elements. THANK YOU!
]]>Thu, 17 May 2007 21:26:31 GMTRisseladaTop 55/17/2007 5:26:31 PMGood topic. When I first saw the subject I was thinking specifically of movies that brought physical tears to my eyes, but after making it broader with any scene that "tears at your heart" it may be more difficult for me to make a list. I think I&#39;ll still try to start with moments that actually did elicit real tears, and look around for other criteria if I run out of options.1. 12 Angry Men - the scene where the final juror, Juror #3 played by Lee J. Cobb, finally breaks down and votes "not-guilty". I put this movie in to play once when I was working at a video store. Maybe a bad idea. I was supposed to be acting professional but was almost breaking down when that part came on, even though I wasn&#39;t even really watching it. I just remembered it and could hear it enough for it to affect me. When he rips up the picture of his son, and realizes what he&#39;s doing. Oh MY! I&#39;m actually crying right now!2. Rashomon - Near the end in the overarching scene in the rain at the temple gates (or whatever they are), when they find the baby and the Woodcutter decides to take him home. Wow, that&#39;s tearjerking!3. The Seventh Seal - almost every other scene really.4. Diary of a Country Priest - The very end of the movie when he dies and realizes that the one small encounter with that woman may have validated all of his efforts.5. Withnail &amp; I - sometimes before you can really cry with a character you need to really laugh with a character. Laugh with, laugh at, be frightened with, and all the other emotions too. The final scene with the Shakespeare recitation in the rain always gets me.Some sentimental tearjerkers. I know you mentioned to avoid those that were overly sentimental. Maybe you won&#39;t even think these apply. But here are a few that I consider manipulative, but have enough quality and truth to them to make up for it. - It&#39;s a Wonderful Life - LOTS of scenes, but especially at the end when everyone shows up to pitch in some money. - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington - At the end when Senator Paine breaks down and admits the truth! - The Shawshank Redemption - Again, the final scene of the movie, on the beach. I think some scenes in The Green Mile may apply as well.And for movies that cause me to weep due to pure beauty of construction, the final scene in the cemetery in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. As my favorite movie I think I have to name it in as many categories as possible. So what makes a scene a good tearjerker? Being at the end of a movie, being in B&amp;W, having rain, a character having some kind of breakdown or epiphany, or some combination of these elements. THANK YOU! http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/fantastic/MemberTagFilms.aspxfantastic
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]]>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:15:30 GMT28668160Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/prison/MemberTagFilms.aspxprison
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]]>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:02:27 GMT243762167Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/redemption/MemberTagFilms.aspxredemption
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]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:59:55 GMT3262552Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/healing/MemberTagFilms.aspxhealing
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]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:38:45 GMT191225Tag http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/cure/MemberTagFilms.aspxcure
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