list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around Night Watch 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/Night_Watch/251721/default.aspx Title: Night Watch
Year: 2005
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Plot: Two bands of warriors, one good and one evil, battle to keep the peace in Moscow in this cat's cradle thriller from Russia. In 1342, the Warriors of Light (led by Gesser, Lord of Light) and the Warriors of Darkness (led by Zavulon, General of Darkness) declare a truce under which each side will form a law enforcement team to monitor the other side's activities. The Warriors of Light, who enforce the powers of good, patrol the Night Watch, while the Warriors of Darkness, who openly embrace evil, staff the Day Watch. Each watch group also contains "Others," mortals with supernatural powers from both sides that include vampires, shapeshifters, witches, and the like. Prophecy suggests that one day, a Great One will surface and permanently extinguish the threat of an apocalyptic war between the two sides by upsetting the balance, lending greater power to either good or evil (depending on his or her choice) and thus determining the future of mankind forever. In 1992, Night Watch member and Warrior of Light Anton Gordesky (Konstantin Khabensky) discovers he's an "other" amid a sting on a witch. Cut to twelve years later. In 2004, Anton still works the Night Watch, but now he's a vampiric warrior who drinks blood. One night, while on patrol, he rescues a young boy named Egor (Dima Martinov) from a handful of Dark Warriors, but in the process, he encounters Svetlana (Maria Poroshina), a woman who acts as a "funnel" -- a conduit for the powers of evil. Anton reflects on the prophecy regarding "The Great One," and begins to suspect that Svetlana and Egor may be harbingers of this fateful event. As the first installment in a Russian trilogy, Night Watch (aka Nochnoj Dozor) was a massive box-office success in its native Russia, and is followed by the second installment, Day Watch; it was released in the U.S. with a heavy prologue and epilogue, and animated subtitles that alternately scuttle across the screen, dissolve, shudder, and explode. 20th Century Fox not only purchased United States distribution rights for the film, but also announced plans for a Westernized remake. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 12
Number of Lists: 36
Number of blog posts: 12
Number of discussion threads: 12
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:00:46 GMTNight Watch2005Timur Bekmambetov Two bands of warriors, one good and one evil, battle to keep the peace in Moscow in this cat's cradle thriller from Russia. In 1342, the Warriors of Light (led by Gesser, Lord of Light) and the Warriors of Darkness (led by Zavulon, General of Darkness) declare a truce under which each side will form a law enforcement team to monitor the other side's activities. The Warriors of Light, who enforce the powers of good, patrol the Night Watch, while the Warriors of Darkness, who openly embrace evil, staff the Day Watch. Each watch group also contains "Others," mortals with supernatural powers from both sides that include vampires, shapeshifters, witches, and the like. Prophecy suggests that one day, a Great One will surface and permanently extinguish the threat of an apocalyptic war between the two sides by upsetting the balance, lending greater power to either good or evil (depending on his or her choice) and thus determining the future of mankind forever. In 1992, Night Watch member and Warrior of Light Anton Gordesky (Konstantin Khabensky) discovers he's an "other" amid a sting on a witch. Cut to twelve years later. In 2004, Anton still works the Night Watch, but now he's a vampiric warrior who drinks blood. One night, while on patrol, he rescues a young boy named Egor (Dima Martinov) from a handful of Dark Warriors, but in the process, he encounters Svetlana (Maria Poroshina), a woman who acts as a "funnel" -- a conduit for the powers of evil. Anton reflects on the prophecy regarding "The Great One," and begins to suspect that Svetlana and Egor may be harbingers of this fateful event. As the first installment in a Russian trilogy, Night Watch (aka Nochnoj Dozor) was a massive box-office success in its native Russia, and is followed by the second installment, <a href=/films/281245/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Day Watch</a>; it was released in the U.S. with a heavy prologue and epilogue, and animated subtitles that alternately scuttle across the screen, dissolve, shudder, and explode. 20th Century Fox not only purchased United States distribution rights for the film, but also announced plans for a Westernized remake. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide12Tag Target (>10)3612123http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t79945z81yu.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Night_Watch/251721/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/11/13/37289.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 11/13/2008 5:00:46 PM
Body: Danny Boyle’s new crowd-pleasing film Slumdog Millionaire was originally intended to be shot entirely in English, but apparently due to the preferences of a casting director, about a third of the movie is in Hindi. While this fraction may not be enough to call it a foreign-language film, it could have been enough to turn off subtitle-fearing audiences were the movie not so otherwise accessible due to its feel-good, “Hollywood-style” story involving star-crossed romance, destiny and an ultimate “love conquers all” message. Also, the movie breaks free from one off-putting foreign film tradition by following Man on Fire, Night Watch and TV’s Heroes into the realm of non-traditional subtitling. Slumdog received a standing ovation at the Toronto Film Festival, where it won the People’s Choice Award, and it could very well extend its popularity in the direction of the multiplex crowd. If it’s a hit with moviegoers who aren’t typically open to world cinema, this could be the chance for similarly feel-good foreign films to cross over and reach a wider audience, whether they be upcoming releases like the Sundance-winning Captain Abu Raed or titles from the past that could always use more Netflix-queue love. And so, in the hopes that Slumdog could help open the door to further foreign film consumption, SpoutBlog presents this guide to the most accessible world cinema titles from the past ten years. For every entry-level film on the list, we name a couple of more intermediate titled in the same vein — just in case you get hooked. Amelie Spout.com user leeroy711 recently referred to this imaginative French film as the foreign-language cinema’s “gateway drug.” And it’s certainly true that its fanciful romantic story and colorful tone have won the favor of many a young adult not previously accustomed to European cinema. Never mind that it makes stalking seem a little too precious and innocent — the film’s whimsical title character (played delightfully by Audrey Tautou), full of good intentions and lots of heart, will have you wishing you had such a thoughtful and inventive pursuer. Also worth checking out: A Very Long Engagement; Love Me If You Dare The Chorus Hollywood sometimes seems to have cornered the market on movies about inspirational teachers, especially those involving music instruction. But this French film proves that foreign films can have similarly motivational stories about great educators and their newly encouraged students. Also worth checking out: Small Voices; Monsieur Ibrahim City of God This Brazilian film set in the favelas of Rio can be quite violent, enough to have been compared to gangster films like Goodfellas (though Goodfellas doesn’t have any little kids being shot in the foot). But at its center is the uplifting tale of a boy who makes it out of the slums in order to become a successful writer. Also worth checking out: City of Men (both the TV series and the feature film) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Martial arts cinema has long been an accessible genre to a large enough portion of Americans, but this film, which became the top grossing foreign-language title in the U.S. (not counting The Passion of the Christ), has managed to acquire fans that don’t normally go for kung fu and wuxia. The main attraction that makes this title more appealing than most is likely its production value, which with its beautiful cinematography and well-crafted special effects allows it to compare to romantic epics out of Hollywood. Also worth checking out: Hero; House of Flying Daggers Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India The running time of 3 hrs. 43 min. probably seems like a deterrent, but this Bollywood film really does feel a lot shorter than it is. Really. And anyway its compelling story of an underdog cricket team is familiar enough that you don’t have to pay too much attention if you don’t have the time — though it will be difficult to let your attention stray except for during some of the less-adequately translated musical numbers that aren’t so significant or relatable to most Western viewers. Just think of this film as your typical Hollywood sports movie, except instead of the final game being quickly highlighted in the last 30 minutes, it’s seemingly depicted in its entirety for more than an hour. And yes, the ending is a crowd-pleaser. Also worth checking out: The Cup; Monsoon Wedding Life is Beautiful This Oscar-winning film is so feel-good that it comes close to overkill. In fact, a decade after its release, it’s easy to forget just how entertaining it is. Just as we’re more likely to remember the stomach ache after gorging ourselves with delicious sweets or the hangover that follows a great night of drinking, moviegoers often recall only the obnoxiousness that came with an overexposed and over-awarded Roberto Benigni. But don’t let the cynics keep you from enjoying such a heartwarming and inspiriting tale of a “real life Prince Charming.” Also worth checking out: I Served the King of England The Motorcycle Diaries Hollywood could actually take a cue from this film the next time it wants to make one of those prequels detailing the life of an iconic villain (ex: Hannibal Rising), at least if it wants audiences to like the guy enough to forget he grows up to be a murderous rebel. Whether or not you like who and what Ernesto Guevara becomes in the years after The Motorcycle Diaries takes place, you’ll have no trouble falling for his younger self as he ditches his privileged life and devotes himself to a colony of lepers. Also worth checking out: Downfall Pan’s Labyrinth In the tradition of such dark yet magical stories as Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, a little girl encounters strange creatures and kind of winds up a princess. It’s ultimately a very sad and depressing film, but the ending at least pretends to be happy, enough that you might think your eyes are watering with tears of joy. Also worth checking out: City of Lost Children Run Lola Run It’s extremely fast-paced, a little bit MTV, a little bit video game, and it features a character you really want to root for, especially because she’s narratively allotted a few do-overs in order to make things right. And mainstream moviegoers love stories of both chance and second chances. Roger Ebert also noted in his review that it’s the kind of film that could play in a sports bar, so perhaps it’s even more of a gateway foreign film for sports fans than Lagaan. Also worth checking out: The Princess and the Warrior; Amores perros Tsotsi Like City of God, this film involves a crime-ridden ghetto, but it’s even more accessible than that film despite its lack of inspiring upward mobility. It could probably appeal most to fans of American “urban” gangster films, but any mainstream moviegoer should enjoy the conventional plot involving a thug who accidentally kidnaps a baby and then changes morally as a result. Also worth checking out: Kolya; Central Station Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:00:46 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com11/13/2008 5:00:46 PMDanny Boyle’s new crowd-pleasing film Slumdog Millionaire was originally intended to be shot entirely in English, but apparently due to the preferences of a casting director, about a third of the movie is in Hindi. While this fraction may not be enough to call it a foreign-language film, it could have been enough to turn off subtitle-fearing audiences were the movie not so otherwise accessible due to its feel-good, “Hollywood-style” story involving star-crossed romance, destiny and an ultimate “love conquers all” message. Also, the movie breaks free from one off-putting foreign film tradition by following Man on Fire, Night Watch and TV’s Heroes into the realm of non-traditional subtitling. Slumdog received a standing ovation at the Toronto Film Festival, where it won the People’s Choice Award, and it could very well extend its popularity in the direction of the multiplex crowd. If it’s a hit with moviegoers who aren’t typically open to world cinema, this could be the chance for similarly feel-good foreign films to cross over and reach a wider audience, whether they be upcoming releases like the Sundance-winning Captain Abu Raed or titles from the past that could always use more Netflix-queue love. And so, in the hopes that Slumdog could help open the door to further foreign film consumption, SpoutBlog presents this guide to the most accessible world cinema titles from the past ten years. For every entry-level film on the list, we name a couple of more intermediate titled in the same vein — just in case you get hooked. Amelie Spout.com user leeroy711 recently referred to this imaginative French film as the foreign-language cinema’s “gateway drug.” And it’s certainly true that its fanciful romantic story and colorful tone have won the favor of many a young adult not previously accustomed to European cinema. Never mind that it makes stalking seem a little too precious and innocent — the film’s whimsical title character (played delightfully by Audrey Tautou), full of good intentions and lots of heart, will have you wishing you had such a thoughtful and inventive pursuer. Also worth checking out: A Very Long Engagement; Love Me If You Dare The Chorus Hollywood sometimes seems to have cornered the market on movies about inspirational teachers, especially those involving music instruction. But this French film proves that foreign films can have similarly motivational stories about great educators and their newly encouraged students. Also worth checking out: Small Voices; Monsieur Ibrahim City of God This Brazilian film set in the favelas of Rio can be quite violent, enough to have been compared to gangster films like Goodfellas (though Goodfellas doesn’t have any little kids being shot in the foot). But at its center is the uplifting tale of a boy who makes it out of the slums in order to become a successful writer. Also worth checking out: City of Men (both the TV series and the feature film) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Martial arts cinema has long been an accessible genre to a large enough portion of Americans, but this film, which became the top grossing foreign-language title in the U.S. (not counting The Passion of the Christ), has managed to acquire fans that don’t normally go for kung fu and wuxia. The main attraction that makes this title more appealing than most is likely its production value, which with its beautiful cinematography and well-crafted special effects allows it to compare to romantic epics out of Hollywood. Also worth checking out: Hero; House of Flying Daggers Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India The running time of 3 hrs. 43 min. probably seems like a deterrent, but this Bollywood film really does feel a lot shorter than it is. Really. And anyway its compelling story of an underdog cricket team is familiar enough that you don’t have to pay too much attention if you don’t have the time — though it will be difficult to let your attention stray except for during some of the less-adequately translated musical numbers that aren’t so significant or relatable to most Western viewers. Just think of this film as your typical Hollywood sports movie, except instead of the final game being quickly highlighted in the last 30 minutes, it’s seemingly depicted in its entirety for more than an hour. And yes, the ending is a crowd-pleaser. Also worth checking out: The Cup; Monsoon Wedding Life is Beautiful This Oscar-winning film is so feel-good that it comes close to overkill. In fact, a decade after its release, it’s easy to forget just how entertaining it is. Just as we’re more likely to remember the stomach ache after gorging ourselves with delicious sweets or the hangover that follows a great night of drinking, moviegoers often recall only the obnoxiousness that came with an overexposed and over-awarded Roberto Benigni. But don’t let the cynics keep you from enjoying such a heartwarming and inspiriting tale of a “real life Prince Charming.” Also worth checking out: I Served the King of England The Motorcycle Diaries Hollywood could actually take a cue from this film the next time it wants to make one of those prequels detailing the life of an iconic villain (ex: Hannibal Rising), at least if it wants audiences to like the guy enough to forget he grows up to be a murderous rebel. Whether or not you like who and what Ernesto Guevara becomes in the years after The Motorcycle Diaries takes place, you’ll have no trouble falling for his younger self as he ditches his privileged life and devotes himself to a colony of lepers. Also worth checking out: Downfall Pan’s Labyrinth In the tradition of such dark yet magical stories as Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, a little girl encounters strange creatures and kind of winds up a princess. It’s ultimately a very sad and depressing film, but the ending at least pretends to be happy, enough that you might think your eyes are watering with tears of joy. Also worth checking out: City of Lost Children Run Lola Run It’s extremely fast-paced, a little bit MTV, a little bit video game, and it features a character you really want to root for, especially because she’s narratively allotted a few do-overs in order to make things right. And mainstream moviegoers love stories of both chance and second chances. Roger Ebert also noted in his review that it’s the kind of film that could play in a sports bar, so perhaps it’s even more of a gateway foreign film for sports fans than Lagaan. Also worth checking out: The Princess and the Warrior; Amores perros Tsotsi Like City of God, this film involves a crime-ridden ghetto, but it’s even more accessible than that film despite its lack of inspiring upward mobility. It could probably appeal most to fans of American “urban” gangster films, but any mainstream moviegoer should enjoy the conventional plot involving a thug who accidentally kidnaps a baby and then changes morally as a result. Also worth checking out: Kolya; Central Station Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Depressing_holidays_dysfunctional_families_fo/190/37287/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: STEPHENtheDIRECTOR
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 11/13/2008 4:38:42 PM
Body: Depressing holidays: Pieces of April The Ice Storm Groundhog Day The Apartment Planes, Trains & Automobiles Dysfunctional Families: Pieces of April The Royal Tenebaums Psycho Happiness Running With Scissors Most Accessible Foreign Films: Amelie Night Watch Run Lola Run The Lives of Others Pan's Labyrinth
]]>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:38:42 GMTSTEPHENtheDIRECTORTop 511/13/2008 4:38:42 PMDepressing holidays: Pieces of April The Ice Storm Groundhog Day The Apartment Planes, Trains &amp; Automobiles Dysfunctional Families: Pieces of April The Royal Tenebaums Psycho Happiness Running With Scissors Most Accessible Foreign Films: Amelie Night Watch Run Lola Run The Lives of Others Pan's Labyrinth http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Depressing_holidays_dysfunctional_families_fo/190/37174/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 11/10/2008 10:25:59 PM
Body: [quote user="SkyPilot"] 10 Most Accessible Foreign Language Films of the Last 10 Years** **I had to laugh when Risselada called Amelie the "gateway drug" of foreign films in this Top 5 Overrated Movies discussion. (Hey Rizzo, I can't find that quote now, did you delete it?) [/quote] That was me. I was adding to what Rizzo had allready said something to the effect that Amelie seems to be the movie that people who maybe wouldn't otherwise see foreign movies will cling to as "their favorite foreign film" So........... with that, here's my list: 1. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) 2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) 3. Run Lola Run (1998) 4. Amélie (2001) 5. Downfall (2004) 6. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) 7. The Lives of Others (2006) 8. Night Watch (2004) 9. City of God (2002) 10. Volver (2006)
]]>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:25:59 GMTleeroy711Top 511/10/2008 10:25:59 PM[quote user="SkyPilot"] 10 Most Accessible Foreign Language Films of the Last 10 Years** **I had to laugh when Risselada called Amelie the "gateway drug" of foreign films in this Top 5 Overrated Movies discussion. (Hey Rizzo, I can't find that quote now, did you delete it?) [/quote] That was me. I was adding to what Rizzo had allready said something to the effect that Amelie seems to be the movie that people who maybe wouldn't otherwise see foreign movies will cling to as "their favorite foreign film" So........... with that, here's my list: 1. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) 2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) 3. Run Lola Run (1998) 4. Am&eacute;lie (2001) 5. Downfall (2004) 6. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) 7. The Lives of Others (2006) 8. Night Watch (2004) 9. City of God (2002) 10. Volver (2006) http://www.spout.com/blogs/wbenich/archive/2008/10/23/36605.aspx Post By: wbenich
Post To: wbenich Blog
Post Date: 10/23/2008 2:01:48 AM
Body: ok, i know that even i've been guilty of watching a movie instead of reading a book. but let me tell you: READ THE BOOK FIRST. it will feel like a bright light shown in the darkness of the fog of confusion in the movie. the book, too, is quite amazing. honestly. the book contains a few missions of the nightwatch focusing on Anton, the main character. The movie focuses on one of the stories with a couple parallels of other stories. read it. please. for me? then tell me what you think!love,will
]]>Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:01:48 GMTwbenichwbenich Blog10/23/2008 2:01:48 AMok, i know that even i've been guilty of watching a movie instead of reading a book. but let me tell you: READ THE BOOK FIRST. it will feel like a bright light shown in the darkness of the fog of confusion in the movie. the book, too, is quite amazing. honestly. the book contains a few missions of the nightwatch focusing on Anton, the main character. The movie focuses on one of the stories with a couple parallels of other stories. read it. please. for me? then tell me what you think!love,will http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Weekly_Theme_for_August_11_The_Secret_Society/625/33832/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 8/11/2008 1:57:26 AM
Body: This was a last minute decision for a theme, primarily based on an article I just read in on RogerEbert.com about Fritz Lang's 1927 film, Metropolis. By Roger Ebert: It is the most sensational find in recent film history. A nearly-complete print of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927) has been discovered in Buenos Aires, 80 years after it was thought a quarter of the film was lost forever. Called by many the most important of German films, one of the landmarks of silent Expressionism, its plot had several loose ends that will now be repaired. The find was made by Paula Félix-Didier, director of the cinema museum in Buenos Aires. Her story is told in an article in Germany's Zeit magazine, which traces the print from its arrival in Argentina in 1928. It found itself in the collection of a local film critic, who sold it to the National Art Fund in the 1960s, the magazine says. It arrived in the Museo del Cine in 1992. The False Maria. (Enlarge Image) Felix-Didier's ex-husband, director of the museum before the position was taken by his wife, "had heard from the manager of a cinema club, who years before had been surprised by how long a screening of this film had taken. Together, [they] took a look at the film in her archive --and discovered the missing scenes." Their print has been examined by experts in Berlin, where the film had its 1927 premiere. They agree it is authentic. After a restoration, the Murnau Foundation, owner of the rights, will release it to festivals, theaters and DVD. I'm very excited about this one. I really liked the movie but you definately get the feeling that something is missing when you watch it. I was drawn to see this movie about ten years ago when I heard Roger Ebert's audio commentary on the film Dark City. Dark City, pays a great deal of homage to Metropolis and Ebert's commentary explains how Lang's work is commonly thought as the first time a film presented the concept of a "secret society." It really is a fun topic, everthing from The Matrix to Hot Fuzz has dealt with it. So tell me, did The X-Files and Conspiracy Theory change the way you look at things. Or, do you go more for the sci-fi based Equilibrium or Constantine, or even Night Watch. It seems that any movie that tackles this theme scores a few extra points with me.
]]>Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:57:26 GMTleeroy711Weekly Theme8/11/2008 1:57:26 AM This was a last minute decision for a theme, primarily based on an article I just read in on RogerEbert.com about Fritz Lang's 1927 film, Metropolis. By Roger Ebert: It is the most sensational find in recent film history. A nearly-complete print of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" (1927) has been discovered in Buenos Aires, 80 years after it was thought a quarter of the film was lost forever. Called by many the most important of German films, one of the landmarks of silent Expressionism, its plot had several loose ends that will now be repaired. The find was made by Paula F&eacute;lix-Didier, director of the cinema museum in Buenos Aires. Her story is told in an article in Germany's Zeit magazine, which traces the print from its arrival in Argentina in 1928. It found itself in the collection of a local film critic, who sold it to the National Art Fund in the 1960s, the magazine says. It arrived in the Museo del Cine in 1992. The False Maria. (Enlarge Image) Felix-Didier's ex-husband, director of the museum before the position was taken by his wife, "had heard from the manager of a cinema club, who years before had been surprised by how long a screening of this film had taken. Together, [they] took a look at the film in her archive --and discovered the missing scenes." Their print has been examined by experts in Berlin, where the film had its 1927 premiere. They agree it is authentic. After a restoration, the Murnau Foundation, owner of the rights, will release it to festivals, theaters and DVD. I'm very excited about this one. I really liked the movie but you definately get the feeling that something is missing when you watch it. I was drawn to see this movie about ten years ago when I heard Roger Ebert's audio commentary on the film Dark City. Dark City, pays a great deal of homage to Metropolis and Ebert's commentary explains how Lang's work is commonly thought as the first time a film presented the concept of a "secret society." It really is a fun topic, everthing from The Matrix to Hot Fuzz has dealt with it. So tell me, did The X-Files and Conspiracy Theory change the way you look at things. Or, do you go more for the sci-fi based Equilibrium or Constantine, or even Night Watch. It seems that any movie that tackles this theme scores a few extra points with me. http://www.spout.com/groups/B_Movies/Re_B_is_the_new_B_Modern_B_Movies/588/31899/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: SkyPilot
Post To: B Movies
Post Date: 6/30/2008 1:26:29 PM
Body: [quote user="leeroy711"] [quote user="SkyPilot"] Anyone know of a big-studio production that's as complex and fun as this? My contention is that the studios largely don't know how to pull this kind of thing off. [/quote As for a big studio producion that meet that criteria, the only thing I can think of off hand would be Wanted, although I have yet to see it, I am going off of the director's previous work with Night Watch and Day Watch which I loved. [/quote] Right you are leeroy, Wanted is a lot of fun. I had a feeling it would deliver on action thrills, but I didn't know it would be so funny! James McAvoy really impressed me as the jaded everyman, Angelina Jolie is a very believable ass-kicker, and we get to hear Morgan Freeman say a curse word (I won't say which one, that would spoil it).
]]>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:26:29 GMTSkyPilotB Movies6/30/2008 1:26:29 PM[quote user="leeroy711"] [quote user="SkyPilot"] Anyone know of a big-studio production that's as complex and fun as this? My contention is that the studios largely don't know how to pull this kind of thing off. [/quote As for a big studio producion that meet that criteria, the only thing I can think of off hand would be Wanted, although I have yet to see it, I am going off of the director's previous work with Night Watch and Day Watch which I loved. [/quote] Right you are leeroy, Wanted is a lot of fun. I had a feeling it would deliver on action thrills, but I didn't know it would be so funny! James McAvoy really impressed me as the jaded everyman, Angelina Jolie is a very believable ass-kicker, and we get to hear Morgan Freeman say a curse word (I won't say which one, that would spoil it). http://www.spout.com/groups/B_Movies/Re_B_is_the_new_B_Modern_B_Movies/588/31881/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: B Movies
Post Date: 6/30/2008 2:33:11 AM
Body: [quote user="SkyPilot"] Anyone know of a big-studio production that's as complex and fun as this? My contention is that the studios largely don't know how to pull this kind of thing off. [/quote] I'm a big sucker for the post apacolyptic theme and I really like Dog Soldiers and The Descent. As for a big studio producion that meet that criteria, the only thing I can think of off hand would be Wanted, although I have yet to see it, I am going off of the director's previous work with Night Watch and Day Watch which I loved.
]]>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:33:11 GMTleeroy711B Movies6/30/2008 2:33:11 AM[quote user="SkyPilot"] Anyone know of a big-studio production that's as complex and fun as this? My contention is that the studios largely don't know how to pull this kind of thing off. [/quote] I'm a big sucker for the post apacolyptic theme and I really like Dog Soldiers and The Descent. As for a big studio producion that meet that criteria, the only thing I can think of off hand would be Wanted, although I have yet to see it, I am going off of the director's previous work with Night Watch and Day Watch which I loved. http://www.spout.com/blogs/usesoap/archive/2008/6/29/31880.aspx Post By: usesoap
Post To: usesoap Blog
Post Date: 6/29/2008 11:51:02 PM
Body: This is the “Dilbert” panel I've always wanted to see. A fed-up office drone, sick of the confines of his cubicle, unleashes holy hell on his condescending superiors and clocks a duplicitous colleague in the jaw with his keyboard and heads out for adventure with Angelina Jolie. While “Wanted's” lead Wesley (played by James McAvoy) does just that, his character is taken from a different comic altogether. It's comic origins (based on one by Mark Millar and J. G. Jones) are felt throughout the film's reality-relinquishing first hour, until it turns on itself in the final act and decides to play things with a straight face. If only Cat-bert could have sauntered in to slap some sense into him. Let's start with the good. Wesley's life is torn straight from the pages of “Office Space:” a patronizing supervisor takes special glee in the daily ass-chewing she gives the young man, a co-worker enjoys showing Wesley's girlfriend his “O” face (if that line makes no sense to you, please go rent the aforementioned comedy); and his anxiety level is suppressed only with the help of a bottomless prescription jar of medication. On a particular day to refill said meds, Wesley's found himself in the middle of a pharmacy shootout, aided by a slinky Angelina Jolie. One fabulously outrageous car chase later (in which Wesley is literally scooped up into her shiny red sports car), the young man is told that he is the son of a recently deceased world-famous assassin and who has been selected to step into his shoes. It's a cinematic flip-of-the-bird to any and all potential “blockbusters” this summer and, for a while, it revs along at such a high rate of speed that it could mean business. There are many reasons for this. Primarily, lead McAvoy (a British actor known best stateside in the original “Chronicles of Narnia” and “Atonement,” but whose range is best demonstrated in a little 80s-centric indie called “Starter for Ten”) is such an engaging host to this frenetic freak-out. As someone who starts off with as a whiny Zack Braff clone, he is heartily believable in his transformation into a hitman resembling a young Russel Crowe. In a film that defies all laws of physics, gravity and logic, his performance in an undercurrent of stability. Jolie takes her second role this month as a tigress – first, quite literally in “Kung Fu Panda,” and here as a felonious feline known only (and quite accurately) as Fox. Sure, it's a role she can do in her sleep, but, honestly, I have no problem watching anything Jolie does in her sleep. And, finally, step asideBorat. You are no longer the “it boy” of Kazakhstan. Those honors go to one Timur Bekmambetov, director of this otherworldly fever-dream of an action film. Lauded in his homeland for the candy-coated action vampire films “Night Watch” and “Day Watch” (and the upcoming “Twilight Watch”), Bekmambetov has come to the states to show that not all Kazakhstanis arrive in the summer sun sporting hideously green one-piece thongs. Very nice! High five-a! Well, almost. Once Wesley arrives for training, he's informed by the head assassin (played with the usual omnipotent solemnity by Morgan Freeman) that his pop was part of a group steeped in tradition handed down from ancient weavers. That's right, Wesley is a fruit of the loom. As part of his training, the young lad gets worked over by various other co-workers/thugs with names like “the Repairman” and “the Butcher,” (no sight of “the Candlestick-maker,” though), until he's ready for his first assignment – killing the man who toe-tagged his father. And while there are some stunning sights of bullet bending, train-hopping and skull-piercing, Bekmambetov drops the pitch-black humor that elevated the first half and shifts the film into a dour-faced, dime-a-dozen climax that runs out of gas far before the carnage-heavy conclusion. (There are only so many different ways to film a bullet being deflected mid-air by another bullet, and the director tries them all, with diminishing results.) Like all summer action sagas, it's best not to let the brain stew too long on the whole “moral” of the story, as it is one that takes Wesley from zero to hero by his creativity in killing random people for no reason other than being told to do so by an ancient weaving machine (somehow, that dog barking orders to the Son of Sam does not seem so unorthodox). But for a short while, “Wanted” does engage in some contagious calamity that keeps us locked and loaded for the next round.
]]>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:51:02 GMTusesoapusesoap Blog6/29/2008 11:51:02 PMThis is the &ldquo;Dilbert&rdquo; panel I've always wanted to see. A fed-up office drone, sick of the confines of his cubicle, unleashes holy hell on his condescending superiors and clocks a duplicitous colleague in the jaw with his keyboard and heads out for adventure with Angelina Jolie. While &ldquo;Wanted's&rdquo; lead Wesley (played by James McAvoy) does just that, his character is taken from a different comic altogether. It's comic origins (based on one by Mark Millar and J. G. Jones) are felt throughout the film's reality-relinquishing first hour, until it turns on itself in the final act and decides to play things with a straight face. If only Cat-bert could have sauntered in to slap some sense into him. Let's start with the good. Wesley's life is torn straight from the pages of &ldquo;Office Space:&rdquo; a patronizing supervisor takes special glee in the daily ass-chewing she gives the young man, a co-worker enjoys showing Wesley's girlfriend his &ldquo;O&rdquo; face (if that line makes no sense to you, please go rent the aforementioned comedy); and his anxiety level is suppressed only with the help of a bottomless prescription jar of medication. On a particular day to refill said meds, Wesley's found himself in the middle of a pharmacy shootout, aided by a slinky Angelina Jolie. One fabulously outrageous car chase later (in which Wesley is literally scooped up into her shiny red sports car), the young man is told that he is the son of a recently deceased world-famous assassin and who has been selected to step into his shoes. It's a cinematic flip-of-the-bird to any and all potential &ldquo;blockbusters&rdquo; this summer and, for a while, it revs along at such a high rate of speed that it could mean business. There are many reasons for this. Primarily, lead McAvoy (a British actor known best stateside in the original &ldquo;Chronicles of Narnia&rdquo; and &ldquo;Atonement,&rdquo; but whose range is best demonstrated in a little 80s-centric indie called &ldquo;Starter for Ten&rdquo;) is such an engaging host to this frenetic freak-out. As someone who starts off with as a whiny Zack Braff clone, he is heartily believable in his transformation into a hitman resembling a young Russel Crowe. In a film that defies all laws of physics, gravity and logic, his performance in an undercurrent of stability. Jolie takes her second role this month as a tigress &ndash; first, quite literally in &ldquo;Kung Fu Panda,&rdquo; and here as a felonious feline known only (and quite accurately) as Fox. Sure, it's a role she can do in her sleep, but, honestly, I have no problem watching anything Jolie does in her sleep. And, finally, step asideBorat. You are no longer the &ldquo;it boy&rdquo; of Kazakhstan. Those honors go to one Timur Bekmambetov, director of this otherworldly fever-dream of an action film. Lauded in his homeland for the candy-coated action vampire films &ldquo;Night Watch&rdquo; and &ldquo;Day Watch&rdquo; (and the upcoming &ldquo;Twilight Watch&rdquo;), Bekmambetov has come to the states to show that not all Kazakhstanis arrive in the summer sun sporting hideously green one-piece thongs. Very nice! High five-a! Well, almost. Once Wesley arrives for training, he's informed by the head assassin (played with the usual omnipotent solemnity by Morgan Freeman) that his pop was part of a group steeped in tradition handed down from ancient weavers. That's right, Wesley is a fruit of the loom. As part of his training, the young lad gets worked over by various other co-workers/thugs with names like &ldquo;the Repairman&rdquo; and &ldquo;the Butcher,&rdquo; (no sight of &ldquo;the Candlestick-maker,&rdquo; though), until he's ready for his first assignment &ndash; killing the man who toe-tagged his father. And while there are some stunning sights of bullet bending, train-hopping and skull-piercing, Bekmambetov drops the pitch-black humor that elevated the first half and shifts the film into a dour-faced, dime-a-dozen climax that runs out of gas far before the carnage-heavy conclusion. (There are only so many different ways to film a bullet being deflected mid-air by another bullet, and the director tries them all, with diminishing results.) Like all summer action sagas, it's best not to let the brain stew too long on the whole &ldquo;moral&rdquo; of the story, as it is one that takes Wesley from zero to hero by his creativity in killing random people for no reason other than being told to do so by an ancient weaving machine (somehow, that dog barking orders to the Son of Sam does not seem so unorthodox). But for a short while, &ldquo;Wanted&rdquo; does engage in some contagious calamity that keeps us locked and loaded for the next round. http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Completely_Over_the_Top_Films/190/31844/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: laylor
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 6/29/2008 1:46:24 AM
Body: [quote user="indieabby88"] [quote user="leeroy711"] Timur Bekmambetov. directed Night Watch, Day Watch and the new Angelina Jolie movie, Wanted. All of which would have to be described as "over the top" [/quote] My goodness, yes. I haven't yet seen "Wanted," but from the clips, it looks like it's gonna be insane. That shot they show in the trailer where the guy busts through a mirrored skyscraper window...classic Bekmambetov. I didn't know at first that he was directing that movie, but once I did, it made so much sense. As long as we're on the subject of "over-the-top," why don't we put "Teeth" on the list? I just watched it. Offensive, ridiculous and comes complete with b-movie production quality. Pretty much the most disgusting movie a person could make. [/quote] Teeth is a good one! Glad you thought of it because I sure forgot. While I generally have a few problems with the film I thought the concept and how far it went was brilliant. I will bring A L'Interieur to the table. Completely disgusting, gore filled, tense little gem. I spent the second half of the film either cringing or grabbing on to the nearest thing (i.e: my friend's knee). Everything from the utter psychosis of Beatrice Dalle to what the woman can do with a pair of scissors had me gagging.
]]>Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:46:24 GMTlaylorTop 56/29/2008 1:46:24 AM[quote user="indieabby88"] [quote user="leeroy711"] Timur Bekmambetov. directed Night Watch, Day Watch and the new Angelina Jolie movie, Wanted. All of which would have to be described as "over the top" [/quote] My goodness, yes. I haven't yet seen "Wanted," but from the clips, it looks like it's gonna be insane. That shot they show in the trailer where the guy busts through a mirrored skyscraper window...classic Bekmambetov. I didn't know at first that he was directing that movie, but once I did, it made so much sense. As long as we're on the subject of "over-the-top," why don't we put "Teeth" on the list? I just watched it. Offensive, ridiculous and comes complete with b-movie production quality. Pretty much the most disgusting movie a person could make. [/quote] Teeth is a good one! Glad you thought of it because I sure forgot. While I generally have a few problems with the film I thought the concept and how far it went was brilliant. I will bring A L'Interieur to the table. Completely disgusting, gore filled, tense little gem. I spent the second half of the film either cringing or grabbing on to the nearest thing (i.e: my friend's knee). Everything from the utter psychosis of Beatrice Dalle to what the woman can do with a pair of scissors had me gagging. http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Completely_Over_the_Top_Films/190/31843/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: indieabby88
Post To: Top 5
Post Date: 6/29/2008 1:06:02 AM
Body: [quote user="leeroy711"] Timur Bekmambetov. directed Night Watch, Day Watch and the new Angelina Jolie movie, Wanted. All of which would have to be described as "over the top" [/quote] My goodness, yes. I haven't yet seen "Wanted," but from the clips, it looks like it's gonna be insane. That shot they show in the trailer where the guy busts through a mirrored skyscraper window...classic Bekmambetov. I didn't know at first that he was directing that movie, but once I did, it made so much sense. As long as we're on the subject of "over-the-top," why don't we put "Teeth" on the list? I just watched it. Offensive, ridiculous and comes complete with b-movie production quality. Pretty much the most disgusting movie a person could make.
]]>Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:06:02 GMTindieabby88Top 56/29/2008 1:06:02 AM[quote user="leeroy711"] Timur Bekmambetov. directed Night Watch, Day Watch and the new Angelina Jolie movie, Wanted. All of which would have to be described as "over the top" [/quote] My goodness, yes. I haven't yet seen "Wanted," but from the clips, it looks like it's gonna be insane. That shot they show in the trailer where the guy busts through a mirrored skyscraper window...classic Bekmambetov. I didn't know at first that he was directing that movie, but once I did, it made so much sense. As long as we're on the subject of "over-the-top," why don't we put "Teeth" on the list? I just watched it. Offensive, ridiculous and comes complete with b-movie production quality. Pretty much the most disgusting movie a person could make. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/vampire/MemberTagFilms.aspxvampire
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