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    <title>Grindhouse's Recent Activity - Spout</title>
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      <title>Film:Grindhouse</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/films/Grindhouse/263489/default.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<table width='100%' style='font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><tr><td><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' /></td>
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<strong>Title:</strong> Grindhouse<br/>
<strong>Year:</strong> 2007<br/>
<strong>Director:</strong> Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez<br/>
<strong>Plot:</strong> <a href=/films/221595/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Kill Bill</a> director <a href="/players/P___113658/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Quentin Tarantino</a> and <a href=/films/242411/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Sin City</a> director <a href="/players/P___151002/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Robert Rodriguez</a> join forces to offer a cinematic tribute to the blood-soaked exploitation epics of yesteryear with this hyper-violent coupling of two full-length features punctuated by a collection of outrageous trailers. The first segment, directed by Rodriguez and entitled "Planet Terror," details the violent struggle between a ravenous army of zombie-like humanoids who have taken control of the planet and the remaining survivors who refuse to go down without a fight. <a href="/players/P___199234/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Freddy Rodriguez</a>, <a href="/players/P_____1729/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Naveen Andrews</a>, and <a href="/players/P____47490/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Rose McGowan</a> headline a cast that also includes <a href="/players/P____65128/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Marley Shelton</a>, <a href="/players/P_____6111/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Michael Biehn</a>, <a href="/players/P_____8657/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Josh Brolin</a>, <a href="/players/P____76618/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Bruce Willis</a>, and <a href="/players/P___110003/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Tom Savini</a>. In "Death Proof" -- director Tarantino's take on such peddle to the metal shockers as <a href=/films/38174/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>White Line Fever</a> -- <a href="/players/P____62232/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Kurt Russell</a> stars as an engine-revving psychopath who prefers to take out his beautiful victims at 200mph. With a list of potential road-kill candidates that includes <a href="/players/P____47490/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Rose McGowan</a>, <a href="/players/P___223301/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Jordan Ladd</a>, <a href="/players/P___199028/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Rosario Dawson</a>, and Vanessa Ferlito, "Death Proof" takes viewers on an adrenaline-infused drive that's as sexy as it is shocking. Its tantalizing title borrowed from the term frequently used to describe the seedy, 1970s-era inner-city movie theaters that screened excessive, low-budget independent films containing copious amounts of violence and nudity as a means of offering counter-programming to the decidedly more restrained big-budget studio films, Grindhouse takes its love for these unabashedly sleazy efforts one step further by offering a jaw-dropping collection of fake exploitation trailers from such directors as <a href="/players/P___328451/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Rob Zombie</a>, <a href="/players/P___355297/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Eli Roth</a>, and Edgar Wright. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide<br/>
<strong>Times Tagged:</strong> 71<br/>
<strong>Number of Lists:</strong> 62<br/>
<strong>Number of blog posts:</strong> 44<br/>
<strong>Number of discussion threads:</strong> 21<br/>
<strong>SpoutRating:</strong> 4<br/>
</td></tr></table>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:04:03 GMT</pubDate><spout:Title>Grindhouse</spout:Title><spout:Year>2007</spout:Year><spout:Director>Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez</spout:Director><spout:Plot>&lt;a href=/films/221595/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Kill Bill&lt;/a&gt; director &lt;a href="/players/P___113658/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Quentin Tarantino&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=/films/242411/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Sin City&lt;/a&gt; director &lt;a href="/players/P___151002/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Robert Rodriguez&lt;/a&gt; join forces to offer a cinematic tribute to the blood-soaked exploitation epics of yesteryear with this hyper-violent coupling of two full-length features punctuated by a collection of outrageous trailers. The first segment, directed by Rodriguez and entitled "Planet Terror," details the violent struggle between a ravenous army of zombie-like humanoids who have taken control of the planet and the remaining survivors who refuse to go down without a fight. &lt;a href="/players/P___199234/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Freddy Rodriguez&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P_____1729/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Naveen Andrews&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="/players/P____47490/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Rose McGowan&lt;/a&gt; headline a cast that also includes &lt;a href="/players/P____65128/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Marley Shelton&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P_____6111/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Michael Biehn&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P_____8657/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Josh Brolin&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P____76618/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Bruce Willis&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href="/players/P___110003/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Tom Savini&lt;/a&gt;. In "Death Proof" -- director Tarantino's take on such peddle to the metal shockers as &lt;a href=/films/38174/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;White Line Fever&lt;/a&gt; -- &lt;a href="/players/P____62232/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Kurt Russell&lt;/a&gt; stars as an engine-revving psychopath who prefers to take out his beautiful victims at 200mph. With a list of potential road-kill candidates that includes &lt;a href="/players/P____47490/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Rose McGowan&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P___223301/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Jordan Ladd&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P___199028/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Rosario Dawson&lt;/a&gt;, and Vanessa Ferlito, "Death Proof" takes viewers on an adrenaline-infused drive that's as sexy as it is shocking. Its tantalizing title borrowed from the term frequently used to describe the seedy, 1970s-era inner-city movie theaters that screened excessive, low-budget independent films containing copious amounts of violence and nudity as a means of offering counter-programming to the decidedly more restrained big-budget studio films, Grindhouse takes its love for these unabashedly sleazy efforts one step further by offering a jaw-dropping collection of fake exploitation trailers from such directors as &lt;a href="/players/P___328451/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Rob Zombie&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="/players/P___355297/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Eli Roth&lt;/a&gt;, and Edgar Wright. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide</spout:Plot><spout:TimesTagged>71</spout:TimesTagged><spout:taglevel>Tag Target (&gt;10)</spout:taglevel><spout:Numberoflists>62</spout:Numberoflists><spout:NumberOfBlogPosts>44</spout:NumberOfBlogPosts><spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads>21</spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads><spout:SpoutRating>4</spout:SpoutRating><spout:FilmCoverURL>http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg</spout:FilmCoverURL><spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL>http://www.spout.com/films/Grindhouse/263489/default.aspx</spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL><spout:type>Film</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Weekly Theme for July 6: The Song...</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_July_6_The_Song/625/42947/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/119628/default.aspx'>mercurial</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/625/discussions.aspx'>Weekly Theme</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 7/7/2009 9:04:03 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong>    The Pink Room - David Lynch Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me  Probably one of my favorite scenes from a movie, The Pink Room is the name of the song that is playing in the back room of the seedy bar that Laura Palmer goes to to unwind. It just one of those songs that I can listen to on repeat and completely zone out to. Daybreak - Barry ManilowSerial Mom  I had never heard any before and haven&rsquo;t had the desire to listen to any after, but whenever I hear Barry Manilow&rsquo;s Daybreak I will forever think of Kathleen Turner going psycho in Serial Mom. Hold Tight - Beaky, Dave Dee, Dozy, Mitch &amp; TichGrindhouse  A group of gorgeous ladies rocking out to this song before the unthinkably gruesome happens. Has become a staple in my iPod. My Sharona - The KnackReality Bites  The gas station food mart with the whole gang dancing crazily to this song. Young Americans - David BowieManderlay  Played during the closing credits, the placement of this song in the film was pretty much a big &ldquo;Fuck You!&rdquo; from Lars von Trier to America. I still like the guy though. Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing - Chris IsaakEyes Wide Shut  The use of the song in the trailer and film was just perfect. Perfect!        I&rsquo;m Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys The Departed  I&rsquo;m certain Scorsese won the Oscar purely for putting this song in the film. Where Is My Mind? - The PixiesFight Club  Played during the crescendo of the film&rsquo;s conclusion, I still get goosebumps when I hear this song. My Beloved Monster - EelsShrek  Probably one of the only semi-upbeat songs sung by the Eels and it fit perfectly in the film. Needle in the Hay - Elliott SmithThe Royal Tenenbaums  Sadly, Luke Wilson&rsquo;s attempted suicide to this song was mirrored by Smith&rsquo;s own suicide a few years later. Tiny Dancer - Elton JohnAlmost Famous  I always see Kate Hudson twirling in an empty auditorium when I hear this song.   To Be Continued . . .     <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:04:03 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>mercurial</spout:postby><spout:postto>Weekly Theme</spout:postto><spout:postdate>7/7/2009 9:04:03 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>   The Pink Room - David Lynch Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me  Probably one of my favorite scenes from a movie, The Pink Room is the name of the song that is playing in the back room of the seedy bar that Laura Palmer goes to to unwind. It just one of those songs that I can listen to on repeat and completely zone out to. Daybreak - Barry ManilowSerial Mom  I had never heard any before and haven&amp;rsquo;t had the desire to listen to any after, but whenever I hear Barry Manilow&amp;rsquo;s Daybreak I will forever think of Kathleen Turner going psycho in Serial Mom. Hold Tight - Beaky, Dave Dee, Dozy, Mitch &amp;amp; TichGrindhouse  A group of gorgeous ladies rocking out to this song before the unthinkably gruesome happens. Has become a staple in my iPod. My Sharona - The KnackReality Bites  The gas station food mart with the whole gang dancing crazily to this song. Young Americans - David BowieManderlay  Played during the closing credits, the placement of this song in the film was pretty much a big &amp;ldquo;Fuck You!&amp;rdquo; from Lars von Trier to America. I still like the guy though. Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing - Chris IsaakEyes Wide Shut  The use of the song in the trailer and film was just perfect. Perfect!        I&amp;rsquo;m Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys The Departed  I&amp;rsquo;m certain Scorsese won the Oscar purely for putting this song in the film. Where Is My Mind? - The PixiesFight Club  Played during the crescendo of the film&amp;rsquo;s conclusion, I still get goosebumps when I hear this song. My Beloved Monster - EelsShrek  Probably one of the only semi-upbeat songs sung by the Eels and it fit perfectly in the film. Needle in the Hay - Elliott SmithThe Royal Tenenbaums  Sadly, Luke Wilson&amp;rsquo;s attempted suicide to this song was mirrored by Smith&amp;rsquo;s own suicide a few years later. Tiny Dancer - Elton JohnAlmost Famous  I always see Kate Hudson twirling in an empty auditorium when I hear this song.   To Be Continued . . .     </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Weekly Theme for April 27: 3+ Hours</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_April_27_3_Hours/625/41839/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/121669/default.aspx'>leeroy711</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/625/discussions.aspx'>Weekly Theme</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 4/28/2009 9:30:25 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="mercurial"] I think I've been slacking recently with my regular movie watching schedule due to the inordinate number of 3+ hours films I've seen lately. I'm not sure what it is, but watching such epic films makes me wish that it wasn't such an oddity. I personally think it's a sign of a pretty amazing filmmaker when a film lasts more than 180 minutes and that time goes by without the death knell of feeling the need to check the time on your watch or cell phone.  Grindhouse has definitely founds its place among my favorite 3+ hour films. It was so exhausting after watching it for the first time and trying to absorb everything that had happened I thought that it might be a while before I got around to watching it again. However, thanks to the Starz channel I've watched the entire film twice this past week and it has managed to keep my attention both times. Magnolia was just one of those films that I watched at the right time of my life. Every aspect of the film just clicked for me and I have probably watched the 188 minute film more than 20 times.  And I am definitely going to get a lot of criticism for this but who cares. Titanic remains the only film I have ever paid to see on the big screen twice. It wasn't entirely my own need that led me to see it twice (not that I'm trying to justify it but my mother did lay a whole guilt trip on me about her going alone to see it and that she really wanted me to go with her even though I had already seen it), but anyways, it was a great film and kept me glued to the screen the entire time. Both times. So Yes or No? Should movies stick to the typical 90 minute standard? Are long movies just that, too long? Let's get talking! If you're having trouble thinking of films, Wikipedia has a fairly comprehensive list. [/quote] WOW! Until seeing that list, I had just assumed that I don't really care for long movies. But I'm actually really surprised at some of the films on that list because I've never really thought of them long-winded or even the least bit taxing to watch. You already mentioned Magnolia, which I pretty much figured on a bit over two hours. Schindler's List is one of my all time favorite films, weighing in at 195 minutes.... But on the other hand, there are some on this list I definately think would have benefited from a bit of cutting room floor action. I really think La Dolce Vita could have used about a 20 minute trim or so. (don't kill me).<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:30:25 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>leeroy711</spout:postby><spout:postto>Weekly Theme</spout:postto><spout:postdate>4/28/2009 9:30:25 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="mercurial"] I think I've been slacking recently with my regular movie watching schedule due to the inordinate number of 3+ hours films I've seen lately. I'm not sure what it is, but watching such epic films makes me wish that it wasn't such an oddity. I personally think it's a sign of a pretty amazing filmmaker when a film lasts more than 180 minutes and that time goes by without the death knell of feeling the need to check the time on your watch or cell phone.  Grindhouse has definitely founds its place among my favorite 3+ hour films. It was so exhausting after watching it for the first time and trying to absorb everything that had happened I thought that it might be a while before I got around to watching it again. However, thanks to the Starz channel I've watched the entire film twice this past week and it has managed to keep my attention both times. Magnolia was just one of those films that I watched at the right time of my life. Every aspect of the film just clicked for me and I have probably watched the 188 minute film more than 20 times.  And I am definitely going to get a lot of criticism for this but who cares. Titanic remains the only film I have ever paid to see on the big screen twice. It wasn't entirely my own need that led me to see it twice (not that I'm trying to justify it but my mother did lay a whole guilt trip on me about her going alone to see it and that she really wanted me to go with her even though I had already seen it), but anyways, it was a great film and kept me glued to the screen the entire time. Both times. So Yes or No? Should movies stick to the typical 90 minute standard? Are long movies just that, too long? Let's get talking! If you're having trouble thinking of films, Wikipedia has a fairly comprehensive list. [/quote] WOW! Until seeing that list, I had just assumed that I don't really care for long movies. But I'm actually really surprised at some of the films on that list because I've never really thought of them long-winded or even the least bit taxing to watch. You already mentioned Magnolia, which I pretty much figured on a bit over two hours. Schindler's List is one of my all time favorite films, weighing in at 195 minutes.... But on the other hand, there are some on this list I definately think would have benefited from a bit of cutting room floor action. I really think La Dolce Vita could have used about a 20 minute trim or so. (don't kill me).</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Weekly Theme for April 27: 3+ Hours</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_April_27_3_Hours/625/41833/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/5353/default.aspx'>Risselada</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/625/discussions.aspx'>Weekly Theme</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 4/28/2009 10:48:27 AM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="mercurial"] I think I've been slacking recently with my regular movie watching schedule due to the inordinate number of 3+ hours films I've seen lately. I'm not sure what it is, but watching such epic films makes me wish that it wasn't such an oddity. I personally think it's a sign of a pretty amazing filmmaker when a film lasts more than 180 minutes and that time goes by without the death knell of feeling the need to check the time on your watch or cell phone.  Grindhouse has definitely founds its place among my favorite 3+ hour films. It was so exhausting after watching it for the first time and trying to absorb everything that had happened I thought that it might be a while before I got around to watching it again. However, thanks to the Starz channel I've watched the entire film twice this past week and it has managed to keep my attention both times. Magnolia was just one of those films that I watched at the right time of my life. Every aspect of the film just clicked for me and I have probably watched the 188 minute film more than 20 times.  And I am definitely going to get a lot of criticism for this but who cares. Titanic remains the only film I have ever paid to see on the big screen twice. It wasn't entirely my own need that led me to see it twice (not that I'm trying to justify it but my mother did lay a whole guilt trip on me about her going alone to see it and that she really wanted me to go with her even though I had already seen it), but anyways, it was a great film and kept me glued to the screen the entire time. Both times. So Yes or No? Should movies stick to the typical 90 minute standard? Are long movies just that, too long? Let's get talking! If you're having trouble thinking of films, Wikipedia has a fairly comprehensive list. [/quote] I'm kind of the opposite than you Merc.  I tend to think shorter films are better.  If a filmmaker can fit an amazing film into somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half I think that's a great feat.  Of course there are many long films I love. I actually just watched a 201 minute long movie, Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles at the Gene Siskel Film Center about a week ago.  And let me tell you, the time did not fly by.  That three and a half hours felt more like three days.  But in actuality, that's how much time actually passes in the film, so I think that was sort of the anticipated effect.  Yet despite this, I picked up a the Gene Siskel Film Center publication and saw that in may they will be playing all three parts of Masaki Kobayashi's The Human Condition trilogy.  Part I is 208 minutes.  Part II is 183 minutes.  And Part III is 196 minutes.  I'm going to be spending about 10 hours at that place next month it appears.  After watching Kobayahi's stunning Harakiri recently, I'm really quite stoked for this!<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:48:27 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>Risselada</spout:postby><spout:postto>Weekly Theme</spout:postto><spout:postdate>4/28/2009 10:48:27 AM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="mercurial"] I think I've been slacking recently with my regular movie watching schedule due to the inordinate number of 3+ hours films I've seen lately. I'm not sure what it is, but watching such epic films makes me wish that it wasn't such an oddity. I personally think it's a sign of a pretty amazing filmmaker when a film lasts more than 180 minutes and that time goes by without the death knell of feeling the need to check the time on your watch or cell phone.  Grindhouse has definitely founds its place among my favorite 3+ hour films. It was so exhausting after watching it for the first time and trying to absorb everything that had happened I thought that it might be a while before I got around to watching it again. However, thanks to the Starz channel I've watched the entire film twice this past week and it has managed to keep my attention both times. Magnolia was just one of those films that I watched at the right time of my life. Every aspect of the film just clicked for me and I have probably watched the 188 minute film more than 20 times.  And I am definitely going to get a lot of criticism for this but who cares. Titanic remains the only film I have ever paid to see on the big screen twice. It wasn't entirely my own need that led me to see it twice (not that I'm trying to justify it but my mother did lay a whole guilt trip on me about her going alone to see it and that she really wanted me to go with her even though I had already seen it), but anyways, it was a great film and kept me glued to the screen the entire time. Both times. So Yes or No? Should movies stick to the typical 90 minute standard? Are long movies just that, too long? Let's get talking! If you're having trouble thinking of films, Wikipedia has a fairly comprehensive list. [/quote] I'm kind of the opposite than you Merc.  I tend to think shorter films are better.  If a filmmaker can fit an amazing film into somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half I think that's a great feat.  Of course there are many long films I love. I actually just watched a 201 minute long movie, Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles at the Gene Siskel Film Center about a week ago.  And let me tell you, the time did not fly by.  That three and a half hours felt more like three days.  But in actuality, that's how much time actually passes in the film, so I think that was sort of the anticipated effect.  Yet despite this, I picked up a the Gene Siskel Film Center publication and saw that in may they will be playing all three parts of Masaki Kobayashi's The Human Condition trilogy.  Part I is 208 minutes.  Part II is 183 minutes.  And Part III is 196 minutes.  I'm going to be spending about 10 hours at that place next month it appears.  After watching Kobayahi's stunning Harakiri recently, I'm really quite stoked for this!</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Weekly Theme for April 27: 3+ Hours</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Weekly_Theme_for_April_27_3_Hours/625/41829/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/119628/default.aspx'>mercurial</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/625/discussions.aspx'>Weekly Theme</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 4/28/2009 3:05:28 AM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> I think I've been slacking recently with my regular movie watching schedule due to the inordinate number of 3+ hours films I've seen lately. I'm not sure what it is, but watching such epic films makes me wish that it wasn't such an oddity. I personally think it's a sign of a pretty amazing filmmaker when a film lasts more than 180 minutes and that time goes by without the death knell of feeling the need to check the time on your watch or cell phone.  Grindhouse has definitely founds its place among my favorite 3+ hour films. It was so exhausting after watching it for the first time and trying to absorb everything that had happened I thought that it might be a while before I got around to watching it again. However, thanks to the Starz channel I've watched the entire film twice this past week and it has managed to keep my attention both times. Magnolia was just one of those films that I watched at the right time of my life. Every aspect of the film just clicked for me and I have probably watched the 188 minute film more than 20 times.  And I am definitely going to get a lot of criticism for this but who cares. Titanic remains the only film I have ever paid to see on the big screen twice. It wasn't entirely my own need that led me to see it twice (not that I'm trying to justify it but my mother did lay a whole guilt trip on me about her going alone to see it and that she really wanted me to go with her even though I had already seen it), but anyways, it was a great film and kept me glued to the screen the entire time. Both times. So Yes or No? Should movies stick to the typical 90 minute standard? Are long movies just that, too long? Let's get talking! If you're having trouble thinking of films, Wikipedia has a fairly comprehensive list.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:05:28 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>mercurial</spout:postby><spout:postto>Weekly Theme</spout:postto><spout:postdate>4/28/2009 3:05:28 AM</spout:postdate><spout:body>I think I've been slacking recently with my regular movie watching schedule due to the inordinate number of 3+ hours films I've seen lately. I'm not sure what it is, but watching such epic films makes me wish that it wasn't such an oddity. I personally think it's a sign of a pretty amazing filmmaker when a film lasts more than 180 minutes and that time goes by without the death knell of feeling the need to check the time on your watch or cell phone.  Grindhouse has definitely founds its place among my favorite 3+ hour films. It was so exhausting after watching it for the first time and trying to absorb everything that had happened I thought that it might be a while before I got around to watching it again. However, thanks to the Starz channel I've watched the entire film twice this past week and it has managed to keep my attention both times. Magnolia was just one of those films that I watched at the right time of my life. Every aspect of the film just clicked for me and I have probably watched the 188 minute film more than 20 times.  And I am definitely going to get a lot of criticism for this but who cares. Titanic remains the only film I have ever paid to see on the big screen twice. It wasn't entirely my own need that led me to see it twice (not that I'm trying to justify it but my mother did lay a whole guilt trip on me about her going alone to see it and that she really wanted me to go with her even though I had already seen it), but anyways, it was a great film and kept me glued to the screen the entire time. Both times. So Yes or No? Should movies stick to the typical 90 minute standard? Are long movies just that, too long? Let's get talking! If you're having trouble thinking of films, Wikipedia has a fairly comprehensive list.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Weekly Theme for March 3: Motorin'!</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Weekly_Theme_for_March_3_Motorin/625/40784/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/119628/default.aspx'>mercurial</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/625/discussions.aspx'>Weekly Theme</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 3/2/2009 10:20:24 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Despite the current economic crisis affecting the automotive industry, American's still find an inordinate amount of love for their cars. Nascar has been gaining popularity outside its traditionally localized fan base in the Bible Belt and every year a slew of action-packed, fuel-injected motorhead flicks have been racing into theaters trying to complete with the latest romantic comedy. This week we'll be talking about all those films glorifying speed, leather-trimmed interior and perfectly pin-striped paint jobs on those chemical spewing chromed bringers of early death: the car. Going against the majority, I'm more than willing to expound on my affinity for the seizure inducing Speed Racer. It was F-Zero brought to the big screen and I couldn't keep my eyes off the candy-colored mess. I get a good number of disturbed looks by those I recommend Crash to. It's the light-hearted story of a man that loves a woman, in a car, after an intentionally car accident. This is the film that cemented my love for David Cronenberg. One half of Grindhouse, Death Proof was an exhilarating little adventure by Quentin Tarantino. And who can forget the indelible car and song Grease Lightning from Grease.  So Ladies and Gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES!<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:20:24 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>mercurial</spout:postby><spout:postto>Weekly Theme</spout:postto><spout:postdate>3/2/2009 10:20:24 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Despite the current economic crisis affecting the automotive industry, American's still find an inordinate amount of love for their cars. Nascar has been gaining popularity outside its traditionally localized fan base in the Bible Belt and every year a slew of action-packed, fuel-injected motorhead flicks have been racing into theaters trying to complete with the latest romantic comedy. This week we'll be talking about all those films glorifying speed, leather-trimmed interior and perfectly pin-striped paint jobs on those chemical spewing chromed bringers of early death: the car. Going against the majority, I'm more than willing to expound on my affinity for the seizure inducing Speed Racer. It was F-Zero brought to the big screen and I couldn't keep my eyes off the candy-colored mess. I get a good number of disturbed looks by those I recommend Crash to. It's the light-hearted story of a man that loves a woman, in a car, after an intentionally car accident. This is the film that cemented my love for David Cronenberg. One half of Grindhouse, Death Proof was an exhilarating little adventure by Quentin Tarantino. And who can forget the indelible car and song Grease Lightning from Grease.  So Ladies and Gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES!</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Top 25 Horror Films of the Modern Era?</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/HORROR_MOVIES_101/Re_Top_25_Horror_Films_of_the_Modern_Era/222/38907/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/140759/default.aspx'>mciocco</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/HORROR_MOVIES_101/222/discussions.aspx'>HORROR MOVIES 101</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 12/28/2008 9:58:27 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> I'm a little surprised to see the Descent that high, but then, I don't really object to it either.  I don't object to Blair Witch that high either.  It's clearly been an influential film, and I personally like it a lot. I do think it's kinda strange to see The Ring instead of Ringu, which I still think is the superior film. The Mist seems a little high as well.  Fine film, but not better than some of the others on the list... Dog Soldiers is a fine film, but there are some other deserving films that should probably make the list. And I agree about Eyes Wide Shut - not a movie I ever considered horror, though I guess it gets a bit tense there... Some stuff not on the list that I might have contributed: Jacob's Ladder,  High Tension (personally, liked this a lot more than Inside, though they're both flawed films), Slither, In the Mouth of Madness, and  Grindhouse (full double-feature experience!). Some others I'd consider, but am not sure about: Candyman, A Tale of Two Sisters, Evil Aliens, The Sixth Sense, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a hundred others.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 02:58:27 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>mciocco</spout:postby><spout:postto>HORROR MOVIES 101</spout:postto><spout:postdate>12/28/2008 9:58:27 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>I'm a little surprised to see the Descent that high, but then, I don't really object to it either.  I don't object to Blair Witch that high either.  It's clearly been an influential film, and I personally like it a lot. I do think it's kinda strange to see The Ring instead of Ringu, which I still think is the superior film. The Mist seems a little high as well.  Fine film, but not better than some of the others on the list... Dog Soldiers is a fine film, but there are some other deserving films that should probably make the list. And I agree about Eyes Wide Shut - not a movie I ever considered horror, though I guess it gets a bit tense there... Some stuff not on the list that I might have contributed: Jacob's Ladder,  High Tension (personally, liked this a lot more than Inside, though they're both flawed films), Slither, In the Mouth of Madness, and  Grindhouse (full double-feature experience!). Some others I'd consider, but am not sure about: Candyman, A Tale of Two Sisters, Evil Aliens, The Sixth Sense, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a hundred others.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Community_Recommendations/Re_Collaboration_Best_Films_of_2007/643/38354/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/113227/default.aspx'>usesoap</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Community_Recommendations/643/discussions.aspx'>Community Recommendations</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 12/13/2008 6:49:07 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Here's my list of my favorites that were released in my little beach community, as we are not always privy to some of the more indie releases, so this is by no means complete (I have also eliminted the ones previously discussed): &ldquo;The Simpsons Movie&rdquo;  &ndash; In a time where two-dimensional animation was considered dead and buried, our omnipresent family rose from the ashes like a yellow-skinned phoenix and demonstrated that whip-smart writing trumps technology any day. Let&rsquo;s see those flaccid phonies over at &ldquo;Family Guy&rdquo; do that two decades from now.  &ldquo;Breach&rdquo; &ndash; Chris Cooper will be completely overlooked at awards season for his riveting role as former FBI senior agent Robert Hanssen, which is just as criminal as Hanssen himself.  Pious, manipulative and ultimately tragic, Cooper keeps up captivated on his every move to elude his colleagues as he secretly feeds information about his agency overseas. Even though the film&rsquo;s conclusion had been played out in papers throughout Hanssen&rsquo;s trial, the film manages to hold the audience captive through every twist of his labyrinth of lies. &ldquo;Ratatouille&rdquo; &ndash; After the stale exhaust of &ldquo;Cars&rdquo; cleared, Pixar returned to form with perhaps one of its most accomplished, nuanced works. With visuals as sumptuous as the meals it describes, &ldquo;Ratatouille&rdquo; is yet another feast offered from the Iron Chefs of animation. &ldquo;Michael Clayton&rdquo; &ndash; George Clooney gives his finest performance without having to lose a fingernail to pliers. It&rsquo;s slow and steady, which hypothetically should win a race or two. But it&rsquo;s diminutive box office will unfortunately leave it behind for future generations to deem it classic. &ldquo;Grindhouse&rdquo; &ndash; I know it&rsquo;s two films. I know that one (&ldquo;Planet Terror&rdquo;) is inferior. But this was the single-most loving tribute to the actual long-lost art of watching movies as a communal experience. And while &ldquo;Terror&rsquo;s&rdquo; director, Robert Rodriguez got all the superficial elements of the era right (the missing reel, the grainy, choppy print), it was Quentin Tarantino&rsquo;s &ldquo;Death Proof&rdquo; that gave us the authentic rush of watching a loving homage to the genre.  Now that they have been severed and sold separately for their DVD release, they would not appear on the list. But for the time that they both shared the screen with a handful of mock exploitation trailers, it was pure geek bliss.  &ldquo;Into the Wild&rdquo; &ndash; One of those Halley&rsquo;s Comet moments where the film exceeds the book, &ldquo;Wild&rdquo; follows a clueless little rich boy on his self-absorbed nature walk into the harsh Alaskan terrain. While director Sean Penn&rsquo;s lens may incite viewers to answer their own call of the wild, Emile Hirsch&rsquo;s heartbreaking performance may have them readjusting their travel agendas. &ldquo;Eastern Promises&rdquo; &ndash; Sorry, but director David Cronenberg&rsquo;s &ldquo;A History of Violence&rdquo; has nothing on this layered Eastern Bloc crime drama. &ldquo;Promises&rdquo; got lots of notoriety for star Viggo Mortensen exposing his little hobbit in a bathhouse sequence, but his performance is equally naked. He&rsquo;s a man trapped in a world of violence, but who also appreciates the beauty of life on the other side. It&rsquo;s a film that blossoms wider the more it is examined.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:49:07 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>usesoap</spout:postby><spout:postto>Community Recommendations</spout:postto><spout:postdate>12/13/2008 6:49:07 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Here's my list of my favorites that were released in my little beach community, as we are not always privy to some of the more indie releases, so this is by no means complete (I have also eliminted the ones previously discussed): &amp;ldquo;The Simpsons Movie&amp;rdquo;  &amp;ndash; In a time where two-dimensional animation was considered dead and buried, our omnipresent family rose from the ashes like a yellow-skinned phoenix and demonstrated that whip-smart writing trumps technology any day. Let&amp;rsquo;s see those flaccid phonies over at &amp;ldquo;Family Guy&amp;rdquo; do that two decades from now.  &amp;ldquo;Breach&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; Chris Cooper will be completely overlooked at awards season for his riveting role as former FBI senior agent Robert Hanssen, which is just as criminal as Hanssen himself.  Pious, manipulative and ultimately tragic, Cooper keeps up captivated on his every move to elude his colleagues as he secretly feeds information about his agency overseas. Even though the film&amp;rsquo;s conclusion had been played out in papers throughout Hanssen&amp;rsquo;s trial, the film manages to hold the audience captive through every twist of his labyrinth of lies. &amp;ldquo;Ratatouille&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; After the stale exhaust of &amp;ldquo;Cars&amp;rdquo; cleared, Pixar returned to form with perhaps one of its most accomplished, nuanced works. With visuals as sumptuous as the meals it describes, &amp;ldquo;Ratatouille&amp;rdquo; is yet another feast offered from the Iron Chefs of animation. &amp;ldquo;Michael Clayton&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; George Clooney gives his finest performance without having to lose a fingernail to pliers. It&amp;rsquo;s slow and steady, which hypothetically should win a race or two. But it&amp;rsquo;s diminutive box office will unfortunately leave it behind for future generations to deem it classic. &amp;ldquo;Grindhouse&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; I know it&amp;rsquo;s two films. I know that one (&amp;ldquo;Planet Terror&amp;rdquo;) is inferior. But this was the single-most loving tribute to the actual long-lost art of watching movies as a communal experience. And while &amp;ldquo;Terror&amp;rsquo;s&amp;rdquo; director, Robert Rodriguez got all the superficial elements of the era right (the missing reel, the grainy, choppy print), it was Quentin Tarantino&amp;rsquo;s &amp;ldquo;Death Proof&amp;rdquo; that gave us the authentic rush of watching a loving homage to the genre.  Now that they have been severed and sold separately for their DVD release, they would not appear on the list. But for the time that they both shared the screen with a handful of mock exploitation trailers, it was pure geek bliss.  &amp;ldquo;Into the Wild&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; One of those Halley&amp;rsquo;s Comet moments where the film exceeds the book, &amp;ldquo;Wild&amp;rdquo; follows a clueless little rich boy on his self-absorbed nature walk into the harsh Alaskan terrain. While director Sean Penn&amp;rsquo;s lens may incite viewers to answer their own call of the wild, Emile Hirsch&amp;rsquo;s heartbreaking performance may have them readjusting their travel agendas. &amp;ldquo;Eastern Promises&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; Sorry, but director David Cronenberg&amp;rsquo;s &amp;ldquo;A History of Violence&amp;rdquo; has nothing on this layered Eastern Bloc crime drama. &amp;ldquo;Promises&amp;rdquo; got lots of notoriety for star Viggo Mortensen exposing his little hobbit in a bathhouse sequence, but his performance is equally naked. He&amp;rsquo;s a man trapped in a world of violence, but who also appreciates the beauty of life on the other side. It&amp;rsquo;s a film that blossoms wider the more it is examined.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Community_Recommendations/Re_Collaboration_Best_Films_of_2007/643/38246/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/5353/default.aspx'>Risselada</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Community_Recommendations/643/discussions.aspx'>Community Recommendations</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 12/11/2008 12:09:19 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> So here are my favorites, with my most favorites at the top: No Country for Old Men The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters For the Bible Tells Me So - pretty great documentary.  Surprised I've never heard anyone mention it on any of the discussions here. Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters - almost as long of a title as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Grindhouse Paris, je t'aime - this one made the film festival rounds in 2006 but didn't really get a wider theatrical release in the US until 2007 Rescue Dawn - same case as Paris, je t'aime Fay Grim - also the same case Honerable mention - Election Day - a lot of you probably haven't seen this but my girlfriend knows one of the producers and I saw a screening of it at the Gene Siskel center.  Worth checking out. BTW, I have yet to see There Will Be Blood, but I can't doubt it will make my list.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:09:19 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>Risselada</spout:postby><spout:postto>Community Recommendations</spout:postto><spout:postdate>12/11/2008 12:09:19 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>So here are my favorites, with my most favorites at the top: No Country for Old Men The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters For the Bible Tells Me So - pretty great documentary.  Surprised I've never heard anyone mention it on any of the discussions here. Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters - almost as long of a title as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Grindhouse Paris, je t'aime - this one made the film festival rounds in 2006 but didn't really get a wider theatrical release in the US until 2007 Rescue Dawn - same case as Paris, je t'aime Fay Grim - also the same case Honerable mention - Election Day - a lot of you probably haven't seen this but my girlfriend knows one of the producers and I saw a screening of it at the Gene Siskel center.  Worth checking out. BTW, I have yet to see There Will Be Blood, but I can't doubt it will make my list.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Community_Recommendations/Re_Collaboration_Best_Films_of_2007/643/37963/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/140759/default.aspx'>mciocco</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Community_Recommendations/643/discussions.aspx'>Community Recommendations</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 12/4/2008 5:04:55 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> I had a little trouble compiling this list last year, but overall I'm pretty happy with it.  The only one that I thought about changing in retrospect was Zodiac, which I'd take off the list in favor of Black Book, which has grown on my in hindsight. But for now, I'll leave it the way it is. My top 10 films of 2007...in roughly reverse order (i.e. with the best at the bottom of this list) :   Zodiac: This one barely makes it on this list. It's one of the few early year releases that has made it on the list, and as such, it's something I actually want to revisit. But of all the early year films I saw, I remember this being the most interesting and best made. If you know about the Zodiac killer, you know the ending won't provide any real explanations (nor should it) as the killer was never caught in real life. As such, this does diminish some of the tension from the film. Still, director David Fincher has made an impeccable film. It's not as showy or spectacular as his previous efforts. Stylistically, it's rather straightforward, and yet, it's a gorgeous film to look at, and Fincher does manage to imbue some tension throughout the film, which focuses more on the obsession of those trying to find the Zodiac than the Zodiac himself. Gone Baby Gone: It basically starts out as a straightforward crime thriller and mystery and those elements are very well done. But the ending introduces a moral dilemma that has no good answers. You can't help but put yourself into the movie and think about what you would do in such a case, and to be honest, I don't know what I'd do. I suppose I should mention that this is Ben Affleck's directing debut, and he proves shockingly adept at doing so. The Bourne Ultimatum: A fantastic action film, and one of the few sequels worth it's salt in a year of particularly bad sequels. Paul Greengrass' infamous shaky camera is actually put to good use here, and the film also features good performances and great stuntwork. Some may be put off by the camera work, but when you look at a film like this, and then you look at a film like Transformers, you can see a huge difference in style and talent. Superbad: Hands down, the funniest movie of the year. I'm a sucker for raunchy humor with a heart, and this movie has that in spades. Great performances by Jonah Hill and the deadpan Michael Cera, as well as just about everyone else. Of all the movies on this list, this one probably has the most replay value, and is also probably the most quotable. Stardust: This might the most thoroughly enjoyable movie of the year. A great adventure film that evokes The Princess Bride (perhaps unfairly leading to comparisons) while asserting an identity of its own. In a year filled with dark, heavy-hitting dramas, it was nice to sit down to a well done fantasy film. Well directed with good performances (including an unusual turn by Robert DeNiro as a flamboyant pirate) and nice visuals, the real strength of this film is the story, which retains the fun feeling of a fantasy while skirting darker, edgier material. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters: Documentary films don't generally find much of an audience in theaters, but The King of Kong should be in every video game enthusiast's Netflix queue. It delves into the rough and tumble world of competitive video gaming for classic games, particularly Donkey Kong, but it does so kinda like an inspirational sports film. You've got your lovable underdog who has never won anything in his life, and of course the villainous champion who looks down on the underdog and seeks to steal his thunder. There's some controversy over the film, which perhaps takes some liberties with the facts, but it's still a great movie and highly recommended for video game fans. The Orphanage: Certainly the creepiest movie of the year. Though perhaps not exactly a horror film, it establishes a high level of tension all throughout the film, and the story, while a little odd, works pretty well too. A spanish language film that gets unfairly compaired to Pan's Labyrinth, it is nonetheless worth watching for any fan of ghost stories. The Lives of Others: This film actually won the Oscar for best foreign-language film last year (beating out Pan's Labyrinth - a surprise to me), so I might be cheating a bit, but it didn't really have a theatrical release in the U.S. until 2007, so I'm putting it on this list. Set in East Germany during the Cold War, this film follows a Stasi agent who begins to feel for the subjects he's surveiling. It doesn't sound like much, and it's not exactly action-packed, but it is quite compelling and one of the most powerful films of the year. All of the technical aspects of the film are brilliant, especially the script and the nuanced acting by Ulrich M&uuml;he. This film would be amongst the top of any year's list Grindhouse: I'm referring, of course, to the theatrical release of this film. I say this because a lot of critics like to separate the two features and heap praise on Tarantino's Death Proof (which I'll grant, is probably the better of the two, if I were forced to chose), but to me, nothing beats the full experience of the theatrical version. It starts out with a hilarious "fake" trailer, then moves into Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror, an over=the-top zombie action film done in true grindhouse style (missing reels and all). Following that we get three more absolutely brilliant fake trailers and Tarantino's wonderful Death Proof. The films are dark, they're edgy, and they're probably not for everyone. In attempting to emulate 70s grindhouse cinema, the filmmakers have lovingly reproduced the tropes, some of which may bother audiences (particularly the awkward pacing of both features, which is actuall brilliance in disguise). It's a crime that the theatrical version is not available on DVD. The double-billing was poorly advertised, so it looks like the studio opted to split the films up and give longer cuts of each their own DVD. Supposedly, a 6 disc boxed set containing everything is in the works. No Country for Old Men: The Coen brothers have outdone themselves. This is perhaps a boring pick, as this film is at or near the top of most top 10 lists, but that happened for a reason. It's a great damn film. Gorgeous photography, tension-filled action, and that rare brand of dark humor that the Coens are so good at. It also features the most memorable and terrifying villain in years. The ending is uncompromising and ambiguous (which may turn some viewers off), but I found it quite appropriate. Of all the films this year, this one is best made and most entertaining (if a little dark), a combo that's certainly difficult to pull off. Blatant link whoring: I have a whole slew of honorable mentions, and every year I do a set of awards at my blog, if you're interested...<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:04:55 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>mciocco</spout:postby><spout:postto>Community Recommendations</spout:postto><spout:postdate>12/4/2008 5:04:55 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>I had a little trouble compiling this list last year, but overall I'm pretty happy with it.  The only one that I thought about changing in retrospect was Zodiac, which I'd take off the list in favor of Black Book, which has grown on my in hindsight. But for now, I'll leave it the way it is. My top 10 films of 2007...in roughly reverse order (i.e. with the best at the bottom of this list) :   Zodiac: This one barely makes it on this list. It's one of the few early year releases that has made it on the list, and as such, it's something I actually want to revisit. But of all the early year films I saw, I remember this being the most interesting and best made. If you know about the Zodiac killer, you know the ending won't provide any real explanations (nor should it) as the killer was never caught in real life. As such, this does diminish some of the tension from the film. Still, director David Fincher has made an impeccable film. It's not as showy or spectacular as his previous efforts. Stylistically, it's rather straightforward, and yet, it's a gorgeous film to look at, and Fincher does manage to imbue some tension throughout the film, which focuses more on the obsession of those trying to find the Zodiac than the Zodiac himself. Gone Baby Gone: It basically starts out as a straightforward crime thriller and mystery and those elements are very well done. But the ending introduces a moral dilemma that has no good answers. You can't help but put yourself into the movie and think about what you would do in such a case, and to be honest, I don't know what I'd do. I suppose I should mention that this is Ben Affleck's directing debut, and he proves shockingly adept at doing so. The Bourne Ultimatum: A fantastic action film, and one of the few sequels worth it's salt in a year of particularly bad sequels. Paul Greengrass' infamous shaky camera is actually put to good use here, and the film also features good performances and great stuntwork. Some may be put off by the camera work, but when you look at a film like this, and then you look at a film like Transformers, you can see a huge difference in style and talent. Superbad: Hands down, the funniest movie of the year. I'm a sucker for raunchy humor with a heart, and this movie has that in spades. Great performances by Jonah Hill and the deadpan Michael Cera, as well as just about everyone else. Of all the movies on this list, this one probably has the most replay value, and is also probably the most quotable. Stardust: This might the most thoroughly enjoyable movie of the year. A great adventure film that evokes The Princess Bride (perhaps unfairly leading to comparisons) while asserting an identity of its own. In a year filled with dark, heavy-hitting dramas, it was nice to sit down to a well done fantasy film. Well directed with good performances (including an unusual turn by Robert DeNiro as a flamboyant pirate) and nice visuals, the real strength of this film is the story, which retains the fun feeling of a fantasy while skirting darker, edgier material. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters: Documentary films don't generally find much of an audience in theaters, but The King of Kong should be in every video game enthusiast's Netflix queue. It delves into the rough and tumble world of competitive video gaming for classic games, particularly Donkey Kong, but it does so kinda like an inspirational sports film. You've got your lovable underdog who has never won anything in his life, and of course the villainous champion who looks down on the underdog and seeks to steal his thunder. There's some controversy over the film, which perhaps takes some liberties with the facts, but it's still a great movie and highly recommended for video game fans. The Orphanage: Certainly the creepiest movie of the year. Though perhaps not exactly a horror film, it establishes a high level of tension all throughout the film, and the story, while a little odd, works pretty well too. A spanish language film that gets unfairly compaired to Pan's Labyrinth, it is nonetheless worth watching for any fan of ghost stories. The Lives of Others: This film actually won the Oscar for best foreign-language film last year (beating out Pan's Labyrinth - a surprise to me), so I might be cheating a bit, but it didn't really have a theatrical release in the U.S. until 2007, so I'm putting it on this list. Set in East Germany during the Cold War, this film follows a Stasi agent who begins to feel for the subjects he's surveiling. It doesn't sound like much, and it's not exactly action-packed, but it is quite compelling and one of the most powerful films of the year. All of the technical aspects of the film are brilliant, especially the script and the nuanced acting by Ulrich M&amp;uuml;he. This film would be amongst the top of any year's list Grindhouse: I'm referring, of course, to the theatrical release of this film. I say this because a lot of critics like to separate the two features and heap praise on Tarantino's Death Proof (which I'll grant, is probably the better of the two, if I were forced to chose), but to me, nothing beats the full experience of the theatrical version. It starts out with a hilarious "fake" trailer, then moves into Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror, an over=the-top zombie action film done in true grindhouse style (missing reels and all). Following that we get three more absolutely brilliant fake trailers and Tarantino's wonderful Death Proof. The films are dark, they're edgy, and they're probably not for everyone. In attempting to emulate 70s grindhouse cinema, the filmmakers have lovingly reproduced the tropes, some of which may bother audiences (particularly the awkward pacing of both features, which is actuall brilliance in disguise). It's a crime that the theatrical version is not available on DVD. The double-billing was poorly advertised, so it looks like the studio opted to split the films up and give longer cuts of each their own DVD. Supposedly, a 6 disc boxed set containing everything is in the works. No Country for Old Men: The Coen brothers have outdone themselves. This is perhaps a boring pick, as this film is at or near the top of most top 10 lists, but that happened for a reason. It's a great damn film. Gorgeous photography, tension-filled action, and that rare brand of dark humor that the Coens are so good at. It also features the most memorable and terrifying villain in years. The ending is uncompromising and ambiguous (which may turn some viewers off), but I found it quite appropriate. Of all the films this year, this one is best made and most entertaining (if a little dark), a combo that's certainly difficult to pull off. Blatant link whoring: I have a whole slew of honorable mentions, and every year I do a set of awards at my blog, if you're interested...</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Collaboration - Best Films of 2007</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Community_Recommendations/Re_Collaboration_Best_Films_of_2007/643/37905/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s263489.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/119628/default.aspx'>mercurial</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Community_Recommendations/643/discussions.aspx'>Community Recommendations</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 12/3/2008 4:13:53 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> In no particular order: 1.) Persepolis - I really enjoyed this animated bildungsroman. 2.) 300 - I know it got a lot of flack, but damn if it wasn't one of the coolest looking movies. Nudity, blood, gore, and violence to the umpteenth degree. No extraneous thought necessary and I liked it. 3.) Year of the Dog - Molly Shannon in an amazing role for her. The vegan, PETA freak subject matter turned a good amount of people off this film but definitely worth a look. 4.) Waitress - Keri Russel is just so darn lovable in this flick it's practically unbearable. 5.) Grindhouse - Again, lots of divided people with this one. Some loved just one of the two films or hated it with a passion. I loved the whole thing (especially the faux trailers during intermission). 6.) Southland Tales - The convoluted plot and army of bizarre characters made this one unwatchable for some . . . but not for me. 7.) Margot at the Wedding - Just a great little emotional romper-stomper screwball comedy. 8.) Angel-A - Luc Besson is the shit. In a non-stinky poo kind of way. Great movie. 9.) Smiley Face - Completely unlike Gregg Araki's other films, but Anna Faris is unbelievably hilarious in this film. 10.) Ira &amp; Abby - Quirky romantic comedy. I'm a sucker for those.   Some family flicks that were also pretty good: Hairspray - Nothing like the original, but decent nonetheless. The Last Mimzy - Adorable little sci-fi flick for kids. Shrek the Third - I actually thought I would despise this considering the second film in the series annoyed me considerably, but I actually enjoyed it. Enchanted - Amy Adams carried this live-action fairy tale. <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:13:53 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>mercurial</spout:postby><spout:postto>Community Recommendations</spout:postto><spout:postdate>12/3/2008 4:13:53 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>In no particular order: 1.) Persepolis - I really enjoyed this animated bildungsroman. 2.) 300 - I know it got a lot of flack, but damn if it wasn't one of the coolest looking movies. Nudity, blood, gore, and violence to the umpteenth degree. No extraneous thought necessary and I liked it. 3.) Year of the Dog - Molly Shannon in an amazing role for her. The vegan, PETA freak subject matter turned a good amount of people off this film but definitely worth a look. 4.) Waitress - Keri Russel is just so darn lovable in this flick it's practically unbearable. 5.) Grindhouse - Again, lots of divided people with this one. Some loved just one of the two films or hated it with a passion. I loved the whole thing (especially the faux trailers during intermission). 6.) Southland Tales - The convoluted plot and army of bizarre characters made this one unwatchable for some . . . but not for me. 7.) Margot at the Wedding - Just a great little emotional romper-stomper screwball comedy. 8.) Angel-A - Luc Besson is the shit. In a non-stinky poo kind of way. Great movie. 9.) Smiley Face - Completely unlike Gregg Araki's other films, but Anna Faris is unbelievably hilarious in this film. 10.) Ira &amp;amp; Abby - Quirky romantic comedy. I'm a sucker for those.   Some family flicks that were also pretty good: Hairspray - Nothing like the original, but decent nonetheless. The Last Mimzy - Adorable little sci-fi flick for kids. Shrek the Third - I actually thought I would despise this considering the second film in the series annoyed me considerably, but I actually enjoyed it. Enchanted - Amy Adams carried this live-action fairy tale. </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:funny</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/funny/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/funny/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>funny</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 608</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 315</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 941</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:28:29 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>608</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>315</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>941</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:it</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/it/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/it/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>it</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 101</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 106</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 117</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:42:42 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>101</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>106</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>117</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:intense</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/intense/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/intense/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>intense</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 162</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 81</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 249</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:07:45 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>162</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>81</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>249</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:zombie</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/zombie/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/zombie/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>zombie</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 449</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 65</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 152</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:55:30 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>449</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>65</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>152</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:gore</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/gore/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/gore/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>gore</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 246</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 50</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 136</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:53:52 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>246</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>50</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>136</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:Zombies</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Zombies/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/Zombies/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>Zombies</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 44</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 46</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 68</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:55:30 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>44</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>46</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>68</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:I</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/I/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/I/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>I</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 44</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 44</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 45</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:50:14 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>44</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>44</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>45</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:evil</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/evil/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/evil/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>evil</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 885</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 42</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 79</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:19:10 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>885</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>42</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>79</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:tarantino</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/tarantino/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/tarantino/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>tarantino</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 16</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 41</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 66</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:36:55 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>16</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>41</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>66</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:long</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/long/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/long/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>long</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 53</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 35</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 63</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:08:36 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>53</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>35</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>63</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:serialkiller</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/serialkiller/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/serialkiller/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>serialkiller</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 996</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 32</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 64</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:03:15 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>996</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>32</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>64</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:Entertaining</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Entertaining/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/Entertaining/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>Entertaining</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 33</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 28</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 40</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:09:49 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>33</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>28</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>40</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:psychopath</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/psychopath/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/psychopath/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>psychopath</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 517</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 22</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 33</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:51:04 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>517</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>22</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>33</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:crash</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/crash/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/crash/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>crash</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 323</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 18</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 30</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 06:01:58 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>323</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>18</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>30</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:Exciting</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Exciting/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/Exciting/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>Exciting</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 21</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 18</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 24</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:08:36 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>21</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>18</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>24</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
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