mercurial's Groups - Spout

Spout Group:Weekly Theme - "Fighting off boredom with the Iron Fist of Variety"

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:20:23 GMT

Group Name: Weekly Theme - "Fighting off boredom with the Iron Fist of Variety"
Created: 6/30/2008
Number of Members: 52
Number of Lists: 12
Number of discussion posts: 701

Spout Group:Serialicious - Sick, twisted and psychotic - Makes for an interesting flick!

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 03:02:39 GMT

Group Name: Serialicious - Sick, twisted and psychotic - Makes for an interesting flick!
Group Description: Dissecting the films that glorify those pesky serial killers.
Created: 4/21/2008
Number of Members: 32
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 15

Spout Group:Trailer Park - The best part of going to the movies!

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:32:38 GMT

Group Name: Trailer Park - The best part of going to the movies!
Group Description: Discussing movie trailers and the films they make us want to see and completely avoid.
Created: 4/2/2008
Number of Members: 21
Number of discussion posts: 66

Spout Group:Re-Make - When one just isn't enough!

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:55:19 GMT

Group Name: Re-Make - When one just isn't enough!
Group Description:

Deconstructing films that are remakes of other films.

Created: 1/27/2009
Number of Members: 10
Number of discussion posts: 10

Spout Group:Once Again - For those movies that needed a second, third, or fourth viewing

Wed, 14 May 2008 14:21:13 GMT

Group Name: Once Again - For those movies that needed a second, third, or fourth viewing
Group Description: Sometimes once isn't enough. Movies define our lives and undoubtedly our lives change. These are the films that took another chance to see that they weren't what we originally thought about them.
Created: 3/16/2008
Number of Members: 14
Number of Lists: 2
Number of discussion posts: 8

Spout Group:Spout Customer Care - Get answers to your questions here!

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:47:00 GMT

Group Name: Spout Customer Care - Get answers to your questions here!
Group Description:

Have a general question? Need help with some thing on the site? Have a bug you would like to report? Well then, you have come to the right place. No matter what you are having trouble with, we would like to help you find a solution. And maybe, through your own experience with the site, you will want to help other users too. That's what communities are all about.

Created: 8/1/2007
Number of Members: 79
Number of discussion posts: 513

Spout Group:HORROR MOVIES 101 - FOR ALL WHO LOVE HORROR MOVIES

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:53:17 GMT

Group Name: HORROR MOVIES 101 - FOR ALL WHO LOVE HORROR MOVIES
Group Description: " I bid you welcome... Enter freely and of your own will..."
Created: 12/17/2006
Number of Members: 414
Number of Lists: 6
Number of discussion posts: 2333

Spout Group:Spout Mavens - Spout's best movie reviewers. Membership is limited.

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:10:52 GMT

Group Name: Spout Mavens - Spout's best movie reviewers. Membership is limited.
Group Description:

A group of Spout's best reviewers.
Read the requirements.

Created: 6/20/2007
Number of Members: 36
Number of Lists: 9
Number of discussion posts: 451

Spout Group:Movie Polls - Vote in weekly polls and discuss

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:42:29 GMT

Group Name: Movie Polls - Vote in weekly polls and discuss
Group Description:

Each week I will post a new poll. Please vote in the poll and reply to the discussion thread to discuss the question. Please do not vote more than once.

Created: 11/25/2008
Number of Members: 66
Number of discussion posts: 414

Spout Group:Zombie Obsession - Zombie Lovers, Unite!

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:29:56 GMT

Group Name: Zombie Obsession - Zombie Lovers, Unite!
Group Description:

Join us to discuss your favorite or most horrifying Zombie Movies or just your most memorable Zombie Moments. From Funny to Scary to Gory to Bizarre...

Created: 5/28/2007
Number of Members: 104
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 594

Spout Group:Community Recommendations - Get great movie recommendations!

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:57:38 GMT

Group Name: Community Recommendations - Get great movie recommendations!
Group Description:

This group is dedicated to the idea that great movie recommendations can come from another person instead of some fancy computer software. So put our community to the test. And who knows maybe you will find yourself making some recommendations of your own, feel free.

Created: 9/29/2008
Number of Members: 77
Number of Lists: 2
Number of discussion posts: 192

Spout Group:Top 5 - Top 5 lists of everything about film

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:35:44 GMT

Group Name: Top 5 - Top 5 lists of everything about film
Created: 10/21/2006
Number of Members: 216
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 1103

Spout Group:The Film Library - "Yeah, but the book was better..."

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:44:00 GMT

Group Name: The Film Library - "Yeah, but the book was better..."
Group Description: Movies for people who like to read. Victorian novels, short stories, comic books, magazine articles! If it was adapted from a previously published work, it's fair game for discussion.
Created: 11/28/2007
Number of Members: 34
Number of Lists: 2
Number of discussion posts: 163

Spout Group:Movie Soundtracks - Movie sound tracks.

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:43:29 GMT

Group Name: Movie Soundtracks - Movie sound tracks.
Created: 5/3/2006
Number of Members: 126
Number of Lists: 8
Number of discussion posts: 155

Spout Group:Coming Soon - New movies in theaters & on DVD

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:44:15 GMT

Group Name: Coming Soon - New movies in theaters & on DVD
Created: 11/30/2006
Number of Members: 55
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 134

Spout Group:Criterion Collection - A continuing series of important classic and contemporary films.

Wed, 20 May 2009 18:33:10 GMT

Group Name: Criterion Collection - A continuing series of important classic and contemporary films.
Created: 6/6/2006
Number of Members: 46
Number of Lists: 2
Number of discussion posts: 101

Spout Group:Directors - Who is in charge here?

Mon, 18 May 2009 22:06:23 GMT

Group Name: Directors - Who is in charge here?
Group Description: Film directors. The general public loves actors, but film buffs worship directors most of all. How important is the director? What are their methods? Who are your favorites?
Created: 7/18/2007
Number of Members: 96
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 162

Spout Group:Introduce Yourself - Let's get to know each other!

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:08:34 GMT

Group Name: Introduce Yourself - Let's get to know each other!
Group Description: Whether you are brand new to Spout, have been lurking around for a while, or have been a long time participator, introduce yourself here so that we can get to better know the people we interact with here in this exciting community.
Created: 4/19/2007
Number of Members: 274
Number of discussion posts: 132

Spout Group:FRESH - Things we've recently noticed, seen.

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:44:57 GMT

Group Name: FRESH - Things we've recently noticed, seen.
Group Description: Whether we've just seen them or heard their name on the wind, they are fresh in our minds.
Created: 3/29/2006
Number of Members: 92
Number of Lists: 10
Number of discussion posts: 125

Spout Group:Movie Games - Fun is power: Movie Games

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:56:55 GMT

Group Name: Movie Games - Fun is power: Movie Games
Group Description:

Play interactive movie games and quizzes, show off fun facts you know about film. Create your own games about movies, challenge others with movie trivia.

Created: 5/13/2008
Number of Members: 171
Number of Lists: 2
Number of discussion posts: 678

Spout Group:Spout Feedback - Help make Spout better.

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:12:07 GMT

Group Name: Spout Feedback - Help make Spout better.
Created: 6/27/2006
Number of Members: 116
Number of discussion posts: 287

Spout Group:Filmgaming - Play games. Win prizes.

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:34:30 GMT

Group Name: Filmgaming - Play games. Win prizes.
Created: 3/26/2008
Number of Members: 342
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 918

Spout Group:SXSW Film Festival - Spout's going. Join us.

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:45:36 GMT

Group Name: SXSW Film Festival - Spout's going. Join us.
Group Description: The Spout team will be at this year's South by Southwest Film and Intreractive Festival. There'll be podcasts, interviews, and reviews, all posted through SpoutBlog.
Created: 2/27/2007
Number of Members: 61
Number of Lists: 8
Number of discussion posts: 7

Spout Group:B Movies - B is for better

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:16:07 GMT

Group Name: B Movies - B is for better
Group Description:

B movies are like the original Not Ready for Primetime Players--funny, brave, brainless, learned, rowdy, rough, ribald, and dangerous.

B movies can be like a seven dollar bottle of champagne, miles away from the real thing but every bit as fun. (Semi-Pro)

They can be like absinthe, so bizarre you wonder if you're actually enjoying yourself. Nobody else will be able to tell you. (Eraserhead)

They can be like moonshine. Lightning in a bottle, you wonder how the maker captured it, you wonder if they even know how good it is or if they could do it again. (The Night of the Hunter)

They're like surprise hard cider. Something that's been set aside, and then you find it by accident, take a tentative sip, and it knocks you to the floor! (Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women)

They're like straight Yagermeister, the kind with deerblood and mercury in it. An acquired taste that never lets you forget how dangerous it is, and others can't fathom why you're in love with it. (Wicker Man--1974).

Created: 4/22/2008
Number of Members: 28
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 113

Spout Group:Natsukashi - nostalgia... through cinema

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:47:21 GMT

Group Name: Natsukashi - nostalgia... through cinema
Group Description:

Have you ever recalled a film from youth, then seen it again as an adult, only to gain an entirely new perspective on the film (and in some cases it is an entirely different film from the one you remember)?

Created: 4/24/2008
Number of Members: 37
Number of Lists: 12
Number of discussion posts: 28

Spout Group:FilmCouch - The group for Spout's weekly podcast

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:38:42 GMT

Group Name: FilmCouch - The group for Spout's weekly podcast
Group Description:

Created: 5/7/2007
Number of Members: 77
Number of Lists: 3
Number of discussion posts: 172

Spout Group:Viewing with a purpose - Of course movies are fun,but we want to expand our cinematic IQ

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:55:13 GMT

Group Name: Viewing with a purpose - Of course movies are fun,but we want to expand our cinematic IQ
Group Description:

thinking and writing about cinema and theory

Created: 4/14/2007
Number of Members: 27
Number of discussion posts: 84

Spout Group:Best movie quotes - Quotes that you use on a regular basis

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:53:12 GMT

Group Name: Best movie quotes - Quotes that you use on a regular basis
Group Description:

This is a group for people who use quotes, want to use quotes or for people who just want to play our game!

Created: 12/27/2005
Number of Members: 224
Number of Lists: 2
Number of discussion posts: 638

Spout Group:Sundance - The Sundance Film Festival

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:14:36 GMT

Group Name: Sundance - The Sundance Film Festival
Created: 1/5/2009
Number of Members: 54
Number of Lists: 18
Number of discussion posts: 26

Spout Group:Silent Film - 1888-1929 "Age of the Silver Screen"

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:36:21 GMT

Group Name: Silent Film - 1888-1929 "Age of the Silver Screen"
Group Description:

A group for the appreciation of and learning about silent film.

Created: 4/22/2008
Number of Members: 11
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 4

Spout Group:Free Movies - Searching the web for free movies

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:31:26 GMT

Group Name: Free Movies - Searching the web for free movies
Group Description:

Created: 7/19/2006
Number of Members: 14
Number of Lists: 3
Number of discussion posts: 14

Spout Group:Post Your Playlist - Share your music................ And whatever else.

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:04:00 GMT

Group Name: Post Your Playlist - Share your music................ And whatever else.
Group Description:

This is a group where you can post music and other random, mindless crap that you would think other members may enjoy. It's all part of getting to know each other

Created: 5/15/2008
Number of Members: 27
Number of discussion posts: 51

Spout Group:Spout Moderators - a group for people who moderate groups on Spout

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:07:33 GMT

Group Name: Spout Moderators - a group for people who moderate groups on Spout
Group Description:

Check out the discussions...

Created: 4/9/2008
Number of Members: 35
Number of discussion posts: 49

Spout Group:From Here To Awesome - A Discovery and Distribution Festival

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:40:23 GMT

Group Name: From Here To Awesome - A Discovery and Distribution Festival
Group Description: Have you made a film you think the world should see? FROM HERE TO AWESOME is a discovery and distribution festival that might be the perfect system to get your film blasted to audiences in theaters, living rooms, online and via mobile phones. All filmmakers are welcome to be a part of the festival. There are NO submission fees, filmmakers retain their rights while receiving revenue directly from the distribution outlets. A wide range of major promotional partners and distribution platforms are on board. FHTA was founded by DIY filmmaking pioneers Lance Weiler (The Last Broadcast, Head Trauma), Arin Crumley (Four Eyed Monsters) and M dot Strange (We Are The Strange).
Created: 4/18/2008
Number of Members: 63
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 33

Spout Group:Philosophy of Film - Film and philosophy, ethics, epistemology, aesthetics, metaphysics!

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:09:21 GMT

Group Name: Philosophy of Film - Film and philosophy, ethics, epistemology, aesthetics, metaphysics!
Group Description: Anywhere that the worlds of philosophy and cinema collide. Moral dilemmas? Issues of language and communication? Does film have a purpose? Bring your questions here!
Created: 4/4/2007
Number of Members: 72
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 95

Spout Group:Emerging Filmmakers - Up and coming in the world of film

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:55:29 GMT

Group Name: Emerging Filmmakers - Up and coming in the world of film
Created: 2/11/2008
Number of Members: 37
Number of discussion posts: 7

Spout Group:Spout Classified - Buy Sell Trade

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:43:26 GMT

Group Name: Spout Classified - Buy Sell Trade
Group Description:

Post movies and movie schwag you are trying to aquire or get rid of. Post links to sites that you've found helpful in your quest. Have fun & be nice.

Created: 6/3/2008
Number of Members: 29
Number of discussion posts: 1

Spout Group:Five for Five - Lists of five films with one common element, but a different rating

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:51:46 GMT

Group Name: Five for Five - Lists of five films with one common element, but a different rating
Group Description: This group is all about making lists of five films each. The films in each list share a common element (lead actor, director, etc...). Each film must have a different star rating from you. So one film has one star, another one has two, another three, and so on up to five. So there you go, who has made classics, crap, and everything in between?
Created: 2/20/2007
Number of Members: 7
Number of Lists: 7
Number of discussion posts: 18

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for October 26: Famous Last Words

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:34:48 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for October 26: Famous Last Words
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: joem18b
Post Date: 10/26/2009 7:34:48 PM
Body: We're getting a little burned out here at Weekly Theme so I thought it only fitting that this week's theme should focus on famous last words. Be it those from a character before their untimely end or the final lines delivered in the film itself, which one's have resonated the most with you all? Here's a little inspiration if you're drawing a blank: http://www.filmsite.org/greatlastlines.html On the more mushy side, there is of course, "there's no place like home!" from The WIzard of Oz. "Love means never having to say you're sorry." from Love Story always bring a little tear to my generally hard veneer. And my personal favorite, "Let's not ask for the moon. We have the stars." uttered by Bette Davis in the overly melodramatic (but that's what makes it good) Now, Voyager. After finally seeing Sunset Boulevard a few months ago, the final line delivered by Gloria Swanson has become a staple in my quote book: "All right Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up!" And lastly, one of my favorite final lines in a film comes from Eyes Wide Shut. While Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman are Christmas shopping with their young daughter, Kidman with her sweet and proper voice simply says, "Fuck." And that's what you're left with. Love it.

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for September 28: The Infinite Sadness

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:23:47 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for September 28: The Infinite Sadness
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 9/30/2009 4:23:47 PM
Body: Sorry for the delay but I've been in a Six Feet Under k-hole for the past week and haven't been doing much of else. The final episode of the series had me crying like almost never before and it got me thinking about how much I enjoy a good cry. The raw emotion, the circling thoughts of this or that that keep the tears streaming down your face, the feeling of suffocating in your throat: not too much in this life compares to it. With that said, I'd like to spend this week talking about those films that either showcase this emotion or make the viewer experience it. The first film that comes to my mind is Requiem for a Dream. Without ruining anything for those that have not seen it, the final few minutes of the film features the main characters curling into the fetal position and it's just such an amazing moment of sadness that I couldn't help but let the tears fall. Another one that gets me all the time is the closing moments of Little Miss Sunshine where that awesome song comes on as the family is working together to push the van along, one by one making their way into it as it speeds up. P. T. Anderson pretty much has some of the best moments of characters breaking down completely and losing themselves in a crying fit: In Boogie Nights when Roller Girl and Amber Waves are trying to numb the pain of their lives by doing mounds of cocaine on a bed and end up crying in each others arms is a great one. Magnolia has way too many to count and I know that whenever I watch it I'll shed a tear at some point. A guilty pleasure of mine is When Harry Met Sally... and I always seen to watch it for the moment at the end of the film when I know what's going to happen and I can't help but let myself grab a kleenex or two. And probably the best cry I've ever had in a movie is The Shawshank Redemption. Gets me crying like a baby every time I watch it. So if you're the kind of person that never cries at movies I guess this topic isn't for you, but for all those courageous folks out that there do, what makes you cry?

Spout Group Post: Which of these movies directed by Stanley Kubrick is your favorite?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:12:36 GMT

Post Subject: Which of these movies directed by Stanley Kubrick is your favorite?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: QFLW
Post Date: 9/22/2009 2:12:36 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:2001: A Space OdysseyBarry LyndonA Clockwork OrangeDr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the BombEyes Wid ShutFull Metal JacketKiller's KissThe KillingLolitaPaths of GloryThe ShiningSpartacus

Spout Group Post: Which of these film directors with the name Anderson is your favorite?

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:50:50 GMT

Post Subject: Which of these film directors with the name Anderson is your favorite?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 7/29/2009 1:50:50 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Again it's kind of an arbitrary comparison I know, but I still thought it was interesting how many Andersons there were as famous directors. I know Roy Andersson has an extra "s" in it, but as far as I know it's pronounced the same. Please vote only once in each poll. Some of the movies from these directors: Lindsay Anderson - This Sporting Life, If...., O Lucky Man! Paul Thomas Anderson - Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood Paul W.S. Anderson - Event Horizon, Resident Evil, AVP: Alien vs. Predator Wes Anderson - Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou Roy Andersson - A Swedish Love Story, Songs from the Second Floor, You, the Living

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for August 31: Makeup Metamorphosis

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:14:38 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for August 31: Makeup Metamorphosis
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 8/31/2009 10:14:38 PM
Body: Taking inspiration from this recent quiz over at Sporcle (http://www.sporcle.com/games/actorsindisguise.php), this week’s theme is about all those incredible transformations through makeup or CGI that some actors undertake in order to become the absolute visual representation of a character in a film. The recent explosion of films utilizing CGI over labor intensive makeup and body suits has made the once impossible, possible. Casting slightly similar looking actors to portray younger versions of a character is no longer necessary when Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen can be made to look twenty years younger, such as the case in X-Men: The Last Stand, and Brad Pitt can depict the various stages of life from birth to senility in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Nevertheless, CGI hasn’t completely superseded the art of movie makeup as evidenced by Heath Ledger’s metamorphosis in the maniacal Joker and Ron Perlman’s larger than life Hellboy. My favorites tend to be those with just the slightest bit of makeup/prosthesis: Mickey Rourke as Marv in Sin City - Just a little bit of flesh colored latex to alter his brow and some shoulder pads turned Rourke into the spitting image of Marv. Nicole Kidman as Virginia Woolf in The Hours - Again, a slight alteration to her nose and Kidman WAS Virginia Woolf. . . . or those with so much that it takes looking at the closing credits to identify the actor: Tim Curry as The Lord of Darkness in Legend - I had no idea it was Tim Curry until a few years ago when I bought the special edition DVD. Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice in Beetlejuice - Growing up, I never put together that Mr. Mom and Batman was also Beetlejuice.

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for September 14: Natural Disasters

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:00:46 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for September 14: Natural Disasters
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 9/14/2009 2:00:46 PM
Body: The inclement weather where I currently am reminded me how quickly the weather can change and the sheer chaos Mother Nature can inflict upon us. For most of us, the worst we see is extreme heat, heavy downpours or blankets of snow; those unfortunate others that must endure hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other outrageous meteorological conditions are a sorry bunch indeed. And it is these events that have been the focus of many a summer blockbuster as well as this week's theme. The first film that comes to mind for me is Twister. This was another film like Independence Day that garnered much attention for the budget it required to make and the phenomenal (at that time and surprisingly still today) visual effects that filled it. Despite a good amount of cheese from the soapy love triangle between Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt and Jamie Gertz, the film succeeds in the growing tension of the impending twisters and the sense of dread the audience endures as this crazy group of tornado chasers does the unthinkable and purposely heads towards danger. Another film that comes to mind is Hard Rain. I have to admit I don't recall the film that well, but do recall how much I loved the fact that Morgan Freeman was playing the villain. Something to the effect of a large scale crime being committed during a catastrophic flood in a Midwestern town and only Christian Slater can stop it. Definitely need to see this one again. One area where the natural disaster genre needs some definite help is with volcanoes. I can only think of two: Dante's Peak and the aptly named Volcano. Both with relatively decent leading men, Pierce Brosnan and Tommy Lee Jones, but both loaded with laughable impossibilities and storylines that make Uwe Boll seem like Orson Welles. So, let's incur the wrath of Mother Nature and get talkin' this week!

Spout Group Post: Which of these Hollywood films released in 1939 is your favorite?

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:09:36 GMT

Post Subject: Which of these Hollywood films released in 1939 is your favorite?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 8/4/2009 6:09:36 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. I just posted a blog about The Hunchback of Notre Dame. One of the things commented on the special features was how this movie was almost outshadowed by the so many other well known movies that also came out of Hollywood in this same year. I could hardly even list half of films that are still well known today, but I tried my best to pick what would probably be people's most favorites. Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:Destry Rides AgainGone with the WindThe Hunchback of Notre DameMr. Smith Goes to WashingtonNinotchkaThe Roaring TwentiesStagecoachThe Wizard of OzThe WomenWuthering Heights

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for September 7: Infidelity

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:58:56 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for September 7: Infidelity
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 9/8/2009 2:58:56 PM
Body: So, I think this is a very potentially interesting subject when it's been done well. I wanted to do this theme after watching my first Wong Kar-Wai film, In The Mood For Love. I thought this film handled the subject so well and with such an original point of view that I couldn't really help but marvel at it. It's also shot extemely beautifully and has a wonderful score. I am also reminded of Adrien Lyne's Unfailthful. This flick was a hell of a lot better than I thought it would be. It's not excatly brilliant but I think it was pretty exciting and again, it took a relatively original look at a very old conflict. Another one I feel like mentioning as much as possible is John Turturro's musical, Romance & Cigarettes. I don't think enough people have seen this one so if you haven't , check it out. It's a great tragic comedy with an awesome cast. Anyway, that's all I've got at the moment. So let's hear about some of your favorite cheating films.

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for March 9: Time Travel

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:31:49 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for March 9: Time Travel
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 3/10/2009 12:31:49 AM
Body: This one is just too obvious. I had to look through our previous discussions to make sure we hadn't done this one. I was pretty surprised to find out that we haven't touched it yet. I love time travel movies. It has the ability to be one of the most complicated thematic elements, but when done well, it can completely suck you in.. I think Primer is my favorite example of an intelligent film with a complex plot. 12 Monkeys is just one of the coolest flicks ever. I absolutely love the whole 'science is the newest religion' aspect. I also thought The Jacket was pretty good. That's about all I've got for now. I'm really more interested in getting some recomendations. So, let's hear it. San Dimas High School Football RULES!!!!!!!!

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for August 24: Shorts

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:10:28 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for August 24: Shorts
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 8/25/2009 4:10:28 PM
Body: Well hello there brothers and sisters. Brother Merc has decided this week to take a vacation from the highly prestigeous postion of Weekly Theme Moderator so I'm picking up his slack. So, in honor of Merc (who's a little different) I decided to do something a little different this week. Let's take a break from all those feature films that fill up our lives. This week, let's talk about short films. There have been a few collections of shorts released as full lenth features in recent years. I'm thinking of Paris Je t'aime (collection of a bunch of 5 minute films shot revolving around Paris) and this year's Tokyo! (3 half hour long films set in Tokyo.) I liked a few of the flicks in Paris Je t'aime, especially the Tom Tykwer one with Natalie Portman. Tokyo! had a great short by Korean director Bong Joon-ho (director of The Host) The nice thing about shorts is that you can find a lot of them on youtube and post them here. So, that's what I'm gonna do. Here's one of my recent favorites from the Wholphin collection. It's called The Pity Card. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ I'm not sure how I came across this little gem but I kinda love it. It's a true story too. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ This one is definately my favorite. Yet another from the Wholphin dvds. ___________________________________________________________ Watch Death to the Tinman in Entertainment | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com ___________________________________________________________ So, that's what I've got so far. Short films are great, they tend to lend the filmmakers a lot more freedom and you can end up with some great experimental stuff. Also, they don't take up nearly as much time so you can usually get away with watching them at work. Check 'em out. Let me know if you like 'em and post some of your own. Peace & Love, Emery.

Spout Group Post: Movies available for review

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:22:30 GMT

Post Subject: Movies available for review
Group Name: Spout Mavens
Last Post By: csprague
Post Date: 8/29/2008 9:22:30 AM
Body: Here are a bunch of films that we only have one of currently. Team Picture Faster Gypsy Caravan Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning Prometheus' Garden Monster Road The Brandon Teena Story Mumia Abu-Jamal: A Case for Reasonable Doubt? The Guatemalan Handshake The Robert Drew KENNEDY FILMS COLLECTION August Most of these films are obviously not new. They are however free for your reviewing pleasure. If you are interested then drop a message here or send an e-mail to mavens@spout.com. First come first serve.

Spout Group Post: Which of these movies written but not directed by John Hughes is your favorite?

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:10:31 GMT

Post Subject: Which of these movies written but not directed by John Hughes is your favorite?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: QFLW
Post Date: 8/18/2009 2:10:31 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Part two of the John Hughes poll. Hughes sure liked his Christmas movies. He also wrote the screen play for the remake of Miracle on 34th Street which I didn't include here. Again thanks to laurabot for the suggestion of a John Hughes poll. Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:Christmas VacationDutchThe Great OutdoorsHome AloneHome Alone 2: Lost in New YorkMr. MomPretty in PinkReach the RockSome Kind of WonderfulVacation

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for August 17: Death Row

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:26:48 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for August 17: Death Row
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: leeroy711
Post Date: 8/18/2009 1:26:48 PM
Body: Hey there y'all.... So, I watched a pretty damn amazing film last night called The Widow of Saint-Pierre. It stars Juliette Binoche and Daniel Auteuil and is directed by Patrice Leconte. This is the first Leconte film I've seen but I'm pretty excited to see more. Anyway, this film is about a convicted murderer awaiting excecution while the jailer's wife (Binoche) takes upon herself to show the community that this is a good man. I really loved this film. The acting was superb, the script was amazing but what really sinched it for me was the combination of cinematography and art direction. The choreography of camera angles, movement and starkly contrasted color palletes (that still look organic) was very beautiful. So let's talk about some more films about prisoners on death row. The only other film I'll mention for right now will be 1998's Return to Paradise. I know this film has a few problems but it never fails to pull my heart-strings with a pretty phenominal performance by hip-hop star Joaquin Phoenix....

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for August 10: Happy Birthday!

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:14:46 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for August 10: Happy Birthday!
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 8/11/2009 10:14:46 PM
Body: Seeing as how it was my birthday this past weekend I thought this week's theme should be about films featuring characters that are enjoying or hating their own days of birth. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Amazing film that takes place during a family's matriarchs birthday party on a magnificent antebellum plantation estate. Good Will Hunting - The end of the film in which the main characters birthday leads to a final decision about which direction to take in his life. Boy A - A troubled boy is released from juvenile prison on his 18th birthday and forced to come to terms with the real world that he has been closed off from for so long. The Boys in the Band - A group of men get together to celebrate their friends birthday and it turns into an all out war of words. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - The whole magical world is revealed to young Harry Potter on his birthday and a generation of kids wishing like hell that when their birthdays rolled around that a flying letter from Hogwarts would be flown into their living rooms by an owl. Sixteen Candles - RIP John Hughes. The film that helped launch Molly Ringwald into our hearts and gave hope to every nerd praying to hook up with someone from the cool crowd. Eye for an Eye - The film that made me paranoid about opening the door for strangers; a young girls birthday is disrupted by a demented Keifer Sutherland when he bursts in the door and does all kinds of horrible to her. Harold and Maude - Probably one of the most depressingly heartwarming films about enjoying life and making birthday memorable. What's Eating Gilbert Grape - Probably one of the most just plain depressing depictions of a birthday: a morbidly obese mother bound to a couch in front of the television eating cake and smoking cigarettes. The Hours - Another film about how depressing birthdays are and how so many people feel like marking the day with suicide. Cloverfield - A birthday celebration is interrupted by a giant monster. Nothing cool like that ever happens to me. Old School - An example of probably one of the most amazing birthday parties thanks in large part to Snoop Dogg and Will Ferral. Parenthood - Seeing this is a kid I always wished my dad would have been cool enough to dress up like a demented cowboy and run amuck for one of my birthdays.

Spout Group Post: What is your favorite movie directed by John Hughes?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:06:20 GMT

Post Subject: What is your favorite movie directed by John Hughes?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: xBenjaminMichaelx
Post Date: 8/10/2009 2:06:20 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. This poll has been posted by the request of laurabot who requeted a John Hughes poll. Maybe next week I'll post a poll about the movies he has written but not directed since there are a good slew of those as well. Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:The Breakfast ClubCurly SueFerris Bueller's Day OffPlanes, Trains & AutomobilesShe's Having a BabySixteen CandlesUncle BuckWeird Science

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for July 27: Games of Chance

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 01:57:28 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for July 27: Games of Chance
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: leeroy711
Post Date: 7/28/2009 9:57:28 PM
Body: We're throwing caution to the wind and hoping for a windfall this week. There's a reason Las Vegas is such a popular destination: the strippers and all you can eat buffets are a distant second to the lure of taking a chance on the endless stream of slot machines, roulette wheels and poker tables where a single stroke of luck can bring you unimaginable riches (or at least pay for a go at the buffet later). I've always loved those smokey gambling dens of iniquity where the liquor is cheap and so are the woman such as those in The Big Sleep, Gilda, and Dick Tracy. The dangerous illegal gambles where life is on the line are also rather intriguing like in the inconceivably funny The Princess Bride, ultra realistic Intacto and historical accurate Barry Lyndon. Recently I've taken a liking to Texas Hold'em and movies such as Rounders, Ocean's 11, Casino Royale and My Blueberry Nights do the game justice (with losers like Lucky You and All In making a mockery of it). So what other movies are there about gambling / games of chance?

Spout Group Post: Which of these silent Buster Keaton films is your favorite?

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:01:42 GMT

Post Subject: Which of these silent Buster Keaton films is your favorite?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 7/15/2009 2:01:42 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:Battling ButlerThe CameramanCollegeThe GeneralGo WestThe NavigatorOur HospitalitySeven ChancesSherlock Jr.Spite MarriageSteamboat Bill, Jr.Three Ages

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for July 13: Whodunit?

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:01:50 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for July 13: Whodunit?
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 7/13/2009 6:01:50 PM
Body: With the internet all abuzz about the onslaught of board games getting the celluloid treatment, I was reminded of one of my favorite movies that is based on a popular board game: Clue. Now I get a lot of criticism for liking this film but am unwavering on my commitment to its absolute hilarity and it being a deft example of a whodunit mystery movie. Not as widespread as it was back in the Golden Age of Hollywood when the studios were pumping out Charlie Chan and The Thin Man like their lives depended on them (which they probably did, but alas), the whodunit genre has more or less been slivered into other more popular genres such as Horror and Action. I may be wrong, but movies like Scream, The Thing, and Identity definitely utilize key elements of a whodunit film. Dressed to Kill (along with Clue) is one of my favorite murder mysteries due to the insane nature of the film and all the traditional elements being twisted and played with by De Palma. The other day I grabbed a copy of Murder By Death at my local grocery store for a buck and have to say I was slightly amused by it (if not completely offended by Peter Sellers horribly racist portrayal of a Chinese detective). Gosford Park is a great recent example of a whodunit. With such an amazing cast it definitely makes me miss Altman. What do you all think?

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for July 20: Television

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:52:07 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for July 20: Television
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: leeroy711
Post Date: 7/20/2009 12:52:07 PM
Body: "I like thinking about the red dress and the television and you and your father. Now when I get the sun, I smile." - Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn) from Requiem for a Dream. So, this week I'd like to talk about television in the movies. There is actually a lot to choose from. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind - George Clooney directed Charlie Kaufman's adaptation of Chuck Barris' (ehem) autobiography.... How could you go wrong? I remember when the book came out. I read some excerpts from it and thought how crazy it could be if the right people got involved to make the film. Audition - Lest we forget, the central plot of this film is about an audition for a television show. I think I would have completely fallen in love with this Takashi Miike film had I come into it knowing a lot less about it and Miike's reputation. Quiz Show - I like to mention this film about as much as I can. I think it's Redford's most underrated film and it's my personal favorite. It's about a scandal involving a game show but it was all of the intellectual banter scenes between Ralph Fiennes and Rob Morrow made this film so memorable. Also, John Turturro's performance was brilliant. Well folks, that's all I got for the moment. As I said before, there are a ton of films about television. So let's here about them.

Spout Group Post: What is your favorite movie directed by Terry Zwigoff?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:30:10 GMT

Post Subject: What is your favorite movie directed by Terry Zwigoff?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 7/8/2009 4:30:10 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Sorry if anyone missed having a poll last week. I was incredibly busy. Well I still am, but I managed to make time this week. Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:Art School ConfidentialBad SantaCrumbGhost WorldLouie Bluie

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for July 6: The Song...

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:59:50 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for July 6: The Song...
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 7/7/2009 1:59:50 AM
Body: This week I'd just like to talk about your favorite use of any particular song in a film.. Here's a couple of my faves.. The first is the opening scene to Lock, Stock and Two Smokin' Barrels.. The Song is "Hundred Mile High City" by Ocean Colour Scene... ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ I also really loved hearing Jim Carrol's "People Who Died" at the end of Zach Snyder's Dawn of the Dead remake. I could probably come up with a dozen more from people like Tarentino and Wes but I'm a bit short on time at the moment so I'll chime in again a bit later. Let's here from the rest of you...

Spout Group Post: Which of these films based on graphic novels is your favorite?

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:28:14 GMT

Post Subject: Which of these films based on graphic novels is your favorite?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: CassieAnnette
Post Date: 2/24/2009 3:28:14 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Watchmen is coming out pretty soon, and up until last week I don't think I could ever say I'd read a graphic novel before. Someone lent me their copy of this book, and I'm actually only halfway through it still, but I'm really hooked. So for this poll I tried to pick movies that came strictly from graphic novels. For instance there were some I was originally going to add, but my research indicates that The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is a comic book series and 30 Days of Night is a comic book mini-series. In the case of American Splendor I couldn't tell if these were "comic books" or "novels" (I haven't seen the movie either...) so I just left it off to keep the list as focused as possible. And as for anything Japanese or manga based, that's just another huge world that I might do another poll about later, but for now I didn't include anything from that. Sorry if I missed your favorite, but please feel free to discuss. Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:300From HellGhost WorldA History of ViolencePersepolisRoad to PerditionSin CityV for Vendetta

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for June 29: Summertime

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:38:41 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for June 29: Summertime
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: leeroy711
Post Date: 6/29/2009 9:38:41 PM
Body: I feel honored to post this week's theme as it will mark Weekly Theme's One Year Anniversary! Time has sure passed by quickly as it doesn't seem all that long ago that Emery asked me if I wanted to co-moderate this little brainchild of his. Anyways, here's to another year of weekly themes! Currently I'm sitting outside at my local coffeeshop where I come for the tasty caffeinated beverages and free Wi-Fi and am drenched from head to toe thanks to the blistering heat wave that is peaking now at 110 degress. Thusly I felt this week we should talk about all those movies about summer. Not just those movies that take place during the summer months, but the movies that might have been released during the summer or for whatever reason makes us reminisce about all the ups and downs associated with the season. There are those staples of summertime cinema that make everyone (kids and adults alike) think about how exciting the idea of summer was as a kid. The Sandlot, Now and Then, My Girl and White Water Summer all remind me of how much time I spent thinking about summer during the school year and couldn't wait until that last day of school so that I could toss away my school books and spend three months doing absolutely nothing. Getting a little older, Dazed and Confused became a start of summer ritual viewing for me as it perfectly captures those feelings of anticipation and all the possibilities that the summer months can hold. Some other films have tried to capture those same feelings with mediocre results. The Wackness was an interesting coming of age during the summer flick about a lackluster teenage drug dealer coping with the heat in New York after graduating high school. Adventureland had its moments with its colorful cast of outcasts running amuck at a summer amusement park as did Wet Hot American Summer but transplanted to a summer camp. My guilty pleasure summer flick is definitely Psycho Beach Party. Set in a 1950's Beach Blanket Bingo-like setting, this campy horror comedy gets me laughing every time (and a completely nude Amy Adams doesn't hurt either). But ultimately there are two movies that getting me thinking summer without a doubt. The first being one of the first summer blockbusters I saw and the other being because it takes place during summer. I vividly recall lining up to buy tickets for Jurassic Park and how amazed I was at how many people there were and how packed the theater was. Packed in a small hot theater, I was mesmerized by the movie and it still to this day makes me think of how great a summer movie can be. The other film is of course Jaws. I've gone into great detail in other discussions about how this film has pretty much ruined any summer trips to the beach for me (or any body of water for that matter) and I will forever love it for doing that. Any movie that can make a grown man go into hysterics when his friends joke around and push him over the side of a boat into a small lake during an afternoon of drinking deserves some major points. So break out the sun block and lets get talking!

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for June 22: The Plague

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:12:54 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for June 22: The Plague
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Dr_Gor
Post Date: 6/22/2009 2:12:54 PM
Body: Hey Y'all... Let's talk about plague movies. Everyone remembers Charlton and Yul in Celil B. DeMille's epic, The Ten Commandments or Bergman's The Seventh Seal which takes place during the bubonic plague of the 14th century. How about some more modern examples? 28 Days Later comes to mind. Plague of rage infested running zombies. Or how about Doomsday?.... I'm not sure what the hell that movie was all about but it was a hellova good time. Also, if you can find it, La Peste is a solid film that takes place during an outbreak of bubonic plague in some South American city... William Hurt & Robert Duvall are in it. I saw it on IFC a few years ago & missed the beginning, netflix doesn't seem to have it.

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for June 15: That's So Gay!

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:16:17 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for June 15: That's So Gay!
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Dr_Gor
Post Date: 6/15/2009 4:16:17 PM
Body: With all the brouhaha over that American Idol guy coming out and the onslaught of pride parades going on coast to coast this month, this week's theme is all about the gays. Mostly relinquished to flamboyant best friends and eccentric beauticians, the United States hasn't had a large influx of films that focus on LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgendered) characters like those that are more commonplace in European cinema. Aside from the media frenzy that surrounded Brokeback Mountain a number of years back, most American's have shied away from the genre almost entirely. That being said, there are a number of great films with LGBT characters that we can hopefully talk about here. Gregg Araki is probably my favorite gay director whose oeuvre has focused primarily on LGBT characters and the struggles facing them today. Nowhere, The Living End and The Doom Generation all have that Los Angeles, 1990's, chaotic life set to a raucous soundtrack of heavy metal, ethereal trip hop and post punk indie rock. Including incredible ensemble casts including Heather Graham, Ryan Phillippe, Rose McGowan, Christina Applegate, Guillermo Diaz, Johnathon Schaech, Parker Posey, Nicky Katt, etc, the films are a barrage of hopelessness, depression and a heavy hand of rebellion. Adam & Steve was a fun gay romantic comedy with hilarious supporting characters Parker Posey and Chris Kattan. I've recently discovered that Al Pacino has played a number of gay characters over the course of his career. He was a cop willing to do ANYTHING to become a detective and went undercover into the gay BDSM subculture of New York in Cruising. He was trying to get money for his boyfriend's operation to become a female in Dog Day Afternoon. And he played a closeted lawyer in Angels In America. Milk almost got the people talking as much as Brokeback with the Oscar buzz around it and Sean Penn and James Francos performances. The film borrowed significantly from The Times of Harvey Milk which won an Oscar for best documentary. The Love Songs was a perfect example of how Europeans have a more laid back sense of sexuality and how certain people defy the stringent labels of gay straight or whatnot.

Spout Group Post: Dead Snow - Død snø - IFC

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:26:29 GMT

Post Subject: Dead Snow - Død snø - IFC
Group Name: Zombie Obsession
Last Post By: divinemsjunebug
Post Date: 1/23/2009 5:26:29 PM
Body: New Norwegian zombie movie on the horizon. It seems like most of the reviews have been really favorable on this movie - I hear it's more of a comedy/horror movie. Has anyone seen this movie or even the previews?

Spout Group Post: Which of these films from Kevin Jackson's list of "The Ten Greatest Movies Never Made" would you most like to have seen?

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:43:28 GMT

Post Subject: Which of these films from Kevin Jackson's list of "The Ten Greatest Movies Never Made" would you most like to have seen?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 4/27/2009 11:43:28 AM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. I've been reading the novel "A Confederacy of Dunces" and have heard the stories about all the different people who have been involved in trying to put a production together at different times over the past 30 years. The fact that John Belushi, John Candy, and Chris Farley had all been cast for the role at some point and then died created a legend of the Confederacy Curse. However you must also consider they were all probably chosen because they were obese commedians, and obeseity in itself is probably more of a curse and health issue in this situation. I'm not sure if I could picture any of them in the role of Ignatius though. I think it will take some very special casting to discover the right person for such a specific character. Anyways, one of the possible productions of this film is mentioned in a list from the wonderful book 10 Bad Dates with De Niro: A Book of Alternative Movie Lists. And thus this poll: Please vote only once in each poll.

Spout Group Post: Sundance Documentaries

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:19:47 GMT

Post Subject: Sundance Documentaries
Group Name: Community Recommendations
Last Post By: maybird
Post Date: 1/26/2009 1:19:47 PM
Body: While I was going through the films that premiered at Sundance I noticed a number of documentaries that really caught my attention. Here are the lists: Spectrum 2009: Documentary Spotlight World Cinema Documentary Competition 2009 U.S. Documentary Competition 2009 I wanted to know what everyone's top 5 picks would be out of all of these. I know you haven't watched them yet, but I would encourage you to read the synopsis (If we don't have one check sundance's site), and to watch the trailer if there is one. The films you pick would be ones you want to see, and perhaps think could win awards of some kind. Thanks, Ryan

Spout Group Post: Which of these movies about boxing is your favorite?

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:31:08 GMT

Post Subject: Which of these movies about boxing is your favorite?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: JimBell
Post Date: 6/2/2009 1:31:08 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. I just saw The Set-Up and I think it's my new favorite boxing movie! It's probably the shortest one too. Which of these is your favorite boxing movie? Sorry if I left your favorite out, but I didn't want the list to be TOO long. Please leave comments! Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:Body and SoulChampionCinderella ManFat CityGentleman JimMillion Dollar BabyRaging BullRockyThe Set-UpSomebody Up There Likes MeWhen We Were Kings

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for June 1: Through A Child's Eyes

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:42:24 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for June 1: Through A Child's Eyes
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: leeroy711
Post Date: 6/1/2009 2:42:24 PM
Body: As each of us ages and experiences the chaos of everyday life, most of us can agree that at one time or another we have uttered the phrase, "I wish I were young again" or pondered what ours lives would be like if we knew what we know now back when we were younger. But until that fateful day when time travel becomes reality and we all screw up the space time continuum trying to give our childhood selves unwarranted advice about the future, we'll just have to rely on reminiscing and watching films that take us on an adventure through a child's point of view. A filmmaker who has made many a film trying to capture the wonder, curiosity and imagination of youth is Terry Gilliam. In Time Bandits we follow a boy that falls into a time traveling odyssey after a traumatic event shocks him to his core. In The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, a young girl whose life doesn't afford her the opportunity to have an imagination is tested when a man whose sole existence is that of defying reality and embracing the fantastical. And of course Tideland, a similar example of a young girl exposed to the harsh realities of life at an early age whose damaged psyche catapults her into a twisted world of fantasy to protect her from the disturbing real world around her. When discussing films played out through a child's perspective, one cannot avoid mentioning The Wizard of Oz and it's (less than stellar but interesting nonetheless) sequel Return To Oz. The former being all lollipops and poppies, the latter being electro-shock therapy and a secret chamber full of young girls heads. Stepping away from fantasy and staying firmly planted in reality, films like Empire of the Sun and Lord of the Flies remind us of the fragility of youth and how easily that youthful curiosity can be brutally ripped out of us. Personally, I'm a huge fan of these films and love getting that feeling while watching them: imagining how my childhood could have been different and how fun and exhilarating that naivete about everything was. Yes? No? Join the Discussion and Let Us Know!

Spout Group Post: Weekly Theme for May 25: The American Soldier

Mon, 25 May 2009 23:02:17 GMT

Post Subject: Weekly Theme for May 25: The American Soldier
Group Name: Weekly Theme
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 5/25/2009 7:02:17 PM
Body: Happy Memorial Day Y'all. I had something else I decided to go with a more seasonal theme instead. Today is Memorial Day, a day that we're supposed to remember the sacrifices made by those men & women in the armed forces. So, let's all do just that by remembering the way countless films have portrayed them. Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan gave a very honorable portrayel of the WWII vets. Most of the characters in this film were a bit too archetypical (is that a word?) But nonetheless, I think it was his way of honoring a generation that will all to soon be lost to us forever. I haven't seen A Bridge Too Far in quite a while, but I do remember liking it a lot. As I recall, this was a film filled with cameos, sort of like another WWII film, The Thin Red Line. This could pretty easily turn into a list of war movies so I'll quit while I'm still ahead. But what I really like to know is: Who is your favorite American soldier. I'm looking for suggestions because as I write this, it is becoming pretty clear that I haven't seen nearly enough of these films. Well, have at it. Emery.

Spout Group Post: What is your favorite movie directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet?

Tue, 19 May 2009 20:05:42 GMT

Post Subject: What is your favorite movie directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: Risselada
Post Date: 5/19/2009 4:05:42 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Jean-Pierre Jeunet's got a new one on the horizon. Let's take a look at his current handful of quirky films and see which ones are people's favorites. Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:Alien: ResurrectionAmélieThe City of Lost ChildrenDelicatessenA Very Long Engagement

Spout Group Post: What is your favorite Palme d'Or winner from the last 6 years?

Tue, 26 May 2009 16:49:50 GMT

Post Subject: What is your favorite Palme d'Or winner from the last 6 years?
Group Name: Movie Polls
Last Post By: tadiv
Post Date: 5/26/2009 12:49:50 PM
Body: Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Thanks to tadiv for suggesting this one. - "In recognition of the Cannes Film Festival, what is your favorite Palme d'Or film from the last 6 years?" Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days)ElephantL'enfant (The Child)Entre les murs (The Class)Fahrenheit 9/11The Wind That Shakes the Barley