Happy Friday all! It’s kind of a meh weekend for me as far as movie releases is concerned. There’s none opening tomorrow that I’m even remotely interested in: the animated superhero-deconstruction Megamind with Will Ferrell & Brad Pitt? Maybe a rental, just maybe. Due Date? Cool poster, but I just don’t find the trailer all that funny nor do I get the appeal of Zach G., he’s just not as likable as say, Jack Black. So, Robert Downey’s hotness notwithstanding, it’s a definite skip for me.
Now, I was intrigued by Danny Boyle’s 127 Hours from as far back as last November, but as I told Castor of Anomalous Material, I think I might pass out watching the amputation scene, as did several a few people who saw this at various film festivals (read here how this movie knocking audiences out, literally!). watching the screening at . As you probably already know, 127 Hours is based on the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston’s (played by James Franco) five-day ordeal pinned beneath a fallen boulder in a Utah canyon, which led to him hack off his own arm with a dull blade. Ok, I wince just typing that very sentence!
If I do get to the theater, I might catch up on Social Network as I’m like the last person who hasn’t seen it! But I’m not going to sweat it if I don’t get to it, as I have a bazillion Blu-ray movies that I’m hoping to get through this weekend, thanks to my pals Vince and Ted (NOT to be confused with Bill & Ted :D) who lent me a few of them. Below are the Blu-ray movies waiting for me at home, now the challenge is which one should I watch first???
Blade Runner
I have only seen bits and pieces of the first one, but everyone’s been saying how fabulous this sci-fi cult classic looks on Blu-ray. (updated 11/8: My write-up on Blade Runner can be seen here)
…
Days of Heaven
As we were talking about Terrence Malick’s work a few weeks ago, Ted highly recommended this one. I kinda thought Richard Gere is an odd choice but the story looks intriguing and it’s Malick, so it’s got to look beautiful.
…
Master & Commander
Well, apparently posting about Peter Weir’s work without having seen this movie is practically criminal (right Sam? I know you’re thinking it :)) Then Prairiegirl’s comment convinced me even more!
…
Watchmen
I’ve seen this one in the theater and quite enjoyed it, but Vince raved how this is one of those must-haves on Blu-ray. The trailer is one of my all-time favorites!
…
…
Well, now you know what I’ll be watching. What are you going to watch this weekend?
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
Aah the fun of watching Blu-Ray! Looks like you’ve got a full weekend no matter what… I want to see Days of Heaven.
I should’ve asked Ted if he’s got that one. I got mine from Netflix. This Blu-ray thing makes us want to watch a heck of a lot more movies 😀
I ordered Days of Heaven on Blu-ray, should arrive at my place soon. It’s a Criterion collection edition but I got it for $19, retail price is $34.
I’m hoping to get to DoH tomorrow night Ted, I’ll let you know what I think. I’m surprised it’s only 1.5 hrs long considering it’s a Malick film 🙂
This week Netflix delivered The Crimson Wing, a Disney documentary about flamingos in Lake Natron, northern Tanzania. Love those funny looking birds! One of my biggest unfulfilled dreams is so actually see them in the wild, so this will come close.
And Framed (Timothy Dalton, 1999) also landed in my mailbox. I’ll still borrow yours, Ruth, in case there is more on your DVD than what comes on it from Netflix.
Also might be checking out Helen of Troy (Rufus Sewell, 2003 TV miniseries) since I just “acquired” it today if for my collection 🙂
Ahahaha… you do love those flamingos don’t you?
Oooh, you’ll love FRAMED, it’s actually a miniseries in England, I mistakenly thought it was a movie. He’s so perfect as the con man Eddie… and David Morrissey is pretty good too as the young detective. Man, this guy should do a movie like this even NOW, I mean, just looking at him in Chuck he’s still got the moves even 3 decades later!
Glad you like my present. Everyone, do wish my BFF Prairiegirl a very happy birthday today! 😀
Oh, I forgot to paste this link to a preview of Framed that someone made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUFxT99bYkk Makes me want to watch it again real soon!
Prairiegirl, HELEN OF TROY is quite a bad miniseries, but Matthew Marsden (whom I like a lot), Daniel Lapaine and RufRuf make it worth watching 🙂
Days of Heaven is very, very good. There’s a scene towards the end that’s downright Biblical in a really cool way (I shan’t say more lest I ruin it). I’m a little torn on Malick, myself. His films are very… very… very… sllllllllloooooooooowwwwww. But it’s in a good way. The languid pace allows him to pack some amazing cinematography into his movies. What it amounts to is that I always enjoy his films but I never ever ever look forward to watching them.
I’d watched a lot of really fun/horrible horror films for about 60 days, all the while promising myself that come November I’d begin to tackle Truffaut and Fassbinder, two dudes who I’ve liked in limited exposure but need to see more. That starts this weekend- I have Truffaut’s “Fahrenheit 451”, and another one of his on my DVR, “The Vanishing Fiancé”. And then, last but not least, I have a Peter O’Toole movie called “The Ruling Class”.
I can’t wait to see it!! Yeah that slow, long-drawn-out scenes are his signature… like you said he does it well and his cinematography is breathtaking. I did ffwd a few times when I watched The New World… but not the last 20 minutes when Bale showed up. I probably don’t mind watching that part with John Rolfe for 2.5 hours, the longer the better! 🙂
Yeah I did notice you have a bunch of horror stuff on your blog, sorry not my genre… I’m kinda glad halloween is over and done with. What is The Vanishing Fiance about?? Never heard of that one.
It’s also known as “The Green Room”. I can’t find it on DVD but it was on IFC (ergo, the DVR). Here’s the IMDB plot description:
“Julien Davenne is a journalist whose wife Julie died a decade ago. He gathered in the green room all Julie’s objects. When a fire destroys the room, he renovates a little chapel and devotes it to Julie and his other dead persons.”
Hey thanks for the description, I went to it and learn that it’s based on Henry James’ short stories. Doesn’t sound like an easy film to watch given the subject matter, but probably really impressive nonetheless.
I failed at watching it this weekend, but I did tackle Faasbinder’s “Marriage of Maria Braun”, which was a really incredible allegory for the tension between young and old in post-WW2 Germany. Or… that’s my interpretation.
So, how about the locusts scene in Days of Heaven? You have to wonder if it didn’t influence PT Anderson in his similarly biblical plaguey ending in “Magnolia”.
I HATE bugs so I had my eyes closed during much of that locusts scene. I haven’t seen Magnolia so I don’t know which one you’re referring to. I haven’t got a chance to post my review of Days of Heaven but it really was a great movie, no wonder lots of people recommended it.
I’m looking forward to some R&R this weekend, and I think it might be a double-feature week at the theatre. Going to a screening of Robert Altman’s NASHVILLE tonight, and might follow it up by taking lady Hatter out to see NOWEHERE BOY tomorrow.
Oh, and if you’re interested, my review of 127 HOURS is up today.
BLADE RUNNER is one of my all-time faves. I really cannot wait to read your thoughts on that one!
Happy Friday!!
Hi Hatter, well good for you on the Altman screening. Oooh Nowhere Boy, let me know what you think about that. I loved it, I saw that at TCFF last month. Here’s my review if you’re interested: https://flixchatter.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/tcff-day-2-nowhere-boy-review/
I’ll probably do mini reviews of the Blu-ray stuff I’ve been watching… I like Ridley’s stuff so I probably will enjoy BR.
I’m going to your 127 Hours review now!
I might check out Due Date although I know it will most likely be quite average. Hope you enjoy Days of Heaven, it’s a great movie. Watchmen, I wasn’t a big fan of but simply watching it in Blu Ray is probably all worth it! 🙂
I remember you mentioning about Days of Heaven before and I know you like Malick a lot. I do hope I’ll like it, too.
Watchmen isn’t for everyone but I appreciate the visual feast. The camera angles and colors are really nice to look at, as is most Snyder’s movies.
Castor, Your assumption of Due Date is rather correct. If you wish to read, I did post a review on it on Friday. Always spoiler-free reviews. Whatever you end up seeing, I hope it is a great weekend for you.
Thanks Scarlet!
anytime! btw, it looks like you have a good chance at winning President or Vice-President depending on how tomorrow goes. Nice comeback from 1 to many votes!
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Yay! I’m so excited. Prairiegirl is spot on about the movie, too. I was afraid to go see it in the theater because I thought it would be totally boring. So wrong.
This weekend, if we squeeze in a movie, it will probably be Goldeneye, which of course we’ve seen before, but which I always enjoy. The James Bond project is slowly but surely drawing to a close …
Well, after watching the trailer again it does look more appealing than the first time I watched it. Who’s that young guy whom Russie is talking to a lot (not Paul Bettany, the other one) He looks really familiar, maybe I’ve seen him before.
Goldeneye is my fave Brosnan Bond… maybe because Sean Bean is in it. I would’ve been happier if HE were Bond, I think he auditioned for the role. Well, if you like Bond, keep your eye next Saturday 13th for a Bond event over at http://www.moviemobsters.com/ I’ll post something here, too.
Probably James D’Arcy … he plays Aubrey’s 2d in command. Friend of mine looooves him.
Oh right, I think he was in BBC’s Mansfield Park. He’s pretty cute… y’know I like the Brits 😉
I figured Watchmen wouldn’t be your type of movie. But i probably won’t get much movie watching done this weekend, as i have my own movie to work on
Why do you think that?? 🙂 It is quite violent, more than what I’d care for, but at least they were quick and I could just close my eyes.
What movie project are you working on again? Well, best of luck on that.
I’m not sure. It just seemed a bit extreme for your tastes.
And i am currently working on my filming my screenplay. I”m really excited for it, and i am hoping i can get it at least close to what i envision it as. And i’ve also managed to get a good actor(or at least someone who i impressed me greatly) for my main character, which i consider a accomplishment considering i struggled with finding actors.
Yeah I guess you could say so, I had my eyes closed for a lot of the violent scenes.
Hey that’s cool that you found a good actor for your movie project, I’d imagine it’s a challenging to search for one that’d fit. What genre is it again? I’m assuming not a chick flick 🙂
Its ummm murder mystery with a bit of romance thrown it. I don’t want to reveal too much but the theme of the story is obsession and its dangers.
And it just suffered a annoying setback due to scheduling conflicts but i am hoping i can get it finished in time
And did you see the second AMy Acker clip i sent you(the much longer one)? I was just curious what you thought of it.
And i replied to your comment on my Deborah post
THE WATCHMEN would off course be my choice here 🙂
I tried watching BLADE RUNNER and never managed to watch it more than 20 minutes, the same goes for MASTER AND COMMANDER (I don’t like Russell).
I think I’ll watch DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS with Dougray Scott this weekend, the new episode of MERLIN and THE WALKING DEAD and I will bake some cake as well 🙂 And I’ll do a bit of my favourite hobby – shopping from catalogs 🙂
Hope you’ll have a lovely weekend, Flixy
How could you not like Russie?? What’s wrong with you? 🙂
Hey I just IMDb-ed Day of the Triffids (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1332653/) That sounds good, I LOVE Dougray Scott. I hope it’s available on Netflix. I think I remember you mentioning it on your blog.
Hey, are you gonna invite me for some cake?? 😉 Catalog shopping eh, sounds fun. Enjoy your weekend too, Dez!
you’re free to drop by any time for a cake, Flixy, it’s just a transatlantic flight and then some long train ride to my home, nothing to exhausting 🙂 🙂
Y’know one day I just might take you up on that. Always wanted to visit Serbia 😀
Jeez! Haven’t seen Blade Runner?! I’m not sure which cut to advise you to watch – I’m actually partial to the theatrical, so long as you keep in mind that there’s a director’s cut out there… but until you see the director’s cut, how will you know what you’re missing?
Master & Commander is also quite neat – but not in the same league as Blade Runner. Watchmen on the other hand is the PERFECT comic book film. Yes, I said perfect. Comic book, though, not superhero.
Haven’t seen Social Network either, Ruth. I’ll get there, but I’m not in a rush. The hype factor is too much, and I love coming onto movies like that and making a big deal like I’m the one who discovered it when everyone rolls their eyes – it drives Brian crazy.
In conclusion: Blade Runner, then Watchmen, then Master & Commander… by the time you’re at the end, you might be wishing for a sequel like I was.
Hey Steve, I finally watched the international version, which is what my friend Ted suggested. Apparently the only difference is there are more violent scenes in that one, but since I had my eyes closed during those scenes, suffice to say I watched the US theatrical version 😀
No, Watchmen is definitely not a superhero movie. Snyder was really faithful to the graphic novel according to what I learned from interviews/reviews, etc. though Alan Moore himself didn’t want to have anything to do with it.
I’m still interested to see the Facebook movie, but I think now I’ll just wait for the dvd as I’d rather get through all the Blu-ray stuff I’ve got at home.
So did you like the Voice Over narration in Blade Runner? Or did you find it distracting/detracting?
I can’t recommend checking out Watchmen on blu-ray enough. It is perhaps the best example of Warner’s Maximum Movie mode, with Zack getting right into the in-person commentary experience.
No, I don’t mind it at all, it actually helps tell the story. I know that some VO narration can be annoying but it’s not the case here.
I usually don’t watch the commentaries but I might check it out if I’m curious enough and have the time for it.
😀
Don’t worry, I haven’t seen “The Social Network” either.
No matter how hard I try to get into “Blade Runner,” I just can’t seem to get into it. It felt cold and detached. I’m gonna have to go and say watch “Watchmen” first. I think that’s a misunderstood movie worthy of earning more fans.
Hi Franz, well glad I’m not the only one who hasn’t seen it. Ok, now that I’ve seen Blade Runner, it’s definitely not a warm & fuzzy kind of movie but it’s not heartless. I’m going to type up my thoughts about it sometime tomorrow.
Yeah I like Watchmen, too, it’s really a tough graphic novel to adapt but I thought Snyder did a pretty good job.
you MUST watch Blade Runner! 🙂 absolutely! haha. I hope you enjoy your Blu-Ray Weekend! I wish I had the time to do so this weekend myself. Going to go check out Megamind at theaters if I get a chance. Also may view The Legend of 1900 this weekend as well. A classic I never watched, but a subscriber of mine recommended it. His review won a “subscriber contest” and received recognition by being posted on my page. http://scarletsp1der.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/subscribers-selection/ Have you ever seen the movie?
Well, those are my plans amidst work, church, and more! Enjoy your weekend!
Ok Scarlet, I followed your suggestion 🙂 I’m hoping to watch one more movie tomorrow, probably Days of Heaven. Hopefully you enjoy Megamind more than Due Date, I’ll check out your reviews of those though I’m not interested to see either of them.
Oooh I did hear about that movie after I saw Cinema Paradiso. Sounds really interesting, I might check that out. That’s a fun contest, Scarlet, great idea.
Glad the daylight savings time ends tonight, so we got an extra hour of sleep tonight… for sure we won’t be late for church tomorrow 🙂
A friend let me borrow a film called Saturn 3 – never seen it, never heard of it. But it stars Kirk Douglas and Harvey Keitel so I thought I’d give it a spin this weekend.
I’ve never heard of that either, Dan, but neither actors appeal to me at all unfortunately 😦
Watchmen on Blu Ray is FANTASTIC…the Director’s Cut is such an amazing film. It’s longer than the theatrical cut but makes for a fulfilling 3 hours.
Also the BD version of Master and Commander could have looked better, but still compliments a beautiful film that is well crafted by Peter Weir…oh and is one of Crowe’s best underrated films. Oh and I LOVE it too:)
Nice picks Ruth..great bunch of benchmark films.
Wow, 3-hours long?? Hmmm, I’d have to save that until I have a super mellow weekend 🙂
Well, well, well, another one vouching for M&C… I’m hoping to get to that this coming weekend.
So did you get to see any good flick this weekend Marc?
Unfortunately no. I wanted to do a double feature of Yojimbo/Sanjuro (having just bought the Blu Ray – The Criterion Collection) but was out of town. This weekend for sure though.
Of course I might be too ambitious as I want to try and see Skyline. Loud and dumb sure but it looks like fun:P
Oh neat, I just watched something from the Criterion collection myself, Days of Heaven. I heard great things about Yojimbo but haven’t got around to seeing that one.
He..he.. I immediately thought of Independence Day when I saw Skyline trailer and the ubiquitous commercials. Let me know what you think if you decide to see it.