I loved Let the Right One In, but then again, I don't see retro hipsters on every corner nor are they as present in my country's cinematography (which I avoid like the plague anyhow), so I was perhaps free of the cultural references which lessened your enjoyment of the film. I think Finland is the same too, though, my friend's a filmmaker and she just finished a movie set in late seventies-early eighties, retro haircuts and flared pants included. ;)
Hee. See, I was a bit bummed about not liking the film, because I had heard so many great things about it - both from you and others on my f-list. And yet I just didn't connect with the film at all. *sob*
she just finished a movie set in late seventies-early eighties, retro haircuts and flared pants included
Good to know the Finns haven't escaped the retro-cool either, though by all means it is a style that can be done well.
Nah, I certainly know how it is to end up disliking a hyped up film (The Dark Knight being the most recent example for me). But you make me wanna check out Angels & Demons... I wasn't planning to (it sounded kinda boring to me), but perhaps now I will. ;)
The Dark Knight being the most recent example for me
Ha-ha! I was so annoyed with The Dark Knight - it isn't a bad film, but it isn't the masterpiece everybody claimed either. Basically it came to life when the Joker was there, because he was the only active character. All the other characters just reacted instead of acted, and so for me they largely felt like cardboard. Also they wanted to be Topical and Important, instead of just topical and important. But I hate anvils in films, they make my head hurt.
Angels and Demons is silly, silly fun. But it is shiny, silly fun and every now and then it is actually a bit clever. It is the type of film you go and see on a rainy day, bringing large amounts of chocolate and other snacks. And the film knows it, and it flaunts it. I can appreciate that kind of honesty.
I think I'm going to see Angels and Demons this weekend. I didn't see The DaVinci Code and don't plan to, but Ewan MacGregor in a priest uniform? Yum. I don't usually find that attractive, but the trailer made me drool.
I much much preferred A&D to DaVince. I hope they keep MacGregor's motive intact, and give him that final monologue (you said this movie has less) because that was my favorite scene in the book.
Actually, I'm not even sure MacGregor plays the right character, but he has to... he's a main guy and they wouldn't have cast MacGregor if he didn't have a meaty part.
Um, I think there was, but I honestly didn't care. I was to busy looking at all pretty people and enjoying the mad dash of the film in general. ;D
And yes, McGregor in a priest uniform. Hee. When it comes to differences with the book I cannot give you a detailed list as I haven't read the book, but the basic outline - including McGregor's motives - are very much in place.
yet I was never bored. With these type of films I think that counts for quite a bit.
That's also the main thing I demand from the big popcorn movies. Now that a friend has told me that the ridiculous escape from the helicopter is in the movie I'm almost tempted to watch Angels & Demons. Almost. ;)
I haven't watched Let the Right One In because I'm no fan of vampire movies (though I was very pleased that a movie like that became so popular around the world). But it's interesting to read what someone has to say about it from a more "local" perspective, even if you ended up not liking it.
It should probably be mentioned that I saw Angels and Demons at a press viewing, so I didn't have to pay anything to watch it. Meaning I didn't forsake another film to see Tom Hanks running around Rome. Though I'll admit the film is probably best viewed on the big screen as it employs quite a lot of those aerial shots and nifty effects that look best when viewed big.
And yeah, the escape from the helicopter is very much present. *g*
As for vampire movies, I have a soft spot for them though I prefer it when they stayed away from the extreme edges of Interview with a Vampire and 30 days of Night as neither emo nor splatter interest me. Also good to hear that my local perspective on Let the Right One In was of interest for other than us locals. ;)
Lots of repressed Catholics with martial arts training.
Jerott Blyth! Hee. What an amazing post. Your reason #3 for watching the Mifune film alone establishes why I hold your opinions in such high esteem. It's interesting to read your critique of Let The Right One In, since you are the only (1!) dissenting voice I have heard among those who have seen the film. And I think I might just go watch Angels and Demons if there is cheest entertainment to be had!
Dear Nol. You have now given me images of a modern day Jerott Blyth in the Swiss Guard*, for which I am eternally grateful. The fact that you've chosen to illustrate this with a Billy Corrigan icon just adds to the brilliance. *though in a suit, and not in the silly ceremonial uniforms.
And yes - Angels and Demons is pure cheese, in the pulpish, adventure sort of way. It contains lines like "Quick we must solve the puzzle in Santa Maria Vittoria and save the cardinal, or else the Vatican will be blown apart by the bomb made of anti-matter". It has dubious clergy, dubious academic credentials, Swiss Guard agents and an assassin. The only thing lacking is a good swordfight.
I will admit that I mainly bough Sword of Doom based on the title. The fact that it turned out to be a good film was just an added bonus. Also it never hurts to watch Mifune and Nakadai parade around as samurai. ;)
since you are the only (1!) dissenting voice I have heard among those who have seen the film.Yeah, I very much feel like I'm going against the
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she just finished a movie set in late seventies-early eighties, retro haircuts and flared pants included
Good to know the Finns haven't escaped the retro-cool either, though by all means it is a style that can be done well.
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Ha-ha! I was so annoyed with The Dark Knight - it isn't a bad film, but it isn't the masterpiece everybody claimed either. Basically it came to life when the Joker was there, because he was the only active character. All the other characters just reacted instead of acted, and so for me they largely felt like cardboard. Also they wanted to be Topical and Important, instead of just topical and important. But I hate anvils in films, they make my head hurt.
Angels and Demons is silly, silly fun. But it is shiny, silly fun and every now and then it is actually a bit clever. It is the type of film you go and see on a rainy day, bringing large amounts of chocolate and other snacks. And the film knows it, and it flaunts it. I can appreciate that kind of honesty.
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Hear, hear! ;D
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I much much preferred A&D to DaVince. I hope they keep MacGregor's motive intact, and give him that final monologue (you said this movie has less) because that was my favorite scene in the book.
Actually, I'm not even sure MacGregor plays the right character, but he has to... he's a main guy and they wouldn't have cast MacGregor if he didn't have a meaty part.
Oh, the pretty.
Wait, there's supposed to be a plot?
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Um, I think there was, but I honestly didn't care. I was to busy looking at all pretty people and enjoying the mad dash of the film in general. ;D
And yes, McGregor in a priest uniform. Hee. When it comes to differences with the book I cannot give you a detailed list as I haven't read the book, but the basic outline - including McGregor's motives - are very much in place.
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That's also the main thing I demand from the big popcorn movies.
Now that a friend has told me that the ridiculous escape from the helicopter is in the movie I'm almost tempted to watch Angels & Demons. Almost. ;)
I haven't watched Let the Right One In because I'm no fan of vampire movies (though I was very pleased that a movie like that became so popular around the world). But it's interesting to read what someone has to say about it from a more "local" perspective, even if you ended up not liking it.
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And yeah, the escape from the helicopter is very much present. *g*
As for vampire movies, I have a soft spot for them though I prefer it when they stayed away from the extreme edges of Interview with a Vampire and 30 days of Night as neither emo nor splatter interest me. Also good to hear that my local perspective on Let the Right One In was of interest for other than us locals. ;)
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Jerott Blyth! Hee. What an amazing post. Your reason #3 for watching the Mifune film alone establishes why I hold your opinions in such high esteem. It's interesting to read your critique of Let The Right One In, since you are the only (1!) dissenting voice I have heard among those who have seen the film. And I think I might just go watch Angels and Demons if there is cheest entertainment to be had!
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*though in a suit, and not in the silly ceremonial uniforms.
And yes - Angels and Demons is pure cheese, in the pulpish, adventure sort of way. It contains lines like "Quick we must solve the puzzle in Santa Maria Vittoria and save the cardinal, or else the Vatican will be blown apart by the bomb made of anti-matter". It has dubious clergy, dubious academic credentials, Swiss Guard agents and an assassin. The only thing lacking is a good swordfight.
I will admit that I mainly bough Sword of Doom based on the title. The fact that it turned out to be a good film was just an added bonus. Also it never hurts to watch Mifune and Nakadai parade around as samurai. ;)
since you are the only (1!) dissenting voice I have heard among those who have seen the film.Yeah, I very much feel like I'm going against the ( ... )
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