Last Good Movie You Saw

[deanb]

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

 

 

Basically just gonna repeat others that it's fab and well worth a watch this xmas. And even if you don't much care for spider-man mythos (though it helps) the animation style is just amazing. Like oh god its great. The style really embraces the various Spider-men ("Is he in black and white...and how is his coat rustling, there's no wind?"), and doesn't seem weird for it. The weird focus effect they have going on and the strong comic book stylings are great, even if like a 3D movie it takes a couple minutes to get used to.

 

Spoiler

I saw a decent theory that the Aunt May shown here is Madame Web, given her Spider-Man is clearly fairly superior to the others, she kinda looks a bit Madame Web-ish and she's not particularly phased by multiple spider-men. Also knocks out a custom web slinger for Miles fairly sharpish as if she knew he was going to be a thing and need one...

 

And yeah, that Stan Lee cameo could not have been better placed in the film for the feels

[Mister Jack]

Yeah I don't really have much to say about why Into the Spider-Verse is good that hasn't already been said so I'll just mention things I personally liked. 

 

Spoiler

That Stan Lee cameo was pretty damn poignant, albeit unintentionally so.  I loved Kingpin's larger than life design and how he takes up half the screen whenever he's on-camera.  The Doc Ock reveal was absolutely fantastic and I didn't see it coming at all.  Peni is adorable and I love how she has an anime art style.  I also loved Spider-Ham and how he still managed to come across as a toon despite being in an already animated movie. The movie in general is also really funny, probably the funniest Spider-Man film of them all.

 

Also, this is the best portrayal of Miles Morales to date. That's definitely worth mentioning.

[Mal]

Honestly I'm not sure where to put this but:

 

Bao is up on Youtube for a week or so. It is very on point, especially on anything food related.

[Mal]

First They Killed My Father 

 

As the name kind of implies, you only watch this once. 

[deanb]

Captain Marvel

 

It's in a weird spot of comparisons with other MCU films which means it has touches of Thor, touches of Winter Soldier, touches of GoTG (not helped on most fronts by shared cast for some of the priors). Not a huge stand out, a firmly middling MCU title. Brie Larson was fab though, and firmly cemented into the MCU and be interesting to see how she plays out in Endgame and Phase 4.

 

It sort of does a lot of lore expansion (what with being set 20 years prior), but not in a retcon way though at times in kind of Solo sort of way of "did we need to know why that's how it is". 

 

The CGI work for the de-aging on Sam Jackson is fab. And Goose the Cat was a great cast member. Probably one of my fave Stan Lee cameos too (also the modified Marvel logo was a nice touch).

[Mister Jack]

Just saw Captain Marvel and yeah, it's pretty good. I actually felt like Brie Larson was one of the weaker parts of it though, but that had less to do with her acting ability and more to do with Carol just being kind of a dull character. Or maybe it's because she was surrounded by much more fun and interesting characters. I did still like her more than T'challa, who I find to be a total bore.The lack of any real central villain also meant the climax felt kind of underwhelming compared to other Marvel films, but it never dipped into territory that I would call crap. It's alright. I'd give it a B.

[MetalCaveman]

Fate Stay Night Heaven's Feel II: Lost Butterfly. It was fucking awesome and fucking brutal. I already knew the stuff that was coming but still, seeing it animated in such a way is quite a thing. Can't wait for III: Spring Song in 2020. \m/ \m/

[TheMightyEthan]

Captain Marvel. I thought it was really good, A rank (S being the best, of course). I'll post more thoughts in the Marvel thread.

 

@Mister Jack I get where you're coming from about Carol being boring, but I didn't get that. She's unsure of herself, due to spoilers, and also being on an unfamiliar planet probably has her talking less than she might, but when she lets the facade down you can see there's definitely a personality in there. As far as the climax, I can also see what you're saying about that, but I thought it worked really well if you look at it as a character-growth-based climax rather than a plot-based climax.

[Mister Jack]

Shazam!

 

I lucked into an early screening and I can confidently say this is the best DC movie so far, excluding the Nolan films which are really their own thing at this point. There's no ridiculous Zach Snyder grimdark, the humor is actually funny, the story isn't a hole filled mess that desperately tries to set up other movies in the cinematic universe, and for the most part the characters are written well. It is an origin movie, but Billy Batson has so much fun discovering and playing with his new powers that my favorite scenes of the movie were actually the ones where he's testing out random powers to see if he has them and exploiting the ones he finds for fun and profit. Yeah, it makes him feel like a douche bag for a bit but honestly, who wouldn't do the same in his shoes? This is the first DC movie that I think is good enough to compete with Marvel.

 

What didn't I like? Honestly, not much. The story follows familiar beats, I suppose, but it's a comic book movie. That's what they do. The CG isn't as good as Marvel's, but it's not all over the place like Justice League and it's still of an acceptable, if not outstanding quality. The villain isn't as good as Marvel's best but he's better than their worst. Really, I'm having to think a good bit to come up with complaints. This was a fun, funny movie where DC finally decided to stop taking themselves so seriously and just embrace the comic book silliness.

 

One thing that doesn't matter to me but I guess I'll mention it is that it might be too intense for small kids. It's mostly fun and lighthearted but a few scenes with the villain had grisly and violent onscreen deaths that had the kids in my row clinging to their parents.

Edited March 23, 2019 by Mister Jack

[Mister Jack]

Endgame was dope as fuck but I'm gonna wait to talk about it until you guys have a chance to see it.

[TheMightyEthan]

Yep, Endgame was rad.

[Mister Jack]

Detective Pikachu

 

Fuck the haters, this movie was rad. I won't pretend it doesn't indulge in a few cliches or that it doesn't occasionally rely on some easy writing techniques like using flashbacks to explain the main character's feelings, but the way I see it the positives outweigh the negatives here. The world they build around this storyline is really fun and interesting, and the Pokemon themselves are cute and likable. The CGI may not always be convincing, but I would rather they look cute than realistic so it worked for me. Sonic the Hedgehog is a cautionary tale on chasing realism at all costs. Not every joke lands, but most of them are pretty funny and I appreciate that the movie didn't try to wink and nudge and say to the audience "The Pokemon world is dumb and makes no sense! Isn't that funny?!" It never acts like it's above its own source material, and if the director isn't a Pokemon lover himself then he hides it well. While the plot is predictable to a point and I did manage to figure out the mystery before it was explained to me, there were still other things I didn't see coming so it isn't like there's no surprises to be had. Honestly, if you ever had any affection for Pokemon then it's hard to imagine you won't have fun with this film, even with its flaws.

[deanb]

Detective Pikachu

 

I'll pretty much repeat Jacks response. It has some clear film clunk, but it's done a live action Pokemon film much better than should legally be allowed. Also tbh the "twist" I kinda figured before I'd even watched the film. It kinda seemed wildly obvious to me. Maybe I am the world class pokemone detective?!?! I guess when aimed at kids it's assumed kids can't figure out stuff early on.

 

Also there's cocaine and masturbation jokes. In a pokemon film. WTF.

 

But yeah, you ever played pokemon? Then yeah go watch Detective Pikachu.

[TCP]

John Wick

Damn, this might shock you guys, but this movie is actually pretty cool. 

Spoiler

Except for the dog death.

But the rest of the movie is pretty action packed. I could do without the licensed music though.

[Mal]

John Wick 3

While it has its odd moments, it somehow topped 2.  Halle Berry (as Sofia) action parts was pretty damn great in that she held her own (she brought in her own moves!) and having the dynamic of John and Sofia working together is great (you can sometimes see the other fighting in the background). Plus she has her dogs.

Spoiler

Her dog didn't die. I don't recall any dogs dying. 

While not entirely... convinced (what does that even mean) of Keanu fighting hand-to-hand but I think it works. If he dedicate himself, I can see him being pretty damn good even in his 50's. Besides, he fought Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahhman, these guys,

Spoiler

who finally, FINALLY, has an awesome action role in a major Western film. It's so awesome to see him not being wasted like in Star Wars (seriously, what a waste!).

 

So yeah, 3/3 for John Wick.

Edited May 19, 2019 by Mal

[CorgiShinobi]

John Wick 3

 

Or should I say,

 

Jardani Jovonovich

 

I prefer it over the second movie, though the plot takes an odd twist. I should say the action and fights are very intense and memorable. I have trouble recalling certain parts of the second, more so I remember the gist of the film. Maybe that's the curse of a film having to create a series out of a self-contained and satisfying first movie. Granted, all these movies have been entertaining and I would certainly see more. Well, so long as they don't get bonkers with the plot, like say aliens. But yeah, the plot:

 

 

I really dig everything up until we get to "The Elder." So this dude happens to be the big boss, chillin' out in the desert. John Wick wants to live to remember his wife, but I feel this almost obstructs his character from the first film. You'd think John himself would consider how he would be living his life as a servant to this hitman/assassin organization, something he at one point was able to get away from and that in of itself is no easy feat. The Elder even remarks at the irony of John's actions, but John does it to remember his wife.

It's not until Winston makes the point of what man John would become, so technically John betrays The Elder and High Table something like 15 minutes later into the film. The betrayal itself isn't the problem, but it kind of nullifies the first half of the film (aside from the sick action) with such a quick turnaround. Like, he goes through so much pain and uses presumably all his remaining favors to get to The Elder, but ends up taking Winston's side and defending the Continental alongside Charon, the concierge. Again, cool stuff, but then Winston's betrayal and it's like WHAT!

So many people in the theater, myself included, were hoping the adjudicator would get her comeuppance. Like, what makes you so special Ms. Fancy Coin! In the end, John's angry and he's got the Bowery King as an ally. Time to flip this High Table!

Edited May 22, 2019 by Atomsk88

[deanb]

John Wick 3

 

It's breathless. Blink and you miss 80 deaths. Really liked the characters in this one (except Bronn who was just Bronn with a funny accent). Really fucking loved the fanboy stuff. loved the creativity of some of the kills. It really embraces the absurdity of the series. And hey if you're someone that took issue with the coins being worth both body disposal and a coke they kinda explain that for you.

 

Also tickled me that the two biggest "oofs" are (in order) the ballerina and a long way down the knife in the eye.

 

Spoiler

Loved getting Lance Riddick some action stuff, especially when he gets equipped with the armour piercing shotgun that kinda just goes "thud" and no more head.

 

On 5/18/2019 at 4:56 AM, Ultra TCP said:

John Wick

Damn, this might shock you guys, but this movie is actually pretty cool. 

  Reveal hidden contents

Except for the dog death.

But the rest of the movie is pretty action packed. I could do without the licensed music though.

I'm guessing you really do mean the first John Wick here?

[CorgiShinobi]

Oh yeah, totally forgot about Zero. That guy was a riot. I loved his introduction and

ultimately he reveals how much of a fanboy he is for John Wick.

 

Which of course means he really wants to kill John Wick himself.

Edited May 22, 2019 by Atomsk88

[MetalCaveman]

My guess is that

 

Spoiler

Winston knew what he was doing and is going to play the long game, acting like he's with the High Table to buy himself some time/breathing room, while knowing that the Bowery King would find John.  

 

Lance Reddick was awesome in that bit. \m/ \m/

 

[Mister Jack]

John Wick 3

 

You like dudes getting kicked in the nuts? Have I got a movie for you.

 

Spoiler

I was a little disappointed that John didn't go after the High Table in this movie because god knows they deserve it, but at least we have something for John Wick 4 now. I don't buy for a second that Winston betrayed John. He only shot him in areas where John was wearing his bulletproof suit, he didn't bother to check for a body after doing it, and he didn't seem concerned at all that John was still alive. Either he's working with the Bowery to go to war with the High Table or he just rightfully had that much faith that John would survive the fall. The next movie should be very interesting.

 

[TCP]

9 hours ago, deanb said:

I'm guessing you really do mean the first John Wick here?

 

Yeah I had never seen it before, I don't remember hearing much about it when it came out and didn't know much about it. I assumed it was kind of like a Fast and Furious movie. Nope! It was bad ass. Don't really know how you get sequels out of it, but I'll give them a try eventually.

[deanb]

14 hours ago, Ultra TCP said:

 

 Don't really know how you get sequels out of it, but I'll give them a try eventually.

 

I mean...did you not hear the stories of how he killed two guys with a pencil? a fooking pinsil!

[CorgiShinobi]

For John Wick 3:

Yeah instantly I didn't think Winston betrayed John because of where he shot John. My only concern is that John fell off a building like 6-8 stories. He hit things on the way down to slow him down, but one of those things was a fire escape! It's a gamble because I could imagine a scenario where the Bowery goes to pick him up and he's got a broken neck. I mean, he definitely has to recover now.

 

John Wick 2 (and 3) builds upon the hitman/assassin underground society, so there's something for these films to explore. The most recognized  and accomplished assassin in the world doesn't get to just pop up and hide once more so easily.

[toxicitizen]

Saw John Wick 3 last night. Not much to say, really. It's one of those movies where you pretty much know whether you're gonna love it or not. I think the second one is still my favorite but I thought the first act of this one had some of the best fight scenes of the entire series. 

 

I knew they had already confirmed chapter 4, so about halfway through the movie I could tell where it was going and what the fourth one would likely be and I can't wait! The only thing I'm really hoping for is that they get Carrie-Ann Moss to be in it to complete the Matrix reunion.

Edited May 26, 2019 by FLD

[CorgiShinobi]

Saw Toy Story 4 with the family while I was on vacation.

 

It's a great film and there's still a lot of emotion that Pixar can make you feel for these toys. There's great humor and also great sadness. Thing is, Toy Story 3 still feels like a true end to the series whereas Toy Story 4 is like an excellent optional story. The character Forky is a great addition to the plot, though after his initial introduction and dilemma he creates for Woody, he more so becomes a plot point rather than acting as his own character. Having Bo back and being such a strong character saves this film from being ho-hum. It gives us as a viewer a different perspective on lost toys; do they really need a home?

 

The antagonist of the film is far more sympathetic than Lotso, but also far less threatening. The real driving force behind this film is the conflict Woody feels for his role as Bonnie's toy and his own happiness. I don't consider this really a spoiler, but it's a pivotal plot point so I'll still mark it:

Woody hasn't gotten over Andy. In an odd sense, Woody was like a father figure and had been so important to Andy, it wasn't just Andy letting go of Woody, but Woody also has to let go of Andy. Bonnie doesn't favor Woody and there are times where Bonnie just simply forgets Woody too, even after Andy puts great importance on the cowboy at the end of Toy Story 3. Realistically Bonnie is her own person and her own behavior and preferences should take root in her play. Thus, it makes sense but also dampens the impact of Toy Story 3's ending.

 

Still it's a fantastic film in its own right. The lessons for both children and adults is very mature and it's surreal to get these from a film about toys. But then again, Toy Story has always tackled powerful life moments where choice must be made, and sometimes paths take us where we least suspect it.