haha - Interesting to hear that not everyone hated the Oldboy remake... Anyone else see it? What's the overall forum consensus.
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Snowpiercer (2013)
I had been looking forward to this for a while - I really like Joon-ho Bong's other work (notably The Host), and wanted to see what he'd do with a high-concept science fiction premise such as this. Plus, I am a MASSIVE Terry Gilliam fan and was super-excited to see a larger-than-life bizarre scifi movie come out...
And I loved it.
Now, I have to preface that statement by saying that it's definitely not a perfect movie - Some of the dialogue is really awkward (I wonder if that's the language or cultural barrier), the message can be heavy-handed at times, AND I'm not a huge fan of the very very end...
BUT
I liked the rest of the movie so much that those flaws didn't matter.
- The direction and set design were great - You really got a sense of the classes of the train... I also loved the transition from car to car...
- Tilda Swinton was great. End of story.
- Kang-ho Song was also great.
- Actually, come to think of it, the whole cast was great.
- I like a good distopia story and this one had my geek senses quivering.
- Heavy-handed? Yes, but I found the dialogue to be very, very interesting (from both sides, actually).
Not a perfect movie but I am VERY thankful that it's out there. I want more solid science fiction (it's been a good year for it!)
I don't think that I'm doing it justice. I loved it. I'd lover to hear what other folks thought of it.
Note - I say read the description before watching; if you can't buy the concept, then you should skip it.
4.75/5
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They Came Together (2014)
This was hilarious. Definitely one of those parts-are-greater-than-its-whole movies, but that's exactly what it is - If you like Wet, Hot, American Summer, then you'll definitely dig this. Paul Rudd and Jason Mantzoukas, in particular, were utterly fantastic. And, well, of course Amy Poehler...
Thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Looking forward to seeing it again (I have a feeling I'll enjoy it even more).
3.5/5
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Haunt (2013)
Really solid movie about a haunting. I was really impressed. The writing was really weak at times and the acting could have used some improvement BUT overall, it had a great creepout factor and the end was great. Recommended.
3.75/5
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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
I actually initially had no interest in seeing this... I mean, I thought that
Rise was OK, all things considered (read as: better than Burton's remake), but it didn't necessarily make me want to run out and see
Dawn.
That being said, the reviews turned me around and I'm glad that they did...
- The special effects were AMAZING. I am floored by how realistic the apes looked. And the talent (Andy Circus and Toby Kebbell were absolutely perfect).
- The writing and acting were incredible - Oh, man, the pathos - I truly cared about and empathized with the Apes... There were definitely multiple moments where the theater got a little dusty (heh)
- The score was fantastic - I'm not sure if it directly borrowed from the original movie or if it was influenced, but there were a couple of scenes where the onscreen action playing with the music made me shiver with joy.
- True tension and horror - There were moments that were actually chilling. I was really impressed.
This was a lot more layered and complex than I ever dreamed. Absolutely loved it.
4/5
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Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Wow. Pfew. I just loved this. I really am floored with how many well-done scifi movies are coming out right now (the movies listed above plus Edge of Tomorrow).
This movie was just plan fun to watch - I adored all of the characters (Rocket and Drax especially stole the show - I can't believe how great Bradley Cooper did - He was doing a cartoon voice!! Not just his own voice!)...
Lots of laughs, lots of feels, and great action.
I'm looking forward to seeing it again.
5/5