Movies

Also, something that I’d somewhat forgotten about… what was the organization that captured Tony in the original Iron Man? Again, not enough that it would ruin enjoyment of this movie as a standalone, but more of that context.

The Ten Rings captured Tony on direction/payment of Obadiah Stane. Stane had been selling weapons to the Ten Rings organization under the table and paid them to kill Tony.

I sorta do. I was leeching off a friend, but got a new computer, and it didn’t re-load the password. He’s trying to remember the info. It’s Keystone Kops at this point.

If you can find it, I’d recommend it. Should give a bit more background about The Mandarin they introduced in Ironman 3.

Book Of Boba Fett and Mandalorian. The rest is just bonus fodder.

Also, something that I’d somewhat forgotten about… what was the organization that captured Tony in the original Iron Man? Again, not enough that it would ruin enjoyment of this movie as a standalone, but more of that context.

The Ten Rings captured Tony on direction/payment of Obadiah Stane. Stane had been selling weapons to the Ten Rings organization under the table and paid them to kill Tony.

Oh, I know, was meant as another tie-in to the larger storyline.

Derp. I took that as an actual question 🤣🤣

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed (Netflix streaming):

Bob Ross brought joy to millions as the world’s most famous art instructor. But a battle for his business empire cast a shadow over his happy trees.

This documentary was very difficult to make, apparently, many people refused to be interviewed, or backed out of interviews, due to possible legal consequences. It kind of reminded me of the Jim Carey “Grinch” movie. THAT movie went against everything the actual story represented. The business entity that has Ross’ name goes against everything that Ross was.

The reason Ross was awesome? It was only part of his painting talent. The big reason was that he was GENUINE. His on-camera and off-camera persona, if you will, was the exact same. He meant everything he said, he was true to the viewer. He never misrepresented himself.

It was tough to see his kid being interviewed, you can feel the emotion, him bringing back the memories and such.

Great watch.

Fascinating documentary. Loved (and still do) watching “The Joy of Painting”. My wife and I were both stunned that Bob & company had not retained an attorney at some point prior to his passing.

https://youtu.be/qetRmJWkm1Q

Yes please. Finally.

Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (Netflix disc):

The bodyguard Michael Bryce continues his friendship with assassin Darius Kincaid as they try to save Darius’ wife Sonia.

Utterly. Insane. It’s like John Woo and Michael Bay had a baby. Sonia (Salma Hayek), who I had mentioned was the real scene-stealer in the first one of this series (it’s all but given there will be another sequel), is pretty much the main focus here. Sam L and Ryan Reynolds chemistry is outstanding, but it does take a back seat to Salma. She steals every scene she’s in.

Toss out any logic you might have, add a dash of Morgan Freeman, and Antonio Banderas, and you have yourselves a very hilarious action packed movie.

Untold: Crimes And Penalties (Netflix Streaming):

They were the bad boys of hockey – a team bought by a man with mob ties, run by his 17 year old son, and with a rep for being as violent as they were good. The story of the Danbury Trashers.

UHL team (minor league hockey). Mobster’s son gets a team, and gotta give credit, he made it work not knowing what the hell he was doing in the first place. Honestly, even though I disapprove of his approach to the game (fighting > actual hockey), he made some very smart decisions in building the team. Well worth a watch.

Misha And The Wolves (Netflix streaming):

Misha and the Wolves is the dramatic tale of a woman whose holocaust memoir took the world by storm, but a fallout with her publisher – who turned detective – revealed an audacious deception created to hide a darker truth.

This one p*ssed me off. I was THIS close to thinking, “Hey, maybe she was so traumatized, she made up a world,” but frankly, I think she just did it for max profits. Either way is plausible, and it is mesmerizing to see it unfold.

I’ve seen three of them, the other one was Malice At The Palace (Pistons massive fight). Going to dig into them more, for sure.

Shang Chi was spectacular. Really really really enjoyed it.

@The Rube not really any significant MCU tie ins that will make you enjoy it less. Basically the stuff Steve and I had already mentioned previously.

That is what I read in the review today.

I did watch The Losers (Netflix streaming):

A CIA special forces team is betrayed and left for dead by their superiors, galvanizing them to mount an offensive on the CIA.

Did not know it was a comic movie (DC). Would never have guessed. It’s just pure action comedy, and quite entertaining. The banter is top notch for such a movie, the plot is cookie cutter, and not surprising. No harm done on that front. I wanted 90 minutes of fun, and I got it.

Shang Chi was spectacular. Really really really enjoyed it.

@The Rube not really any significant MCU tie ins that will make you enjoy it less. Basically the stuff Steve and I had already mentioned previously.

That is what I read in the review today.

I did watch The Losers (Netflix streaming):

A CIA special forces team is betrayed and left for dead by their superiors, galvanizing them to mount an offensive on the CIA.

Did not know it was a comic movie (DC). Would never have guessed. It’s just pure action comedy, and quite entertaining. The banter is top notch for such a movie, the plot is cookie cutter, and not surprising. No harm done on that front. I wanted 90 minutes of fun, and I got it.

I enjoyed The Losers. Really fun movie.

That cast turned out to be HUGE. :mrgreen:

I will put this under here.

Heist (series, sorta). (Netflix streaming):

A series of two part episodes, each covering a different story. I first ignored this, because it was listed as a series. However, today, I found out it was a compilation of stories. The 3rd “part” was the story of Pappygate, where 195 bottles of Pappy Van Winkle (and then some) were stolen. Very interesting, and I think the cops effed up. Either way, I remember the basic story, this gives the details.

For those who don’t know, Pappy is one of the rarest of rare whiskeys. Incredibly hard to find in stores (lotteries are involved) and on the secondary market, you are paying through the nose for a bottle.

This weekend I watched “Cruella” on Disney+ with Emma Stone. I really enjoyed the movie and Stone’s performance as Cruella DeVil. I would recommend the movie to anyone!

Now You See Me (Netflix disc):

An F.B.I. Agent and an Interpol Detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances, and reward their audiences with the money.

Very nice ensemble cast, and what I thought would be a waste of time overall turned out to be quite entertaining. Of course, movies of this nature have twists and turns, and the foreshadowing (obvious or otherwise) turn out to be tricks or red herrings themselves. You think you have it…then you don’t. Or maybe you do.

Worth the 2 hours, for sure. Prob will end up watching it again at some point, to catch any nuances I may have missed.

Now You See Me and the sequel were both very entertaining.

Unaware of a sequel. Time to look that one up.

SAS: Red Notice (aka Rise Of The Black Swan) (Netflix streaming):

A small army of well trained criminals led by Grace Lewis have hijacked a train deep beneath the English Channel.

Standard action movie with lots of action and a backstory of romance between the hero and the woman in his life. It was entertaining enough to definitely not be a waste of time, but I dunno if I’d search for it outside of pure curiosity. While a touch over 2 hrs, it filled the time well, it was the right amount of viewing time. They didn’t waste a minute, and they didn’t just throw scenes on the cutting room floor to get to the 90-minute compact action, short-attention span movie.

If you don’t know what to watch, I’d give this one a whirl.

Reminiscence (HBO Max)

Nick Bannister, a private investigator of the mind, navigates the alluring world of the past when his life is changed by new client Mae. A simple case becomes an obsession after she disappears and he fights to learn the truth about her.

Great plot. But, the style is noir. I hate that style. If one likes that style, this would be an outstanding movie. The plot itself challenges the mind but the style numbs it, IMO. Good acting all around, and the minus is the canned dialogue that plagues noir movies.

There you have it.

If you like horror movies Malignant is pretty good. Part horror, part thriller, part action movie.

House Party (Netflix streaming):

Kid decides to go to his friend Play’s house party, but neither of them can predict what’s in store for them on what could be the wildest night of their lives. Stars Kid’N’Play, a rather successful rap duo in the late 80s/early 90s. Clean cut rappers, barely swore at all, non-gangsta pop rap, I guess one could say.

Was feeling nostalgic tonight, so re-watched this after MANY years. As many movies go, it doesn’t hold up in the styles/pop culture norms (what were people thinking with those hairstyles and outfits?! ). BUT, it did touch on some cultural stuff that is still relevant today. Additionally, before the awesome 8 Mile rap battle finale, there was the House Party rap battle, which is just as good (style is different, but the back and forth is above and beyond).

I will admit, without resistance, the sequels sucked, but this one is indeed a classic. Plus, George Clinton said one of the best tough guy lines:

George Clinton: [after hitting Stab across the Head] Yeah, I did it, I might cry two tears in a bucket. F* it. Let’s take it to the stage.

The Guns Of Navarone (Netflix streaming):

A team of allied saboteurs are assigned an impossible mission: infiltrate an impregnable Nazi-held island and destroy the two enormous long-range field guns that prevent the rescue of 2,000 trapped British soldiers.

Tedious. Extremely tedious. This could have been a 2 hour movie. However, I did enjoy it. Rather gritty at times, and considering the era it was made, and given the Hollywood codes and such, they did make it as realistic as they could. I’d say you’d have to be in the right mood to see this one, it’s not something you just pop in because you heard it’s good.

Kate (Netflix streaming):

A female assassin has 24 hours to get vengeance on her murderer before she dies (she was poisoned).

Linda Hamilton (T2)? Uma Thurman (Kill Bill)? Move over. Mary Elizabeth Winstead has taken the title of the baddest ass b*tch. She was just warming up in Birds Of Prey. Now we get this. She’s come a LONG way since Grindhouse.

Very entertaining movie, some twists are obvious, some are not. Pretty much continuous action, lots of over the top fight scenes, pure eye candy, and I really liked it. Woody Harrelson does well as the mentor, very similar to his Hunger Games character.

Personal bonus: the plot is Yakuza-based. Woo hoo!

Great movie, loved it. Apparently she has some fanboys

Now You See Me and the sequel were both very entertaining.

Just watched the sequel tonight (Netflix disc). It was fun, and much like the Ocean’s 11-12-13 series, same story, different tricks, and it didn’t really affect the entertainment value that much, if at all. If you liked the first one, watch the second one.

I would concur. Loved the extras feature in Birds Of Prey about all the women talking about their characters, and the production, and such, and how it was such a big step forward for women in the industry. She has her head on right, no doubt.

Cry Macho (HBOMax):

A one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder takes a job to bring a man’s young son home and away from his alcoholic mom. On their journey, the horseman finds redemption through teaching the boy what it means to be a good man.

Well, take out the racism in Gran Torino, and replace it with a road trip, and there you have it. This is a good movie, but not a great one. Eastwood again plays the rough-around-the-edges but has a heart of gold oldster, and Eduardo Minett (who plays the son) is the pretty much unknown actor that does very well in his role.

It’s worth a watch, but don’t expect anything new or groundbreaking.

The In-laws (1979) was on TCM tonight. One of the top ten funniest movies I’ve ever seen.

Alan Arkin is brilliant!

Cry Macho (HBOMax):

A one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder takes a job to bring a man’s young son home and away from his alcoholic mom. On their journey, the horseman finds redemption through teaching the boy what it means to be a good man.

Well, take out the racism in Gran Torino, and replace it with a road trip, and there you have it. This is a good movie, but not a great one. Eastwood again plays the rough-around-the-edges but has a heart of gold oldster, and Eduardo Minett (who plays the son) is the pretty much unknown actor that does very well in his role.

It’s worth a watch, but don’t expect anything new or groundbreaking.

Sounds like a rehash of Gran Torino/The Mule. I love Clint (he also looks just like my dad) but this movie seems like a total rehash. I will surely watch it at some point but it’s not a priority.

Cry Macho, Gran Torino, and The Mule screenplays all written by Minnesotan Nick Schenk.

Attack Of The Hollywood Cliches! (Netflix streaming):

A look at all the tropes/cliches that movies have done over the years.

As done with “A History Of Swear Words” w/Nic Cage, they cast a tremendously fitting host for this: Rob Lowe. His style fits perfectly with this presentation. It covers the ticking time bomb, the magical Black person, the meet-cute, the jump-scare, the car chase. They kept it to an hour, but honestly could have shown more examples and made it 90-120 minutes without it being cumbersome. I loved it.

Venom is pretty good but there’s a huge reveal in the credits.

Also, the trailer for the new Batman is spectacular.

The Guilty on Netflix

Jake Gillenhal is a 911 operator and he takes calls on his shift. Another Netflix movie that takes place in one room and is low budget. 99.9% of dialogue is Jake on the phone sitting in a 911 call center. All scenes are in the call center with Jake on the phone, no action in any other location.

How many Netflix movies take place in one room?

I need a list so I can avoid them.

The Guilty on Netflix

Jake Gillenhal is a 911 operator and he takes calls on his shift. Another Netflix movie that takes place in one room and is low budget. 99.9% of dialogue is Jake on the phone sitting in a 911 call center. All scenes are in the call center with Jake on the phone, no action in any other location.

How many Netflix movies take place in one room?

I need a list so I can avoid them.

Locke basically is a movie that takes place in a car, with the driver: (Tom Hardy) just talking on the phone, and it’s excellent.

Hell, Reservoir Dogs mainly takes place in a warehouse (with bad audio) and that movie is awesome.

Those movies rely solely on the acting. No CGI, no action, just dialogue…trial by fire, basically.

Just because it’s one location/room…I won’t immediately dismiss it.

They should just play them on the radio. All you need is the audio. It annoys me that they don’t have to do any production work at all. Just setup the talking head and hit the record button. Netflix is kicking out content as fast as they can and the quicker they can the more $, the better.

Hell, Glengarry Glen Ross.

Oddly enough, I just rewatched Reaervior Dogs last weekend and although you remember it as all taking place in the warehouse there’s lots of cutaway scenes. There is great acting but also so much blood and brutality in what almost seems like slow motion. Tarantino is a king.

Venom is pretty good but there’s a huge reveal in the credits.

Really liked the new Venom movie. Very entertaining. And the post credit scene… :shock:

Destination Wedding (Netflix Streaming):

The story of two miserable and unpleasant wedding guests, Lindsay and Frank, who develop a mutual affection despite themselves.

Keanu and Wynona star, hence my giving it a shot. The cynicism is thick between the characters, and the back-and-forth between the two is absolutely hilarious dry comedy, along with the “chapter” introductions, such as

Saturday Morning:

[strike]Sh* You Would Never Do Otherwise[/strike] Activities

Give it a whirl. It’s the anti-rom-com rom-com.

Many Saints Of Newark (HBO Max):

A look at the formative years of New Jersey gangster Tony Soprano.

Well, here it is, finally. And for the first 3/4 of the movie, a solid MEH. The last 1/4 of the movie, the pieces fell together and was really good. The last time I had that feeling watching a movie was “Burn After Reading.” The light bulb came on during the last act(s). It all came together. Vera Fermiga and Ray Liotta were outstanding in their roles, I will say that without hesitation.

Definitely worth a watch if you loved the Sopranos, take a chance if you simply liked the Sopranos. It wasn’t the blockbuster I expected, but it was not a waste of time, either.

Thoughts on the younger Gandoldfini playing younger Tony?

I thought he did well. Contemplating his actions (to a point), taking in a lot of information and using it and/or learning from it, pretty much being a sponge that occasionally had to let out some water, so to speak.

Hell, Glengarry Glen Ross.

I’ve always thought this movie could be a play.

Jack Lemon’s character, cocky and vulnerable all at once, was written for the stage. He was brilliant as Shelley Levene.

IIRC it WAS a play, translated to the big screen (I seem to recall saying the same thing when I watched the movie, and someone mentioned that).

Per imdb:

David Mamet based his original play on his own experience working in a real estate office in the 1970s, when he was a struggling playwright. He was the office manager who gave out sales leads and handled the paperwork.

Interesting. I didn’t know that.

The Shelley Levene character was truly special.

Official Secrets (Netflix streaming):

The true story of a British whistleblower who leaked information to the press about an illegal NSA spy operation designed to push the UN Security Council into sanctioning the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Well, and I must say this, Keira Knightley actually passes for an actress of some ability. That’s a plus. Overall, the movie is very interesting on how events unfolded. Reading up a little on it, it didn’t seem like they strayed from the facts they knew, and frankly, they didn’t have to; the story was that crazy to begin with. Movies like this that show the processes of journalism, government, operations…what they go through, all the back channels, how things really get leaked…this one was a good one for that.

Recommended watch, but falls a tad short of a “must watch.”

Saw No Time To Die today.

Fantastic. Daniel Craig was outstanding. A great movie for his last Bond film.