Last movie you watched

[Hudson]

The Thing (new one) - I remember Sil talked about the Thing never acted in character - ie. attacking people in broad daylight with no stealth or subtlety.  I gave it the benefit of the doubt, thinking it might get more sneaky as the film went on to eventually resemble the creature as portrayed in the Carpenter film.  Sadly not.  Kate getting attacked by the other chick thing was dopey.

In other aspects I think they tried really hard, but it ended up being a copy (how apt) of the original flick. They seemed to arrive at the conclusions a bit too quickly - and ultimately, why didn't the Thing fly away thousands of years ago if the ship was operational?  Or why didn't the dog run there?

And somehow despite all that - I dug it.  I think I enjoyed the effort more than the final result.

The thing that really cheapened it was that there was no paranoia this time around. There wasn't any downtime where people were suspecting each other and accusing colleagues and whatnot. This time, as soon as shit started hitting the fan someone would immediately turn into a monster and there'd be no time for the audience to do any of their own detective work, like with the hot needle scene in Carpenter's.

And they spent too much time trying to fake you out and get you to suspect the "obvious" person who's acting suspicious and then the nice guy turns out to be the monster. That technique is old news. (referring to the helicopter scene specifically)

[SiL]

I also rewatched the prequel the other day.

The Thing itself being, I dunno, almost functionally retarded all things considering didn't bother me this time. The shoddiness of everything else did, but.

Like the effects. There's not a single convincing creature effect in the entire movie. Everything looks like bad CGI. Sure the original has its dodgy effects, but everything here was fake.

[SM]

They were isolated away from others.

Yeah but why didn't it lock the door and copy her quicker.  It just took so fecking long plus it was noisy and of course she got away.

The thing that really cheapened it was that there was no paranoia this time around. There wasn't any downtime where people were suspecting each other and accusing colleagues and whatnot.

There was a bit, but it seemed forced.

This time, as soon as shit started hitting the fan someone would immediately turn into a monster and there'd be no time for the audience to do any of their own detective work, like with the hot needle scene in Carpenter's.

I did like the scene after the explosion where the base commanders arm just falls off and starts attacking people, but it smacked too much of a combination of the Norris transformation and Palmer transformation - complete with malfunctioning flamethrower.

I don't agree all the effects looked fake.  Some did, sure, but I think I just expect a lot of effects to look a a bit dodgy these days.  I think I just go with it, in the same way I'd accept dodgy practical effects in old films.  I think what bugged me more was Carter and Kate just casually standing around with a raging - obviously digital - inferno several metres away and they're so relaxed about it.  Haven't they heard of smoke inhalation?  Go figure.

[Hubbs]

The Majestic (2001)

OK this isn't exactly the most original idea ever and the whole thing feels a bit like an extended 'Twilight Zone' episode (one of the more sensible ones), but this truly is a beautiful film with the kind of performances that are guaranteed to make you smile.

A simple tale set in the 50's, a young man is accused of being a Communist and his life is turned upside down. One night he gets slightly drunk and drives his car off a bridge accidentally and ends up almost drowning. He gets washed up on the shores of a small town where he is believed to be a WWII soldier killed years before.

This is complete and utter American pie through n through and I mean that in the best way possible. Generally things like this can be quite sickening with all the Stars n Stripes patriotism and this does have that, truth be told this actually has more treacly gooey hanky moments than you can shake a stick at.

There is also the element of the all American Communist 'witch hunts' which is the whole plot beneath the surface. Its only kinda touched on really but its played out in a typically heroic way for the main character in the end. You think he will submit to the government, a government of so called democracy, but he fights for truth and justice and the American way. Yes the finale is a bit too vomit inducing for us non Americans.

What works for me is the pure visual spectale of the film with the typically quaint white building built US town set amongst the glorious Californian woodlands on the pacific coast. In short this film looks stunning, its made to look extremely whimsical of course but it works. The era makes this work even better as the sight of old classic US cars cruising around, small diners, the smart fashions, jazz/big band music etc...give the film a very homely taste that I think anyone (more so adults probably) can enjoy.

The cast is another reason to like this film, how can you not enjoy seeing Martin Landau in a brilliantly moving role. I loved 'Ed Wood' and this yet another portrayal of angst and heartbreak but even stronger than before. Gerry Black also gives us a lovely performance for the old caretaker of the Majestic, his gravelly raspy voice draws you in whilst his cheeky grin is heartwarming. James Whitmore has a small role but he sure fits in well, performance is perfect as is his costume and character design, looks good with the pipe. To be honest all the main roles are played well by a host of solid actors, many I have seen before and merely know by face, reliable character actors.

Then we have Mr Carrey, to be honest a brave move as before this he was known only for his comedies. This doesn't mean he was the right choice of course hehe, in my opinion he can't quite handle the kind of serious emotion involved here (at least at this period in his career) and you can see it. A case of being type cast for over the top crazy ass characters or idiots, due to this you keep half expecting him to do something or say something daft. Carrey never really looks too comfortable in this film surrounded by proper quality character actors, he was yet to break away from his over acting lunacy.

A charming nostalgic film that manages to homage the golden age of small town 50's America and the classic (and much missed) age of big regal looking cinemas, but is also a stirring tribute to the fallen of WWII. It is extremely cliched and cheesy, love it or hate it I doubt there will be any middle ground here. It really does pull all the obligatory heart strings to get you choked up, every old trick in the mushy book, but damn it...it works!.

[Company Man]

...she got away.

[trollface]She was the main character![/trollface]

I dunno, it was kinda rushed. Not like early at the American Outpost before it was discovered, it had some time to be semi-stealthy. Somewhat.

I think it made a combat decision. It had a pivotal person pinned in and went for it.

[SM]

Just woulda been nice if it went for it in a quicker and quieter way.

But then it's the same monster that harpooned and swallowed a due in front of everyone shortly before.

[Company Man]

I dunno man, I am not The Thing, so I dunno how the Thing thinks...

I just know how I survive. And at times you have to attack an opportunity. Simple as that!

[Hudson]

Actually I think if you are the Thing, you don't even know it (Norris), which goes back to the original story.

Also is it me or was every monster the same? Every time someone transformed there was pretty much tentacles flailing around and a big mouth on their torso. It was always very obvious how they were going to attack, whereas in Carpenter's film the monsters were so asymmetrical you didn't even know what was going to happen until it finally did attack someone.

[Company Man]

If I am the Thing, I know it. Whats his face, Palmer. before the blood test, has a sad look on his face. Like, fuck it guess I'll explode outta skin type look... he knows he is pegged at that time.

[Hudson]

Must just be different with certain people then. Norris definitely didn't know. If he was faking chest pain he was doing it without any witnesses to see his acting.

[SM]

Pretty sure you know if you're the Thing.  If you didn't know you wouldn't try to assimilate anyone else.

[Hudson]

But if it imitates you perfectly it imitates your mind as well, which means you know nothing you didn't know before. The most effective sleeper agent is one that doesn't act suspiciously and the best way to accomplish that is if you don't even know you're a sleeper agent.

Actually, just like the Cylons in the Battlestar remake.

[SM]

I don't recall ever seeing a thing being surprised when they're found out, or when they start to copy someone.

[Company Man]

I don't recall ever seeing a thing being surprised when they're found out, or when they start to copy someone.

OK, rewatch Carpenters and look at Palmer's facial expression just before MacReady checks his dish'o-blood. He knows he is busted. IMO.

[SM]

Reckon.