Film Club

Comment

Comment by Jim Heckel on January 11, 2010 at 9:47pm

I just saw Avatar. The 3-D technology is stunning and enfolding, quite beautiful at points and enchanting for the most part. The film's dialog however is stuck in 2-D flatland, as are the cliched characters. I had promised myself that I would leave after the first hour or so, because the 3-D is worth the price of admission. But, I hung in there for the disappointing and inevitable gigantic battle of machines that soiled the third part of Lord of the Rings. How does the message of peace and dwelling in the folds of nature jive with the battle lust of noise and explosion that highlights such blockbuster films? Don't bother thinking this through.

I'd like to plug a small Swedish film I just saw, Troubled Water, Erik Poppe, director. This film will challenge deeper feelings on the troubling aspects of crime, evil, retribution and redemption.
The 3-D aspect of this film is in the mind.

Comment by Zan Agzigian on January 11, 2010 at 7:44pm

Wow---how fun this is! Makes me realize how behind I am on seeing certain films! Watched "50 Dead Men Walking" this weekend, a new DVD release of a 2008 film about Northern Ireland's "Troubles" as seen through the character of Martin McFartland (a double spy for both the British and the IRA) in the late-70's----It chronicles the bio written by McFartland, but there is a definite license at adaptation...I suggest reading the book before seeing the movie. Ummm...errr...well now, there is a good question to pose to this group? See the movie first, then read the book? Read the book before seeing the movie?

Comment by Chérie Newman on January 11, 2010 at 10:21am

The bridge jump also made a big statement. A parallel to 1929 when people jumped out the windows of tall buildings?

And, yes. George Clooney. A remarkable actor who delivered a believable character capable of devastating people's lives with compassion.

Comment by Clair Leonard on January 11, 2010 at 10:16am

Avatar is on my radar, I am just in the process of arranging a sitter and securing tickets, a delicate balance. We already tried for tickets once soon after the New Year and failed miserably. Another movie we will be watching this year is Cormac McCarty's "The Road." It opens at the Wilma on January 22, so we are poised for that one. I,m awaiting final confirmation on a sitter for that date too before I splurge on the tix. We don't get to the movies very often and when we do it tends to be for the children, but these two movies - Avatar, and The Road, are ones we are going to see real soon. 'Can't wait!!!