WolfAtTheDoor's movies that he definitely should've seen before... review.

FETCHER. · 10-05-2009, 06:04 PM

really? im yet to see it also, but ive had a few references tell me its really good. i dont think i will bother wasting my time with it now. thank you

WolfAtTheDoor · 10-05-2009, 06:16 PM

I think it's probably still worth watching, just to form your own opinion on it, as many actually seem to love it.

FETCHER. · 10-05-2009, 06:22 PM

yeah i suppose everyone has their own opinion, ill download it or somethin n tell you how i get on!

storymilo · 10-05-2009, 08:07 PM

I saw The Usual Suspects. I had kind of the same reaction you did, except that mine might have just been because I wasn't really paying much attention and even fell asleep halfway through. I agree that it's overrated but still worth watching.

WolfAtTheDoor · 10-06-2009, 05:56 AM

This Is Spinal Tap

As a music fan, I suppose it could be seen as strange that I have only recently watched This Is Spinal Tap from beginning to end. After doing so, however, I find myself a little disappointed.

As a parody of life out on the road, This Is Spinal Tap succeeds on all accounts. It perfectly mimics the egocentric and absent-minded nature of your average rockstar, and its satirical eye gazes over everything from skin tight stage wear to a John/Yoko romance. You can see that the director has carefully thumbed through 'How To Be a Rockstar 101' and decided that he's going to include everything he possibly can.

So, the floppy-haired goons on the stage are, predictably, the butt of all the jokes. This is in no way a bad thing, as the acting all-round is superb (especially considering that Harry Shearer and Michael McKean aren't actually British), and it's a testament to their skills that the characters still remained endearing and likeable despite their idiotic nature.

The comic-timing is also very spot-on, with each of the set-pieces (stonehenge, the pods etc) being allowed enough time to flourish without ever becoming stale.

So, what was it exactly that disappointed me about This Is Spinal Tap? Well, to put it bluntly; I didn't laugh. Whilst I acknowledged that it was a witty and intelligent piece of work, it never generated the belly-rumbling guffaws that I expected it to, and because of this it didn't leave the lasting impression upon me that I expected it to.

By no means does this make it unwatchable, though. It's inability to make me laugh is probably connected to my lack of understanding of the source material, and I can imagine that for a band just starting out on the road this is a definite must-see. However, as I am not an aspiring rockstar, nor do I know any aspiring rockstars, I found myself unable to connect with the numerous jokes thrust upon me.

I'm sure many, if not all of you have at somepoint seen This Is Spinal Tap. However, if you are one of the very few that haven't, I suggest that you do so. You will almost definitely laugh more than I did.

Rating:

6 amps (turned up to 11)

jackhammer · 10-12-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfAtTheDoor

This Is Spinal Tap

The whole genius of the film is in the deadpan deliveries and spot on accents. If you would never know you would swear it was a British film in terms of tone and delivery.

WolfAtTheDoor · 10-12-2009, 02:06 PM

I don't think it deserves the amount of credit it receives because of its leanings towards British humour. Even though the acting is applaudable, the fact that the cast is mainly comprised of Yanks portraying Brits does not make the gags any funnier.

jackhammer · 10-12-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WolfAtTheDoor

I don't think it deserves the amount of credit it receives because of its leanings towards British humour. Even though the acting is applaudable, the fact that the cast is mainly comprised of Yanks portraying Brits does not make the gags any funnier.

I think that IS the reason why it works so well. I love twists like that. I think Bad News and More Bad News are better though. Funny as fuck. Good review for Spirited Away too. You should checkout Princess Mononoke by the same guy. It is superb.

Captain Awesome · 10-12-2009, 06:39 AM

I have to second city of god. That movie was incredible, easily one of the best movies i watched in 2002/2003.

I have yet to watch the TV series or second movie "city of men" (the tv series and second movie share the same name). Apparently the movie and TV series is not a sequel to city of god (or so i'm told) but more of a spin off, some of the same actors appear but it follows an entirely different story/main character (This is just what i've been told by friends).

Good idea for a thread btw i have to admit i've never seen Apocalypse Now before but i'm going to check it out soon.

Anteater · 10-12-2009, 09:39 AM

Spirited Away, despite several obvious flaws, is one of those rare films that transcends being a movie entirely at times, culminating in that train sequence in the second half. Well, at least for me anyway.

10-05-2009, 06:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
WolfAtTheDoor ironing your socks Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: I'm in a rocknroll band. huh. Posts: 396	I think it's probably still worth watching, just to form your own opinion on it, as many actually seem to love it. __________________ *press your space face close to mine, love*

10-06-2009, 05:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
WolfAtTheDoor ironing your socks Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: I'm in a rocknroll band. huh. Posts: 396	This Is Spinal Tap As a music fan, I suppose it could be seen as strange that I have only recently watched This Is Spinal Tap from beginning to end. After doing so, however, I find myself a little disappointed. As a parody of life out on the road, This Is Spinal Tap succeeds on all accounts. It perfectly mimics the egocentric and absent-minded nature of your average rockstar, and its satirical eye gazes over everything from skin tight stage wear to a John/Yoko romance. You can see that the director has carefully thumbed through 'How To Be a Rockstar 101' and decided that he's going to include everything he possibly can. So, the floppy-haired goons on the stage are, predictably, the butt of all the jokes. This is in no way a bad thing, as the acting all-round is superb (especially considering that Harry Shearer and Michael McKean aren't actually British), and it's a testament to their skills that the characters still remained endearing and likeable despite their idiotic nature. The comic-timing is also very spot-on, with each of the set-pieces (stonehenge, the pods etc) being allowed enough time to flourish without ever becoming stale. So, what was it exactly that disappointed me about This Is Spinal Tap? Well, to put it bluntly; I didn't laugh. Whilst I acknowledged that it was a witty and intelligent piece of work, it never generated the belly-rumbling guffaws that I expected it to, and because of this it didn't leave the lasting impression upon me that I expected it to. By no means does this make it unwatchable, though. It's inability to make me laugh is probably connected to my lack of understanding of the source material, and I can imagine that for a band just starting out on the road this is a definite must-see. However, as I am not an aspiring rockstar, nor do I know any aspiring rockstars, I found myself unable to connect with the numerous jokes thrust upon me. I'm sure many, if not all of you have at somepoint seen This Is Spinal Tap. However, if you are one of the very few that haven't, I suggest that you do so. You will almost definitely laugh more than I did. Rating: 6 amps (turned up to 11) __________________ *press your space face close to mine, love* Last edited by WolfAtTheDoor; 10-25-2009 at 08:09 PM.

10-12-2009, 02:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
WolfAtTheDoor ironing your socks Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: I'm in a rocknroll band. huh. Posts: 396	I don't think it deserves the amount of credit it receives because of its leanings towards British humour. Even though the acting is applaudable, the fact that the cast is mainly comprised of Yanks portraying Brits does not make the gags any funnier. __________________ *press your space face close to mine, love*

10-12-2009, 06:39 AM	#9 (permalink)
Captain Awesome On A Rampage Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 317	I have to second city of god. That movie was incredible, easily one of the best movies i watched in 2002/2003. I have yet to watch the TV series or second movie "city of men" (the tv series and second movie share the same name). Apparently the movie and TV series is not a sequel to city of god (or so i'm told) but more of a spin off, some of the same actors appear but it follows an entirely different story/main character (This is just what i've been told by friends). Good idea for a thread btw i have to admit i've never seen Apocalypse Now before but i'm going to check it out soon. __________________ "If we're all merely players in a play on this great stage, the problem is the script writers ain't on the same page, I echo through the mountain when I'm singing in the air, from my lab a lad with lavish lyrics living in his lair." "Wake up and listen, hear what's not for the public's ears Pinocchio poets played by profiting puppeteers"

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10-05-2009, 08:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
storymilo Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,845	I saw The Usual Suspects. I had kind of the same reaction you did, except that mine might have just been because I wasn't really paying much attention and even fell asleep halfway through. I agree that it's overrated but still worth watching.