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This Weekend We All Win With The Two New Releases!!!
Hey folks, Harry here... The two movies that open this week more than make up for the travesty of last weekend. This time, if you choose the Family film "UP" or the oddly PG13 Horror film from Sam Raimi - you're going to have a fucking great time in whichever theater you're in.
UP is simply amongst the finest work PIXAR has ever done. I saw the finished film this week after seeing it for the first time over a month ago. (My Review of PIXAR'S UP) - At that time there was no 3D print of the film - but frankly - this is a film that is so good you won't miss a damn thing if you see it 2D or 3D. It's simply a great film regardless of the format in which you are enjoying it. In addition - you'll be seeing a Pixar crafted TOY STORY 3 trailer, when you see the film - which brought one helluva smile to my face.
I've talked to a lot of people about UP and the thing we all seem to keep bringing up is... Is UP the best PIXAR film? And more often than not, we can't state that another is better. It's just a great film in a line of many great films. The only two Pixar films that I don't out and out love are CARS and A BUG'S LIFE, but I completely get why they're loved by their respective audiences. They're just not my favorites. But as I watched UP for the second time, I realized why the film is so powerful. Carl & Russell are out and out brilliant characters. It's nice to see animated characters that are not spazzing out all the time, or that have wild insane super powers. I think it is because one is an Elderly Man and the other is naive child that my concern grows with every tense moment of the film. There's a part of me that projects my Father as Carl and my nephew as Russell... and at another level, I project myself as Russell and Carl as my father during my own South American Boy Scout era adventures.
But it really comes down to character. I love these two. I love how every scene, be it action, danger or dialogue... they're all there to advance these characters and our understanding and affection for them. The end credit photos - which were not there when I saw the film originally actually really got me. Even during the end credits they're building upon our relationship with these two.
UP is the very best film I've seen this year - and I can't imagine that we'll have another film that is purely lovable as this one for some time to come. If you're a romantic. If you've decided you'll never have a family. If you've ever put off a dream or an adventure of your own. If you were in scouting. If you love your Grandpa, can't wait to be a Grandpa. If you love Ed Asner. Or if you're a Pixar fan - this will be amongst your very favorite films this year if you relate to ANY ONE of those IF sentences.
THEN I also saw the finished version of DRAG ME TO HELL. (Read Harry's SXSW review of DRAG ME TO HELL!)The difference between seeing these two movies for the second time was this. As much as I loved UP the first time, I loved it even more upon second viewing. With DRAG ME TO HELL, that first viewing was one of the single greatest screenings of a film I've ever seen, that I'll never be able to recapture that awesome first experience again.
When I saw the film this week, I loved it! The audience had its share of screams and jumps - but I didn't scream or jump like I did the first time. Instead, the second viewing was one of those where I just loved watching Raimi work over an audience. The most amazing improvement from the work print to the final is the astonishing Sound Design. Not only should this film end up nominated for all the sound awards at the end of the year, but Horror filmmakers should dissect its use of sound. This is a PG 13 Horror film that is so much better than so much of its R rated brethren simply due to the use of sound and the overall editing of the film.
It's gross as the thought you have of me naked, but without the image of my distended ballsack hanging out from under a flabby gut. It does it without gallons of blood, knowing full well that there are other fluids which can gross us out. This film has crazy violence - and is very much a Torture film, but it isn't about tying someone to a chair... it's torture the way Ash was tortured. It's something otherworldly torturing this poor girl. You remember that sweet gal from MATCHSTICK MEN? Well, she gets all sorts of fucked up in this!
This is the Sam Raimi that we all fell in love with. This is absolutely a return to form.
SO - this weekend, Take the family to UP - then get your favorite horror buddies together and prepare to get freaked out by DRAG ME TO HELL.
Why am I writing this piece?
Simple. I love these movies and want to remind and encourage as many of you as possible to see them both. Because I want more movies like these... and less movies like last week's!
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I need to see some good movies.
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Dammit!
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The only problem is I am an childless man who is 6'2', 225LBS and I admit scary looking. I am sure I will fit right in with a bunch of children and none of the parents will think I'm a "molester."
I also like masturbating during movies, so that could be a big problem. -
May 29, 2009 2:33:38 AM CDT
Cool that two entirely different kickass movies are opening up t
by paragoncomplex
I'm a huge Sam Raimi fan since Xena, ha. The only Pixar movies I couldn't care less about where The Bugs Life and Cars too. Seeing the Toy Story 3 trailer is well worth the price of admission alone. Fond memories of Toy Story 1 and 2. I never had a grandfather so I doubt I'll be able to relate to Up, but it'll be good nevertheless.
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Quite possibly in terms of quality filmmaking this will be the best weekend in a long time. Terminator 4 was just awful. Did we really have to see McG's name twice in the opening credits?
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I never look forward to a Pixar "cartoon". But when I finally get around to watching it... I always wonder what took me so long.
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is going to be as disturbing as the image of Harry's distended ball sack, that I've now got swinging in front of me.
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Wow October that's fucking redicoulous
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i have a hard time going to see any Bruce Cambell-less Raimi horror, and i didnt know it was PG-13. Not that PG-13 is a deal killer, but i think i'll see Up instead. maybe rent it.
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Means absolutely fuck all anymore.
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last week I hated you for your Terminator review. Ive seen that film twice and while I loved it the first time the 2nd left me cold, I dont think its a bad film, I think its a film that could have and should have been better then what we were given. That said, im no doubt picking up the blu ray.
UP & Drag Me To Hell are two films that Ive been waiting for, words cant describe how fucking giddy I am to see Drag Me To Hell tomorrow. -
May 29, 2009 3:52:42 AM CDT
Of course UP can be better than The Incredibles...
by bob loblaw law blog
because WALL*E was better than The Incredibles.Don't get me wrong... I loved The Incredibles, but WALL*E was, well... out of this world.Judging from what we saw of UP at BNAT back in December, I'm certain UP will not disappoint. I cannot wait to see it!
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It's been a bad year so far. Lazy film making.
Yet these two films I will see. -
Wolverine, T4, Watchmen and Transformers 2.
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May 29, 2009 4:01:28 AM CDT
"It's gross as the thought you have of me naked, but without the
by henrydalton
Just.... why.
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Return to form is right. Great flick
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...in Drag Me To Hell IS amazing. I actually sat next to the sound designer at the Mann's Chinese premiere, he was a Finnish guy, and he told me that working with Sam Raimi was the most fun he'd ever had on a movie, and that Raimi was the smartest film maker in the business. Looking forward to seeing this flick again for the exact same reason you enjoyed it the second time Harry - now I know all the scary bits, I want to sit back and see the film fucking with the audience.
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It was really good, but it's no Ratatouille. Or Toy Story 2. Or The Incredibles. I'd put it maybe 5th or 6th place on the Pixar rankings.
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Please just tell us. I love your movies, but I am fucking bored with all the John Lassiter profiles in every paper I've had to read over the last few months. Just show us the film already. DAMN IT!!!!!
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Your passion for film really comes over. Even though I don't always agree with you, I can't wait to check these two out.
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it's about pitch perfect cinematic grammar and timing used to give you sensation. that's all. and given the way people shoot these days you haven't seen something like that in years.
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Just out of curiosity, about 18 years ago, was it you sat behind me during Highlander 2? Seriously, as if the film wasn't bad enough...
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Because none of these movies comes out in Germany this weekend. :P
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I love WALL*E, and bought it on BluRay for my infant son to enjoy in the future. WALL*E was out of this world (was that pun intended?), and beautiful on many levels. But for pure watchability and re-watchability, I think Brad Bird and The Incredibles have it beat. WALL*E is a movie I could only watch from time to time. But hey, Schindler's List was incredible...but I never want to see it again.
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I'm the same way. I actually resist seeing Pixar films, and eventually, I give in and rent the DVD, and always end up loving them. Finding Nemo was a good example ... I hated the trailer, so I refused to see the film. Now, it's among my favorite kid's movies. BTW, Up doesn't thrill me, either, so when I finally see it, I'm sure I'll really dig it.
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which just went about as wide as it's going to get. triple feature weekend for me.
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because all this talk of your nutsack just spoiled my lunch.
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over my fecking laptop.. way to go you cunt!
makes a change to see an amusing post instead of a FUCK YOU or AVATAR FUCKING MY EYEBALLS posts we get on here on a daily basis -
Can a film be "the best film I've ever seen?"
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Please? Pretty please? I said please...
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Really makes it look like that girl deserves her faith. I get that she's not the denial bitch she chooses to be, but the calls for security atlest the way the trailer was cut. Instantly had me not caring for her. what was the lady going to do beg her to death while kissing her knees. I get that she decided to deny this woman souly so she could get promoted, and it's not who she was, but she became a real hearless bitch in that scene. So well in fact. That I just stop caring to see the film. I like the ED film less and less each year. I tried watching them with my dad. Trying to tell him how great they were, and he pointed out every single flaw, and I really rewatched the films in those moments and saw it with a different set of eyes. The production value and the creative aspects are still wonderful but the story is pretty fucking dull. Growing up I guess.
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Sorry for the typos
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...Rat-poop-a-touille. Why do people keep kissing this movies ass? It sucked. We all know it sucked. My kids stopped watching after 20 minutes. There's the perfect sign of a bad movie. Drag me to Hell however looks great, even if it's PG-13. As for UP, I'll wait for the rental to be let down.
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Hmmm... I think we now know how the legend of the mythical beast "Mapinguari" was started! In case you're wondering, look it up here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mapinguary
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... and the rest of the word "Mapinguari". Why does this site always randomly insert spaces into links anyway? Weird.
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Is going to make me come.
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Honestly, Harry...
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May 29, 2009 7:58:28 AM CDT
It's about time I get to spend at the movies this weekend...
by samuraiyao
Haven't been to the movies since Adventureland was released..
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starring alex winter.
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The question is whether to get lifted Up, then Dragged to Hell, or Dragged to Hell, then lifted Up. I'm thinking the later Up showing will have less children, but I'd rather save Drag Me to Hell for last. Decisions, decisions. So glad there's finally a reason for a double feature at the theater again.
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Yes! I loved FREAKED! I want more like that too.
Have you seen the music video that director did about Gorbachev fighting zombies?:
http://www.vimeo.com/1223566?pg=embed&sec=1223566 -
gets hailed as "the best yet"? And every time I've dragged myself out to see the latest edition, enjoyed them okay in the theatre, but then immediately forgot about them afterwards and have no compulsion to ever revisit them.Nothing about "Up" in the trailer convinced me this would be any better. I'm sure I'll get drug to see it by someone, but I'm sure not giving a PIXAR release the benefit of the doubt this time. Plastic-looking people and toys, with sappy songs and lame jokes; I just don't know how much longer I can stand them. Please "Up", please prove me wrong for once...
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is that he didn't give us a good old fashioned 'R-rated' horror movie! Instead we get yet another 'PG-13' film that, since it's Raimi, probably has a few decent moments, but also probably doesn't live up to what it could have been. Guess we'll all have to wait for the inevitable 'UNRATED' DVD/Blu-Ray release...which is the only way I'll be seeing the film, if at all.
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But this is a well written, to the point, even gramtically correct article. No bullshit, no personal exposition; to the point. WELL DONE sir....see, i can be kind! That being said, I am STOKED to see a NEW raimi horror movie. There BETTER be a tree-raping scene in it!!!!
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Have you seen it yet?? It doesn't sound like you have. Why complain about it before you judge. It doesn't need to be R rated if a director knows what he's doing. Hopefully though this will give the studios enough faith in Raimi that they can start literally throwing money at him to just do what he wants. Then we may get our real rated R horror movie!
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Mental...images....won't leave....my brain alone!!!! NOOOOO!!
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I do try to refrain from "judging" without having actually seen any particular film...I'm just saying that it's a shame that there hasn't been any REALLY good R-rated horror films in the past few years (major releases anyhow), and that if anyone could have broken that trend, it would have/could have been Raimi. I like all of Raimi's films, so I'll probably end up liking this one, but I'm just wishing/hoping for the studios to stop being such pussies.
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I just bought it on Blu Ray over the weekend. Pixar movies on Blu Ray are a must. Especially since I have a daughter (who is almost 2 so doesn't watch TV....yet). Anyway, A Bug's Life was way better than I ever remembered it being. I guess every Pixar film IS amazing (well, I am still not crazy over Cars, though I still think it is good).
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...was Alex Winter, otherwise known in his acting days as one "Bill S. Preston, Esq." Knew him in college, he was a friend of a dormmate. And yep, he's directed some pretty cool music videos as well.
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I won't go see any film starring that douche. No matter how transcendent said film may be. Sucks for me I guess.
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and you've never sold me on two movies more than you have here. Bravo, sir....I'm pumped.
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The damn thing is only playing in 3d. Why the fuck doesn't any single theater have it play in 2d on at least 1 single motherfucking screen?
Don't these money-grabbing studio asshats know that at least 20% of the worlds population cannot watch a 3d movie properly because of visual impairments? -
hmm... maybe I'll see UP eventually.
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despite its problems (including being very much an artifact of its time), remains a better horror film than 99 percent of what we've seen in the last 45 years - including the "Evil Dead" films, IMO. If released today, it might get a PG rating, though more likely PG-13. So don't wail about how good horror needs to be rated R. Gore is not horror. Horror does not need gore. Anyone older than 40 knows this.
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Make 7 UP yours. Put UP or shut UP! I've fallen and I can't get UP.s'UP bitches. Go watch UP!
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if I wasn't too busy molesting this kid I kidnapped from the movie theater I would write a nice review about it. The boy screaming is the best part!
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Talking dogs are a terrible plot device. The short, however, was great.
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You make a good point. I do think that WALL*E is a better movie (but again, I absolutely LOVE "The Incredibles"), but The Incredibles probably has greater replay value.Like Harry said, all the Pixar films are pretty fantastic, and everyone has their favorites.And you make another good point... I haven't seen Schindler's List in a good 7-8 years, I'm sure (even though I remember how great it was...).Oh, and that pun wasn't really intended... but I laughed a bit when I wrote it.
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theater experiences. He lets other theater goers and friends affect whether or not he enjoys a film. I don't know how many times I've read reviews from Harry that seem entirely based on these things. How fickle.
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what is that telling you about T4???
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Need to wash the taste of T4's balls out of my mouth. Drag Me To Hell is T- 6hrs, then Up tomorrow morning. Fuh K'ya!
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I saw DRAG ME TO HELL and midnight....And I have the HUGEST PULSATING MAN-TIMBER that has grown to such an immense DENSITY that I am thrusting it vigorously in the ears of all that surround me until they see "DRAG ME TO HELL!!!" Saturday, I'm doing UP. Hell yes!!! There is a higher being!!! His name is Sam Raimi! I thought I lost you, but you were always here next to me with your nimble lil' fingers on me shoulder.
"WHERE THE FUCK IS KURT RUSSELL?"
- Danger Havok -
Git yer man-timber outta my ear I'M GOIN! I'M GOIN!
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I thought she was the best asset of the film. As if she lifted the film with each appearance. Whoever assigned her to that role did us a great assistance. I assume everyone will say she's the best part of the film, if one could assess that. Never asinine, always ascending. That's Amy Adams.
And yes, I read Capone's review, and agree with him wholeheartedly. -
THAT'S where that chick's from. Christ, she grew up quick.
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in the UK. And I'm seeing it on Sunday! Can't. Fucking. Wait.
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Looking forward to it. Pixar never disappoints.
No wonder you didn't like A Bug's Life though, Harry. The ants were all non-ant colors! What the fuck?? -
I will never understand this criticism. Other than Toy Story 2, what other Pixar film had a song as part of the film itself? (Sure, some have songs over the credits, but please, so do a lot of other non-Pixar films).People say stuff like this and it makes me think they haven't even seen the films they're panning.
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May 29, 2009 5:28:29 PM CDT
UP is a beautiful, touching and hilarious adventure...
by fuckmichaelbay
...I absolutely fucking loved it, and then followed it up with a showing of T4...which blew major donkey ass.
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Disappointing. It's still better than all the other CGI kids movies from other studios.
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"Is UP the best PIXAR film? And more often than not, we can't state that another is better."
About half the reviews I've read have said it was great but not better than WALL-E. Don't overhype the film, you only hurt it's reputation for everyone. -
...but I still think it was excellent. Not in the CARS or ABL realm at all.
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sort of pointless to argue since even their blandest films offer more entertainment than practically anything kid-friendly you'll find at the cinemas.I will offer the opinion that Wall*E and The Incredibles are in their 'worst' category.
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I think Up is probably a good film but he certainly gets carried away at times.
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You've completely lost the ability to be objective in your movie viewing. Then again I'm not sure if ever had in in the first place.
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Why of all weekends would you pick this weekend to post a "Hey! This weekend go check out:" article. Now, it isn't because your name happens to be on a review for Drag Me To Hell is it? Surely not. Of course labeling the movie "the best experience ever" doesn't exactly leave you room to waddle (no pun intended). Interesting.
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No, that was me, sorry about the "shot" to the back of your head.Couldn't get my hanky out in time!
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Another Pixar movie and a weak horror film? Pass.
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UP is really enjoying..look past the "animated factor" its not really a kids film.
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I was getting kinda down about this summer's lackluster offerings. I just saw both of these movies today and I am extremely glad I did. What a way to end the week.
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Because that review is quoted in the ad I just saw on TV for the film. Apparently Harry says it's the single most enjoyable moviegoing experience ever or something. It sounds like a new high in over the top Harry reviews, so I'm actually curious to read it.
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Logan 1973, what the hell planet do you live on? Nobody is objective when they state an opinion, ever. Objectivity kinda negates the purpose of an opinion.
Are you new to this site? I don't think Harry's too objective when it comes to movies, period.
It's hard to be objective when it comes to your passion. As much as I may disagree with Harry (more often than not) I sure as hell can't fault the guy for being passionate about film.
Because movies are awesome! -
But every year the critics just slobber all over them. Why? Why can't people be objective ONE time? Why does Pixar get a free pass. I don't get it.
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I'll hear you out.
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I haven't seen Harry keep his personal agenda out of his reviews in years. There's been way too many "this movie sucked because it didn't have what I wanted" bullshit moments.
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May 29, 2009 9:02:15 PM CDT
Seeing Up / waiting for Unrated DVD release of Drag Me to Hell
by tall_boy66
This flick may or may not single handedly change the horror genre. This flick's theatrical release may or may not have only 8 seconds of difference between the "R" and the "PG-13" versions. I'm voting with my wallet with this one and not going for the PG-13 horror trend. A G-rated Up? Yeah, sure. No problem there. But not shelling out for something watered down.
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Don't tell me it won't happen.
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If the movie doesn't do what it sets out to do (tell a story, inform, entertain, etc.) under what your individual understanding of that original intent, then odds are you're not gonna like that movie.
I don't hear people giving Roger Ebert shit when he gets a blurb on a poster or DVD cover. Not that Harry even comes close to Ebert's astuteness.
But Harry does serve a certain niche, the overblown, geeked out, unabashed film loving niche. It's amusing to read the guy waxing poetic (and more often than not spelling poorly) about his latest flavor of the week movie love. It's also refreshing to read someone's unapologetic viewpoints on film.
It's just another opinion in universe full of opinions.
I think people wrongly accuse Harry of receiving kickbacks and unwarranted favor from all his movie making friends.
Until you have proof there is reasonable doubt. -
I've had the hots for her since her lesbian scene with a girl in an Alice In Wonderland dress in "Where the Truth Lies", followed by her mock music video where for some movie where she danced in a red bra and skin tight short shorts. She's really good in DRAG and the movie is terrific entertainment. But don't expect it to be scary. It's not. It's just fun.
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I know I'm in the minority, but the only Pixar movie I didnt get was Incredibles. Too slapstick and heartless for me. But everything else was excellent, and, more often than not, downright brilliant. "Up" looks like one of their best, just based on the dozens of clips Pixar released on their Facebook page.
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Did I just read that? Are you an orphan, who's never experienced a loving family dynamic, Redmond? If so, damn, I'm sorry. That has to suck.
If not, however, wow, um, what the fuck? -
Before they went all commercial with the cute fuzzy animals.
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Judge for yourself if Transformers is one of the best films this summer: Jetfire WAS a Decepticon that shifted allegiance to the Autobots. Before dying, he gives Optimus Prime his wings so that the latter could get to the Giza Pyramid fast, to stop the Fallen from activating a machine that could destroy the sun. The blonde that Sam meets in college is a Decepticon disguised as a girl. "Alice" is her name, since it was a copy of a human-like Honda robot (This blonde seduces Sam and as a probe is being inserted into his mouth to "hack" his brain--a.k.a. the tongue of the Decepticon, Mikaela enters his room, which pretty much pisses her off until...) Optimus Prime goes into stasis (he's not really dead, but it would take like a thousand years for his body to repair itself) after being stabbed by Megatron (Optimus goes mano-o-mano with both Starscream and Megatron in that forest in the trailer). Sam actually dies, and while he is being revived, he sees a vision of the original 13 Primes,killed by the Fallen, telling him that they choose him to own the Matrix of Leadership (the dagger-like thingy that Sam picks from the ground in the trailer, produced by the AllSpark thousands of years ago as a key to a machine atop the Pyramid of Giza that produces Energon). Sam uses the Matrix of Leadership crystal to revive Optimus' Spark. Simmons has a major role in the film and becomes a hero of sorts. After being fired from Sector 7, he spends his time in his mother's deli, and he keeps a secret attic above his mom's restaurant, blogging with the name "Robo Warrior" who happens to be discovered by Sam's geek dorm mate. Simmons is responsible for helping out a U.S. Carrier with coordinates to destroy Devastator by sneaking under the biggest Decepticon ever. And Mikaela gives Simmons a kiss (well, a flying kiss that is, for helping her and Sam). Yes, it has a happy ending. I'm not sure how they would explain why Arcee is a girl, or the concept of trans-dimensional travel. Two Decepticons defect to the Autobots: Jetfire and Wheels, that small Decepticon who ends up enamored by Mikaela. Like he hugs her and burrows his head into her cleavage, but she didn't mind since she is aware that the robot isn't really aware of what sex is.
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incredibles is where they take off the shackles of disney and start actually making MATURE films and each have gotten better than the last. Cars, on repeat viewings, show life in the slow lane. something audiences probably cant grasp nowadays. (no offense to you) ratatouille is probably one of my faves, as it shows the greatness of creation--whatever your passion be. wall-e takes a premise and asks you to journey with a robot and relate to it. i was standoffish at first (previews show the childish stuff) its in fact a heartwarming tale. UP was just amazing. do not believe the trailers. just stunning. if the first ten minutes dont get you , you have no soul.you really should give them a shot. an "average" PIXAR film is better than most films these days. i can attest to that with the trailers i saw in front of UP.
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Judge for yourself if Transformers is one of the best films this summer: Jetfire WAS a Decepticon that shifted allegiance to the Autobots. He was one of the original Seekers of the Allspark that reached earth thousands of years ago, like B.C. times. When his “batteries run out,” it must be that he is automatically programmed to retain the ability to copy any machine from a cart to whatever technology that existed throughout history while he lay dormant (not sure if this would be explained in the movie, which could be a source of a plot hole). The blonde that Sam meets in college is a Decepticon disguised as a girl. "Alice" is her name, since it was a copy of a human-like Honda robot (This blonde seduces Sam, and as a probe (its “tongue” ) is being inserted into his mouth to "hack" his brain, Mikaela enters his room and sees the girl on top of her boyfriend, and that pisses her off. Optimus Prime goes into stasis (he's not really dead, but it would take like hundreds or thousands of years for his body to repair itself) after being stabbed by Megatron (Optimus goes mano-o-mano with both Starscream and Megatron in that forest in the trailer). Sam ACTUALLY DIES, and while he is being revived, he sees a “heaven” vision of the original 13 Primes murdered by the Fallen, and further telling him that they choose him to own the Matrix of Leadership (the dagger-like thingy that Sam picks from the ground in the trailer, produced by the AllSpark thousands of years ago as a key to a machine atop the Pyramid of Giza that destroys a star (our sun in this case) to produce Energon, a secondary energy source if the AllSpark gets destroyed). He hears Mikaela tell him “I love you.” And when he finally wakes up, his first words are “I love you.” It sounds cheesy but it isn’t. A minor plot involves the fact that they haven’t said “I love you” to each other and each were challenging the other as to who should say it first, which complicates matters since Mikaela witnessed first-hand Sam’s propensity to be disloyal to him when he is far away from her. Sam uses the Matrix of Leadership crystal to revive Optimus' Spark. Before dying, Jetfire gives Optimus Prime his wings so that the latter could get to the Giza Pyramid fast, to stop the Fallen from activating a machine that could destroy the sun. Simmons has a major role in the film and becomes a hero of sorts. After being fired from Sector 7, he spends his time in his mother's deli, and he keeps a secret attic above his mom's restaurant, blogging with the name "Robo Warrior" who happens to be discovered by Sam's geek dorm mate. Simmons is responsible for helping out a U.S. Carrier with coordinates to destroy Devastator by sneaking under the biggest Decepticon ever. And Mikaela gives Simmons a kiss (well, a flying kiss that is, for helping her and Sam). Yes, it has a happy ending. I'm not sure how they would explain why Arcee is a girl, or the concept of trans-dimensional travel. Two Decepticons defect to the Autobots: Jetfire and Wheels, that small Decepticon who ends up enamored by Mikaela. Like he hugs her and burrows his head into her cleavage, but she didn't mind since she senses that the robot isn't really aware of what sex is.
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...make up for the giant letdown that was Trek.
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Alison Lohman was TWENTY-FOUR in Matchstick Men.Anyways, saw both films today and loved both. Drag Me To Hell actually works perfectly well as a PG-13, because the sound design, music and editing are so phenominal that buckets of gore would have been totally redundant. Terrific fun. And Up might have the saddest sequence in a Pixar movie since Toy Story 2. *sniff*
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I am slightly ashamed of myself...
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Meh, sounds a tad bit too metaphysical... I'll go see it anyway but I won't expect the same level of awesomeness that I was feeling prior to reading that summary.
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was not even remotely scary. Don't believe the "instant classic" hype, and think of it as a "Tales From the Crypt" story expanded to feature length, and you may have a good time. Take it from a guy that saw "Psycho," "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," and "The Exorcist" during their original theatrical runs, this is not the "return of true horror" that Universal promised. It's "Evil Dead" without the chin, or the balls. Dark Knight Out.
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I probably wrote too quickly when I said "heartless". More accurately, I found that the family dynamic angle which normally would give Pixar its central heart, was an entree into the action and slapstick, whereas Pixar movies, at their best, it's the other way around. That's one of the reasons I love Monsters Inc., because it takes an essentially slapstick idea and turns it into a story where a furry monster becomes a surrogate parent to a little girl. The last scene in that movie when the little girl says, "Boo?" is still one of the greatest movie moments in recent memory. Even "Cars" surprised me when it turned into a story about how life doesn't have to be glamorous to be worthwhile and fulfilling. I just thought "Incredibles" was lacking in that area, while still being an entertaining movie. Hope this made sense. I'm too tired to proof read it.
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Sure, I jump and stuff, but that's mainly cause it's so damn loud in theaters these days.
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Yeah. It's fun. But never scary. It relies too heavily on the quiet then BOOM effect. It does feel like the best Tales from the Crypt ever, but I also thought that's also part of its charm. I'd rather see this 1000 more times than another SAW or HOSTEL movie, that's for sure.
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I'm right there with you, I loathe the "torture porn" subgenre, even though the original TCM sort of spawned it. I mourn the loss of the horror film. With this decade almost over, I have seen very few truly scary films. "The Descent" and the first half of the original HK version of "The Eye" come to mind. "Midnight Meat Train" was pretty good also. Unfortunately there have been too many "Land of the Dead" disappointments.
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still reeling over Terminator Salvation so hopefully these will make up for that pile of poop.
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With the Incredibles coming in a very close second
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I thought WALL-E was tedious for much of it's runtime. I'll take "The Incredibles" and "Finding Nemo" over the little robot any day. Oh yeah, and "The Iron Giant" rules them all.
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I wouldn't consider it one of Pixar's most entertaining though...
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I love me some Evil Dead as much as the next guy, but to proclaim Drag Me To Hell as an "instant classic" can only be described with two words - Uh, really?
I am one of those movie buffs who don't give a rats ass about reviews or what anybody elses opinions are. I was going to see this movie even without all the positive HYPE it has received.
But seriously Harry, did you really say that it was so scary that hardcore horror buffs would be watching it between their fingers!? That was the most asinine comment I've ever read on this site.
This movie wasn't scarey AT ALL. Just cheap scares with loud noises. Hell, my girlfriend is the biggest scaredy cat in the history of chicks, and she actually said "I was more scared watching Prom Night". PROM NIGHT!!!
The movie was entertaining, but not worth the money to go see at the theatre. Rent it.
She wanted to go see "UP" and I should've listened. But what do I know, that movie has gotten rave reviews as well. Which means it'll probably suck.
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Which I don't recommend, they're so different emotionally. But Up is a FUCKING MASTERPIECE. First of all I had no clue about what the movie was about other than the house flying so everything was a sheer joy to discover. Secondly, it was HARSH. There's a scary terrifying life lesson in Up I can't believe I saw in a Pixar film, and it's in the first fifteen minutes. In fact I think Up was SCARIER than Drag Me to Hell. Drag Me To Hell was a hoot but not as funny as I thought it would be. The audience just laughed at the end. I will not watch it like I do Army of Darkness on a bimonthly basis. But yes, someone has come to show all the chumps that with a PG13 rating, good acting, and proper fucking cinematic grammar with camera movements and edits that have intention and rhythm, you can share the shit out of people. Horror douches of today schooled. Shit, all those Saw movies and whatnot all they make me worry about is tetanus, so fucking sick of rusty dungeons.
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I knew I had seen one of the best movies I've ever seen and felt Pixar would not top it for a long time to come. I'm now actually fighting within myself as to which one is better.
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May 30, 2009 3:19:54 AM CDT
Drag me to hell isn't scary, it just gives you great reactions
by drturing
cringes, suspense, mutterings of "Oh fuck here it comes". It's not scary so much as just expert string plucking.
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She's fucking awesome.
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it's actually Raimi's apology for Spider-Man 3. A good intentioned person is told by some higher ups to do something they don't want to do to get ahead, and they do it, and the cost is horrible and hellish, and there's no redemption, and they can't seem to just quite admit that it was all their fault.
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like Poltergeist or Jacob's Ladder. Goddamn Poltergeist is FUCKING AWESOME.
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the real serious over the top bits, it was just painful and hurt.
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" Like he hugs her and burrows his head into her cleavage, but she didn't mind since she senses that the robot isn't really aware of what sex is." this ever happen
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I went to see Mulan on my own when I was in my twenties. I didn't do anything wrong at all but came out of the theater feeling like a child molestor for all the stares parents gave me. But dude, seriously I've been to every Pixar movie with the exceptiion of Cars on opening day and there's always more adults than kids.
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May 30, 2009 5:38:17 AM CDT
Fuck Drag Me To Hell and it's PG-13 rating
by the_man_behind_the_curtain
Give me real fucking horror. Why do I want to sit in a fucking theatre with a bunch of school kids tweeting the shit out of each other? Fuck PG-13 horror and fuck Sam Raimi for having no balls.
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And loved the hell out of UP. It's not as good as Wall-E (which is still my favorite Pixar) but it sits comfortably in the middle. That's not to say it's below Pixar's standards, you just have to consider some of the greatness they've put out over the last 14 years. UP did feel like Pixar's most adult-oriented film yet. The first 15 minutes were brutal yet very well done and a few other points made me wonder if kids would understand what's going on (granted I'm 20 and have no kids so I might be underestimating them a tad). But overall it's another knock out of the park for Pixar. It's emotional, funny, and has a good message behind it, much like all there films. The funny thing is that every single action sequence in UP had me 10x more excited than anything I saw in Terminator Salvation. By far. Also, you have to admire Pixar for not going too over the top with the 3D. A few scenes I took my glasses off briefly and saw that the screen wasn't even blurry. Compare that to My Bloody Valentine earlier this year which was just a showcase for pickaxes flying at you, and you see that Pixar only used 3D to enhance the story, not to shock audiences. I also saw Drag Me To Hell, which was a nice return to form for Raimi. Is as good as Evil Dead 2 or Army of Darkness? No, but it still has some laughs and some well filmed sequences. It's clear Raimi has this genre down to a science and knows exactly how to balance humor and terror without them canceling each other out. Are there too many jump scares? Yes, and after a while they do become tedious. The ending is also blatantly obvious about fifteen minutes before it happens, but I'm sure there were people in my theater who didn't see it coming. SPOILERS I hope there's no talk for a sequel because if the mac kid just went to the fortune teller, wouldn't that guy just tell him everything Christine was going to do? There'd be no reason for a sequel. END SPOILERS. But overall Raimi has won me back after nearly driving me to insanity with Spiderman 3.
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I actually didn't mind the PG13 rating. Not all flicks have to be gory. The way the story was set and what the film was about didn't need to be R rated. I think it worked pretty well. Rami did a good job.
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was a highly entertaining flick, but i wouldn't call it great or a classic. Can it turn out to be? Maybe but I'll have to see it again to give my final judgement.
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Making it an R for R's sake by cramming in blood and gore is just as bad as making a PG-13 for box office sake. Raimi found the right middle ground for his story. The only reason I wish it had an R is that it might have meant some good Alison Lohman nudity.
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But it's just another Pixar movie--I liked it fine, Ed Asner rocks and the whole Kirk Douglas as baddie routine is a riot-you see that alot for some reason in toonland nowadays--but it certainly hits all of it's Generic Obligatory Pixar Plot Points(TM) right where you expect-the frantic chase(blimp vs doors, say), the little fight between the leads, etc. Personally I think a movie showing Asner's character and Ellie on a balloon trip like this together would have had Acres of possibilities too. She was pretty good. But of course they kill her off- This sounds like I'm disappointed or didn't like it. Far from it. All the good stuff is there in spades-voice work, characterization, animation, gags, heartfelt stuff, you name it. A good time to be had by all. But don't be surprised if you have bit of a deja vu feeling while watching it--cuz yeah, in ways, you HAVE seen it done before. It's still the best movie to come out this spring/summer so far.
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That's one helluva weekend. I can't remember when there's been two releases this strong on the same day. Talkback ferrets: quit your bitching, and take the ride.
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Quite possibly the most emotionally involving Pixar film yet and thats really saying something. It might turn out to be favorite. It just hit all the right notes. Not entirely sure what kids make out of it, like adults some are more perceptive than others and this makes for a pretty heavy family film when in the first ten minutes you see not only personal tragedy (not being able to have children) to very real death (not something dramatic like being trampled to death by wilderbeasts but something that hits much closer to home). But then again.....there are the dogs and that bird. I could those things chase eachother around all day.
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I went to see Drag Me To Hell Friday night at a theater where people were shouting obvious things and laughing and screaming throughout the whole movie. It was fantastic! Definitely a movie to see with an audience on the big screen. The sound got real loud and everyone in the theater was on the edge of their seats! Such a fun movie! I can't believe some of the comedy bits Raimi put in there!
Then I saw Up Saturday afternoon and it blew me away. From the trailers I got the impression it would not be one of my favorite Pixar movies, but because of the constant praise, much of which stemmed from this site, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Like many I was nearly brought to tears within the first 10 minutes (a little kid in the theater asking "What happened?" after a particularly sad scene didn't help much to hold the tears back). Its probably my second favorite Pixar movie now.
So in closing this really was an amazing weekend for movies! -
"Robot test #12: Go see Pixar's UP. If your date doesn't cry, robot."
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I want to see it again as soon as possible. That is all.
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I temporarily like you!
I was hiding under the porch because I love you! -
So much so, that I'm going to see it again, and take my Mom. She's 70 now and I know she'll Love it too!!BTW, saw it in 3D, didn't seem like it needed to be that way. Anyone see it without 3D? How did it look?Drag Me To Hell was just Okay for me, except for parts of the score, like someone dragging their fingernails across a blackboard, only 10 times worse!
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May 31, 2009 10:39:10 AM CDT
Is Every Theatre Chain Required To Show A Glen Beck Trailer?
by mjgtexas
Talk about Drag Me To Hell.
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I hated DMTH because was sold as a straight-up HORROR movie, not a COMEDY. It started out great, but after the car fight and the first meeting with the spiritualist, it was all down hill from there. Loud noises, animation and wire-fu are not scary to me. Some of the characters were played so broadly (asian co-worker) that they pulled me right out of the movie with their schtick. Justin Long's boyfriend character and the spiritualist were the only cast members that maintained their dignity through the entire film, and they were way more interesting in their interplay than the Kirsten Dunst stand-in they got for the lead. Also, the violence to animals was uncalled for given the overall tone of the movie. In a different, more serious horror film, it could be seen as a necessary component of the narrative (see Argento's JENIFER,) but here it was solely for shock value in a movie that was shockingly flat. Maybe Raimi can redeem himself with Spidey 4, but he's used up all of his credit with me after this and Spidey 3.
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I was a fan of Glenn Beck years ago but have since grown less and less interested. Those Glenn Beck trailers... they are the spawn of the devil. I feel you...
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the old man was great, and there were some great tearjerker moments, but the rest felt like it was missing something. i guess for going into some mysterious fantasy land, there was much to do but walk around. not as good or awe inspiring as Wally, Nemo or Incredibles. but it was cute.
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much to do but walk around.
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The parking garage sequence in "Drag Me to Hell" alone justified the movie's existence. However the rampant Mac/iPhone product placement with the useless MacGuy actor made me uneasy and was gayer than a Spanish picnic basket. Justin Long looks like some sort of lost stork, bobbling his way around the scenes. However, casting pitcher Harris from "Major League" was inspired as the stork's father. Up your butt, Jobu.
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just stating the obvious. resume film talk now.
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May 31, 2009 5:06:56 PM CDT
Harry has to write one bad REVIEW, McG didn't kiss his ass
by clockwork taxi
It would be nice to read a review every once in awhile from someone who actually reviewed films. Not someone who reviewed the film based on the politics and how much his ego and cock was waxed by the film makers.
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I was checking my watch half way through this film. It's neither scary nor funny. Was the ending supposed to be surprising? If I'd watched this drunk during a late night SciFi Channel marathon, I'd have never connected it to Sam Raimi, but with Harry selling this as a return to form for an otherwise talented writer/director, I don't know what to think. Considering Harry likes UP so much, I do believe I will wait until that comes out on DVD.
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Truly
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Fuck that. But according to birch.com.au it's a 138min and has the equivalent of an R rating (MA15+)? What the hell, has Drag Me to Hell been cut? That happened with Taken.
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WHAT THE FUCK?!?!
Someone research that shit with Drag Me to Hell though. -
Really well done. didn't think anything they did after WALL-E would measure up, but this did, and then some. It is a lot of fun and really pulls at your heart strings.
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Are you forgetting the song in the middle of Cars?
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Thanks, Sam and Bruce (if I may) for bringing us cannon to the Evil Dead trilogy. That's the way I see it anyway. Raimi built a little horror universe for movies the way King did for books.
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I am illiterate. That is all.
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I tried watching it recently and her voice characterization is unbearable. I forgot how much I hated her fish in the theater. And it's a shame because it is an otherwise great movie. I know I can't be the only person who feels this way. And "NO", I do not have a thing against lesbians, only unfunny highly annoying lesbian comediennes who marry blonde lipstick lesbian trophy wives!
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She SOLD that movie. The "When I'm with you, I'm HOME" speech is the core of the movie IMO.
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It was funny because it was precisely called for. She's a vegetarian, she could never hurt an animal. Then the demon roughs her up and then it's "Here Kitty, Kitty." So awful its funny. Also, probably the first time I've ever seen a person assaulted by a corpse (non-zombie).
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Because I know everyone loves the movie, but I just find her character irritating as hell. I could deal with it the first time around, but multiple viewings are just not a possibility for me. But then I also find her commercials highly annoying as well. And I used to like her early comedy and even watched her sit com before it got an agenda.
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Weakest Pixar film I can think of.
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That opening montage is a masterful piece of film.This is another Academy Award winner based on that alone.
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the Pipsquack Episode of Tom & Jerry.
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