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EDGE OF DARKNESS has Capone hailing the return of classic Mel Gibson!!!
Hey, everyone. Capone in Chicago here.
For months, I've been waiting for this film, and for months, I've loathed the title. It seemed so bland and generic. But now that I've seen Mel Gibson's return to leading-man status EDGE OF DARKNESS, I embrace the title for everything it stands for. The title still doesn't do this exceptional film justice, because this is a story that dives headfirst into darkness thanks to a tempered, perfectly measured performance by Gibson, who takes everything we know about his potential as an actor and then defies it, and then builds on it, and gives us one of the most complete and focused characters in his arsenal.
His character, Boston Det. Thomas Craven, is not a difficult man to figure out at all. His wife died when their daughter Emma was young, and while the two have drifted apart geographically, their bond is undeniable. On a seemingly spontaneous visit home, Emma seems a bit distracted and more than a little sick. She unexpectedly begins vomiting blood at the dinner table. As he races to get her out the front door and she begins to tell him why she is so ill, a masked gunman stands their waiting just outside the house, calls out "Craven," and shreds Emma with a shotgun blast as she stands directly next to her father. The investigating officers and the media immediately assume that some enemy Craven made on the job is responsible for this horrific act, but Craven isn't convinced. And while most people would simply take the time to mourn the loss of their only child, Craven falls back on his only coping mechanism--his work.
With very little over-the-top violence (okay, maybe there's a little) and a slowly unfolding plot that holds together nicely, Edge of Darkness follows a surprisingly complex and truly interesting path to the truth behind Emma's death. What impressed me so much about Gibson's work here is partly due to the strong writing from William Monahan (THE DEPARTED; BODY OF LIES) and Andrew Bovell (Lantana). Craven does not simply plow through his investigation like a rabid animal mowing down every potential conspirator in his path. He considers each new person and situation, and does what is necessary. Sometimes, a soft touch is required; sometimes, a rocks-off ass kicking is the way to go; and every so often a bullet to the head does the trick. Thomas Craven is not a machine. If anything, he's the exact opposite--an emotional pent-up man with nothing left to lose.
Some might think that the places Craven's investigation take him are a little far fetched, but director Martin Campbell (CASINO ROYALE; both ZORRO movies; and the upcoming GREEN LANTERN film) mostly avoids taking things to an absurd place, even with one of my absolute favorite working character actors Danny Huston hamming things up a bit as Emma's boss at a nuclear research facility. I was particularly fond of the character Darius Jedburgh (Ray Winstone), a man who is brought in to solve problems for the government, but that doesn't mean what you think. Winstone plays the role with such confidence and intelligence that one of my only complaints about EDGE OF DARKNESS is that he isn't in it more.
The story is smart enough to know that sometimes the best way to handle a potential problem is not to eliminate those threatening to expose you, but instead add more voices to the naysayers so that the message gets watered down and convoluted. It's a fine line between being a whistleblower and a conspiracy theorist apparently. So Gibson's mission becomes not only finding his daughter's killer but making certain people believe him when he starts pointing fingers and explaining why she died. His performance is one of the best of his career, but more than that, I like seeing him play his age (mid-50s) and letting his wrinkles show on his face and his thinning hair become part of this deeply flawed character. Craven's theories on soldiers suffering from PTSD might ruffle a few feathers, but it's pretty amusing nevertheless. And to hear Gibson issue a line about whether a person wants to be nailed to a cross or the one driving in the nails has an extra resonance coming from the director of THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (the line certainly got an unexpected laugh from the crowd with whom I saw this movie).
I'm not here to judge Mel Gibson as a human being or as a controversial figure. My only job is to judge his performance in EDGE OF DARKNESS, and he's as good in this movie as I've ever seen him. And I hope this is the launching-off point for him into the next phase of his acting career. If it is, we're in for a slew of excellent roles from Gibson, and I'm looking forward to whatever he's up to in Jodie Foster's THE BEAVER later this year. In the mean time, check this one out soon.
-- Capone
therealcapone@aintitcoolmail.com
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......and no one else!
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Personal life be darned.
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Still disappointed he couldn't keep his drunken bigotry to himself, but he was always fun to watch and a great actor. I'd love to see a Lethal Weapon with Riggs retired and "too old etc; etc;"
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I've missed that drunken anti-Semite.
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and Gibbo is pretty awesome in it. it's not a patch on the BBC original, but it's a fine movie in its own right. Highly recommended.
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Erm... you guys know this is a remake of an old BBC TV show, right??
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Bob Peck and whatsisname - the baddie from that James Bond movie- Joe Don Baker - amazing. Hope Troy Kennedy Martin got some props for the story
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I'm going tomorrow. I'm so looking forward to it and reading all the positive reactions to Mel's performance makes me happy. I knew he'd be awesome. I can't wait to see him again, up on the big screen!
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But the reviews have been decidedly mixed thus far.
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You wanna see some classic Joe Don Baker, watch CHARLEY VARRICK
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Awright
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The fanboy love for this jagoff is totally unsupportable. Did I love "Mad Max"? "The Road Warrior"? YES! Everything he's done since, YES! Including the Lethal Weapon movies, has been complete DRECK. He can't keep a constant accent, his performances are the worst sort of melodroamtic CRAP that ruin possibly otherwise good films. He Jumped the shark with "Passion of the Christ" - an unapolgetic SNUFF FILM for the faithful! The fanboy love for this jerk is unsupportable. He's not a good actor. He is a racist anti-semitic bastard. On top of that he has not aged well AT ALL. He's CREEPY now. Wrinkly and grotesque. I Don't blame George Miller one bit for wanting to keep a wide berth of this motherfucker for his Mad Max SEQUEL. The son-of-a-bitch is batshit crazy IMO, and all you sycophantic fanboys who suck his
syphilitic dick can kiss my ass! -
Great actor and director. Apocalypto was tremendous film making. He was wonderful in Signs. So glad he's back doing what he does best.
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... but that was almost entirely due to Peter Weir.
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what a snuff film is? Lie down before you hurt yourself.
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Jan 29, 2010 8:21:43 AM CST
greyspecter... let him rant, he's just one of many
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
it appears that being drunk is a crime. Fuck me, some of the stuff I've said would give my grandma a heart attack.
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... at least in this case. I seem to remember you being an individual with intelligence and taste at sometime in the past of AICN TBs.
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Jan 29, 2010 8:25:04 AM CST
I'm not drunk this time NomoredirtyjokespleaseweareYanks
by skyway moaters
I really do hate Mel.
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until all this talk of Gibson's return... just how much I can't stand to watch him. His stupid mulleted scenery chewing in the Lethal Weapons are what did it. Is... is that wrong..?
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The only way I'd give mel gibson any money!!
A talented asshole is one thing, but a talented racist is some whole other shit!!
He wasn't drunk in the interview he did with the jewish guy he threatened promoting this movie!! (Find it on youtube) -
If you hate Mel so much,why go on this talkback a read a review of a movie you don't want to see starring an actor you have an unhealthy hate for? What, did Mel run over your dog once or something? The man has made many good movies, some bad ones(they all do at some point), some so-so ones. Maybe your energies would be better spent going to another tb and talking about someone you DO like. The negative comments won't get you anything. At least not here.
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... seems to have a fetish for "revenge fantasies"?
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Um...sure. So did Clint Eastwood, anyone who ever made a martial arts movie, Charles Bronson, Sergio Leone, Quentin Tarantino, anyone who ever made a western or action movie..etc. So what's your point?
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Glad to see him back.
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Jan 29, 2010 8:53:45 AM CST
It's all about the Mel dick sucking Scottadkinsfist...
by skyway moaters
It seems that everyone here loves him or is willing to give him a pass. I don't understand it for him, or Sly, or Arnie, or Campbell, (although I do have a soft spot for Bruce). Mel is over-rated in almost every respect imaginable.
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Jan 29, 2010 8:53:57 AM CST
...I don't consume art or product tainted by racism, sexism...
by flickapoo
...or rudeness. I don't drive Ford or Volkswagen cars, I don't listen to Wagner or Wagner influenced music (so pretty much all movie music). In fact, given the bigotry of the time, I think it's safe to assume all non-Jewish European composers until the 20th Century were Anti-Semitic, so that's out. I don't listen to Rap or Heavy Metal. I don't watch movies by Mel Gibson, Roman Polanski (obviously), but Alfred Hitchcock is suspect too... I don't look at paintings by Picasso (notorious misogynist), or Caravaggio (killed a guy in a knife fight) or Michelangelo (gay misogynist), etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...etc...Being me is difficult. And not a lot of fun...but it's worth it.
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As long as he can make a decent movie, who cares who he hates? Mel Gibson hating the jews aren't gonna hurt the jews at all. They're doing fine, believe me. Call me when he starts rounding them up and puttin em into camps, then I'll start caring. I'm more offended by someone who makes absolute shit movies and loves everyone. Like the idiots behind all the "genre parody" movies.
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I don't hate Mel because he's not "PC", that only adds to the animus. I hate him because he's a HACK!
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everywhere but here.
Same thing happened with Book Of Eli.
Here's hoping this really is good. -
Well shit you can just color me titillated....but not in any sexual way or anything.
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...and I realize I'm in the minority.
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1. I never said I loved Mel. Some of his stuff I like, some I don't. Just like all the others you listed.
2. I don't give him a pass on anything. He's made many asshole comments in his time.
3. Back to the original question you haven't answered-if you hate Mel so much then WHY ARE YOU HERE?
Your talent for wordsmithing would be better served supporting someone you DO like. -
We demands to know!
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That's his business. I don't hate Jews myself, but I make it a point to never date one. Does that make me a Nazi? No. And like him or not he's not exactly a hack. Braveheart anyone? Apocalypto?
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Mel is a HACK. Watch "Braveheart" and tell me that he's not a melodramtic scenery chewing douche. If the guy ever maintains a consistent accent in any role he plays I will fucking faint! And please let me know about it so that I might change my opinion that he's a terrible actor. He was GREAT in Mad Max, The Road Warrior, and Gallipoli, but all those were a result of direction. Since he's become an "auteur" without the steadying hand of a great director, and left to his own devices, he has been an insufferable HACK!
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Jan 29, 2010 9:18:26 AM CST
...the dildo kissing scene IS in, and the dildo is kosher...
by flickapoo
...like everything else he does, when Gibson apologizes, he goes all the way.
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Ford?
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You're weird.
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Say you you want about him and his personal life, he's a kick ass actor.
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...and he wasn't just kooky and harmless about it...he used his fortune to publish pamphlets and shit...look it up, it's pretty interesting. Mostly towards the end of his life.Senility = anti-Semitism?
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I thought he hated Jaws ? D'oh!!!
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..what he said about Muslims...No one would have given a second thought about it. Seriously though, when you look at the history and you look at the violence in the middle east and its beginnings...is Mel wrong? I don't think so. I wish more actors didn't have to rely on the truth serum to get their feelings out in the open. We are all prejudice/biased against one group or another. There isn't anything wrong with that. It's the nature of being man. I myself can't stand Leprechauns. Am I a "racist" cause I don't like Lucky Charms?
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If only in a cameo. It's a great opportunity to get some good press, and remind people of why they used to love him.
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Will have to read up on Ford.However, that wouldn't prevent me from buying a Ford. Henry Ford might have been an anti-Semite, but does that mean that all current Ford employees are? That's like saying that white people today are responsible for slavery in the US 200 years ago. No, that is not the case. White people 200 years ago were responsible for slavery at the time in the US.
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DeNiro was supposed to play the Ray Winstone character, but on his first day of shooting he shows up and gets in a fight over the script. He walks, but not without his $5Mil contract payout. They then hire Winstone to replace and the budget gets f'ed, meaning they couldn't hire locals like me. Thanks Bobby D.
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...I think that was the single most sarcastic post of my talkback career.
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Riggs: "So ... you're married."
Summer: "Yeah. Crazy, huh?"
Riggs: *Puts gun in mouth, pulls trigger* -
There are "revenge stories", and there are revenge fantasies. It all has to do with stories and performanaces. You want to compare Mel's work with "Dirty Harry"? Be my guest but I submit that you are a fool for doing so. Clint never "overacted" not once in his entire career. Comparing Gibson to Eastwood is preposterous. And that's being kind.
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Gibson's life outside of movies has NOTHING, ZILCH, DIDDLY SQUAT to with this. I can't wait to see this. Looks like a future classic. The original was fantastic, although a little saggy in places. I have such a good feeling about this movie.
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But my heart is seldom in it anymore...
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Is the setting present-day in this?
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Gibson: "Talkbackers hate me"
Riggs: "Hate them back, it works for me..." [blows smoke slowly out nostrils] -
mel gibson, big massive face
btah, blah, blah
smoke 'em if you got 'em -
COS YOU DIDN'T MENTION THE ORIGINAL SERIES
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Tom Cruise is Xenu's right hand midget! psi
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He's a solid actor, but he should invest more in his career as director.
I guess he needs the money. You know divorce and shit. -
can someone please explain why people keep complaining about those rants.
When someone's drunk they'll do and say stupid things.
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fue porque Mel hablor malo por los Judios....o "los jodidos"
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Jan 29, 2010 10:39:09 AM CST
Flicka you are not alone, Conspiracy theory is nuts
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
just like my favorite actor, Mad Mel. I'm jewish yet I love Mel. There must be something wrong with me to not hate this man right? Or maybe I believe that we all make mistakes, and in this world at this time, his offence was minor. I repeat(from an earlier talkback), it's not like he raped anyone(Polanski), pissed on anyone(R. Kelly), named names(Elia Kazan), bottle-raped a woman(Arbuckle) or diddled little kids(Jacko). Outside of Arbuckle, all were allowed to continue careers. Compared to those fucks, Mel is a Saint.
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I know/ Si, comprendo.
My question was: why paying so much attention to what someone says while drunk.
PS. your pun was understood
Anyone who -
Jan 29, 2010 10:40:24 AM CST
JackSlater4.. I must say good day to you Sir....
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
Braveheart sucked? How 'bout you come back when you have grown some testicles.
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... and I know you couldn't care less. My antipathy for Mel Gibson has been been building for several TBs. I almost replied in the last three where everyone was giving him
the big sloppy blow-job, but I figured: What's the point? For whatever reason I suddenly had to come clean this morning. Most of you are decent folk, intelligent and funny. But I've been waging troll wars in this forum since 1998, and it"s hard to put the sword down sometimes. Mel was once great, but he isn't anymore and I got a bug up my ass about posters defending him. HE IS A HACK. Sorry for shitting on the Mel lovers, but it's the truth. Search your soul. Watch any other Mel Gibson movie other than "Mad Max" "The Road Warrior", "The Bounty" and "Gallipoli" (all 20+ years ago) and tell me that I'm wrong about him being an egotistical, halfassed actor, agenda driven director dickhead HACK. -
...love. That movie charms my socks off...and I don't even like Julia Roberts.And it got me to finally read The Catcher in the Rye.
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cause it is fucking great. One of the best British miniseries ever.
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...I bet not.
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Jan 29, 2010 10:53:25 AM CST
FlickaPoo.. It's bizarre, I fuckin hate old horse-lips too
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
The only things I can watch her in are Conspiracy Theory and Erin Brockovich. Another odd thing is that I fucking detest Conspiracies and those who theorise about them. Fuckin nutbags.
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Even intelligent, sane, cultured people come out with all kinds of shit once they've had a few. We ALL harbor racist / prejudiced thoughts deep down, and if you deny that you are lying to yourself. To brand Gibson a "Jew hater" for a few slurred sentences is shortsighted.
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Jan 29, 2010 10:54:37 AM CST
FlickaPoo... nah it's uncircumcised alright
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
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stores his/her pet hamster, does that act mean he/she is a hamster hater?
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stores his/her pet hamster in the freezer, does that act mean he/she is a hamster hater?
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"Braveheart" is an overwrought, egotistical, historically inaccurate, manipultive piece of cinematic flotsam. Parts of it moved me to tears ten years ago. But it is in the end, upon repeated viewings: dreadful cinema. It doesn't hold up. But, Patrick McGoohan was magificent. See What I'm saying?
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...to my mother in-law that she had cool almond shaped exotic eyes...much like the eyes of fetal alcohol syndrome babies...because she's from Hungary...and Hungary was invaded by the Mongols...and Mongols had almond shaped eyes...and kids with Down's Syndrome have almond shaped eyes...and that caused people to foolishly and incorrectly call people with Down's Syndrome "Mongoloids"...and babies with fetal alcohol syndrome have almond shaped eyes very similar to those with Down's Syndrome...but almond shaped eyes are beautiful and I think they're great.It didn't go well.
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Is really a bit ridiculous and seems to say more about personal bias than it does rational thought. Also, I think Conspiracy Theory is great too. Great performances by everyone (Picard is a bad guy!) and a good score by Carter Burwell.
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...A+Wheelchair getaway scene A++
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I'm somewhat disturbed by that fact.
psi -
Jan 29, 2010 11:15:28 AM CST
Conspiracy crazy Mel Clockwork torture scene
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
A+++++
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Watch any movie he directed. "Signs"? Come on. You're giving the guy way too much credit.
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is that a joke?
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Hah, I'd almost forgotten about that one! "Are you unconscious or only pretending...?" "Okay, okay, I'm pretending---" *WHACK*
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Jan 29, 2010 11:22:06 AM CST
Wow, Braveheart was historically innaccurate huh?
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
well fuck me sideways, that must make it the only historical epic to even dare to change shit up for the reasoning of an entertaining yarn. What movies don't manipulate emotions, might I enquire? Answer.... I guess Kubrick, but that's about it. Also, you had better check your testes. For one to even doubt Bravehearts utter brilliance is to come off as someone the Queer Eye guys beat up. In the immortal words of the great Prophet Mr.T GROW SOME NUTS!!!!!
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is mel is back. but this is meandering, boring mess of a movie.
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I think you aren't giving Gibson credit enough. A hack is someone who hardly tries and doesn't give it their all, riding on the coattails of others. I don't think any of that can be said about Gibson.
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Jan 29, 2010 11:24:05 AM CST
mexicant.. I don't think he's joking....
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
just back away slowly, and never drop eye contact.
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And that's saying something...
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Plain and simple. My nards aside.
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A hack is someone who makes unimaginative, trite, banal garbage. Someone who doesn't try or is incapable of good art, so he rides the coattails of others. Channing Tatum/Tatum Channing is a hack actor. Gibson is nowhere close to that definition of a hack. I think you are using the wrong word.
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directed:
One of the best "epics" of the last two decades (you may not like the genre, but that's a different story).
Passion of the Christ - You may find it too gory, but there's no denying the artistry and skills involved in that movie, not to mention the courage to portray the crucifixion as a real event, with blood and all.
Apocalypto - one of the best action movies of the decade -
It's a matter of interpretation. All we have is our perception. Doesn't mean I'm right and you're wrong.
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Action has a give and take, peaks and valleys, twists and turns. The Passion just had one solid beatdown after another.
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I totally misread your last sentence. Didn't see that you were referring to Apocalypto as the action movie.
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Should I? Would it change my opinion of MG?
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But what definition would you use then to describe Gibson as a hack? Because so far you're not convincing me.
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it's OK no one's grading your reading skills
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... that agenda driven "directors" try to force feed us.
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please explain?
do you mean a film in order to be good has to be morally ambiguous? -
that would mean that a lot of films often considered masterpiece would be shit
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I think it depends on how you view it.
I saw it as the tragic circumstance of a very good man, and it touched me in a very human, emotional way.
I really hope you saw the movie, Skyway, because if you're just hating on it because of some agenda then I feel sorry for you. It was a great film. -
Jan 29, 2010 11:57:38 AM CST
JackSlater4 is drunk; forgive him kind readers.
by stereotypical evil archer
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... is a film maker/actor who abandons art for sensationalism, personal profit and personal axes to grind. That's not to say that directors in general don't have an axe to grind, but Mel has been partcularly "un-artful" whilst sitting in the directors chair. I also apply the accusation of "HACK" to actors that basically play themselves without bothering to explore what the CHARACTER might actually be about. only Jack Nicholson, among modern actors, is able to pull that shit off (maybe Chris Walken too) time after time. Mel has played character parts, Max, "The Year of Living Dangerously", but he lost that impetus 20 years ago.
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...if you're referring to the mother in-law incident.
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has been sanitized through the course of history, culture and the arts.
What Mel did was bring truth to the horror of his pain and suffering. Whether you believe he is the Messiah or not, it is still a powerful tale of a real person. -
Jan 29, 2010 12:01:49 PM CST
Who said anything about "morally ambiguous" mexicant?
by skyway moaters
Please tell me what you are referring to.
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... oh it's BSB. Never mind.
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SNUFF FILM and has NOTHING to do with the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. The fact that christians think it is somehow "profound" merely serves to illustrate how fucked up the 20ieth/21st century christian church has become.
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... it was all I could do not to walk out about halfway through.
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...wasn't more than able to take care of himself.But between Mel hate and SexyBack hate, you're pushing it this morning...
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While Yeshua, as a teacher and philosopher, was certainly inspirational enough, the whole foundation of his role as Messiah is based on the crucifixion and the pain he suffered - it was his sacrifice for you that inspires worship. So while you view Passion as a snuff film (which is pretty stupid as it is), the rest of humanity views it quite differently. Which makes you the outcast. Again and as always.
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I only wish someone had Yeshua's back ... poor man.
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I said something to that effect on the other Mel TB and I stand by it: The Passion is a great film.And he put his balls on the line, his own 25 mil, his rep, and every athiest liberal journo of all types (political, financial, film) was ready to tear him to pieces for it.And it grossed 700 mil worldwide. Mel straight PNWED them and good for him.That film should've been nominated for director, score, cinemtography, costumes, editing, and picture. (not saying it should've won necessarily, but it desereved the noms)It's supposedly the norm to bash The Passsion, but it was a great film and the most realistic Jesus movie to date.And no matter your religious persuasion (or lack thereof), it's about high time we had an accurate film portrayal of the figure who is the central point of how human time and history is measured....(BC and AD anybody?)
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C'mon you know you want to...
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Ouch.
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As an agnostic of Jewish descent I have only seen it twice as it is pretty rough viewing but the artistic leap he achieved from Braveheart to The Passion is nearly unheard of outside of Curtis Hanson. Pull your head out of your arse, watch Braveheart again and feel the testosterone flow through you.....
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I'm of the 'lack thereof' persuasion but Yeshua's story is the story of anyone who has been wrongly condemned and sacrificed. And that - that is a universal tale.
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I was on a few message boards that year full of pple spewing hate towards Jews in Hollywood saying it was a conspiracy that The Passion wasn't nominated for Best Picture, etc, yadda yadda. Sorry folks, but there was really no character development at all in that movie. Its a very affecting and moving film yes, but as far as actual development goes, there's nothing there.
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BSB? Don't know who you're talking about. "BSB does not exist in this dojo!" Kai? Lol.
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Jan 29, 2010 12:32:21 PM CST
If only Cavaziel played 'Buddy' Christ
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
then Pilate mighta acted differently.
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This time he plays the Christ figure.
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... "Poo" offends me. I'm sensitive like that...
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Jan 29, 2010 12:35:38 PM CST
The Passion might have deserved an art design oscar nom
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
Apocalypto absolutely deserved one or two. Best creation of an ancient period ever? It's gotta be up there.
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This makes me sad *sniff*. http://www.xkcd.com/695/
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... seen "Braveheart" multiple times, unwillingly the last few. It sucks.
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Jan 29, 2010 12:38:55 PM CST
Other votes for best period re-creation... Kingdom of Heaven,
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
The New World, Master and Commander....
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... so don't bother slagging (as if I care) 'cause I ain't gonna read it...
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Jan 29, 2010 12:45:16 PM CST
Skyway Moaters... you poor poor man....
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
Have fun with Steel Magnolia's and The SisterHood of the Travelling Pants. I'll be off watching Edge of Darkness. Y'know, the new movie starring a dramatic/action icon and directed by the guy who reinvented Bond TWICE with Goldeneye and Casino Royale. "Who run Barter Town?" "MasterBlaster"
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Jan 29, 2010 12:46:20 PM CST
In the words of Ray Winstone "Slag off you Cunt"
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
SLLLLAAAAGGGGG!!!!!!
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Jan 29, 2010 12:48:41 PM CST
Man.... Winstone sure was mean to Skyway
by nomoredirtyjokespleaseweareyanks
My third personality is Zsa Zsa Gabor...... We have some heated arguments, sure, but the makeup sex is Nuckin Futs!
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My "current" favourite films are "A Clockwork Orange" and "Brazil". Could change next week. Hmm, where's my copy of "Tideland"? WHAT? I didn't copy/buy it?! I guess "Friendly Persuasion" will have to suffice...
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...from before Mel became a HACK!
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I honestly miss seeing him on the big screen. The trailers didn't sell me on this film so it hasn't been on my watch list but I'll try to give it a shot....
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So glad to see Mel back- I assume the bad guy is British or Jewish ?
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It's been too long since I got to read a good Moaters rant. Something about Gibson irritates me, always has, and it's not just the bigotry and fundamentalism. Though I can't quite jump entirely on board with your "hack" premise, as it applies to Braveheart... even though I can see where you're coming from, I still unabashedly loved the hell out of that movie. But I think the hero worship for the guy and his recent work is baffling, and the apologies from his supporters for his bigotry and general stupidity (it IS stupid to needlessly antagonize cops, not to mention cops that have correctly pulled you over for driving drunk) tend to turn my stomach. I am one of those who is usually capable of separating the art from the artist. I agree with some of your definition of what makes a "hack," but the thing that disqualifies Gibson from that title, IMO, is that I think his movies are well made. Hackery requires ineptitude, and I while I think Gibson is preachy and hammy and has a little too much of an ugly, unconscious obsession with "revenge" for someone who claims to be a christian, I don't think he's on the level of someone like Ratner or Boll or Friedman and Seltzer, who pretty much define the word "hack" for me. -
...which makes it a Mad Max TB, by AICN rules... I watched part of Grandma's Boy last night, and it hit me that Allen Covert looks a hell of a lot like a young (relatively speaking) Mel Gibson. I kind of doubt he has the grit to pull off the role, but make Fury Road a stoner comedy, and cast Sandler as the Gyro pilot and Nick Swardson as Wez, and I'd buy a ticket. And give Max a chimp instead of a dog this time. -
Great actor, and at least he doesn't rape children like Roman Polansky, sleep with his adopted daughters (Woody Allen), or knock-up his wife's granddaughter (Morgan Freeman).
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I HOPE you're even more disgusted by the behavior of Polansky, Allen and Freeman, because "saying stupid stuff when you're drunk" puts Mel pretty far down the scumbag scale in comparison, and makes him a model citizen by Hollywood standards.
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Um, yes please. What the hell kind of movie could come from a director with no agenda? Art is communication. If the artist has nothing to say, he shouldn't be talking.
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...quite as much as I used to (it was my favorite movie for quite a while).That first arc from the opening credits to kicking Mr. primae noctis down the hill and slitting his throat is perfection, romance, and bloody revenge orgasmic bliss... but after that it gets a little repetitive and there are a couple moments that make me cringe.I'm hardly crapping on it though...like I said, it was my favorite movie and still ranks way up there...
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It didn't provoke any reaction in me. And I thought the cinematography was somewhat flat but those battle scenes and the first 20 minutes were great. But I love this guy. And his two directorial efforts afterwards were a quantum leap ahead of Braveheart. I can't wait to watch him fuck a dude up again. I just hope the guy who killed his daughter is a serial killer. I'd love to watch Mel slowly torture one of those piece of shit cowards.
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I don't really want to enter into an outrage competition, because there are a million different things in this world more deserving of outrage than the unsavory actions of a few actors and directors... but of the people you mentioned, only two committed any kind of crime, Polanski and Gibson. And yeah, Polanski's crime was more heinous than Gibson's, but just because he's not a rapist doesn't mean I have to like Gibson as a person any more. I admit to liking a lot of both of their work, though, but I find the things that annoy me about Gibson as a person (the obsession with dishing out revenge presented as a virtue, for one) seep through into his work more than Polanski. Honestly, the only person whose work I have a zero tolerance policy for is Tom Cruise, not because of his criminal record, but because the combination of his entire body of work and fake persona irritates me more than words can describe. Morgan Freeman and Woody Allen can do whatever they want with whomever consents, and it's none of our business, as far as I'm concerned. -
Skyway Moaters is 'outta here' he 'aint gonna read this'... so we can all say what we really think about him!
He's a cunt! A total fucking cunt!
Skyway, you'll never read this, but if you did you'd know that you're a C. U. N. T!
Hahhahaha, no repercussions (cos to post again would make you a liar) I laugh at you cuntface! Skyway Moaters CUNT! -
seniorspielbergio, actually Gibson's first directorial effort was MAN WITHOUT A FACE. A small but rather decent little drama.
The fact that he went from that little acorn into full-blown Ridley Scott style epicness with BRAVEHEART really says it all.
It was an incredible achievement and left him with not enough hands to hold the oscars with.
And for those who havent yet seen APOCALYPTO then i'd really recommend it. It's another huge scale movie, but whenever the camera passes over a small detail - whether it's a brooch on a costume or a flagstone on the floor - then you see that it's been considered and it looks the part and the period. Great movie, made by a great movie-maker. -
Maybe they're not so forgiving of Mel's indiscretions
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...was that everyone made so much of Mel's alleged obsessions with bloodthirst, gore, revenge, etc...that I was a little disappointed that the hero never really went the full Gibson psycho (and I LOVE the full Gibson psycho) on any of the baddies...or at least not as much as I was led to believe after all the pussified hand-wringing.Great movie.
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Yeah, I've seen Man Without a Face and it was pretty forgettable (also horrible prosthetic make-up). It was probably the main reason I was hesitant to see Braveheart. But yes, Apocalypto is simply a modern masterpiece. Braveheart just seems a bit too by the numbers, story wise. I think, in that case; altering the true history kind of diluted the tale.
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And those morons at The Hague have their heads up their asses!
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MITCHELL!!!
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Jan 29, 2010 4:12:31 PM CST
This whole thing is f’ing ridiculous! He’d been better off yelli
by gqtaste
This whole thing is f’ing ridiculous! He’d been better off yelling at a black, female, gay, cop! Sadly anybody else but a jew in that industry when they rule the damn thing. When I got my dui I ripped the cop who took me to jail and let the other friends in the car drive away just as shitfaced. Like I said it just shows how much power the jews have over the entire media actually, not just Hollywood. Who are the ones who run the studios? The Newspapers, the reporters, the writers, directors, actors, anchors, editors, et al? The Jewish folk that’s who and they don’t forget and they blackball and play dirty! This whole thing is crazy w/ all the other shit that’s going on I remember Ari Emanuel the agent a month before taking up for the head of hbo for beating his girlfriend on the Huffingtonpost and arguing how he needed another chance, who bytheway and beaten other women before. Then a month later Mel’s situation happened and Ari Emanuel came out on that same website and wanted to blackball Gibson for life b/c of he screamed at a Jewish cop. You see how this works right?
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Edge of Darkness sounds you your average run of the mill action/thriller. However, Apocalypto was different and very entertaining. One of those movies I always wind up watching some of when it's on cable. Braveheart was also incredible. Passion was okay, If you want to see the be-all end-all of Jesus movies, see Last Temptation of Christ.
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It's a really, really bad movie, and yet I had no problem sitting thru the entire thing in the theaters. Star Power at work for you, I guess. Haven't seen it since...
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After seeing Darkness today, I now wanna see 50-something Mel and Lethal Weapon Mel beat the hell out of each other. In a good way.
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Into torture are you? Loved "The Passion"? You and ol' scenery chewing, bugshit insane M m m m mel would get along famously!
RIGHT BACK ATCHA KAAAAAAI! How you doin numbnuts? You get back in your house after mommy locked you out again? For being a KINGSIZED PRICK? Takes one to know one Kai. I'm LAUGHING at your oh-so-superior "dojo". And oh, in case I haven't made it nice and crystal clear for you mental midgets that pass for AICN talkbackers these days: Mel Gibson is a washed-up has-been jackass. Ebonic! Nice to hear your eloquence amongst all the animal noises, belching and farting that has become the status quo on these boards of late. I'm not sure that MG really qualifies as a "hack" after reading your well reasoned deconstruction,(see what a reasonable argument can accomplish kiddies?), but he sure as hell ain't Mad Max no more. Time to hang up the spurs M,m,mel. -
I AM a liar. But only with people I couldn't give a shit about, um, like you. Go on, call me a cunt again, I could use the larf. Haw haw haw. Ever read "Catcher in the Rye"? No? Well, when you get done with the remedial reader, you should check it out! Holden's got you pegged m'man, er, boy: PHONEY, comin' in the goddamned window...
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He's not just in it for the money, he's extremely passionate about his projects and among his strengths as a director dramatic pacing. Most of his successful directing efforts are 'adventure' stories in the truest sense, interesting characters in extreme situations (He would probably make a great "The Three Musketeers" film).I fully agree with Capone here, this film is probably his finest performance outside of his work with Peter Weir.
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But Passion had better music, the soundtrack for Passion was brilliant.
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...I'm very glad to hear it. Can't wait.
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After being awakened from a 50-year cryogenic slumber, Mel finds the world has been taken over by Jews.
Not amused, he sets out to turn the tide on the Chosen people. Co-starring Zooey Deschanel as the shiksa with a heart of gold and fists of iron, Shia Lebeouf as Abe Foxman and Nathan Fillion as everyone else. -
Jan 29, 2010 5:27:39 PM CST
Some people put the artist ahead of the art. That's dumb.
by stereotypical evil archer
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It's a slow build to unravel the plot and the characters — you can see how he changes throughout the film. His accent wavers (Bostonian accents are hard to crack) but, you can see the tragedy in his eyes. Along with the rage. He's a great counter-point to Ray Winstone. As a movie it's very stripped down, no steadycam shots or anything 'fussy'.If you can allow yourself to buy into some of the 'movie dramatics' and if you buy into his psychological state as I think it's a fantastic condensing of the BBC production.
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...an unlikely kosher wine dealer wants to go straight.
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...I haven't seen the BBC version, so I won't have anything to complain about...although I must say I'm rather hoping to not see any dildo kissing (kosher or otherwise).And if by "psychological state" you mean Homicidal Gibson Full Psycho, then I won't have any trouble buying it...it's the reason my ass will be in the seat in the first place.
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Abe Foxman: "Semetic immunity!"
DannyGlovers_DickBlood: *Puts bullet through his head *
"It's just been revoked." -
but Gibson can say whatever the fuck he wants to, and I won't care. This is odd for me, because I hate when celebrities spout off about shit that is beyond the scope of their expertise (Janeane Garofalo, for example). I guess his role as Mad Max shaped my childhood SO much, He gets a pass from me. I haven't issued many of those passes in my life, so I suppose I'm ok with that.
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where's the petition I sign, or the jar I put money in to convince Mel to do Fury Road? I mean, WHAT THE FUCK?
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aggressiveness. This character doesn't do 'berserker rage' — he's more methodical (he's a detective) and so he's more calculated, although emotionally overwrought.
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...starring Mel Gibson and a young Robert Downey Jr in full blackface.Comedy and hilarious action in a light-hearted buddy movie.
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...Mel 'berserker rage' and don't get it I get cranky.Thanks for the warning. I'll adjust my expectations accordingly.
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...the year is 1944, and a smooth-talking Rhode Island Red played by Mel Gibson is forced to save a clever young Jewish chick and her hen friends from certain death in a German chicken pie......I can't do it. You get the idea.
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"I'm out...so don't bother slagging (as if I care) 'cause I ain't gonna read it..." Skyway Moaters
Wrong.
L. L. L. Loser.
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If you ever get pulled over by a female cop be sure to call her that. They love it when you do that.
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is legend. Almost enough to get away with a DUI (Almost)
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Mel Gibson, Kyle. Mel Gibson.
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called Sugar Tits. Even better.
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I just saw it. Those of us there to see some ass whooping enjoyed it. Those who were bothered by the lack of ambiguity about the "darkness" in the ending scene (wait a minute, I only saw a bright light) were miffed. Guys in their late fifties. Over-all, a good movie. Too mad the last scene turned off DeNiro.
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And Saw.
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Wow, Capone - what the fuck happened? You took a "good taste in movies" pill and finally liked something decent and unpretentious. You go, boy. EDGE is awesome and I challenge all Mel detractors to give this one a chance. Best movie of the year so far.
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Avatar 3D was sold out (I've seen it twice) so I took my date to see Edge of Darkness instead. I liked it but my date didn't (she opted to take a nap against my shoulder as the film got a bit too violent for her taste. I'll take her to Avatar next week.
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he calls his "Mad" acting stillz - you can keep him...
the only reason he hates Jews so much is because his shtick HAS SO MUCH HAM IN IT -
Convoluted, bland and generic plot, boring and uninspiring protagonist, slow-plodding and ultimately uninteresting story and maybe the worst ending to a film I've seen in years (I'm referring to the last 30 seconds or so). I damn near laughed out loud. If I was watching it alone, I would have, but there were other people in the theater. Just garbage all the way around.
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That guy doesn't write good scripts. I swear, Mel Gibson couldn't even save this shit from mediocrity. He was fine and he rocked the shit in some scenes, but man this film was as bland as they get. Much much much more hyped for Beaver. That's going to be THE Mel Gibson movie of the year, and probably one of the best films of the year as well. He'll win shit for it.
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Jan 30, 2010 7:28:13 PM CST
Upon a bit of reflection, prompted by our dear resident...
by skyway moaters
... cretin COBRA KAI, I reckon my definition of HACK amounts to aspiring "artistes" who ultimately prove to lack the talent to achieve their otherwise admirable artistic vision. For example, I consider myself a "HACK" guitar player. Been at it for 30 years and my abilities just don't match up to my aspirations. If you guys love Gibson that's fine with me. Who said we have to agree? KAI! I hold no real hostility toward you, I just got irritated by the "does not exist in this dojo" schtick, made some highly inflamitory comments about same and you and I ended up at odds. You actually sound like a pretty insightful guy when you make more in depth posts. It's just the the schtick. Do you get what I'm saying? I will cop to being a complete madman from time to time. My life has been in the toilet for the last couple of years and I sometimes vent here; the most permissive forum on the web that I am personally aware of. For that at least we should all thank Harry Illuvatrar's fat ass. The real problem with interpersonal communication on the Internet is the anonimity. We all say things that we would never say "face to face" unless one is in fact a sociopathic dipshit who truly doesn't care what others think of them. And honestly, I don't know too many people to whitch that description really applies. We are social creatures. We WANT to be accepted, we WANT to be liked by our fellow humans. But the anonimity of the Internet distorts all of that and turns people into raging dickheads because there aren't any real penalties for behaving like a jackass. In short, I want apologize to everyone for being a pugilstic creep from time to time on these boards. I've been going through a rough patch. Having said all that, I have to admit to dearly loving a little "troll hunting", regardless of my varying mental state. Do a search for my handle back about 6 to 8 years ago and you will discover some truely hilarious Troll melees. Why does troll hunting give me a thrill? Your guess is as good as mine. (continued)
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I say to you all, each and every one: TRUBBA NOT. If God exists he surely loves "Fanboys". And I do too.
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I say to you all, each and every one: TRUBBA NOT. If God exists he surely loves "Fanboys". And I do too.
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Everybody knows you're mental.
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Jan 31, 2010 12:55:57 AM CST
Gibson is a great filmmaker...that doesn't mean we have to live
by janeane the acerbic goblin
Let's not kid ourselves. Gibson has baggage, tons of it in fact. That doesn't negate the fact that he's a great filmmaker and actor. Apocalypto was mind blowing at times, and say what you will about The Passion of the Christ, it was a remarkable achievement and Mel made the film he wanted to make without any compromises at all. He's also a pretty good actor. Is he perfect? Shit, no, but I don't have to live with him. He should be judged on his work, which is pretty damn good most of the time.
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it was ok, but man.... you could drive Mel's Road Warrior rig though the plot holes in this thing. Probably a by-product of condensing the miniseries into 2 hours.
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...is one of the finest pieces of TV drama that Britain has ever produced. I strongly suggest you park yourself for five hours and check it out. You may find yourself reappraising the review you've just posted.
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Is it too late to save it with a great sequel!? (Rocky Balboa style)
Part 1 was great.
2 was good.
3 was average.
4 was shit
5 ??
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And it only reinfoces my opinion, first formulated after your "they should have dropped a third atomic bomb" "joke", that you aren't worth talking to.
Have to repectfullu disagree Janeane. IMO, MG is FAR from a "great film maker". He did some decent to great roles early on in his career, but he is not a good director and a complete asshole as a human being. His recent segment on Jay Leno's now defunct show made this view of him abundantly obvious. -
Probably end up with about $40M, and it cost $80M to make! It will make all of that back of course in foreign, cable and home video, but this film is not a success.I say all this not doubting that it's at least an acceptible film, but it feels too similar to Ransom and Taken to make it a "I must see this in the theater" movie.
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MEH. Took the wife. We both came out saying we should have waited for the DVD. And did anyone else think a lot of the line delivery was horrible. Especially the daughter's boyfriend. It was like he was reading it off a cue card for the first time. Below average effort, and not the return Gibson was hoping for.
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That's how I read it and nothing can change that.
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Was it mentioned that this is a remake of a classic tv show!!!
So if you dont like the name Edge Of Darkness, take it up with the BBC!!!!!!! -
I also took my wife and we had the same response. Mel was extremely good in it but other than that it was meh.
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I guess if you're a raging blue stater who doesn't mind seeing the "female whistle blower pisses off soulless corporation in cahoots with Republican senator" plot line YET AGAIN, maybe you'll like it.
But, I thought the acting and screenplay were terrible. The baddies in this film make Raul Julia's performance in Street Fighter look subtle by comparison.
Cliched garbage.
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