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Moriarty Storms The Beach With FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS!!

You think FIREFOX is good? by JohnGalt06	Oct 20th, 2006 08:26:24 PM
Even Eastwood hates it. But at least thanks for acknowledging that UNFORGIVEN is a deconstruction of the western as genre, rather than an actual western.
Clint didn't direct THE BEGUILED, though. by MartinBlank	Oct 20th, 2006 08:48:47 PM
Don Siegel did. Clint's directorial debut was PLAY MISTY FOR ME. He followed that with the little-seen May-December romance BREEZY. These two films do make Moriarty's point, though, that right off the bat Clint was into challenging whatever kind of movies people were expecting from him. He makes a thriller where he plays a frickin' DJ, and then he makes a romance he isn't even in. Clint has run hot and cold with me but I generally respect the guy's directorial work, though MILLION DOLLAR BABY left me cold and I feel no great need to see his two WWII flicks.
Moriarity... by God Shamgodd	Oct 20th, 2006 09:02:24 PM
...is the sharpest guy on this site, and the best writer.
Firefox has tabbed browsing by CTU Mole	Oct 20th, 2006 09:10:50 PM
And decent ad blocking. Now Foxfire, that was the movie with Angelina Jolie naked and lezzing out.
Why do they by shutterghost	Oct 20th, 2006 10:19:30 PM
keep hiring actors from other war movies/mini-series to sign on to others. They got 'Ryan's' Barry Pepper and 'Windtalkers' Beach and MacDonough from Band of Brothers, among a few smaller bit parts. When he first talked of this project he wanted young unknowns. How is the kid from Swimfan Ryan Witherspoon Phillipe, Beach, T-1000, and Paul Walker unknown? Wierd. My father's a WW2 buff. We're going to check it out this weekend. Can anyone who's seen it tell me of its accuracy. If it messes up even a uniform, like The Thin Red Line, my Dad will complain all the way home.
Eastwood is great but wasn't this made 50 years ago? by lettersoftransit	Oct 20th, 2006 10:24:18 PM
I can't remember the name of the film but it was all about the aftermath of the famous photo and how it screwed up the lives of some of the GIs in the picture to be used the way they were. Tony Curtis had just about the best acting moment of his career when the post-pic hype caused one of his buddies to get killed. Sounds like this pic travels the same road but I haven't heard anyone mention it
good, bad, ugly... by repus3000	Oct 20th, 2006 10:37:39 PM
I've said before that I respect Mori's view here more than most of his editors, but where we differ nearly 100% is with Haggis. I honestly and truly, with all my heart and mind, loved Million Dollar Baby. I think it a milestone for everyone remotely involved, and the best film I've seen in years. I truly think this reintroduction of Clint is due primarily to Haggis's influence, who seems to paint in mythos and archeotypes rather then the gritty realism we've become accustomed to. I hope this film is what it's supposed to be, and I'll certainly check it out this weekend.
p.s. by repus3000	Oct 20th, 2006 10:40:04 PM
...I also agree, Firefox sucked. As did Bloodwork. My personal favorite 'CLINT' movie of all time? Escape from Alcatraz. LOVE that movie... love it!
Iwo some spoilers by Alientoast	Oct 20th, 2006 10:40:09 PM
"it should have been from the start to the finish, to the raising of the flag". Actually, the flag wasn't the end. They fought for over a month afterwards. Anyways, the movie stays mostly true to the actual events. Bradley was actually in crutches during the entire warbonds tour, which is ommited from the film. He also shot the Japanese soldier that tried to bayonette him while fixed up that wounded marine, not knife him. Also, if you read the book, you will understand why they didnt show what the Japanese troops did to his friend Iggy (It's extremely graphic...lets just say certain bodyparts were shoved inside mouth and he was missing various other parts). I think the flashbacks worked for the most part during the warbonds drive...like that part where they are climbing the paper mache hill and he recalls what happened to the other 3 guys. What sort of throws it out of whack is the end caps of the "present" day son researching what had occured. While I think it was useful for conveying the intended message of the film, it did muck up the pacing and flow of the film. That being said, I look forward to Letters from Iwo Jima.
I aint liked Clint by georges garvaren	Oct 20th, 2006 10:51:46 PM
since The Perfect World but I'm willing to give him a chance everytime he's up at bat (even though this one looks like it might smell of trench-foot). And Mori, get better man.
paul haggis by jinamina	Oct 21st, 2006 02:18:02 AM
I should have known it would be paul haggis writing the screenplay. The plot and type of story reeked of paul haggis.
Iggy's demise. by Uncapie	Oct 21st, 2006 02:34:22 AM
That was not all uncommon what the Japanese did to the Allied soldiers. It started on the Bataan Death March. They were pretty barbaric to the P.O.W.'s.
All-Good Allen by speed	Oct 21st, 2006 02:51:43 AM
Sorry, but that was boring. AND recent Clint is pretty crappy. MDB is overly sentimental syrup infested slop. and FoUF's sounds exactly the same. it's a pity. was looking forward to it.
Damn you Michael Bay by MCMLXXVI	Oct 21st, 2006 07:03:20 AM
Damn you Michael Bay
You make me laugh All-Good Allen by Teamwak	Oct 21st, 2006 07:33:56 AM
Peddling your unfunny wares. See another person thinks your vid is crap, lol. Was the lack of interest in you from Youtube and Myspace not enough? Your no good lol.
TOO SOON by Pageiv	Oct 21st, 2006 07:56:10 AM
I guess I'm the only one that liked Firefox. Also there was a Foxfire with John Denver. Basically the same story...
The problem is Haggis cant write subtext. by IndustryKiller!	Oct 21st, 2006 08:28:10 AM
Or at least thats what it sounds like from the reviews. I disagree with Mori on Eastwood, Im a big fan of his work as of late and I think there is a very good chance Ill love this but it sounds like a trend is starting to develope with Haggis. The problem with Crash is how spectacularly uncomplicated he made one of the most complicated topics in history; racism. Everything that was right htere ont he surface, all the out of absolutely nowhere hate filled rants, should have been subtext. It should have been simmering beneath the surface rather than handled in that blatantly agit prop way. It sounds like Haggis may have gone so over the top with Crash that he is having trouble pulling himself back, and Im sure that farce of an Oscar didn't help. I'd like to see The Last Kiss now to see if it suffers the same problem. It a shame too because Eastwood usually directs with such a simple "let the audience decide" style, the fact script doesn't allow his actors to stretch (something Eastwood actors do brilliantly) pisses me off. Screw Michael Bay, damn you Haggis!
I Liked True Crime by Ill Clinton	Oct 21st, 2006 09:23:13 AM
I think Eastwood's strongest stuff as a director is when he is actually in the film. Unforgiven was a truly great film and it's a shame that Eastwood has gotten accolades as a director but not as an actor when it comes Oscar time. His work in Unforgiven was incredible as an actor.
He's a great story teller, when... by Riverman	Oct 21st, 2006 11:02:17 AM
He has a solid, good script. It's well know he doesn't mess with a script much once he decides to direct it. He works from his gut. Economical, tight... He doesn't fall back on some sort of over worked style, unless it's to serve the story. As a director he's in the Don Siegel mold of serving the material. This works brilliantly when it's "Unforgiven" (amazing script) and not so great when it's "Bloodwork." I'm a huge fan, starting with "Misty" and will always watch whatever he directs, hoping he'll hit gold. I'll take an Eastwood effort over a Michael Bay film any day of the week.
just read the last paragraph or two by white owl	Oct 21st, 2006 12:33:22 PM
to know what Mori thinks. Don't drudge through all the other shit. It's as expected.
DirtyRat, films have to be put into context... by Lenny Nero	Oct 21st, 2006 01:43:47 PM
...and I can't think of anything better to start off a review than to firmly establish a connection with the readers regarding opinions and feelings about the artist in question.
DRB... by TheRealMoriarty	Oct 21st, 2006 02:13:03 PM
... spectacularly wrong as always. Film isn't always "you liked it or you didn't." There are shades of gray, especially when elements of a film work and elements don't. This was what the experts call a "mixed review". I'd explain the term to you, but I have a feeling you would intentionally fail to understand.
Adam Beach by oh_riginal	Oct 21st, 2006 05:37:50 PM
... his best work was not in Smoke Signals. It was in Dance Me Outside. Is that movie even on DVD? I'd buy it for sure.
Come on, MYSTIC RIVER was amazing. by McGsStepson	Oct 21st, 2006 09:40:38 PM
I don't know if its entirely due to Clint either. I attribute much of its success to Helgeland. It has grown on me over time. Its a great modern tragedy - with use of both Shakesperian and Aristotelian structure. Great stuff.
No disrespect intended, but it was lame.... by Chief Redcock	Oct 21st, 2006 11:41:12 PM
...and boring, very boring (in the theater, the urge to glance at my watch became like a nervous tick). The flashbacks to the actual invasion are very poorly done... we learn some interesting tidbits about the photograph, but we also get pulled in a million different directions that don't cohere or hold our interest. After an eternity of lingering, pointless scenes, we still know NEXT TO NOTHING about the lead characters... in the big fight scenes, they just seem like faceless grunts. This isn't the same Eastwood who made Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby (both of which I liked), this is the Eastwood who made Space Cowboys... like that film, Flags is filled with interminable scenes that are poorly edited and go nowhere. On the plus side, the film does make some nice points about the PR/media side of war, and the deception that it involves.... but in the end, this movie is a gigantic, sappy, sentimental mess... with absolutely no wisdom behind the sentiment. I kept waiting for the intrusive musical score to kick up again. Please, no more movies like this. We already have a billion.
Unforgiven is still his best. by WONKABAR	Oct 22nd, 2006 12:44:19 AM
I was so stoked MR got shafted by ROTK. Especially after his "it's not about special-FX comments in the ads.
Better Bridges by Subovon	Oct 22nd, 2006 02:10:43 AM
I completely agree that the film of "Bridges Of Madison County" is better than the source material.
Can we have Congress pass a law... by OBSD	Oct 22nd, 2006 11:54:41 AM
stating that "FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS" is the LAST World War II movie that can be made for the next 50 years? I fucking get it. It was the last noble war the U.S. was involved in. Theirs is "the greatest generation" Point taken. Now can we please move the fuck on? I am IN NO WAY suggesting that we forget the lessons of that dark period of time , I just don't want any more movies made about it. For a while, anyways.
Great review Mori, get well soon by JimmyLoneWolf	Oct 22nd, 2006 06:28:36 PM
Your critical but fair eye is essential to this website! It wouldn't be the same without you. Even when I don't agree with your reviews, they always give me something to think about and cause to re-examine my own perceptions of a filmmaker. While I feel Harry offers a unique perspective on film (I admire his finding "the good" in as many films as he can...he is a true movie lover), I feel that you are the site's best writer and best critic overall. Hope you feel better soon, your work is much appreciated!!
Moriarty by RetroActive	Oct 22nd, 2006 06:51:18 PM
I'm with DirtyRatBastard. Maybe you should start playing the Rocky theme before writing your reviews...or at least having that guy slap you on the stomach while you're doing situps while visualizing your lead in. I mean...come on! Blame it on the black lung? Get your act together! And watch the scene with young Forrest Gump breaking off his leg braces before you ante up to the computer next time. Then, like him...you'll be runn-iiing-guh! Go get em' kiddo! M-O-R-I-A-R-T-Y! It practically rolls off the tongue. P.S. I called Dr. Phil. He'll be calling you in the morning to set you straight, too. With an overly aggressive speech about where you're going, an awkward indepth camera review of your private life with badly timed slow motion pieces to accentuate your short comings followed by a free year of diet supplements and all the copies of his diet book you can carry. Now get back to your laptop and become the man you left in LAMAS class!
A Haggis Question: Can someone explain by 900LBGorilla	Oct 22nd, 2006 07:04:26 PM
To me why all the hate for Crash? I don’t get it. yeah it had some Pat moments, but overall was a good movie (and all movies of that type have a few pat moments) …. I have heard a lot of people get angry about it in a general fashion- but what exactly was so bad? Personally, I liked most of it, and found he went deeper in one respect- ie. He showed the hypocrisy of the way Politicians use racism to get elected... it’s a dividing football for them… and becoming more so. That said- the reviews I have read on Flags of Our Fathers does make it look suck-tastic… this is one of the few times reviews of a movies construct has actually convinced me to not bother…
Um, OBSD by Steve T	Oct 23rd, 2006 07:43:01 AM
Maybe you should just stop going to see WW2 films?
Ryan Phillipe was non-existant by Hail	Oct 23rd, 2006 11:40:42 AM
I absolutely do not get the reviews coming out of this film about Ryan Phillipe. Granted, every character is one-dimensional in this movie, but Phillipe HAS NO LINES. No meaningful dialogue, no quiet conversations, and no emotional core. What Moriarty describes as "mature" is simply a guy that doesn't talk or show any emotion throoughout the entire film. What was his arch? What was his stance on the whole fake hero image he had to endure? Does the guy have any family? It says he got married, but we would never know it, because he don't get anything from his character. Adam Beach may have been drunken and whiney, but at least that captured more of my attention that Phillipe did.
Crash gets more hate than it deserves by Flickerhead	Oct 23rd, 2006 01:44:01 PM
because it won an Oscar that it didn't deserve. It was an OK film filled with terrific performances and a couple really good set pieces, but it wasn't the best picture of the year. Of course, Oscar rarely gets awarded to the best picture of the year, so perhaps the hatred is a little disproportionate.
Moriarty, maybe you should get some rest... by Womb2dooM	Oct 24th, 2006 12:05:38 AM
Exhibit A: "... anyone who says that MILLION DOLLAR BABY or MYSTIC RIVER are significantly different in terms of overall filmcraft is just plain wrong. I think they’re of a piece." Maybe you shouldn't follow up that first sentence with "I think"... Films are subjective and you don't need to be told that. Truly a bad review, but I forgive ya coz ya sex me up. Maybe, right next to spolier warning you should have tired warning. Nighty, night tiger. P.S. Moriarty hates Clint Eastwood ... and jews... -- just jokes. He doesn't hate Clint.
There was a lot of hate for Crash becuase by emeraldboy	Dec 24th, 2006 01:09:16 PM
becuase Haggis is a liberal filmmaker and Crash is a liberal film. It paints a picture, that very few people would like to see and that is that racism is not just between black and white. conservatives though the film was overly preachy and they reacted to it by spewing bile all over it. Conservatives dont like liberals and they were not happy when this liberal film won best picture. They will go all out to make sure clint doesnt win this year. Conservatives tarred Clint with the unpatriotic brush. They were just pissed because Flags wasnt gung-ho enough. Sometimes the truth can be very ugly indeed

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Moriarty Storms The Beach With FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS!!

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