General Movie Thread

“I’m not afraid of heights, snakes, or redheaded women…but I am afraid of that [points at entrance to a coal mine]” – Raylan talking to Boyd Crowder

I am pleased to report that TG: Maverick is safe for general viewing (save a very well-placed “fuck”). If you’re ok with the level of jingoism in the original, you’ll be completely fine with the sequel.

Without giving anything away, the US once again comes up against Durka-Durkastan as the backdrop to the real plot, being the disturbingly heterosexual relationships amongst the main characters.

Overall, the plot is about as thick as the air at 60,000ft, but don’t let that deter you. It’s about hitting the beats you remember from the original while flipping the script in places to better suit a 21st century environment (yes, this film is actually quite woke in that regard…or at least pretends to be).

Just buy your ticket, put your brain in neutral and enjoy the ride. The aerial sequences are amazing and are a perfect vehicle for Cruise to show just how batshit he is and how far he will go for a movie. He even gets to run at one point, naturally.

Maverick Spoilers
  • Val Kilmer’s cameo is way more than a cameo. He is a major plot mover throughout this movie
  • Miles Teller as Rooster - son of Goose - was inspired
  • I found out after watching the movie that Jennifer Connolly’s character is Penny Benjamin, the admiral’s daughter name-checked in the original, which adds depth to their on again / off again history
  • It took every ounce of self-control for me not to throw my underwear at the screen when Jennifer Connolly was on.
  • They would’ve stuck.

Hustle, on Netflix, is a good sports movie.

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Going to see Top Gun tomorrow at the theater right down my street.

ETA: fun movie

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Jurassic World Dominion was fine but was way too concerned with its callbacks and Easter eggs and not enough with a coherent plot.

Everything Everywhere All At Once is an amazing movie. It’s been out for a while but still in the theaters. Go see it. Completely original, funny, sad, heartwarming, and kung fu. There’s a scene so ridiculous I won’t even try to explain it but you’ll know it when you see it. Jamie Lee Curtis has an amazing supporting role. Best movie of the year so far.

Completely absurd and probably some of the most fun I’ve had watching a movie. Seeing the kid from Indiana Jones and Goonies grown up and acting again was also nice. Apparently he had basically quit acting but Crazy Rich Asians convinced him to give it another go.

So I don’t know how I missed this years ago…

Honest Trailers - Top Gun - YouTube

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I am going to see the new top gun at a drive-in in a few minutes. Pretty stoked. It’s been years since I went to a drive-in.

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Went to see a little flick called After Yang last night and was surprised at how great it was. Very poignant and fresh look at androids and what existence really is. Moves a little slow but it looks fantastic and has some great performances and writing.

Just saw The Phantom of the Open. Nice little biopic about Maurice Flitcroft, who entered the British Open in 1976, having never been on a golf course before. Shot 121 which I thought was pretty respectable for your first round. Good acting, nice way to spend a hot afternoon in a cold movie theater.

Re-watched Dr Strange 2 last night and, because I’m an idiot, it was only second time that I got all the “Evil Dead” references that pepper the movie with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. In my defense, first time I was drinking heavily.

I saw the movie for the first time on Saturday and wouldn’t say I enjoyed it all that much. But more to your point the highlight for me and the most fun part of the movie was seeing Raimi and Bruce effectively reprise the Ash character.

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The wife and I sat down last night and watched the Gentlemen, which I had wanted to watch when it came out a couple years ago but never got around to it. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Hugh Grant is particularly great and I really liked the way the story was framed.

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I enjoyed it more second time around. I think it had so many diversions and side plots that were then quickly resolved that, first viewing, I was a little confused about what the main story was. Second time, with a better handle on all the madness, I was able to enjoy the movie and thus could take in the subtle nods and gags. It probably went from a 4 to an 8 on the second watch.

As to Sam Raimi:

Spoiler

When Strange dream walks into the other Dr. Strange’s dead body, and punches his way up from the grave, that was pretty great.

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I can’t help wonder how different it would have been without the COVID delays

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That played out somewhere in the multiverse, obviously.

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Streamed this last night on Amazon. Seems timely for a number of reasons. Could have put this recommendation under the Ukraine topic, too.

‘Mr. Jones’ Review: Bearing Witness to Stalin’s Evil ‘Mr. Jones’ Review: Bearing Witness to Stalin’s Evil - The New York Times

Interesting concept.

Also, he’s right about this scene. The first time I saw it, I was literally on the edge of my seat and I had forgotten to breathe.

So now I’m going to watch my despecialized edition…again.

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