September MDC: Write-Ups

[TJ Wells]

Dictator-------------------------------------------------Subject-----------------------------------------------------Film

Plus155--------------------------------------------------------------Bob Payne---------------------------------------------------------------The Panic in Needle Park (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067549/)
doyouhas?--------------------------------------------------------ohioforlovers--------------------------------------------------------------The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=54744411#post54744 411) WRITEUP (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=54744411#post54744 411)
poppa Q----------------------------------------------------------ThexQuietxCull------------------------------------------------------------Fear, Anxiety & Depression
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0169895/) bradyreier----------------------------------------------------------poppa Q-------------------------------------------------------------------Badlands (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069762/)
MIKEY HORROR--------------------------------------------------Foosimoo------------------------------------------------------------------The Burning (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082118/)
williek311----------------------------------------------------------bradyreier------------------------------------------------------------------American Graffiti (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069704/)
ThexQuietxCull---------------------------------------------------IAmNietzche-------------------------------------------------------------Drunken Angel
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040979/) WordzandDreamz------------------------------------------------MIKEY HORROR---------------------------------------------------------The Mexican (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0236493/)
ClemTiger0408---------------------------------------------------Galedeep------------------------------------------------------------------Slacker
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102943/) IAmNietzche------------------------------------------------------TJ Wells--------------------------------------------------------------------Scum (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079871/)WRITEUP (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=54845902#post54845 902)
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079871/) Bob Payne---------------------------------------------------------colorlesscliche------------------------------------------------------------Mean Streets (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070379/) WRITEUP (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=54620141#post54620 141)
tommykb127------------------------------------------------------Plus155--------------------------------------------------------------------Sydney/Hard Eight
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119256/) Galedeep-----------------------------------------------------------williek311-----------------------------------------------------------------Chasing Amy (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118842/) WRITEUP (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=54744702#post54744 702)
whoaisame---------------------------------------------------------tommykb127------------------------------------------------------------Dark City
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118929/) colorlesscliche-----------------------------------------------------whoaisame---------------------------------------------------------------Shallow Grave (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111149/)
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069704/) ohioforlovers-------------------------------------------------------WordzandDreamz------------------------------------------------------Primal Fear
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117381/) Foosimoo------------------------------------------------------------doyouhas?---------------------------------------------------------------Following (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0154506/)
TJ Wells-------------------------------------------------------------ClemTiger0408----------------------------------------------------------Live Flesh (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118819/)
deadkidsean--------------------------------------------------------bouttogetfancy--------------------------------------------------------Braindead/Dead Alive
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103873/) bouttogetfancy---------------------------------------------------deadkidsean--------------------------------------------------------------Empire Records (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112950/)

[Thomas Balkcom]

can't believe it's September 1st already

[patpratt]

MDC?

Sorry, I'm lame.

[williek311]

Movie Dictators Club

[patpratt]

Ha, clearly this is not a thread meant for me. Adieu, gentlemen.

[ohioforlovers]

So I went to Best Buy last night, none of the stores in my county have my movei! Thank god for amazon!!

[colorlesscliche]

So I went to Best Buy last night, none of the stores in my county have my movei! Thank god for amazon!!

This will probably be the case for most movies in this project.

[ohioforlovers]

Ture. True. Like I said thank god for amazon! It's probably a lot cheaper that way anyways, just paid like 5 bucks for that movie!

[TJ Wells]

I've always just used Netflix...

[colorlesscliche]

Not all of us have Netflix, which, in that case, you might want to think about doing this project.

[williek311]

Yeah definitely going to Netflix all of these. No need to buy a new movie I may hate.

[IAmNietzche]

I've always just used Netflix...
Any trouble getting Scum?

[TJ Wells]

Any trouble getting Scum?
There's a short wait, but it should be coming in the next week I hope.

[IAmNietzche]

I downloaded Drunken Angel. Will be watching it dubbed in Spanish with English subs haha.

[TJ Wells]

@ThexQuietxCull: How are you planning on watching Fear, Anxiety and Depression? As far as I can tell it's not available on DVD and can't find it on any torrent sites...

EDIT: I stand corrected. http://www.mininova.org/com/560861

[Indoor Living]

I thought I signed up for this but I'm not on here. How do I get into this.

[Bob Payne]

pass the popcorn ftw.

[ThexQuietxCull]

@ThexQuietxCull: How are you planning on watching Fear, Anxiety and Depression? As far as I can tell it's not available on DVD and can't find it on any torrent sites...

EDIT: I stand corrected. http://www.mininova.org/com/560861

thanks TJ. i went out and spent a good bit trying to track this down at different rental places. sounds like its quite rare lol. thanks again

[TJ Wells]

Bumped. Going out of town 'til Saturday, but I did get Scum in and am hoping to watch it after work Saturday night and have a review up by Sunday morning.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I have Dark City I just need a night off with no school responsibilities so I can knock it out

[IAmNietzche]

Wanted to see where everyone was with this. I'm working on my write-up now.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Wanted to see where everyone was with this. I'm working on my write-up now.

hopefully will have mine in the next couple of days, excited to read yours!

[williek311]

Movie is number two on my netflix list and I'm sending back movies today so should be able to watch and get a write up done this weekend.

[bradyreier]

I need to get working on my write-up. Watched my movie about two weeks ago, but have nothing typed out yet, haha.

[Thomas Balkcom]

about halfway done with mine, have yet to finish the film unfortunately

[TJ Wells]

Haven't even watched the movie yet actually, but have a couple off days coming up, will take care of it then.

[TJ Wells]

Bump! Don't forget! You have 'til Wednesday at midnight.

[Thomas Balkcom]

will have mine by tomorrow night latest, took the LSAT this morning so a lot of time has freed up

[marrost]

Not even a single review with four days left in the first month? lol

[williek311]

Just watched my movie this morning writeup on the way!

[TJ Wells]

Not even a single review with four days left in the first month? lol
Haha my thoughts exactly, though I can't say much since I haven't even watched my movie yet.

[colorlesscliche]

I just don't want to be the first one.

[colorlesscliche]

This is my first real 'write-up' so be generous.



September MDC: Before They Were Famous

Martin Scorsese, a critically acclaimed director with more than enough movies under his belt, has released multiple Oscar winning movies including the more recent hits The Departed, the Aviator, and Gangs of New York, but what did he release before he was famous? Mean Streets.

Mean Streets, released in 1973, which I might add is probably the oldest movie I’ve seen to date, is the first movie partnership between Scorsese and De Niro and was Scorsese’s first feature film of his own design. In short, the movie is about a man who is trying to move up in the local Mafia and is hampered by his feeling of responsibility towards his destructive friend.

Having a very little understanding of what this movie was about I was hoping to see an older version of the Departed. Clearly I shouldn’t have had such high standards. For a movie with such great praise to it, I was disappointed. I could see this movie being a hit in ’73, but nothing about this movie did it for me. I felt like none of the characters had a story to them, the dialog seemed forced (more so than other mafia-related movies), and overall, I was just bored. Everything that was happening in the city seemed dull for a movie dealing with the mafia; which interestingly enough, the movie was based on actual events Scorsese saw almost regularly while growing up in Little Italy, too bad for him. After a second viewing, of which I chose not to do, this movie might have been a bit more interesting and coherent.

Overall score: 2/5

[Foosimoo]

So Demonoid is down, which is basically my only source of getting my movie.

[TJ Wells]

So Demonoid is down, which is basically my only source of getting my movie.
It's not the biggest deal in the world if you don't do the write-up by the end of the month. Just keep the thread bookmarked or subscribed or something, and post it up when you get a chance to get to it.

[deadkidsean]

So Demonoid is down, which is basically my only source of getting my movie.
IsoHunt and ThePirateBay have more than Demonoid.

[Foosimoo]

IsoHunt and ThePirateBay have more than Demonoid.

Touche.

I don't think I'll have it watched by the end of the month, though. So much going on with school right now.

[deadkidsean]

Touche.

I don't think I'll have it watched by the end of the month, though. So much going on with school right now.
Feel you there man.

[ohioforlovers]

Ditto on first write up . :)

September: Before they were famous.
Movie: The Dangerous lives of Alter Boys.
Directed by: Peter Care

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys was comedy/drama/action/animated, I was really impressed with how much I liked it. At first I was skeptical, because the director Peter Care, has mostly directed movies and documentaries on music, he worked with Depeche Mode, Bruce Springstein and R.E.M. So I was a bit skeptical whether this movie would be worth watching. The plot is set in the 1970's in Savannah, where four catholic school boys who are so bored in their town that the only thing they can do is get into trouble and cause mischief in their town. The main characters are played by Emile Hirsch and Keiran Culkin who portray Francis and Tim so well I don’t think anyone else would have been a better match. Jenna Malone plays the part of Margie, who becomes Francis' girlfriend, a secret she tells Francis only harms them later in the movie. The two boys are best friends but are so different, they cause a bunch of mischief as they steal the school's statue of a Sister, they drink, smoke and draw pornographic photos, which are all looked bad upon at the Catholic School. The boys have a comic together called "The atomic Trinity", which shows up as animations throughout the movie, they eventually get caught with the comic and get suspended from their catholic school by Sister Assumpta, played by Jodie Foster, who is the bad nun in the comic book. The boys plan a counter attack, by trying to put a mountain lion to sleep and planned to put it in the Sister's office to scare her, but in a tragic twist one of the boys end up in a coffin instead of laughing at their prank. I was very shocked at the ending of the movie, I did not see it ending in tragedy like that, but in the end it serves as a moral ending to the story.

[EDIT] I forgot the score : 4/5.

[williek311]

Before They Were Famous: Ben Afleck (Chasing Amy)

Before Ben Affleck blew up on the Hollywood scene with Good Will Hunting he starred in Kevin Smith's Chasing Amy. I went into the movie with a little skepticism as I've never been blown away by any Kevin Smith film, and this was no different. Ben Affleck gave a typical performance that I felt I've seen a dozen times from him. The movie wasn't nessicarly bad but towards the end I just wanted it to be over, it seemed to drag on for the last hour. Maybe my biggest gripe with the film was the lead actress; her voice annoys me along with her face. All in all the film wasn't terrible but I never felt any connection with the characters and it never quite drew me in. Sorry for the smorgasbord of ideas and this probably not being very coherent I just always find it hard to articulate my opinions in writing.

Overall score 3/5

[Thomas Balkcom]

mine is considerably longer than those already posted, will be trimming down after work tonight

[Thomas Balkcom]

I've really enjoyed everyone's writeup thus far btw

[IAmNietzche]

My write up is coming hard for your asses... soon!

[bouttogetfancy]

subscribing so I don't forget

[TJ Wells]

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/668/scump.jpg

Scum (Alan Clarke, 1979) - 2/5

Clearly intended to be in the vein of the "Angry Young Men" films of John Schlesinger and Tony Richardson in the 60s and early 70s (If..., Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, etc.) but I really just didn't care. Winstone clearly grew MILES as an actor from here to The Proposition, because he really didn't do anything for me. There's nothing remotely controversial about the film (at least from an American/modern viewpoint), which would probably be the only thing that made it interesting back when it was banned. The one bright spot is Mick Ford as Archer, in an incredibly charming, funny, memorable performance.

I can sum up this film in one word: Meh.

[Galedeep]

This month has been a mix of really busy and just flat-out rough in a lot of ways. So my write-up is definitely going to be late. Hopefully will be in sooner rather than later. Sorry.

[Prestonxsmith]

I remember signing up for this, but I was never contacted. Can I get back in this for next month?

[TJ Wells]

This month has been a mix of really busy and just flat-out rough in a lot of ways. So my write-up is definitely going to be late. Hopefully will be in sooner rather than later. Sorry.
Totally fine. What movie are you watching? For some reason I guess I didn't include it in the initial post.

[TJ Wells]

I remember signing up for this, but I was never contacted. Can I get back in this for next month?
You have two choices:

1. Post in here (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1349681) and ask if anyone doesn't want to do it anymore (thus allowing you to take their spot).
2. If you can find someone else on the site who wants to be in as well; there needs to be an even number of entries.

If either of these things happen, please PM me and let me know ASAP.

[Galedeep]

Totally fine. What movie are you watching? For some reason I guess I didn't include it in the initial post.
Slacker. I have it and everything, and should hopefully get a chance to watch it Friday at some point. Write-up will follow shortly after.

[Prestonxsmith]

You have two choices:

1. Post in here (http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1349681) and ask if anyone doesn't want to do it anymore (thus allowing you to take their spot).
2. If you can find someone else on the site who wants to be in as well; there needs to be an even number of entries.

If either of these things happen, please PM me and let me know ASAP.
Will do. Thanks.

[deadkidsean]

New job this week, have been putting off the write-up like a motherfucker. I'll have it by Friday, Saturday at the very latest. Sorry, Teej.

[colorlesscliche]

You mother fucker. How's the new job?

[deadkidsean]

Rules. I love it man. Definitely the right career path for me.

[bradyreier]

American Graffiti
1973
Directed by George Lucas

In 1973 audiences were treated with the film American Graffiti, which was written and directed by a young George Lucas. Not only was Lucas the director, but we also got a look at future stars such as Harrison Ford, Ron Howard (credited as Ronny Howard) and even Richard Dreyfuss.

So remember the days when George Lucas was concerned with presenting his audience with a good story rather than a movie loaded with over the top CGI action? Before this was Lucas’ main plan of attack, he would use his characters to capture and maintain the audience’s attention throughout the film – this is a perfect example of that. The movie is set in one evening, and focuses on four men who have recently graduated high school and are ready to begin (or figure out) the next step in their lives. These characters are relatable to anyone who has just completed one part of their lives and are set to begin another. Curt Henderson (Howard) is in turmoil over whether to continue a relationship with his high school girlfriend, or start fresh before heading off to college. Terry "Toad" Fields (played hilariously by Charles Martin Smith) is simply trying to be the type of guy he was never able to be in high school. His journey begins by driving a Chevy Impala and picking up a blonde walking down the street – hilarity ensues. The third character, John Milner (Paul Le Mat), gets stuck driving around a young girl while trying to hunt down a street racer looking for a challenge – this character just happens to be Mr. Harrison Ford. The character who really sticks out in this film is Curt Henderson (Dreyfuss) who is at a total standstill in his life and unsure which direction to take. His story was the centerpiece of the film for me, as I felt both empathy and hope for him.

I do not wish to give away any of the characters choices or conclusions, but instead urge you to watch this film and check out their inner struggles and resolutions for yourself.

Rating: 4/5

[williek311]

Glad you enjoyed the film.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Dark City (Alex Proyas, 1998)

I had written a pretty lengthy essay on this film but after seeing other write-ups and realizing that it would have way too long to read and/or be interesting to any of you all I decided to write a smaller, more general review. Overall, I enjoyed the film a good deal and I am upset with myself for waiting so long to see it. The filmmaker does an extraordinary job constructing a world within the film that is paramount to the film’s tone and ultimate message. Some other general noteworthy elements are that of the film’s outstanding cinematography (the framing especially) and the film is surprisingly well-written. I was waiting for certain clichés to pop up in the writing during certain scenes but they never did.

The film Dark City utilizes its main character, John Murdoch, and his journey of self-discovery in order to effectively make a statement concerning the possibilities within the human condition. The films is extremely efficient in this task as to the fact that roughly a quarter of the way through the film I jotted down “Murdoch’s journey - > overall search for the human soul?” As the film progressed and this notion became clear I could not have been more impressed. I will leave details out to hopefully push people to see this film because I am certainly glad that I finally did.

8/10

on a lighter note
The "small world" comment from the alien to Connelly is hilarious once the twist is revealed

[Thomas Balkcom]

only fifty-three minutes after the month ended!

[whoaisame]

Dark City (Alex Proyas, 1998)

I had written a pretty lengthy essay on this film but after seeing other write-ups and realizing that it would have way too long to read and/or be interesting to any of you all I decided to write a smaller, more general review. Overall, I enjoyed the film a good deal and I am upset with myself for waiting so long to see it. The filmmaker does an extraordinary job constructing a world within the film that is paramount to the film’s tone and ultimate message. Some other general noteworthy elements are that of the film’s outstanding cinematography (the framing especially) and the film is surprisingly well-written. I was waiting for certain clichés to pop up in the writing during certain scenes but they never did.

The film Dark City utilizes its main character, John Murdoch, and his journey of self-discovery in order to effectively make a statement concerning the possibilities within the human condition. The films is extremely efficient in this task as to the fact that roughly a quarter of the way through the film I jotted down “Murdoch’s journey - > overall search for the human soul?” As the film progressed and this notion became clear I could not have been more impressed. I will leave details out to hopefully push people to see this film because I am certainly glad that I finally did.

on a lighter note
The "small world" comment from the alien to Connelly is hilarious once the twist is revealed

Rad, glad you liked it.

[bouttogetfancy]

Dead Alive (Braindead)
Peter Jackson, 1992

Dead Alive is an over the top zombie movie from acclaimed director Peter Jackson. It was somewhat unimaginable to think that this was the same director of the Lord of the Rings trilogy as I was watching this. The movie starts out with the stealing of the disease carrying Sumatran rat monkey is taken from Skull Island and from that scene I knew I shouldn't be expecting any fancy special effects. It continues a little slowly once in the city and as it goes through the developing love story between two of the main characters, Lionel and Paquita. Lionel’s overbearing mother makes it difficult for them to see each other and while she was stalking them on a date she becomes the first to be infected by the Sumatran rat monkey being shown off at the zoo in all it’s claymation glory. From there things slowly start getting out of control despite Lionel's best efforts and by the half hour of the movie everything has gone to hell. It’s in the last half hour where the most outlandish things take place and it also contains the most fake blood I’ve ever seen used in a movie. The ending sure does takes the Oedipus complex to a whole new level when the zombified monster mother of Lionel rises to take him away from Paquita. Even with the decadent ending to the whole affair it was a somewhat subtle custard scene towards the beginning of the mother’s transformation that had me most disgusted.

Cheesy as it is, it does a really good job of being able to gross you out and is pretty imaginative at trying to accomplish that. I'd elaborate but some things are better left as a surprise. For a zombie movie I liked it overall and I'd recommended it if you’re into these kinds of film. Also, if you like seeing greaser douche bags get killed then this might spark your interests. It served as a fun watch for me and wasn’t expecting anymore out of it than that.

3/5

[bouttogetfancy]

4 minutes after midnight! this is also my first movie review/write up so be kind.

[Thomas Balkcom]

the two that I was anticipating the most still haven't been done, Badlands and Drunken Angel

[doyouhas?]

Mine will be in tomorrow, promise! I've been way too busy to get a chance thus far.

[Thomas Balkcom]

bump

[poppa Q]

Badlands (1973)

Written, directed, and produced by Terrence Malick

A life on the run has never been so simple, so beautiful. The story revolves around two lovers: Kit (Martin Sheen), a 25 year old James Dean look-alike, and Holly (Sissy Spacek), a naive, innocent, seemingly emotionless 15 year old girl who thinks she has fallen in love with her elder counterpart. As the two traverse the Western plains, engaging performances from Sheen and Spacek truly detach any emotions that would typically accompany the heartless murders committed by Kit. To see the two arrive, conquer, and move on from any destination in such a matter-of-factly manner is absolutely chilling, and Malick is nothing short of brilliant in capturing these travails. Astounding cinematography really brings lush landscapes and beautiful terrain to life, which nicely juxtaposes the story and characters at hand. Even with his directorial debut, Terrence Malick delivers with a remarkable story that can be seen as nothing less than a personal imprint in the world of cinema. Nearly forty years after its release, Badlands has stood the test of time and remains one of the truly great films of the twentieth century.

5/5

[poppa Q]

This was my introduction into Malick's catalog, and if you couldn't tell, I'm quite impressed. What a good movie.

[Thomas Balkcom]

This was my introduction into Malick's catalog, and if you couldn't tell, I'm quite impressed. What a good movie.

I hope it pushes you to continue and watch more of his films

[poppa Q]

Absolutely yes. That's why I chose this movie, it was the perfect excuse to get into his stuff (especially with Tree of Life coming up).