The Return of What Film Have You Watched Recently

[Global Honored]

HOWL
James Franco completely embodies the spirit of Ginsberg here. The film itself is basically a reading of the infamous poem with a few courtroom scenes and interview segments thrown into the mix featuring Jon Hamm, David Straithairn, Mary Louise Parker and Jeff Daniels and bits of animated sequences as well. It uses actual words from the trial and Ginsberg interviews and gives some insight into what was behind the poem and the poets personal and artisitic journey to get to the point of creating his masterpiece. It's a love letter to the beat gen and an easy way to spend a little more than an hour. Franco is a great comedic actor that with 127 Hours and now Howl has turned into one of the most versatile and complete film actors of the day. Check it out if you are a fan of the poet, the Beats or Franco.

[LtMarvel]

Batman Returns

Batman (1989)

Best Buy had the BlueRay versions for about $10 a couple of weeks ago. Each had an $8 voucher for Green Lantern tickets. Since I didn't have either of these films in digital media yet, I couldn't resist. Both looked gorgeous. And wow was there some great acting in Batman.

[Scud]

Bad Santa

Still makes me laugh and I've seen it so many times I've lost count.

[LtMarvel]

Green Lantern (Note: there is a mid-credit bonus scene!) Far better than I expected (saw the RottenTomatoes score). The whole family liked it, but it was a fantastic movie. Green looks good in 3D (no night scenes where you can't see what's happening, right Captain Sparrow?)

[Nimrod's Son]

The Beaver - Very interesting, complex characters and Mel Gibson is just fantastic in the main role. Misogynistic psycho be damned, the man can still act with the best of em.

Desperado - Wasn't very impressed by El Mariachi despite the hype and me being a big Robert Rodriguez fan but this was such an improvement. It's more stylish, more entertaining, funnier, a better cast, an awesome soundtrack by Los Lobos and the gunfights are suitably badass.

Both are recommended.

[AdamYJ]

Green Lantern. I thought it was awesome. The first time in years that I felt like an excited kid walking out of a movie theater.

[Chou Blaster]

Inception.

What a trippy vibe I got after watching it.

[dupersuper]

Green Lantern: Emerald Knights

[Nimrod's Son]

Shortbus - Despite the many graphic depictions of actual sex, the characters are still the most important things about this movie, and it's a credit to the actors and director that the sex never becomes to distracting. Ultimately a very sweet, funny film with great performances. Just for the love of christ, NEVER watch it with parents in the room.

[Global Honored]

THE FUGITIVE KIND

Tennessee Williams writes, Sidney Lumet directs and Brando stars!

It's kind of a mesh for Brando between his Wild One and Stanley Kowalski character. He plays it well, those shifty eyes and the aggressive/arrogant stride in his step and a voice that fluctuates with his confidence and inner rage.

The plot leaves a bit to be desired as it's villains are too one dimensional but the acting is superb and the sexual tension is brilliant for that or any era.

Anna Magnani really holds her own. Those eyes! So powerful! Joane Woodward won an award for her supporting role as the town's spoiled wild child who pursues Brando and may be the only one who can truly identify with him and his nature.

Solid film. Not in the same league with Streetcar but definitely worth checking out. Early Lumet work and he utilizes Welles like shadow here.

[Libaax]

Samurai Rebellion

A calm story about the injustice of Samurai system from the POV of a vassal family who has to give even their wives to their clan lord.

Toshiro Mifune was the reason i picked this film of course and he didnt disappoint.

[dupersuper]

Shortbus - Despite the many graphic depictions of actual sex, the characters are still the most important things about this movie, and it's a credit to the actors and director that the sex never becomes to distracting. Ultimately a very sweet, funny film with great performances. Just for the love of christ, NEVER watch it with parents in the room.

You had me at graphic sex.

[Deathstroke]

I saw The Cutting Edge: Fire and Ice last night.

[Filip]

ATONEMENT - The ending was powerful, even though I suspected scene where sisters meet wasn't all that seemed. Beautiful cinematography coupled with outstanding score really elevated this movie above love story that hangs on one minute of consummation. Knightley and McAvoy shined.

TOY STORY 3 - Brilliant.

Can someone recommend me some good works of independent and art film directors?

[LtMarvel]

Haven't seen it yet, but critics are raving about Tree of Life ...and not one critic will claim to understand all of the film.