jackbauer Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 Okay, this IS the rant section of the forum so I guess I could rant here even if it isn't about Christianity. I am really getting tired off all these fucking preachy messages in movies always trying protray something. This may sound controdictary to someone who loves 24 (which is pretty political and violent) but it seems that no one goes to movies to be entertained anymore. It's either a political message or is emotionally manipulative in some way. I noticed that movie critics always favor the dark, depressing, dismal movies in which a lot of the time have little redeeming qualities. The kind of movies where our heroes lives end up getting fucked up beyond belief only to end up getting brutally killed off along with most of the other heroes. Oh yes, there was an important hidden meaning, I needed to really understand it, or my favorite, 'it was realisitc'. Fuck realism. If I want realism, I'll watch the fucking news. If there isn't enough realism anyway. I like seeing the good guys win, I like being made to feel happy watching a movie and enjoying it, and I like being able to forget about all the shit that's going on. I don't know about everyone else here, but while suspense and drama make for great viewing (dark knight yay!) hollywood seems to be pushing for more 'controversial' movies and less overall enjoyment. If people like those kinds of movies, that's cool, it's none of my business really, but I just really wanted to rant about this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llwellyn Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 I think you're right -- look at the movies that are awarded Oscars by the Academy: movies like "There Will be Blood" and "No Country for Old Men." Dark depressing movies are much more likely to get attention from the Academy than uplifting movies or comedies. I tend to prefer dark movies, myself, and can't think of others that have really spoken to me. I liked Robert Deniro in "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull." One of my favorite movies was "Les Miserables" with Liam Neeson. All dark... Can you name some movies that are lighthearted and worth seeing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tabula Rasa Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 Okay, this IS the rant section of the forum so I guess I could rant here even if it isn't about Christianity. I am really getting tired off all these fucking preachy messages in movies always trying protray something. This may sound controdictary to someone who loves 24 (which is pretty political and violent) but it seems that no one goes to movies to be entertained anymore. It's either a political message or is emotionally manipulative in some way. I noticed that movie critics always favor the dark, depressing, dismal movies in which a lot of the time have little redeeming qualities. The kind of movies where our heroes lives end up getting fucked up beyond belief only to end up getting brutally killed off along with most of the other heroes. Oh yes, there was an important hidden meaning, I needed to really understand it, or my favorite, 'it was realisitc'. Fuck realism. If I want realism, I'll watch the fucking news. If there isn't enough realism anyway. I like seeing the good guys win, I like being made to feel happy watching a movie and enjoying it, and I like being able to forget about all the shit that's going on. I don't know about everyone else here, but while suspense and drama make for great viewing (dark knight yay!) hollywood seems to be pushing for more 'controversial' movies and less overall enjoyment. If people like those kinds of movies, that's cool, it's none of my business really, but I just really wanted to rant about this. I know just how you feel Jack. It bugs the shit out of me that there are so many movies that have plots where the hero or main characters suffer horribly, and where it seems good never triumphs over evil and we're all basically screwed. I really hate this about horror movies. While I do have a liking for lovecraft's fiction which is pretty much horror without redemption, the tendency of movies like Saw, Hostel, the old Freddie and Jason movies that show a world where evil can't be overcome gets on my nerves. This is also why I sometimes have a love/hate relationship with anime. Some of the writers put their characters through so much pain whether physical or emotional, it'd make the Marquis De Sade's work look like light reading. Like you said, if we want realism, we can watch the news. Sorry if I rambled a bit, but I know where you're coming from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackbauer Posted October 2, 2008 Author Share Posted October 2, 2008 I think you're right -- look at the movies that are awarded Oscars by the Academy: movies like "There Will be Blood" and "No Country for Old Men." Dark depressing movies are much more likely to get attention from the Academy than uplifting movies or comedies. I tend to prefer dark movies, myself, and can't think of others that have really spoken to me. I liked Robert Deniro in "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull." One of my favorite movies was "Les Miserables" with Liam Neeson. All dark... Can you name some movies that are lighthearted and worth seeing? I like comedy's like "Bruce Almighty" (it offends the Christians by making god nice) "Rat Race" and "Iron Man" (Come on Robert Downey Jr was hillarious). It's kind of ironic because I also love suspense movies, even those that kill off some characters, but I DO have my limits as to how much death, torture, and abuse I can be put through in movies. I just want to pull my hair out when watching stuff like 'chicago' and 'deep impact', and any 9/11 movie (those are the only things that come to mind right now). But what I think REALLY gets me is when people pick on those who don't want to be depressed when they go to movies and tell them to go watch 'disney movies'. I mean come on, some people just want a break from that. Perhaps they shouldn't have gone to the movie then, but Jesus Christ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackbauer Posted October 2, 2008 Author Share Posted October 2, 2008 Okay, this IS the rant section of the forum so I guess I could rant here even if it isn't about Christianity. I am really getting tired off all these fucking preachy messages in movies always trying protray something. This may sound controdictary to someone who loves 24 (which is pretty political and violent) but it seems that no one goes to movies to be entertained anymore. It's either a political message or is emotionally manipulative in some way. I noticed that movie critics always favor the dark, depressing, dismal movies in which a lot of the time have little redeeming qualities. The kind of movies where our heroes lives end up getting fucked up beyond belief only to end up getting brutally killed off along with most of the other heroes. Oh yes, there was an important hidden meaning, I needed to really understand it, or my favorite, 'it was realisitc'. Fuck realism. If I want realism, I'll watch the fucking news. If there isn't enough realism anyway. I like seeing the good guys win, I like being made to feel happy watching a movie and enjoying it, and I like being able to forget about all the shit that's going on. I don't know about everyone else here, but while suspense and drama make for great viewing (dark knight yay!) hollywood seems to be pushing for more 'controversial' movies and less overall enjoyment. If people like those kinds of movies, that's cool, it's none of my business really, but I just really wanted to rant about this. I know just how you feel Jack. It bugs the shit out of me that there are so many movies that have plots where the hero or main characters suffer horribly, and where it seems good never triumphs over evil and we're all basically screwed. I really hate this about horror movies. While I do have a liking for lovecraft's fiction which is pretty much horror without redemption, the tendency of movies like Saw, Hostel, the old Freddie and Jason movies that show a world where evil can't be overcome gets on my nerves. This is also why I sometimes have a love/hate relationship with anime. Some of the writers put their characters through so much pain whether physical or emotional, it'd make the Marquis De Sade's work look like light reading. Like you said, if we want realism, we can watch the news. Sorry if I rambled a bit, but I know where you're coming from. I hear you. Too much violence just isn't entertaining or captivating. And people will say 'it's not meant to be entertaining'. Well I'll agree with them their, but excuse me for wanting to actually ENJOY a movie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LastKing Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 I dont understand it myself. I admit, as a writer, there a story that I wish to write that dose have a dark and sad ending BUT I dont want to write that all the time. I for one cant stand the oscars becasue they seem to give awareds to moives that people dont cair much for anyway. I have not watched them in long time but the only movie in recent years that won best piture that not only I actully saw on big screen and liked was the Lord of the Rings return of the King. Its vary rare to see a fantasy flick is noticed at the oscars. I mean how come none of the big action, sci-fi, fantsy, comedys and other good movies are never notice at these showes? I aslo get tired of the politcal messages and its suck if you dissagree with the message becasue then your not cool! I admit there movies with sad ending I like but I do need to see with a happy ending for change every once in awhile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jubilant Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 I prefer light-hearted action movies, some comedies (some are so stupid I find myself irritated more often than laughing), and scary movies (though most of them do not end up with the bad guy(s) getting theirs in the end -- and some are too violent, even for me. I don't need blood to be terrified.). Being a woman, you might think I'd prefer chick-flicks but I HATE them. I do not like political movies or movies with messages either. However, I do enjoy non-mainstream dramas: My Life Without Me, Sophie Scholl: The Final Days. And, I don't remember the name, but there was one with Tea' Leoni in which she falls for a hit man who was in alcoholics anonymous, it was a dark comedy -- awesome! :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Moderator florduh Posted October 2, 2008 Super Moderator Share Posted October 2, 2008 Agreed. Give me Goodfellas, Miss Congeniality, Animal House, Die Hard, Sister Act, Karate Kid and Shakes the Clown. That's an eclectic mix, but for me they are entertaining. I'm a simple guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jubilant Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 Agreed. Give me Goodfellas, Miss Congeniality, Animal House, Die Hard, Sister Act, Karate Kid and Shakes the Clown. That's an eclectic mix, but for me they are entertaining. I'm a simple guy. Shakes the Clown? I'll have to rent that from Netflix, what's it about? I love Caddyshack and The Blues Brothers too -- they don't make comedies like that anymore! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Moderator florduh Posted October 2, 2008 Super Moderator Share Posted October 2, 2008 "Shakes the Clown" is the Citizen Kane of alcoholic clown movies. Bobcat Goldthwaite stars in it along with Florence Henderson, Robin Williams, Adam Sandler, and others. It is my favorite movie, just edging out Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein for the top spot. But then, I am kinda weird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jubilant Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 "Shakes the Clown" is the Citizen Kane of alcoholic clown movies. Bobcat Goldthwaite stars in it along with Florence Henderson, Robin Williams, Adam Sandler, and others. It is my favorite movie, just edging out Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein for the top spot. But then, I am kinda weird. Ha, my hubby and I love Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Florence Henderson of the Brady Bunch? :-) Definitely going to put that movie in my cue. We just finished The Full Monty for the second time, that is another goody. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deva Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 There are not very many recent movies that I have liked. I just sent back a couple of them from Netflix-- I couldn't get past the first 30 minutes. One was a stupid martial arts movie and the other a pseudo artsy biography of Bob Dylan I couldn't make head or tail of. I hate these really sad, depressing movies like "No Country for Old Men," and movies where I can't understand the plot. "No Country for Old Men" was both for me. I am a college graduate and I guess as I get older, I realize hey, I don't have a lot of time left and I don't want to spend it trying to figure out what the damn movie (or book) is about. These directors and writers need to get to the point. I don't mind some mindless entertainment. I don't need movies with deep, hidden messages. I recently watched "Mystic River" on TV - good acting but that was a big downer, and it probably inspired a string of these type of movies. Unrelenting tragedy. I don't care for it. "Cold Mountain" made me cry, I hate that, and never want to watch it again. I have never watched a 9/11 movie and don't intend to. I hate capitalizing tragedy. I love supernatural horror and science fiction/horror, but good movies in these genres I would say we are lucky to get one or two every decade. I would like to see more fun movies like "Army of Darkness." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jubilant Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 There are not very many recent movies that I have liked. I just sent back a couple of them from Netflix-- I couldn't get past the first 30 minutes. One was a stupid martial arts movie and the other a pseudo artsy biography of Bob Dylan I couldn't make head or tail of. I hate these really sad, depressing movies like "No Country for Old Men," and movies where I can't understand the plot. "No Country for Old Men" was both for me. I am a college graduate and I guess as I get older, I realize hey, I don't have a lot of time left and I don't want to spend it trying to figure out what the damn movie (or book) is about. These directors and writers need to get to the point. I don't mind some mindless entertainment. I don't need movies with deep, hidden messages. We didn't get No Country for Old Men either...what the hell? I wanted it to be over already and it made absolutely no sense. What the heck kind of ending was that anyway???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackbauer Posted October 2, 2008 Author Share Posted October 2, 2008 I haven't watched no country for old men, but just out of curiosity, I'm going to watch it. And Mystic River was a downer too. Yeah, it well done in many ways, but Jesus Christ, from the very first 10 minutes we had kids being kidnapped and abused. A little redemption please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazycatlady Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 Most of the movies I like to watch are from the 1940s-1960s. There is a little theater in town that shows films out of the mainstream, and I usually like them. In general, I enjoy comedy (excluding bathroom humor), and dislike horror and scary movies (with a few exceptions, of course). Tragedy can go either way for me. I like Phantom of the Opera and The Lives of Others. My favorite movie is Arsenic and Old Lace. It still always makes me laugh my a** off! The only recent mainstream movie that I like (and that I can think of at the moment) is Stranger than Fiction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llwellyn Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 Movies that have deep meaning do tend to have some dark bits in them. I mean, if the meaning is something that has to do with how we can live better or how we can be happier and value what we have, then the movie has to include failure, sadness, and loss in order to create some sort of point of origin from which we move to a more positive destination. For example, I really liked "Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind," but that picture wasn't all roses either. If a movie doesn't have negative aspects, I tend to find it superficial and not worth my time watching. I also like police dramas which tend to be dark: "Mystic River," "Gone Baby Gone," "The Departed." Even the humorous ones tend to be darkly humored: "Fargo," "LA Confidential." But there are definitely dark movies that I can't watch: I do not watch horror movies: "Saw," "Friday 13th," etc. etc. I kind of like zombie movies though, like "28 Days Later" because they make me think of Christianity *embarrassed.* But they have to be well-executed. I really will not watch a movie until after I've read one or more reviews of it. For pure humor, how about "Borat"? That was pretty funny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llwellyn Posted October 2, 2008 Share Posted October 2, 2008 Westerns are very entertaining to me: "Unforgiven," "3:10 to Yuma," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "Seraphim Falls," "Outlaw Josey Wales." There should be some good ones in the theater soon: "Appaloosa," Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheOtherRainMan Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 DON'T. GET. ME. STARTED. Movies are my lord and savior! Praise the silver screen! Seriously, I feel that movies can show the crooked ways of society. But the first rule is to make it entertaining. The part is that, I will agree, is that I want an entertaining experience that doesn't make me feel bad or depress me. Some of my favorites are (in no order): Juno Little Miss Sunshine The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters Fargo Stranger Than Fiction A Clockwork Orange The Shining I think you're right -- look at the movies that are awarded Oscars by the Academy: movies like "There Will be Blood" and "No Country for Old Men." Dark depressing movies are much more likely to get attention from the Academy than uplifting movies or comedies. I tend to prefer dark movies, myself, and can't think of others that have really spoken to me. I liked Robert Deniro in "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull." One of my favorite movies was "Les Miserables" with Liam Neeson. All dark... Can you name some movies that are lighthearted and worth seeing? Actually, both Juno and Little Miss Sunshine are lighthearted and nominated for Academy Awards. Here are some others: Coyote Ugly (Really bad writing/cliches, but I found it enjoyable) Tropic Thunder (Wasn't perfect or great as the critics said, but I enjoyed the Hollywood satire parts especially those with Tom Cruise) Monster's Inc. (One of Pixar's best movies, ever) Anything by Matt Stone and Trey Parker (Their movies always are enjoyable) My two cents. Or really cheap bag of popcorn. - TORM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astreja Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 In my younger days I sometimes indulged in action-adventure movies, but they have a rather jarring effect on me. All through Alien I was worrying about Ripley's marmalade cat, and I chewed my thumbnails to the quick while watching the last ten minutes of The Andromeda Strain. Saw just enough of Spiderman to scare me away from it... Too many screams and explosions for my taste. So now I tend to stick with comedies, with an occasional not-too-raucous adventure drama thrown in here and there. My short list of Comedies I Will Watch At the Drop of a Hat (or whatever else I might be holding at the moment): Ghostbusters Monty Python and the Holy Grail Animal House Help! Duck Soup A Night at the Opera Airplane! A Fish Called Wanda This Is Spinal Tap The Court Jester Life of Brian And, representing the non-comedies: Casablanca Silent Running The Warriors Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
white_raven23 Posted October 3, 2008 Share Posted October 3, 2008 Since we've got movie rants going.....I'll share my pet peeve too! The current movies that feature "the war". I don't mind a small dip into that area....it worked great in "Iron Man"....but case in point, it didn't steal the spotlight. Movies that are entrenched in the current conflict though....not interested. I really don't wanna see it. I don't want Hollywood aiming to try and make me feel like "I'm there". They can't do it. Because after 2 hours....I'm "out" as opposed to the people who are stuck over there for months on end. It's false "realism" and is a load of crap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yaoi Huntress Earth Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 I can see where you're coming from. Even as a fan of dark stuff, too much of it does get pretty depressing when good can't even make a scratch or there's not one decent/likeable character. There's kind of a trick to infusing light in dark stories without it getting distracting, being tacked on, or being sappy\self-righout\hypocritical. The Battle Royale manga did a good job by also presenting the compassion, bravery, idealism, and sweetness that humans can possess in times of chaos as well as cruelty, paranoia, and dispair. As for movies to suggest, I'm sure you've already seen Forrest Gump (poor guy has equal ammounts of happiness and fame as tragety and loss in his life.) I know this is only semi-related, but I also kind of feel that way of just wanting to be entertained with adult cartoons. Sometimes it feels like the creators are so intent on giving a message that the cartoon or one of the characters becomes nothing more than a mouthpeice for the creator/writer's views. South Park has definatelty fallen into this trap and so does Family Guy/Simpsons at times and the Nueroticlly Yours series is starting to slip (that online cartoon with Foamy the Squirrel.) Don't get me wrong, I love The Boondocks then again Aaron McGruder is smart enough to realize that the story and characters should come first and not the message. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackbauer Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 Since we've got movie rants going.....I'll share my pet peeve too! The current movies that feature "the war". I don't mind a small dip into that area....it worked great in "Iron Man"....but case in point, it didn't steal the spotlight. Movies that are entrenched in the current conflict though....not interested. I really don't wanna see it. I don't want Hollywood aiming to try and make me feel like "I'm there". They can't do it. Because after 2 hours....I'm "out" as opposed to the people who are stuck over there for months on end. It's false "realism" and is a load of crap. This may sound odd coming from a 24 fan, but I wholeheartidly agree. I'm against the war myself, but I don't need a movie to comfirm that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackbauer Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 I can see where you're coming from. Even as a fan of dark stuff, too much of it does get pretty depressing when good can't even make a scratch or there's not one decent/likeable character. There's kind of a trick to infusing light in dark stories without it getting distracting, being tacked on, or being sappy\self-righout\hypocritical. The Battle Royale manga did a good job by also presenting the compassion, bravery, idealism, and sweetness that humans can possess in times of chaos as well as cruelty, paranoia, and dispair. As for movies to suggest, I'm sure you've already seen Forrest Gump (poor guy has equal ammounts of happiness and fame as tragety and loss in his life.) I know this is only semi-related, but I also kind of feel that way of just wanting to be entertained with adult cartoons. Sometimes it feels like the creators are so intent on giving a message that the cartoon or one of the characters becomes nothing more than a mouthpeice for the creator/writer's views. South Park has definatelty fallen into this trap and so does Family Guy/Simpsons at times and the Nueroticlly Yours series is starting to slip (that online cartoon with Foamy the Squirrel.) Don't get me wrong, I love The Boondocks then again Aaron McGruder is smart enough to realize that the story and characters should come first and not the message. I love foamy! I haven't watched him in a while though, but that evil little squirrel is hillarious. I'd love to hear him rant about religion. And the Simpsons REALLY have gone downhill. I think most people would agree that their newer stuff they made these last 5 years just doesn't have the same charm (when was the last time they watched itchy and scratchy?!). And I'm glad most people know what I'm getting at. I don't want to watch something like the Brady Bunch, but I also don't want to watch something like Saw or any of those depressing musical films (Like Dancer in the Dark UGH!). Like I said, I think the 'dark knight' is a good example of a dark, suspenseful movie that's not always pleasent to watch, but doesn't always over do it. It has an overall story and message that's not too preachy, as opposed to pointless tradegy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazy-tiger Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 And people will say 'it's not meant to be entertaining'. Wait a minute... wtf is it supposed to be if not "entertaining"? It's all part of the fucking entertainment industry! By definition it's supposed to be entertaining. What kind of people will take a form of entertainment and say it's not supposed to be entertaining??? *wanders off to find some sanity* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackbauer Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 Apparently, some movies are not meant to entertain, but to either a. Preach a message b. Emotionally Manipulate the audiance. c. Completely horrify the audiance. d. All of the above. They are right though, because I couldn't see anyone finding those kinds of movies entertaining. Give me comedy anyday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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