I really felt Prometheus was shite when I saw it at the cinema, and was hugely disappointed, considering the quality of the first 2 films. I saw it on TV the other week and (overlooking the flaws) I actually enjoyed it a little, so maybe my expectations were set a little too high at the time. So I think I'll give Covenant a go.
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EADD Film Recommendations v6 - Nominated five times
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Shambles
Bluelight Crew
This post is gonna get sidetracked a lot soon so for now will simply say I watched Split tonight. Started a little slow and generic but picked up as it went on imo. I particularly liked the Islamist element... that is assuming it is actually tied to something more concrete cos I didn't pick up on it first time round beyond the fact it was spoken about so much. How it ties into the character(s) frankly passed me by, but given it would be a truly ridiculous thing to have left hanging I'm willing to accept my own failings as a first-time viewer -
especially given Shyamalan's proclivities- that seems par for the course.
I've not watched many of his fillums but enjoyed this one far more than I expected to. Personally I felt it got better as it went on but also felt I missed a whole loada stuff along the way. I felt it worthy of a second viewing to fill in the gaps though as it never felt I (as audience) was being cheated as it was clear from a single viewing that there was more to pick up on.
Genuinely getting weird now cos I also have The Void cued up for viewing in the near future.
Messing wit' ma' mind, fella!!! 8(
Have a great day yourself
I'm the biggest Alien fanboy I know. Myself and a friend used to watch the first to films back to back every single week and could recite the lines verbatim without exterior cue. I snuck into the cinema several years too early to watch Alien3 (dammit! why can't i make cubed signs any more on bl?!). Which I also loved. I could continue but will instead point to the multiple (very frikkin expensive) Geiger/Alien artbooks I also bought off the back of my minor obsession with this film series...
In short, I am as fanboy as they come - and then some - so have always struggled with folk that go with the standard narrative that the first two are good (albeit for very different reasons) whilst anything post 1986 is awful. To be clear, I'm not actually saying this refers to you (afaik it doesn't) but I have heard this for so long - decades now - from both fans and non-fans alike, that I question my own judgement at times... then I watch the films again and know it ain't me so wonder what it is everybody else is missing
Personally I would say cos it is bleedin' obvious from a few minutes in and unavoidable from there on in to anybody who saw the first one and/or any others. This may well be the fanboy in me coming out though. I can't really see where else Prometheus could have gone though given it's obvious status as prequel to Alien? Or, taking the outsiders point of view, it's just another sci-fi... which also works just fine as it works just fine even without knowledge of the history, no? Admittedly very hard to say for sure for anybody that has seen any of the others but seems entirely feasible to me... but, again, fanboy
especially given Shyamalan's proclivities- that seems par for the course.
I've not watched many of his fillums but enjoyed this one far more than I expected to. Personally I felt it got better as it went on but also felt I missed a whole loada stuff along the way. I felt it worthy of a second viewing to fill in the gaps though as it never felt I (as audience) was being cheated as it was clear from a single viewing that there was more to pick up on.
Genuinely getting weird now cos I also have The Void cued up for viewing in the near future.
Messing wit' ma' mind, fella!!! 8(
Have a great day yourself
I'm the biggest Alien fanboy I know. Myself and a friend used to watch the first to films back to back every single week and could recite the lines verbatim without exterior cue. I snuck into the cinema several years too early to watch Alien3 (dammit! why can't i make cubed signs any more on bl?!). Which I also loved. I could continue but will instead point to the multiple (very frikkin expensive) Geiger/Alien artbooks I also bought off the back of my minor obsession with this film series...
In short, I am as fanboy as they come - and then some - so have always struggled with folk that go with the standard narrative that the first two are good (albeit for very different reasons) whilst anything post 1986 is awful. To be clear, I'm not actually saying this refers to you (afaik it doesn't) but I have heard this for so long - decades now - from both fans and non-fans alike, that I question my own judgement at times... then I watch the films again and know it ain't me so wonder what it is everybody else is missing
Personally I would say cos it is bleedin' obvious from a few minutes in and unavoidable from there on in to anybody who saw the first one and/or any others. This may well be the fanboy in me coming out though. I can't really see where else Prometheus could have gone though given it's obvious status as prequel to Alien? Or, taking the outsiders point of view, it's just another sci-fi... which also works just fine as it works just fine even without knowledge of the history, no? Admittedly very hard to say for sure for anybody that has seen any of the others but seems entirely feasible to me... but, again, fanboy
Split is another great movie - I think we have the same movie list 
I still think that with Prometheus there could have been a lot more to it, where did the Ossians come from, what was the journey, why did they pick earth, have they terra formed other planets, the black liquid (that spawned the alien), why make it, what was its purpose etc
It just seemed for me a very quick and obvious jump to 'Alien' - I'll try and see Prometheus 2 over the weekend and see if these things have been addressed
I still think that with Prometheus there could have been a lot more to it, where did the Ossians come from, what was the journey, why did they pick earth, have they terra formed other planets, the black liquid (that spawned the alien), why make it, what was its purpose etc
It just seemed for me a very quick and obvious jump to 'Alien' - I'll try and see Prometheus 2 over the weekend and see if these things have been addressed
In short, I am as fanboy as they come - and then some - so have always struggled with folk that go with the standard narrative that the first two are good (albeit for very different reasons) whilst anything post 1986 is awful. To be clear, I'm not actually saying this refers to you (afaik it doesn't) but I have heard this for so long - decades now - from both fans and non-fans alike, that I question my own judgement at times... then I watch the films again and know it ain't me so wonder what it is everybody else is missing
Nah, I like all of the series (I even like Resurrection), although I do prefer 1, 2 and 3 in that order. But Prometheus seemed like a cheesy clone of the sudden glut of 3D Sci-Fi flicks being pumped out 2009-2013, lacking atmosphere or plot consistency. I've adjusted to it now though it seems.
Shambles
Bluelight Crew
^ I must confess I haven't seen any 3-D film other than a scant handful on telly with red/green placcy glasses in the early 80s. I just can't afford to go to the cinema so trends in films tend to pass me by. To be honest, your characterisation just doesn't really ring true given the amount of time it took to get Prometheus to screen. If a slew of other sci-fi films helped to finally get it made then good on them and the shitty Hollywood system that rules the roost... Sort of. Would be great if good films were made simply for being good but we all know that simply is not the case so it seems kinda churlish to single out one film over others.
Ah! I see what you mean and kindasorta agree. I did feel there was a bit of a tease element to Prometheus cos we've been waiting for the whole "Space Jockey" backstory since first seeing our heroes enter the vag-ship, pass by the giant elephalien and get smacked in the face by the chestburster from the cunt egg several decades ago.
Much of this is possibly in background detail that probably isn't properly visible on-screen even with the most hi-def transfers though (murals on the wall that remain mysterious even when viewing actual Geiger prints) but this still doesn't excuse skipping over such details entirely. They do need to be addressed - kinda the whole point of these new Alien flicks, no? - but I for one would be massively disappointed if they just spieled out an explanation straight off.
Given the atmosphere of being given glimpses of multiple alien cultures that exist just fine entirely without human input that is inherent to the films I am personally greatly in favour of spooling it out piecemeal whilst making the individual films great - or at least pretty frikken good - in their own right as they've been doing since 1979.
Ah! I see what you mean and kindasorta agree. I did feel there was a bit of a tease element to Prometheus cos we've been waiting for the whole "Space Jockey" backstory since first seeing our heroes enter the vag-ship, pass by the giant elephalien and get smacked in the face by the chestburster from the cunt egg several decades ago.
Much of this is possibly in background detail that probably isn't properly visible on-screen even with the most hi-def transfers though (murals on the wall that remain mysterious even when viewing actual Geiger prints) but this still doesn't excuse skipping over such details entirely. They do need to be addressed - kinda the whole point of these new Alien flicks, no? - but I for one would be massively disappointed if they just spieled out an explanation straight off.
Given the atmosphere of being given glimpses of multiple alien cultures that exist just fine entirely without human input that is inherent to the films I am personally greatly in favour of spooling it out piecemeal whilst making the individual films great - or at least pretty frikken good - in their own right as they've been doing since 1979.
I think that was my problem with Prometheus to be honest, I was expecting it to a more about the Space Jockeys journey - maybe it will go down the 'Star War's' path - get to film 5 or 6 before bit more information being given about the origins of the Space Jockeys.
I watched one over the weekend that I quite enjoyed - (i'm getting back into the old style horrors)
Before I wake - A young couple adopt an orphaned child whose dreams - and nightmares - manifest physically as he sleeps.
It's worth adding to your viewing list!
Also watched 'Raw' - When a young vegetarian undergoes a carnivorous hazing ritual at vet school, an unbidden taste for meat begins to grow in her. The reviews on this spoil the movie and it's not as bad as 'gory' as some of the critics have stated but it's pretty dark and grim.
I watched one over the weekend that I quite enjoyed - (i'm getting back into the old style horrors)
Before I wake - A young couple adopt an orphaned child whose dreams - and nightmares - manifest physically as he sleeps.
It's worth adding to your viewing list!
Also watched 'Raw' - When a young vegetarian undergoes a carnivorous hazing ritual at vet school, an unbidden taste for meat begins to grow in her. The reviews on this spoil the movie and it's not as bad as 'gory' as some of the critics have stated but it's pretty dark and grim.
keeping
Bluelight Crew
wernr herzog - the heart of glass
its a crazy fucking film, all the actors in it have been hypnotized for real, the films not even about hypnosis. super bizarre.
its a crazy fucking film, all the actors in it have been hypnotized for real, the films not even about hypnosis. super bizarre.
Shambles
Bluelight Crew
All Werner Herzog films are worth viewing imo. I'd say that goes doubly so for his documentaries but am not even entirely sure they outstrip his cinematic work. I would pinky swear that each and every one is worth watching though all the same. Cos... Herzog. Innit.
keeping
Bluelight Crew
yes fam.
you seen one of his more recent ones on BBC iPLayer? its about volcanoes, the photography alone is stunning but it's also helped along by his great narrative style.
i think there's another on there of his about deathrow.
Shambles
Bluelight Crew
You mean...
Not seen it but got it cued up for future viewing. Got a load of his docs I've not gotten around to watching yet cued up for a time I can get to watch 'em. The Death Row thingamajig you mention could be either Into the Abyss or possibly On Death Row. The former being a feature-length documentary, with the latter being a TV series of documentaries. I must confess I missed both when they came out but are both also on my ToWatch list. I've got a ridiculously large stack of Things To Watch... my eyes wuz always bigger than my belly... and I haz quite the belly so... 8(
That aside, viewings tonight consisted of The LEGO Batman Movie (which consisted of at least two half-decent gags and a shitload of shite) followed by the significantly superior T2 Trainspotting (which I would rate as pretty much on par with the original but for very different reasons to the original which makes it kinda hard to make a direct comparison - tis a belter imo anyway).
Not seen it but got it cued up for future viewing. Got a load of his docs I've not gotten around to watching yet cued up for a time I can get to watch 'em. The Death Row thingamajig you mention could be either Into the Abyss or possibly On Death Row. The former being a feature-length documentary, with the latter being a TV series of documentaries. I must confess I missed both when they came out but are both also on my ToWatch list. I've got a ridiculously large stack of Things To Watch... my eyes wuz always bigger than my belly... and I haz quite the belly so... 8(
That aside, viewings tonight consisted of The LEGO Batman Movie (which consisted of at least two half-decent gags and a shitload of shite) followed by the significantly superior T2 Trainspotting (which I would rate as pretty much on par with the original but for very different reasons to the original which makes it kinda hard to make a direct comparison - tis a belter imo anyway).
steewith2ees
Bluelight Crew
'T2 Trainspotting'
As I wasn't actually in the position to catch it at the flix after all that (it's an independent effort so it only had a short release) I was pleased to see the BD was being released the day before my birthday so I bought a copy to watch on the, erm, 'big day'.
I was too lazy to mention it at the time so I'm having a final wake and bake to give it a 2nd go.
It is just an oversimplified version of 'Porno' at its heart and while it does just feel like the vignettes that were so masterfully edited together in the original it's still really funny in places, it's difference to 'Porno' still leaves things to be discovered plot wise and dramatically and its nice to see them finally back together.
As I wasn't actually in the position to catch it at the flix after all that (it's an independent effort so it only had a short release) I was pleased to see the BD was being released the day before my birthday so I bought a copy to watch on the, erm, 'big day'.
I was too lazy to mention it at the time so I'm having a final wake and bake to give it a 2nd go.
It is just an oversimplified version of 'Porno' at its heart and while it does just feel like the vignettes that were so masterfully edited together in the original it's still really funny in places, it's difference to 'Porno' still leaves things to be discovered plot wise and dramatically and its nice to see them finally back together.
Shambles
Bluelight Crew
^ I really enjoyed T2. I must admit I've not yet gotten around to reading Porno - remains on my ToRead list... along with a gazillion other books
In other fillum news, I'd had this queued up for a while, then Bear recommended it which boosted it up the list, then I was away from civilisation for a while, then I finally got around to seeing The Autopsy of Jane Doe. Which I thought to be a pretty decent indy horror. Started off excellently before trailing off a little in the latter half, but an interesting concept, still a pretty good film and worth a watch if you like such things.
In other fillum news, I'd had this queued up for a while, then Bear recommended it which boosted it up the list, then I was away from civilisation for a while, then I finally got around to seeing The Autopsy of Jane Doe. Which I thought to be a pretty decent indy horror. Started off excellently before trailing off a little in the latter half, but an interesting concept, still a pretty good film and worth a watch if you like such things.
steewith2ees
Bluelight Crew
Being a fan of the 'X-Men' series (My inner nerd compelled me to own all of them on BD, even the shit ones like XMOWoverine, which is still good fun just to see the mutants do there thing) I was disappointed to have missed 'Logan' at the cinema.
When it comes to actors 'owning' a superhero's portrayal, it is easy to see how hard it is to separate Christopher Reeve and Superman,although, depdning on your amassment of the 2006 and 2013 films, the role has been played well by two younger actors.
But this guy first played the role of The Wolverine' in 'X-Men' (2000) and has appeared in every film with the exception of Deadpool. But for the character who is unlikely to die, when it was announced that he would reprise the role for the final time in 'Logan' (his character was rightly not used in the final Brian Singer mainstream film which was always supposed to be about other things, although there is always that special scene...) I was confident that Jackman and director James Mangold (who did a fine job on 'The Wolverine' despite being 3rd choice of director after the first 2 dropped out in pre - production, a likeable if not lovable film) must have come up with a story worth telling, one which, with no certainty, I knew could only end one way in order to make sense dramatically
X-Men director Singer cast Dougray Scott to play 'The Wolverine', but after a month and a half of principle photography the actor was still not available due to Mission Impossible 2 running wildly over schedule. So, needing to solve the problem immediately, Singer was introduced to the perfect stage performer, a cosumate singer, actor and dancer who stepped into the role overnight. As a lanky nimble number, he threw himself into training in order to get the characters physique, the scenes with his top off were shot last after he had been beefing up during the rest of the shoot. I love this guy in all he does (check out 'The Prestige') but after appearing in all 9 films over the 17 year history of this franchise, the late great Chris Reeve finally is in good company. I'm so glad he put so much of his career into this irresistibly likeable character and hope that no one attempts to try and adapt this role for 20 years. Logan is a perfect send off to the best character of the 9 films. Well played Hugh and thankyou.
When it comes to actors 'owning' a superhero's portrayal, it is easy to see how hard it is to separate Christopher Reeve and Superman,although, depdning on your amassment of the 2006 and 2013 films, the role has been played well by two younger actors.
But this guy first played the role of The Wolverine' in 'X-Men' (2000) and has appeared in every film with the exception of Deadpool. But for the character who is unlikely to die, when it was announced that he would reprise the role for the final time in 'Logan' (his character was rightly not used in the final Brian Singer mainstream film which was always supposed to be about other things, although there is always that special scene...) I was confident that Jackman and director James Mangold (who did a fine job on 'The Wolverine' despite being 3rd choice of director after the first 2 dropped out in pre - production, a likeable if not lovable film) must have come up with a story worth telling, one which, with no certainty, I knew could only end one way in order to make sense dramatically
X-Men director Singer cast Dougray Scott to play 'The Wolverine', but after a month and a half of principle photography the actor was still not available due to Mission Impossible 2 running wildly over schedule. So, needing to solve the problem immediately, Singer was introduced to the perfect stage performer, a cosumate singer, actor and dancer who stepped into the role overnight. As a lanky nimble number, he threw himself into training in order to get the characters physique, the scenes with his top off were shot last after he had been beefing up during the rest of the shoot. I love this guy in all he does (check out 'The Prestige') but after appearing in all 9 films over the 17 year history of this franchise, the late great Chris Reeve finally is in good company. I'm so glad he put so much of his career into this irresistibly likeable character and hope that no one attempts to try and adapt this role for 20 years. Logan is a perfect send off to the best character of the 9 films. Well played Hugh and thankyou.
Shambles
Bluelight Crew
Most recent fillums wuz...
Carnage Park - I'm gonna guess this was a first time director trying to mashup Tarantino and a selection of survival horror flicks. Personally I thought he did a decent enough job... but a quick look at the IMDB score suggests others mostly think differently. I would still maintain that they iz wrong. Not totally wide of the mark but definitely still wrong. Certainly watchable and with some interesting stylistic touches. Recommended if you already appreciate such things.
Book of Blood - Based on the Clive Barker debut anthologies of similar name, this is a cinematic version of... at least one of the stories of the dozens within said books... Yeah, I'm not entirely sure why they obfuscated as much other than to try to hoodwink a folk or two. That aside, it ain't half bad imo. Kinda slow in the first half but picks up reasonably in the second. Fairly interesting take on the oldskool ghost story - and, again, better than it's score suggests. Imo and all that...
Carnage Park - I'm gonna guess this was a first time director trying to mashup Tarantino and a selection of survival horror flicks. Personally I thought he did a decent enough job... but a quick look at the IMDB score suggests others mostly think differently. I would still maintain that they iz wrong. Not totally wide of the mark but definitely still wrong. Certainly watchable and with some interesting stylistic touches. Recommended if you already appreciate such things.
Book of Blood - Based on the Clive Barker debut anthologies of similar name, this is a cinematic version of... at least one of the stories of the dozens within said books... Yeah, I'm not entirely sure why they obfuscated as much other than to try to hoodwink a folk or two. That aside, it ain't half bad imo. Kinda slow in the first half but picks up reasonably in the second. Fairly interesting take on the oldskool ghost story - and, again, better than it's score suggests. Imo and all that...
Urban hymn
Not brilliant but worth a watch when you don't have anything else better.
Not brilliant but worth a watch when you don't have anything else better.
Shambles
Bluelight Crew
Recent film viewings have included...
Gold - Heard nothing but Bad about this one and was thus very pleasantly surprised. Admittedly McConaughey's performance chews down half the jungle that large parts of the film are set in, but focussing on that to the extent you skipped the film entirely would be missing out on a mini-gem imo. Yes the addiction of choice is bog-standard alcomahol here as opposed to the 'luudes, coke and such offered by similar films. Again, that would be nose/face territory cos this was a damn fine film imo.
The Monster - Superficially generic "Wimminz in Perilz in the Stix" fillum that isn't any of those things... Except for a few that are. Still a cut above most of this ilk though so will be recommending it on that basis.
Realive - Must admit my memory of this one is kinda hazy. Putting it together with prompts from IMDB suggest I mostly liked this but had some quibbles. Make of that what you will. The little I do recall involves pretty indepth concepts for Hollywood sci-fi so my overall impression was positive despite a few obvious fails.
And finally, The Number 23, which, again, hasn't exulted in massive memorability but, it has to be noted, nor does anything beyond basic existence (and only then due to repetition) in my world. As I recall, it was better than expected with some pleasing stylistic twists. I, personally, loathe Jim Carrey, but his bullshittery is both kept to a minimum and, plotwise, maximised here so is fine by me.
Gold - Heard nothing but Bad about this one and was thus very pleasantly surprised. Admittedly McConaughey's performance chews down half the jungle that large parts of the film are set in, but focussing on that to the extent you skipped the film entirely would be missing out on a mini-gem imo. Yes the addiction of choice is bog-standard alcomahol here as opposed to the 'luudes, coke and such offered by similar films. Again, that would be nose/face territory cos this was a damn fine film imo.
The Monster - Superficially generic "Wimminz in Perilz in the Stix" fillum that isn't any of those things... Except for a few that are. Still a cut above most of this ilk though so will be recommending it on that basis.
Realive - Must admit my memory of this one is kinda hazy. Putting it together with prompts from IMDB suggest I mostly liked this but had some quibbles. Make of that what you will. The little I do recall involves pretty indepth concepts for Hollywood sci-fi so my overall impression was positive despite a few obvious fails.
And finally, The Number 23, which, again, hasn't exulted in massive memorability but, it has to be noted, nor does anything beyond basic existence (and only then due to repetition) in my world. As I recall, it was better than expected with some pleasing stylistic twists. I, personally, loathe Jim Carrey, but his bullshittery is both kept to a minimum and, plotwise, maximised here so is fine by me.