Zulu is an example of how to make a great war movie without demonising the other side, to the benefit of the movie.

Caine in his autobiography talks extensively about this movie, and how the original battle movements etc are part of the oral tradition of the Zulus, and how they used this information in making the film. And he said when the Zulus came to the film site (as extras), they sang as they approached, and it made the hairs on the back on his neck stand up because it was so awe-inspiring. It's an excellent section in an excellent book.


Of course, in British military history, Rourke's Drift is held up as a landmark of British courage (kind of the British version of the 300 spartans), and was played up because it came hot on the heels of the Isandlwhala massacre (1200 British troops killed by many thousands of Zulus). It was used to stir patriotism at home after the other massacre/loss, and secondarily to assert the indomitability and soldierly professionalism of the British Expeditionary Force to those overseas, but still, 140 men holding off 4000 is still admirable.


Even more courageous in my book is a lesser-known event in British military history called 'The Birkenhead Drill' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Birkenhead_(1845))) where a ship hit rocks, and there were not enough lifeboats to rescue all, so the women and children were put in first, followed by the youngest unmarried men (IIRR), whilst the other soldiers stood to attention under orders as the ship sank (so as not to cause panic and allow the women and chlidren to escape as the lifeboats were let loose). The women told stories of watching them all standing still as it sank. One young soldier famously gave up his place to a fellow soldier (who had children on the lifeboat, I think). This started the British protocol of 'Women and Children first' on sinking ships from that point.

Avatar: Finished watching this (while awake this time). I avoided seeing "Titanic" for probably 10 years just because I didn't want to conform, but decided I wouldn't be so hard-headed about this mega-successful film. I thought it was really good and well done, can't wait for the 2nd installation.

Sherlock Holmes(2009): I have been a fan of Guy Ritchie for a long time now and didn't realize he had directed this (I don't go to the movie theatre, haven't in a really long time. I much prefer to wait until I hear a movie is really good and then purchase it. Because of this, I rarely pay attention to movie trailers and subsequently who are the actors/directors/producers involved in newer movies, hence my living in a bubble regarding this film.) Another excellent film, I was curious as to how Ritchies style would shine through in a period piece, but was pleasantly surprised at how clearly it did. I certainly would recommend this to others and will watch again soon.

Inglourious Basterds: Have always been a big fan of Q: I really liked all of his films (aside from Jackie Brown, which I didn't think was that great), and this was easily one of the best. I was really impressed with the acting and great screenplay. I also was curious how Tarantino would handle a period piece and he did not disappoint. Really loved this movie and can't wait to watch again.

Okay ladies and gents, I am about to take a big step towards manhood and watch Cool Hand Luke for the first time.

WTF? This is the first time?

Well, I'm glad you've finally committed to heterosexuality. I'm not sure that a sweaty prison movie is the most direct path there, but ... well, baby steps, right?

LOL you kill me hahahahahahaha

I know, I know. People have been harassing me my whole life for never having seen it.

Aw RIP Dennis Hopper, immediately recognizable in this so far interesting film.

did you and your friends find a body or something?

Splice



The first 3/4 of this is a really well done tense thriller with some interesting character development. Natal spends the time for a slow build which really works well. However, it is all for nothing as the final 1/4 is absolutely terrible, unbelievable and laugh-out-loud silly.

Grade: first 3/4 A-; last 1/4 D


Bonus rant: The film contains one of my many biggest pet peeves. During the sex scene the instant intercourse begins the woman is screaming and moaning like crazy. The only conclusions one can draw are A) the writers have never had sex with a real woman and B) they get their idea of sex completely from porn.

Sounds like Splice can continue to test my claim that I am much more of a "journey" person than an "ending" person when it comes to books and movies.

I need to go see it now!

Extraordinary Measures - surprisingly really good, brenden fraser and harrison ford work together well. the movie is about a father who quits his job to find a cure for two of his children's disease, and it gets pretty into the nitty gritty of the research/development process while simultaneously giving us a compelling personal story. 8/10

Don't sweat it. Sometimes nothing is a really cool hand.

I wish I could go back in time and watch Cool Hand Luke for the first time.

I assume you've seen The Hustler?

Nope...

Aw man. It's over. I just finished it. It's not every day a film lives up to the hype. This was incredible.

Awesome, huh?

I was about to mention a scene or two at which to marvel, but then I realized that every single scene is marvelous, so what's the point?

While a very different sort of movie, The Hustler ought to live up to the hype as well. Obviously, Newman is beyond fantastic, but when you pile on amazing performances by George C. Scott, Piper Laurie and Jackie Gleason (zomg holy crap wowowowow...every single exchange between Fats and Eddie is incredible, i.e. "Shoot pool, Fast Eddie." "I'm shooting pool, Fats. When I miss, you can shoot."), you will not be disappointed.

I'd go and watch it right now, but I have the small matter of my wedding rehearsal and a drove of family and friends in town, so, well...

Screw it. I'm watching it. I'll say I have a stomach ache.