hot takes

1). Drafted movies that I do not care for:

-No Country for Old Men
-Inherent Vice
-Lost in Translation

2). Zodiac is way overrated. I might enjoy it more if I watch it again, but I'm not in a hurry to with so many things I've not seen

3). I didn't enjoy Punch Drunk Love that much. It kinda bored me. I'm much more likely to rewatch this one though.

edit: confused No Country for Old Men with [UNDRAFTED]. I reckon undrafted will be drafted soon.

zodiac is in no way shape or form over rated.
I gave serious consideration to taking it #1 (then again I gave serious consideration to taking all 473 films on my top 10 list #1) and had it not been released in the single greatest year of film ever it would have been a runaway best picture winner.

it's absolute perfection.

For my third song; I pick






Oops!



Hold on, I got this all wrong……………. Sorry……………….Hang on, adjustments are being made -

Ok; the proper levers have been engaged and the switches are now all in the upright position and the wheels within wheels are all spinning in the right direction and we have arrived at the correct destination.

Ignore the above song; engaging posting restart/reboot:

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$








For my third pick in this insalubrious film draft, I slap the side of your head with:

In Bruges (2008) written and directed by Martin McDonagh. This wholesome family feature film stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two Irish hitmen in hiding, with Ralph Fiennes as their enraged boss. Some midgets also have a part in the story. Priests, cathedrals and canals also have parts to play. The film is set and was filmed in Bruges, Belgium - An authentic European ****hole. Like much of Europe.

This is a movie about principles – some people have them, most don’t. Along the bloody plot line we discover why - And also why In Burges has the best ending for a film in this century. And it is a Bloody Fun Film.


NSFW, either of the following really, but especially the second clip

My film picks so far:

The Dark Knight
No Country for Old Men
In Burges



Diabolical PM'ed

Nice post, John Cole. I'm with you on this. And the movie resonated with me for some reason I've never been able to properly articulate.

Without naming names there have been a few of movies taken so far that I didn't particularly care for and a few I haven't seen and a few I quit watching . But I guess that's why they make vanilla and chocolate. My tastes tend to go more for mainstream entertainment although I like to find those less heralded hidden gems. I am more of an "old" movie guy and less interested in newer releases.

Lost in Translation; you don't know - and that is the point. Nice pick, John.

This film was definitely on my radar for a pick. I don't have a list. Lists are boring.

Great write up, John. Lost In Translation is one of those perfect films that just works....and I don't know why.

In Bruges is so good. I forgot about it, but it would've been on my list if I hadn't.

godamn I didn't expect to get sniped on this so early.
but gotta say I'm pretty proud of myself didn't think I would ever get sniped by such high brow intellectuals as zeno or john cole.

such an amazing film.

McDonough is such a fantastic filmmaker and gleeson is an absolute treasure.
and I was actually blown away by colin's acting chops.

the scene with the coke party n racist midget is an all time great scene.

I'll take Black Hawk Down. Writeup later.

+1 to In Bruges. Was gonna take that one myself.

RBK, I am definitely not highbrow. You'll see. (I showed Certified Copy to my community college film class, and the students loved it.) I am convinced we all would like a lot more than we think we would, but we don't always give some things a chance.

Zeno, on the other hand, ...well, he might be.

Round 3
Almost Famous (2000)
Cameron Crowe



My first non-true story although it is semi-autobiographical of Crowes experience as a young writer for The Rolling Stone. Great story and great music, about a high school kid who gets a chance to go on the road and cover an up and coming rock and roll band for Rolling Stone. Lots of funny moments and a look at the rock and roll life style.

Great ensemble cast with plenty of great performances. One of my favorites is the ranting of Philip Seymour Hoffman as Lester Bangs. But everyone in this movie is rock solid. Just a fun watch and easy rewatch and one I will want to watch again. When I went and saw this in the theater it was very strange because I was the only person in the theater than night. I have been in emptyish theaters before but never had one where there was no one else. My experience aside it was a commercial success.

so far:
United 93
Catch Me if You Can
Almost Famous

Round 4
Seabiscuit (2003)
Gary Ross



This is just a great story and once again a true one. As you can probably tell by now I prefer story over style but this is pretty stylish too. Great cast headed up by Jeff Bridges as the owner, Chris Cooper as the trainer and Tobey Maguire as the jockey.

Seabiscuit is probably the most famous racehorse ever although [undrafted] could also be considered. But Seabiscuit is a true underdog story. Undersized and temperamental nobody ever thought this horse could win. Of course if it couldn't we wouldn't have this extremely entertaining movie and story. Just another well done movie that is a joy to watch.

so far:

United 93
Catch Me if You Can
Almost Famous
Seabicuit

poor choice of words on my part wasn't meant as an insult.

fantastic pick.
one of greatest war films ever made.

incredibly faithful adaptation as well and very true to the real events.

Round 4: Mystic River

Writeup later.

Phar Lap > Seabiscuit

Seabiscuit is a great, old-fashioned movie. BHD is the greatest war movie ever made, after Kubrick's two.

Zeno on the clock!

Mystic River is a great movie but it is the type of movie I don't really want to watch again although I was glad to have seen it.

I know. I didn't consider it an insult.

Dennis Lehane has to be the all time GOAT when it comes to novel adaptations.

every movie based off his writing is excellent.

For my fourth pick, I choose Pan's Labyrinth.

Write up to follow: very busy tonight and tomorrow.

Xander PM'ed