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johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies Chosen By Johanlefourbe list
Notes: I have to admit that I still have to check most of Robert Altmanâs older movies but from all the movies I have seen directed by this master so far, it remains by far my favourite one. It seems to be a little bit forgotten nowadays but I think itâs a shame because it is actually quite a spellbinding thriller. Eventually, since it was a big critical success at the time, it launched a new successful phase for this director, a phase which lasted until the end of his career. To be honest, after re-watching the damned thing, even if I still liked it, I have to admit that I was slightly less impressed than 20 years ago. I mean, the story was still terribly entertaining, I loved the directing but, eventually, I had a hard time to care about the characters this time around. I mean, the characters were entertaining enough but, eventually, not really interesting after all and actually barely defined. The best example would be June Gudmundsdottir, played by the lovely Greta Scacchi. Indeed, why would this intriguing woman would fall for such a weasel? Eventually, in my opinion, her behaviour seemed to be more plot-driven than actually really organic. Anyway, even if it was maybe not flawless, I still think it is underrated gem.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies ... my own version (1980's) list
Notes: Honestly, I thought this movie was pretty good but I didn't expect it to be so intense. Indeed, it is easily the best movie dealing with children that I have ever seen. It is widely known that to make a movie with children is one of the most difficult things for multiple reasons and most of the features dealing with this subject are either phony or terribly condescending. Not this flick though. Indeed, for once, Stephen King dropped his horror shenanigans and instead wrote a simple but really efficient and completely heartfelt youth story and Rob Reiner created one of the best adaptations of a King book. Man, Reiner was really on fire back in those days... All his movies back in the 80's were critical and financial success and most of them some bonafide classics. It is such a shame that afterwards, it all went downhill with him and his work nowadays is terribly underwhelming. Of course, I shouldn't forget to mention the terrific cast (Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cusack), especially those 4 kids were just downright amazing, giving some of the best children performances you'll ever see. The whole melancholy and sadness generated by this movie was even more grabbing when you think that the great River Phoenix would die only 7 years later.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies Chosen By Johanlefourbe list
Notes: Honestly, I thought this movie was pretty good but I didn't expect it to be so intense. Indeed, it is easily the best movie dealing with children that I have ever seen. It is widely known that to make a movie with children is one of the most difficult things for multiple reasons and most of the features dealing with this subject are either phony or terribly condescending. Not this flick though. Indeed, for once, Stephen King dropped his horror shenanigans and instead wrote a simple but really efficient and completely heartfelt youth story and Rob Reiner created one of the best adaptations of a King book. Man, Reiner was really on fire back in those days... All his movies back in the 80's were critical and financial success and most of them some bonafide classics. It is such a shame that afterwards, it all went downhill with him and his work nowadays is terribly underwhelming. Of course, I shouldn't forget to mention the terrific cast (Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cusack), especially those 4 kids were just downright amazing, giving some of the best children performances you'll ever see. The whole melancholy and sadness generated by this movie was even more grabbing when you think that the great River Phoenix would die only 7 years later.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies ... my own version (2010's) list
Notes: After years being involved in some massive flops, Ryan Reynolds has finally managed to get a box-office hit. This movie was quite a labor of love for him as he had been trying to get it made for more than 5 years. Anyway, it was definitely worth the wait, that's for sure. Indeed, in this age, when we are getting closer and closer towards a major super-hero overdose, this movie was actually what this genre needed. Basically, the makers rejected both the dark and gloominess delivered by DC and the brainless popcorn entertainment produced by Marvel and they went for something really different delivering one of the most messed-up and entertaining super-hero features out there. Sure, there was indeed an origin story, also a rather generic romance and even some pretty badass action scenes, but, at the end of the day, they hardly cared about the plot, neither was I, and instead, they focused on the hilarious jokes and oneliners delivered by the Merc with a Mouth which was a great move.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe posted a review of The Two Faces of January
“To be honest, I wasnât really sure what to expect from this flick but since there was a decent cast involved, I thought I might as well check it out. Well, first of all, even though the title did sound pretty cool, even after watching the damned thing, I still have no idea what it actually meant. ” read more
4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies Chosen By Johanlefourbe list
Notes: After years being involved in some massive flops, Ryan Reynolds has finally managed to get a box-office hit. This movie was quite a labor of love for him as he had been trying to get it made for more than 5 years. Anyway, it was definitely worth the wait, that's for sure. Indeed, in this age, when we are getting closer and closer towards a major super-hero overdose, this movie was actually what this genre needed. Basically, the makers rejected both the dark and gloominess delivered by DC and the brainless popcorn entertainment produced by Marvel and they went for something really different delivering one of the most messed-up and entertaining super-hero features out there. Sure, there was indeed an origin story, also a rather generic romance and even some pretty badass action scenes, but, at the end of the day, they hardly cared about the plot, neither was I, and instead, they focused on the hilarious jokes and oneliners delivered by the Merc with a Mouth which was a great move.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies ... my own version (1960's) list
Notes: In fact, it had been a while since I saw a movie directed by Sydney Pollack but this one really blew me way and it is definitely one of his best efforts. I mean, I knew beforehand that it was dealing with a dance marathon but I thought those events lasted about 2 or 3 days but, in fact, apparently, those marathons lasted weeks, even months! As a result, you see the contestants undergoing some kind of physical and mental meltdown and it was seriously quite distressing to watch this amount of human dispair. Furthermore, even though the ending was a little bit predictable, I thought they would find a way to revert the course of those events somehow but, no, they just went all the way which was quite courageous. Eventually, this movie was pretty depressing but it wasn't a bad thing since the story and the characters were really compelling. Pretty much like Pollack, it had been a while since I saw something with Jane Fonda. Back then, she was a terrific actress, she gave here one of the best performances and I definitely must watch more movies with her. Eventually, even though the whole thing is terribly grim and gloomy, I thought it was quite spellbinding to watch.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies ... my own version (1990's) list
Notes: I have been following their career for about 25 years now and it is above all thanks to this flick that the Coen brothers became pretty huge. I mean, before that they had a solid cult following (my older sister, for example, introduce me to their work even before this movie was released) but it is only after this feature came out that their popularity grew up exponentially. Indeed, it became basically their first classic movie and many think it should have won the best picture award back then (It lost eventually against 'The English Patient'). Personally, I have a strange relationship with this movie (In fact, I have actually the same feeling with almost all the movies made by the Coen brothers...). The first time I watched it, I thought it was great, the second time, I thought it was just Ok, the third time, it was great again, the fourth time, just ok again.... It's rather weird, isn't it ? I guess it all depends on my mood. Still, there was a great cast involved (William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, Frances McDormand), they all delivered some terrific performances and, if you are in the right mood, the whole thing is just funny as hell.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies Chosen By Johanlefourbe list
Notes: In fact, it had been a while since I saw a movie directed by Sydney Pollack but this one really blew me way and it is definitely one of his best efforts. I mean, I knew beforehand that it was dealing with a dance marathon but I thought those events lasted about 2 or 3 days but, in fact, apparently, those marathons lasted weeks, even months! As a result, you see the contestants undergoing some kind of physical and mental meltdown and it was seriously quite distressing to watch this amount of human dispair. Furthermore, even though the ending was a little bit predictable, I thought they would find a way to revert the course of those events somehow but, no, they just went all the way which was quite courageous. Eventually, this movie was pretty depressing but it wasn't a bad thing since the story and the characters were really compelling. Pretty much like Pollack, it had been a while since I saw something with Jane Fonda. Back then, she was a terrific actress, she gave here one of the best performances and I definitely must watch more movies with her. Eventually, even though the whole thing is terribly grim and gloomy, I thought it was quite spellbinding to watch.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies ... my own version (2010's) list
Notes: After seven long years, Alfonso Cuaron finally came up with a new directing effort and, boy, it was definitely worth the wait. I got in a traffic jam (the Dutch national football team was playing the same evening at the stadium next door⌠Talking about a great timingâŚ) in the pouring rain but I still managed to get a ticket in IMAX 3D way in the back but still a decent sit. It was totally worth it though. Indeed, what a spectacle! Eventually, it was easily one of the best movies I have seen in 2013 and, from a visual point of view, it was really impressive. Nowadays, almost all the blockbusters are released in 3D but it is actually a worthless gimmick used just to make you purchase an even more expensive ticket. Not here though. With âAvatarâ, it must be one of the very few movies which properly used the 3D and it looked really terrific. Concerning the actors, I was rather surprised that they picked up Sandra Bullock but she did a great job, providing easily the best performance of her career. George Clooney had slightly less screen time but he gave a solid performance as usual. The only issue is that when you analyze everything that happens to the main character, it is actually pretty far-fetched but it was still a thrilling story in outer space.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies Chosen By Johanlefourbe list
Notes: I have been following their career for about 25 years now and it is above all thanks to this flick that the Coen brothers became pretty huge. I mean, before that they had a solid cult following (my older sister, for example, introduce me to their work even before this movie was released) but it is only after this feature came out that their popularity grew up exponentially. Indeed, it became basically their first classic movie and many think it should have won the best picture award back then (It lost eventually against 'The English Patient'). Personally, I have a strange relationship with this movie (In fact, I have actually the same feeling with almost all the movies made by the Coen brothers...). The first time I watched it, I thought it was great, the second time, I thought it was just Ok, the third time, it was great again, the fourth time, just ok again.... It's rather weird, isn't it ? I guess it all depends on my mood. Still, there was a great cast involved (William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare, Frances McDormand), they all delivered some terrific performances and, if you are in the right mood, the whole thing is just funny as hell.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe posted a review of News of the World
“I wasnât really sure what to expect from this flick but since I always had a weak spot for Paul Greengrassâs work and since this movie had been rather well received, I was quite eager to check it out. Well, to be honest, I took me a while to get into this movie and I guess it mostly had to with ” read more
4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies Chosen By Johanlefourbe list
Notes: After seven long years, Alfonso Cuaron finally came up with a new directing effort and, boy, it was definitely worth the wait. I got in a traffic jam (the Dutch national football team was playing the same evening at the stadium next door⌠Talking about a great timingâŚ) in the pouring rain but I still managed to get a ticket in IMAX 3D way in the back but still a decent sit. It was totally worth it though. Indeed, what a spectacle! Eventually, it was easily one of the best movies I have seen in 2013 and, from a visual point of view, it was really impressive. Nowadays, almost all the blockbusters are released in 3D but it is actually a worthless gimmick used just to make you purchase an even more expensive ticket. Not here though. With âAvatarâ, it must be one of the very few movies which properly used the 3D and it looked really terrific. Concerning the actors, I was rather surprised that they picked up Sandra Bullock but she did a great job, providing easily the best performance of her career. George Clooney had slightly less screen time but he gave a solid performance as usual. The only issue is that when you analyze everything that happens to the main character, it is actually pretty far-fetched but it was still a thrilling story in outer space.4 years, 2 months ago
Most anticipated films of 2021johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies ... my own version (1940's) list
Notes: Before watching the damned thing, I have to admit it, I was a little bit skeptical at first. Indeed, I had seen a couple of movies directed by Frank Capra such as âIt Happened One Nightâ and âMr. Deeds Goes to Townâ and, to be honest, even though I did like those movies, I canât say I was really blown away by them. Indeed, I have noticed that some classics donât really age that well, at least, thatâs my opinion and sometimes I have a hard time to connect with them. However, this movie was definitely an exception. Indeed, even though Iâm just an old cynical bastard and there is no way something so cheesy should have worked with him, I was actually touched by the whole thing. Eventually, it must be the greatest classic directed by Frank Capra and even though I'm not a huge fan of his work, I have to recognize that this movie is a great achievement.4 years, 2 months ago
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4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies Chosen By Johanlefourbe list
Notes: Before watching the damned thing, I have to admit it, I was a little bit skeptical at first. Indeed, I had seen a couple of movies directed by Frank Capra such as âIt Happened One Nightâ and âMr. Deeds Goes to Townâ and, to be honest, even though I did like those movies, I canât say I was really blown away by them. Indeed, I have noticed that some classics donât really age that well, at least, thatâs my opinion and sometimes I have a hard time to connect with them. However, this movie was definitely an exception. Indeed, even though Iâm just an old cynical bastard and there is no way something so cheesy should have worked with him, I was actually touched by the whole thing. Eventually, it must be the greatest classic directed by Frank Capra and even though I'm not a huge fan of his work, I have to recognize that this movie is a great achievement.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies ... my own version (1950's) list
Notes: Since this movie has a very good reputation, I was really eager to check it out. Eventually, I wasn't disappointed. To be honest, I was a little bit worried at first because there were too many jokes for my taste but I was soon won over by Charles Laughton's marvelous performance. Indeed, I kept hearing so many great things about this thespian but, after watching this flick, I'm convinced the guy really deserved this impressive reputation. Indeed, even though Marleen Dietrich had maybe the more showy part, I think he was actually the one caring the whole thing with possibly the best performance of a lawyer I have ever seen. Indeed, not only this character was funny, smart and witty but I really had the feeling I was watching a great lawyer and not a fictional character. Concerning the story, it was quite fascinating and really entertaining but, in my opinion, the ending prevented the whole thing from being really great. Sure, it is now considered as one of the greatest twists but, in my opinion, it was actually rather far-fetched and didn't really match the rest of the movie which was quite realistic. Still, it remains one of the best courtroom dramas ever conceived.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe posted a review of Far from the Madding Crowd
“I wasnât really sure what to expect from this flick but since I always had a weak spot for Thomas Vinterberg's work and since there was a really nice cast involved, I was quite eager to check it out. I have to admit that I haven't read Thomas Hardy's classic book but I did see an older adaptation ” read more
4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies Chosen By Johanlefourbe list
Notes: Since this movie has a very good reputation, I was really eager to check it out. Eventually, I wasn't disappointed. To be honest, I was a little bit worried at first because there were too many jokes for my taste but I was soon won over by Charles Laughton's marvelous performance. Indeed, I kept hearing so many great things about this thespian but, after watching this flick, I'm convinced the guy really deserved this impressive reputation. Indeed, even though Marleen Dietrich had maybe the more showy part, I think he was actually the one caring the whole thing with possibly the best performance of a lawyer I have ever seen. Indeed, not only this character was funny, smart and witty but I really had the feeling I was watching a great lawyer and not a fictional character. Concerning the story, it was quite fascinating and really entertaining but, in my opinion, the ending prevented the whole thing from being really great. Sure, it is now considered as one of the greatest twists but, in my opinion, it was actually rather far-fetched and didn't really match the rest of the movie which was quite realistic. Still, it remains one of the best courtroom dramas ever conceived.4 years, 2 months ago
johanlefourbe added 1 item to 1001 Movies ... my own version (2000's) list
Notes: Gus van Sant is a very good director and I always had a weak spot for his work but, to be honest, not all his movies have been completely successful (As a matter of fact, âGood Will Huntingâ, his biggest success at the box-office, is actually rather overrated in my opinion). Fortunately, this movie really didnât disappoint me. Indeed, basically, it is quite a shocking story told in a very particular way and you might find this approach rather unappealing but I thought it was in fact actually quite fascinating. I'm pretty sure that many viewers would find this movie frustrating because, while watching this, you have so many questions coming up in your mind but, eventually, no real answer at all is provided by this movie. Personally, I really loved the fact that you had to think about the movie and the events themselves on your own to find yourself the answers. I have to admit it though, the whole thing is terribly cold and distant (a little bit like Michael Hanekeâs work as a matter of fact) so it is an acquired taste.4 years, 2 months ago