# Movies you've seen recently (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [September 29, 2014, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906 "2014-09-29T21:53:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 421
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2024, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8420 "2024-01-16T17:10:56Z")
Nope. It’s hot garbage. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2024, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8421 "2024-01-16T22:02:50Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > At least one poster said he stopped watching it halfway thru- which means his hatred is not authentic. > > The film is two hours and does get off to a slow start. Sure it does, but that’s the humor here for the rest of us. “God, Titanic was terrible.” “I thought the sinking was pretty cool, though.” “No idea what you’re talking about, turned it off after 30 min. What a boring film.” ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2024, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8422 "2024-01-16T22:22:24Z")
> [@Sitnam](#): > > “God, Titanic was terrible.” > “I thought the sinking was pretty cool, though.” > “No idea what you’re talking about, turned it off after 30 min. What a boring film.” snort. 😀 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8423 "2024-01-17T02:33:46Z")
**Dream Scenario** Recommended. Nicolas Cage plays a professor who begins appearing in everyone’s dreams…for no known reason. People begin recognizing him from their dreams so much, he goes viral and becomes well known, like any internet celebrity. This becomes problematic when people’s dreams of him become violent. It’s a good movie, but not quite great. Cage is terrific and the movie held my attention, but while I see Ari Aster produced it, it fell short of what it could have been if Ari Aster directed it. Still worth checking out, though. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8424 "2024-01-17T02:54:37Z")
I just watched _The Dreams in Gary’s Basement,_ a biopic about Gary Gygax. Quite good if you are into FRPGs/Dungeons & dragons. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8425 "2024-01-17T03:29:38Z")
_ **June** _, a documentary about June Carter Cash on Paramount Plus. It’s a well-told story of an extraordinary life. I found it fascinating and moving. I don’t know if much new ground was uncovered here, but I learned a few things I didn’t know before, and I imagine most people will. Even if you don’t, it’s a good watch. ---
**Author:** ![Baal\_Houtham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baal_houtham/32/13604_2.png) [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8426 "2024-01-17T14:32:57Z")
> [@JohnnyEcks](#): > > Not quite a movie, (but almost a movie) I watched “The wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” on Netflix. I remember enjoying the story as a kid, and this is some peak Wes Anderson that really leans into the whimsy. The nested stories, the fourth wall breaking scene and costume changes, and the way the actors recite the story instead of simply acting out their parts was quite entertaining. I recommend it. > > Unless you dislike Wes Anderson or Roald Dahl. Enjoyable (I like most of Anderson and Dahl). Just 43 minutes long. Stars Cumberbatch, Fiennes, Ben Kingsley. Uses a lot of theatrical special effects — multi-level painted flats, often moving. The film tells the story so effectively that I feel no need to actually read Dahl’s original. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8427 "2024-01-17T15:07:51Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I just watched _The Dreams in Gary’s Basement,_ a biopic about Gary Gygax. > > Quite good if you are into FRPGs/Dungeons & dragons. I would check this out. How did you watch it? The film is not even listed on Rotten Tomatoes. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8428 "2024-01-17T18:49:34Z")
> [@Sitnam](#): > > I would check this out. How did you watch it? The film is not even listed on Rotten Tomatoes. Here is its Letterboxd. Justwatch has no streaming sites for it. > **[The Dreams in Gary's Basement (2023)](https://letterboxd.com/film/the-dreams-in-garys-basement/)** > > Gary Gygax is a down-on-his luck shoe repairman, but when he pursues his passion for fantasy games, it takes him on a real-life adventure. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8429 "2024-01-17T18:55:14Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > We watched **Annie,** the 1982 musical with Carol Burnett and Tim Curry. > > …FDR is in it, for some reason. I guess we owe the New Deal to an orphan… FDR was in the stage version (a friend of mine played him in a local production), so it’s not surprising he’d show up in the movie, too. > [@Sitnam](#): > > > [@DrDeth](#): > > > > At least one poster said he stopped watching it halfway thru- which means his hatred is not authentic. > > > > The film is two hours and does get off to a slow start. > > Sure it does, but that’s the humor here for the rest of us. > > “God, Titanic was terrible.” > “I thought the sinking was pretty cool, though.” > “No idea what you’re talking about, turned it off after 30 min. What a boring film.” Years ago, my friend Theresa was watching the Ken Burns documentary _The Civil War_ when her mom came into the room, scoffed and said, “What are you watching that for? You know how it ends!” ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8430 "2024-01-17T19:06:12Z")
> [@jsc1953](#): > > But even though he will undoubtedly get a Best Actor nom and could very well win, I thought Cillian Murphy’s performance was annoyingly one-note. Just kind of slack-jawed and monotone. Much like Oppie’s real-life persona. The man was eccentric, to say the least, and didn’t waste words on those he considered fools. I thought Murphy caught the character pretty accurately. For me, I re-watched **The Joker** with Joaquin Phoenix’s brilliant portrayal of a madman. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8431 "2024-01-17T19:24:36Z")
We rented **Rear Window** (1954) on Amazon Prime. A solid film, though I honestly didn’t believe what the main character had witnessed right until the end. I expected some kind of twist. I’m increasingly convinced that Nicholas Cage channels Jimmy Stewart on the regular. Maybe it’s the drawl. The only time I really found it challenging to suspend belief was the idea that any man wouldn’t want Grace Kelly. The love scenes only showed kissing, but I was legitimately uncomfortable watching it with my minister friend, because holy shit, those “mere kissing” scenes drip sex. I thought it was interesting how engaging the story was even though you were only ever in one place, looking out on the courtyard. And you become caught up in all the little side stories. And you really feel Stewart’s character’s helplessness when his lover gets into trouble. And it’s funny! Recommended. ---
**Author:** ![Dropo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce7236/32.png) [@Dropo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dropo)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8432 "2024-01-17T20:49:07Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > The only time I really found it challenging to suspend belief was the idea that any man wouldn’t want Grace Kelly. This was my take on the film for many years. She’s rich, superhot, super into him (willing at least to compromise on her life as a socialite), orders them a Lobster Thermidor dinner from the 21 Club, totally gets into his peeping obsessions and gives him a “preview of coming attractions.” And he’d rather spy on Raymond Burr than be with her? From a 1950s hetero-perspective, that seems senseless. Nevertheless, a female friend – viewing the film for the first time – said the real question is why Grace seems so into Jimmy, let alone the fact he makes it explicit he’s not into (marrying) her. What does she see in him? What is the attraction/appeal for her? I don’t recall the film addressing these points satisfactorily or at all. I have sometimes wondered if Jimmy’s character may be hiding his true, not-ready-for-1950s-morality sexual preferences from her. That might help explain some things…. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8433 "2024-01-17T20:55:30Z")
> [@Sitnam](#): > > I would check this out. How did you watch it? The film is not even listed on Rotten Tomatoes. I supported it on Kickstarter. > [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Years ago, my friend Theresa was watching the Ken Burns documentary _The Civil War_ when her mom came into the room, scoffed and said, “What are you watching that for? You know how it ends!” snort. 😀 > [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > The only time I really found it challenging to suspend belief was the idea that any man wouldn’t want Grace Kelly. People said the same about Faye Dunaway in Bonnie & Clyde, until they found out that Bonnie was no faye Dunaway. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8434 "2024-01-17T20:57:14Z")
> [@Dropo](#): > > Nevertheless, a female friend – viewing the film for the first time – said the real question is why Grace seems so into Jimmy, let alone the fact he makes it explicit he’s not into (marrying) her. What does she see in him? What is the attraction/appeal for her? I don’t recall the film addressing these points satisfactorily or at all. I’m not sure, but she could be one of those women who likes arrogant assholes (he at least has a sense of humor) or it could be the draw of trying to get that one man you can’t have. As someone who must have men falling down at her feet I imagine this one exception would drive her absolutely nuts. But I do agree it’s not really addressed. One can only speculate. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2024, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8435 "2024-01-17T22:29:07Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I thought it was interesting how engaging the story was even though you were only ever in one place, looking out on the courtyard. Interesting production note: the courtyard was the former “swimming pool” for the Esther Williams movies. So, Stewart’s apartment was technicall at “ground level.” > [@DrDeth](#): > > People said the same about Faye Dunaway in Bonnie & Clyde, until they found out that Bonnie was no faye Dunaway. Mainly because there was one photo of Bonnie & Clyde shown over and over that had both people squinting into the sun. Real-life Bonnie was much better looking than in that particular photo. Also, to me, Faye Dunaway is really weird looking. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8436 "2024-01-18T09:40:18Z")
Rewatched **Sweeney Todd**. I still have mixed feelings about this - I love the Sondheim musical and Johnny Depp was much better in the role than I expected him to be, but he and HBC are just too light as singers to make the songs work, and the songs are what the film is all about. Plus I’ve just gone off Tim Burton as a filmmaker. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.winston_oboogie/32/2945_2.png) [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Winston_OBoogie)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8437 "2024-01-18T18:30:39Z")
Much much much rather watch the version with Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett. HBC plays the roll straight; Mrs. Potts plays it over the top. Plus, I miss the Greek Chorus in the remake. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8438 "2024-01-18T18:49:20Z")
To add to my previous comments about _The Return of the Pink Panther_ (1975), my absolute favourite Pink Panther movie, I watched the two predecessors that featured Peter Sellers, and one sequel. **The Pink Panther** (1963) **A Shot in the Dark** (1964) **The Pink Panther Strikes Again** (1976) I had not seen the first two in a long time, and my recollection wasn’t accurate. I remembered _A Shot in the Dark_ as being slow-paced and relatively boring, but I had it confused with _The Pink Panther_, which was exactly that. But _Shot in the Dark_ was the movie where Peter Sellers’ Clouseau became the front and center attraction, and it was well done indeed. I’d rate it a close second to _Return of the Pink Panther_. _Strikes Again_ had funny moments but was starting to lose its way and descending into silliness. The last legitimate Panther movie IMHO was _Revenge of the Pink Panther_ (1978) featuring the classic performances of Peter Seller and Herbert Lom. It’s been many years since I’ve seen it and I’ll queue it up for tonight, but I’m pretty sure it will be the weakest of them all. ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2024, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906/8439 "2024-01-18T18:50:57Z")
My kids watched _ **Mean Girls** _ (2024), which is the musical movie version of the broadway musical of the non-musical original movie. They were not impressed. They’ve seen both the original and the broadway musical. This movie wasn’t bad, but not as good a movie as the original and not as good a musical as the musical. Not meeting the high bars. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906.md?page=420) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-1/699906.md?page=422)