# Movies you've seen recently (Part 2) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [August 27, 2024, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288 "2024-08-27T05:10:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 237
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2026, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4724 "2026-02-17T21:02:23Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > I like them both, actually. I’d probably give the nod to the 13th Warrior as well (I liked the source book quite a bit). But I think the more magical, but less heroic vision of Beowulf was a nice bit of plotting. Another thing tainted retroactively by the Gaiman accusations, but I have to admit I have often enjoyed his takes on mythology. For some reason there was a spate of Beowulf movies that all came out at the same time circa 2000, after virtually none before that (only an animated version of Gardner’s _Grendel_ came out earlier). But you had: **Beowulf** (the Zemeckis CGI version, which really liked) **The 13th Warrior** (also liked) **Beowulff** (1999, staring Christopher Lampert) – interesting, set in what seems tobe a post-apocalyptic future. It anticipated the Zemeckis version in using CGI and in having the same plot twist. **Beowulf and Grendel** (2005, starring Gerard Butler) Filmed in Iceland. Grendel and his mom are Neanderthals, or something. Very atmospheric. **Grendel** (2007 SciFi channel movie. It’s got Marina Sirtis) Also uses limited CGI for Grendel and his mom. Interesting but not inspired. **Outlander** (2009) – No, not the Diana Gabaldon series. This was a heavcily science fiction take on the story where the Beowulf character crashes his spaceship on an inhabited planet (actually Bronze age Norway) and the creature he’s transporting serves as the Grendel/Grendel’s Mom. With Jim Caviezel, John Hurt, and Ron Perlman. Definitely worth a look. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2026, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4725 "2026-02-17T23:24:07Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > For some reason there was a spate of Beowulf movies that all came out at the same time circa 2000 Roughly the 1000th anniversary of the first known manuscript. Like how there were two major Columbus movies in 1992. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2026, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4726 "2026-02-18T01:30:08Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > Roughly the 1000th anniversary of the first known manuscript. Like how there were two major Columbus movies in 1992. Seems an unlikely reason for all the versions. I could see it in the case of Columbus – everyone knows the date. ---
**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:** [February 18, 2026, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4727 "2026-02-18T21:55:24Z")
**Weapons** on HBO. James Brolin, Amy Madigan. An interesting take on a horror show, with a satisfying ending. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2026, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4728 "2026-02-18T22:11:38Z")
I just rewatched Guardians of the Galaxy 3, on cable. Not a good film. Starlord spends WAY too much time moping and felling sorry for himself (why do writers like this? In the newest Dresden book- which has a great 3rd part, it is nearly 2/3 moping and felling sorry for himself. Too much of this turns me off), then hitting on the alt-Gamora. The Rocket Racoon origin story was Okay, but making a cuddly otter into a creepy monster was not. And the soundtrack was pretty damn bad, unlike the first film, with many hits and faves. I rate this film either D+ or C-. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2026, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4729 "2026-02-18T22:39:47Z")
_Crime 101_, a Chris Hemsworth/Mark Ruffalo/Haile Berry. Enjoyable detective/semi-heist movie. Some unexpected beats, probably a B. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2026, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4730 "2026-02-18T23:02:26Z")
I saw that over the weekend. As you said, it was enjoyable. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4731 "2026-02-19T01:02:32Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > **Weapons** on HBO. James Brolin, Amy Madigan. Nitpick: Josh Brolin ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4732 "2026-02-19T04:22:59Z")
The Package 1989 Gene Hackman, Tommy Lee Jones, Dennis Franz, Joanna Cassidy I thought that I’d seen most of Hackman’s films. I’d never heard of this one. It’s a political thriller. Hackman is a Top Sergeant that is assigned escort duty. He looses the prisoner and then discovers the guy he escorted is a different person. Lots of high level conspiracy as Hackman tries to uncover the truth. Prwtty good, 7.5 out of 10 rating. ---
**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:** [February 19, 2026, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4733 "2026-02-19T14:05:40Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > Nitpick: Josh Brolin Now my feelings are hurt. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4734 "2026-02-19T14:06:11Z")
_The Package_ has been one of my favorites. I was stationed overseas when I first saw it so something about it really clicked with me and Hackman, Tommy Lee Jones, and the rest of the cast really do great work in their roles. The only knock on the movie, I think, is that it is so locked into the time when it was made. It is probably the 1989est of all 1989 movies. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2026, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4735 "2026-02-19T19:23:12Z")
**The Package** features Tommy Lee Jones and Dennis Franz who went on to huge careers in the 90’s. Dennis Franz plays a cop similiar to Detective Andy Sipowicz in NYPD Blue. That started in 1993. Tommy Lee Jones career skyrocketed in 1990’s movies. Joanna Cassidy had a good run in Six Feet Under (2001-2004). She is in several HBO productions. ---
**Author:** ![Jeff\_Lichtman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeff_lichtman/32/1531_2.png) [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4736 "2026-02-20T00:25:38Z")
I watched **Odd Man Out** a couple of nights ago. It was directed by Carol Reed in 1947, and stars a young James Mason. It’s only the second movie I’ve seen by Reed (the other is **The Third Man** ). It’s set in Northern Ireland. Mason plays Johnny McQueen, the head of a local IRA chapter (though in the movie it’s always called “The Organization”). At the beginning of the movie, McQueen leads an armed robbery that goes wrong. He shoots and kills someone, and is shot and badly wounded himself. He ends up separated from the rest of his gang, and from that point on he’s in hiding as a wanted man. What makes the story interesting is not the crime itself, but how people respond to McQueen. Some want to capture him. Some want to save him. Some want the reward that’s offered for him. Some want nothing to do with him. Some have other motives. The dialogue in this movie is excellent, as is the black-and-white cinematography. Most of the parts are character roles, and the acting is really good. In particular I liked F.J. McCormick as a scheming, weaselly character named “Shell.” I give this movie a strong thumbs up. ---
**Author:** ![Thumper668](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thumper668/32/20803_2.png) [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4737 "2026-02-20T00:45:10Z")
**Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri** I vaguely remember when it came out, and remember dismissing it at the time as one of those heart-rending, based on a true-story, Oscar-bait movies. One night last week I was looking for something to fall asleep to and found it on HBO and hit play based on my original (mistaken) understanding of the movie. It is not based on a true story, but is a masterful piece of crime fiction. I wound up staying up late that night. With an outstanding cast (Woody Harrelson, Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell, Peter Dinklage) it is unlike any film I’ve ever seen. Is it a crime drama? Yes. Is it a comedy? Yes. Is it a tragedy? Also, yes. This movie out-Coened the Coen brothers. Written and directed by Martin McDonagh (whom I had never heard of, although I loved the Banshees of Inisherin too). I’d give you the plot synopsis, but honestly, I think you’ll enjoy it more going in cold, like I did. The basic plot is that Frances McDormand’s character rents 3 billboards criticizing the local police chief (Woody Harrelson) for not solving her daughter’s murder. 2 Thumbs Up ---
**Author:** ![dirtball](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dirtball/32/18772_2.png) [@dirtball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dirtball)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4738 "2026-02-20T00:53:33Z")
Comments here have led me to check out **Brick**. I haven’t seen any of the **Knives Out** movies, but I really like **Poker Face**. Well, **Brick** doesn’t work for me. Yes, because of the age thing. Johnson gets the whole cynical, nihilistic, alienated attitude noir characters should have, but to my way of thinking, that attitude should come from life experience that high school students aren’t likely to have. A large part of it is a certain weariness that takes time to develop, through a few years of being lied to, betrayed, stolen from, cheated on, and worn down through simply not being able to catch a break. A teenager could have started down that path, but a more few years of it gives the resulting world view a different tone, one that makes the character more interesting. Otherwise, that outlook in a teenager (to me) just comes across as trying to be edgy or some such thing. That’s not to say high school students couldn’t possibly have the “tone” I’m talking about, but as a writer/director, you’re setting yourself up for a FAR greater challenge to make it work, and I don’t think Johnson meets the challenge. Now, some scenes do indeed just straight-up work. Others, to me, had a feeling like the characters were kids play-acting as gangsters. I do admire the spirit of risk-taking, and I respect the effort, but in my book, it’s ultimately a miss. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4739 "2026-02-20T00:55:49Z")
> [@Thumper668](#): > > Written and directed by Martin McDonagh (whom I had never heard of, although I loved the Banshees of Inisherin too). He also did “In Bruges”, and he has another movie coming out late this year (Wild Horse Nine) with Sam Rockwell, Parker Posey, and Steve Buscemi. ---
**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:** [February 20, 2026, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4740 "2026-02-20T00:56:50Z")
> [@Thumper668](#): > > **Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri** It got a lot of acclaim at the time, but I found both of the director’s previous movies to be better. In Bruges Seven Psychopaths ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4741 "2026-02-20T01:34:05Z")
> [@Thumper668](#): > > Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri I liked it a lot, despite whatever flaws. I liked it the second time I watched it, too. And I totally misremembered it as being a Coen bros film until I was corrected here. _In Bruges_ is great, as @Mahaloth recommends. > [@Mahaloth](#): > > Seven Psychopaths On my list now - thanks! ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4742 "2026-02-20T01:56:16Z")
McDonagh’s movies are so good, of course, because he cut his teeth writing for the theatre, and he knows how to create original, complex characters and crackling dialogue. His very first professional play, _The Beauty Queen of Leenane_, is incredible - brutal and beautiful at the same time. He’s written many Tony and Olivier nominated and awarded plays. I strongly recommend seeing one of his plays if you ever get the chance. ETA: I personally preferred _Three Billboards…_ over _Seven Psychopaths_, even though the latter features Tom Waits in a fabulous role. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2026, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/4743 "2026-02-20T02:11:50Z")
Great - thanks! I’ll keep an eye out for his plays. _The Banshees of Inisherin_ did feel a lot like a play, now that you mention it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288.md?page=236) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288.md?page=238)