# 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:** 46
**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:** [December 20, 2024, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/901 "2024-12-20T13:02:04Z")
> [@Dropo](#): > > You have stated this opinion several times on the board and each time I pretend it doesn’t bother me (even though it is clearly wrong). What does bother me is that I don’t think you have ever – at least in my time on the board - acknowledged the contribution of Anna May Wong to the film. Quite simply (IIRC), she is the best thing in it and the film is much less entertaining after the first third or fourth of the running time because of her absence. I don’t mention a lot of people who were in that film. I have nothing against Ms. Wong, and agree that she is one of the highlights of the film. ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2024, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/902 "2024-12-20T14:32:07Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > FWIW, there is a new [album](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warriors_(Lin-Manuel_Miranda_and_Eisa_Davis_album)) based on _The Warriors_ co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He would like to turn it into a Broadway show (and of course a movie decades later). The film was a retelling of _Anabasis_. I took a deep dive into Greek Lit after seeing that film and learning that many years ago. ---
**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:** [December 20, 2024, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/903 "2024-12-20T14:35:56Z")
Scrooged 1988 Bill Murray I usually watch it every year at Christmas. I like the scenes with Murray and the Ghosts best. Murray and Carol Kane are very funny together. I think the early scenes showing Murray as a mean, self-absorbed TV producer run a little long. The Dickens story spends less time showing Scrooge at the office and berating the housekeeper at home. The number of cameos is astonishing. 115 acting credits on imdb. Robert Goulet, Buddy Hackett, Lee Majors, three of Bill Murray’s real brothers are in the film. I enjoy the movie and look forward to seeing it again next year ---
**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:** [December 20, 2024, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/904 "2024-12-20T15:35:29Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Gremlins 2 is OK. There are some good moments. But I enjoy the original more. It has a different, more grounded vibe in Suburbia. I remember reading about this. The studio really wanted a sequel and Joe Dante negotiated complete control over the project. He wanted to do a satire and made it very meta and self referential. Maybe a little too much, imo, but it’s a fun movie. A couple of recent movies that I watched: **Empire Records**. Somehow, I missed this the first time around and I’m not sure how. It takes place at an independent record store where a wide range of employees hang out and resolve a number of issues. It’s a fun movie, it has a good soundtrack, and it feels very, very 90s. I felt a little overwhelmed by how much is all happening in one day but much of it is based on writer Carol Heikkinen’s experiences working in a record shop. **Singles**. I remember this showing on HBO a lot when I was in college and yet I don’t remember sitting all the way through it from beginning to end. Directed by Cameron Crowe, it revolves around a number of singles in Seattle. A lot of Seattle grunge is in this and the movie features Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and members of Pearl Jam. ---
**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:** [December 20, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/905 "2024-12-20T19:49:12Z")
**Carry-On** : A fairly tense thriller that takes place in an airport. Kind of a clunky ending, but if you’ve got nothing else to do, it’s entertaining. On NFLX. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2024, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/906 "2024-12-21T20:50:18Z")
I Care A Lot, 2020, Netflix (as of now). Rosamund Pike reprises her **Gone Girl** persona in this film about two evil people who go after each other. I would have liked this movie had it not pulled its punches at the very, very end. It’s like a really long, dirty joke which has everyone rolling along and then, right at the punchline… “Oh, and then the man and woman lived happily ever after, Hi, Grandma! Look, everyone, Grandma is here!” Just a damned shame. Would have been much better had the last sequence not been included. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2024, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/907 "2024-12-21T21:06:16Z")
No Country for Old Men 2007 On Paramount+ I know it’s critically acclaimed. 93% on Rotten Tomatoes I agree it’s well made. The story kept my eyes riveted to the screen. Yet, I feel so disappointed and dissatisfied. What’s the point of watching a story with no winners or even a conclusion? No heroics? A guy finds a satchel of money, he’s chased, and probably 15 or more people are senselessly killed. The End I guess it’s supposed to reflect real life. Violence is senseless and there’s no winners. I don’t mind violent movies. But I expect something to come from it. Perhaps a character learns something or they simply survive. Movies are fantasy. They’re supposed to have a conclusive ending. YMMV with this movie. That style isn’t for me. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2024, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/908 "2024-12-21T21:11:39Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I agree it’s well made. The story kept my eyes riveted to the screen. Yet, I feel so disappointed and dissatisfied. I liked it. Liked, not loved. Most Cohen Brother movies are like that for me. I loved Barton Fink, most of the others are solid, but not amazing. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2024, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/909 "2024-12-21T21:14:43Z")
This was my first Cohen brother movie. I wasn’t prepared for their approach to characters and story. The viewer expects the bounty hunter and the sheriff to be the protagonists. Yet they contribute almost nothing to the story. That’s a very odd approach to narrative structure. People can watch No Country for Old Men and draw their own conclusions. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2024, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/910 "2024-12-21T21:40:31Z")
It’s not my favorite Coen Bros film, but I liked it quite a bit. I get bored with good guy wins/bad guy loses predictable plots. It’s not interesting to me. I’d rather watch something that makes me feel something rather than forgettable studio pap. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2024, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/911 "2024-12-21T22:20:28Z")
> [@Llama\_Llogophile](#): > > I liked Conclave a lot too. Very interesting twist at the end. I knew something was coming with that character, but my guess wasn’t even close. Just saw it, and: same. My daughter actually gasped. Interesting use of blur as a motif, though presumably to signify the protagonist’s lack of moral clarity. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/912 "2024-12-21T22:21:01Z")
The sheriff is interesting. He basically says (to his friend) that Anton Chigur is too dangerous. The sheriff’s choices are to die quickly or a lingering, slow death in retirement; over run with cats. There’s a hint of a third choice in the motel room. I won’t spoil it for anyone. Tommy Lee Jones is very good. He always makes the most out of his roles. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2024, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/913 "2024-12-21T22:57:39Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > What’s the point of watching a story with no winners or even a conclusion? No heroics? A guy finds a satchel of money, he’s chased, and probably 15 or more people are senselessly killed. The End > > I guess it’s supposed to reflect real life. Violence is senseless and there’s no winners. I agree with your summary…I found it compelling to watch, but so heavy-handed on the messaging and unfulfilling that I ultimately came down on the “dislike” side. ---
**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:** [December 22, 2024, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/914 "2024-12-22T03:11:42Z")
Robo Cop 1987 I’ve seen it several times. The last was about 20 years ago. Watched tonight on Max. Still holds up well. I don’t think it’s dated looking and something from the 80’s. I think todays generation would enjoy it. I recommend the original. The 2014 remake is also on Max. I’ll watch it in a day or so. I’m curious what they’ve changed. Replacing Petter Weller’s empathetic performance won’t be easy. Robocop discovering his humanity makes the film special. ---
**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:** [December 22, 2024, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/915 "2024-12-22T03:42:17Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > The 2014 remake is also on Max. I’ll watch it in a day or so. I’m curious what they’ve changed. The remake is awful. The CGI effects are better, but the story loses a lot in the retelling. The original is a masterpiece of dark humor. They shouldn’t remake Veerhoeven swcience fiction films. The remake of **Total Recall** was also a disaster. Maybe if they remade _Starship Troopers_ so it’s more faithful to the book… ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/916 "2024-12-22T06:52:30Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > The 2014 remake is also on Max. Would you buy it for a dollar? ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/917 "2024-12-22T07:51:15Z")
Think I may have mentioned on this thread before (I’m not on commission I promise!), there is an excellent 4-part documentary on Prime called _Robo Doc_. If you enjoy _Robocop_ I think you’ll enjoy that a lot too. ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/918 "2024-12-22T07:52:21Z")
Couldn’t agree more. ---
**Author:** ![Smid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/838e76/32.png) [@Smid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smid)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/919 "2024-12-22T12:50:38Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > I would have liked this movie had it not pulled its punches at the very, very end. Erm… Doesn’t she get shot and killed by someone she screwed over? ---
**Author:** ![XOldiesJock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/ec9cab/32.png) [@XOldiesJock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XOldiesJock)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2024, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288/920 "2024-12-22T13:14:26Z")
After all this time and all the hype, **Barbie** finally showed up on Netflix. Meh. Visually stunning, but rather tedious. A 114-minute commercial for Mattel. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288.md?page=45) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-youve-seen-recently-part-2/1006288.md?page=47)