Movies you just recently watched

[MrBadGuy]

I finally got round to watching 2001 a couple of days ago, now there's a film you absolutely have to watch before you die, I'm still thinking about it two days later!

[Disionity]

I watched Nausicaa of The Valley of The Wind, partly on the recommendation by Gwee. While the film doesn't seem as refined as Miyazaki's later efforts aforementioned in a previous post, the film's message still stands quite strong. I enjoyed it.

Also, someone like OCG might know about this, but is it better to watch the English Dubs of Miyazaki's films or with the original Japanese audio with subtitles?

[Adsolution]

In almost all cases the Japanese acting is better than the English, but with Miyazaki's films, the English dubs are fairly top-notch, so you really aren't missing anything.

[Earth Gwee]

Just saw the Lego Movie with a new friend. And I'm just gonna say it, it was awesome.

[todpole]

Just saw the Lego Movie with a new friend. And I'm just gonna say it, it was awesome.

Of course it was awesome. It's in the theme song that it's awesome.

[Haruka]

The Lego Movie is something I do want to watch one day. LEGO is my childhood, period.

[OCG]

Also, someone like OCG might know about this, but is it better to watch the English Dubs of Miyazaki's films or with the original Japanese audio with subtitles?

I always recommend people to watch the original audio. I did try to watch Miyazaki's films on English and I tried to watch Disney films on Japanese, and despite still being awesome, original is always best.

[Keane]

The Great Budapest Hotel. I was a little scared that maybe it was gonna be something Tim Burton like where movie is almost entirely focused on being artsy-fartsy and make sure you're aware of how totally strange and weird it is, but instead this movie was a fantastic surprise and probably my favourite film of the year so far.

Just saw the Lego Movie with a new friend. And I'm just gonna say it, it was awesome.

Of course it was awesome. It's in the theme song that it's awesome.

clever joke!!!!

[Dart]

Just saw Interstella 5555, which is basically Daft Punk equivalent of fantasia. I totally recommend it, its got aliens and guns and daft punk!

[Disionity]

I recently watched Frozen. I must say it was a lot better than what I expected from watching the trailers. I would almost call it superb, with a few off-putting flaws. The character of Anna is the best female lead to come forth from a Disney film. The character, seems very human, even to the point of showing weakness, like falling in love with someone and getting engaged in the same day of meeting as the prime example, but then showing strength later in the film's conclusion [when she is given the choice between saving her own life or that of her sister's]. Some of the same is applied to the film's other lead, Elsa, though I wish the dynamic of her character conflict would have been portrayed more, to get into the psyche of the character (especially when she gets the most real-estate on all of the promotional material). The supporting cast is good for the most part as well. However, I would have also liked the character of Christoff's ideals towards other people have been elaborated on, to possibly even have a dual dynamic with Elsa's thoughts. [ Also the time between when Hans is revealed to be a villain and carries out his evil motives, all seems a bit sudden, so more of a build-up would have been gladly appreciated]. On the note of Olaf, the film's source of comic relief, he isn't as grating as one might think, but he really has nothing notable to offer the film until its conclusion. The musical numbers are enjoyable, while most don't quite leave the same impact as those of previous Disney films like The Lion King's "Be Prepared" or "Paint With The Colors of The Wind" from Pocahontas. The songs "Love Is an Open Door" and "In Summer" seem the weakest. However, "Let It Go" and " For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)" are fantastic, given that Idina Menzel's vocals are so amazing, I could ramble on about what a joy they are for my ears to behold, but just so. The story is overall engaging enough, even with one nice, if not semi-predictable twist near the end. Also, does it irritate anyone else that the origin of Elsa's powers aren't explained other than she was born with them and that the stone trolls(?) state of being isn't explained either? With all of that covered, there is still one idiotic flaw at the ending, that while does not ruin the film in its entirety, leaves quite a sour taste in one's mouth, [when Anna hits Hans off of the ship. Why does this have to happen? To be honest, I wanted him to die a rather grandiose death akin to Mother Gothel in Tangled, during the film's conclusion. Instead he is comically punched and taken back to his home to be dealt with by his older brothers. This one scene demolishes the whole character of Anna that the writers try so hard to build throughout the journey, while following a cliché to boot. An unsightly blemish on an otherwise great film and character.]. The animation is good, but to be honest, I'm just not that impressed by CG animated films like this anymore, but credit needs to be given where its due, though. Otherwise, Frozen is a great film that I would definitely recommend, just be wary of a few blemishes.

[Bradandez]

I totally agree with you on Hans' fate.

[todpole]

I don't see how killing the villain can work. Maybe if it was accidental or if the snow monster did it maybe.
But at least the movie screwed over the love at first sight junk. I think thats why I didn't mind that twist.

[Earth Gwee]

While I do agree with you on your points (I think it's fantastic movie), I rather liked Hanz's comeuppance. I would have been disappointed had they not gotten rid of him they way they did. That's just me though.

[Disionity]

Each to their own, I guess.

Overall, to expand on what I said in the earlier post. The film could have been so much more, instead it comes off as an earnest effort with a few missteps and a general lack of depth in some areas. To quote another viewer whose opinion I agree with, "Frozen lacks some key elements and added a few unnecessary ones."
You can tell how much effort went into the film, but it could have been near, if not perfect with these things changed:

• Elsa's character explored more and allow the viewers to truly see her perception of the world around her.
• Christoff having a backstory, and his reasons for not trusting people explained.
• The Trolls' reason to exist explained and why they are pursued out to aid Anna's condition, as well as actually have some significance in the story.
• Olaf being a more meaningful character, than just the comic relief.
• Cristoff's feelings about Anna have a more progressive build-up.
• Hans and The Duke of Weselton have more significance [as villains] in the plot.
• Hans' and The Duke's fate modified due added emphasis in story.

I also loved the whole ice/winter equals isolation and fear/ love equals strength and healing symbolism that is going on in the film.

[Bradandez]

Olaf being a more meaningful character, than just the comic relief.

How dare you...

Okay, so I spent my spring break and over it I watched all 3 movies of the Back to the Future franchise, for the first time. And man do I love it! The comedy, the tension, the plot, the characters! This franchise satisfies me with all that! The settings (1955, 1985A, 2015, and 1885) are great. I finally can make references about the Time DeLorean without looking like a jackass who hasn't watch the films! :D

Overall, I can say that the Back to the Future movies are some of my favorites of all time.

[Keane]

Olaf felt really forced and unnecessary. He just kinda walked in suddenly with no explanation whatsoever, and from then on he just does his occasional little comic relief thing and plays merchandise for the Disney store.

[Disionity]

Agreed.

On another note, having given the film more thought, especially compared to previous Disney films, I have came to this conclusion. When has a Disney film ever gone into to detail with character backstories? We don't know how Aladdin became a street-rat or why Scar and Mufasa have such a troubled relationship. The only difference between those films and Frozen, is that while is still irritating, doesn't tease you about something grander the whole duration, like in the latter. The whole time with the characters Elsa and Christoff, the reminder that there is something more to the story is constantly waved in front of you. Note one line in "For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)" when Elsa sings," Oh I'm such a fool! I can't be free. No escape from the storm inside of me!" We never get to see much of this "storm", or her mental state, if you will. It just briefly alludes to things like this all throughout the duration. I can see why the film was praised so much by many, but there are things here that just can't be ignored. This, and the way the film just forces characters on you like Olaf, and the Trolls. Outside of some forced and rushed feelings in the film, it is still overall good. If all of these characters were meaningful by themselves and could link up and all affect each other, something magical would happen.

[Serza5]

Olaf felt really forced and unnecessary. He just kinda walked in suddenly with no explanation whatsoever, and from then on he just does his occasional little comic relief thing and plays merchandise for the Disney store.

The typical Disney side-kick is barely new and goes back to even Hunchback (*glares at the gargoyles*). I still felt though that there was at least some attempt to actually connect him to the story, as he essentially represents the snowman Elsa and Anna built back in the first scene. Although there is plenty of emphasis on "at least" because yeah he does fall down the typical side-kick category, there was one scene where he drove the plot forward but that was about it.

[todpole]

On another note, having given the film more thought, especially compared to previous Disney films, I have came to this conclusion. When has a Disney film ever gone into to detail with character backstories? We don't know how Aladdin became a street-rat or why Scar and Mufasa have such a troubled relationship.

And thats one of the reasons Wreck-It Ralph is my favorite Disney movie. While we don't get all the details, we do get and see enough to know how they live. We see how Ralph's treated compared to Felix. We see how lonely Vanellope is. There's even a brief clip of Burger Time Chef giving food to Q-bert.
And yes while I didn'y mind Hans. King Candy was set up better.

[Keane]

Divergent. It's got a book worth of flaws, but it still managed to grab my attention and overall it was pretty enjoyable.