Most recently watched DVD(s)?

[Sam]

How the fuck do you rate Romeo + Juliet higher than Pretty in Pink.

I was disappointed with PiP. Was expecting a lot more.

Holiday Inn - 4/5

[TallGuyMe]

sam, do you watch movies on like 1.5x normal speed? I dont get how you can see as many movies as you do

[Sam]

sam, do you watch movies on like 1.5x normal speed? I dont get how you can see as many movies as you do

Nope. I just have them set up ready to watch. When one is finished, onto the next... no pissing about. I don't sit through the end credits these days though so that can knock off as much as 10 minutes and most of my discs are PAL so that's 4% faster than NTSC as standard.

[TallGuyMe]

sam, do you watch movies on like 1.5x normal speed? I dont get how you can see as many movies as you do

Nope. I just have them set up ready to watch. When one is finished, onto the next... no pissing about. I don't sit through the end credits these days though so that can knock off as much as 10 minutes and most of my discs are PAL so that's 4% faster than NTSC as standard.

wait, what? PAL is 4% faster than NTSC? yet it's not noticeable?

[Sam]

sam, do you watch movies on like 1.5x normal speed? I dont get how you can see as many movies as you do

Nope. I just have them set up ready to watch. When one is finished, onto the next... no pissing about. I don't sit through the end credits these days though so that can knock off as much as 10 minutes and most of my discs are PAL so that's 4% faster than NTSC as standard.

wait, what? PAL is 4% faster than NTSC? yet it's not noticeable?

I don't notice apart from the odd shitty transfer but then I am use to PAL. A lot of companies release NTSC transfers in the UK in the same way a lot of European films released in the States are sped up to PAL speed. NTSC runs at 35fps, PAL at 24fps. PAL also has better picture resolution, again, not all that noticeable.

[Sam]

Oh, BR and HD DVD = same running speed and resolution so everybody wins.

[TallGuyMe]

I don't notice apart from the odd shitty transfer but then I am use to PAL. A lot of companies release NTSC transfers in the UK in the same way a lot of European films released in the States are sped up to PAL speed. NTSC runs at 35fps, PAL at 24fps. PAL also has better picture resolution, again, not all that noticeable.

could this be why DVD's hurt VT's eyes?

[Sam]

Episodes 9-11 of The West Wing: Season 2

Jarhead (rewatch) - 3.5/5

[Sam]

Housesitter (1992) R2 United Kingdom

Overview:
Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn star in this hilarious romantic comedy about the consequences of 'stretching' the truth.
When architect Newton Davis' girlfriend Becky (Dana Delany) turns down his marriage proposal, his newly-built dream house suddenly becomes nothing more than an empty monument to her rejection. That is, until a chance encounter with Gwen (Hawn) turns his life upside-down.
Intrigued by Newton's story, Gwen visits the house and decides to move in on her own. Resourceful and creative, Gwen is soon fixing up the house and charming Newton's family and neighbours — all the while passing herself off as his new wife! Gwen even befriends Becky, who begins to see a Newton she never knew existed.
Horrified at the deception yet unable to stop it, Newton finds himself playing along with her preposterous stories, her attempts at reconciling differences within his family and her campaign for his promotion at work. Finally, he convinces Gwen to fabricate their 'divorce' so he can still get married to Becky — until he has a change of heart. It's a delightful, warmhearted and intelligent comedy from director Frank Oz.

My Thoughts:
In need of some light hearted comedy, I looked at my to watch pile and decided to opt for Housesitter starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn. Most romantic comedies tend to cater more for women, and this is no different, though it felt more accessible for a male probably because of Steve Martin. Whilst it isn't a very funny film, it does have plenty of minor moments and is OK to watch. The script is capable for a genre film, if easy to guess the outcome of the ending within minutes. One thing I did like was the supporting cast which is where most of the fun was at. Anyway, it's worth a look but nothing new. 3/5

[Sam]

Kill Me Again (1989) R2 United Kingdom

Overview:
Fay Forrester, an attractive young lady wants to escape from her violent and jealous boyfriend Vince. So she hires Jack Andrews, a second class private investigator to arrange her death. She wants to restart her life with a new identity and the money she robbed together with Vince. Because of Jack's financial problems he joins Fay after her fake death. Unfortunately Vince finds out that Fay's still alive. The hunt for Jack, Fay and the money begins...

My Thoughts:
Kill Me Again, directed by John Dahl (The Last Seduction - which I haven't seen... yet) was a pleasant surprise for me as I was expecting a low/medium budget action/thriller. What I got was indeed low/medium budget, and it was a thriller, but what I wasn't prepared for were the noir like qualities the movie contained and how well they came across on screen. Joanne Whalley is excellent here as the femme fatale and easily outshines Val Kilmer and Michael Madsen, both of whom put in below par performances. Despite this, the script is solid enough to keep the movie going and to make this a worthwhile pick-up. Recommended. 3.5/5

[Sam]

Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989) R2 United Kingdom SE

Overview:
From Uli Edel, acclaimed director of 'Christiane F' comes this celebrated adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr.'s controversial masterpiece about a desperate group of people, forging a sliver of hope in a relentless and cruel Brooklyn in 1952.
Strike-wary union leader Harry, transvestites Georgette and Regina, street-wise hooker Tralala, trucker Big Joe and his pregnant daughter are just a few of the tortured souls whose destiny's intermingle one simmering summer. It's a time which sees the tensions of these mean streets finally combust in a volatile explosion of union riots and civil unrest.

My Thoughts:
Movies with various characters whose stories tie in either work or they don't. Last Exit to Brooklyn, based on the book by Hubert Selby Jr., does work and on so many levels. Uli Edel has assembled a cast that put in great performances, from Jennifer Jason Leigh as a prostitute to Stephen Lang as a homosexual union leader, who work together very well from a tight and well adapted script. I have to recommend this film, but be wary if you want something that's going to make you feel good because this isn't it. 4/5

[Sam]

Look Who's Talking (1989) R2 United Kingdom

Overview:
Starring Kirstie Alley, John Travolta and the wise-cracking voice of Bruce Willis, LOOK WHO'S TALKING is the box-office smash which takes an hilarious, off-beat look at motherhood and romance from baby Mikey's point of view. Led on and let down by boyfriend Albert (George Segal), 32 year old Mollie (Kirstie Alley) is looking for a proper father for her son...
Little Mikey favours cab driver-turned-baby sitter, James (John Travolta). It's a case of baby knows best, but by the time he learns to talk, it could be too late!

My Thoughts:
Look Who's Talking is the definition of Hollywood mediocrity. From the acting to the script, the soundtrack to the visual look of the movie, everything shouts average. Hell, even Kirstie Alley managed to maintain an average weight for the duration. This isn't to say the movie isn't funny because it is, but aside from a few one liners by Mikey (voiced by Bruce Willis) we never really get anything that makes you want to laugh out loud which is a real shame considering the potential of the situations in the movie. If you want a movie that will let you chill out and relax, whilst being instantly forgettable, this is it. Rent it, or buy cheap. 3/5

[Sam]

Look Who's Talking Too (1990) - R2 United Kingdom

Overview:
In this hilarious sequel to LOOK WHO'S TALKING, little Mikey figures he's got it made after uniting his mother (Kirstie Alley - TV's 'Veronica's Closet', 'Cheers') with the dad of his dreams (John Travolta - 'Swordfish', 'Pulp Fiction'). But instead of family bliss, Mikey gets the biggest surprise of his life - a baby sister.
Bruce Willis returns as the voice of Mikey, while Roseanne Barr's voice delivers baby Julie's delightful wisecracks. Together, these two fast-talking tots face a series of kiddie dilemmas, including the trials of potty training, their parents' marital squabbles, and an inevitable - but very funny - dose of sibling rivalry. As this loving family is about to learn, twice the trouble is also twice the fun!

My Thoughts:
How do you follow up a movie about a talking baby boy and his first couple of years of life? Easy, get his mother (Kirstie Alley) to marry taxi driver / pilot (John Travolta) and give him a sister voiced by Roseanne Barr. Unfortunately, this isn't much fun and it looks like the cast knew it. The script is not as witty and misses out on the comedy aspect of the film. When the best part of your movie involves a toddler dreaming about a toilet monster, you know you're in trouble. Don't get me wrong, this isn't the worst film out there... I mean, at least there's no talking animals right? Oh, the third movie? Dear god no. Skip this unless you're a (very big) fan of the cast. 2/5

[Sam]

The West Wing: Season 2 Episode 12

Grease (rewatch) 3.5/5

[Sam]

The Matrix - Remembered hating this (gave it 2/5 originally) but thought I would give it another chance. I enjoyed it more this time but still think the hype and love is way to high. Got to admire the effects though. 3/5