Welcome to Café Chaos. Grab a cup of coffee or tea (we prefer coffee) and join us for a chat. Every Saturday we’ll offer recommendations for movie and TV lovers. Feel free to comment on our picks or to throw in a few of your own. We’re listening!SIS Bren says...
Last week I mentioned that it is a rare occasion that I am able to actually watch a movie, at least one that I have not seen previously. So I decided to try and make one night a week a movie night with my husband. This week, as I searched through the "On Demand", I was able to find a movie that I thought we both would enjoy. And we did! We played not really "who-dunnit?", because you know who did it, but "how?" and then "can they still get him?". I thoroughly enjoyed this movie!
My Pick of the Week: Fracture
From IMDb: Wealthy, brilliant, and meticulous Ted Crawford, a structural engineer in Los Angeles, shoots his wife and entraps her lover. He signs a confession; at the arraignment, he asserts his rights to represent himself and asks the court to move immediately to trial. The prosecutor is Willy Beachum, a hotshot who's soon to join a fancy civil-law firm, told by everyone it's an open and shut case. Crawford sees Beachum's weakness, the hairline fracture of his character: Willy's a winner. The engineer sets in motion a clockwork crime with all the objects moving in ways he predicts.
Anthony Hopkins is great....just as creepy as ever. I wasn't sure about Ryan Gosling. I thought he seemed too young for the part, but in the end, he was excellent as well.
SIS Beth says…
Wednesday I mentioned how little time I have to read. The same goes with watching TV or movies. There are oodles of movies, old and new, that I want to watch. There are TV series that I’m itching to explore. But the clock is ever ticking on writing deadlines, so, instead of watching or reading . . . I write. That’s not to say I don’t have a TBV (to be viewed) list. Here it is. In immediate order.
My TBV Picks of the Week…
#1) ATONEMENT
I have to say that! Otherwise my co-worker at the library, Taylor, would flog me with a bookmark—or some such. As a movie buff and as someone who also knows my taste, Taylor assures me I will love this movie. I believe him. I will watch it. I swear!
#2) TIME AFTER TIME
I ordered this movie through ILL. Which stands for Interlibrary Loan. A fabulous resource. If you don’t know about it, ask your local library. Anyway… I requested this movie due to my current ‘steampunk’ fascination. Tagline: “H.G. Wells Races Through Time To Catch Jack The Ripper!" I’ve seen it before, but it’s been so long. I really don’t remember it. Looking forward to the view!
#3) THE TIME MACHINE
Another riff on H.G Wells. Also got this through ILL. Also seen this before, but mostly forgot. Tagline: Hoping to alter the events of the past, a 19th century inventor instead travels 800,000 years into the future.
#4) SHERLOCK HOLMES
Coming to a theater near me December 25!! Starring Robert Downing Jr. Directed by Guy Ritchie .
I.
Can.
Not.
Wait.
Here's why.
So… what’s on your TBV list?
Posts
30 comments:
Good morning!
Bren,
Loved Fracture. Great movie and Anthony Hopkins was so disturbing. Don't you think? I actually did like Ryan Gosling from the get-go, but I LIKE Ryan Gosling so that may explain that!
Beth,
You sent me the trailer to Sherlock Holmes a few weeks ago and I made everyone at work watch it. Looks amazing and I can't wait!
SIS Barb
I liked Gladiator, but not as much as I thought I would. My TBV list? Taken. I mean, the movie TAKEN.
Barb - I saw Gladiator when I was younger and I forget 99% of it, so maybe after I see it again I'll remember if I agree or disagree with your pick haha!
Bren - "Fracture", for me, is one of those movies that is lifted up solely by the performances of the actors. Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling were a great duo against each other, but the plot wasn't so stellar for me. I'd like to see them work again!
Beth - I have three words for you: GET ON IT.
Barb, I liked Gladiator, but not as much as I wanted to. Although I thought the cinematogrpahy was excellent, as well as the costumes, and the acting, I didn't feel as connected to the hero and his plight as I wanted to be. I think it's because the screenwriter didn't give me what I needed upfront to really connect and root for Russell Crowe all the way through. Another historical 'revenge' themed movie that scored higher with me was BRAVEHEART. I could go on about that film... but I won't *g*
Like you with the Gladiator, I've seen Braveheart dozens of times! So I know what you mean!
SIS Beth
Bren, I haven't seen FRACTURE, but we do own that dvd here at the library. Every patron who's checked it out has returned it saying, "What a great movie!" I always love Anthony Hopkins, so this is definitely on my TBV list!
SIS Beth
Taylor... One word. DEADLINE. *g*
SIS Beth
Hey, hey everyone. I said the movie is not the best one I've ever seen. Not by a long shot, but there's something about it that makes me watch it over and over again.
Don't you have any of those?
SIS Barb
DELIVERANCE is one of those films that I can revisit, at least, once a year and be as entertained just as much as the first time I saw it's first theater run. James Dickey's writing carried over brilliantly into the film. It's timeless and remains one of the greatest thrillers of all time.
Brenda, Fracture is a great movie.
Beth, I can't wait to see Sherlock Holmes either. It looks like it will be a great movie.
Barb, Movies I can watch over and over; anything by Quentin Tarantino.
Barb says... "but there's something about it that makes me watch it over and over again. Don't you have any of those?"
Sure do, Barb. Lots of them! For one... Miss Congeniality. :) Oh, and Shakespeare in Love!
And btw, I wasn't knocking your rec, just stating my personal disappointment in a certain aspect.
SIS Beth
BJ... If you're a fan of Tarantino, you must be looking forward to INGLORIOUS BASTERDS! Coming soon...
Brooks, Can you believe I have never seen DELIVERANCE?? I know. You can't believe it. ;)
SIS Beth
The Sherlock Holmes movie looks fun though Robert Downey Jr isn't my idea of Holmes. :) But I love all things Sherlock Holmes almost as much as I love all things Zorro. *g*
With my newfound obsession with steampunk, I'm really wishing someone would release The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne TV series on DVD. Loved that show but I didn't save any of my recordings of it. *sigh*
Tori, from what I've read, Guy Ritchie is reinventing Holmes a bit, focusing on his physical skills as well as his deductive skills, so... Downey Jr. works for me given the new slant.
As for The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne... I don't remember that, but it sounds fascinating. Off to google...
SIS Beth
Barb,
It's been a long time since I watched Gladiator, but if I remember correctly, I think I really liked Joaquin Phoenix. I wasn't a Russell Crowe fan at the time, at all, therefore, I probably didn't allow myself to like it as much as I should have. I've seen Crowe in movies since and thought he was great so I will have to give Gladiator another try!
SIS Bren
Hi Beth!
No worries, I didn't take anything personally. I love that we ALL have different likes and dislikes. It makes for great debates and an interesting world!!!
SIS Barb
Beth,
I love Sherlock Holmes and Robert Downey Jr. so I am very excited for the release of Sherlock Holmes. I might even make it to the theater to see that one!
SIS Bren
BJ,
Hi. This is exactly what I'm talking about and I love it!
You love Quentin Tarantino movies and as hard as I try I can't make it through one of them. I'm not sure what it is but they just don't do it for me.
SIS Barb
Bren,
You are absolutely right...Joaquin Phoenix was great in GLADIATOR. He made you love to hate him.
SIS Barb
Guess what Brooks? I've never seen DELIVERANCE either. Beth and I need to change that!
SIS Barb
Taylor,
I agree with you about Fracture. It had me intrigued at first, but lost something as it went on. I guess it must have been the acting that kept me going... that, and wondering when the heck they were going to figure out what I had figured out very early on! I just think Anthony Hopkins is a great talent and I always enjoy him.
SIS Bren
Brooks,
I've seen DELIVERANCE. It was a long time ago though. It reminds me of some people from our home town! LOL! Great movie and a little disturbing if I remember correctly.
SIS Bren
Olga,
I meant to say that just yesterday, two different people told me they had recently watched TAKEN and they both raved! It is absolutely on my TBV list. Plus, I love Liam Neeson. *G*
SIS Beth
I have to say I agree, Joaquin Phoenix was a huge highlight in GLADIATOR. So sinister, so creepy. So believable. Remember him in the movie with Mel Gibson? SIGNS? Played a totally different kind of character. What a diversified actor. I wish he'd come down from that crazy place he's in just now.
SIS Beth
I forgot all about SIGNS. That was awhile ago. Maybe Joaquin has it right. Perhaps we should all go to our crazy place!
SIS Barb
I think a "To-Be-(Enter Verb Here)" List is enough for a whole 'nother blog post in itself! I gotta say, I think everyone here has fine tastes in films though!
Nice one this time, Ladies! I'll try to stick to "quid pro quo" this go 'round:
Barb: LOVE "Gladiator," but my "if on, must watch" movie -- "Gandhi," with Ben Kingsley. INCREDIBLE human drama, to me.
Bren: Enjoyed "Fracture," agree with Taylor -- more because of the acting than the story. One of my faves of similar type: "Primal Fear." LOVE the twist ending, which is far less contrived than most.
Beth: "Atonement" is also on my TVB list. Seen the two H.G. Wells movies, enjoyed both (really like Mary Steenburgen in it), RARELY see them on TV but when I do, I'm hooked. And, although I'm a HUGE fan of Robert Downey, Jr. and will pay to see pretty much any film he's in as he seems to always rise above even bad material (e.g., "Tropic Thunder) to give a memorable performance, thanks SO much for the preview!! I know where I'LL be Christmas!! One of my RDJr. faves --- "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," with Val Kilmer. A hilarious film noir spoof!
OMG, Richard. KISS KISS BANG BANG was brilliant! I loved it. Downey Jr. AND Kilmer. What a hilarious team. Thanks for the reminder. Need to rent that one again!
Sisters, you're right. I can't believe that you haven't seen DELIVERANCE. If you prefer, read the book. The movie will take less of your time and like I said, it translates beautifully.
And Yes, Yes, anything by Tarantino... especially PULP FICTION! Also, a big vote "Yes" for JP in GLADIATOR. Strangely I, also, enjoyed his meltdown on the Letterman show. I do hope he returns to acting. RDJr: thumbs up.
Hi Brooks,
Thanks for revisiting. Have JP and RDJr. been in a movie together? If not, they should. That would make for some superb acting!
SIS Barb
SIS Barb,
JP and RDJr. were in Sunday Morning Shootout together according to IMDB.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0770123/
I have not seen it, so I can't comment. Reading the synopsis: it doesn't look like they actually acted together. But, your right, that would be a great combo.
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