What Movies Have Been Playing On Your DVD/Video Lately?

[Gray]

I don't like the gory horror films, Eman, but I do enjoy the suspenseful type

I saw the trailer for the new version of 'Carrie' and it left me a bit cold, but, you are absolutely correct to go with an open mind and try to judge the remake on its own merits. I will do the same...but only if you come back to the forum with a good review!
I shan't bother seeing it if you don't like it.

[Eman]

Gray, The Conjuring isn't one of those slash gore type films, it's in line with the original Amityville and Exorcist type films. You know the kind that scare you mentally. LOL

I'll let you know about Carrie as I'm scheduled to see it on Saturday with some friends. Yep I'm going in with an open mind, but somehow how cannot I not make the comparison of this new Carrie, to Sissy Spacek's classic withdrawn innocent bullied waif. She was perfection!

[Gray]

Hi Eman

So sorry, my post probably mis-lead you, but what I was trying to say was that I did see The Conjuring at the cinema and enjoyed it too, those are the type of spooky films I like!

Hope you enjoy, Carrie.
I agree Sissy Spacek was terrific in Brian dePalma's original.
There was a wonderful scene in the 1976 version where Carrie dances with her date at the prom, the camera swirls slowly around the pair as they awkwardly begin to sway. Then the camera picks up speed as pair talk and get to know each other until it eventually is whizzing around them dizzyingly when they are comfortable in each others company.
It is a really lovely sequence and gives Carrie hope and laughter and respite, if only for a few minutes!
I love the song that they dance too as well.

I hope the new version is as inventive!

Enjoy your evening with your friends!!!
Looking forward to your review!

[Eman]

Gray, yeah The Conjuring was one of the old time scare movies without major gore!!
So I went into Carrie with an open mind saying I'm not going to compare it to the original, yet I couldn't help it. Although they say this one is closer to the book, well as a whole it is good, but I can't seem to find how it was similar. Yes the kids seemed meaner, but actress who was playing her lacked the simplicity/naive persona of the heroine. This is a good movie just to lose yourself in for a few hours, but not worth the full admission. It's best if you see it at a matinee price.

I do think the original film had a more powerful cast. Sissy Spacek will be the pen-ultimate Carrie anyone else can't beat her performance. From her being the shy frail waifish wallflower to scorned revenge seeking powerhouse. Nancy Allen will always be the bitchy tart "Chris" and Amy Irving will always be the kind hearted go with the crowd "Sue". However Piper Laurie wow as Carrie's mother, she makes the new one look like something from Balamory!!!

In short Gray, don't pay full price, go to a matinee if you have a few hours to kill with some friends.

[Gray]

Thanks for the review, Eman.
I shall take your advice when it opens in the UK!

[ROBERT M.]

Watched another Busby Berkeley film on DVD tonight from 1933, the wonderful Footlight Parade starring James Cagney and Joan Blondell ...............hard to believe all those bathing beauties were filmed 80 years ago and if still alive would be 100 years old or over

[ROBERT M.]

Have watched two more Busby Berkeley films over the past few days Dames(1934) and Gold Diggers of 1935

[karl]

Just watched Behind The Candleabra with Michael Douglas proving once again what a wonderful actor he is, I never even knew Debbie Reynolds was playing his mother until her name went up, she looked so different.

[Sandra]

What did you think of it Karl?

I went to see it with two lady friends and yes the acting was excellent we all HATED the film

[Sandra]

Went to see PHILOMENA yesterday. A BBC film too Excellent acting of course by Judi Dench , and Steve Coogan played his part well.
A surprise outcome too.

[karl]

What did you think of it Karl?

I went to see it with two lady friends and yes the acting was excellent we all HATED the film

What was your reason for hating it Sandra?

As I said Michael Douglas is an excellent actor, not so familiar with Matt Damon but he was very good too as was Debbie Reynolds,

However I think it shows how some huge stars live a very loney existence away from the stage and fill their lives with wordly goods and "hangers on" who probably only keep "friendly" with them as they are a famous name and they have money.

I knew about Liberace's lifestyle and some years ago visited his museum in Las Vegas, I was never a fan but he was a great showman. The film was all I expected it to be and it didi not disappoint.

[Sandra]

I agree with you Karl and the reasons for his lifestyle etc. I just didn't warm to his character at all and thought him thoroughly unpleasant.

[karl]

I agree with you Karl and the reasons for his lifestyle etc. I just didn't warm to his character at all and thought him thoroughly unpleasant.

But did you know of his lifestyle before watching the film?

Liberace to my mind was always too good to be true with his syrupy way of talking but he was a great showman. It did not cross my mind in the filn that he was an unpleasant character, no more than some other celebrities who have been portrayed in films

They live a different lifestyle - don't they?

[Gray]

I have enjoyed reading your debate, Karl and Sandra, very interesting.

Sandra, it sounds like you enjoyed 'Philomena', I have been trying to find time to go and see it since it opened, but not been able to yet.
Judi Dench is wonderful, isn't she?
Doesn't matter what she is in, she seems to have real presence.

[Eman]

Watched a special preview of "Homefront" starring Jason Statham last night at the base theatre. What can I say but it's a total guy film with a lot of action. I think this is his best one yet!