What Films Have You Seen Recently?

[Rik]

Originally Posted by iank

Red Dragon. A retired FBI agent who nearly lost his life in the capture of the infamous Hannibal Lecter is called back into the fray to in a desperate bid to stop a new serial killer who is wiping out entire families before he strikes again. Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes and Harvey Keitel star in this early 2000s re-adaptation of Thomas Harris' first Lecter novel, and a cracking good thriller it still is too. 

Miles better than Manhunter too.

I prefer it to Manhunter too, much more faithful to Harris’ excellent novel and I’ve always preferred Anthony Hopkins to Brian Cox as Lector

Bet we’re in the minority on here though, so I hope there’s room for me behind that sofa

[bleakshaun]

The Flying Deuces
After falling in love and being left broken hearted, stan and ollie decide to jump into the river sweine and are persuaded to join the foreign legion, where after attempting to escape they are due to be executed by firing squad.
I don't have a lot to say about this, a classic laurel and hardy film with plenty of laughs.

Sent from my PRA-LX1 using Tapatalk

[Stephen@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Rik

I prefer it to Manhunter too, much more faithful to Harris’ excellent novel and I’ve always preferred Anthony Hopkins to Brian Cox as Lector

Bet we’re in the minority on here though, so I hope there’s room for me behind that sofa

Maybe not in the minority (probably though!).

I think the performances are much better in Manhunter. Norton seems totally miscast in Red Dragon. I like him in other films, but he seems totally unbelievable as Will Graham to me. Or it may just seem to me like his performance is screaming “i’d rather be doing anything else than this”. Same goes for Ralph Fiennes. I know this film is more faithful to the book in explaining Dollarhyde’s motivations and the reasons why he’s such a monster, but his performance can’t compare to Tom Noonan’s (other opinions are welcome though).

[Rik]

Yeah, completely agree about Ed Norton, he does seem out of place.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Manhunter, but ever since I read the book I’ve preferred Red Dragon. Silence of the Lambs will always be my favourite of all the Hannibal Lector films though, that ending with the night vision goggles is still effective now almost 30 years after first watching it on a dodgy Pirate VHS in 1991

[Stephen@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Rik

Yeah, completely agree about Ed Norton, he does seem out of place.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Manhunter, but ever since I read the book I’ve preferred Red Dragon. Silence of the Lambs will always be my favourite of all the Hannibal Lector films though, that ending with the night vision goggles is still effective now almost 30 years after first watching it on a dodgy Pirate VHS in 1991

True. Having read the book, the Red Dragon film is definitley better as an adaptation of that. I’m sure most people (those that haven’t read the book or read about it online) who have only seen Manhunter are still confused about the whole false teeth thing and why there are photos of The Tooth Fairy with a giant Dragon tattoo.

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Originally Posted by Stephen@Cult Labs

True. Having read the book, the Red Dragon film is definitley better as an adaptation of that. I’m sure most people (those that haven’t read the book or read about it online) who have only seen Manhunter are still confused about the whole false teeth thing and why there are photos of The Tooth Fairy with a giant Dragon tattoo.

Hopkins is the Hannibal for me too.

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

Chris Pine takes over the Jack Ryan role from Messrs Baldwin, Ford and Affleck in this entertaining mostly Russian set thriller with Pine as a young Ryan newly recruited to the CIA.

Whilst Pine isn't as good as Harrison Ford in the role (My definitive Jack Ryan) the fact he has Kevin Costner to work with in many scenes helps in what is an enjoyable romp with one or two nail biting set pieces.

Just don't think about the time line and try to put the Ryan films in any chronological order - You'll be pulling your hair out.

[Demoncrat]

The Final Option (1982, Ian Sharp)

A human form of corduroy defeats nasty wasty tewwowists in this tonal kaliedoscope. Sit back and sink into it ... or else!! . Judy Davis and her hair hold dignitaries to an unusual ransom ... tae say the least!!
Utter tripe. I loved it. . Callan looked ill ... at least he didn't have to do any stunts cough .

[Demdike@Cult Labs]

The Screaming Skull (1958)

A film with a simple yet highly effective storyline that borders on Gothic horror with a twist you probably won't see coming and some decent skull effects and scares. If you liked the skeleton in The House on Haunted Hill then you'll probably appreciate this film.

Director Alex Nicol goes for creepy thrills such as banging windows rather than outright crash bang wallop, which together with some nice atmospheric, crisp, black and white photography, propel the film along and make it a worthy addition to any classic horror collector.

Although largely unheralded by the majority of critics and seemingly little love in fan circles, to me it's one of the great horror films from fifties America. The Screaming Skull is a minor classic in my estimations.

[Demoncrat]

Noted D!!