The Life Aquatic with Steve Zassou

[Pariah]

Just saw it. I think I liked it; it's certainly different. Quirky.

Okay, I made up my mind. I liked it. I think I liked it a lot. I'll have to chew on it a little longer.

 

[Pariah]

After sleeping on it, this movie was f'n great. It really grew on me.


Go out and see it. Or don't. Your loss. Why do you have to be such a contrarian? Whatever. See it or don't; no skin off my back.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

 

[Pariah]

Nobody'd seen this flick? Seriously, go out and see it.






















































I mean it. What are you still doing here? Go see the movie.

 

[Chaplin]

Of course I've seen it! And it's great, it's no Royal Tenenbaums, but it's close.

 

[Pariah]

Of course I've seen it! And it's great, it's no Royal Tenenbaums, but it's close.

If it's possible, I think it's much dryer than Royal Tanenbaums.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I'm a HUGE Wes Anderson fan - Boittle Rocket, Rushmore and Royals (especially Royals and Rushmore) are some of the most ingenious movies ever made IMO - Life Acquatic was what I thought it was - more the same - but TIRED. The characters weren't nearly as strong as Anderson's other films, the comedy not nearly as organic and I was just waiting for that awful moment in the movie to happen. Anderson has gotten to the point with Aqcuatic where he's parroting himself and for me, I'm getting tired of it. I want grteat director to truly be able to spread their wings and Anderson seems to be repeating the same story and exact same style over and over again.

I don't know why I make the comparison - aybe it's because these two directors are my favorite directors over the last ten years - but Wes pales in comparison to the other Anderson - P.T. - With Boogie Nights and Magnolia, P.T. produced sprawling epics, Boogie NIghts definitely wearing the Scorcese influences on it's sleeve, but he progressed into his own epic world with Magnolia - then - his next film was a COMPLETE 180 - small story, simple and just as brilliant with Punchdrunk Love. I was just impressed that P.T. wasn't a one trick pony and to tell the truth, unless Anderson wows me with something else, that is what I fear he's going to become.

Oh - and it was obvious to me that Owen Wilson was the co-writer with this project - the look of the movie was the same and it seemed that Wes was trying to get the same type of characters, but I don't think he and NOah accomplished the synergy that Owen and He had.

Who knows - I'll probably like it more with subsequent viewings, but I went in with low expectations and unfortunately, they were met.

 

[Chaplin]

You liked Magnolia? Granted, it was full of some great performances, and some of the situations were brilliant (raining frogs, for example), but as a whole, the movie was too long and really boring. As a follow-up to Boogie Nights, I felt it was him trying to do something that isn't very accessible--one of those ego-driven "I can make this no matter if it's good to an audience" projects. Although on the high-end of that list, of course. (With Vincent Gallo's The Brown Bunny on the low end)

 

[Cheesebeef]

You liked Magnolia? Granted, it was full of some great performances, and some of the situations were brilliant (raining frogs, for example), but as a whole, the movie was too long and really boring. As a follow-up to Boogie Nights, I felt it was him trying to do something that isn't very accessible--one of those ego-driven "I can make this no matter if it's good to an audience" projects. Although on the high-end of that list, of course. (With Vincent Gallo's The Brown Bunny on the low end)

Yeah - I'm one of the few who actually thinks Magnolia was pure, unadulterated brilliance. There's not a second of that movie where I'm bored - everyone's story to me was riveting and the performances across the baord were beyond words. And I don't think P.T. cares much for the audience in any of his films - his films are niche films plaina nd simple - hell, even his Aadam Sandler film was about as inaccessible as a movie could be.

I'll agree with you that it Magnolia was P.T. making the most inaccessible movie possible - and a huge ego-stroker, but that doesn't mean it was bad. I've heard the criticism many times that it felt like P.T. was making a self-masturbatory flick, but, for me - I was blown away by it - regardless. Punchdrunk was pretty inaccessible also - doesn't mean it was bad.

I just like that P.T. hasn't done the same exact movie over and over again, unlike Wes, who now has, but now with diminishing returns. I just thought Acquatic showed that there may be some limitations to Wes, which I didn't see in earlier work. His work seemed to be getting tighter and tighter and more mature with each successive movie. I just thought this one was a huge step-backward.

Like I said - it may be one of those movies I have to see again to really appreciate, but I have a feeling it's gonna be a Big Lebowski for me (same issue with the Coen's - I LOVED pretty much everything up till the Big L and had the highest hopes in the world for that movie after having seen the trailer, but it was just too messy and too slow for my tastes - brilliant characters, but it just drifts - everyone always told me I need to see it again, but every time I do - at the 45 minute mark, I get bored).

 

[Chaplin]

Interesting what you say about the Coens. I actually despise Big Lebowski, but love the rest of their stuff.

I will say, however, that although Magnolia isn't my favorite movie, it is definitely very well made.

 

[Stout]

Interesting what you say about the Coens. I actually despise Big Lebowski, but love the rest of their stuff.

I will say, however, that although Magnolia isn't my favorite movie, it is definitely very well made.

You despise The Big Lebowski, but you love Stuck on You, which, admittedly, I haven't seen and will not see?

 

[Cheesebeef]

You despise The Big Lebowski, but you love Stuck on You, which, admittedly, I haven't seen and will not see?

Chap - you LOVED Stuck on You? Please tell me that's an exaggeration. What a bland one trick pony that movie was. It was as if the Farelly Bros were like: "Okay - conjoined twins is a good joke - but what else would make this movie funny?" Then - completely forgetting their roots of creating GREAT characters, they got lazy and said - "hey let's spoof Hollywood - that's should be easy."

Stuck on You Chap? Stuck on You?!

Totally with you on the Big L - but STUCK ON YOU?! I'm stuck on that one!

 

[Chaplin]

I have no idea what Stout is talking about. I've never seen Stuck on You!! That is the Farrelly's, not the Coen's, you know that, right Stout?

 

[Stout]

I have no idea what Stout is talking about. I've never seen Stuck on You!! That is the Farrelly's, not the Coen's, you know that, right Stout?

Lol Ouch, well, shows the depth of my movie knowledge I mean, uh, oh yeah, of course I know that was the Farrelly's...knew it all along *shifty eyes*

What other films have the Coen's done?

 

[Cheesebeef]

What other films have the Coen's done?

and you call yourself a movie guy? OYE VE!

Blood Simple
Miller's Crossing
RAISING ARIZONA(one of the greatest comedies EVER)
Barton Fink(2nd favorite Coen's)
Hudsucker Proxy
Fargo
O Brother Where Art Thou?
The Man Who Wasn't There
Big Lebowski

Everything else - Ladykillers and Intolerable Curelty I refuse to put up there because I don't believe the Coens wrote and directed those pieces of absolute trash - must have been Lucas' clones.

I am shaking my head in your general direction Stout.

 

[Chaplin]

and you call yourself a movie guy? OYE VE!

Blood Simple
Miller's Crossing
RAISING ARIZONA(one of the greatest comedies EVER)
Barton Fink(2nd favorite Coen's)
Hudsucker Proxy
Fargo
O Brother Where Art Thou?
The Man Who Wasn't There
Big Lebowski

Everything else - Ladykillers and Intolerable Curelty I refuse to put up there because I don't believe the Coens wrote and directed those pieces of absolute trash - must have been Lucas' clones.

I am shaking my head in your general direction Stout.

Man, that is such a great list. I hear you about Ladykillers--talk about a total disappointment. Tom Hanks was actually quite good, which surprised me a bit since it had been so long since he'd done a good comedy. But the film as a whole paled in comparison to the original. I have the DVD for Intolerable Cruelty, but have yet to see it.

It's hard for me to say a fave, but I think I'd have to say I'm in the minority and say that Hudsucker Proxy is my favorite Coen's movie. I'm not sure why--the absurdity of the whole story, their amazing production design, it all clicked for me. But then I also loved Fargo, Man Who Wasn't There, Raising Arizona, Barton Fink and especially Miller's Crossing. Such a great body of work.

 

[Stout]

and you call yourself a movie guy? OYE VE!

Blood Simple
Miller's Crossing
RAISING ARIZONA(one of the greatest comedies EVER)
Barton Fink(2nd favorite Coen's)
Hudsucker Proxy
Fargo
O Brother Where Art Thou?
The Man Who Wasn't There
Big Lebowski

Everything else - Ladykillers and Intolerable Curelty I refuse to put up there because I don't believe the Coens wrote and directed those pieces of absolute trash - must have been Lucas' clones.

I am shaking my head in your general direction Stout.

Yeah, but see, I'm like that with movies. I love them and I can tell you all about the ones I know, plot-wise. I can also tell you who is in them, though it will often be, 'well, it was the guy who played the third dead terrorist in such-and-such'. Directors? Hmm, I'm very bad with directors. Still, I love movies and *used* to see a bunch of them. Now I'm broke with no time Lol

Wish I was able to go back and fix/rewrite a few screenplays I've done, now I know some famous people in the 'biz'. Ah, well. Someday I'll get the time.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Man, that is such a great list. I hear you about Ladykillers--talk about a total disappointment. Tom Hanks was actually quite good, which surprised me a bit since it had been so long since he'd done a good comedy. But the film as a whole paled in comparison to the original. I have the DVD for Intolerable Cruelty, but have yet to see it.

It's hard for me to say a fave, but I think I'd have to say I'm in the minority and say that Hudsucker Proxy is my favorite Coen's movie. I'm not sure why--the absurdity of the whole story, their amazing production design, it all clicked for me. But then I also loved Fargo, Man Who Wasn't There, Raising Arizona, Barton Fink and especially Miller's Crossing. Such a great body of work.

totally with you on most everything up there. Ladykillers was merely mediocre, and Hanks was good in it, really the films svaing grace, but I thought only the last 30 minutes or so felt like a Coen Bros. movie. As far as Intolerable Cruelty - well - let's just say I'll wanr you that it's gonna make you FURIOUS from the first scene - it's got Brian Grazer written all over it - from the first scene - no subtelty in the humor whatsover. Honestly, I feel like I wnat to vomit when I think of that movie.

HUdsucker is probably my third favorite - you're right, the story and the characters and time setting were all awesome and the productions designs/direction in that film is second to none. Probably their least accessible flick to the mainstream public (well besides my second fav - Barton Fink) - but a classic nonetheless.

You know . . . for kids.

And Stout, you are slowly moving into movie ***** territory - good God man - screw the fact that you probably know that James Eckhouse(the Dad from 90210) was the prison guard in Trading Places who gets Eddie Murphy out - WRITERS AND DIRECTORS are the SOUL of cinema! Learn 'em up or I will have to taunt you a second time!

 

[Stout]

And Stout, you are slowly moving into movie ***** territory - good God man - screw the fact that you probably know that James Eckhouse(the Dad from 90210) was the prison guard in Trading Places who gets Eddie Murphy out - WRITERS AND DIRECTORS are the SOUL of cinema! Learn 'em up or I will have to taunt you a second time!

Believe me, I know!!! Problem is twofold. One, I have no time to read up on these things. If a movie piques my interest, I go, but even if I love it, I have no time to research it. Two, I have no bros here to discuss it with, who are interested enough to converse about the topic.

 

[Chaplin]

Believe me, I know!!! Problem is twofold. One, I have no time to read up on these things. If a movie piques my interest, I go, but even if I love it, I have no time to research it. Two, I have no bros here to discuss it with, who are interested enough to converse about the topic.

But you have US!!!

 

[Cheesebeef]

Believe me, I know!!! Problem is twofold. One, I have no time to read up on these things. If a movie piques my interest, I go, but even if I love it, I have no time to research it. Two, I have no bros here to discuss it with, who are interested enough to converse about the topic.

That sucks - I'm just giving you crap mostly my neophyte movie friend.

I LOVE talking about the movies - I guess it makes sense I'm out in here in LaLa land banging my head continually against a wall. Can't stand talking to actors - they're for the most part clueless - but all of my friends are trying to make it as writers/producers/cinematographers so I always have a good base of people to talk about film.

The weird thing out here though, Stout - most of my friends aren't big sports fans - or just Laker fans - so I do have to deal with the trade-off as far as that's concerned. I just don't get why more people out here don't care about football - it's like pulling freaking teeth to get a group together to watch on Sundays - AGHHH!!!!

 

[Stout]

That sucks - I'm just giving you crap mostly my neophyte movie friend.

I LOVE talking about the movies - I guess it makes sense I'm out in here in LaLa land banging my head continually against a wall. Can't stand talking to actors - they're for the most part clueless - but all of my friends are trying to make it as writers/producers/cinematographers so I always have a good base of people to talk about film.

The weird thing out here though, Stout - most of my friends aren't big sports fans - or just Laker fans - so I do have to deal with the trade-off as far as that's concerned. I just don't get why more people out here don't care about football - it's like pulling freaking teeth to get a group together to watch on Sundays - AGHHH!!!!

No worries...didn't think you were giving me serious crap. I give you kudos for being out there. I was born in SoCal and went back to visit quite a few times, and wouldn't much want to live there. But, there's the industry, so there you must be. I'm sure you have a riot out there, too

 

[JerkFace]

just saw it tonight, it was probably my least favorite of wes anderson's movies but it was still pretty good.

 

[Stout]

just saw it tonight, it was probably my least favorite of wes anderson's movies but it was still pretty good.

My feelings exactly.

 

[D-Dogg]

The Big Lebowski is brilliant. I love that movie.

Nice to see that there are at least SOME people out there that loved Magnolia too...I thought that movie was superb.

Intolerable Cruelty was tolerable to me...not the best of their work but not the worst. Ladykillers was better than I thought it would be, but I thought it would be a pile of fly-covered horse dung so it had nowhere to go but up. Hudsucker Proxy is one of my favorite favorite movies..."ya know, for kids." I never had as much fun listening to bluegrass music surrounding a Homer adaptation as I did watching O Brother.

I am excited to rent Life Aquatic but haven't gotten a round to it yet. I have I Heart Huckabee's and Sideways at the house rented right now and haven't yet watched them. I'm excited to see Huckabee's and want to put Sideways on blast for taking the rightfully earned spot of Eternal Sunshine at the Oscars. I'm looking for anything, one thing, to hate about Sideways (and probably won't find it and will just become more bitter about ESOTSM getting jobbed).