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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2023 11:32:00 GMT -5
On a related note, since watching Death in Paradise, I’ve noticed how much more effective replacing is when compared with recasting. So far, I’ve experienced three actors playing detective inspectors: Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, and Ardal O’Hanlon. I believe Ralf Little took over in recent times, but I’ve not yet seen his episodes.
DI Richard Poole (Ben Miller) is a great character. DI Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall) has been a great character, too. Only saw one episode featuring Ardal O’Hanlon, but I like his character, DI Jack Mooney. They bring different things to the table. It would not have been good if Kris Marshall had played DI Poole. Miller and Marshall are two different people with their own acting styles.
Now, some feel that replacing is less than ideal. I am not up to date with the latest episodes, but a friend told me that, with the exception of Don Warrington as the police commissioner, none of the original characters are there. I can understand how that might be less than ideal for some. But I’d take that over recasting any day of the week.
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Post by Roquefort Raider on Apr 11, 2023 13:27:11 GMT -5
The Thing from Another World (1951) was pretty good! It lacked the paranoia aspect from John Carpenter's remake, as the creature isn't a shape-shifer, but the film handled the claustrophobic ambience of the story quite well.
I love the way characters were written in those days. I'm sure viewers at the time had pretty much the same reaction that we have today towards contemporary writing, but what I find irritating in a modern cliché I usually find quaint in an old one. Noticeably lacking (and thankfully so) : an obtuse superior officer who keeps putting people in danger, a bad guy who jeopardizes everyone's safety for personal gain, a kid (either a cute one, a smart one, or one who won't do as they're told), a cowardly member of the crew, and an idiot acting as comic relief.
The movie does illustrate, however, that a monster is best left unseen. A lesson well-learned by Ridley Scott for the first Alien movie.
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Post by tartanphantom on Apr 11, 2023 16:03:25 GMT -5
The Thing from Another World (1951) was pretty good! It lacked the paranoia aspect from John Carpenter's remake, as the creature isn't a shape-shifer, but the film handled the claustrophobic ambience of the story quite well. I love the way characters were written in those days. I'm sure viewers at the time had pretty much the same reaction that we have today towards contemporary writing, but what I find irritating in a modern cliché I usually find quaint in an old one. Noticeably lacking (and thankfully so) : an obtuse superior officer who keeps putting people in danger, a bad guy who jeopardizes everyone's safety for personal gain, a kid (either a cute one, a smart one, or one who won't do as they're told), a cowardly member of the crew, and an idiot acting as comic relief. The movie does illustrate, however, that a monster is best left unseen. A lesson well-learned by Ridley Scott for the first Alien movie.
AKA "Giant vampiric humanoid carrot thaws out, gets toasted, and later lands a role as a famous TV Marshall".
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Post by Roquefort Raider on Apr 11, 2023 17:17:17 GMT -5
The Thing from Another World (1951) was pretty good! It lacked the paranoia aspect from John Carpenter's remake, as the creature isn't a shape-shifer, but the film handled the claustrophobic ambience of the story quite well. I love the way characters were written in those days. I'm sure viewers at the time had pretty much the same reaction that we have today towards contemporary writing, but what I find irritating in a modern cliché I usually find quaint in an old one. Noticeably lacking (and thankfully so) : an obtuse superior officer who keeps putting people in danger, a bad guy who jeopardizes everyone's safety for personal gain, a kid (either a cute one, a smart one, or one who won't do as they're told), a cowardly member of the crew, and an idiot acting as comic relief. The movie does illustrate, however, that a monster is best left unseen. A lesson well-learned by Ridley Scott for the first Alien movie.
AKA "Giant vampiric humanoid carrot thaws out, gets toasted, and later lands a role as a famous TV Marshall".
He even got his own comic!
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Post by Prince Hal on Apr 11, 2023 22:05:17 GMT -5
The Thing from Another World (1951) was pretty good! It lacked the paranoia aspect from John Carpenter's remake, as the creature isn't a shape-shifer, but the film handled the claustrophobic ambience of the story quite well. I love the way characters were written in those days. I'm sure viewers at the time had pretty much the same reaction that we have today towards contemporary writing, but what I find irritating in a modern cliché I usually find quaint in an old one. Noticeably lacking (and thankfully so) : an obtuse superior officer who keeps putting people in danger, a bad guy who jeopardizes everyone's safety for personal gain, a kid (either a cute one, a smart one, or one who won't do as they're told), a cowardly member of the crew, and an idiot acting as comic relief. The movie does illustrate, however, that a monster is best left unseen. A lesson well-learned by Ridley Scott for the first Alien movie. I love this movie for so many reasons, from the rapid-fire dialogue, to its speed and economy, to the mostly trusting, cooperative relationships among and between the characters. And it is a product of its time, with the 50s fear of UFOS, etc., but it works so well as a mix of locked-room mystery, romantic comedy, service movie, ensemble piece and a siege story that it's equally enjoyable today. As you say, RR, the lack of what are usually required stereotypes in a story like this are yet another reason to admire it. After all, the hero is the hardly movie-star handsome Kenneth Tobey, in his hands-down best role, the cast an ensemble of fringe players and character actors who play together exceptionally well. Just saw this again about two months ago and fell under its spell of what some might call superior craftsmanship; I call it that, too, but would add that it surpasses that and is an insightful and enjoyable work of art.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2023 9:02:39 GMT -5
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Post by Prince Hal on Apr 12, 2023 9:26:26 GMT -5
For any of you who has access to Turner Classic Movies, the schedule for the month of April is devoted to Warner brothers movies and a few specials about the studio's history. I especially recommend the special devoted to Max Steiner, Warner brothers' unsurpassed composer, whose music is indelibly impressed on movie lovers' hearts and minds.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2023 9:32:48 GMT -5
Sadly, it’s a pay-to-view channel here in the UK. Shame, really, as they’re showcasing Westerns at weekends.
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Post by Prince Hal on Apr 12, 2023 9:43:39 GMT -5
Sadly, it’s a pay-to-view channel here in the UK. Shame, really, as they’re showcasing Westerns at weekends. My sympathies, pardner.
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Post by Roquefort Raider on Apr 12, 2023 19:17:57 GMT -5
The Thing from Another World (1951) (...) I love this movie for so many reasons, from the rapid-fire dialogue, to its speed and economy, to the mostly trusting, cooperative relationships among and between the characters. And it is a product of its time, with the 50s fear of UFOS, etc., but it works so well as a mix of locked-room mystery, romantic comedy, service movie, ensemble piece and a siege story that it's equally enjoyable today. As you say, RR, the lack of what are usually required stereotypes in a story like this are yet another reason to admire it. After all, the hero is the hardly movie-star handsome Kenneth Tobey, in his hands-down best role, the cast an ensemble of fringe players and character actors who play together exceptionally well. Just saw this again about two months ago and fell under its spell of what some might call superior craftsmanship; I call it that, too, but would add that it surpasses that and is an insightful and enjoyable work of art.
That they did, as did the characters they played. That really contributed to my liking this film: the crew of that isolated polar base is made up of sympathetic characters, all of whom seem to genuinely care for each other. It's much easier to care for made-up people when they're ones you'd like to know and work with in real life. Ill take that over a bunch of more colourful but unpleasant and dysfunctional social misfits any day!
I was really touched by the fellow who worried about a colleague having to spend a four-hour shift in a freezing room keeping watch over a spooky alien body, and who suggested to his commanding officer that the shifts be reduced to two hours so he could relieve his pal earlier. Good man.
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Post by Prince Hal on Apr 12, 2023 20:44:50 GMT -5
Roquefort Raider ... Yes, even the scientist who argues against violence isn’t a cardboard villain. It isn’t that I don’t want to watch disagreeable characters. After all, “The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Dexter” are among my favorites. But in each of those, the writing and the acting were so nuanced and sensitive that even the worst of the characters demand if not your sympathy, your understanding. There is at least a tiny shred of humanity in all of the characters, a quality missing in “The Hateful Eight,” for example. At least it lived up to its title.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2023 8:06:00 GMT -5
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Post by Hoosier X on Apr 13, 2023 21:17:17 GMT -5
Tonight I’m watching Times Square (1980) with Tim Curry as a DJ.
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Post by codystarbuck on Apr 14, 2023 21:06:21 GMT -5
Tonight I’m watching Times Square (1980) with Tim Curry as a DJ. It would have to be better than his Cardinal Richelieu. I swear I could see him gain weight as that farce of a film progressed ("Young Swords," aka The Three Musketeers), because of all the scenery he was chewing. It worked well for Legend, though, as his tendency to overact made the prosthetics look more realistic. I like Tim Curry well enough; but subtlety seemed to escape him. Great musical performer, though and perfect for roles where there is room to be bat@#$% insane. Thought he worked well (for the most part) in The Shadow (more interesting than John Lone, as a villain, too).
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Post by Hoosier X on Apr 17, 2023 14:44:50 GMT -5
Yesterday, I watched Swords of Vengeance (1978), also known as The Fall of Ako Castle. It’s a version of The 47 Ronin directed by the guy that did Battle Royale.
Very entertaining. Several of the dogs watched it for a while.
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