Oh that's awesome then GTG! I wish that more people in the world could do that. Reading the book before seeing the movie I mean.

Alice in Wonderland. It's a past movie that has been out for three months and soon onto DVD next Tuesday. I can't wait to buy it!

me too. I hate how most people say they love a movie and they haven't even read the book that inspired it!

I still haven't seen it! I want too badly! I'll hopefully watch it once it's out on DVD

Or they'll hate the book because they didn't like the original way.

It's pretty good the only thing wrong is the title. It should of been Return to Wonderland. You'll see why when you see it.

Wow, DamselJillPole, are there any movies you don't like? Besides Knowing, that is?

I really loved Tuck Everlasting when it came out, and even bought it on VHS (remember those?), but I haven't seen it in years and I'm pretty sure all the parts of it that thrilled me then I would find hopelessly sentimental now. I do love Ben Kingsley and Sissy Spacek in those roles, though.

Well, last night I watched Aliens again on SyFy. *cue a monster response by Shadow *

I've already shared my thoughts about the film before, but I just wanted to say that the film was still as thrilling and great as it was the first viewing. I think Aliens ranks as one of those very few films that you can watch over and over and it never feels old.

Great film. Definitely the finest from Cameron as far as I'm concerned.

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Alright, now for some recent viewings that I've failed to report on. Forewarning: I've apparently been in a Fantasy film mood lately....

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Willow (1988) Well, I had heard both good and bad about this film, mostly good, so I went in hoping for the best. Unfortunately, I got a rather mundane Family film/fantasy picture ripping-off Star Wars. The acting was O.K and special effects were good for 1988, though they could have been better. What really sunk the film for me was the addition of "Family film" humor. You know, the groan worthy "that ruined the whole scene!!" kind of humor that is usually seen the bad Disney live action films.

Anyway, overall Willow was a fun one time viewing but I doubt I'll ever see it again. Rating: 3/5

Labyrinth (1986) Ahh, the interesting films you get out of the Jim Henson company.... Well, I decided to check this film out after seeing several of Mel's avvies that had Jennifer Connelly from this film in them. I went in expecting a weird 80's film and that's exactly what I got. I mean, what else do you expect from a film with David Bowie as the bad guy?

I'm not quite sure whether the film was meant to be serious with comedy mixed in or just a straight comedy. You'll enjoy it more if you watch it as a comedy. The acting was.... alright. Definitely nothing great and rather flat most of the time (especially from Miss Connelly), though the Henson creatures usually gave the best performances. Hmm.... David Bowie actually does a decent job as the goblin king, basically looking and acting like David Bowie. Production values are good, even if it's painfully obvious everything is filmed on a soundstage.

Overall, I would recommend the film to someone who either likes 80's movies or just enjoys a fun (if odd) little slice of entertainment. Rating: 3 1/2/5

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Wow, DamselJillPole, are there any movies you don't like? Besides Knowing, that is?

lol! movies are pretty much my life. I love to learn about them and I love film so yes I have lots of favorites and little dislikes.

Well, last night I watched Aliens again on SyFy. *cue a monster response by Shadow *

Did someone say Aliens?

Just kidding. Like you said, I think it's Cameron's finest work, especially considering the amount of trouble he and Gale Anne Hurd went through putting it all together. James Horner barely got the music done for it in time for release...in fact, did you know that the sequence when Ripley fights the Queen in her power loader, specifically the score for that, was completed in less than 24 hours in the last two weeks of production? He really hit a homerun with it too...I've heard that same musical score attached to hundreds of movie trailers.

You really should check out the Extended Cut if you get the opportunity. The film is loaded to the gills with language, but bear in mind you're dealing with a whole bunch of Marines under a whole lot of duress. The remote sentry gun sequences alone make it worth the purchase (or rent if you prefer). At any rate, like I said before, it is truly my favorite film of all time.

I rather liked Willow. The special effects for its time were pretty revolutionary...in fact I think the sequence when Willow is trying to transform Sherlyndria back into her human form at the end is the first time morphing had ever been attempted, so I read. Also of note, General Kael (played by Pat Roach...the guy with the skull mask) was named after Pauline Kael the (in)famous movie critic, who spent a good amount of her life really flaming the chicken nuggets out of everyone's movies, but had an especial dislike for Lucas' films. That was sort of Lucas' payback at her.

I also liked Labyrinth for it's almost surreal, otherworldly atmosphere...I mean they really pulled that angle of it off. The only thing I didn't care for were all the song and dance numbers. There's only two movies that contain those that I love; The Wizard of Oz and the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. *starts singing, "come with me, and you'll be in a wooooorld of pure imagination..."* Shhh...don't tell anyone.

If you're in an 80's fantasy mood you'll probably want to be checking out The Neverending Story, which I remember very fondly. My wife and I purchased it on a whim a few years ago and were struck by how dark in tone the film really is. Avoid the sequel if you possibly can...by all rights it should have been consumed by The Nothing first. You may also want to check out The Goonies, still a pretty fun film that I enjoy watching from time to time.

Aliens has got to be the best sequel to a movie ever along with The Godfather 2 and Terminator 2. I don't know but I never liked Alien or the other Alien movies except its' sequel. There's just something about the Heroine's Journey this time around that just draws you in. I love the part where

Spoiler

Ripley was negotiating with the Queen Alien that they were both mother figures at that moment, Ripley to the little girl she was trying to save and the Queen Alien not wanting her eggs harmed. The negotiation of survival there is the most intense moments I've ever seen in a movie. It's just that good.

The Empire Strikes Back is also an amazing sequel. Yes, the ending of Aliens is very well done both action-packed and intensely emotional.

I have yet to see the sequel to The Empire Strikes Back. My film production professor recommended that I needed to watch it. I will one of these days

Well, Shadow I know you know I'm on the same page as you RE: Aliens . But, did you also know I'm with you all the way on Willow and Labyrinth (and Neverending Story for that matter)?

I can see how younger folk might think they seem a little dated nowadays, but believe me, they were pretty cool back in the day (well, at least to Fantasy/Sci Fi geeks ). Another one you might remember Shadow, is The Dark Crystal. I think in some ways it might hold up even better than today than the other films, being entirely set in a Fantasy world, without intrusions of the vernacular of the times. Also some very stunning visuals that still look cool today. Also part of Jim Henson's oeuvre at the pinnacle of his Artistic talent.

GB

Yes, The Neverending Story is very good (I have lots of nostalgic memories from that one). The Dark Crystal is amazing and at times, deliciously creepy. Willow was decent but I never liked Labyrinth all that much. That was mainly due to the Bowie songs and David Bowie's tights. Yikes!

Speaking of spectacular sequels, The Dark Knight is a must see as well.

Gandalfs Beard and Shadow you guys know my stuff! Im excited. My gosh. I love The Dark Crystal (Did you know there's a sequel in the making now?) I seriously hope they leave CGI out of it. I love Labyrinth, Neverending Story is another classic. I've got all of the on DVD. There is nothing better then Jim Henson from back in the day. I honestly love you now.

lol! movies are pretty much my life. I love to learn about them and I love film so yes I have lots of favorites and little dislikes.

Wow, this is very interesting! I also love films and love to learn about them, but, for me, that has definitely enhanced my dislike for many films. I generally go to movies not expecting much, because we usually aren't given much these days. I'm most interested to know what about learning about films has made you have "lots of favorites."

I'll always be a,
NL101