116 response about Cinecast Episode 104 - The Taking of Gamble 1-2-3 »

1. 

   http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/paprika

   dictionary.com wants a word with Kurt over the pronunciation. You know with the Ben A Fleck’s and a few other cases behind him, I thought Kurt couldn’t come up with a weirder pronunciation goof, however I think “EYE GOR” takes the cake.

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrSX8NYN2×4

   How many times do the characters in the actual movie have to pronounce it “EEE GOR” for you to get it right, Kurt?

   Comment by Goon — November 28, 2008
2. 

   The Igor thing was probably ingrained from a few too many viewing of Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. I heart Marty Feldman. But yea, pretty unforgivable.

   I have often pronounced Susan Sarandon and Robert Zemekis wrong as well. It kinda balances the mangling of Chinese, Thai and Spanish filmmakers names I’ve accidentally butchered over the years.

   Comment by kurt — November 28, 2008
3. 

   You pronounced Nirvana wrong as well, which made both me and Andrew do a double take.

   Comment by Matt Gamble — November 28, 2008
4. 

   Couple of notes:

   Kurt at least has his head put on straight when it comes to Edward Zwick, one of the worst people to ever live. Although it’s from the weird “I’m-so-culturally-sensitive-I-can’t-stand-when-it-seems-like-another-precious-foreign-culture-is-being-exploited” angle, at this point we should take whatever we can get from Kurt. Courage Under Fire is as dreadful as Last Samurai, Legends of the Fall no better than Blood Diamond and Leaving Normal is probably the worst movie ever made.

   The Bakshi conversation was fucking interesting. I want to check out Wizards.

   Boo on the Brad Bird bullshit though, you people should grow up, but you know that.

   Jarhead - fucking awesome movie. I don’t get the issues… Mendes knowns how to capture truth on film, even though Jarhead has its poor moments and the cast is alittle showy, it’s fucking way better than the shit you accuse it of ripping off, like Apocalypse Now.

   All in all, good show. The Bakshi stuff was definitely the best, probably the most interesting conversation I’ve ever heard on this website. Nice with some passion in there, and some insight into something I had no knowledge about.

   Comment by Henrik — November 28, 2008
5. 

   The pronounciation thing is definitely annoying, but there are bigger problems with the actual meaning behind the almost-unrecognizable words being uttered, than the words themselves.

   Comment by Henrik — November 28, 2008
6. 

   Can I fake out of the pronunciation thing by calling them the ‘legal’ Canadian pronunciations?

   Comment by kurt — November 28, 2008
7. 

   “…at this point we should take whatever we can get from Kurt.”

   I love you to Henrik!

   Comment by kurt — November 28, 2008
8. 

   Ok my tastes in film generally run parallel with Kurt’s, but I do know the too crucial points where I abandon ship on his recommendations, they include:

   1) anytime he suggests he is giving a film a pass because of its sheer originality.

   2) anytime he recommends anything anime. period.

   I am 100% with you Andrew, the allure of anime films is completely lost on me, and lord knows I have tried. The aesthetic is annoying, the tendency to over-explain convulted plots is doubly annoying, there is nothing to like in them. That said I am curious about Grave of the fireflies because EVERYONE talks about it…

   Comment by rot — November 28, 2008
9. 

   I think you might end up liking Bakshi’s work quite a bit Henrik. He really lays himself out there, and while he misses as often as he hits, his films are always deeply personal and surprisingly honest films. I don’t know how easy it will be for you to track down his films though. Even here in the US outside of a few they are pretty hard to find. Good luck.

   One other interesting Fritz the Cat story that I forgot to mention, after Bakshi’s film made Fritz wildly popular, Crumb became so upset by it that he killed the character. Bakshi was then rather eager to take a shot at Crumb’s grandstanding, so he repeatedly used a gag about killing a soldier named Fritz in Wizards.

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W7IOzb-LaQ

   Comment by Matt Gamble — November 28, 2008
10. 

    To second Gamble’s praise for Demme docs, and actually correct him about what are the best concert documentaries…

    Demme’s ‘Neil Young Heart of Gold’ 2nd greatest, to the untouchable ranks of Pennebaker’s Bob Dylan ‘Dont Look Back’. done, closed. next topic.

    Comment by rot — November 28, 2008
11. 

    Grave of the Fireflies is amazing, and soul destroying.

    But its a ‘cartoon’ so Henrik won’t like it.

    Comment by Goon — November 28, 2008
12. 

    Nice article, Henrik:

    http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/8779/henrikpd9.jpg

    

    Comment by Goon — November 28, 2008
13. 

    bam!

    ah fuck, thats about the funniest thing I have read today, Goon you made my day.

    lyme disease… ah, hee hee.

    Comment by rot — November 28, 2008
14. 

    “That said I am curious about Grave of the fireflies because EVERYONE talks about it…”

    That’s what everyone said about Mononoke as well (Matt is the first person to agree it’s not good). I try not to bash Japanime because I know that it isn’t for any good reason and everyone else disagrees with me. I just don’t like it. It drives me up the wall. I can’t come up with any sound argument as to why I never want to see Paprika again… I just don’t. Therefore I usually just keep my mouth shut.

    Comment by Andrew James — November 28, 2008
15. 

    But on the subject of music docs, I wasn’t a huge fan of “Don’t Look Back”. I’m much more partial to Scorsese’s “No Direction Home.” For some reason I like the myth and the culture and surroundings of Bob Dylan, much more that I like to just hang out with the man himself - which is what “Don’t Look Back” does.

    And maybe why I love “I’m Not There” so much.

    Comment by Andrew James — November 28, 2008
16. 

    well GotF is a war drama about two little kids who take care of each other when they are orphaned, it has an almost watercolorish loose style unlike what you’ve seen in most other animes. It’s hardly bizarre. Its just full of strife. I don’t think you could compare it to Mononoke. Listen, I could also say I’m not much of an anime fan, but I slap myself at my ignorance, because ‘anime’ to me shouldn’t really be seen as a genre. You can tell any story with that style and they often do. To me saying “I dont like anime” - unless you simply hate that style of artwork - might as well be saying “I don’t like dramas”.

    I used to watch any anime whatsoever with my friends back in high school. At one point though we watched Legend of the Overfiend and it was so over the top, overlong and cliched that it turned me off for a good number of years.

    Comment by Goon — November 28, 2008
17. 

    Anime suggestions for the more open minded folks that weren’t in my top 3.

    My Neighbor Totoro,
    Porco Rosso,
    The Sky Crawlers,
    Innocence (GITS2),
    Perfect Blue,
    Millenium Actress,
    Jin Roh,
    Nausica: The Valley of the Winds,
    Mind Game,
    Genius Party,
    Tekkon Kinkreet,
    Noir (this is the only series on the list, but it is a pretty rich one)

    and of course the Academy Award Winning

    Spirited Away.

    Comment by kurt — November 28, 2008
18. 

    Isn’t Porco Rosso the one where they use giant raccoon testicles as billy clubs?

    Comment by Matt Gamble — November 28, 2008
19. 

    That’s Pom Poko - from the same director as Grave of the Fireflies.

    Amusing fun fact. Both of my kids sat down with my Japanese Disc of this film which has no English language dub, and since they are too young to read, they simply watched the images and enjoyed the heck out of this film….

    Comment by kurt — November 28, 2008
20. 

    “But its a ‘cartoon’ so Henrik won’t like it.”

    I would argue this, but I can’t promise that the aesthetics of the film won’t ruin it for me. I like comic books as much as regular books though, so I don’t think I necessarily have a problem with drawings or animation. I just have a problem with shitty kids films, and you know why? Because I’m not a kid, and I don’t have kids to add anything to the experience.

    When I was little I used to watch tons of cartoons dubbed in german off of german TV channels, and they have the same amount of nostalgic value for me as anything I saw in english or danish, even though I still don’t have a clue what the characters are saying. Doesn’t mean it’s any good though, I mean do adults really get a kick out of The New Adventures of He-Man in german? I doubt it, and most of the cartoons I saw as a child, whenever I see an episode that I didn’t see as a child, I can’t watch it. Nostalgia is all there is.

    As for that article, meh. Not nearly biting enough to make me feel exposed. I guess as the years go by, you understand less and less of what I’m saying Goon.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
21. 

    I don’t think you see yourself the way others do Henrik..

    anyways, the cartoon thing was kidding… kidding on the square. as for that article, i didnt write it, i just altered an Onion article because it seemed to fit you and it was littered with European references.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
22. 

    I love aesthetics, and I love nature. I love going to the zoo and look at the apes, lions, leopards, hippopotamusses and rhinoceruses. I adore things that have no conscience and offer no intellectual value as much as the next guy.

    I understand the tendency to lump people in, I do it as much as anybody and defend my right to do it often, but I just think this is one place where the perception doesn’t fit.

    I never imagined you had actually written that article though. That’d be pretty ridiculous just for a comments section joke.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
23. 

    Looks like Wizards is available in full on youtube!

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
24. 

    the joke isn’t that you hate nature, the joke is you hate (or at least often seem to hate) a lot of films/shows that are universally praised/canon and/or are considered beautiful.

    rot got it :/

    I’m sad you didn’t.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
25. 

    Whether or not if you do like things Henrik, 98% of your comments are negative, you have to admit, and that is all we can go by with regards to knowing you as a person. The joke of Goon’s article is that even the most obvious beauty (not necessarily nature) you are incapable or unwilling to see.

    also the ‘There is no God’ signature was a great touch.

    I’m sorry, but that was hilarious.

    Comment by rot — November 29, 2008
26. 

    I’m not sure if I could name even ten films Henrik has pimped around or adamantly defended, I mean theres Prince of Egypt, Fanny and Alexander and Lady in the Water, and I’d have to dig around for the others a bit… yeah Henrik, it really does seem you only post when you’re taking a negative contrarian viewpoint on whatever is new or what most people consider masterpieces.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
27. 

    scenes from a marriage
    road to perdition
    Europa
    Jarhead
    l’avventura

    plus Goon’s 3. That’s 8.

    Someone else want to pick up what I’m layin’ down.

    Comment by Rusty James — November 29, 2008
28. 

    The problem with Henrik isn’t his negativity though. At least I don’t mind that.

    There’s two kinds of contrarians; the one’s who actually manage to challenge our beliefs and make us think through our ideas. And then the kind that just wants to sit on their perch above everyone else in a flimsy attempt to prove their superiority by calling everything ‘retarded’.

    Comment by Rusty James — November 29, 2008
29. 

    oh yeah,

    /derail

    I got in a big conversation last night about Team America. Am I the only one who thinks that film advocates a Bush style foreign policy? I had one guy telling me I’m an idiot because the film has no politics at all and is ridiculing others. And another guy telling me I’m an idiot because the film is advocating a non-interventionist policy (which I can kind of see).

    Comment by Rusty James — November 29, 2008
30. 

    “I got in a big conversation last night about Team America. Am I the only one who thinks that film advocates a Bush style foreign policy?”

    Err… care to elaborate? You can keep it to the basics, but I just don’t see it whatsoever.

    Comment by Jonathan B. — November 29, 2008
31. 

    I haven’t listened to the whole thing yet but I have to say I was bursting with laughter during the Matt vs. Kurt playground-esque “Is not!” “Is too!” Shaolin Soccer/Kung Fu Fighting moments. Too funny.

    Comment by Shannon the Movie Moxie — November 29, 2008
32. 

    Kung Fu Fighting was NOT in the original version of Shaolin Soccer. I’m with Kurt on that one, I fucking hate every time they use that fucking song to advertise movies with martial arts in them and makes me not want to see them because of some unoriginal douche thought it was cool to use it.

    Comment by swarez — November 29, 2008
33. 

    “Am I the only one who thinks that film advocates a Bush style foreign policy?”

    Well, if you look at the main characters final speech the same way Stan and Kyle are self-insertion for Matt and Trey’s own beliefs, then yes. There is plenty throughout the whole movie to make either side believe what they want though.

    The bigger problem is the movie is shit. They had to lift shit from older South Park episodes, like the Montage song, and the movie just dies after like 20 minutes. It starts off funny enough but I just get sick of looking at these puppets and the ‘comedy’ of how awkward they are. The satire of America as a bully gets old fast, and the F.A.G. shit is juvenile even for South Park’s standards. I have no problem with them attacking Hollywood liberals, but they way they did it for each person doesnt really have anything to do with how each of them are personally, I mean they just slapdashed whatever they think liberals say onto each of them, save Matt Damon. That one liner took off as if it captured him the way the SNL Wahlberg skit captured Marky Mark, but I don’t get it. Damon’s a pretty sharp cat.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
34. 

    “Originally, Matt Damon (who Trey Parker and Matt Stone have admitted is really a “pretty cool guy”) was going to be portrayed as intelligent and articulate, but when they saw the puppet, they noted that it made him “look retarded” and decided to portray him as such.”

    Comment by Jonathan B. — November 29, 2008
35. 

    So the only character that stood out from the rest of the actor group only did so because of a mistake in the puppetmaking. what does that tell you?

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
36. 

    http://www.amazon.com/Wire-Complete-Dominic-West/dp/B001FA1P1W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1228007940&sr=8-2

    I know what my DVD pick for Dec 9 would be. I’m surprised its actually getting a full big box release like this.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
37. 

    “the most obvious beauty (not necessarily nature) you are incapable or unwilling to see.

    also the ‘There is no God’ signature was a great touch. ”

    If you think that upper sentence is true, I won’t argue with you. I have not made a big case towards my appreciation of beauty, I guess not enough posts on sites have been made on sunsets - compared to the posts that have been made on Pixar. I love beauty. Believe it or not, adults like stuff that doesn’t challenge them as well. The major problem I have, and always have had with these animated movies and other popular shit childrens movies, is that people act like they ARE challenging, as if they do speak to thinking people, as if they are relevant to life after you turn 12.

    If you do think that, fine, we just won’t ever be able to get along because I don’t think you’re deep or interesting. You, like the movies you love, won’t bring any sort of new insight to me, and as such, are expendable. The only thing you can hope for to keep thinking people like me interested is providing some jaw-dropping aesthetics to your childish points, and rarely does anybody do that.

    Goon, rot and whoever else, you can not begin to compare with a sunset.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
38. 

    And the “there is no God” shit, is just lame. How easy is that to throw in there? I guess people who like sunsets automatically believe in a god? rot, I’m disappointed in your willingness to be entertained. I have higher standards.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
39. 

    And, I have to say - Andrew your top 5 rocks. Watership Down is such a classic I need to revisit it but The Secret of Nihm is such a beauty of a film I’m happy it got some love.

    Comment by Shannon the Movie Moxie — November 29, 2008
40. 

    “And the “there is no God” shit, is just lame. How easy is that to throw in there?”

    Jesus, Henrik. Its a joke. The joke is that his (”your”) disappointment in a sunset made him lose his faith. Making such a decision on that alone is a humongous leap for someone to make. It was part of the original article. See, I chose that to insert you in, aside from the negativity, because it has so many European references, and that “no God” thing at the end is just the icing on the cake since everyone knows you, like I, are an atheist. All in all the number of ‘coincidences’ as it were make it more conceivable that you actually wrote it.

    Don’t you just love having to explain obvious jokes to people?

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
41. 

    post 37 is lol from start to finish by the way.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
42. 

    I’m about 90% certain they use it in the end credits of Shaolin Soccer. And even if they don’t, I will continue to claim they do because then my position would be as ridiculous as Kurt’s for not watching Kung Fu Panda.

    I win this argument either way.

    Comment by Matt Gamble — November 29, 2008
43. 

    Henrik is a fan of The Lion King as well. Though that still leaves us one film short of ten.

    Comment by Matt Gamble — November 29, 2008
44. 

    The Lion King yes, Hans Zimmer. I also like Prince of Egypt quite a bit. The music is extraordinary, Hans Zimmer. TMNT is really good, Klaus Badelt. What else? Hmm… Can’t think of any, though Kenneth Branaghs The Magic Flute almost qualifies :P. Spirited Away I turned off shortly after the parents turned into pigs because I couldn’t stand the obnoxious japanese shouting (same thing happened with Ran. This is a big reason why Ozu is such an extraordinary filmmaker). That’s about all the anime I have checked out. I tried to watch Ninja Scroll because I like ninjas but turned it off 15 minutes in because it was fucking boring.

    As for explaining jokes Goon, I get all of the jokes. I get all of the satire. It’s just too tame for me to find interesting. It hits none of the spots that people I know personally can hit to get to me. It hurts nowhere, it makes little sense. It is in no way conceivable that I would write the article, but I guess it’s pointless to try and convince you otherwise, since you’ll ignore any actual defense.

    It’s just the fact that you’d think I wouldn’t appreciate a sunset that gets me. It’s completely wrong, and actually makes me worried that people don’t read what I write and just think “tuhhh, hi duhsnt laik jors, hi is yuropiean ritarded pretendious aschhoul”.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
45. 

    I love how Henrik explains and critizises the joke sounds like it could have been part of the original article.

    You’re having a super day on Row Three, Henrik. Keep it coming.

    “It’s just the fact that you’d think I wouldn’t appreciate a sunset that gets me. ”

    And as he explains he understands the joke, further proves he doesn’t. Once again, the ’sunset’ is simply representative of how you will find a way to find fault and dissatisfaction with everything. Instead of ’sunset’ the article could have been a blow job, a million dollars, or your newborn child. Anything.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
46. 

    A million dollars I could have written the article about. That has no value to me. A sunset does though. Again, it’s your lack of depth and insight that ruins whatever jab you could have taken at me (I’m a pretty open fucking guy, it shouldn’t be that hard to find a place to hurt me).

    I guess we will never understand eachother. You hate complexity, and I have grown out of simplicity.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
47. 

    Oh and I just remembered this.

    If you want something anime-esque that is actually impressive, soul-destroying and challenging, check out the video game Chrono Trigger for Super Nintendo.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
48. 

    “I have grown out of simplicity.”

    You’re right about that, but not in the way you mean it

    Can we get this on the public record forever as Henrik 101:

    SNES game = for those who have grown out of simplicity
    Spirited Away = for those who hate complexity

    Comment by Jean-Pierre le Goon — November 29, 2008
49. 

    Let it forever be on the public record as Henrik 101:

    SNES game = for those who have grown out of simplicity
    Spirited Away = for those who hate complexity

    best. thread. ever.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
50. 

    “A million dollars I could have written the article about. That has no value to me.”

    Come on, you could buy at least 65,000 copies of TMNT with that money and spread them among the uncultured, improving society with the power of Splinter’s CGI fueled wisdom.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
51. 

    To be fair Chrono Trigger kicks ass though I always preferred Chrono Cross.

    But I must agree with Goon that this thread, not my stupid Bakshi disertation, is the greatest thing to come out of Row Three.

    Comment by Matt Gamble — November 29, 2008
52. 

    You sound like you don’t think SNES games could have complexity? They very much can, Chrono Trigger takes about 15 hours to complete, and there is alot of stuff going on in those 15 hours.

    Your strawmen are childish though, but I’ll let you have them, because I admire your ability to make your own side seem much less ridiculous and more popular by your small insertions of things like

    “Don’t you just love having to explain obvious jokes to people? ;)”

    and

    “best. thread. ever.”

    and others on other threads. That’s probably your biggest strength in an argument, making your own case seem much more rational and worhtwhile.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
53. 

    I would very much enjoy improving uncultured society, but that has nothing to do with money. Your concrete perception of the world, which embodies capitalism, saddens me.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
54. 

    Anyone else find it amusing that inspite of Henrik’s continual bashing of animated films as being childish, that half of the ten movies he likes are animated?

    Comment by Matt Gamble — November 29, 2008
55. 

    Sorry, I must have misunderstood, I thought I was supposed to name animated films I liked. I could think of three.

    I don’t accuse animated films of being childish though. I accuse animated films that are childish of being childish.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
56. 

    “You sound like you don’t think SNES games could have complexity?”

    Compared to Spirited Away, I’m prepared to make that judgment. I’m familiar with the game. But I might as well go with the flow and sub TMNT back in there. I always like going back to TMNT when Henrik wants to look down on everyone else for liking inferior childrens entertainment such as Apocalypse Now, Lawrence of Arabia and The Wire. For that matter, for looking down on people at all for taking the time to mix all that seriousness up with something with no more ambition other than to entertain (Which reminds me, gotta rag again on Kurt since it was mentioned about his Kung Fu Panda prejudgments. You still need to get on that one, buddy. Your kids will thank you for it).

    I like keeping the threads fun Henrik. Life is so much better with you when I realize how hilarious you are. I have to do my best to contrast so as to keep our dynamic working.

    Comment by Goon — November 29, 2008
57. 

    Reality is much easier when you choose to not acknowledge it.

    Comment by Henrik — November 29, 2008
58. 

    Surprisingly, I’ve seen most of the stuff on the lists with exception of Watership Down, The Secret of NIMH (which sounds like fun) and The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb (which I’ll have to dig for on eBay).

    Great show guys!

    Comment by Marina Antunes — December 1, 2008
59. 

    Forgot to mention in my ‘honorable mentions’ for Best animated feature, Bill Plympton’s IDIOTS & ANGELS (http://www.rowthree.com/2008/10/20/tad-review-idiots-and-angels/)

    Comment by Kurt Halfyard — December 1, 2008
60. 

    Kurt, a few more things about Kung Fu Panda

    - despite the fact its less ambitious, its hard for me to pick which is better between it and Wall-E, still.
    - its the best action movie of the year
    - not only is your dreaded not song only remade and saved to the end credits, but the rest of the film score is original music that would fit in a Zatoichi movie, and its great. not a pop song to be found.

    Cast aside all preconceptions at the door. If this film was labelled Pixar you’d see it in spite of anything in the trailer, and you know it. And its just as good as anything Pixar, in fact its better than at least a couple of them. Barring everything else I have on my list left to see pushing it out, it will be in my top 10 of the year.

    Comment by Goon — December 1, 2008
61. 

    Yes, if it were Pixar instead of Dreamworks I’d be running to see the film, because Pixar comes at things in a completely different way than Dreamworks when it comes to these films. But like Spider Man 3, Pirates 3, etc. etc. these movies are so ubiquitous in the pop culture ether, that I haven’t made any effort to seek them out. They will eventually drop into my hands by someone lending them to my kids that can simply wait. (Unfortunately the same thing happened with the execrable Madagascar and Fantastic Four)

    But I have very much taken all your points in stride. I’m going into this one with as clean a state as I can manage. (Remember however, that I did this also with Enchanted from folks in these parts and that movie was still vastly disappointing).

    I’m trying hard though, no joke.

    Comment by kurt — December 2, 2008
62. 

    The internet is the only place where a 35year old man can be scolded for not buying movies like Kung Fu Panda and Enchanted.

    Comment by Henrik — December 2, 2008
63. 

    I told you Enchanted wasn’t worth your time, but did you listen?

    Comment by Matt Gamble — December 2, 2008
64. 

    The final word on my purchasing of Enchanted: Bought it for the Wife and Kids. Wanted to be impressed, wanted to see Disney stretch its wings and make a Bambi or Snow White for the 21st Century. They did not. Sure Adams is fine. The movie is mediocre as heck though.

    Comment by Kurt Halfyard — December 2, 2008
65. 

    Meaning that for once (OK, maybe twice or thrice), Gamble is actually right.

    Comment by Kurt Halfyard — December 2, 2008
66. 

    The previous two comments are broken. Forgive the author; his wife puts meth in his Wheaties.

    Comment by Andrew James — December 2, 2008
67. 

    Sorry Andrew, I’m a muesli man.

    Comment by Kurt Halfyard — December 2, 2008
68. 

    Kurt wanted Enchanted to be subversive and edgy and Tropic Thunder-y in a self-made attack on Disney, when really its like Hot Fuzz, gently poking fun while also paying tribute.

    And we told him all of this in advance, but he still went in and complained as if it was a surprise
    You also had your Disney chip on your shoulder, which you admitted. I can say with confidence with another year of knowing your tastes I’m more confident you will like KFP than Enchanted. Its much faster paced and the action itself will more easily keep your attention.

    “The internet is the only place where a 35year old man can be scolded for not buying movies like Kung Fu Panda and Enchanted.”

    That’s why the Internet is awesome. Besides, its Kurt. Most 35 year old married men dont spend half the day on the internet and the other half in their basement watching movies - Kurt has to get in every movie while he still can, eventually theres going to be soccer games and college funds to worry about.

    Comment by Goon — December 2, 2008
69. 

    Where the hell is his wife in this whole conversation? She seems top be the only person capable of shaming him in to action.

    Help us Laura Jane, you’re our only hope!

    Comment by Matt Gamble — December 2, 2008
70. 

    There is no justifiable reason to deny your kids KFP. or maybe he’s just afraid they might like it better than Wall-E.

    I may hit the local rogers video which has every used DVD at 50% off if you buy more than 5… i’m half tempted to just buy it for him and drop it in his mailbox.

    That aint gonna happen, but its the thought that counts, right?

    Comment by Goon — December 2, 2008
71. 

    heh. Goon. Eventually my kids will ‘accidentally’ find Kung Fu Panda at a friends house or borrowed from the neighbors. At the moment, I remain the fascist cultural gate-keeper for my impressionable younglings….

    Comment by Kurt Halfyard — December 2, 2008
72. 

    I think we should segue way this conversation in movies that we each will not watch for what ever reason no matter how many people say it is good. I’ve got two that I’ve deliberately avoided watching: Dancing With Wolves and Titanic. My not watching these is somewhat a matter of pride with me.

    Comment by John Allison — December 2, 2008
73. 

    Let the record show that fascist cultural gatekeeper Kurt allows his children to watch animated films that involve Racoons parachuting using only their enormous scrotums and who then beat up people with testicles the size of grown men, yet he refuses to let them watch Kung Fu Panda.

    Comment by Matt Gamble — December 2, 2008
74. 

    “I think we should segue way this conversation in movies that we each will not watch for what ever reason no matter how many people say it is good.”

    I think for me it would have to be Mamma Mia. Luckily, apparently the movie isn’t very good. ABBA are maybe the only band on the planet that make me want to retch. I mean theres plenty to hate and rant about, like Nickelback or what have you, however ABBA are the only band that is truly absolute torture to my ears.

    Comment by Goon — December 2, 2008
75. 

    Oh, that list is long for me, but not out of any sort of ‘badge of pride’ more rather, there is always likely better stuff out there to be going after.

    I’ve taken a pass on nearly all the three-quels of 2007, as well as Da Vinci Code (well, Ron Howard films in general). I’m skipping Twilight for sure as well as any future Ironman sequels. You’d have to pay me serious money to sit down with something like ELEKTRA or FANTASTIC FOUR 2 (although someone might convince me to one day watch CATWOMAN). I’ve zero interest in anything by Dean Devlin or Ronald Emmerich at this point and simply do not bother.

    Again, this is simply because life is too damn short.

    Comment by Kurt Halfyard — December 2, 2008
76. 

    It doesn’t count if the movie is shit… saying you wont watch Catwoman or Electra is like saying you won’t watch the mold growing in my office fridge.

    I want to hear about movies that a lot of people (general populace and snobby film critics) love yet you (not Kurt but everyone) refuse to see.

    Comment by John Allison — December 2, 2008
77. 

    The Namesake.

    Comment by Andrew James — December 2, 2008
78. 

    Wait. Does that mean that Kurt refuses to see The Namesake? That’s a great film.

    Comment by Marina Antunes — December 2, 2008
79. 

    lol… I think it means Andrew refuses to see The Namesake, and speaking of which I just bought it at Walmart for $3.97.

    Comment by John Allison — December 2, 2008
80. 

    What???? I’m baffled. The Namesake is a great film - great buy for under $5. Will have to check the local Walmart.

    Comment by Marina Antunes — December 2, 2008
81. 

    I refuse to watch any films by Roman Polanski.

    Comment by Matt Gamble — December 2, 2008
82. 

    News update: I found out over dinner that the Kids have watched the first half of Kung Fu Panda over at the neighbors house (aside on the effectiveness of Cultural Fascism: “The More you tighten your fist, the more films slip through your fingers”). In the words of my 4-year old: “I LOVE KUNG FU PANDA!”

    You win again Goon. I’ll Get you Next Time! *SHAKES FIST IN AIR*

    Comment by kurt — December 2, 2008
83. 

    I remember being 10 years old and watching Terminator 2: Judgement Day at my neighbors.

    Matt, I would never have mistaken you for the pedantic type. That sucks man. Is Polanski the only one then? Some of my favourite people in the world are despicable, perverts and/or both.

    Comment by Henrik — December 2, 2008
84. 

    I avoid Victor Salva, though his making shitty movies makes it rather easy, and I’m not exactly happy with John Landis or Spielburg either. Probably a few others that I avoid out of sheer principle that I can’t think of at the moment.

    Once Polanski dies I’ll probably watch his films, but I find it immoral to patronize an artist when such an act actively allows them to flee their responsibilities.

    Comment by Matt Gamble — December 2, 2008
85. 

    @ I’m not exactly happy with John Landis or Spielburg either

    Wait… Polanski, Silva, Landis (who made a mistake and has paid his debt to society) ok. But then you include Speilberg? What’s the scandal there?

    Comment by Rusty James — December 2, 2008
86. 

    I would love to say I avoid Terry Zwigoff films in principal. But I can’t seem to help myself. I’ve seen all of his offensively terrible (Bad Santa is just regular terrible) fictional films to date.
    I see myself as some kind of conscientious objector documenting the crimes for posterity. One day the rest of humanity will understand. History will vindicate me.

    Comment by Rusty James — December 2, 2008
87. 

    How exactly did Landis pay his debt to society? He got 3 people killed by being blatantly reckless and fragrantly violating labor laws and got off scott free and only having to pay for civil suits which he settled out of court.

    As for Spielburg, numerous people testified he was on set the night of the accident, yet because he stated he wasn’t he was acquitted. Both him and Landis received slaps on the wrist for what was at best grossly negligent and dangerous behavior.

    Comment by Matt Gamble — December 2, 2008
88. 

    I hate Bad Santa. It made me hate the word ‘fuck’ for a while, operating on the premise that swearing alone is funny, that it doesnt require anything else. I watched the ‘Badder Santa’ version though which many say is not as good as the regular version. I dont know.

    I LIKE Art School Confidential. I don’t LOVE it. I actually own it, bought it cheap. I recognize it has flaws, but having gone through art school, I actually recognize those characters as people I know personally, so I watch it to laugh at the archetypes. The main character is a douche. It doesn’t matter to me. I won’t go back into Ghost World, that’s been kind of exhausted on here.

    Comment by Goon — December 2, 2008
89. 

    who doesn’t know how to spell “Spielberg?”

    and swearing alone IS funny. when it is Billy Bob delivering the lines.

    Comment by murph — December 2, 2008
90. 

    I think Billy Bob is much funnier when he’s being completely dry, like in “Man Who Wasn’t There”. You know outside of that, A Simple Plan and Sling Blade, and I guess he’s okay in Intolerable Cruelty and his cameo in Love Actually, I can’t think of any other movies he’s particularly good in.

    Comment by Goon — December 2, 2008
91. 

    Billy Bob is good in Friday Night Lights, Monster’s Ball, Pushing Tin…

    Comment by murph — December 2, 2008
92. 

    Bad Santa would be easily in my top 5 movies in which I laughed the most and the hardest in a theater. Holy shit was that movie funny on first viewing.

    Also just watched U-Turn recently. BBT was alright in that.

    Comment by Andrew James — December 3, 2008
93. 

    I put Kung Fu Panda on hold at work. As soon as a copy comes in, I’ll be settling this debate once and for all (becasue what I say goes).

    Comment by Andrew James — December 3, 2008
94. 

    Oh, and as for The Namesake, everyone says it is pretty good and I’d really like it. Saw the trailer so many times I feel like I’ve seen the movie already and it made me ill.

    John, see Dances with Wolves. One of the best westerns (if not THE best western) of the past 20 years.

    Comment by Andrew James — December 3, 2008
95. 

    I saw Kung Fu Panda. It is a fine movie. It didn’t do much for me, but I can see why kids would like it and I certainly wouldn’t keep this away from my kids. They could do far, far worse like most of the crap on Nickelodeon nowadays.

    Then again, I have not seen Cars, Ratatouille, and only parts of The Incredibles. I’m very behind on my family-friendly animated films.

    Comment by Jonathan B. — December 3, 2008
96. 

    I always thought Landis did time for that.

    I don’t see how Spielberg being on set could make him culpable. Was he there in any official capacity?

    Comment by Rusty James — December 3, 2008
97. 

    Great Billy Bob movie: One False Move.

    Comment by Rusty James — December 3, 2008
98. 

    Hulk Hogan is on the Gremlins 2 DVD, at least on the version I have, I dont know if there are other versions out there. maybe you’re thinking VHS? i watched it only a couple months ago.

    Comment by Goon — December 3, 2008
99. 

    The “Hulk Hogan” scene worked OK on my digital project screen in that it somewhat, kinda makes sense.

    I still find it hilarious that they injected a scene of old-time womans beach volleyball into the middle of the film, chopping off needless expositional/transitional scene in the actual movie. Priceless.

    Comment by kurt — December 3, 2008
100. 

     I’ll have to double check my DVD again, though I do know it used to be John Wayne they used on VHS and television showings.

     I don’t see how Spielberg being on set could make him culpable. Was he there in any official capacity?

     Spielberg was EP on the film, and was widely known to be the final say on all filming. Basically people were claiming that not only did Spielberg know about all of the filming indiscretions, but that he was actively involved in the decision making process on that evening.

     Comment by Matt Gamble — December 3, 2008
101. 

     Matt is right. The VHS version was John Wayne and they actually had to use a voice impersonator for the scene since he was already dead by that point.

     Comment by John Allison — December 3, 2008
102. 

     I think I just have a connection with Polanski since we’re both guilty of statutory rape. Now, if only I can make something as good as The Pianist…

     Comment by Henrik — December 3, 2008
103. 

     Matt is right.

     Huzzah!

     Comment by Matt Gamble — December 3, 2008
104. 

     Swearng IS funny…

     Comment by Andrew James — December 5, 2008
105. 

     Did I mention swearing can be HILARIOUS? Admittedly probably funnier if you understand the context in which (and why) this is all happening.

     NSFW! aka NWS!
     

     Comment by Andrew James — December 10, 2008
106. 

     this is one of my favorite uses of swearing of all time:

     but i stand by my point. swearing alone isn’t funny, you have to be able to perform, and I hate Billy Bob’s performance. Both Bad Santa and Big Lebowski have constant swaring, but it works for me in one and not in the other. The dialogue around all the swearing in Big Lebowski is fantastic and the swearing just punctuates everything perfectly. In Bad Santa the dialogue is shit and they surround it with the word ’shit’.

     Comment by Goon — December 10, 2008
107. 

     of all the people in the CYE clip its Jeff and his wife that are the funniest, as they’re the best performers and most into it. Cheryl… not so much. Even Larry’s can’t compare to Jeff’s.

     Comment by Goon — December 10, 2008
108. 

     Steve Martin in Planes, Trains and automobiles has a great swearing scene.

     Comment by Henrik — December 10, 2008
109. 

     I don’t know so much about the Curb clip above but nobody curses as well as Susie on that show. My favorite episode is when Jeff and Larry steal the doll head, and when Susie finds out, fucking brilliant.

     Why has Gervais not had a cameo yet on that show, his improvisational skills would be killer there.

     Comment by rot — December 11, 2008
110. 

     because Extras is basically a more sentimental ripoff of Curb Your Enthusiasm already?

     (I actually really like Extras, but really)

     Comment by Goon — December 11, 2008
111. 

     Yeah, Suzie is most certainly one of my favorite characters. Her anger is over the top greatness.

     “You. FAT. STUPID. FUCK!”

     Comment by Andrew James — December 11, 2008
112. 

     Hmmmm, never watched Curb Your Enthusiasm, despite all the kudos lauded on it.

     Comment by Kurt Halfyard — December 11, 2008
113. 

     So I watched “Kung Fu Panda” last night. Kind of a waste of time. It looks really nice (I liked the training sequence and also any part where there is major fighting taking place).

     I certainly wouldn’t neglect my kids from seeing it, but nothing of real value for me personally. I did laugh at Jack Black a couple of times though.

     Top 10? Not even close.

     Comment by Andrew James — December 14, 2008
114. 

     well, that makes you in the 8% out of 100% then I guess. I won’t try to argue with you Andrew, it seems when it comes to animated films you and I take very contrasting opinions.

     Comment by Goon — December 14, 2008
115. 

     My animation tastes are hard to pinpoint I admit.

     - - Completely adult oriented are usually great (Persepolis, Walz with Bashir, Aachi & Ssipak).
     - - Completely kid oriented = not for me. Nothing wrong with them; I’m jut not a kid and don’t have any kids.
     - - I like my movies to say something meaningful that I haven’t heard before (animation or otherwise).
     - - I fuckin’ hate “Japanime.” Dragon Ball Z or Pokemon look the same as Princess Mononoke to me. Hate these movies.
     - - Pixar: they’re all pretty great. Everyone debates all day long about the order in which they like them, but pretty much everyone agrees that they’re all great.
     - - Dreamworks: feels like they try too hard to walk the line for both kids and adults. In this way they just end up being kids movies for the most part.

     With Kung Fu Panda, what’s the depth to the story? Don’t give up? Follow your dreams? There is no secret ingredient, it’s just you? All of these have been done a million times. Nothing new or interesting here save for some really nice looking animation sequences.

     Comment by Andrew James — December 14, 2008
116. 

     Kung Fu Panda is a fun action movie, and nothing more. and theres absolutely nothing wrong with that whatsoever. Especially when its in my opinion, the best action movie of the year.

     I don’t know man, seems you are setting different standards. You thought Wanted was great but it certainly has a lot less to say than Kung Fu Panda. I’d even bet Beverly Hills Chihuahua has more depth.

     BTW, the only people who say “Japanime” or “Japanimation” are the people who have absolutely no idea what the fuck they are talking about. It’s the cinematic ignorance equivolence of someone telling you they dont like The Ay-Rabs

     

     Comment by Goon — December 14, 2008

Leave a comment