Charlie Brooker has been doing those year end review shows for years, although he didn't start calling them "Death to..." until last year. Love his style of humour and the fake experts. Here's one from 2013.

Dec 28, 2021 7:51:25 GMT RagnarokMike said:

Dec 28, 2021 0:02:53 GMT Michinokudriver said:

Hoping not a restart, because that implies there will be a Matrix 5.

The writer pretty much said in the beginning that she had nothing more to say, and at that point the film shifted to what felt kinda like a band's farewell tour (play the familiar songs, Neo takes the red pill and wakes up, Agent Smith does the MISTER ANDERSON line, Morpheus does the kung fu training bit) and while the one-last-ride vibe was fun for what it was I dunno if I'd want more of that.

If it is standalone, that makes it entirely useless, seeds a number of circumstances but then just fucks off into the sunset. So continued from a poor resolution for a poor resolution.

I can see that but

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Matrix 4 had basically the same ending shot as Matrix 1, with Neo (Neo + Trinity) flying off into the distance. It's really just as open or closed an ending as the original, and while I don't see where they go with this I also didn't see Matrix 2+3 spinning out of 1, with introducing vaguely Frenchman Merovingian and a Burning Man rave in a cave. So I don't see sequels happening but it could happen, I guess?

Dec 28, 2021 12:05:50 GMT iNCY said:

I was an enormous fan of the original Matrix, it was exactly the movie of my generation.
The sequels were wildly awful, but they stood in the shadow of the original.
Resurrections takes the original and pisses on it much in the way the Star Wars sequel brutalised the originals.

This seems to be what Lana needed to finish their personal transition story and they subjected Neo and Trinity to their fantasy.

but it is in part Lana's creation, so if anyone were allowed to subject Neo and Trinity to their fantasy and piss all over the Matrix franchise it should be her, no?

(not that I agree any of that was done, but again if it were to happen better her than some outsider)

I would like to know what you hated about it, though -- the action scenes were pretty garbage but plot and theme wise they did try for something new and I will always applaud that over a nostalgia cash grab.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}
The original Architect treated the humans as mindless batteries, keeping in line with conspiracy theorists who believe the ones in charge see us as interchangeable, mindless pawns.

The new Analyst discovered that keeping Neo and Trinity in a constant state of unresolved (sexual) tension; that their being perennially engaged with the system increased the output and made his bosses happy.

And that's social media. Your outrage and constant interaction with the platform brings the numbers up, and it makes his bosses happy so damn the human psyche, it makes me look good.

But it's nothing personal.

www.tweaktown.com/news/83604/matrix-resurrections-dies-at-box-office-only-22-8-million-in-5-days/index.html

Thankfully Resurrections bombed so hopefully no more sequels if they’re are going to be as bad as it was.

Dec 30, 2021 3:22:08 GMT System said:

www.tweaktown.com/news/83604/matrix-resurrections-dies-at-box-office-only-22-8-million-in-5-days/index.html

Thankfully Resurrections bombed so hopefully no more sequels if they’re are going to be as bad as it was.

This makes me sad. I really wanted another trilogy. Then again if they’re going to suck I guess I don’t care. Gonna try to go see it in the coming weeks and make up my mind.

Saw a funny tweet. Someone asked “is the Matrix good or Wachowski good?” I laughed pretty hard at that. It’s a good way of describing their work over the years. Remember Sense8? People were losing their minds over that show because it was Wachowski good and it fucking sucked.

West Side Story also bombed, Ansel Elgort allegations aside idk how much say movie creators have in release dates but you should know releasing around Spider-Man you’ll get decimated at the box office

Dec 29, 2021 23:59:36 GMT Emperor said:

Charlie Brooker has been doing those year end review shows for years, although he didn't start calling them "Death to..." until last year. Love his style of humour and the fake experts. Here's one from 2013.

OMFG i need to binge these.  Did not know about them.  States only really learned about him via Black Mirror.  

Dec 30, 2021 3:35:04 GMT System said:

West Side Story also bombed, Ansel Elgort allegations aside idk how much say movie creators have in release dates but you should know releasing around Spider-Man you’ll get decimated at the box office

My take is it bombed in test screenings, so they did not care if it went against Spooder, since it was also released on HBO anyway.  

Still do not get the hype for the first Matrix as the idea was not original nor executed well from the start.  Agent Smith was amazing, but the rest of the cast was not really anything special either.  It was a bad Asian action movie with a cyberpunk theme halfassed stapled onto it.  It was mindblowing for everyone who never read any cyberpunk, if you already knew of the concept of the Matrix from other works, their take on it was really, really lame.  Then the modern society was just empty really with no world building.


I hope one day someone does the Sprawl trilogy and shows just how primitive the Matrix's story was.

Dec 30, 2021 2:16:54 GMT Michinokudriver said:

Dec 28, 2021 7:51:25 GMT RagnarokMike said:

If it is standalone, that makes it entirely useless, seeds a number of circumstances but then just fucks off into the sunset. So continued from a poor resolution for a poor resolution.

I can see that but

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Matrix 4 had basically the same ending shot as Matrix 1, with Neo (Neo + Trinity) flying off into the distance. It's really just as open or closed an ending as the original, and while I don't see where they go with this I also didn't see Matrix 2+3 spinning out of 1, with introducing vaguely Frenchman Merovingian and a Burning Man rave in a cave. So I don't see sequels happening but it could happen, I guess?

Dec 28, 2021 12:05:50 GMT iNCY said:

I was an enormous fan of the original Matrix, it was exactly the movie of my generation.
The sequels were wildly awful, but they stood in the shadow of the original.
Resurrections takes the original and pisses on it much in the way the Star Wars sequel brutalised the originals.

This seems to be what Lana needed to finish their personal transition story and they subjected Neo and Trinity to their fantasy.

but it is in part Lana's creation, so if anyone were allowed to subject Neo and Trinity to their fantasy and piss all over the Matrix franchise it should be her, no?

(not that I agree any of that was done, but again if it were to happen better her than some outsider)

I would like to know what you hated about it, though -- the action scenes were pretty garbage but plot and theme wise they did try for something new and I will always applaud that over a nostalgia cash grab.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}
The original Architect treated the humans as mindless batteries, keeping in line with conspiracy theorists who believe the ones in charge see us as interchangeable, mindless pawns.

The new Analyst discovered that keeping Neo and Trinity in a constant state of unresolved (sexual) tension; that their being perennially engaged with the system increased the output and made his bosses happy.

And that's social media. Your outrage and constant interaction with the platform brings the numbers up, and it makes his bosses happy so damn the human psyche, it makes me look good.

But it's nothing personal.

The whole premise of the original was that Neo was the one, but now of course in the age of Me Too we have to settle for Trinity being the one as well as Neo rejecting the title in his abased form of emasculation.

Then despite how they argued otherwise the original sacrifice meant nothing, Zion was still destroyed because Morpheus dared to put his faith in a white man.
Same as the new Star Wars films made the original trilogy completely pointless in the plight of the galaxy... Lucky we have all these woke women to clean up after the foolish men.

I also thought not having the original casting of Morpheus and Agent Smith made the whole thing seem cheap.

And no, I don't think the Matrix should be relegated to Lana's vanity project, you make something like the Matrix it belongs to the people.

If people want to make woke movies, I completely don't mind... Just don't crap over beloved franchises, the reason they do this is because they know nobody will go watch a pointless woke movie so they hijack franchises to spout their ideology.
But to call it out is mysoginy.

On a Matrix adjacent note, Mitchells vs the Machines was a good bit of fun, one of my favorite recent family animated films, good laughs, tight action, the right amount of heart, visuals really popped…quality stuff.

Last Night In Soho

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}
I've been really looking forward to this. Edgar Wright is one of my favourite directors and thriller is both my favourite album and genre.

Through out the movie, I was trying to predict what direction the movie was going to go in. I thought maybe it would be like Frequency where Ellie could communicate and help give Sandie information that could save her.

Then I thought it would be like The Lady In White where the 'weird kid' is haunted by visions but he has to use those visions to help solve her murder.

I didn't see it becoming like Don't Look Now but I appreciated the twist.

It's one of those movies where the story is really enhanced by the production. It really does an excellent job of transporting you to the 60s and making that feel like such a dreamy town. The scenes where Ellie and Sandie constantly swap between themselves is great and gave me Satoshi Kon vibes. The ending especially where Alex is transforming into Sandie reminded me a lot of the ending of Perfect Blue, as did the blurring between dreams and reality.

Good casting choices too. Not only are McKenzie and Taylor-Joy two great actresses, but the casting of Diana Rigg (RIP), Rita Tushingham, Margaret Nolan (RIP) & Terrence Stamp who grew up in that swinging sixty's era.

I did want to know more about Ellie Turner and her world more. It seemed like the movie shifted to Sandie and the impact those dreams were having on Ellie very quickly but I enjoyed this and could find myself watching it again

Last Night in Soho was so good. The production was amazing, particularly the stuff in the reflections.

The style of the movie definitely compensated for the substance. I really enjoyed the homages to Argento especially in the bedroom and listening to the lengths Wright went to pull that off made me appreciate the movie more.

Don’t Look Up: Hypocrisy aside, it’s an incredibly funny film. Haven’t laughed so hard watching a movie this year.

The Power of the Dog
Slowest paced films I’ve seen and that’s saying something, disappointing the story is presented in such a boring manner as

SPOILER: Click to show

I did not see the ending coming at all and was a great twist

Cosmic Sin:
I watched this just to see how bad it is, there’s straight to DVD movies I enjoy a lot more than this so it’s shocking that it got released in theatres even with Bruce Willis in it.

Antlers: Good horror movie, not great. Effects were cool.

Music:
Say what you will about all the other shit movies that came out this year, they were at least inoffensive and not widely condemned by the community said film is about.

Interstellar is... stellar

INTERstellar

Interstellar is and or could be my ninth favorite movie ever made

Gunpowder Milkshake was solid enough, clearly trying to copy the John Wick intricate underworld, action isn’t quite up to par…it’s still good, but a bit choppy when not coming from a Michelle Yeoh. It could be better, wasn’t quite great, but worth a watch if you just want some decent action.

Wife thinks Interstellar was JUST Interstellar

Dec 30, 2021 15:25:59 GMT Big Pete said:

The style of the movie definitely compensated for the substance. I really enjoyed the homages to Argento especially in the bedroom and listening to the lengths Wright went to pull that off made me appreciate the movie more.

Yeah, I loved the Argento style.  Did not hear about making the film, but could see by the all of the crazy stuff happening in the reflections it was work of absolute love.  He put lot of mental time in on this bad boy.  Still curious why everyone said it was vampire film at first...

Dec 31, 2021 4:04:09 GMT 🤯 said:

Interstellar is and or could be my ninth favorite movie ever made

I liked it.  The water world was so amazing.  I wish it inspired more films like it as I love this genre but so far most just disappoints.  I swear if someone would do 2061 with a large budget, people would be demanding we break the Europa ice caps.  Someone really should remake 2001 and do the other three books.  It is insane even with Ridley Scott and Tom Hanks attached, 2061 and 3001 could not get made.

Captain Underpants - Yeah, this was on television today, couldn't be bothered to change the channel. Its an okay animated film, I enjoyed the books when I was a child, so yeah...

@james is the new Ness.

Watching a string of Andrew Garfield films and just finished Under the Silver Lake. Man been a while since a movie absolutely blew my mind. Really need to rewatch it after looking into stuff about it to find all of the weird conspiracy stuff and symbols. What an insane set up from It's Follows. David Robert Mitchell really needs to make more films.

Mixtape. Excellent recommendation, UT.

Don't Look Up, hilarious and then hope crushing. And not in a good way. But it way a good movie. But fuuuuck us... We're all beyond doomed.

Dec 31, 2021 4:04:09 GMT 🤯 said:

Interstellar is and or could be my ninth favorite movie ever made

I thought it was brilliant, pretty solid from science POV what I remember from reading a brief history of time.

Jan 1, 2022 1:21:46 GMT c said:

Watching a string of Andrew Garfield films and just finished Under the Silver Lake. Man been a while since a movie absolutely blew my mind. Really need to rewatch it after looking into stuff about it to find all of the weird conspiracy stuff and symbols. What an insane set up from It's Follows. David Robert Mitchell really needs to make more films.

It Follows was such an overrated film. The entire premise (while unique) was just too cheesy in both theory and execution. I feel like I'm the only one who didn't enjoy it the way everyone praises it still to this day.

Might have to give this modern entry a watch though. You had me at conspiracy and even though I didn't like It Follows, I can't deny that the cinematography was top notch.

This is another slow burn. Story is Garfield's character meets an awesome girl and makes plans to see her the next day, then she disappears so he go out trying to find out what happened looking for information in a weird ass group of west hollywood party people while following strange clues that go down a conspiracy hole.

Reminds me a lot of Brick but even more over the top.

As a big plus, the conspiracy side does actually pay off in a really cool way that is not the way these movies typical go.

Critics were split with people loving it or hating it. I thought it was an original story, with a fun cast that got me to think a bit. For me that is a hit. Will also def be watching it again soon to look for the symbols more.


For It Follows it was a fun indie movie with a great soundtrack but I hate the shape style of stalking horror. This was not a bad take on the genre, but still, the genre is limiting IMO.

I recommended Under the Silver Lake to System in that thread when he was after recommendations. It's one of those love it or hate it movies with Garfield playing a fairly detestable character who gets in some fairly repulsive situations but I like the layer it adds to the movie. I was worried through out that the movie was going to chicken out of providing a satisfactory pay-off but it really nails the pay-off while leaving some room for interpretation. There's a few plot-threads left hanging and it's inspired a fairly passionate reddit community to try and piece the movie together.

I was definitely reminded of Brick and how absurd and surreal the movie could be. I'd also throw Inherit Vice into the mix as well in terms of being an off-beat mystery movie.

Give it a go rad and tell us what you think.

Watched The Punisher (the one with Kevin Nash) and man I actually felt bad for the villain.

The Matrix: Resurrections

Surprised by the negative reaction to this movie. By and large I enjoyed it. It certainly isn't perfect, but I enjoyed it a lot more than I disliked it.

Wish I had watched the previous films beforehand or at least read the plot synposis because I was pretty confused for the first 20-30 minuets. However once the story settles into its groove I started to get it and understand. The inclusion of snippets from the old movies really helped because I didn't remember any of the characters names outside of the main cast.

Really liked the concept of what The Analyst did and was doing since the ending of the previous Matrix film. Neil Patrick Harris is phenomenal and he nailed it. His performance and his script were flawless.

Two things I didn't like: the action was a bit lacking. Particularly the final action scene with the motorcycle chase. Wasn't dramatic in the slightest, because Neo just kept raising his hand and repelling everything effortlessly with his The One Force. The action scenes from earlier in the movie were just fine.

The second thing is Agent Smith. I had no idea what the point of him was in the context of the movie. He turned face and heel even more than Big Show and I didn't have a clue what motivated him to do any of things he did. Also this "swarm" gimmick was kinda hokey. And how was Agent Smith able to override The Analyst's OP ability to stop time? Too much about Smith wasn't explained, can we call him Agent Deus Ex Machina instead?

If you think about it too hard you could surely pick a lot more holes than I did, but it was an entertaining action flick and for the most part I was engrossed.

Just put on the first scene of the original Matrix and it's a mirror of the opening scene of Resurrections :lol:

Now I kinda regret that I didn't find the time to watch Matrix before Resurrections. I was never planning to watch all three Matrix, but at least the first one.