What Movies Have You Seen Lately?

Quote: JimRockford

As Rxwine pointed out the Queen of Soul is alive and well. I believe she performed st some benefit last year. Don't know about the nun. I'll look it up later if I have time

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Kevin Spacey’s career continues to suffer as his latest film, the crime-drama Billionaire Boys Club, took in a meager $126 after it debuted on Friday — opening in 10 theaters across the country.

Quote: rxwine

Seems like a lot of money for 10 theaters.

Quote: Pacomartin

If it is $126 dollars that is nothing, but if it's $126K then it is pretty good per theater haul

Quote: Fleastiff

I would tend to think it was $126.00.

Quote: Ayecarumba

"Ready Player One"- Stephen Spielberg directs this pop culture/teen/video gamer targeted treasure hunt film that spends 90% of the screen time following computer generated avatars on their quests to solve puzzles and find keys within the massive multi-player virtual world known as the "Oasis". The first to find the three hidden keys in the virtual world is rewarded with ownership and control of the "Oasis" in the real world (which is apparently worth billions of dollars). Those of a certain age might think, "Didn't I see enough video game stories in 'Tron', 'The Last Starfighter', or 'Ender's Game'?" And those of another certain age might think, "Didn't I see this plot in 'Willie Wonka and Chocolate Factory'...twice?" There may also be those who recall similar VR plots in "Westworld", "Brainstorm", "Total Recall", "Surrogates" and even "Avatar"? Completing trials to claim something of value, or putting on a disguise to act anonymously are ancient dramatic devices, so I can't fault the writer for a less than original plot with a 21st century, near future spin. But who needs a fresh story when the production is so technically excellent. It is so good, that the film is worth seeing for the technical prowess of the animation alone.

Don't get me wrong, While there seems to always be a few holes, I enjoy Spielberg's sensibilities in his films. There is always a sense of wonder at the unknown in his universe. Bravery, friendship and loyalty are valued. Hero's selflessly sacrifice for the greater good. There is a life lesson to take away when the house lights come up, but I've already seen it in "Jaws", "Goonies", "Jurassic Park", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", etc. What makes this film stand out is that "Ready Player One" has epic sequences that you have never seen on film before.

In the past, companies would be reluctant to share their creative properties with other productions, fearing that someone else would profit at their expense or ruin their character's marketability. Times have changed, as this film contains licensed characters from at least 15 different companies, probably more. I would not be surprised if some of the owners even payed to have their characters included. The different characters freely interact. So if, like in the classic film "Stand By Me", you ever asked something similar to, "If Superman and Mighty Mouse got into a fight, who would win?" this film might have an answer for you. Beyond the characters, there are shot for shot homages to other films that appear effortless, but had to be technically stupefying. The end result is amazing to watch. The gaming nerds in the preview screening I attended were so giddy, they jabbered all the way through the end credits.

I give it 8 Atari 2600 cartridges out of 10. It's unfortunate that the dialog contains so much cursing (in my opinion, all of it unnecessary), that parents of kids aged through young teens should seriously consider passing. Those who do choose to see it should go to the biggest screen possible. This is one of the small number of films that I could justify paying the upcharge for a premium presentation like IMAX or Dolby ATMOS.

Quote: terapined

I predict EB will go on IMDB and search for 1 star reviews and let us know about them
lol

Quote: Evenbob

It's not Spacey, the movie itself stinks.

Quote: Fleastiff

It features young wealthy men, therefore there are going to be lots of young half-naked women ... so how can such a movie fail to have at least some draw?