What movies have you seen recently?

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The Patriot

A farmer and former soldier is motivated to lead Colonial Militia during the American Revolution after a brutal, sadistic British Colonel murders his son. Historically inaccurate, but who won the war?

Funny Games (1997, 2007)

A psychological thriller directed by Michael Heneke about two nasty young men who take a family hostage. The 2007 film is a shot-for-shot remake of the 1997 film but in English and set in the United States with different actors. I watched both versions which felt strange, like nearly experiencing the same film twice. Despite their incredible similarities, I'd say the orginal is stronger and more memorable.

The Duchess

A 2008 movie loosely based on the real Georginna Cavedish, a direct ancestor of Princess Diana. In an unfortunate parallel, once she is married to the Duke of Devonshire at the tail end of the 18th Century, Georginna (Keira Knightly) finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage. Upon discovering her husband having numerous affairs in a desperate bid to father a son, Georginna rebels against societal expectations in her own way. Gripping stuff - and it's good seeing Dominic Cooper again.

Elysium.

Sci/fi dystopia starring Matt Damon as a poor working stiff who needs to break into a palatial paradise orbiting the earth called Elysium in order to cure himself after becoming fatally irradiated. With the help of a criminal gang he used to work for, he even gets a new exo-suit connected to his body in order accomplish this end. Great parable for illegal immigration, the widening economic divide, and the two tier healthcare system.

Turbo

Animated movie where a garden snail dreams of being the greatest racer in the world.

"Inside Llewyn Davis" by The Coen Brothers - Llewyn Davis is a folk singer and a jerk, but not necessarily in that order. He loses a friend's cat and things go down hill after that. Or maybe he doesn't lose the cat. Anyway, things still go down hill.

I liked the film but I'm not sure if there is a hidden meaning that I'm not quite getting or if the film is just what it is. There are echoes of "Barton Fink" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou" in it.

The music is generally good, although not spectacular folk music. "O Brother..." Was more successful in the soundtrack.

The Eagle Has Landed

World War II movie in which the Germans plot to kidnap Winston Churchill.

Elysium

Above a ruined Earth in the future, the very wealthy live on a space station. A dying man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds.

It was a rather odd movie, but I enjoyed it.

The Lone Ranger

Big-budget Disney movie of The Lone Ranger that failed at the box office.

Blood Tea and Red String

A fairy tale for adults. Surreal stop-motion animation. It left me unable to make complete sentences.

Holiday Inn

At an inn open only on holidays, two men via for the affection of a beautiful up-and-coming performer.

Watched on youtube -

Witness for the Prosecution (1957) - Based on an Agatha Christie play. An innocent man is framed for murder, and his scheming wife tries to make sure that he is found guilty. Charles Laughton was nominated for the best actor Oscar.

The Woman in White (1997) - TV movie based on the Wilkie Collins novel. Many people said that it was very different from the novel, but I found it just perfect! Justine Waddell looked like a doll.

On the big screen -
Ram-Leela - Bollywood adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. One of my favourite movies of the year.

I saw the second "Hobbit" film a few days ago, and enjoyed it a great deal. I also watched "Fast & Furious 6" online, and was both impressed and sad.

White Christmas

After World War II, a song-and-dance team work together to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general and become romantically involved with a sister act.

Watching Primal at the moment.
Australian horror film about twenty something campers in the outback, who find one, then another member of their group transformed into cannibalistic monsters with mouths full of horrendous teeth. Gorey and with lots of genuine scares.