markggroesbeck
http://www.flixster.com/user/markggroesbeck
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| Movie: | American Graffiti, The Big Combo (1955), Chinatown, Death Proof, Donnie Darko, Double Indemnity (1944), Reservoir Dogs (1992), SiCKO, Superbad, To Have & Have Not (1944), |
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| Actor: | Al Pacino, Clive Owen, Russel Crowe, Cate Blanchett |
| Director: | The Coen Brothers, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola |
| Quote: | “I used to have a couple of horses myself. I used them for hunting. I do a lot of hunting. Deer mostly, although I got a couple of bear last year. Yep, they were good ponies-hunting ponies. I had to train ‘em special, you know.” -Terry The Toad, AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973). |
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Hi. I've lived in the Central-Valley of CA for about 3 years. I went to high school in Davis. I graduated from California State University Sacramento with a degree in Psychology. I am 90 percent water. I have an uncontrollable urge to blink every few seconds. My senior year at Sac State I took 2 classes on film. They were two of the best classes of my entire college career.
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Mark's Recent Reviews
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Mark's Favorite Movies
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3.
Primer
PG-13
Fantastic film. About a time machine and trust between two friends. The ambiguous and intriguing nature of this low-budget film prompts several viewings.
4.
Death Proof (Grindhouse Presents)
R
This is an awesome homage to '70's car chase films and so much more. An exploitation flick about an insane serial killer, Stuntman Mike, who kills women with his souped-up Dodge, stunt car. I absolutely loved this film. Intriguing characters, and awesome Tarantino diaologue are two of the many things that set this film apart from other violent action flicks. Wonderful touches such as grainy images and jump cutting make the viewer feel like they're actually watching a film at the drive-in circa 1970. The climactic car chase at the end is not to be missed!
Mark's Movie Scrapbook
Mark's Talk
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I recommend you see...
W.
by Brianposted 9 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Secret Life of Bees
by BrianA cute movie, and I'm glad I caught it in the theatre.
Very good casting (thank god they got Fanning and not another actress who might have been annoying in the part) with Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Paul Bettany.
I think people from the South (or those that have family in the South like me) will like it more than Northerners, but maybe I'm wrong.
Definitely one to catch on DVD if you missed it in the theatres.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 9 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Changeling
by BrianWhy haven't more of you seen this one?
Angelina Jolie does an excellent job, this is definitely one of my favorite roles of hers, uo there with Girl, Interrupted and Gia.
What makes it even better is that the movie is baed on a true story, and, from what I read, the movie is mostly faithful to what actually happened. (Although I doubt the bit in 1935 never happened -- being vague so I don;t ruin the plot)
Great cast, great story, great acting.
Go see it!Hey, you should really see this!
posted 9 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Happy Halloween!
I hope everyone has a great one this year! :)posted 18 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Quantum of Solace
by AmandaSaw QoS at the BFI screening this evening. It's intense and sometimes confusing but I came out feeling this is a film that will endure and ultimately prove satisfying.
I left wanting more at the end of QoS. I felt the film was missing something, and that it could have given me more. I have left other bond films after the initial screening feeling dissatisfied but with DAD and TWINE I knew they had nothing else to give. With QoS, I feel there is definitely a lot more there which will be revealed to me when I see the film in future and as I step back and think about it. QoS is a complex film with many layers which need to be peeled back.
The heart of the film is Bond's emotional journey as he comes to terms with the death of Vesper, and therefore it feels less consequential than other Bond films where Bond is a key player in a wide reaching plan and plot. The plot does feel somewhat disjointed at times, particularly early on in the film, and it does make some big (and sometimes silly) jumps, but reaching the end of the film I felt the plot was un-important, it was merely a vehicle to provide a framework and a tapestry to enable Bond's emotional journey to played out and illustrated.
Dialogue is scant and is split between brief exposition and some slower deeper conversations, particularly between M and Bond, and Bond and Camille. I think a lot is communicated via other means, through images and sound, through juxtaposition and intelligent montage which will need a second viewing to reveal itself as the first viewing the assault on the senses is somewhat disorientating.
Action sequences are shot in a very similar way to Paul Greengrass's Bourne films, and the comparisons are inevitable. They do work though, and are well conceived and shot.
Daniel Craig delivers a solid performance, although I have to say I was less wowed than in Casino Royale, but this is because I was not expecting such an intelligent portrayal of Bond in Casino Royale, while with QoS I was, so it was less of a surprise. Again, as in Casino Royale, this is his film, he is a primeval force that pushes the film forward.
Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric and Judi Dench are all superb, although they inevitably fade into the background at times as Dan does his stuff, however Giancarlo Giannini holds his own as an emotional core to the film to rival Dan in his few brief scenes. Jeffrey Wright is great but underused. Elvis and Medrano are less consequential than I was expecting.
The producers have taken a big risk with this film. More casual viewers who sit back with a bucket of popcorn and expect to be entertained while switching off their brains will not be pleased. The film expects you to understand Casino Royale well, and for you to engage. It could also prove dissatisfying to those viewers who are able to engage but want to see a familiar Bond-structure such as in OHMSS or FRWL, which is why I guess some true Bond fans have expressed concern. It's smart and rewarding but very very different.
I guess for the next film a more conventional structure will be required as we get back to Bond-basics, but ultimately I'm glad this film exists, and I think the Bond legacy would be poorer without it. It is the film we should have had after OHMSS. It will be a 'one-off', but it is a triumph - small, introspective and personal.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 19 days ago -
Hey - try this quiz and see how we compare
**GUESS THE YOUNG CELEBRITY**posted 20 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Pride and Glory
by BrianLongtime readers of my reviews will know that Colin Farrell means I'll be all over a movie. And what with Edward Norton and Angelina's poppa, I knew this had a chance.
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. The acting was good enough, but the plot was a little stale, but at the same time enjoyable.
I can see a lot of people liking it, for me, it just needed a fresher perspective on an old story.
Still love me some Colin tho. And the movie was enjoyable enough.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 22 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Dance of the Dead
by AZAn enjoyable, funny and good little zombie movie where the social hierarchy of high school is put to sleep in order to survive the already nerve-wrecking prom night. The abundance of gore is a quality that any living dead flick has but this movie, though gory at times, centralizes more around it's quirky characters and comical plot. Gorehounds may not flock to see this one due to the "heavy" on the story and "as needed" gore. Watch as geeks, bullies, popular kids and a shellshocked gym teacher kick some zombie ass!! A worthy watch!!!!
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 24 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Taken
by AmandaLiam Neeson, is the vodka in James Bond´s martini. The most thrilling movie I've seen in a long time. Neeson is what we would fear if James Bond went to hell and came back for revenge (I doubt big budget Quantum of Solace will top this). I loved Jason Bourne; but where Bourne is confused for half the movie, Neeson is looking down a barrel of a pistol 3/4 of the time. In a three way spy battle, I would put Neeson edging out Bourne, who would be a step ahead of Bond.
Between the jaw-dropping action sequences was the subject matter of international trafficking, which was pretty miserable to watch. Although homicide is good in some case, justice is not necessary, only vengance.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 27 days ago -
Hey - try this quiz and see how we compare
Alphabet of Horror (Classics, Difficult)posted 28 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Quarantine
by BrianGodawful horseshit.
I was desperate for it to be over, from about 30 minutes in.
A shaky camera and incessant screaming does not make for a scary movie. It's just annoying.
Noty to mention that the movie didn;t make sense. I mean, why did the little girl take so long to turn rabid?
Sorry if that was a spoiler, but, really, you should never see this movie, not even on DVD, or on TV for free. Avoid it like the plagueAvoid it like the plague.
posted 30 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Andrei Rublev
by TonyFinally got my hands on a copy of this-can't say enough about it-up there with Bergman's "Seventh Seal",Kurosawa's "Rashomon"..really challenges what passes as filmmaking these days..and on a strictly cinematographic level,it's B&W at its grandest.If I had the means,I'd send all of you a copy.Sayonorah,God bless,& have a pleasant tomorrow!!
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 32 days ago -
Hey - try this personality test and see how we compare
Which Nolan Villain are you?posted 33 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Serpent and the Rainbow
by AmandaIn this intense thriller inspired by a non-fiction book by Wade Davis, Bill Pullman plays Dr. Dennis Alan, who travels to Haiti in search of a mysterious white powder that is supposed to have powers of resurrection. While there, he hooks up with attractive local doctor Marielle Duchamp (Cathy Tyson) and locks horns with nasty, psychotic villain Dargent Peytraud (Zakes Mokae).
For me, "The Serpent and the Rainbow" is one of those rare scary movies that thoroughly engrossed me. It's a heart-pounding, solidly acted (particularly by Mokae), elaborate movie with lots of local flavour since the film-makers had the good sense to film it on location in Haiti. The atmosphere is so heavy that it's palpable. I would consider it to be one of the better Wes Craven pictures which I have seen. It's probably not one of his better known films - I think that most of them get kind of over-shadowed by the original "Nightmare on Elm Street" and the "Scream" trilogy. But I would suggest that interested viewers seek it out. It takes Dr. Alan and the viewer on an interesting if morbid journey.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 35 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Eagle Eye
by BrianAll the action I was expecting, and very exciting. A little bit like the Bourne films, but without Matt Damon''s annoying face. More groun up for Shia Labeouf and with the hotness that is Michelle Monaghan.
But smaller parts from Rosario Dawson and Anthony Mackie, who is perhaps wasted here, but still nice to see, and is impressing me with his versatility.
Well cast and well done, doesn't disapoint, even if I wasn;t exactly paying such close attention during the whole movie ;)~Hey, you should really see this!
posted 37 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Incident
by AZAn outstanding and nostalgic film from 1967 that maintains a strong impact to this day. This forgotten gem is like watching a social experiment intensly unravel itself in front of our eyes as we see an exceptional cast react differently to a frantic and possibly dangerous situation in the NYC subway. A dramatic powerhouse that must be seen! EXCELLENT!!!
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 37 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer
by AZA campy horror/action/comedy surrounding a hero with anger management issues! The film begins at a slow pace to introduce the origin of our hero but picks up when Jack begins to execute with extreme prjudice cheesy looking monsters using plumbing equipment! A truly silly concept that surprisingly has appeal and works for the movie since it really doesn't take itself seriously. Of course, the low budget hinders the film as the story and visuals of the film cannot be expanded to it's full potential although it is always exciting to see what the film crew and director have achieved with limited resources. This fun tribute to the 80's horror films is entertaining and oozing with cheese at every corner with the added plus of horror icon Robert Englund, but it's not for everybody. I say give it whirl and see what you think. It may surprise you.
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 37 days ago -
Hey - try this personality test and see how we compare
Which REAL LIFE Serial Killer are You?posted 37 days ago -
I recommend you see...
The Cure
by BrianYou know, when Heath Ledger died everyone made a huge deal (deservedly) out of it. But there wasn't much said about Brad Renfro's death.
I think he was an excellent actor, who, unfortunately, was poorly utilized because of his drug/substance abuse problem.
Thast being said, this is a good film.
Yes, it's a kiddie movie to an extent, but a good one, with a good a worthwhile message that is not sugarcoated. It's dealt with appropriately, and there is no unrealistic happy ending.
The three main actors give exceedingly believeable performances in this heartwarming flick that got the tears rolling. Sciorra is very likeable as well, although almost unrecognizable from the roles she gets nowadays (think her role on The Sopranos).
If you haven;t seen this, try to catch it.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 41 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Ne le Dis à Personne (Tell No One)
by TonyWhat the f_ck?!!My peeps,4 stars?!Sure,a complex,layered plot,but a totally lacklustre piece of filmmaking..zero style..and the lead guy looked like a retarded Dustin Hoffman.The hype was so big on this one,I got sucked in.Pray tell,people,what did I miss?!??
Save your hard-earned dollars and skip it!
posted 42 days ago
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