Just saw Valkyrie. My Review.

[markd51]

If any remember Schindler's List, of course, Oskar Schindler was also made out to be a regular "Mother Theresa" as well. Truth is, was he? I don't wish to argue politics, especially Nazi Philosophies, but from what I understand, in another famous movie, with some errors in it, it truthfully was not only General Patton who wanted to turn around, and command the Germans, to fight the Russians.

I think the largest problem with movies such as Valkerie, and Tom Cruise as an Actor playing the leading role, is we as americans, seeing Tom Cruise acting in so many different roles, have typecast him.

We think of Maverick, Rainman, Risky Business, Cocktail, etc. Sort of akin to Al Lewis Playing Grandpa in the Munsters, Fred Gwynn as Herman, etc.
When they finally play a really good role, they then lack the recognition they deserve.

Had an unknown played the part, the movie probably would've garnered greater respect. Just my opinion of course.

[jimdandy]

Originally Posted by markd51

If any remember Schindler's List, of course, Oskar Schindler was also made out to be a regular "Mother Theresa" as well. Truth is, was he? I don't wish to argue politics, especially Nazi Philosophies, but from what I understand, in another famous movie, with some errors in it, it truthfully was not only General Patton who wanted to turn around, and command the Germans, to fight the Russians.

I think the largest problem with movies such as Valkerie, and Tom Cruise as an Actor playing the leading role, is we as americans, seeing Tom Cruise acting in so many different roles, have typecast him.

We think of Maverick, Rainman, Risky Business, Cocktail, etc. Sort of akin to Al Lewis Playing Grandpa in the Munsters, Fred Gwynn as Herman, etc.
When they finally play a really good role, they then lack the recognition they deserve.

Had an unknown played the part, the movie probably would've garnered greater respect. Just my opinion of course.

Great observation. I agree with you. I thought it was an excellent movie. Those who have strong opinions on Cruise most likely won't see it that way.

[EchoWars]

Originally Posted by dew042

Nothing says "Christmas" like a nazi film.

Lol!

That occured to me weeks ago...why a Nazi film at Christmas?

Originally Posted by guiller

"Vanilla Sky" is a remake of the spanish film "Abre los ojos" (open your eyes) from the spanish (born in Chile) director Alejandro Amenabar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abre_los_ojos

In my opinion, the original film is much better.

Yes it is...plus a really great boob-shot of Penélope Cruz, who was at her peak in this film.

[ducati_EL34]

Originally Posted by jimdandy

Great observation. I agree with you. I thought it was an excellent movie. Those who have strong opinions on Cruise most likely won't see it that way.

Well cruise is a hack at best. That aside, I do not see the point in this movie. I saw the "made for TV"? version in the late 70s, early 80s. This new one to me, is just another hollywood remake, like so many other remakes that gets produced, simply because hollywood lacks any great amount of creativity.

[Bigerik]

Originally Posted by ducati_EL34

Well cruise is a hack at best. That aside, I do not see the point in this movie. I saw the "made for TV"? version in the late 70s, early 80s. This new one to me, is just another hollywood remake, like so many other remakes that gets produced, simply because hollywood lacks any great amount of creativity.

Diagree with you all the way around.

Not a huge fan of Tom Cruise as a person, but he certainly has acted well in a number of movies. A "hack" he is not.

Actually, it is a pretty bold move on the part of 'Hollywood' to make this movie. Most people do not know this story, and it is indeed a compelling and powerful one.

[jgmacv]

I've actually enjoyed quite a few of Tom's performances. His best work, to me, were in "Rainman" and "A Few Good Men". I'll be looking forward to this movie.

[ducati_EL34]

Originally Posted by Bigerik

Actually, it is a pretty bold move on the part of 'Hollywood' to make this movie. Most people do not know this story, and it is indeed a compelling and powerful one.

I disagree with the "bold move" description. How many people knew of Shindler? Yet they made a movie about him.

People may not know the story but, put some big name actors in German uniforms, circa 1940, and people will watch it. People know something of World War II and Nazi Germany.

[jimdandy]

Originally Posted by ducati_EL34

I disagree with the "bold move" description. How many people knew of Shindler? Yet they made a movie about him.

People may not know the story but, put some big name actors in German uniforms, circa 1940, and people will watch it. People know something of World War II and Nazi Germany.

Not sure what your point is. Yes, it was a movie with big name actors, yes plenty of people watched it. Does that automatically make it bad? I don't think so. Everybody has their opinions on certain actors, movies, etc.

I knew nothing of the Valkryie story before the movie. So from that standpoint, it broadened my knowledge of this historical event. And, for me, it was compelling to watch which makes it a win-win for me. To each their own, though.

[dread31]

Well, I finally went to see it and thoroughly enjoyed it. The jackass did pretty darn good. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then, I guess.

Anyhow, the movie was great, IMHO.

Dave

[timcawley]

Is this movie the cruise way of making up with "Hollywood's elite?"

[ducati_EL34]

Originally Posted by jimdandy

Not sure what your point is. Yes, it was a movie with big name actors, yes plenty of people watched it. Does that automatically make it bad? I don't think so. Everybody has their opinions on certain actors, movies, etc.

I was commenting on Bigwerik's comment that this was a "bold" move for Hollywood to make this movie, since not many people knew the story. My point was, I do not see this as bold, anymore than making Shindler's List. No one knew who he was either.

In fact I do not see Hollywood making any bold moves these days.

[SA-708]

Originally Posted by Jack Lord

Now, the inevitable question is:

If the German film industry makes a movie about the American West, do the actors speak German with an American accent or just do it in English?

I never saw a film version, but while visiting Germany as an exchange student I saw an outdoor drama based on a Karl May book. It was quite unintentionally funny, and I fought hard not to laugh out loud.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_May

[reggaenaut]

Originally Posted by ducati_EL34

I disagree with the "bold move" description. How many people knew of Shindler? Yet they made a movie about him.

People may not know the story but, put some big name actors in German uniforms, circa 1940, and people will watch it. People know something of World War II and Nazi Germany.

Many are fascinated with this era. How could such a highly "civilised" nation reduced itself to that level? What were they thinking opening so many fronts? Moreover there is a grudging admiration for the fighting skill of the German professional military.

[ducati_EL34]

Originally Posted by reggaenaut

Many are fascinated with this era. How could such a highly "civilised" nation reduced itself to that level?

To discuss that question, would require more than a 2.5 hour movie from Hollywood.

What were they thinking opening so many fronts?

Yeah like they did in the first world war?

Moreover there is a grudging admiration for the fighting skill of the German professional military.

True, but, I don't think they were all that better. They were sure great against Poland, Belgium, and the Netherlands...

[Bigerik]

Originally Posted by ducati_EL34

True, but, I don't think they were all that better. They were sure great against Poland, Belgium, and the Netherlands...

And France, Britain and Russia. The whooped the armies of all of them. Just didn't have the sheer numbers and economic might necessary to win.