Showing posts with label Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Show all posts

Monday, October 29, 2012

October Challenge: Alien & Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Alien (Ridley Scott, 1979)
Click here for the basics
Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough
Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2
Thriller, Science Fiction, Aliens, Gore
 
The absolute classic alien film and one of the best scares in cinema history. Fantastic performances -especially by John Hurt and Sigourney Weaver- and memorable moments throughout. The pacing, as in most thrillers, drives me almost to the point of insanity in parts. But even if you know what to expect, Alien gets to you... well worth returning to regularly.


Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Steven Spielberg, 1977)
Click here for the basics
Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ
Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2
Thriller, Science Fiction, Aliens, UFO
I've avoided watching this film for years because many people told me it was overrated and Spielberg's style isn't usually my favorite. Well, I must say it was far better than I imagined. While the story itself was a bit lacking (I would have liked more character development and dialogue) the visuals are stunning- they are still amazing even for today's standards. My biggest complaint is the pace- it drags in multiple places and too many threads are left untied. Yes, don't give us all the answers but give us a few more!


--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Sunday, September 30, 2012

SPECIAL: October Thriller Challenge

October is here and Halloween and horror movies are popping up on TV and on DVD shelves. My plan is to watch 10 classic thrillers, some I've seen bits of long ago, some that are new to me. All are critically acclaimed and exciting in their own unique way. Here, I've anticipated what I think I'll rate each. We'll see how well I predicted.

1. Jaws (1975)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

2. Alien (1979)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ

3. Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=6, P=4 Average OJ

4. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

5. Strangers on a Train (1951)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=6, P=5 Average OJ

6. The Fugitive (1993)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=4, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

7. Bullitt (1968)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=4, P=2 Thanks But No Thanks

8. Notorious (1946)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=6, P=5 Average OJ

9. Marathon Man (1976)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ

10. Wait Until Dark (1967)
Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ