Tikisoo

Has anyone had any luck streaming movies? My brother tried showing us a streamed movie and it gasped & pixelated throughout. The picture was also very dark and not enjoyable to watch. He has Comcast for his ISP and streamed directly into his large flat screen TV, so it wasn't his equipment or his hook up. I actually prefer DVDs after seeing that. And I'm not interested in watching movies at my computer desk, I want to be at my big TV in my comfy chair. I can stream movies, just find it substandard.

This is an interesting topic with several thoughtful & insightful responses. A friend recently said, "We have 2 free tickets to go see a movie and there's NOTHING out there we want to see" She is a 20 something going to the movies with her Mom. Earlier stated was newer films are packed with action, but lack emotion-I think that's very true. What gives great movies like NOW VOYAGER, BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES or MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS their longevity? The emotional response you have to the charactors & situations (brought out by dramatic ACTING, I might add) It was also stated "kids today" don't know what they're missing since that's all they know (so far) Very true. Although TikiKid definitely prefers older films (seen with us) she also is fired up by "action" or fantasy movies, that leave us cold. Who's to say what the future holds? Most young directors are taught through the classics-maybe they'll figure it out. Yes, Hollywood has always been profit driven, but what about big bosses like Louis B. Mayer's once a year "prestige" pictures? He'd make one film for "the ages" not caring if it ever made money, that's how we got gems like PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. The key here is to create a large, paying demographic that wants emotional stories told. That means educating and changing the way kids are raised from video games to imaginative stories involving people. Stephen King did more as a popular writer than anyone else of late, while many focused on the sensationalist"horror" rather than the story. Could it be touching a nerve that younger people are simply "scared" of life or are they so desensitized they accept violence as "thrilling"? Ah, the generation gap.

A La Cart I think is going to happen sooner rather than later because these distribution companies are losing a lot of subscribers. In another thread, I stated: Internet streaming and Netflix type "renting" is the closest thing to "a la carte" viewing which is what everyone says they want these days to separate the wheat from the chaff. Yes, many of the same "providers" but they have to increase the quality and keep the costs reasonable to bring those who "cut the cord" over. Eh, if all those cable/satellite channels were better quality, no one would balk at PAYING for TV. I think 90% of subscribers only watch a few choice channels of their liking. Once those channels are dropped or change content (like the Discovery channels) and people's income drops, they rethink the "value" factor of what they're receiving for that amount of money.

Time Warner Cable lost a net 184,000 household video customers in the three months ended Sept. 30 (snipped) The company, which is being acquired by market leader Comcast Corp for $45.3 billion, lost a net 152,000 customers in the April-June quarter. Wonder if Comcast is going to reconsider investing in a sinking ship? Or do they think they can revitalize the cable TV industry? (I doubt it since Comcast offers ZERO services. These big corporations just want "cash cow" type investments that run themselves)

And you know what "kids" do? (at least the teen I know) They turn on the closed captioning on the TV to READ the dialogue! I get angry that TikiKid reads her way through movies because I want her to learn to LISTEN and absorb conversation nuances. Oh well, all that reading has made her very open to foreign & silent films, which she enjoys. That's more than can be said for my 86 y/o mother who won't watch a foreign film because she can't read that fast. Heck, she can barely understand British film's dialogue!

The above post starts with a disrespectful slam: "Sorry I haven't sifted through this thread's pages of nonsense...." I apologise, I can see how you misinterpreted that statement. What I MEANT to say was ...while I participated in reading this thread when it was first posted, I found the thread had become somewhat derailed from the original intent. I did not want to address the spinoff conversations, but the OP. Hope that clarifies that I did not mean to insult anyone with my statement.

Sorry I haven't sifted through this thread's pages of nonsense.....but just the title suggests TCM could be "saved" as a channel if they added commercials to help fund their air time. I do not think that is a feasible resolve. There are so many stations companies can buy commercial time on, why would they choose TCM? I think the loyal viewers would resent commercials, making the cost of buying time a waste for them. And I don't think it would create any kind of a "fix" for the station's costs, just a band-aid. Remember-TCM is only part of the CNN/Turner "package". All the other stations have commercials and the package is still requesting more (a pay raise) from the DISH distributers.

One that comes to mind is the recently talked about GHOST & MRS MUIR. The waves crashing on the rocks struck me as symbolic of passion and love that cannot be controlled by intellect. The music also furthers the story in that one.

I hope very much that I do not miss the opportunity to participate in determinations of what companies must provide because some people need it. I will quickly nominate good vodka at one dollar a gallon and strawberry cheesecake with a negative calorie count as things which many people need. I know that I do. Love it! Amazing that someone who speaks English as a second language (or 3rd or 4th) can successfully write sarcastically when so many other's attempts fail and start arguments.

Shouldn't this thread be in "Games"? That line reminds me of one in THE BAD SEED-the guy is on fire running around the yard yelling in pain and someone says, "Stop screaming, it's not helping!"

Well I'm psyched! According to my Svengoolie email: Nov 22 THE GHOST & MR CHICKEN I was just talking about this to MrTeek. It totally scared me as a kid but I just held in there knowing it was a hoax haunting. Gotta record it so the kid can see Don Knotts at his best. It's sad to think Knott's comedy is virtually unknown to millenials. Reta Shaw, as always, makes a notable appearance as a psychic. I love when Svengoolie shows these "horror comedies" which I think are much stronger than the typical Universal horror. He also shows fave MUNSTER GO HOME as well as several Abbott & Costello.. Also in the schedule: Nov 29th Black Cat (the Karloff/Lugosi version, NOT the one we ran recently)

Thanks 666 for this thread. I had considered recording THE STRANGE ONES, but could not find a review in Maltin's guide. I had seen the SWEENY TODD last year and loved it, definitely better than the recent remake. Also if you like haunted house movies, THE OTHERS is a great one-slow moving and unnervingly eerie, reminding me of British horror.

Oh, and btw...if there is anyone around here who thinks Marisa "can't act", I'd advise them to watch her in 2001's IN THE BEDROOM, an excellent film with excellent performances done by ALL concerned. Hey a woman's performance "acting" in the bedroom is a given.....

Since we don't know the collective view of others to me this thread is really just 'my favorite and least favorite films of the 80s'. OK, well at least you're honest about it. I can agree with your OPINION on several titles in your list, but not all of them....as several of others' responsed. I still enjoy DO THE RIGHT THING, Spike Lee's first effort that you think is overrated. I also think TUCKER is a well loved movie, just kind of a forgotten title due to poor distribution. But I also agree ALWAYS was a fun, well done remake for newbies afraid of B&W films, although there isn't much appreciation for Richard Dreyfuss' acting style these days. (I still love him)

In THE CAINE MUTINY during the typhoon the ship almost "heels" over (rolls onto its side). I think the term is "keels over" referring to the keel of the ship. And yes, I think the term "heel" for a cad of a guy derives from the heel being the bottom of your shoe, the lowest, dirtiest thing on your person. Eartha Kitt has a great song about "The Heel"

if they want a performer who's younger, Winona Ryder was a great temporary host when RO was on leave Winona Rider turns 43 today. Sheesh, what we consider "young" actors are hitting middle age.

As for Stooges vs Laurel & Hardy vs Abbott & Costello vs Marx Bros etc - it's always fascinating to me to see who likes which comics and who really dislikes others. I was going to "like" this, but it bears repeating instead. I too find individual opinions on comedy fascinating. One early morning I caught TOMMY BOY playing on TV. I watched it and thought it was a laugh riot. I caught it playing again a week later and was wholly bored by it within the first 20 minutes! What did I see in it the first time? There is NO ACCOUNTING for taste when it comes to comedy. Much must depend upon the viewer and even the viewer's state of mind when seeing it.

I define "supporting" roles by Carrie Fisher's (& Bruno Kirby's) performance in WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. The story would have been flat and one dimensional with just the two leading charactor's stories. Carrie Fisher is likable & amusing but never stale with her repeated line, "You're right, you're right....I KNOW you're right." The role supports the story showing another aspect of dating angst. You cheer when she finally leaves the married man and laugh when she throws Kirby's wagon wheel coffee table to the curb.

Well Sepia, "stoopid" was intentional, "charactors" is a wholly correct alternative spelling. Amazing to see c-r-o-t-c-h was asterisked out! It'd weird-I love the Stooges, I don't really find any of the 3 charactors stupid. A little weird, quirky, but not dumb like L&H. I WANT the piano to squash L&H-they deserve it.

Talk amongst yourselves. Never a clearer FILMS & FILMMAKERS thread.

What about GASLIGHT?

Just because TikiSoo doesn't agree with his opinion doesn't mean she doesn't tolerate it. Thanks for speaking on my behalf. Correct. And I hope Mac tolerates my opinion too. The fact that someone posts that they just lurve this movie, may make me give it a look next time it's on. We ALL have an odd film we like here and there that no one else likes. I absolutely love DEATH TO SMOOCHY, once heralded as "the worst movie ever made". I see it as a black comedy, it's easy for me to understand why others don't "get" it like I do. Plus, the language is deplorable, a real turn-off. And don't many of us enjoy ITS A MAD MAD WORLD? Who doesn't crack up at Ethel Merman's slapstick antics? Much comedy is low brow anyway. I just have a hard time with "pain" comedy (like Jacka** crotch hits) or demeaning women comedy (like Army of Darkness) I also have a hard time finding stoopid charactors funny, which is why I've never liked Laurel & Hardy. I imagined D&D to be a modern version of L&H.

But you see, I arrive at my opinion on basis of having seen all the best of Truffaut, Antonioni, Fellini, Bergman--and best of all, Pietro Germi. You know, recently I've been catching up on all the European "new wave" films I had missed in the 60's & 70's, and they leave me cold. Apparently, this stuff created excitement back then as new & innovative filmmaking, but it really doesn't stand the test of time for me as a film fan. How could it not be, with Stefania Sandrelli? It takes more than a hot babe to make it a good film for an adult... especially a woman viewer. (sorry, I know you're being lighthearted, just don't state things as universal when they are indeed, your opinion)

Seems to me these lists are mostly personal opinion. The definition of "classic" is that it's likability spans generations & cultures. EVERYbody understands and enjoys classics likes THE WIZARD OF OZ and SINGIN IN THE RAIN. These 80's titles, seem to be more "quirky" and divisive. Didn't many of these "underrated" films receive Academy Awards? How can CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD or REDS be underrated when they were so lauded in their day? How can you say POPEYE is overrated? People still talk about what a stinker it was, although it may have somewhat of a cult following now. Looking over this page's lists, I notice several excellent Woody Allen films-he definitely hit his stride in the 80's. Also many of these "underrated" films listed are worth giving a second look, they are excellent: Comfort and Joy, The Journey of Natty Gann, Matewan, Gorillas in the Mist, The Milagro Beanfield War. But again, many too "quirky" for the mass audience. Most of the "overrated" list are films which are good, but simply don't hold up with repeated viewings and may fail the test of time. Many of these titles I'm seeing now for the first time and I find them impressive-although I never have to see them again like The Last Temptation of Christ & Empire of the Sun. Some of these titles you just grow out of liking. Teens seeing some of these for the first time just LOVE them, like The Breakfast Club, Beetlejuice, Poltergeist & The Lost Boys. So, really it's just "opinion".... to say "nothing good was made after 1960" is just silly ridiculous.

Never seen it and have zero desire to see it. Strikes me as geared towards 13 year old boys. What makes a kids movie "classic", like early Disney, Dead End Kids or those Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney "teen"movies-adults enjoyed them as much as kids.