...Armageddon (sp?). I can't remember the last time I did that. I only went because Tom T. saw it twice, and a couple acquaintances said it was good. What a let down. I disliked it from the word go. And I've liked other Bruce Willis movies like Die Hard. I sat thru this for about an hour before giving up. It's one of those movies where there is continuous sound (here, noise), and the viewer's ears never get a damn break. Lousy script. This is the only film where I remember saying aloud, "Stupid" on several occasions. For those of you who criticize the dialogue in Titanic, and haven't seen this flick, you ain't seen nothing yet!

-- BobG (rgregorio@ibm.com), August 08, 1998

Answers

You're the second person who's mentioned the noise issue with that movie. I am planning to go tomorrow. I'll let you know what I think. I've only walked out once..."Silence of the Lambs". It made me sick to my stomach and I couldn't take it anymore. I'm sorry it sucked so bad for you. Did you try and get your money back or a raincheck of sorts?

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 08, 1998.

No, I'd never have the guts to ask for my money back simply because I didn't like the movie, especially since I sat through an hour. After my major thumbs-down, you still plan to see it? Gilded, I'm fairly confident you will hate it as much as I! There is nothing subtle about this movie. They got a bunch of good actors and gave them a stupid script. Tom T., wherever you are, you seem like someone of intelligence, please tell my why you liked this. Did anyone else see it? I couldn't believe a friend of mine said it was "entertaining" (to which I asked, "As good as Titanic?" And he replied, "They were different types of movies." Is he gonna get an earful from me.)

-- BobG (bobg@ibm.net), August 08, 1998.

I saw Armageddon when it came out several weeks ago and agree with BobG. This noisy movie just careened from one incredibly stupid situation to the next with no let-up. Didn't the producers realize it takes TIME to build suspense. I walked out early too. As for the dialogue: while it is bad, it's not as MEMORABLY bad as some of the lines in Titanic. I can still quote dozens of bad lines from Titanic and can't remember a single clunker from Armageddon. But Mr. Showbiz chose "I'm the king of the world" as only the 3rd dumbest one-liner of the decade. This despite my Chicago-style voting. Oh well, Titanic can't win EVERYTHING! BTW: Die Hard was one of my all-time favorites - the perfect summer action flick! Its 80's Zeitgeist isn't aging well though.

-- Dan Dalton (foo@bar.com), August 08, 1998.

Mr. G: I love overblown special effects, rock-n-roll and Ben Affleck (not like I do YOU, of course!). I also am interested in Liv Tyler. I've seen several of her films and appearances on late night TV and I am becoming more impressed with her as an actress and as a person. She seems like quite a classy lady. Billy Bob Thornton's pretty okay with me, too. I want to give it a chance. My roommate loved it (although, he's got the hots for Ben, if you know what I mean). Though I will take your opinions into consideration when I see the film, this is Rose talking here, and she needs to make her own decision. K, my little luv-muffin? tee hee...:)

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 08, 1998.

DDalton, you remember so many "lousy" lines from Titanic only because you saw the movie multiple times. I really doubt you walked out of the movie the first time and remembered several dumb lines. Be honest. You must agree that something one analyzes so carefully is bound to have flaws. Why am I asking this? I know your response; you've stated it elsewhere (you love this movie, and just temper that love by trying to be "objective"; AND you don't believe "half the crap" you write on here)....See, I do read remarks (and don't just blab on, though newcomers might have the wrong impression)

-- BobG (bobg@titanic.luv), August 08, 1998.

Hope that wasn't too harsh. I never would've seen "Titanic" if I listened to everyone who hated it. That's what I meant...:)

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 08, 1998.

Gilded, or Rose, good for you! Now that Dan and I have lowered your expectations, you no doubt will say it wasn't bad at all etc etc. "Damn it all to hell" (large piano sound)(I start for the other end of the deck)...Oh, and I agree that some lines were cheesy, but I've come to find them 'cute' because the overall film (Titanic!) is great. Some of these ones I recite repeatedly I initially considered dumb (ie, the conversation leading up to Jack showing his sketchings). Just like MHWGO, disliked it my first few listenings, but after seeing the movie a few times, and ESPECIALLY after realizing (duh!) it was the same as "Rose", it hit #1 on Bob's charts.

-- BobG (bobg@ibm.net), August 08, 1998.

Almost every film released this summer has been trailer park trash! I go to the movies every weekend and even Saving Private Ryan in my view was way too long and just plain boring! Movies are made to appeal to the lower class of our culture. Please this is a site in support of Titanic do not knock anything about it. It should hit the 600 million mark in the US by September.

-- michael pitt (xrrg10b@prodigy.com), August 08, 1998.

Mr. Pitt...you really DON'T want to get me started on a discussion about the "classes". You, really, really, REALLY don't. Also, as much as I loved "Titanic", ALL movies have their flaws. There is no perfect movie. Intelligent people realize this and can find error in their favorite films. As I assume you are intelligent, surely there was SOMETHING about "Titanic" that didn't quite cut the mustard for you, wasn't there? Just curious...

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 08, 1998.

Michael, you may think I'm pulling a "Dalton" here, and maybe in a way I am, but they are my feelings too. I've been a contributor here since January, and no one questions my love of this film. Nothing anyone says here can hurt the success of the film either. Anyone can say anything they want about it. I've been spreading the "pro-Titanic" gospel on an anti-Titanic site, and feel that anyone can say negative things about it on this site too. Sorry for being dramaturgic (I partially feel Dalton made up this word just for fun), but it's called free speech.

-- BobG (bobG@ibm.net), August 08, 1998.

Hello, i am a very big fan of titanic myself. I thought it was the best movie in the world and nothing could ever amount to it. But i also enjoyed the movie armageddon. I don't see why you all dislike it so. I think to be honest with you this movie made me cry harder than titanic did.

-- April (foo@bar.com), August 08, 1998.

I partially agree with BobG and Michael. But: - Every movie has good and bad elements, yes even Titanic. We're not criticizing Holy Scripture here. I like Titanic but I don't revere it. - I'm sure "dramaturgy" relates to the art of creating drama. But I'll look it up to be sure it really is a word. Anyway, that's how I meant to use it. - Are you sure that the last post is not from April (fool@bar.com)? Come on, it's August! Just kidding, but I really HATED Armageddon. I can see how some may have liked it though. Sorry we disagree. Have you seen "Saving Private Ryan"? - I agree with Michael that single-wide people are trash, but double-wide people are the salt of the earth. - I too want to hear from Michael if there is ANYTHING he thinks would have improved "Titanic". We appreciate your enthusiasm, but would value it more if you tempered it a bit; you're beginning to sound like a Pollyanna. (This is a real word - it means "blindly or unrealistically optimistic or uncritical"). Please respond. I don't mean to sound harsh. Tell me I'm full of crap if you wish...

-- Dan Dalton (foo@bar.com), August 08, 1998.

BobG and Dan: for "Titanic" obsessors (like me), it is refreshing and relieving to hear your open-mindedness and see you willingness to let people come here and gripe if they like. An intelligent argument is an itelligent arfument, and if people would like to come here and discuss what they deem to be flaws in this movie in a manner such as that, then bring it on I say! The idiots who cuss and swear use too many X's when they are trying to pluralize words are easy enough to run off.

Dan...I'm opening a can of worms here...please explain your feelings on "single-side trash" and "double-wide salt of the earth". I am curious as to why there is a distinction for you.

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 08, 1998.

OBVIOUSLY I COULDN'T SPELL TONIGHT IF I PRAYED ABOUT IT FIRST!!! Sorry, folks...

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 08, 1998.

GAC: That was just a joke, apparently not a very good one. I just found it curious that Michael, who loves Titanic unconditionally (with its argument against class bias) would so discriminate against the foundation-deprived. As a famous radio talk host (I won't say who) says, I'm just pointing out the absurd by being absurd. BTW: My house has a full finished basement and no wheels, in case you were wondering....

-- Dan Dalton (foo@bar.com), August 09, 1998.

Sorry, I didn't mean to refer to you as a small piece of genetic code. I meant GAJ, not GAC.

-- Dan Dalton (foo@bar.com), August 09, 1998.

Sorry...I'm still getting used to your caustic sense of humor. I'm hardly stupid, and yet I miss your quips every time. Sorry. Maybe if I could hear the tone of your voice...damn internet...

You've been referring to me as GAC for some time now. I let it go, figuring you'd get it sooner or later!:) If it makes it any easier, most call me Gilded. Your option...

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 09, 1998.

Have I been doing that a lot? I hadn't noticed. Perhaps it's a Freudian slip. I'll leave to you to figure out what the "C" was for - I'm not sure myself. I'll call you "Gilded" from now on. I'm a slow typist. It would take me forever to type out your full name and then edit out the fully-spelled Freudian slips!

-- Dan Calton (foo@bar.com), August 09, 1998.

April, what did you like about it? I should say, what did you like about Armageddon in the first hour (since I left at that point)? What I disliked the most was the sound. I'm not sure what Oscar category would cover what I'm talking about, perhaps "Sound" or "Sound Effects Editing". (If you've seen "Donnie Brascoe" or "Boogie Nights", my criticism is similar, though in those films it is only incessant music, not explosions and music, that got on my nerves.) Next most bothersome was the script: story AND dialogue. Was anyone saddened in the beginning when the asteroids hit New York (and all the way down to S. Carolina)? I doubt it. That sequence with the black guy and his dog made light of it all. And Bruce Willis shooting at his daughter's boyfriend? Puh-leze. First, why would he risk damaging his oil rig? Second, after doing so, why would he continue shooting and damaging it further. And what had Ben Affleck done to deserve being killed? Come on. I love Billy Bob and Joe Buscemi and thought B.Affleck was great in "Chasing Amy" (one of my favs for 1997) and GWH, and enjoyed Bruce Willis in "Die Hard" and the "Moonlighting" TV show, but this story just plain sucked. The romance scene where Affleck is playing with animal crackers on Liv Tyler's (?) stomach wasn't bad, but why was the soundtrack blaring then too?? The effects themselves were good, but without a good script, their impact, and that of any other peripheral is insufficient. This just confirms for me that "Titanic" had a good script (story+dialogue, even if a FEW, repeat FEW, cheesy lines).

-- BobG (bob@bob.bob), August 09, 1998.

Damn it, BobG! You're giving stuff away!!! I'm off to see it this afternoon and NOW I KNOW STUFF! We'll discuss this when I get home, Mr, Man...

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 09, 1998.

OK, don't say I didn't warn you. And don't expect me to do the animal cracker trick with you. Hey I have an important question. When I was living in San Francisco (last year), during the previews at the big theaters, I came to notice an audience tradition. After a preview, many viewers would say in unison,"Ssssssssssss.." Finally I asked what it meant, and I was told that the movie just previewed would probably sssssuck. I thought it was funny. The tradition seemed to die within a few months, and I never heard it at a theater outside of San Fran. Anyone else familiar with it?

-- BobG (bobg@titanic.nut), August 09, 1998.

What if I WANT you to do the animal cracker trick? ;)

I've never heard of the "SSSSSSSSS" tradition. I'll pay attention this afternoon when I go to see ARMAGEDDON, which I just may enjoy...

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 09, 1998.

Okay...have at me. Just came back from "Armageddon". Guess what, Mikey? SHE LIKES IT. Yes, she does. If you want to verbally rape me now, then go ahead. This should be FUN...:)

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 09, 1998.

Oh, my goodness. What did you like about it? Do you disagree with my take on the first half? Did my "warning" allow you to overlook certain things? On a scale of 1-10, what do you give it and what do you give Titanic?

-- BobG (bobG@ibm.net), August 09, 1998.

Just left you a giant e-mail about it. Hon, I just can't compare it to "Titanic", I'm sorry. They are two totally different movies. Considering all the blowing up of stuff in "Armageddon", it's kind of hard to imagine that "Titanic" had the larger price tag, I'll admit. What did I like about it? I love special effects. It had plenty of that, no doubt. I thought it was well acted. I DID NOT think the script was dumb. I thought some of it was down-right hilarious (in a good way). It had me on the edge of my seat 90% of the time. I cried a lot. It had a spirit of heroism (which always wins me over in films). It was just plain FUN.

I disagree with your take on the first half, yes. I thought the "shooting scene" was funny...unrealistic, perhaps, but funny. It wasn't too loud for me (for everyone else's benefit...I sing in a rock band...noise is rarely an issue for me).

Your "warning" did not allow me to overlook certain things. Like I told you, I took them into consideration when I went. I am a smart woman and I have my own mind, and I had every intention of making my own criticisms when I went in. Plus, I was excited to see it for awhile anyway, which wasn't dampered by other people's critiques. I hope that doesn't sound rude or anything; I don't mean it to. I am the type that will PURPOSEFULLY go see a film the critics bash, cuz it can pretty much guarantee that I'LL like it.

On a scale of 1 to 10...there you go again, trying to make me compare!:) I can only group "Armageddon" among other "popcorn flicks" I've seen...I give it an 8.5. "Titanic" for me rests among the "greatest of all time", and among THOSE, she gets a 9 (I haven't found a perfect 10 yet...I doubt I ever will). "Armageddon" is not in that group for me, though I enjoyed it very much, and may even like to see it again.

Oh...and as a side note...no "sssssssssss" going on during previews.

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 09, 1998.

GAJ, finally, a decent Armageddon review. It's being released down under in about 2 weeks and I want to see it but was afraid to because I hadn't heard one good review about it. I may just give it a chance now, and we are all being prewarned about the "noise", it's constant throughout apparently.

-- Emma (foo@bar.com.au), August 09, 1998.

Gilded: Why always so defensive about "having your own mind"? We all noticed that days ago. Sorry to hear that you liked "Armageddon". I'm loosing some respect. (just kidding). You really didn't find its constant assault on the senses unnerving? To me, suspense and excitement have to be built more slowly and sustained over a longer period to be effective (I'm beginning to wonder who's the woman here). This movie had no dramatic arc. Part of this might stem from my interest in the classical symphonic form (Beethoven has drama, Aerosmith does not - although I do enjoy "Toys in the Attic"). And while I'm willing to suspend my disbelieve to watch a summer special-effects flick, everything in this movie was just too whacked out for me - nothing made sense, so I didn't care about any of the characters. Did you see "Deep Impact"? It was slightly better, but a little too serious and with too few special effects. BTW: What type of music do you sing? Does your band just do covers, or do you write original music?

-- Dan Dalton (foo@bar.com), August 09, 1998.

Emma...just go knowing that it's ALL pretend and you should enjoy yourself, I think. Some of the comedy is faulous...

Dan...I just don't enjoy someone telling me what to think, that's all. I don't mean to sound defensive, really. Sorry if I do. You know what movie was a constant assault to my senses? The latest "Batman" flick. THAT was pure stupidity and confusion. Who the hell thought it was a good idea to put everyone on roller skates, for Pete's sake??? Maybe my annoyance with that movie alone made "Armageddon" bearable for me. Also...I love a movie that can keep me on the edge of my seat the whole time ("Hand That Rocks the Cradle" and "Scream" come to mind). It's a fluff movie. I loved "Independence Day" for the same reasons. it's escapism, and after being so obsessed for so long with a movie that is based on real events, it was a nice break.

Yes, I saw "Deep Impact". I really liked that one, too. I was surprised at the lack of SFX in it. But I can see they were going for a totally different feel than "Armageddon". They tried to make it really personal by telling these people's stories. It was the first movie I saw in the theatre after "Titanic", and I bawled my little eyes out. Great stuff.

What does my band do...? Some covers, but mostly originals. My stuff is kind of rockish with a soul edge; a cross between Heart and Aretha, perhaps. I'm a "screamer", as they call it here in Nashvegas. I'm trying to save my pennies to do a CD right now. If I EVER get it finished, I'll let everyone know (right now the CD fund is stagnant).

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 09, 1998.

BobG, I can't believe you walked out on Armageddon!!!! I saw it last night and I loved it! It had me closer to crying than Titanic ever did.

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), August 26, 1998.

Allison, the only thing I can say is that I'm very critical of the movies I see. Like Dalton, I did not care about any of the characters. It's nothing against the actors (who I liked in other movies), or action or sci-fi flicks. I liked movies such as Speed, Die Hard, Alien, Aliens. The only positive thing I can say about the hour that I saw was a few funny lines. Now you heard my full critique earlier; explain in some detail why the film worked for you. The only thing I almost cried about was the money I had wasted. Heeeee

-- BobG (rgregorio@ibm.net), August 26, 1998.

Hmmmm....I'm not very good at explaining myself...give me a little time to think. =)

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), August 26, 1998.

C'mon, Allison. Isn't 2 days enough time to think?

-- BobG (rgregorio@ibm.net), August 28, 1998.

Hi BobG,

Allison has asked me to post this message because she is unable to gain entry to this page for some reason. It keeps giving her the message "Document contains no data" even though I've given her the URL and everything.

As I haven't seen the movie and she doesn't want to spoil it for me, I doubt she'll tell me why she loved it, etc. So I'll give her your email address and the two of you can take it from there :-)

-- Emma (writing for Allison) (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico), August 30, 1998.

Oops, sorry, I left the .ca out of her email address in the last post.

-- Emma (writing for Allison again) (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), August 30, 1998.

I have yet to walk out on any movie. Even the worst ones I have seen have some artistic value, even if it is just to make sure they never make that mistake again. Of course some people just dont learn, and keep making those mistakes over and over.

-- Melanie (sheba@xroadstx.com), August 30, 1998.

BobG, I apologize for taking so long with my post but as Emma mentioned, something is wrong with my computer and it wouldn't let me get to the main page. I just did a search and found a listing for each individual thread so that's how I finally got here. I'm ready to throw my computer out the window. It still won't let me get to the main page. Anyway, enough with my computer problems, on to my critique.

First of all, here's the reason I went. I was talking with my cousin who loves Titanic almost as much as I do. When she told me that she thought Armageddon was just as good as Titanic, if not better, I knew I had to go. So we made plans to see it. We went to the massive new "Silver City" theatre where the screen is about the size of an IMAX screen, with surround sound. It was packed, so we ended up in kind of crappy seats, about 5 rows from the front. It turned out to be not so bad though, because I love all that "in your face" action, and being so close, it really WAS in your face.

When the movie started, I was waiting for all this noise everyone has been complaining about. It was definitely loud - so loud the chairs shook - but it didn't bother me one little but. (I guess the noise is just a problem for old people - ha ha ha! Just kidding. =) ) Anyway, it WAS exciting. I was on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. I even found myself flinching and starting to duck from time to time with all the objects flying right at the camera. I didn't find anything terribly wrong with the script. I thought the guy with his dog was pretty funny.

I thought the animal cracker bit was really cute, as well as when they all started singing Leaving On A Jet Plane. I've had the song running through my head ever since I left the theatre. I even went so far as to buy the soundtrack the next day. (I was pleasantly surprised to find that Chantal Kreviazuk sings Leaving On A Jet Plane for the CD, she just happens to hail from Winnipeg. Just had to add that in). I hate to say it (and I'll probably be murdered by the denizens of this board for doing so) but I think I like the Armageddon CD more than Back To Titanic. Oh well. I never thought I'd admit to liking an Aerosmith song, but here goes. Ahem...koff koff...I love the theme song.

As with any movie, there were things that bothered me. Namely, how everything that could have possibly gone wrong did, but somehow seemed to magically right itself two minutes later. All the close calls got on my nerves a bit too. But I went in expecting this so I'll forgive and forget. But I did find it extremely unrealistic that Grace doesn't cry all that much when her father says goodbye. Oh well!! I still can't believe you walked out on this. I've never walked out on a movie in my life. The only one I ever *wanted* to do that in (and desperately, I might add) was Jerry Maguire. What part exactly did you walk out at??

Anyway, I hope that's good enough. If I think of anything else to add, I'll post it then.

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), August 30, 1998.

Allison, if you get half the cyber whippin' my virtual husband gave me for liking this movie, then prepare yourself not to sit down for a week!!! Ha ha ha...fortunately, BobG is a forgiving soul... :)

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 30, 1998.

Ha ha ha, thanks for the warning, Gilded. =)

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), August 31, 1998.

Ah yes, I remember something else I wanted to say. The movie turned out to be WAY better than I expected. Okay BobG, go ahead. Do your worst. =)

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), August 31, 1998.

I am truly sorry, Bob, but I really liked this movie, also. Yes, some of the dialogue was cheesy, but it is in every movie. I guess a big part of me liking this movie was being able to see a movie where not everyone died at the end. I still think Titanic is the best movie I have ever seen. However, Armagedon (sp?) is pretty high on my list also. As for the music, I don't like one better than the other, they are just different. It depends on my mood as to which one I listen to. Allison and GAJ, I am right behind you.

Misty

-- Misty Chacon (whatever@something.net), August 31, 1998.

Speaking of the music, I really love Aerosmith but that song in the movie is sooo bad. In my opinion anyway. It's so irritating! They won't stop playing it! If I hear it one more time, I may scream.

The movie itself was pretty bad too. I just laughed at it's stupidity the whole time, something which kinda annoyed my friend Hannah who was with me and crying. But hey, to each their own.

-- Kat (jumpingjellyfish@hotmail.com), August 31, 1998.

I have REALLY gotta see this movie to find out what it is that makes everyone get teary eyed with it. I wouldn't have picked it as a sad movie.

-- Emma (dilemma76@hotmail.com), August 31, 1998.

The world is gonna end and your fiance and father have to go up and land on an asteroid and try to dig a whole, drop a bomb in it and make it back to earth in time, thus saving the whole planet. If they don't make it, not only do you lose the people you love most in your life, but your life will be wiped out with the rest of the world's. I would be a little depressed, myself. :)

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), August 31, 1998.

Dalton and George whetted my appetite for "2001: Space Odessey" so I rented it recently. Thank you, guys. (As if George reads any thread other than the one dedicated to him..) I had watched it many years ago but didn't appreciate it at the time. But this time, wow! I give it a 9.5/10. Great stuff. I'd love to discuss it with anyone by email because I'm not sure my interpretation of everything was correct. I can't believe it was made in 1968; so ahead of its time! FYI, this was one of Cameron's all time favorites. For those who've seen both movies, did you notice Cameron used the Viennese waltz song from "2001" in "Titanic" (at the staircase, when Jack is waiting for Rose prior to dinner)? As I stated on Mr. Showbiz, I feel Cameron was celebrating great movies by incorporating parts from them. That's a whole other conversation.

-- BobG (bob@bob.bob), September 02, 1998.

I'm so sorry you girls (ladies)(that was a Jackism for those who missed it) sans Kat (go, Kat!) liked "Armageddon". Maybe I'll rent it when it comes on tape and watch the second half. Allison, the part at which I left was when all the misfits were training for the trip to space. Please note: usage of the word "sans" is due to influence by Mr. Havestrom III.

-- BobG (rgregorio@ibm.net), September 02, 1998.

As usual I'm not editing my comments well. Replace "ladies" with "women". Hey, where's Peter Nivling? (watching Titanic on TV like every one else in this country?) One more comment. Hey, why not, it's my thread (everyone should have one; George does, I do..). I like most of the 2nd soundtrack; don't get me wrong. The dialogue in the "Irish" party song doesn't bother me that much; I love the dialogue in MHWGO; but, I'm not happy with "Jack!...Jack!....Jack!....Jack! [you get the picture]" in "Come, Josephine". "Titanic Suite" is nice though (it plays as I speak). I love the last couple minutes. Hope you all noticed the wedding bells. Signed, Babblemouth

-- BobG (rgregorio@ibm.net), September 02, 1998.

Bob, are you bitter???? Problems with your cyber-wife??? You seem very upset about the George-mania that is going on around. If you would really like your own thread, I will start one for you. Just let me know, OK? :)

Misty

-- Misty Chacon (whatever@something.net), September 03, 1998.

Misty, I am not bitter, you misunderstand my tone. I'm joking around! I love the George-mania. In fact, I brought him over here, since I had been through most of his views before on another site. Admittedly I naively hoped he would have changed after so many ridiculed him on that site. My cyberwife and I are doing well! She's chatting away elsewhere, but we continue to email one another. Good day! (a George-ism)

-- BobG (rgregorio@bob.bob), September 04, 1998.

BobG, you don't need to apologize for us not liking the movie. I'm glad I liked it because I wouldn't have appreciated throwing 5 bucks away on a crappy movie. I'm sorry you DIDN'T like it. You really should watch the rest of it. The second half is much better because it's the exciting part. Just be prepared for about 8 million close calls (NOT an exaggeration...). And the second part is also the sad part. I really was closer to crying at Armageddon than I ever was with Titanic. Don't ask me why. You should have seen the people next to me, sobbing into their chili fries (gag). And my cousin was shaking she was crying so hard. It was pretty funny. But I shouldn't talk since I was so close to crying myself. I still can't believe you walked out on it. How many times have I said that now? Oh well, I'll say it again for good measure: I can't believe you walked out on it. You gave 2001: Space Odessey 9.5/10, so what would you give Armageddon??

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), September 04, 1998.

Hello, my Winnipegan polar bear. I would give it a 1 or 2, since I walked out on it. BTW, I was pleased that some of the critics agreed with me (and I learned this after going to the flick). Arch Campbell of NBC in Washington,DC (my hometown) and Siskel&Ebert didn't like it, and the latter duo said something I agree with: "unfocused energy." I agree with you about "Jerry McGuire" and couldn't believe that it was nominated for best picture and that Evita, which won the Golden Globe, wasn't. Another movie I either walked out on or was tempted to was "Ironweed" with my favorite actress Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson.

-- BobG (rgregorio@ibm.net), September 04, 1998.

Eeeccch wasn't Jerry Maguire horrible??!!! I was so bored. I wasn't sure I'd make it all the way through. I couldn't believe it was nominated for anything. And I loved Evita! I have the soundtrack and I listen to it whenever I'm stuck with the vaccuuming. =) I've never heard of "Ironweed" though, so I can't comment.

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), September 04, 1998.

CYBERWIFE IS ALIVE AND KICKING!!! Just distracted from you all recently...very busy. I bawled my stupid female eyes out in Armageddon. I admit it. I am a freak. :) As an interesting side note (well, for ME, anyway), "Ironweed" was filmed in my home town of Albany, NY. SO RENT IT! I, too, must put it on my list. Another good film to catch is "The Apostle" (Robert Duvall). If you're from the south, it will mean a lot to you. It is a fair portrayal of an undiscussed American culture. I loved it. "Evita"? Snooooooore. Sorry, even though it's the best singing of Madonna's life. Jerry MacGuire? Tom Cruise gets a nomination to play himself. THAT makes sense. Not Oscar material, though Cuba's exceptance speech was worth it!

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), September 04, 1998.

And as for fortune and as for fame, I never invited them in, but it seemed to the whole world they were all I desired. They are illuuuuusions, they're not the solutions they promised to be. The answers were here all the time. I think I love you and hope you love meeeeee. Don't cry for me, Argentina.. Thumbs and toes up! About a 9/10. I don't have the soundtrack but do have Madonna's dance versions of the theme.

-- BobG (rgregorio@ibm.net), September 04, 1998.

*clap clap clap clap clap*!!! *whistles* Wow BobG, that was great. =) 9/10?? Hmmm....I wouldn't go that far. 7.5 or 8 maybe. I'm going to assume you gave Titanic a perfect 10??

Gilded, don't feel bad about crying at Armageddon!! There were so many people crying at it when I was there. More than I remember at Titanic! I'll admit I spilled a couple tears even though I didn't actually cry. Ah but it was good. Can't wait to see it again.

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), September 04, 1998.

Okay...since I hate to be in complete disagreement with BobG EVER...may I revise my opinion of "Evita" slightly? I just thought it was too long. The cinematography was wonderful, the cast numbers incredible, the costuming beautiful, and I love the score. I just found it too long, and wished EVERYTHING didn't have to be sung. And I'm a singer! Go figure...:)

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), September 05, 1998.

Allison, yes, I admit I haven't given enough thought to my movie-rating system (my 10 point scale). How can I give "Evita" a 9, when I enjoyed it more than "Saving Private Ryan" which I also give a 9? "Titanic", "Fargo", "Sophie's Choice", "Ordinary People" are among those I give a 10. Guilded, I've concluded that people, including myself, form an opinion about a movie based on a variety of factors: the quality of theater, the quality of the audience (i.e., those rude people in your first "Titanic" viewing), the expectations one has going into it. Regarding that last point, before I watched "Evita" I heard some viewers also say that it shouldn't have been a light opera (singing only). So, I went in prepared to be annoyed by that. But, perhaps I overlooked that; my expecations were exceeded. Now, wifie dear, I know you "have a mind of your own" and are a "smart woman" (never questioned that), but many times one doesn't realize his expectations. I believe you, though, that you would have liked "Armageddon" anyway, for the reasons you mentioned. My point is just that expectations play a role in many people's opinions in general. Further evidence of this is the response I get when asking acquaintances, who saw "Titanic" only once the "hype" had prompted them to, their opinion of Titanic; they often say, "It was okay, but not as good as I expected" or "It was good, but too hyped." Lately I have heard this surprisingly often. And although these acquaintances were people in the 25-40 age group, it was initially surprising because this movie supposedly had cross-demographic appeal and had an incredible box office draw.

On a tangent, there was a Washington Post article recently about Titanic's aim for the video sales record, and it noted some interesting facts which I had forgotten. "The cast included 91 actors with speaking roles, 133 stunt people....The movie was not only the first to reach a $500 million box office take, but it did so in just the first 98 days."

Allison, I bow to your applause. Don't cry for me, polar bear baby. Guilded, do we have a guestroom? (Not for me, silly! There's a doghouse for that. I mean for this sweet polar bear.)

-- BobG (rgregorio@ibm.net), September 05, 1998.

Gilded, I have to agree with you on that one. It was a little too long and I wish *everything* wasn't sung. I also hate Madonna but she was good in this. But other than that I thought it was great.

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), September 05, 1998.

I haven't seen "Evita", but from the above comments it seems to feature Madonna singing. Showtunes. Continuously. I give it a 2.

-- Dan Dalton (foo@bar.com), September 05, 1998.

BobG...when did you forget how to spell my name, dear? G-I-L-D-E-D.

I saw "Evita" on video. It was just too long. Madonna did do a good job, but I don't think it's Oscar material. When she can speak a line convincingly, then I will consider it. We all know she is a great performer when it comes to music (emphasis on "performer" rather than "singer"), so I found her doing her usual and not being particularly impressed.

We have a guestroom, yes. But I alone have the key. (wicked grin)

-- Gilded Age Junkie (GildedAgeJunkie@yahoo.com), September 05, 1998.

Dalton, you're not allowed to rate a film you haven't even seen.

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), September 05, 1998.

Oh, yes I am!

-- Dan Dalton (foo@bar.com), September 05, 1998.

No you're not. It's against the rules. Just be nice and agree with me, I've had a crappy day.

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), September 05, 1998.

Dalton, I agree with you for once, which worried me. I almost changed my mind on Evita, but after careful consideration, I still think it was pretty bad. The singing was okay, but Madonna as Eva Peron just wasn't convincing to me!

Misty

-- Misty Chacon (whatever@something.net), September 05, 1998.

Chacon, now I'm worried! Maybe I better see "Evita". It might be good!

-- Dalton (foo@bar.com), September 05, 1998.

Very Scary stuff!!!

-- Misty Chacon (HiRver@concentric.net), September 06, 1998.

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go. I'm standing here outside your door. I hate to wake you up to say goodbye....but the dawn is breaking, it's early morn. The taxi's waiting, he's blowing his horn. I'm ready, I'm so lonesome I could die....so kiss me and smile for me. Tell me that you'll wait for me. Hold me like you'll never let me goooooo......

Just got back from seeing it a second time, and you are right, this movie does suck. Ha ha ha, no way!!! I still don't understand how you could walk out before all the action started. Do I sound like a broken record yet?? I'll try to stop saying that. But no promises. Well, I'm blasting off now!!!

I'm leaving on a jet plane! I don't know when I'll be back again. Oh babe I hate to gooooooooo......

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), September 12, 1998.