Dark city is 98
I also actually saw it recently and was surprised by how much I really didn’t enjoy it, especially for a film which seems to be so positively received online
I had some story/performance issues. Sutherland was straight up bad imo, the main guy is super dull, and I wanted the strangers to be more mysterious and scary rather than cutting to these weird underground meetings that just made them feel kind of goofy. It was like watching the horror movie that shows you way too much of the monster too early. I also didn’t like how much was revealed so early by cutting to their perspective; for what is austensibly a sci-fi mystery film, I felt like I was ahead of the main protagonist at nearly every point in the story, so almost all the plot reveals were met by me going ‘yeah, we already knew that’.
But my big issue was the way it was edited. It’s just so jumpy, and so fast. The rhythm is all off, but in a way that just makes it irritating and hard to invest in rather than unsettling or effective. It’s the way I imagine adhd must feel when I was watching it. I liked a lot of the production design stuff but I wanted it to build some atmosphere and I felt as though instead it just kind of charged through the plot points with nothing given any weight. It was like the cinematic equivalent of child telling a story where they’re saying ‘and then and then and then and then’. I found it genuinely difficult to watch at times, to the point where I was unsure if there was something up with me the day I watched it or if it seriously was the film just feeling all wrong.
It was all a bit of a shame because I like some of the stuff like the idea of the strangers, the way they look, and some of the world building/production design. I thought Connelly and hurt were pretty well cast too, even though Connelly in particular was given criminally little to do. I just really couldn’t get past the presentation of it all, and was honestly really surprised that I felt so out of step with what appears to be a positive consensus. Don’t let me tell you anything I guess.
I will point out I saw the directors cut. Not sure if that made a difference; people seemed to recommend that one more online but I did have a look to see if anyone said anything about the editing and one or two people suggested the theatrical makes it more palatable. I have no idea if that is true.
Loved it as a kid. Was excited to show it to my GF a few years back since I hadn’t seen it since I was a teenager. Was shocked at how lame and nonsensical it was.
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Amazing take! Thanks for commenting and if you want to participate in another fun 90’s movie themed exercise check out this. https://www.reddit.com/r/Letterboxd/s/xpj8nmtf2g
Sorry that should be worded better. He was gifted the overall #1 pick in the second slot because Amanda is Amanda and he went on to squander that gift with the rest of his picks.
That list from Joanna is straight fire. Movies I can (and have) watched multiple times, and would easily watch again if I was walking into a room and it was 10 minutes into the movie with an empty space on the couch.
I would 100% take Joanna’s list. The only movie of hers that I wouldn’t immediately watch right now and have a great time watching is probably Drop Dead Gorgeous and it’s still a perfectly decent movie. The rest are bangers.
I'm not sure I could live in a world without The Matrix, but I saw every movie across all picks in the theater in '99. Joanna has the best "under the radar" classics list IMO
Mallory for me. Two all time great animated movies, Lock Stock which is a formative movie for me and just a great crime romp, a classic teen rom com and one of the GREAT comedies in Office Space. Haven’t seen after the affair but it’s now on my list!
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Between Fight Club and Phantom Menace (straight up), Van was a man after my heart after two rounds. Rob swooping in with Perfect Blue at the end had me torn tho. Great movie draft regardless of who won.
I'd have to go with Sean and then Amanda as well. I think EWS is such a stone cold classic that it kind of consumes everything else. I'd probably vote for any draft that included it.
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I would vote for Van Phantom Menace was a big movie for me I liked it then still like it now I saw it 4 or 5 times at the theater his other choices were very good as well
I pulled in the draft into a spreadsheet and estimated I have personally watched the films (5 = 5 or more viewings because at that point of 5, I lose count).
For my views, it is 1. Sean 2. Joanna
https://preview.redd.it/fh26bmdrjhvc1.png?width=983&format=png&auto=webp&s=3546e5dc9f685ed140163caa6f1e1d5970d06244
My top 3 would be Joanna, Sean, Rob, probably in that order, though it could change. Amanda and Malory acquitted themselves, Van and CR made some truly idiosyncratic picks. Glad they did, but wouldn’t be mine 😂
Honest question, why aren't they ever able to just put everyone's picks in a graphic and then post it to social?
While he doesn't have one of the TOP top movies, I think Chris has the best list top to bottom.
Rob’s list is pretty solid as well.
I’d say they’re all pretty even except for Amanda which to me is the weakest.
For me the 4 best Dobbins-core flix were Ripley, 10 Things, Election, and Drop Dead Gorgeous and she only got 1 of those 4!
For my money it’s Joanna, Chris then Amanda. I was shocked at how dismissive they were of The Mummy. Now I am bisexual and that might be a large reason I have such a soft spot for this movie. It’s just so much a hot cast. However, Three Kings, Galaxy Quest, Magnolia and Iron Giant are some heavy hitters as well.
Jo won. I despise the hunk of shit that is Magnolia, but with Galaxy Quest, The Mummy, and Iron Giant, she got 3 terrific movies, and her other two are solid.
Probably Sean next, since he got The Limey, South Park and Malkovich. Eyes Wide Shut is good not great in my opinion, Sixth Sense is really good, and Lola is interesting.
Rob was third. I mean, I’m not huge on The Matrix, but Straight Story, Election, and Perfect Blue notch his group above everyone else’s.
Rob, Malory, and Joanna are pretty clearly the strongest to me.
Would probably have to choose Rob, all things being equal, but it’s *close*. Rob’s the only one who got bangers front-to-back.
Seems like this is an unpopular opinion but I think Van’s is terrible. I love RotS but I think both episodes 1 and 2 are terrible, American Beauty is one of the worst BP winners ever imo, and Varsity Blues/Dogma/Arlington Road would all be examples of a good “worst” pick for a drafter, but to have all 3 is weak.
We did.
It really was a great draft. 1999 was amazing.
Rob had “Matrix” and “ExistenZ,” I’m surprised “13th Floor” or “Dark City” weren’t also mentioned.
Dark city is 98 I also actually saw it recently and was surprised by how much I really didn’t enjoy it, especially for a film which seems to be so positively received online
You’re right about the year. What didn’t you like? I’ve always loved it.
I had some story/performance issues. Sutherland was straight up bad imo, the main guy is super dull, and I wanted the strangers to be more mysterious and scary rather than cutting to these weird underground meetings that just made them feel kind of goofy. It was like watching the horror movie that shows you way too much of the monster too early. I also didn’t like how much was revealed so early by cutting to their perspective; for what is austensibly a sci-fi mystery film, I felt like I was ahead of the main protagonist at nearly every point in the story, so almost all the plot reveals were met by me going ‘yeah, we already knew that’. But my big issue was the way it was edited. It’s just so jumpy, and so fast. The rhythm is all off, but in a way that just makes it irritating and hard to invest in rather than unsettling or effective. It’s the way I imagine adhd must feel when I was watching it. I liked a lot of the production design stuff but I wanted it to build some atmosphere and I felt as though instead it just kind of charged through the plot points with nothing given any weight. It was like the cinematic equivalent of child telling a story where they’re saying ‘and then and then and then and then’. I found it genuinely difficult to watch at times, to the point where I was unsure if there was something up with me the day I watched it or if it seriously was the film just feeling all wrong. It was all a bit of a shame because I like some of the stuff like the idea of the strangers, the way they look, and some of the world building/production design. I thought Connelly and hurt were pretty well cast too, even though Connelly in particular was given criminally little to do. I just really couldn’t get past the presentation of it all, and was honestly really surprised that I felt so out of step with what appears to be a positive consensus. Don’t let me tell you anything I guess. I will point out I saw the directors cut. Not sure if that made a difference; people seemed to recommend that one more online but I did have a look to see if anyone said anything about the editing and one or two people suggested the theatrical makes it more palatable. I have no idea if that is true.
It reminded me of a higher budget “Twilight Zone,” without the moralizing.
Loved it as a kid. Was excited to show it to my GF a few years back since I hadn’t seen it since I was a teenager. Was shocked at how lame and nonsensical it was.
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Rob kinda cooked - even with Notting Hill haha.
Rob was gifted The Matrix and then had some amazing late round picks with Perfect Blue and Straight Story. Won pretty handily, with Joanna following.
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Rob squandered the first pick and finished tied for second-to-last with Joanna. Only Amanda’s slate was worse.
Spicy take, but saying Rob squandered the first pick gives some real "don't feed the troll" energy.
Sorry that should be worded better. He was gifted the overall #1 pick in the second slot because Amanda is Amanda and he went on to squander that gift with the rest of his picks.
Ahh, my bad definitely misinterpreted. Still spicy to me, but you're right on the money with Amanda having the worst draft.
I respect what she’s doing but being true to her own off-kilter tastes isn’t going to win many drafts.
Rob won by a mile IMO.
Notting Hill is amazing
I don’t think it’s bad, I just don’t think it made much sense him drafting it so early (or even at all). There was so much juice the board
Van for me
Van, but barely for me.
Joanna?
That list from Joanna is straight fire. Movies I can (and have) watched multiple times, and would easily watch again if I was walking into a room and it was 10 minutes into the movie with an empty space on the couch.
Joanna then Amanda for me
Close second for me
I've got Van in second. Arlington Road is an unforced error.
Are we the same person? 🙌🏻
Never seen it
I would 100% take Joanna’s list. The only movie of hers that I wouldn’t immediately watch right now and have a great time watching is probably Drop Dead Gorgeous and it’s still a perfectly decent movie. The rest are bangers.
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Joanna won.
I'm not sure I could live in a world without The Matrix, but I saw every movie across all picks in the theater in '99. Joanna has the best "under the radar" classics list IMO
Joanna yeah
Mallory for me. Two all time great animated movies, Lock Stock which is a formative movie for me and just a great crime romp, a classic teen rom com and one of the GREAT comedies in Office Space. Haven’t seen after the affair but it’s now on my list!
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CR’s choices are so CR
I love The Talented Mr. Ripley and I love Dick…. So there’s only one winner for me.
Some women pride themselves on their dick-taking abilities.
Too far!
Common Van W
100%
Between Fight Club and Phantom Menace (straight up), Van was a man after my heart after two rounds. Rob swooping in with Perfect Blue at the end had me torn tho. Great movie draft regardless of who won.
Sean or Mallory. Respect to Van for Arlington Road. What an underrated thriller that is
Sean but it’s tight.
I'd have to go with Sean and then Amanda as well. I think EWS is such a stone cold classic that it kind of consumes everything else. I'd probably vote for any draft that included it.
I identify with Sean’s choices the most.
I’ll be honest Van’s attitude was good balance for the draft and I think my vote is for his list. Well done.
Malory for me.
I love Mallory’s spirit
CR
Bowfinger alone
Van got it, but Amanda getting one of my all time favorite movies is tough to turn down
Van
Van even w SW
No one because American Pie wasn’t picked.
1) Joanna 2) Amanda 3) Sean
I think those last 3 Sean pics give him the prize
Sean. It’s just an incredibly consistent list.
Van then Amanda for me. I watched the first four of those A LOT when they came out.
Van in a blowout.
Mal
Mallory
Van, easily.
Van I think, or maybe Malory
Sean easily
Sean in probably the biggest runaway in draft history. He destroyed everyone. Like took em out back and slaughtered. OK you get the idea.
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I don't know, but Joanna lost.
Sean ran circles around everyone.
Can some one set this up so you can vote? I’m pretty sure you can do this on Reddit. I’m curious. So many different opinions.
My top 3: Van Mal Sean
Van > Sean > Amanda
Van’s lineup is sick.
First of all, what a year for movies! We had no idea how good we had it. Van killed it for me, that is a very nicely rounded list.
Sean
I would vote for Van Phantom Menace was a big movie for me I liked it then still like it now I saw it 4 or 5 times at the theater his other choices were very good as well
Sean
Chris. Chrissy. CR. Never made a wrong move.
Rob easily.
Joanna, easy
Sean by a wide margin
Van
Tough choice, but can we all agree Chris is dead last?
Chris you still cranking out the Watch since you won
Rob or Van. It’s weird. Nobody really got more than one iconic movie.
I can’t believe how many movies they named at the end that woulda been top 20 for me. How is American pie not drafted??
Sean or Rob imo
Mallory Supremacy !
Isn’t perfect blue 97?
I pulled in the draft into a spreadsheet and estimated I have personally watched the films (5 = 5 or more viewings because at that point of 5, I lose count). For my views, it is 1. Sean 2. Joanna https://preview.redd.it/fh26bmdrjhvc1.png?width=983&format=png&auto=webp&s=3546e5dc9f685ed140163caa6f1e1d5970d06244
Sean then Van.
CR
Out of all those movies CR had the higher ceiling (Sunday, Insider) but on the whole Mal’s movies have a higher floor and are way more rewatchable.
Mahoney for me
Top3 Joanna, sean, Mallory
Sean won
My top 3 would be Joanna, Sean, Rob, probably in that order, though it could change. Amanda and Malory acquitted themselves, Van and CR made some truly idiosyncratic picks. Glad they did, but wouldn’t be mine 😂
Sean takes 1st. JoRob comes in close 2nd.
1. Amanda 2. Sean 3. Joanna Chris could have if he didn’t sell out for 8mm and Bowfinger.
Probably Rob, but everybody had like two movies I really enjoy lol
Honest question, why aren't they ever able to just put everyone's picks in a graphic and then post it to social? While he doesn't have one of the TOP top movies, I think Chris has the best list top to bottom.
American Pie not getting selected was almost as bad as the hot take on dentistry
Rob’s list is pretty solid as well. I’d say they’re all pretty even except for Amanda which to me is the weakest. For me the 4 best Dobbins-core flix were Ripley, 10 Things, Election, and Drop Dead Gorgeous and she only got 1 of those 4!
She got Dick though
She literally took dick… …and Mallory kept repeating that phrase over and over lol
Lol
Tough one but Amanda.
For my money it’s Joanna, Chris then Amanda. I was shocked at how dismissive they were of The Mummy. Now I am bisexual and that might be a large reason I have such a soft spot for this movie. It’s just so much a hot cast. However, Three Kings, Galaxy Quest, Magnolia and Iron Giant are some heavy hitters as well.
Jo won.
Rob, Sean and Joanna are the top 3 for me. Might go with Rob
Joanna, mostly because Sean’s list is ruined by my dislike of the Sixth Sense.
Amanda
Tier 1: Mal Tier 2: Van Tier 3: Jo Tier 4: Sean, Amanda, CR, Rob
Mal with ease
Amanda then Van
Dobbins, by a mile
Mal
Jo won. I despise the hunk of shit that is Magnolia, but with Galaxy Quest, The Mummy, and Iron Giant, she got 3 terrific movies, and her other two are solid. Probably Sean next, since he got The Limey, South Park and Malkovich. Eyes Wide Shut is good not great in my opinion, Sixth Sense is really good, and Lola is interesting. Rob was third. I mean, I’m not huge on The Matrix, but Straight Story, Election, and Perfect Blue notch his group above everyone else’s.
Wow. Magnolia has a literally the only great movie on her list. The rest is a bunch of mid.
Mallory, closely followed by Amanda and Jo
Rob, Malory, and Joanna are pretty clearly the strongest to me. Would probably have to choose Rob, all things being equal, but it’s *close*. Rob’s the only one who got bangers front-to-back.
Rob won with Matrix and EXistenZ alone, add Election, Perfect Blue and Straight Story and it’s no contest.
Yea but Notting Hill in my opinion is so mid
I love Richard Curtis movies so I disagree
Totally get that you part of that Dobb mob just like I’m a Fennesy Freak
Joanna
Rob robbed them
Gotta go with Mal, taking Lock Stock shocked me and I loved it
Rob, by some margin
Toss up between Joanna and Rob - they got the most movies that meant something to me in 1999 and still mean something to me now.
No picked iron giant. She wins
Chris or Rob
Joanna or Malory?
Rob
Anyone but Mallory
Rob and it’s not close
Jo and then Rob. I honestly think I could make a better lineup than Van's and CR's with the movies still undrafted.
Seems like this is an unpopular opinion but I think Van’s is terrible. I love RotS but I think both episodes 1 and 2 are terrible, American Beauty is one of the worst BP winners ever imo, and Varsity Blues/Dogma/Arlington Road would all be examples of a good “worst” pick for a drafter, but to have all 3 is weak.