MOVIE POLL WINNERS

This is abnormal from what I’ve seen!

Brittyn Lindsey

Wow. First time venturing into the comments on one of these posts. Won't make that mistake again. I'll stick to voting and leaving going forward.

Kero-chan

Alex, you sound like a whole lot of fun

Nick Sneddon

Shawshank is over, bro, most of the reactors already did that one. A lot of movie reactors have no clue about what they are about to watch and hilariously get a lot of the actor's names wrong or just plain don't know who they are. Many of them had never even seen Star Wars for God's sake. I won't mention names, but I've only found maybe 3 or 4 channels that I consider to be movie savvy, James being one of them and Cinema Rules being another (they had his face on the TV in the background while talking about what they were going to watch that day, so you know all these reactors communicate). Point being that the smarter ones need to take a bit of a lead in a way that makes the less sophisticated reactors follow suit and actually watch good cinema. I always felt a world where people kept up with film as much as I did would be a better world, the Ebert quote someone mentioned earlier comes to mind. Paraphrasing here, but it's about how consistently watching well done movies can consistently evoke empathy, thus making someone a more moral and understanding person. See it almost as a way of deliberately forcing evolution. If you got more people by the 10s of thousands to see films like American History X or Schindler's List, and then recommend those movies to others, you're doing a pretty special thing. I'd much rather have that than more clickbaiting, following of trends, and audience pleasing rather than audience challenging. (not saying thats all on James, many do it) It would be the kind of thing that would wreck or at least disrepute a certain genre of YouTube video that I've grown to love, especially in isolation, over the past few months. And let's be honest, most people watch reaction videos mostly to the ones of movies they've already seen and liked and just want to relive the emotion they felt when they first saw that film. If I'm a paying customer, that's what I am paying for. Perhaps there should be a more organized way of choosing a movie.

Michael R

It's not all subjective. There are technical skills it takes to make a movie and for different professionals to perform all their roles correctly and excellently. When it all that comes together, what most of society deems a great movie is created. How often do you hear people saying Schindler's List or The Shining or Goodfellas are the worst movies they've ever seen? Not often, but you hear it about a lot of other movies such as ones where Eddie Murphy feels the need to don a fat suit for the role, or ones where Kevin James nobly takes on the role of a mall cop who's last name rhymes with fart.

Michael R

Bills gotta get paid but that doesn't mean there aren't unethical or deceptive ways of doing it. The Logan Brothers and their ilk decide to take that route and it pays off for them. But ultimately they are putting out garbage into society. There are channels, however out there, that are passionate about what they do with Youtube and see it as an art. There are some who I feel have perfected their method, however, that is something that usually takes years and a strong sense of discipline and focus.

Michael R

Oh, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Office Space way back as a college kid in the late 90s, early 2000s. It wasn't a laugh out loud movie... it had it's moments, but it was mostly symbolic of the times and a very philosophical and existential movie. I had known Mike Judge created Beavis and Butthead, and thought he was just some crazy animator making crude humor. But after Office Space, Idiocracy (which came true) and seeing several King of the Hill episodes, I now have much greater respect for him. I came late into the Patreon game and only started watching reactions maybe 2 months ago. I understand "bills have to be paid" but I looked through some of the old threads and saw some of the same movies on different months polls. Movies that barely got votes and just sat taking up space. A few different movies were added to the future polls. And maybe it's confirmation bias, but I saw a number of movies mentioned several times that still haven't gotten a chance on the board. And then there was that part where I clicked on the profiles of people making suggestions and many werent paying patreons. Huh. I just assumed for getting 3rd tier I'd get a lot more of a say, but apparently it's not much different from a Tier 1 who pays 1 dollar. I don't care about seeing my name on the screen, I probably don't have time to watch or rewatch full movies with James voice in the background, and the early access was only like 1 day before it came up on Youtube. I am wrong in complaining about this? I already talked to James once after he asked me to "go to him" when all I did as a paying movie requester and paying (well probably overpaying) contributor to the decision of what to watch, was say it was a bad choice to the guy. I wasn't aware it this was a safe space and as a paying customer don't I have the right to criticize the product? And not out of spit or malice, but to make it BETTER. And I ended up not being the only person saying that list had some bad choices. Another thing we just thought of. We don't even know all the movies James has seen, so how does one know they aren't wasting a vote on a movie he doesn't want to watch again? Anyways, James probably hates me but I'll still watch his reactions, however this may be the only month I support him financially.

Michael R

Do we all deserve to do suggestions? Because I was just thinking about that earlier. 1 dollar allows you to talk here and suggest movies and vote. I pay 9 more dollars for the same privelege except my name scrolls by super fast in 10 inch font at the beginning of the video and it's not really exciting to me anyways. I prefer interacting with creators for real and not just having them casually recognize my name and barely even know I exist. And oh yeah, I noticed many movie suggesters in threads from Nov and Dec had profiles that said they are currently not make contributions to James Patreon. Now they could have just cancelled in late Nov, late Dec. but that soon over 1 dollar? Most likely it's autopay and a lot of people wouldn't even bother to turn it off for at least a few months.

Michael R

Another great week of reactions we got here

Red Tail Zephier

Alex - I agree with you about the Shane Dawsons. Do you watch Dunkey? He did a fun video called, “I’m Done Making Good Videos” where he addresses some of these things. That said, I don’t blame creators who want to make a buck thru YT content. The bills gotta get paid.

Angie

Nick - well, that’s just like your opinion man. J/k, I actually feel similarly about Lebowski, but I also think it’s a super iconic film that is good to watch if you are interested in being able to take part in a lot of pop culture discussions and/or understand references.

Angie

Oh and I'd rather just watch James watch Irreversible, or at least the more recent one Climax. He'd be blown away. I mean you've seen him blow loads over the documentary style filming of Children of Men and City of God.

Michael R

See, and that is how capitalism ruins everything. Does he realy need a "bigger channel" and a "wider audience"? I think from a busines perspective you'd have to be realistic with just how far you could go with it, I mean the only YouTubers making craptons are low lives like Shane Dawson, the Paul Brothers, people like that. After watching enough Youtube videos from different subjects and subcultures you start to realize what's there to make money, what's somewhere in between, and what's done purely for the love and passion of what the person is talking about. I would hope our friend here is the latter. Because those are the best types of videos on Youtube made by usually one kid with an artsy background, videos that rival the crap that still exists on cable TV (which I haven't seen the need to for 10 years or so). While streaming sites have a lot of options to watch to I think they are becoming oversaturated and I hear lots of people complaining about selection paralysis and just giving up after scrolling through for 30 minutes. I could go even further and discuss some of the more ethical issues of internet business practices and its effects on art and authenticity and mental health and just how the whole system actually effects the end product and it's value in terms of use and making the world a better place for human beings.

Michael R

If James hasn't seen these films and he thoroughly enjoys them, like the majority of people, I don't really see what the problem is. And for the record I think that The Big Lebowski is incredibly overrated, but The Prestige is brilliant. It's all subjective

Nick Sneddon

Different people like different things and no one is wrong for liking the things they like.

Ken

I get your frustration Alex. But imagine for a moment that someone could love Y Tu Mama Tambien and Office Space. Cuz that’s me. I like to be moved by movies on a deeper level, but I also like mindless fun. Like with food, I love eating at Michelin Star restaurants, but I also eat fast food. Variety is the spice of life. James does seem to have more art house taste, but he also enjoys a 21 Jump Street. I watch reactions sometimes to just enjoy the reactions of the person watching and not necessarily to watch them analyze every single shot. As you said, James obviously approaches movies differently than the average non-film school person, so I’m sure he will continue to do the more esoteric stuff, while balancing that with what is popular in the polls. Ultimately though, this is his channel and he gets to decide what it will be. Sure, we get some input, but he should remain true to his own intentions and goals, whatever they may be.

Angie

Well I agree with you on the bigger picture, I'm also surprised at the popularity of certain movies and people, but they are popular, and there isn't much that can be done about that (yes, educating and all that, but is it James' intention). And the bigger the pool of people you ask, the more likely they're gonna mention one of those films. And since James' community of followers keeps getting bigger, they're more likely gonna vote for those movies. And on the other hand, he'll probably get more views from the reactions to more popular movies. But I think he will still try to balance out those movies with lesser known (maybe more artistically transcendent) movies. Wether he does or not, I think he deserves support for the quality of his comments rather than the quality of the movies. I'd rather have him react to Shawshank than my sexist uncle react to Irreversible...

Softcore Punk

I don't think you are an asshole, I juste think that we all desserve to do suggestion, it might not even win the pool and that okai too but I can try.

So what does this have to do with James? I figured his sophistication on movies set him apart from other reactors and niches are important. I'd rather watch James check out stuff many have recommended to him but I still don't see even in this latest poll. Films from the French Extremity Movement (of which Martyrs and Irreversible are constantly mentioned), more New Wave Korean flicks (There's so much more than Old Boy and Parasite), some Spanish and Mexican stuff like Almodovar, Innaritu and Cuaron. I think he did a KIDS reaction? Not sure, but more Larry Clark and Harmonie Corine stuff. And what about freaking Aronofsky? I think only Requiem for a Dream is listed. The type of audience driven towards him are the ones who are fans of these types of movies. Kubrick? At least Barry Lydon was on the poll. There's also Lars Von Trier... older European directors like Tarkovsky, Argento, Fellini - all very different yes but I'd rather see that kind of variety than sometimes choosing to do movies in the tier of Trainspotting, Donnie Darko, American Psycho, Fargo, American Beauty, Seven, and Usual Suspects. All great 90s moves, but they are like the songs you hear from past decades for the rest of your life - in movies, commercials, radio, while shopping, weddings, etc...) Let me guess what will be next of that era - Office Space, Fight Club, Silence of the Lambs, Shawshank Redemption, Goodfellas, Schindler's List, hell even probably Clerks and Billy Madison to "witness the beginning of Kevin Smith and Adam Sandler's comic genius". (Two people who've made dozens of films and have only 1 or 2 or 3, that are actually good). Anyways it's James' channel but we patreons pay for our input! I am completely mentally exhausted and might go watch some of my new blu-rays. Maybe I got one I can Sync James commentary to.

Michael R

Alright, I'll make a concerted effort to get to the point as quickly as possbile in as few words as possible. The "Hollywood Machine" is yes, basically a predatory beast (in more ways than one) towards struggling and beginning actors, writers, camera operators, crews, set builders, practical and special effects crew, etc. Many story ideas, costume designs, visuals, style and atmosphere, conceptual art, soundtrack (the whole shebang) are stolen and given no credit to the original product people or person who actually had the idea first and developed it over time. I mean the movie Mank just came out on Netflix and it's entirely about how narcissistic ass (most actors and actresses) Orson Welles stole the story of Citizen Kane and took that lie to his deathbed. Most average people dont even realize these things and continue to do dumb crap like watch the Josh Brolin as Oldboy because they are too lazy to read subtitles. Some will never know one of their favorite movies are simply precise reimaginings of older or foreign films just with different titles, a modern shine of paint, modern actors and some slight variant in story, you know, to make the "homage" defense if needed. I mean Disney stole all his stories, come on now. No acknowledgement is hardly ever given to the original source material of many things. I got big into Korean films like 5 years ago and still talk them up to this day. I saw like 20-30 of them and they really were a New Wave of filming which will probably be as influential as the French New Wave was. But for 5 years I was telling people to check out this or that Korean movie and how brutal and raw and deep it was, and they'd just look at me like some weeaboo. Back when rabb.it was on I exposed it to quite a many people, but when whe I actually invited friends to it, one just left 20 minutes in, and another used the American Superiorist line of (I think these people are just copying American movies and not doing it as well). He had never seen one before and that was the line he gave me after trying to persuade him to watch something that would blow his mind. A big step forward that I was happy about with this year's Oscars was actually giving Parasite movie of the year. Not only did that break the rules of American made movies only being able to be nominated for that category... or British. "But it forced many of the dim-witted movie watchers to come to terms with the fact that foreign movies maybe are good and not just rip offs of our great American films and maybe reading subtitles ain't rully dat bad." Bong and his movies aren't my favorite representation of the Korean Movement, as his movies are more accessible and less brutal than a lot of other Korean films. Parasite was almost simliar in that way, yet, I am damn pleased with him for making the finale of the film leave people with the true essence of Korean film of the past 20 years.

Michael R

Seeing James eyes glazed over and him making obligatory comments without much thought in them becaue he's not that blown away by the movie and him trying to hide his excitement when the borefest is finally over would also be hilarious. ;)

Michael R

I came in as a patreon too late for this weeks suggestions. I'll participate next time. Sorry, I'm just being the new guy asshole but already talked to James in private. Super chill dude... not sure if he wants these threads to turn into paragraphs of debate though. From now I'll send a DM response but not everyone has their message reception options to "everyone".

Michael R

I'm sorry if you don't like my sugguestion, but I have not seen every movie and I can't recomand a movie tant I have not seen. At this point you could have just make your own suggestion to avoid all of that.

I can’t believe how consistently amazing the movie selections are on this channel. Damn.

Wow! Great slate of movies! All enjoyable in their own way! Nice guys put gosling in my top 10

Daniel Howard

Adding this just to piss off Alex would be hilarious.... js

Daniel Howard

Alex , maybe I got this wrong, but you seem to criticize the Hollywood machine rather than the people involved. Although it's true the machine is made of the people involved. And even if I agree with you that some movies are gimmicky (the Coen bros definitely have a very particular way of making comedies) and that you can judge movies objectively, you can't forget that, as Roger Ebert said , "cinema is a machine to produce empathy". And yes, that's a terrible thing if the empathy you're forced to feel is for unsound people or ideas. But you can't take the bad side of a concept and ignore the good side if the bad overwhelms you (not saying it's what you're doing, it's a more general remark). But from a creator's point of view, none of it really matters, I think. If you have an idea for a movie, and you really care about it, you'll fight with your guts to make it, wether it's a gimmick or not, wether the actress is rich or not, wether it's objectively as good as what your influences did (which is rarely the case)... If the people go along, it's great. If they don't, well then that's too bad... I'm not sure what my point was, sorry, English is not my first language. I think I just don't get why you seem so angry about it. But I'm not sure this is the place to have an in-depth discussion about it. Anyway, have a good day.

Softcore Punk

Nah, there are objective qualities to movies that you measure by metric to determine if it's technically better than another, Now if you prefer a an older movie over a new one that's technically near perfection, then yeah that is preference. But most people want technical aspects to be at their best part. What really makes a movie stick with a person is it resonates with them and they can relate to 1 or even more of the characters,

Michael R

It did, very non-standard buddy cop semi-comedy with great writing, production values and acting - the fact it didn't spawn a whole series of movies is a crime against cinema. I hate the blank looks I get every time I mention it.

Martin Nicholls

YESSSS!!!!!!! I get so hyped when someone reacts to The Prestige. It has to be a Top 5 movie for me.

Kambo

Not an awful movie, but completely unenjoyable if you can't relate to going through a divorce. Especially, if you aren't a rich beautiful actress (she basically plays herself in the movie) and a respected screenwriter. I also have no idea for why Laura Dern won a supportin actress award for this movie. A couple funny gags in the movie, and you get to the witness the stress of divorce, yet an interesting move by "liberal Hollywood" seems to make it a point that it's much harder and more stressful on Driver's character. Like I said earlier, just go watch a Woody Allen movie. Heavy dialogue between intense characters was a speciality of his - see Annie Hall or the more recent Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Michael R

This week is going to be fantastic! All three choices are great and as stated by others, The Nice Guys flew under a lot of people’s radar. I’m really looking forward to your thoughts on it, the chemistry between Gosling the Crowe is just fabulous. I think this movie perfectly encapsulates the late 70s.

Jansson

If you think either are overrated, it’s your opinion, not fact. I can’t stand Wes Anderson movies but I’m not going to bash people for liking them. If you’re unhappy with these choices, you don’t have to watch his reaction to them. Wait until the next come out.

Brittyn Lindsey

James just set me straight in private so I'll answer your question civily. Mainstream artists (actors, directors, singers, musicians, writers, painters, illustrators, etc.) Have already proved their talent and have usually set in place a machine that reproduces that marketable talent or unique sound or look, and boom, they're set for life. I shouldn't have used the word mainstream, what their film is, to me, is a gimmick. I could try watching it again, but I really don't remember it being that interesting. Yeah, yeah, Jeff Bridges is a lazy 30 year old boomer slacker, wearing a bahtrobe all, drinking White Russians and callin himself the dude. The guy who played Roseanne's wife (my mind is getting so fatigued right now) is "funny" in an "edgy" way because he's a blue blooded American patriot who open carries. And there's some Latino guy named Jesus who... well I won't go to far into it. Either Buschemi or Stormare are there again to cause some chaos but its honestly forgettable except for it's crappy memes - "I'm the Dude!" 'The Dude Abides!" Yeah, yeah we get it, "The Dude" lives by his own rules and fights "the man". Getting introduced to white russians was the only meme I enjoyed from that flick. It's one of those movies now of the 90s that you think you have to watch because it won awards back then by the cliqueish crew of Hollywood (remember, it's a big club and you ain't in it). Other films in that category for the 90s - Being John Malkovich (However Adaptation is hilariously amazing), Office Space which only has maybe.. 4 or 5 good jokes? And I guess an amazing scene of 3 office nerds destroying their problematic fax machine to the tune of "Damn it feels good to be a gangsta". I could think of more of these types of movies but most definately do not need to be seen before you die. Here's one last one - Clueless. There are good mainstream movies, if we take the 90s for example obviously there are a ton. I just prefer seeing James react to a lower budget indie style or foreign film because it seems to make him most excited and informative. He was pretty much having multi-orgasms over City of God. Will the same happen with Lebowski? Doubtful. Flicks like City of God, early Spike Lee movies, John Singleton's Boyz in da Hood, hell even Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs. 28 Days Later by Danny Elfman. Y Tu Mama Tambien by Alfonso Cuaron. Even the recent Parasite by Bong.. When these were released there was no star power behind them, the directors were unknowns still trying to prove themselves, some of the movies are foreign language but want to be shown in America. They don't have the budget mainstream films financed by big studios have, so ... they have to innovate, get extrmely creative, try new things, do something that diverts from the usual, from what you expect. And to me those films made with blood sweat and tears will always be more worth watching than Oscar bait films about ScarJo playing herself (a rich actress) having to deal with her first world problems of divorce and possibly having to move to another city! Honestly I kinda felt bad for Adam driver in that flick who kinda seemed shellshocked after she let loose on him. But IMO this more mainstream film is just trying to be a Woody Allen movie.

Michael R

For sure! I’ll put it on the next one Charles ☺️🙏🏽

James Adams

This is a very weird comment. I get that you’re venting but first I would’ve most definitely have been more appreciated if you just shot me a message. Secondly, as Mark stated above..these movies are popular for a reason. I literally watch City of God and Come and See and a bunch of other films that aren’t “well known.” There’s literally millions of films. Disappointed to see a comment like this because I know you could’ve probably went about it better, but to each their own. I really like the movies I’ve been watching so I thank every last one of the community for suggesting awesome films. 🤷🏽‍♂️

James Adams

Why does a film being mainstream or not affect the quality of the work? The Coen Brothers and Nolan have both made films that I love, and some that I don't like so much. A well-made film is well-made, no matter how popular or "basic." They're popular for a reason usually. There are also a lot of great lesser known gems, but being popular isn't an outright bad thing imo if the work is great. Looking forward to seeing James thoughts on both The Prestige and Lebowski, as well as Nice Guys, but I haven't seen that one yet.

Mark Pingitore

NO

Michael R

Marriage story would be a great addition to the pool in the future

Lebowski and The Coen Bros are overrated and it legitimately annoyed the hell out me the casual movie watchers pushing for "The Dude, maaan" or another effin' Nolan movie, who is himself a tad overrated. Don't hate me James, I like that you atch the less mainstream stuff than the other reactors, but the selections on that poll were a dissapointment for me. I've seen quite a few good selections mentioned multiple times in comments to no avail, and was dissapointed to not even see one in my first poll voting as a patreon.

Michael R

Big Lebowski is legit one of my top 5 all time, for a lot of people it's even a way of life/philosophy.

Cifer

I also guarantee it

Cifer

LETS GOOOOOO Nice Guys gonna blow you away

Jack Diaz Doherty

couldn't have said better myself. Really hope we get that TV series they discussed 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

Jack Diaz Doherty

Have to admit The Prestige is great. You won't be disappointed

Sonia Deepak

I think Ryan Gosling's performance in The Nice Guys is one of the best comedy performance of the last decade. And it's not necessarily endlessly quotable comedy like The Big Lebowski, but actual slapstick, with flawless timing. From the guy who was in Drive and Blade Runner... And some people criticize his range...

Softcore Punk

LEBOWSKI! the dude abides! these are some great ones, everyone wins 🏆

Lily

Top notch lineup this week. Actually most excited about Nice Guys. Great movie that flew under a lot of peoples radars I think

Excited for Nice Guys! That movie is so fun, I watched it 3x last year alone!

Yessica C

The Big Lebowski is definitely one hell of an experience. It is easily John Goodman's best role and boy, oh, boy does he act his guts out.

You'll absolutely love The Prestige, I guarantee it

Nick Sneddon