Million Dollar Baby DVD

Early B.
Early B. Posts: 7,900
edited July 2005 in Music & Movies
Just finished watching this movie. Hated it. Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman work well together, and Hillary's workouts (and her physique) were very impressive, but the movie overall left me like "WTF!!??" The audience is expected to fill in too many gapping holes in the storyline. Just didn't work, IMO.
HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

"God grooves with tubes."
Post edited by Early B. on

Comments

  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2005
    are you talking about?

    holes. i thought the movie was very through.
    There's a reason it got best picture, best director, best actress, and best supporting actor.

    It's really good. It's the only DVD i bought today.

    $14.99 at CC
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited July 2005
    Rented it today and just got done watching it.

    I wasn't sure what to expect and ended up watching a one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Eastwood's performance was gut-wrenching, Freeman was insightfull, Swank was perfect in every respect. I can't imagine a better cast for this story.

    Holes? I'm not aware of any, all of my questions were answered. The rift between father and daughter? It doesn't really matter, that's not what the story was about.

    And how about Swank's wonderful family? GAWD I hate white trash!!

    Gonna return the DVD tomorrow and buy a copy for my collection.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
  • trubluluc
    trubluluc Posts: 2,067
    edited July 2005
    From everything I've heard from friends who saw it in the theater, I will be making a blind buy on this.
    CC is the low price leader at $14.99 but everyone knows in a month or so, it will be available from crockbuster for $9.99
    so I may wait.

    -Luc
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2005
    i'm highly recommending this movie. i have since I saw it at the theater. so i was glad to have it released on DVD.

    To me this is right up there with the best movies of the past 10 or so years. up there with ones like Saving Private Ryan... it's what movies often strive to be.. but so rarely achieve.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited July 2005
    ****SPOILER****

    The rift between father and daughter? It doesn't really matter, that's not what the story was about.
    This rift served as Clint's motivation throughout the entire movie. His reason for training a girl and treating her like a daughter was his redemption and a means to help him reconcile the past, but by not knowing what the back story was all about, it was hard to follow and the ending left me puzzled. For instance, why did he disappear and leave his best friend without saying a word? Where did he go? What lesson did he learn? What personal issues did he overcome? WTF???

    I'm not trying to pick a fight (no pun intended), just trying to understand why so many people enjoyed this movie. Yes, the acting was great, of course. And some of the holes were intentional (as Clint indicated on Disc 2), but I guess I prefer a movie that tells a complete story.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited July 2005
    I should have said the exact reason for the conflict betwen the father and daughter was not that important to me. The fact that there was a problem in the past was obviously a driving factor in his daily life was enough for me.
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by Frank Z
    I should have said the exact reason for the conflict betwen the father and daughter was not that important to me. The fact that there was a problem in the past was obviously a driving factor in his daily life was enough for me.
    Got it. Thanks for clarifying.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
  • gregure
    gregure Posts: 871
    edited July 2005
    I agree the particular circumstances of the father/daughter rift were not important. It was enough to know that Frankie spent every day going through hell over it, and that he was constantly trying to redeem himself by writing his daughter. It was a nice touch that Scrap wrote her a letter after all.
    Still, as a whole, the movie left me pretty empty. I enjoyed it overall for the performances and writing, but the story is so brutal that it just didn't leave me with a satisfied feeling, and it is certainly not a movie I will ever watch again.
    Still, it had its moments, such as where Swank's character finally stands up to her family. That was very powerful.
    Current System:

    Mitsubishi 30" LCD LT-3020 (for sale**)
    Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand (Rosewood)-Mains (with Audioquest Mont Blanc cables)
    CSi5-Center (for sale**)
    FXi3-surrounds (for sale**)
    Martin Logan Depth-Sub
    B&K AVR 507
    Pimare CD21-CD Player
    Denon 1815-DVD Player
    Panamax M5500-EX-Line Conditioner
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 29,441
    edited July 2005
    This movie was....

    Umm...ok?

    Dont get me wrong, I enjoyed it - it just wasnt quite what I was expecting. Not at all.

    5 out of 10 stars maybe?

    EDIT: Danger...was HILARIOUS. And - reminded me souly of my step bro.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited July 2005
    ****POSSIBLE SPOILERS****




    With my thoughts of Clint Eastwood being one of my favorite actors of all time aside...I personally found the movie to be fantastic.

    The movie was incredibly moving and I didn't find the movie to be incomplete in the least. Room for thought, yes, but I would describe holes as something in the story that made no sense. I didn't find that to be the case.

    Morgan Freeman's character would be someone I would hardly describe as Clint's best friend in the movie. They obviously share a deep bond, but his relationship with him is just as flawed as it is with everyone else in his life.

    The only person he wanted to be close with was his daughter. Aside from boxing it seemed to be his main ambition in life.

    Swank's character became his daughter so to speak and she eventually left him too in a sense. Everything he puts hard
    work in to leaves him behind and he's got to start all over again and is alone.

    This time he left everyone else behind. From what I gathered it seemed like he bought the resturaunt that Swank took him to for Lemon Pie and that's where it all ended.

    The movie is also told completely in the point of view of Freeman in the form of a letter. I know people got that, obviously, but reading over this thread it seems as if some didn't.
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,789
    edited July 2005
    Great movie!

    Demi pretty much hit it on the head. Holes? Didn't feel satisfied? Maybe a second viewing might help.

    BTW, Sid.....it was way over your head. Watch it again in 5 or 10 years.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."


    President of Club Polk

  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 29,441
    edited July 2005
    Jesse,

    I got everything the movie threw out, and I understood everything Demi talked about. Fact is, it was a slow moving movie - then when it finally happened. For those not familar with this story were kind of like huh? From that point on, it continued to move slower.

    It isnt a matter of "getting."

    I liked the movie though, just wasnt quite what I was expecting.

    It takes alot to get me involved in a movie, a movie is nothing more than actors and special effects...

    The acting was superb...

    But its that whole expect different, not be satisfied.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,789
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by Vr3MxStyler2k3

    It takes alot to get me involved in a movie, a movie is nothing more than actors and special effects...


    And that's why I suggested you watch it again in 5 to 10 years. By then you might realize that special effects have nothing to do with making a great movie. A great movie is like a great book, it just sucks you in and makes you think or at least wonder with no need for extra fill material to disguse a piss poor story.

    XOXO,
    The grumpy old guy
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."


    President of Club Polk

  • Roy Munson
    Roy Munson Posts: 886
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by F1nut
    And that's why I suggested you watch it again in 5 to 10 years. By then you might realize that special effects have nothing to do with making a great movie. A great movie is like a great book, it just sucks you in and makes you think or at least wonder with no need for extra fill material to disguse a piss poor story.

    XOXO,
    The grumpy old guy

    F1, I gotta agree with you, just think if "To Kill A Mockingbird " were made today. Would they feel compelled to add special effects?

    The movie industry has been complaining lately about how fewer people are going to the movies and that the box office numbers are declining. The reason for this is that they have lost the adult movie goers! I really like going to the movies but the pickins are getting slimmer by the year! I like special effects as much as the next guy but the movie makers are going overboard with them and are losing some of the audience as a result. It seems that there isn't much to go see if you aren't into cartoons and Star Wars, Star Trek or LOTR!

    btw..I liked Million Dollar Baby.
    2 Channel:
    Amp/Parasound Halo A23
    Pre/Carver C-1
    Tuner/Carver TX-11a
    CDP/Jolida JD 100A
    Turntable/AR XB-Shure V15 III
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2005
    without starting WWIII, i have to say.. that if i were say... 20 yrs younger.. (42 now). i might view this movie differently than i do now. now that i'm older.. i have a more of an appreciation for life and the people that come in and out of our lives.

    How we treat those people is what makes us whole. I now care more about (other) people than i ever did.. knowing now just how fragile life can be. This movie hits home when i realize how life can take a turn unexpectantly without any notice.

    Owning 100 pairs of speakers and having the best sound system means squat if you don't care about other people first and foremost.

    I didn't find the movie slow at any point.
    I think if they had cut any part of the movie out it wouldn't have had the punch if you will that it did.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
  • Nelson57
    Nelson57 Posts: 190
    edited July 2005
    A very powerful and moving movie. Well acted, with a thought provoking message of what is really important in life. Deserving of every award received.
    Main theater: Paradigm Studio 100's v4 L/R, CC690 Center, ADP 590 x4 Surrounds. Dual Outlaw LFM-EX-1's, Yamaha Aventage RX-A1010 as Processor, Anthem PVA-7 Amp

    Secondary System: Polk RTi 6 L/R, CSi3, Center, FXi3 x4 Surrounds, Def-Tech Supercube II, Pioneer Elite VSX-23 Receiver
  • AUDIOSLAVE
    AUDIOSLAVE Posts: 26
    edited July 2005
    Clint is a shadow of his former (dirty harry) self. It pains me to see him in these flicks after being a hugh dirty harry and jose wales fan. The other problem I had is I am a big fight fan. The classic fight flick "raging bull" is the standard, rocky 1 is ok as well. M D B does not even come close to those. And a girl fighter to boot! Clint stay behind the scenes, direct, no more acting.
  • kberg
    kberg Posts: 974
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by AUDIOSLAVE
    Clint is a shadow of his former (dirty harry) self. It pains me to see him in these flicks after being a hugh dirty harry and jose wales fan.

    Right! if CE could just make just ONE more DH film! Sure, he doesn't have to be running all over the place like in his earlier films; he could just let his gunnin' do the runnin'. :)
    Mains: polkaudio RTi70's (bi-wired)
    Center: polkaudio CSi40 (bi-wired)
    Surrounds: polkaudio FXi30's
    Rear Center: polkaudio CSi30
    Sub: SVS 20-39 PC+
    Receiver: ONKYO TX-SR600
    Display: JVC HD-56G786
    DVD Player: SONY DVP-CX985V
    DVD Player: OPPO DV-981HD 1080p High Definition Up-Converting Universal DVD Player with HDMI
    Remote: Logitech Harmony H688
  • Demiurge
    Demiurge Posts: 10,874
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by AUDIOSLAVE
    Clint is a shadow of his former (dirty harry) self. It pains me to see him in these flicks after being a hugh dirty harry and jose wales fan. The other problem I had is I am a big fight fan. The classic fight flick "raging bull" is the standard, rocky 1 is ok as well. M D B does not even come close to those. And a girl fighter to boot! Clint stay behind the scenes, direct, no more acting.

    Why do you think this movie had to do with a big fight? Story is so much more powerful than the avenue they chose to portray it with.

    As a fan of all the aforementioned films....I still believe Clint Eastwood is a fantastic actor. With his latest roles it just shows how diverse of an actor he really is AND that he can direct and give the audience what it needs to feel.

    I don't understand how someone couldn't be moved by this movie...even if you didnt' like it.
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2005
    if you came into this thinking it was another Rocky feel good movie.. you're dead wrong. or Raging Bull or any other fight club type movie. it's better than those. it's ABOUT boxing, without being a BOXING movie.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited July 2005
    As this forum offers a secure sense of anonymity, I feel that I am able to express my feelings of this movie in a way that I would not be able to, for example, sit around and tell my friends about.

    I am now 28 years old, and only 2 movies have ever actually moved me to tears. The first, Searching for Bobby Fischer, and now the second, Million Dollar Baby.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited July 2005
    Originally posted by gmorris
    I am now 28 years old, and only 2 movies have ever actually moved me to tears. The first, Searching for Bobby Fischer, and now the second, Million Dollar Baby.

    YES, you got it. The movie touched you the way it was intended.

    Nothing wrong with shedding some tears... i'd be afraid if after seeing this movie and wasn't moved to tears. It's so powerful.

    good on you for admitting that :)

    I was crying like a big Polk baby the last 30 minutes myself. ;)
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
  • avelanchefan
    avelanchefan Posts: 2,401
    edited July 2005
    Yeah the last 30 minutes were tough to watch.

    I love endings that let me(the viewer) fill in the gaps. I don't need no tidy endings.
    Sean
    XboxLive--->avelanchefan
    PSN---->Floppa
    http://card.mygamercard.net/avelanchefan.png