The Brood: Opening Scene (Bad Movie, Great Scene)

For the most part, The Brood is a complete failure of a film. It's shoddily paced, populated by singularly dull characters, and utterly lacking in tension. Its ending, which is shocking and stomach-turning in classic Cronenberg fashion, stays etched into the mind, but the rest of the film doesn't earn that ending.

Oliver Reed, however, elevates every single scene he's in, playing a power-hungry psychiatrist who wields an unhealthy amount of control over his patients. Reed's performance is gripping, memorably chilling, and bears a dignified weight completely absent from the rest of the film. It's a genuinely memorable turn that he didn't need to put in the effort for, and I respect him so much for delivering it. This seems to be a common trend with Reed--he's easily the best part of the otherwise abysmal Tommy film adaptation.

This scene in particular is compelling to me. The utter cruelty and domineering power of Reed's performance are arresting, and his unfortunate patient doesn't do half-bad either. It's a marvelous introduction to a film that unfortunately doesn't live up to it.

Branagh's Hamlet: "To be, or not to be..." (Great Movie, Even Greater Scene)

Now, don't get me wrong. I love me some Branagh, and this is a great movie, my favorite of 1996 in fact. But as it's a four hour full-text adaptation of the play, it's obviously gonna be somewhat uneven. It's also in many places played very broadly, which works and is highly entertaining, but that makes this scene stand out all the more.

The simple device of having Hamlet deliver the soliloquy to himself in a mirror is utterly brilliant and utterly cinematic. On top of that, Branagh's delivery is passionate and engaged but far more subtle than his more energized performance in the rest of the film. His inflections are just superb--no matter how many times I watch the scene, his reading of "But in that sleep of death, what dreams may come," simultaneously rapturous yet fearful, always gives me chills. It's a perfect example of how text that, while intrinsically brilliant, can come across as flat on the page springs to life in the hands of a talented, committed actor.

Ringu/Ring: The End (Bad Movie, Great Scene)

Yeah, so, unpopular opinion time... Ringu kinda sucks. Like, really kinda sucks. But by god, the ending makes me wish it didn't.

Trumbo: I Make Garbage (Bad Movie, Great Scene)

(Not the full version of the scene, unfortunately.) Want to add life to your desperately stale period piece? Throw in John Goodman wrecking shit with a baseball bat.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier: Nick Fury Car Chase (Bad Movie, Great Scene)

In a universe that almost never feels like anything more than guys in costumes straining against the godawful scripts they're given, this scene is a breath of goddamn fresh air.

Crimson Peak: The Wheelchair (Good Movie, Great Scene)

Not long enough to merit a video clip, but in a film that's mostly unconcerned with being scary and more with being a lovely Gothic throwback, the nicely foreshadowed bit where

I love the rest of the movie too, but I wish to god J.J. would fill his films with more lyrical, contemplative stuff like this scene and the quieter bits of The Force Awakens. In preparation for the latter I rewatched all of Abrams' films, and I was still fighting back tears when I got to this scene despite having seen the movie two or three times before.

Last edited by Abbie (2016-06-01 05:48:35)

I love RED. It's easily one of my favorites.

So, in the last I think three weeks, Star Wars Rebels had an amazing episode (mileage will vary) where Ezra ends up on everyone's favorite dust bowl-Tatooine.

Now, spoilers for those of you who watch either Star Wars Rebels or Star Wars Clone Wars. So, fair warning.

Spoilers away

One of the best scenes in Star Wars, in my opinion.

Ok, this next scene comes from a film that might require an introduction.
Mouse Hunt
Go watch it first, to appreciate the film that tries to funny and yet serious and goofy and on and on. It has a Christopher Walken performance that can only be believed if seen. Honestly, the direction probably went something like this:
Chris: I'm a what? A mouse obsessed exterminator? Got it.
Director: You need a motivation? I mean, it's kind off...
Chris: No, I've been preparing for this scene my whole life.

But, the scene I truly enjoy, and am amazed when you look at this film, is this one:

That explosion is fantastic.
This movie makes no sense. but its a crazy fun ride.

Last edited by fireproof78 (2017-04-19 02:59:14)

I think "Mouse Hunt" might be a perfect movie.

I heard the guys mention mousehunt a few WAYDM's ago...blew my mind. I remember that movie fondly.

Welp, how about everyone watch it and let's talk about it Whoever does it first, post a thread.

I think it was you, on the Hitchhiker's Guide comm.

Brian seconded your feelings.