I noticed that it was mentioned in the "What movie did you just get" thread and I remembered that I still need to see it. Or do I? I don't really know anything about it other than the front cover. Is it a must see for 80s movie fans?
Any Ladyhawke fans out there? Anybody hate it?
Posted by Logan 5 (Member # 1467) on :
The only 80's thing about it is the music. The cast are really good, and the story is a nice idea, but they don't really do enough with it (if I recall). Worth watching.
Posted by Bernie_Lomax (Member # 8571) on :
It's ok, but I would not say it's a must. If you are into that medievil type mythology it might be up your alley though.
Posted by Lovers with Cassie (Member # 7794) on :
If it truly helps, Stiggs, then here is the Rewind review of Ladyhawke.
Based on what you guys have said, I'll keep it on the watch list but I won't necessarily bump it up to the top of the list. Thanks for your input, Logan, Bernie, and Lovers.
Posted by P_a_u_l (Member # 1022) on :
OK - slight disagreement....
This movie doesn't have anything 80s in it, except Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer (at her loveliest) and Matthew Broderick.
The scenery is breathtaking, the story is great, the acting brilliant, the music diabolical (70s prog-rock ballads pretty much throughout).
Should you watch it? Oh yeah...
Posted by Devolution (Member # 1731) on :
Devolution here,
Why do I remember hating it?
We are DEVO
Posted by P_a_u_l (Member # 1022) on :
quote:Originally posted by Devolution: Devolution here,
Why do I remember hating it?
We are DEVO
Because the soundtrack didn't match the movie. That, for me, is the only reason, unless you are one of the 0.0001% of men who don't find the 1985-vintage Michelle Pfeiffer utterly gorgeous!
Posted by Kash (Member # 297) on :
Great film, agree with most of what's already been said. But Andrew Powell and Alan Parson's bizarre soundtrack is something I've grown to like over the years, its now as much a part of what 'Ladyhawke' is as anything.
Kurt Russell was originally cast as Navarre, but ended up doing 'The Mean Season' instead.
Posted by Crash (Member # 7484) on :
Sometimes those counterpoint/anachronistic soundtracks work (see Vangelis's Chariots of Fire); sometimes they don't. I think Ladyhawke is a splendidly mounted film except for the soundtrack, which I've never warmed to. The whole tone of the thing would have been different with Kurt Russell. With Rutger Hauer it has a really Euro-feel to it. And Michelle Pfeiffer has rarely looked better. Perfect casting, really.
[ 18. March 2013, 10:43: Message edited by: Crash ]
Posted by Logan 5 (Member # 1467) on :
OK!
BIG POST COMING!
quote:This movie doesn't have anything 80s in it, except Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer (at her loveliest) and Matthew Broderick.
Now now - you know what I meant! Of course the movie was made in the 80's and stars 80's actors, but the question related specifically to whether the film is a must for 80's fans, and I was just pointing out that apart from the music it didn't have anything specific to the 80's in it content wise (like say, Porky's or Mischief).
quote:The scenery is breathtaking, the story is great, the acting brilliant, the music diabolical (70s prog-rock ballads pretty much throughout).
I always felt that there was something missing from the third act - as if scenes had been cut.
quote:Why do I remember hating it?
I didn't like it when I first saw it (back in the day).
quote:Because the soundtrack didn't match the movie. That, for me, is the only reason, unless you are one of the 0.0001% of men who don't find the 1985-vintage Michelle Pfeiffer utterly gorgeous!
Yes, she was gorgeous and at her peak then, but Michelle Pfieffer looking good does not a great movie make. However, in this case the whole cast were great so it's not like she was the only good thing in a turd of a movie.
quote:Great film, agree with most of what's already been said. But Andrew Powell and Alan Parson's bizarre soundtrack is something I've grown to like over the years, its now as much a part of what 'Ladyhawke' is as anything.
It's grown on me too. I still don't think it works, but I don't hate it.
quote:Sometimes those counterpoint/anachronistic soundtracks work (see Vangelis's Chariots of Fire); sometimes they don't. I think Ladyhawke is a splendidly mounted film except for the soundtrack, which I've never warmed to.
Ok; the cast were good, the movie looks good and was directed by a good director, the story is a nice idea, so why is it I always feel like it's missing something? Why wasn't it a bigger hit? I ask that question honestly - not in an arguing way. Running through the film in my mind I can only think that the idea for the lovers was underused, and that the journey didn't seem quite long or obstacle-ridden enough. Hmm.
Posted by Spreadking (Member # 7280) on :
I was forced to watch LadyHawke for the first time, having no idea what is was about. My 59 cent purchase started this thread.
Good idea as stated above. The emotion was up and down, goofy at points. Broderick stole the film. The films finale is good, but then switches back to goofy. 6/10 The music is cool. Sorry for such a simple review.
Posted by P_a_u_l (Member # 1022) on :
Spreadking, even though you think that the movie tells Navarre and Isabeau's story, in truth this is totally Phillipe's tale. From the escape, through the brushes with the guards, through his meeting and link-up with Navarre, his realisation of the secret that Navarre and Isabeau share, and his courage in helping his new friends to do the necessary despite the personal danger he faced. It's all his story, his journey, and he rightly takes centre stage.
Edit: Should have mentioned - I watched this again last night, and it really is a great movie, despite the music (which I still noticed more than I should, which is kind of my point about the soundtrack - it shouldn't have stood out the way it did). Didn't spoil the movie though.
[ 26. March 2013, 09:04: Message edited by: P_a_u_l ]
Posted by Spreadking (Member # 7280) on :
I by no means hate the film. I'm sure it will grow on me as I think back upon it. My wife called it the worst, most boring film ever. She is not into films like we are. I agree Phillipe ended up on an incredible journey and I think the only character of Rutger Hauer's I ever liked was The Hitcher. His movies are good, but his characters are not my favorite. I love to hate him in films.
Posted by P_a_u_l (Member # 1022) on :
I never suggested you hated it, I was just trying to explain why I think that Broderick shone so much.
Seeing as Kurt Russell was originally cast as Navarre, I am happy that Hauer got the gig with what was a pretty minimalist performance. Some fight scenes and lots of moody silence was about right, whilst Matthew Broderick and Michelle Pfeiffer had far more screen time and far more screen presence. Made the whole thing better for me.
I can't imagine what Russell would have done with the role, unless he ruined it in a medieval Snake Plisken way.
Posted by the young warrior (Member # 9554) on :
I watched ladyhawke on blu ray for the first time about 6-8 months back and it gets my vote,I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Actually i Can't believe it took me so long to get round to seeing it!
[ 21. January 2015, 16:35: Message edited by: the young warrior ]
