Click HERE for full article.
Fanatics of the much-anticipated show, be prepared for unfinished visual and sound effects from this uncompleted, stolen copy of the actual film.
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Movie Reviews: Quarantine, Twilight, Seven Pounds
Quarantine
The pseudo-documentary horror movie, with its hand-held trembly-cam and tipsy point of view, is enjoying a resurgence almost a decade after the advent of “The Blair Witch Project.” In a little more than a year we’ve seen “Cloverfield” and the low-budget non-charmer “The Signal.” Now “Quarantine” wants to remind us that the most terrifying threat we face could be brewing not in the Middle East but in the apartment next door.
Most of the audience stumbling into "Quarantine" will have no idea it's a remake of a 2007 Spanish horror film titled "Rec." I can't blame anyone for their ignorance, since the original picture never broke through to America due to distribution disinterest, and that's a crying shame.
"Rec" was a beautiful chiller, constructed with resourcefulness and genre filmmaking wizardry that instilled a modest concept with the right amount of armrest-ripping content to fuel nightmares for weeks. "Quarantine" is the unavoidable American replica, only this version has ingested a bottle of idiot pills and washed it all down with a full glass of directorial incompetence.
Hollywood has drained the tension away, replacing Spanish innovation with American stupidity. Very claustrophobic, very bloody, very nauseating. Makes you scared of old women, animals and little children.
Rating: 2/10
Twilight
Here, as in Stephenie Meyer's 2005 novel, Edward (Robert Pattinson) is Romeo, Heathcliff, James Dean, and Brad Pitt all rolled into one: a scruffy-gorgeous bloodsucker pinup who is really an angelic protector. When Bella (Kristen Stewart), who has come to Forks, Wash., to live with her police-chief dad, sits next to Edward in biology class, he acts like he's suffering a seizure (or an attack of bad Mexican food). But it's only because he can barely control himself around her. It's no surprise that Bella tunes out the other kids, even as they try to befriend her. They don't make her tingle with the fear of her own desire. Edward, like any good vampire, has a predatory glamour. As Bella gets to know him, what's irresistible to her is that he promises not a blood consummation but its very opposite: a refusal to give in to the hunger that tempts him most.
For girls, the intense, ego-stroking appeal of Meyer's novel was the way that Bella becomes this undead Byronic stud's soul mate without quite knowing why she's worthy. She's a Kewl Generation damsel waiting to be rescued from her jaded heart.
"Twilight" can be rather cheesy in certain scenes. Other than that, it could have more action. The romance in the movie is just too overwhelming for me to swallow.
Rating: 7/10
Seven Pounds
“Seven Pounds” is an endlessly sentimental fable about sacrifice and redemption that aims only at the heart at the expense of the head. Intricately constructed so as to infuriate anyone predominantly guided by rationality and intellect, this re-teaming of star Will Smith and director Gabriele Muccino after their surprisingly effective “The Pursuit of Happyness” is off-putting for its manifest manipulations, as well as its pretentiousness and self-importance.
Ben appears anxious to please, his directness and soft-spoken urgency betokening a genuineness of intent. Before long, an appealing tenderness enters into his relationship with Emily that ultimately blossoms into a full-blown love story, something that fills out a great chunk of the running time.
This is something different from the recent super-hero-like "I Am Legend" and "Hancock". If "Seven Pounds" does not grip your heart and make you shed a tear of empathy, then maybe you just aren't human.
Bottom Line: Spiritual redemption is not a typical Hollywood theme, but this Will Smith movie shows it can be done.
Rating: 8/10
The pseudo-documentary horror movie, with its hand-held trembly-cam and tipsy point of view, is enjoying a resurgence almost a decade after the advent of “The Blair Witch Project.” In a little more than a year we’ve seen “Cloverfield” and the low-budget non-charmer “The Signal.” Now “Quarantine” wants to remind us that the most terrifying threat we face could be brewing not in the Middle East but in the apartment next door.
Most of the audience stumbling into "Quarantine" will have no idea it's a remake of a 2007 Spanish horror film titled "Rec." I can't blame anyone for their ignorance, since the original picture never broke through to America due to distribution disinterest, and that's a crying shame.
"Rec" was a beautiful chiller, constructed with resourcefulness and genre filmmaking wizardry that instilled a modest concept with the right amount of armrest-ripping content to fuel nightmares for weeks. "Quarantine" is the unavoidable American replica, only this version has ingested a bottle of idiot pills and washed it all down with a full glass of directorial incompetence.
Hollywood has drained the tension away, replacing Spanish innovation with American stupidity. Very claustrophobic, very bloody, very nauseating. Makes you scared of old women, animals and little children.
Rating: 2/10
Twilight
Here, as in Stephenie Meyer's 2005 novel, Edward (Robert Pattinson) is Romeo, Heathcliff, James Dean, and Brad Pitt all rolled into one: a scruffy-gorgeous bloodsucker pinup who is really an angelic protector. When Bella (Kristen Stewart), who has come to Forks, Wash., to live with her police-chief dad, sits next to Edward in biology class, he acts like he's suffering a seizure (or an attack of bad Mexican food). But it's only because he can barely control himself around her. It's no surprise that Bella tunes out the other kids, even as they try to befriend her. They don't make her tingle with the fear of her own desire. Edward, like any good vampire, has a predatory glamour. As Bella gets to know him, what's irresistible to her is that he promises not a blood consummation but its very opposite: a refusal to give in to the hunger that tempts him most.
For girls, the intense, ego-stroking appeal of Meyer's novel was the way that Bella becomes this undead Byronic stud's soul mate without quite knowing why she's worthy. She's a Kewl Generation damsel waiting to be rescued from her jaded heart.
"Twilight" can be rather cheesy in certain scenes. Other than that, it could have more action. The romance in the movie is just too overwhelming for me to swallow.
Rating: 7/10
Seven Pounds
“Seven Pounds” is an endlessly sentimental fable about sacrifice and redemption that aims only at the heart at the expense of the head. Intricately constructed so as to infuriate anyone predominantly guided by rationality and intellect, this re-teaming of star Will Smith and director Gabriele Muccino after their surprisingly effective “The Pursuit of Happyness” is off-putting for its manifest manipulations, as well as its pretentiousness and self-importance.
Ben appears anxious to please, his directness and soft-spoken urgency betokening a genuineness of intent. Before long, an appealing tenderness enters into his relationship with Emily that ultimately blossoms into a full-blown love story, something that fills out a great chunk of the running time.
This is something different from the recent super-hero-like "I Am Legend" and "Hancock". If "Seven Pounds" does not grip your heart and make you shed a tear of empathy, then maybe you just aren't human.
Bottom Line: Spiritual redemption is not a typical Hollywood theme, but this Will Smith movie shows it can be done.
Rating: 8/10
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Movie Review: The Women, Wild Child
The Women
The acting was often forced and overblown. The characters were caricatures; they lacked depth.
(Spoilers ahead)
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.
.
.
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There are only 3 highlights that I can salvage from my memory. First was the fashion show (probably because there was no dialogue). Beautiful clothes made for a great visual experience. Second was Bette Midler. Even though her cameo came from out of no where (the scene seemed unnaturally inserted into the second half of the movie so that her name could be added to the credits), she was charming as usual. Third is the last scene in the hospital. It was chaotic (and yes overblown, again) but fun. The exaggeration in this scene is acceptable because it was slapstick. Therefore, by definition it was supposed to be overdone (unlike the rest of the movie). Though I must say, the Blair Witch Project-style camera work (you know, the kind that makes you a bit queasy) was a bit much.
Don’t get me wrong, these women have got style (we’ve seen them shine in other films), but you don’t see the sparkle in this movie.
Rating: 2/10
Wild Child
People like Lindsay Lohan have done it. So does Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and Hilary Duff among many others. Thus even you have one of Tinseltown’s hottest actress as your aunt, you still need to pay your dues.
In "Wild Child", Emma Roberts (niece of Julia Roberts and daughter of sometimes actor, Eric Roberts) plays Poppy Moore, a totally spoiled California girl who is being shipped off to a boarding school in the UK by his father for her increasing rebellious behaviour. The rules of staying in a boarding school means Poppy’s Jimmy Choo (heels), Louis Vuitton (bags), iPhone and her internet access have to make way for prim & proper school uniform, school rules and the school bully aka headgirl, Harriet.
There’s the lovable Nick Frost (the chubby half from Hot Fuzz) who turns up as a sissy hairdresser and a bunch of supporting comical characters that makes "Wild Child" a joy to sit through.
If you love the Harry Potter series where the average age of the leading cast members is below the legal age of 21 or any of those early Lindsay Lohan’s girly flicks, you should have no problem lapping up this unpretentious and light-heartened teen comedy.
Rating: 6/10
Bad Movie, Great Cast
I mean, come on: Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, Eva Mendes, and Bette Midler, for crying out loud! This should have been 114 minutes of chic flick bliss. Instead, it was hugely disappointing.The acting was often forced and overblown. The characters were caricatures; they lacked depth.
(Spoilers ahead)
.
.
.
.
.
There are only 3 highlights that I can salvage from my memory. First was the fashion show (probably because there was no dialogue). Beautiful clothes made for a great visual experience. Second was Bette Midler. Even though her cameo came from out of no where (the scene seemed unnaturally inserted into the second half of the movie so that her name could be added to the credits), she was charming as usual. Third is the last scene in the hospital. It was chaotic (and yes overblown, again) but fun. The exaggeration in this scene is acceptable because it was slapstick. Therefore, by definition it was supposed to be overdone (unlike the rest of the movie). Though I must say, the Blair Witch Project-style camera work (you know, the kind that makes you a bit queasy) was a bit much.
Don’t get me wrong, these women have got style (we’ve seen them shine in other films), but you don’t see the sparkle in this movie.
Rating: 2/10
Wild Child
People like Lindsay Lohan have done it. So does Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and Hilary Duff among many others. Thus even you have one of Tinseltown’s hottest actress as your aunt, you still need to pay your dues.
In "Wild Child", Emma Roberts (niece of Julia Roberts and daughter of sometimes actor, Eric Roberts) plays Poppy Moore, a totally spoiled California girl who is being shipped off to a boarding school in the UK by his father for her increasing rebellious behaviour. The rules of staying in a boarding school means Poppy’s Jimmy Choo (heels), Louis Vuitton (bags), iPhone and her internet access have to make way for prim & proper school uniform, school rules and the school bully aka headgirl, Harriet.
There’s the lovable Nick Frost (the chubby half from Hot Fuzz) who turns up as a sissy hairdresser and a bunch of supporting comical characters that makes "Wild Child" a joy to sit through.
If you love the Harry Potter series where the average age of the leading cast members is below the legal age of 21 or any of those early Lindsay Lohan’s girly flicks, you should have no problem lapping up this unpretentious and light-heartened teen comedy.
Rating: 6/10
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Movie Reviews: Transporter 3, Resident Evil Degeneration, Bolt
Transporter 3
I thought Transporter 2 could have been better, but I think 3 was the final nail in the Transporter Coffin. Transporter 3 just killed the character development that Transporter and Transporter 2 made. The fight scenes were cheesy as hell. (Spoilers ahead)
.
.
.
.
.
I mean, throwing a rose into a defeated enemy's hole in the floor with the opera music? Give me a break. Frank Martin falling in LOVE?!? That was as cheesy as anything!
The story moved too fast. The car scenes were horrible especially when Frank was driving on two wheels. The whole movie just was awful. I came out of the theaters utterly pissed off. I was HIGHLY anticipating this release since last August and it was a total let down. I have lost a ton of respect for Jason Statham after making this pathetic piece of crap and the Crank movies. Just awful. I don't recommend this movie to anybody.
Rating: 2/10
Resident Evil: Degeneration
The first full-length feature in the franchise to be created via CG, is also the first one to stay true to its video-game roots. Unlike the three live-action movies that came before it, DEGENERATION moves the game’s plot forward and takes place after the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City and the fall of the Umbrella Corporation.
There’s plenty here for RESIDENT EVIL fans to enjoy, though, despite the slow pace between certain scenes. DEGENERATION captures the true essence of the games, complete with intriguing dialogue, and in a welcome move, it has even cast the lead voice talent (Alyson Court and Paul Mercier) from its interactive predecessors. The CGI is excellent, though more care should have been given to lip-synching the actors’ voices to their digital alter egos.
It’s no surprise that DEGENERATION’s conclusion leaves the door open for another chapter in the series. Interestingly enough, it doesn’t appear that the film’s scenario ties in to that of the forthcoming RESIDENT EVIL 5 game—but I guess we’ll all have to wait until next spring to find out for sure.
Rating: 8/10
Bolt
Story:
Bolt is the world's greatest super-dog. He is incredibly fast, is super strong, has heat vision, and has a super bark. He uses his powers to save the world from the evil Dr. Calico. Bolt is also ever vigilant and protects his owner, Penny, from the forces of evil.
Too bad Bolt doesn't realize he's on a TV show and none of it is real.
When Bolt is accidentally separated from Penny, he's forced to make a cross-country journey to save his owner. The catch is he still thinks he has super powers. Bolt captures a cat prisoner named Mittens and forces her to lead him to where Penny is being held. Despite her protests, Mittens can't convince Bolt that he's just the star of a TV show. Matters aren't helped when a Bolt super-fanboy (and hamster in a ball) named Rhino joins them and further reinforces Bolt's delusions.
What Worked:
The supporting cast is so strong that Bolt is almost relegated to the role of straight man. John Travolta does a fine job as Bolt and gives the character a sympathetic and earnest tone. Miley Cyrus is also good as Penny, but she's not in the movie all that much. Where the two really shine is in the song they sing together in the closing credits.
I was impressed how practically every new character that was introduced along the way brought an entertaining piece to the story. A couple of cats (one voiced by Diedrich Bader) amusingly harass Bolt in his trailer. In New York, Bolt encounters a funny group of pigeons that are perfectly animated like real world pigeons. When we meet Mittens, her exasperation and dismay at Bolt's high levels of crazy brings a lot of laughs. But the real show stealer is the hamster Rhino who is voiced by Mark Walton. He brings the house down and the character's introduction alone takes the movie to another level. Rhino's uber-fanboy persona and can-do attitude is hilarious. How can you not crack up when a hamster in a ball does a maniacal laugh or offers to snap a man's neck? Rhino might be able to carry a movie on his own.
The animators do a really great job with the performances of the CG characters. A standout scene is when Mittens is teaching Bolt how to beg for food. By giving him little instructions here and there ("Ears down! Head tilted!"), Bolt goes from a neutral facial expression to an all out "I'm cute, feed me" look right before your eyes. That scene should be required viewing for any aspiring animator. The subtle touches with body motions and facial expressions are apparent through the rest of the film.
The Bottom Line:
"Bolt" was a fun film. I'd recommend it not just for families but anyone that enjoys comedies or animation. This is not just a kid's movie.
Rating: 7/10
I thought Transporter 2 could have been better, but I think 3 was the final nail in the Transporter Coffin. Transporter 3 just killed the character development that Transporter and Transporter 2 made. The fight scenes were cheesy as hell. (Spoilers ahead)
.
.
.
.
.
I mean, throwing a rose into a defeated enemy's hole in the floor with the opera music? Give me a break. Frank Martin falling in LOVE?!? That was as cheesy as anything!
The story moved too fast. The car scenes were horrible especially when Frank was driving on two wheels. The whole movie just was awful. I came out of the theaters utterly pissed off. I was HIGHLY anticipating this release since last August and it was a total let down. I have lost a ton of respect for Jason Statham after making this pathetic piece of crap and the Crank movies. Just awful. I don't recommend this movie to anybody.
Rating: 2/10
Resident Evil: Degeneration
The first full-length feature in the franchise to be created via CG, is also the first one to stay true to its video-game roots. Unlike the three live-action movies that came before it, DEGENERATION moves the game’s plot forward and takes place after the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City and the fall of the Umbrella Corporation.
There’s plenty here for RESIDENT EVIL fans to enjoy, though, despite the slow pace between certain scenes. DEGENERATION captures the true essence of the games, complete with intriguing dialogue, and in a welcome move, it has even cast the lead voice talent (Alyson Court and Paul Mercier) from its interactive predecessors. The CGI is excellent, though more care should have been given to lip-synching the actors’ voices to their digital alter egos.
It’s no surprise that DEGENERATION’s conclusion leaves the door open for another chapter in the series. Interestingly enough, it doesn’t appear that the film’s scenario ties in to that of the forthcoming RESIDENT EVIL 5 game—but I guess we’ll all have to wait until next spring to find out for sure.
Rating: 8/10
Bolt
Story:
Bolt is the world's greatest super-dog. He is incredibly fast, is super strong, has heat vision, and has a super bark. He uses his powers to save the world from the evil Dr. Calico. Bolt is also ever vigilant and protects his owner, Penny, from the forces of evil.
Too bad Bolt doesn't realize he's on a TV show and none of it is real.
When Bolt is accidentally separated from Penny, he's forced to make a cross-country journey to save his owner. The catch is he still thinks he has super powers. Bolt captures a cat prisoner named Mittens and forces her to lead him to where Penny is being held. Despite her protests, Mittens can't convince Bolt that he's just the star of a TV show. Matters aren't helped when a Bolt super-fanboy (and hamster in a ball) named Rhino joins them and further reinforces Bolt's delusions.
What Worked:
The supporting cast is so strong that Bolt is almost relegated to the role of straight man. John Travolta does a fine job as Bolt and gives the character a sympathetic and earnest tone. Miley Cyrus is also good as Penny, but she's not in the movie all that much. Where the two really shine is in the song they sing together in the closing credits.
I was impressed how practically every new character that was introduced along the way brought an entertaining piece to the story. A couple of cats (one voiced by Diedrich Bader) amusingly harass Bolt in his trailer. In New York, Bolt encounters a funny group of pigeons that are perfectly animated like real world pigeons. When we meet Mittens, her exasperation and dismay at Bolt's high levels of crazy brings a lot of laughs. But the real show stealer is the hamster Rhino who is voiced by Mark Walton. He brings the house down and the character's introduction alone takes the movie to another level. Rhino's uber-fanboy persona and can-do attitude is hilarious. How can you not crack up when a hamster in a ball does a maniacal laugh or offers to snap a man's neck? Rhino might be able to carry a movie on his own.
The animators do a really great job with the performances of the CG characters. A standout scene is when Mittens is teaching Bolt how to beg for food. By giving him little instructions here and there ("Ears down! Head tilted!"), Bolt goes from a neutral facial expression to an all out "I'm cute, feed me" look right before your eyes. That scene should be required viewing for any aspiring animator. The subtle touches with body motions and facial expressions are apparent through the rest of the film.
The Bottom Line:
"Bolt" was a fun film. I'd recommend it not just for families but anyone that enjoys comedies or animation. This is not just a kid's movie.
Rating: 7/10
Friday, August 1, 2008
July Week 5 - Updates
Updates from the World of Technology, where I came from.
Be sure to check out the mini keyboard. It's the first of its kind. And rather cool.
Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
AMD Puma
That's all for tech news.
Now, for the movie review of The Leap Years.
What if you could only see someone you love only once in every 4 years? Will you continue to keep to the promise of meeting on that day every 4 years? Will you eventually get tired and give up?
This is the big screen adaptation of Dr Catherine Lim's "A Leap of Love". Not entirely the same in every aspect. It exceeded my expectations as a local production. Very artistic camera angles, beautiful scenes. Excellent performance by Wong Li-Lin and Vernetta Lopez. But just try to bear with Qi Yu Wu's english and accents from various other casts.
Apart from some loopholes in the plot, you will be pleasantly surprised, amazed, touched and engaged by the storyline. Tears will fall. This movie has a nice blend of music, featuring Corrine May, a plus point to the movie. The other plus point is just Wong Li-Lin. She's just so pretty! With or without make up. =)
8/10 - Go Li-Lin, Go!
Where to find a girl like her? *shakes head* *sigh*
Be sure to check out the mini keyboard. It's the first of its kind. And rather cool.
Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
AMD Puma
That's all for tech news.
Now, for the movie review of The Leap Years.
What if you could only see someone you love only once in every 4 years? Will you continue to keep to the promise of meeting on that day every 4 years? Will you eventually get tired and give up?
This is the big screen adaptation of Dr Catherine Lim's "A Leap of Love". Not entirely the same in every aspect. It exceeded my expectations as a local production. Very artistic camera angles, beautiful scenes. Excellent performance by Wong Li-Lin and Vernetta Lopez. But just try to bear with Qi Yu Wu's english and accents from various other casts.
Apart from some loopholes in the plot, you will be pleasantly surprised, amazed, touched and engaged by the storyline. Tears will fall. This movie has a nice blend of music, featuring Corrine May, a plus point to the movie. The other plus point is just Wong Li-Lin. She's just so pretty! With or without make up. =)
8/10 - Go Li-Lin, Go!
Where to find a girl like her? *shakes head* *sigh*
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Dark Knight Movie Review
"Why So Serious?" was the tagline of this blockbuster movie of the Summer of 2008. And indeed, serious it was. Too serious.
Before I go into the movie review proper, here's the standings for the Box Office.
Dark Knight Sets New Opening Day Record!
Source: Box Office Mojo
July 19, 2008
Box Office Mojo is reporting that Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight has set a new opening day record with $66.4 million in a record 4,366 theaters (including 94 IMAX theaters) nationwide.
The Dark Knight's Final Tally? $158.4 Million!
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety
July 21, 2008
On Sunday, Warner Bros. Pictures estimated that The Dark Knight had earned $155.3 million its opening weekend. Turns out, that was low! The final figures show that Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins follow-up took in a record-breaking $158.4 million over the Friday-to-Sunday frame, easily beating the $151.1 million opening of Spider-Man 3 in May 2007.
Special Thanks and Source: www.superherohype.com
"Batman Begins" created a clear-cut origin for the comic book character based within the real world, and "The Dark Knight" takes that one step further, venturing further into the world of true crime dramas. The most fascinating new ingredient to "The Dark Knight" is the reintroduction of The Joker, a disarmingly different take by the late Heath Ledger. This Joker doesn't boogie to a Prince soundtrack and crack jokes about toys; this is an evil and horrifying villain, clearly insane and unpredictable as he wantonly maims and kills anyone who crosses his path. Unlike the 1989 counterpart, Jack Nicholson, who actually brings a smile to the audience and is actually funny. The new Joker is more scary than funny in more ways than one.
Nolan's "The Dark Knight" is another unforgettable offering from the visionary that defies all expectations by creating a serious "superhero" movie for grown-ups, one so grounded in a brutal reality you're left in a cold sweat by its stalwart refusal to cater to escapist fantasies. While one might hesitate to throw around overused words like "masterpiece," it's refreshing that "The Dark Knight" is not a movie that can be viewed and easily discarded like so much other summer fare.
Finally, there's one scene where the Joker makes the citizens of Gotham make a dramatic choice in order to save their lives. I don't want to spoil it here, but there were some good aspects of the scene and some very cheesy aspects of the scene. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it.
Rating: 8.5/10 - A Cut Above The Rest. Why So Serious?
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Movie Reviews for June/July
Hancock
The Plot: An apathetic, hard-living superhero (Smith) who has fallen out of favor with the public is approached by a public relations professional (Bateman) who has ideas as to how he can repair his client's image.
The Review: Hancock isn't that action packed. It doesn't have a Superhero vs. Supervillan plot. I would probably describe it as a character study of the superhero. I think this movie does a better job of addressing some of the issues (and vices) a superhero probably would have if they existed today. The biggest conflict in the movie is within Will Smith's character's attitude, not necessarily good vs. evil.
This is an action movie, so it should come as no surprise to see well done and original action in the movie. However, I felt the effects could have used a few more weeks of polishing in the editing room. The camera is also quite crampy. I also have problems with the film's score, as it does not add an epic feeling to the film like it should have. I felt like something was missing in the climax of the film (which is not the end). The action scenes, while entertaining and original, were not long enough to engage the audience like say, The Incredible Hulk, nor were they as jaw dropping as those in Wanted.
Hancock is the classic case of great idea, and mediocre execution. I can see this idea being remade years from now, and pulled off even better. It's not a fault of Peter Berg, the film's director, as the real weakness is in the screenplay, which falters after an excellent and wonderful opening act. It's not a bad film by any means, nor is it great. It's in between "okay" and "good".
8/10 - You will relate with Hancock.
Wanted
The Plot: Wesley Gibson (McAvoy) is rescued from his miserable existence by the gun-toting Fox (Jolie), a member of the Fraternity, a group of assassins to which Wesley's recently murdered father belonged. As their new recruit, Wesley learns he's truly a chip off the old block as he is trained by Fox and the Fraternity's leader, Sloan (Freeman) -- but what secrets are they hiding?
The Review: Wanted is by far one of the best action movies of this summer. It was a very fun, wild ride from start to finish. It had many twists, turns, gore, blood, and action. Just strap in and get ready for one hell of a rollercoaster ride.
Wanted has pushed the limits of what an action movie should be (just as the Matrix did). They could not have picked better actors to be in this movie. James McAvoy (Wesley) brings a dorky, dark humor to the movie, Angelina Jolie brings a cocky, bad ass tone, and Morgan Freeman, well, what movie isn't he perfect in.
The theme of Wanted is all about taking charge of your life and making your own choices, something that the very premise of the first hour of the film both adheres to and contradicts. Rather than analyze it here (and waste time arguing the pleasantly mad logic of a movie where bullets bend stylishly), I'll leave that to the people who inevitably will, assuming the bullet-fu and gore don't completely captivate them (and they should). Wanted IS violent, truly, and yet it doesn't strive to turn every frame into a gory, action-packed orgasm. The film handles it with grace and a style I sorely wish more action movies took into consideration.
This really isn't a superhero comic adaptation...it's The Matrix with a great sense of humor.
Enjoy it. I did.
8/10 - Angelina is back!
Get Smart
The Plot: Maxwell Smart (Carrell), Agent 86 for CONTROL, battles the forces of KAOS with the more-competent Agent 99 (Hathaway) at his side.
The Review: Steve Carell is at his best. He is incredible as Maxwell Smart. He does channel Don Adams when appropriate, but really makes the character his own. His chemistry on-screen with Anne Hathaway, who plays Agent 99, is great. There's been some complaints about the age difference, but they clear that up in the film.
The story line is solid and helps introduce this great spy comedy to a new generation. The cast is absolutely stacked, Alan Arkin, the Rock, Dave Koechner all kick ass and help make 'Get Smart' an instant classic.
If you were a fan of the original 'Get Smart' series, there's no question you'll love this movie. Check it out. Really.
8/10
Love Guru
The Plot: Pitka (Meyers) an American raised outside of his country by gurus, returns to the States in order to break into the self-help business. His first challenge: To settle the romantic troubles and subsequent professional skid of a star hockey player (Malco) whose wife left him for a rival lover (Timberlake) before the NHL Stanley Cup.
The Review: Seriously, it should be called, "Love Gundu". People may think I am exaggerating how jaw droppingly awful this movie is, but I'm really not. This movie has earned it's place in the Bottom 100.
It's extremely stupid and the screenwriter clearly has no wit whatsoever. I noticed a lot of recylced jokes from early Mike Myers movies, but no one will notice because they too busy staring at Justin Timberlake's fake bulge. To add on, Jessica Alba being there didn't help much either. She still looks the same in every movie she's acted in. King Kong, Fantastic 4, The Eye, Awake, Into the Blue, Good Luck Chuck. Please, at least get a haircut or straighten the hair or something!
Expect a ton of jokes about poop that aren't remotely funny. You'd have to force yourself to laugh. Do not waste your money on this offensive piece of crap. (Offensive being the jokes, crap being the person who told them.)
1/10 - one point for Jessica Alba
2/10
The Incredible Hulk
The Plot: Geneticist Bruce Banner (Norton) takes flight in order to understand -- and hopefully cure -- that the condition that turns him into a monster. Complicating his situation is the military initiative that wants him captured and controlled, as well as the arrival of a more-deadly nemesis: The Abomination.
The Review: For those that know only of the original comic book Hulk, the TV series Hulk, or the regrettable Ang Lee Hulk, you should know that this new version is a mixture of origins.
Story - intricate and intelligent, fast-paced, yet deeply explanatory, complex, yet easily taken in by non-geeks. Enough references to the true comic, alternate comic, and TV show. I surely was pleased.
CGI was great. Don't know why some have to nit-pick, but you can't please everyone, I guess. Action was wonderful with plenty of it! Highly recommended over the Ang Lee version.
7/10
The Happening
The Plot: A family is on the run after natural disaster threatens the entire planet.
The Review: Shyamalan has proved to us earlier that he can be as good as the best with masterpieces of cinema with The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable. Yet, since then, he has declined steadily. Signs and Village were good movies, but with Lady in the Water and now The Happening, he has touched a level of incompetence that could never have been expected of him.
It starts with a stunning sequence of events that show people succumb to an unspecified threat – the brilliance of this opening repeated only once more for a five-minute sequence towards the end of the movie.
And to add woe, the actors do not do much to better the experience – Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel are grossly miscast. The camera scrutinizes the performance to a degree that requires an actor with strength in emotions – Wahlberg instead brings a physical presence that the role does not need. Zooey, on the other hand, struts around like in a Disney movie, not for once threatened by the pandemonium.
For now it is only the memory of the opening sequence, which can be proclaimed as mind-numbing greatness, which is really worth taking away from this movie. So much for a "happening" movie.
2/10 - one point for Mark Wahlberg
3/10
You Don't Mess With The Zohan
The Plot: A Mossad agent (Sandler) orchestrates a scenario that will allow him to move to New York City and reinvent himself as a hairstylist.
The Review: The critics are out in full force and tearing this movie up. I can relate with their criticism, this is a brainless comedy filled with cliche jokes, stereotypes, crude toilet humour, and so it's to be expected to receive a lot of negativity.
Having said that, I pretty much enjoyed this movie, the jokes never stopped coming. Adam Sandler is the type of actor you would look for if you were having a bad day and want to watch a brainless, popcorn flick that will most likely have you cracking up virtually the entire movie. If you are, I strongly recommend this movie. I admit that I liked Zohan, and I crap you not, you should not mess with him.
6/10
Kung Fu Panda
The Plot: Po (Black), a reluctant panda bear, is recruited by a team of Kung Fu masters and trained in the ways of the ancient martial art in order to protect the Valley of Peace from an evil snow leopard.
The Review: Expect nothing less from Jack Black, the story is simple but the execution was awesome. The animation was very rich and the colours were crisp and bright. The action sequences were breath-taking. There was a good mix of emotions and laughs. I don't really recommend this movie though, certainly it is marketed towards the kids/family entertainment.
7/10
Friday, May 2, 2008
Movie Review: Iron Man 2008
Before I start the movie review proper, here's an epilogue. I thought of it all by myself, using some literature skills leftover from way back when.
"ironman ironman... does whatever an iron can.. ease a crease, all the time... keeps shirts straight... anytime... look out! here comes an ironman...."
Stay tuned for the movie review proper...
Quote from Crustation: "Tony Stark is female. Fe-Male." Fe on the periodic table is iron, duh.
Ok, enough of the fun stuff, let's get down to business. Rest assured, this is a spoiler free movie review.
Iron Man is based upon a Marvel comic character who uses his technology to create an exoskeletal suit to fight against evil. Thank you, Mr Stan "The Man" Lee.
I was in high anticipation when I first saw the trailers of this movie. Explosions, bullets, planes, tanks, moving robotic parts... Sounds like transformers all over again. But no. Thankfully, after seeing the finished product, I was not disappointed at the least. After seeing X-men and Spider-man, Iron Man surely promises and gives us a solid initiation of what could be a great trilogy, or more.
There isn't a long and draggy backstory. Instead, the information of what happened in the past was clearly and swiftly orchestrated, from the time he was a stuck-up industrialist to the time he realised that he had a greater calling, after his close brush with death. The story buildup and character background has been clearly structured in a way that even if you do not know who Iron Man is, you will empathise with him about a quarter through the movie.
It is unclear who the bad people are at first, but by the end of the movie, all the questions that you had from the beginning of the movie will unfold. Realising that his own weapons that were supposed to protect and defend the world, fell to the hands of the very people who wanna destroy the peace of the world. That's irony for you. Humbled and awoken to his senses, he then creates a state of the art suit, with air and land destruction capabilities. Ready for atonement, and feeling remorseful, he fights and destroys the bad guys. Typical superhero movie eh?
Well, all I can say is that Robert Downey Jr plays Tony Stark, a sarcastic industrialist with the technical knowhow of a technology genius. He is best suited for the role as he delivered each scene with professionalism. To top it off, there was a great balance of comic delivery and seriousness which shows his masterful acting ability.
Supporting characters also do as well. Jeff Bridges plays the almighty villain, great build up of character too. Terrence Howard is Tony's best friend and military liason, that's where "a friend in need is a friend in deed" comes into play. You'll find out in due course of the movie. A good future character build up too, Marvel fans would know what I mean. And there's the lovely Gwyneth Paltrow, who's Tony's assistant, at times neglected and is referred to as a female prop on the set. Don't worry too much, she's there for a reason. We also have Shaun Toub, who appears in the early stages of the movie and is deemed as Tony's savior for reasons that you will find out later in the movie. Finally, there's Clark Gregg, as the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. Not to mention a Stan Lee cameo. Look out for that too.
It is not easy to forget this is action-packed film above all else, it is not all acting. It's the computer graphics and all the special effects which leaves you yearning for more. As you may have seen in the trailers, Iron Man was flying with F-22 Raptors (Stealth planes), that was one of the best flight scenes I must say. Everything is just amazing, the suits, the cars, the planes, the weapons, the scenery, the computers he uses, just amazing. Even holograms! Just too bad, apart from the planes and cars and scenery, the rest of the above mentioned are not available to us in this lifetime, yet.
On some moments rather crabby than witty, but otherwise this movie is a top notch summer release and is a definite must watch on the big screen. Trust me, stay till the end of the credits to see how this story will progress in the number of years to come.
Rating: 8.5/10
"ironman ironman... does whatever an iron can.. ease a crease, all the time... keeps shirts straight... anytime... look out! here comes an ironman...."
Stay tuned for the movie review proper...
Quote from Crustation: "Tony Stark is female. Fe-Male." Fe on the periodic table is iron, duh.
Ok, enough of the fun stuff, let's get down to business. Rest assured, this is a spoiler free movie review.
Iron Man is based upon a Marvel comic character who uses his technology to create an exoskeletal suit to fight against evil. Thank you, Mr Stan "The Man" Lee.
I was in high anticipation when I first saw the trailers of this movie. Explosions, bullets, planes, tanks, moving robotic parts... Sounds like transformers all over again. But no. Thankfully, after seeing the finished product, I was not disappointed at the least. After seeing X-men and Spider-man, Iron Man surely promises and gives us a solid initiation of what could be a great trilogy, or more.
There isn't a long and draggy backstory. Instead, the information of what happened in the past was clearly and swiftly orchestrated, from the time he was a stuck-up industrialist to the time he realised that he had a greater calling, after his close brush with death. The story buildup and character background has been clearly structured in a way that even if you do not know who Iron Man is, you will empathise with him about a quarter through the movie.
It is unclear who the bad people are at first, but by the end of the movie, all the questions that you had from the beginning of the movie will unfold. Realising that his own weapons that were supposed to protect and defend the world, fell to the hands of the very people who wanna destroy the peace of the world. That's irony for you. Humbled and awoken to his senses, he then creates a state of the art suit, with air and land destruction capabilities. Ready for atonement, and feeling remorseful, he fights and destroys the bad guys. Typical superhero movie eh?
Well, all I can say is that Robert Downey Jr plays Tony Stark, a sarcastic industrialist with the technical knowhow of a technology genius. He is best suited for the role as he delivered each scene with professionalism. To top it off, there was a great balance of comic delivery and seriousness which shows his masterful acting ability.
Supporting characters also do as well. Jeff Bridges plays the almighty villain, great build up of character too. Terrence Howard is Tony's best friend and military liason, that's where "a friend in need is a friend in deed" comes into play. You'll find out in due course of the movie. A good future character build up too, Marvel fans would know what I mean. And there's the lovely Gwyneth Paltrow, who's Tony's assistant, at times neglected and is referred to as a female prop on the set. Don't worry too much, she's there for a reason. We also have Shaun Toub, who appears in the early stages of the movie and is deemed as Tony's savior for reasons that you will find out later in the movie. Finally, there's Clark Gregg, as the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. Not to mention a Stan Lee cameo. Look out for that too.
It is not easy to forget this is action-packed film above all else, it is not all acting. It's the computer graphics and all the special effects which leaves you yearning for more. As you may have seen in the trailers, Iron Man was flying with F-22 Raptors (Stealth planes), that was one of the best flight scenes I must say. Everything is just amazing, the suits, the cars, the planes, the weapons, the scenery, the computers he uses, just amazing. Even holograms! Just too bad, apart from the planes and cars and scenery, the rest of the above mentioned are not available to us in this lifetime, yet.
On some moments rather crabby than witty, but otherwise this movie is a top notch summer release and is a definite must watch on the big screen. Trust me, stay till the end of the credits to see how this story will progress in the number of years to come.
Rating: 8.5/10
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