Nobody to Watch Over Me (誰も守ってくれない)

Even for someone like me, who is used to the eccentricity of Japanese movies. I still find this film quite painful to sit through.

The movie kicks off to a pretty exciting start portraying extremities of media pressure at its ugliest surrounding the family of a juvenile murderer case which in turn cause a chain of events but very soon flatlines after the first quarter.

Efforts of resusitation later in the movie was felt but insufficient to keep me awake.

The name of this film should seriously be changed to "Nobody Should Watch Me" instead...

Duplicity

This movie may be just about the only corporate espionage movie as far back as I could remember which reveals the cloak and daggers behind major multi-national-brands and how far they might have gone in order to outdo one another.

Not only does the film display much wit, humour, charm and romance. It has all those elements in spades. Being surprisingly easy to understand despite the fact that the time-line in the story skips back and forth would be a huge plus.
Although the subject matter may not have been meant to be all that serious. One cannot ignore the fact that it is indeed a very clever movie with an intelligently charming script to match.

If there be an Elizabeth Taylor or Audrey Hepburn of our generation. That title will undoubtedly go to Julia Roberts. The kind of class that she carries with her on-screen is truly unmatched.

It is funny how Clive Owen whom, with his oozing English charms caught his big break as a lead starring next to Julia Roberts a few years ago once again teams up with her. The chemistry between the two is simply incendiary.

If you are not someone who favours big guns and even bigger explosions. This is a movie you will not want to be missing.

The Brothers Bloom

This was the only other pick for the weekend next to the mad rush for perhaps one of the biggest robotic block-buster of this Summer. It played out kinda funny, kinda weird but all in a very colourful kinda way.

Films involving cons, scams and swindles have always been playing between the fine line of the grand scheme of the con and not getting emotionally involved. That which is real versus that which is not. This film is no different but yet unique in an indie kind of way.

The movie kicks off interestingly well and does a great job keeping its audiences entertained with the colourful characters constantly injecting humour of all kinds both in the fore and background. The tempo two-thirds into the film suffers a slight slowdown but continues to steamroll till the end. One other area where this movie scores points is in its costumes.

With a cast of Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo and muted Rinko Kikuchi (yet again). What could go wrong?

The Taking of Pelham 123

If there be a hall of fame for action film makers. The Scott family would have scored two easy hits on its A-list.

Although the pull factor was not exactly felt in the trailer which may not always be a bad thing. The film manages to deliver the under-promised and more in full effects.

The story is your usual hostage-negotiator-ransom-deadline action. However, it draws plenty of references to the Heroes of everyday Life. In fact, it reminds us that there are no such thing as Heroes. Only normal people with the gallantry to take that step forward in order to preserve Lives of others in distress even if it means putting their own in harm's way.

The ride is packed with action at every turn and the thrill is really intense. Even the humour injected are pretty dark too.

I had no idea that this was a remake of an earlier film until after, but anything that bears Denzel Washington's mark is reason enough not to be missed. I have never been a big fan of John Travolta but that does not dispose the fact that he is still regarded as an on-screen heavy weight with sensational acting skill and even more amazing chemistry to match his title.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Although I have had my fair share of chick flicks. I have all but given up as the plots are largely identical and gets pretty mundane after a while.
Needless to say, I was dragged into this one but what a hilarious surprise it turns out to be indeed.

Cocky-funny would sound just about right for this one. Although we all know how such flicks ends but the course it takes getting there is quite worth the trouble.
It would have a field day for your Girlfriends but at the same time has much to offer us guys too.

This may have been the funniest romantic comedy I have seen this year yet and would be the perfect date movie of this season.

State of Play

In view of all the clever conspiracy theory flicks that came and went. Few manages to do so with such wit and sacarsm. This one really is quite the gem. The plot gets pretty thick but worry not as the rabbit hole deepens at quite a comfortable pace.

The links to each of its subjects slowly establishes as the two journalists follow-up on a lead of a political scandal but ends up racing against time trying to uncover the dark truth behind all the lies and deceit.
The story starts out okay but quickly presents more and more pieces to the puzzle that weaves into the main which that digs into your curiosity evermore.

Action seekers but warned. This dialogue piece, although written with much wit offers very few bullet shells and even lesser bodycount.

Drag Me To Hell

My long yearning for a film that is able to make the hair at the back of my neck stand and my skin crawl made me walked into this horror flick which seems pretty promising.

The formula for most of Hollywood horror flicks have always seem come up short when invoking fear as compared to the likes of Japanese or Thai ones. This one is no different.
Yes, there are many jumpy scenes. And yes, there are the usual blood and gore to gross you out. Although the mysteries behind Gypsy curses are rather intriguing. The whole idea of the movie is not as scary as I had hoped (or wished) them to be. In fact, many of the scenes are downright hilarious.

This is honestly a fun B-grade horror comedy to watch and give your date a good scare but seriously nothing much beyond that.

Henry Poole Is Here

If my Life was a movie. I would really like it if it was this one. More movies are churning out of tinseltown recently than I have time for, but I am just so glad I chose this one today.

The story line although not expectional nor fantastic is very well-paced and scores major muffin points on the amount of Heart it brings to its audiences.
It touches the sensitive subject of religion but yet focuses fully on simply having faith even if you are not a Godly person.
Faith in Life, faith in Love, faith in the good in people around and most importantly, faith in ourselves when the horizon looks bleak. That things we encounter in our everyday Lives are not totally random and happens for a reason.

Ultimately, I am a person who is rather skeptical about miracles although I do acknowledge the fact that they do happen once in a (very long) while. And the basis and rationality of miracles is: Believing.

This is definitely a feel good tear jerker you can bring a date to away from all the reports and explosions of the usual fair. And who knows, a good portion of those muffin points I spoke of earlier might just get bumped up to you too. All you need is have some faith.

Der Baader Meinhof Komplex

Walked into this German film blind being drawn by the fact it is based on a true story of how the terrorism group Red Army Faction (RAF) in post-war West Germany began and gained momentum in the 80's.

This is too intense a movie (for me) to really be enjoyed on a Sunday afternoon unless you already have some idea what the RAF is all about to begin with. Too bad I did not even knew they existed until now...

Movie goers who are looking for a run-of-the-mill action terrorism flick had better reconsider this one. It is a long and slightly draining film where audiences may be caught trying to make sense of all that is happening before being thrown into yet another thick plot. The only thing that kept me interested was the sparse but intense terror tatics the group used and the retro wardrobe donned by the actors and actresses.

Terminator Salvation

Have been looking forward to watch this film most hoping the franchise would be revive after the colossal disappointment of T3 which leaves one to wonder how something so unimaginably fantastic turns so unimaginably sour in just one sequel.

This new film is seriously a breath of new Life for all Terminator fans. In some ways, it seems to have totally disclaimed the last film in having anything to do with the franchise as most references were made to remind audiences of the second film instead of the irreconcilable last.
The pace of the story is very well-spaced to let us recollect and link up where our memory left off.
However, audiences who have no idea what the previous stories were about had better make an effort to do some homework before walking into this one.
Despite its comeback, one will still have to admit that T2 is still that fantastic an action sci-fi which would be impossible to top.

The constant mystery of what became of our World in the future where the resistance wages war against the machines is finally coming to light in this installment. My only gripe is that we are not seeing enough encounters with the Terminators although I suspect the makers are only serving us appetizers of what is to come.

A previously unknown, Sam Worthington caught his big break in this film being the first of the Terminator trilogy as he stars next to the Dark Knight. He has totally proven that he is as much a worthy actor for this role as the confidence James Cameron placed in him. We can be sure we will be seeing more of him.

Angels & Demons

Being one of the two most popular books that I have read from the same author. I have been intrigued by the on-screen adaptations of his latest work even though I felt that this book was the better one.

This adaptation have met all the expectations I had for it although I suspect audiences who are not previously acquainted with the book may take a little while longer to make out the heads and tails at the beginning.
It is a typical Good-versus-Evil race-again-time that revolves around the large part of the most glamourous sites in Rome and that of the Vatican City.
Even though majority of the interior of the Holy City are either shot on sets or recreated digitally, I feel that non of us could really tell the difference anyway.

Like always the two male lead powerhouses delivered as they always had. The only slight disappointment was with the female lead as it should have been the same Lady for both books. It was quite a pity we did not get to see Audrey Tatou in this one again.

Star Trek

Star Trek has always struck me as the most boring franchise in the Galaxy with its lack of variety both in costume designs and weaponaries added to the fact they are constantly set to stun...

The only thing striking about the whole deal is perhaps the unique architecture of the U.S.S. Enterprise and the elf-like pointed ears of the character Spock.

Even so, the latest installment has proven that despite these traditional setbacks, it was still able to totally impress a non-Trekkie like me with its witty storyline and really fast-paced photon-packed scenes. Added to that, we are finally seeing more bodycount in the Federation's Humanitarian and Peace-keeping intergalactic quest.

The new Spock, Zachary Quinto, is definitely not unfamiliar to us but the uncanny likeness to that of the old one is really quite spooky.

The fact that the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy, got casted in this installment was a really nice touch and must have given Trek fans out there a pretty priceless rush.

The Horsemen

Biblically methodical serial killing thrillers have been around for ages and there had been some seriously fantastic ones in the past. However, it has been sometime since any good ones have been made.

Boasting a strong cast and even cooler name, I had my expectations for this one which did not have its intended effect at all.

The built up of the whole case was there but the link up from character to character are too brief which completely muddles the very expectable plot as the film plummets to its very abrupt end.
I left the cinema with a dissapointingly huge question mark and have not a clue where the film took me nor what it all meant to say the very least.

I really hate to say it but this film is substantially lacking and is worth passing over.

Magique

Having a soft spot for the pleasantries of the language and seeing how there have been a lack of good (or any) French movies recently. I am willing to walk into anything that is in that tongue.

Having only a slight idea of what the story is about would be sufficient for anyone to enjoy this light-Hearted French musical.
Although it is just slightly on the edge of cheesiness but all the actors and actresses do have the vocals to match its genre as compared to the last musical which was totally atrocious even to a forgiving person as I want to believe I am.

Most of the tunes are similiar but the lyrics, when sung, are pretty meaningful to the extent of moving. Or perhaps, they just sound so much better in French, at least to me.

This is a definitely a chick-flick and quite the perfect movie to plan around a date provided you are only looking for something skin deep.

The International

I have no idea what the write-up was for the synopsis of this movie is, nor do I really care. But anyone expecting a fullscale shoot'em up had better think again. The gunfights, although tense, are very limited.

Instead it is more of a cloak and dagger which illustrates how cross-borders laws and the different justice systems from country to country seem to always protect the financial giants which are involved in the brokering of underground weapons deal in the arms race.
Viewers who are just slightly financially incline may serve to understand the concept of this movie better. Otherwise, you may have to peel your ears and keep a sharp mind to make sense of what is going on in the fast and slow of things.

Intellectual action movies are a rare commodity these days and a good one is even rarer.
The movie starts to shine after the first half which mostly involves the building of the story and the different roles each of its estranged characters play.

Taken

Although a few other movies come to mind while watching this one. The satisfaction of the natural order which depicts that the good guys always wins and the bad ones get the punishment they deserved never fails to stimulate the release of endorphins giving us that rush we so often look for but rarely find nowadays. That is what this movie is about.
Above all, it is also about how a Loving father is being put to the measure of his capacity in search of his kidnapped daughter. And did they kidnap the wrong Daddy's girl.

Anyone who is willing to disregard the logic and logistics of this film would not only be satisfied with the end result. But also enjoy the 90 plus minutes ride of getting there.

Honestly, I did not care how short, simple or if the plot is full of holes cause when its a ruthless avenging Liam Neeson I want. And a ruthless avenging Liam Neeson I get. Even the hot Famke Jessen can take a back seat.

Gu Gu the Cat (グーグーだって猫である)

This is one only for those who has a strong passion for cats (duh...). But even then, it may still be lacking.

The story is simple and like most Japanese movies, very slow moving.
It showcases the important roles cats play as pets in our everyday Life and the affections cat lovers have for their pets although unlike canines, that kind of affection from felines are rarely forthcoming.
Perhaps that is the reason why cat lovers are cat lovers in the first place.

The story does have its merits, however light. But I am sure this is one movie that will not be missed had it stayed in the land of the rising Sun.

Shinjuku Incident

It has been a long time since I looked forward to catching a Jackie chan movie as his past few bottomed out my expectations. However, this is probably one of the better ones he made in a long time.

Although it is just slightly disappointing as it does not feature the Jackie Chan that we all know and grew up with but the story is very well conceived. It appeals to the underdogs trying to make a living far away from Home. And I am not talking about the expatriates either.

The cast is pretty strong and most of the actors and actresses compliments one another pretty well. My only gripe is with the censorship of some of the scenes when racial insults are being hurled among the other many cuts that the film suffered.

This movie reminds me of another quote:" Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!" I think its true in this case.

Fast & Furious 4

The past three had all been quite entertaining. And I am also very sure the franchise has its own following among motorheads and speedfreaks. Added to that, bringing back the original cast of the franchise had been a fantastic move to boost this fourth installment.

This time round they did really well transitting from Tokyo Drift and retains all the original elements that we look for in Fast & Furious movies. However, it tries injecting a little more emotions involved between the characters from where they left off in the first and what happened in this one which kinda slowed downed the movie just so slightly.

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker had a snap fit chemistry but the French looking Miss Israel spotting a Spanish accent, Gal Gadot totally stole the show for me. I believe this is her debut to the silver screen and will be looking forward to see more of her in other movies.

FanBoys

Being a hardy fan of the first (and only true) trilogy, this is a see-or-die for me. However, many things (like work...) have kept me from being able to find the time for it.

This movie is neither a spoof nor a cheap rip-off of the franchise but a true original comedy honouring all the StarWars fanboys out there in the galaxy.

Its does much more than just poke fun of its own following and those of the 'other' franchise spotting copious amounts of cameo from either the original casts or others who have always cared to draw close references to the franchise in their own scripts.

The story, although not quantitative lengthwise, is not totally mindless and without its own values either. However, most of the jokes may not be easily understood for those who are totally clueless about what goes on in that part of the galaxy far far away...

Some Ladies (who have not seen any of the first trilogy) may regard people who has a secret place in their Hearts for StarWars as geeks and geeks we may be... But we are geeks with taste because of one simple fact: StarWars is the definition of 'Cool' in the Sci-Fi World.

Grand Torino

Having grown up watching movies either starring or directed by the legend himself. My expectations for the quality of his retiring movie (especially) starring himself is slightly higher than usual.

As much as the movie bears many of his trademark grunts and disgusting groans, I was still slightly disappointed by the flow of the story. Of course the movie hit its intended moral chords in many social aspects and despite having plenty of grumpy sacarstic jokes, the flow of the story is generally still quite slow. The ending is not unexpected and does not give the sweet satisfaction as compared to those movies in his heydays.

This is definitely not one of the best films the man has made but it is comforting to know that 'the man without a name' still has the on-screen grit and hardiness one would expect from a man among men.

Departures (おくりびと)

Although we have been seeing more and more Japanese films in the local cinemas recently. The quality of most of the stories remain mediocre at best (except for Yoji Yamada's period pieces).

Rare Japanese movies of such exceptional calibre which is able to invoke both laughter and tears are far and few between. In fact, I do not remember any that was able to do both except for 'Crying Out Love in the Centre of the World' which manages one quite adequately.

The storytelling is very well paced and what turns out to be a comedy slowly works its way to the softer spots of your Heart. It tackles many subject and ironies regarding the unexpectedness of Life and Death which naturally brings about many different emotions.

I have no idea what the movie is about before except that it dwells on the subject of the deceased and that it won the best foreign film award in the Oscars.

For those who plan to but have not been able to find time to see it. I sincerely implore you to make time for this film as it is totally worth your time and money. However, do make your booking as it has been selling out ever since it started screening.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Anybody walking into this movie hoping to be entertained have better consider other options. There is seriously nothing entertaining about the Jew persecution in the Second World War.

The story unfolds through the eyes of an eight-year-old German boy who establishes an unlikely friendship with another boy of his age in a nearby concentration camps that his father, a Nazi SS officer, was task to manage.

The glaring differences of their relationship reiterates that Friendship (like Love) is something that knows no bounds. This movie also served as a rude reminder that Life is never fair. But we have to continue to do whatever we can to strike a balance whenever we can or have the choice to, especially as adults.

The movie kinda picked up in its last quarter as I was really curious what was going to happen next and how the movie would end. It scores full point on morals but could have been much better if all its actors was not spotting an overpowering English accent.

Let the Right One In

This must be the most dreamy Vampire movie I've ever seen not that I have seen that many nor are there many good ones anyway. The last Swedish-Vampiric (Frostbiten) movie experience I had was not a good one which kinda set off my reservations when I walked into this. Surprisingly, this one is not bad at all for a lazy weekday afternoon.

The storyline is rather simple and very straight foward. It is however slightly on the slower side but the arty (not farty) indy feel of the movie more than makes up for it.

It is funny how most Vampire movies is genered undered Horror where in fact most of them turns out to be romance.

Valkyrie

Watching this movie reminded me of a quote that I read in the opening of another one: "All that is necessary for Evil to triumph, is for Good men to do nothing."

I am very sure everyone knows the long and short of this movie and how the story turns out in the end. Perhaps watching it with that in mind free up all expectations which allows us to soak fully into the little details of its deliverance.
This must be the most amazing World War II film I have ever seen with the least shots fired but yet the intensity kept me hanging to the edge as the plot unfolds and the tide turns.
They even included a nice little touch to the preserve the authenticity of the film as they did for a much earlier movie involving Russian submarines.

Being a nut of the Romanic standards, insignias and uniforms from the Third Reich. I have waited a long time to watch this movie knowing that the different costumes involved are all the uniforms of Nazi Germany. They turn out to be quite the splendid sight as I have imagined them to be.

This may not at all seem like a movie to bring the Ladies to other than the fact Tom Cruise is in it. I would not be surprised if they secretly Thank you for taking them to it after when the credits roll.

The Wrestler

Despite having some idea what this movie is about did not do much to prepare me for the kind of emotions that it brought about during its course.
Although this movie is very down to Earth. It is nevertheless a truly depressingly sad tale. Nothing in it feels puffed up at all. To sum it up in a few words: It does not get more real than this!

Some parts of the show are shot in chase-cam style which instantly gave the movie its poignant feel and some scenes are truly graphic in both good light and bad ones.

I am sure we have all been exposed to the glamour of professional wrestling, if not at some stage, been fans of the charade ourselves.
However, this film gives us an insight to one particular wrestler's Life and the pain he goes through in his later years. Somehow I cannot help but feel that his character speaks for many of those in the industry.

Needless to say, the story literates much morals and values about second chances (hits and misses). What it is that we do well in Life and how everything comes to a stand-still when we stop doing exactly those things.

Defiance

A true story of how four Jew brothers who escaped from the clutches of their Nazi aggressors and hence started banding up with other Jew stragglers who seek refuge in the forrest. They pick up and start rebuilding the Lives that they have lost hence forming a resistance group employing the use of guerilla tatics not to fight back but for mere survival.
However, this movie does not focus too much on the fighting but rather, the shine comes from how the community in the forrests grows out of proportion and the many problems faced by the brothers to keep everyone alive and in line. It is one of those well written war films that questions the morality of fighting for survival when tested in everyway possible. It stresses very much on the importance of the Brotherhood and camaraderie not restricting only to those of the same blood but all those who fight for the same cause. There are also some very well placed references to the Old Testament which are obvious in certain scenes.
This movie is not only surprisingly fantastic but also very authentic, spotting Russian dialogue aplenty. There are certain moments in the film which are truly triumphantly moving.

Daniel Craig played his true calling in this movie as he rough it out in the dirt as it becomes increasingly difficult, as the story progressed, to reassociate him with the well-heeled British operative from MI6.

The Reader

The story relates of an affair between a teen and a Lady in post-war Germany. What started out as teen loins and pure lust slowly pans out into a full fledge relationship.

It is a fantastic story and very different from your usual run-of-the-mill Love stories. The main thing that spoke to me most was the unbreakable bond that the teen and the Lady shared. The kind of respect and unselfish sense of responsibility that the bond entails for each in different ways.
Also it would definitely help if one walks into the cinema knowing a thing or two about the persecution of the Jews during World War Two by the Nazis' (where the HELL were you?) to understand the gravity of the storyline in the later scenes. Although it is based on a novel, it could just as well have been a true story. At least that was how as it felt to me.
There are a few moving scenes to the point of tears. It seemed that the second half of the film struck me as rather gray and solemn. But that is perhaps the feeling the makers wanted to exact in its audiences.

Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes need no introduction as they have already distinguished themselves in the industry but Kate Winslet truly deserve recognition for her performances throughout the movie. The "kid", David Kross was sensational!

Doubt

The trailer of this movie struck me as a question raiser. True to its title. It did raise alot of questions about right and wrong. Belief and disbelief as it sways you both ways in the course.

The pace is set on the slow side as it builds the conflicting idealism of the Principle and the Father of the Catholic school. What your perceptions from the exteriors of these characters are and how at every turn, the story gives you the hot and cold about your own judgements.

There are some moments that are sacarstically funny but this is quite a serious film to begin with. Honestly, I do not think everyone will enjoy this movie as it asked some questions that has no answers. Hence, the title of the film is perfect for this movie.

The Changeling

Clint Eastwood (next to Sean Connery) has been my hero as I grew up watching all his classic westerns and Dirty Harry films. I have followed his works (both starred and directed) rather closely since and most of his recent directions manage to instill better moral values as they are mostly based on true stories and actual events.

This film is a true story which revolves around the preposterousness of the Los Angeles Police Department during those times. And how the will, determination and Love of a single-Mother desperately searching for her missing son brought down the whole department against all odds.

I can relate to the fact that when you lose someone that means everything to you, you really have very little left to lose and since that be the case here. The single-Mother hung on to whatever she has left and went all out to make sure the authorities continue the search for her missing son which lead to a major chain of events that unfolded.

The story's pace was a very comfortable one taking its time to build the different characters surrounding the lead. It also pays plenty of attention to the emotional pains and psychological stress that one goes through when faced with such uncertainties. Most of those scenes are really intense and brought about sniffles that can be heard throughout the cinema. If there is one simple word to properly describe this film it will have to be: 'Powerful'.

The cast is strong and on-screen chemistry was all in the right places.

Angelina Jolie has established herself as one of the many sex-symbols of our times and have been casted as the X-factor in too many action films that we know of. However her focused acting in this film has elevated her to a totally different echelon and I would not be surprised she bags another Oscar for her more than remarkable performance here.

It has always been a pleasure to watch John Malkovich work his magic as his presence is always been felt and never once disappointing but pretty far from it.

The only gripe I have is not with the film itself but how a film of such intensity did not reached our little island earlier and that the poster in our light-boxes did the actual film no justice at all.

Inkheart

After the success of Lord of the Ring and Harry Potter, fantasy adaptations made a huge comeback onto the silver screens. Some are enchantingly mind-blowing, whereas others fall kiddishly short as compared with their predecessors. This film seem to be able to strike a healthy balance between the two.

Although it may not be in the league of the best fantasy adaptations that have been made as it leans slightly onto the kiddy side. It is definitely one of the better ones I have seen so far with a well paced story-telling which held my attention to the main story that cuts from bits and pieces of fairy tales we grew up with giving it a charmingly familiar air.

Brendan Fraser and Paul Bettany complimented each other quite well although the chemistry is not obvious in the beginning. My attention was drawn to Helen Mirren, best known for her portrayal of Elizabeth II in The Queen, who instantly gave the movie its European feel the moment she entered into the scenes. The Villian looked rather familiar at first but I will leave you to figure out the who and where.

A good movie to bring a date although not all Ladies like tales of fantasy but you should know their likes or dislike by now and if you do already, I suggest you find out.

The Punisher

This being one of my favourite titles for a while back in my teens but having been disappointed twice by the former comic adaptations I had little or no expectations whatsoever when I walked into this third one. The only reason I hung on was mainly because of my unsatiated expectations for this Marvel anti-Hero which I still hold dear and perhaps partly due to Marvel's recent successes with their on screen adaptations.

The bullet shells and bodycounts definitely lived up to the expectations for this title. Even the technicals and hardwares displayed would put the Bangladeshian army to shame. Surprisingly, the amount of blood splatter and brain matter totally blew me away making this undoubtly the most violent comic adaptation to date (totally befitting its M18 rating), if not the most violent action movie around.
The story is very straight forward and stuck rather closely to the good-old vigilante that I knew. The black comic relief in some of the scenes sent me rolling off my seat which I consider a bonus. Even scenes displaying Frank Castle's Human side and conscience are carefully proportioned so as not to slow the pace of the movie.

Initially, I was not totally sure about Ray Stevenson portraying Frank Castle. But as the story unfolded, he fell right into character.

This is so much of a guy-movie that it is not recommended to bring a date to unless you know for sure she is a "violent" chick who is totally into guns and exploding heads.

Eden Lake

Was hoping to get some good B-grade slashing action when I walked into this one not even realising its a Brit flick.

The story is nothing new to us only this time around, the hiking couple are not terrorised by an unknown slasher or resident serial killer but a group of teen-hooligans as a fun-filled camping weekend in the woods turns out to be an all out survival nightmare.
The built-up of the movie was quite good. But sadly it fell quite flat thereafter and the ending was really disappointing... At least to an old-fashioned bloke like me who still believes in the natural order of things. The movie did have its moments though when it comes to making you cringe in your seats and your skin crawl... Brrr...

Like all slasher flicks, the damsel in distress is always the anchor of the whole movie. Kelly Reilly not only displayed her dexterity and charms for such a differing role from what she is used to. She showed off that she has the goods to match too!

赤壁：决战天下 (Red Cliff II)

After the slight disappointment from the first movie, the second one, where most of the major plot and action lies, landed the fatal blow for both me and my Dad in totality.
Having grown up on tales from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, I understand that many parts of the romanticised version may not have actually happened in history. But what I saw what utter nonsense! Especially the final battle where all the major characters met in the final battle. Totally unheard of!!!
For a person who Loves history (especially that of China), the movie should not be given that name or at least the story could have stuck slightly closer to what we already know. However, whatever went on screen was a total abomination of John Woo's imagination. Although John Woo did give us a better tomorrow and some of those really classic triad shows, he should really stick to what he do better than re-writing China's history just to make the box office. It is somewhat disgusting to him being a Chinese if you ask me.

For those who do not know much of the history aspect of the Three Kingdom. You may find the movie experience a more enjoyable one as did my Girlfriend. But please do not relate this too much to history as it isn't.

The Spirit

Previous films adapted from Frank Miller's comic book (Sin City and 300) have pretty much given me an idea of what to expect as the story and art direction does not deviate much from pulp. The sepian monochrome and colour highlights of his evolved silhouette inking styles are totally alike in many of his fantastic black and white comic books. This film makes little distinction from any of those other movies except Frank Miller did the full works (from script to direction) for this adaption although I do not remember Frank Miller pencilling nor inking this title in the past.
Although the story is fairly straight forward, the overall experience is still quite an awesome one.
However, this may not be the best adaption among the three we have seen so far as it did fall a little short on the depth of the story. But what the story lacks, the femme fatales more than make up for in skin tight leather bodysuits and cleavages.
Eva Mendes and Scarlett Johansson 'nuff said!
There are also some very recognizable classic comic relief as how it would have been in most comics of that era.

Samuel L. Jackson does what he does best as the BMF (again...) but honestly, too much of a good thing may not be that good sometimes...

Having waited for this movie to open as the poster clearly states 'Christmas 2008' made me wonder why I have not seen it on any of the major screens anywhere. A quick check revealed that this is an 'exclusive' film only screened in Eng Wah cinemas in Singapore. And why that is completely puzzles me...
I caught this on a Friday afternoon and it was the FIRST time, as far as I can remember, being the ONLY person in the cinema. Trust me, watching the film alone and being the only person there is quite a different experience really...

Do stay to appreciate the art of the Spirit by Frank Miller sprawled along the two sides of the credit list.
For those who have been looking forward to catching it, please do so soon as there is no saying how long more it will stay on the big screen.

Elegy

A passionately fantastic but yet unpretentious story about how Love transcends everything and will always remain the most timeless gift one can give to our partner. It also stresses how complications arise from the little things we have to deal with in our everyday Life that surrounds us and our own insecurities, whatever they may be...

The story is narrated from the melancoly perspective of someone in the Autumn years of his Life which will relate more to the senior and more mature crowd. It also suggest something about being alone may not necessarily be the same as being lonely.
The story unfolds in a comfortable pace and like I have mentioned earlier is not puffed up like how most Love stories are. It is a very real story which I had seen in a very long time.

I did read a little bit of the sypnosis before walking into this one although the strong cast is reason enough for me to watch it without doing so.

Sir Ben 'Ghandi' Kingsley's performance is timeless (as always) and he may yet bag himself another Oscar. I cannot help but feel envious of him and for those who have seen the movie, I am sure you understand why. What a Lucky Dawg!!!
Penelope Cruz is truly amazing!!! I do sincerely hope that she gets at least a nomination for her superb acting. I am sure if I am envious of Sir Kingsley, Penelope would have been the envy of the Ladies. How pleasantly surprised am I that she shed her clothes in more ways than one for this role and my God... She IS a work of art!

This may not be the most conventional movie around but I highly recommend it as a date worthy movie. The appreciation of this movie draws a very clear distinction between Boys from Men and Girls from Ladies.

Ong Bak 2

If you're expecting anything close to Ong Bak or Tom Yam Gong, please re-evaluate and lower your expectations to the lowest possible.
I walked into this movie not having any expectations for the story but fully to witness the glory of Muay Thai action at its best by Tony Jaa. Even that proved insufficient in managing my utter disappointment...

The story was mediocre and the most unbearable part was the prolonged scenes that did nothing to compliment the action but only seem to lengthen the movie, which it did perfectly cause I truly cannot wait for the movie to end.
The major let down was the action scenes which only consisted of 30% of the movie and only 10% showcased the splendid art of Muai Thai which was always quite intense. The rest is a mess of Kung Fu, Silat and everything else... Even Kenjitsu (Way of the Samurai Sword) somehow found its way into the film??? A classic case of trying too hard to do too much but falling short in every aspect.
Tony we Love you for giving us Tom Yam Gong but please stick to what you do best cause that is exactly why we Love you...

I would not even recommend anyone to watch this movie let alone bring a date.

Seven Pounds

Not having any idea (nor do I want to) after seeing the trailer a few times kinda gave me some expectations for it. However, the movie is just a little slow moving and the dispellment of the mystery did not come in a swift blow of awe.
As the story unfolded, it kinda gave me an idea what to expect in the end. It is nevertheless quite a fresh bitter sweet concept which is arguably touching.
It did make me think about what I am doing with or to my natural gifts as compared to someone who do not have them in healthy working condition...

A lean and detached looking Will Smith delivers a matching performance as he did for The Pursuit of Happyness, where he was superb!
The HOT Rosario Dawson from Deathproof downplays her sexy charms to portray that of a sickly lady with serious ailment. Somehow I still find her HOT in a sickly kinda way here. Am just glad she is given a bigger role this time around.

On a scale of chick-flick this would probably be a 6 at most. There are some truly romantic moments but in such movies there can only be one kind of ending...

College

If there is a really really bad coming of age film that somehow finds itself categorized under the soft porn DVD section. This would be one of them.

Having seen a fair share of growing up films about beer, drugs, sex and fake IDs. This would be one of those that is really overdoing it. There are some faintly laughable scenes but none that really keeps you rolling. Even the main characters seems like xerox copies of every other teen movies I have seen. To be totally fair. I think that it could be either the movie suckedballs or I am growing out of this genre (in another words getting old...). The verdict is that this movie suckedbigtime and I aged 5 years just sitting through it.

For those who saw it and think its really funny. You should go check out SUPERBAD as a proper comparison. Now THAT is a fuckinfunny (teenage movie) movie that sent me rolling non-stop!

Then again, every generation has their own share of coming of age movies so maybe this is just not mine.

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea 崖の上のポニョ(Gake no Ue no Ponyo)

Studio Ghibli's most recent gem comes off as a little more kiddish as compared with past their past animation films. However, the underlying messageof Love being the greatest gift of Life and the subtle hints of our environment remains unchanged. It is really surprising how Hayao Miyazaki's imagination continues to charm its audiences with crisp and amazing (old school) cell art rather than choosing to make all of it with CG animation.

Although it does not encompass the scale comparable to Spirited Away, 千と千尋の神隠し(Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi). It is nevertheless a pleasant visual treat like all Ghibli's productions are and hopefully will continue to be.