Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Melmen, Gloria, Alex, and Marty escape to Africa in "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa".

Happy 2009 again. So how do you want to spend your whole 2009? Go to Africa? Maybe you'll see Alex dancing and playing around there. Just cut the crap. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, the "2" means what? Is it "To" or it is a "sequel"? Yes it is a sequel. It is directed by Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath who brought you the first "Madagascar". The film begins with a flashback on Alex when he was a kid, he used to dancing and playing around instead of training with his father. Because he is too naughty, he has been snatched by hunters and because of the small chases between his father and the hunters, Alex's crate falls down to the ocean and washes to New York city. From there, he become very famous and everyone in New York love him very much (or should I call him "It"?). Then the films jump to the scene where Alex (Voices of Ben Stiller), Zebras (Voices of Chris Rock), Melmen (Voices of David Schwimmer) and Gloria (Voices of Jada Pinkett Smith) singing with each other and they were prepare for a flight back to New York. But things are not going so well, their plane are running out of fuel and their plane crash landed in the Africa plains. Then, without any new plane, fourth of them take off to find any help. During their trip for help, they realise that, their friendship are more important than flying back to New York city. I don't want to write so detail because the story is more interesting than I wrote it above. In my opinion, I like the story of this movie. The story told us that friendship are more important than anything else, and there will be a lot of touching moment between Alex and Zebras which I really like. Despite a great story, this movie losses a lot of funny joke, and in my opinion some of the scene are trying to be funny but it failed. The scene which I talking about is the scene where the old lady "Nana" engaged Alex violently. It is trying to be funny but for me is quite lame, and too over the top. Ooh, I forgot to say something about the story, it is very similar with "Happy Feet". Did you notice that? For me, yes it is. Other than that, the film not too focus on the "Mort" (A very cute creature which has a big big eyes). If the character shows up as much as the "Scrat"(A fictional Saber-tooted Squirrel) in "Ice Age 2: Melt Down", it will be more funnier than the first "Madagascar". Actually I want to give this movie 3 out of 4 stars, but I can't, because I think "Madagascar" is a lot funnier than this one although it is a very short movie. And surprisingly this movie is still alive and I really hope they can do a lot better next time. Overall, "Although it is less funnier than it predecessor, but it's still fun to watch".

Saw V

Saw V, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Tobin Bell as John Kramer/Jigsaw and there will be a lot of flash back in "Saw V".

Although Halloween has passed long time ago, but I still need to review this movie. Happy new year to you all. Now is 2009, so I need to spend this night to review last year movies. Saw V, directed by David Hackl, who is a first time director. The films begins with a criminal who was released from a prison and chained to a table and above him is a pendulum which can slice off his body. If he want to survive the game, he must crushed his hand so that he wont hit by the pendulum. Even though he crushed his hand but the pendulum still cut him into half. That's mean the trap is inescapable, and someone except jigsaw has purposely done this trap. Then the films jump to Agent Peter Strahm (Scott Patterson) enter the room where jigsaw died. Suddenly he has been attacked by a person who wear a pig mask. After surviving the jigsaw game, Peter Strahm started to gather some of the jigsaw's victim and revisits some of the crime scene and pieces altogether the puzzle. So, he on his way to find out who was the apprentice of jigsaw. So there will be a lot of flash back. The flash back is about how does the jigsaw has a apprentice and how he influence someone to join him. So there will be a lot of psychology thinking here. The best part of this film is how he influence that person (I don't want to be a spoiler) to follow his step. After that, the film jump to the scene where five people are waking up in a sewer and have to play a few stages of jigsaw game. In the end, although the ending is predictable but still contain a bit of plot twist. Actually the whole movie has a lot of jump scene, so I don't know how to explain the whole story. In my opinion, this movie is the weakest in the Saw franchise. There will be a bit disappointment throughout the story. The story is quite disappointing is because this movie is too focus on the flashback instead of five people in the sewer. Because of this, there will be less blood and gore than it predecessor. So, I minus 0.5 mark here. Besides that, the tag line of this movie is "You won't believe how it ends", the "How" means a lot of things, actually. Other than that, there will be a big plot hole in this movie. The first 5 minutes of the movie is a plot hole (I won't tell you what it is unless you already watch the movie. If you don't know, just message me. Haha). Because of that, I minus another 1 mark. Is "Saw V" a bad movie? I don't think so, because there are many things that I like from this movie. The jigsaw game is quite creative, although is less blood and gore, but the game requires some teamwork, and it really shows the characteristic and mindset of the five people in the sewer. The director done a great job in it. I do really hope that Saw VI will do much more better than this. Here comes an overall of this movie, "Although it is less blood and gore but still a watchable intelligence horror movie."

Burn After Reading

Burn After Reading, 3.5 out of 4 stars

Brad Pitt as Chad and he has a big big big trouble in "Burn After Reading"

This few days I just reviewed horror and action movie. So, today I'll choose a comedy film, of course a comedy film which some people might not like it. But for me, I like it. "Burn After Reading" is a comedy film directed by Coen Brothers (Joel Coen and Ethan Coen) who brought you their masterpiece "No Country for Old Men" in 2007. The story of this film is quite complicated for me while watching it. But after awhile, it's like a puzzle all piecing together and became a hilarious comedy. The film begins with a CIA analyst, Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich) who has been fired because of drinking problem. Drinking Problem? After that, he went back home and tell his wife, Katie Cox (Tilda Swinton) that he want to write a memoir. His wife were shock and wanted to divorce. So she went to meet her divorce lawyer to listen some advise. After that day, Katie copy all of her husband personel and financial files into a disc. After give it to the lawyer. Don't know how, the lawyer accidentally drop the disc at the gym club. Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt), an employee of the gym thought the content of the disc is highly classified. His fellow employee, Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) who need money to have plastic surgery. So Chad took this chance to blackmail Osbourne by showing the information at the Russia Embassy. Then both of them has a big big big trouble. So they have to find a way to solve the problem. You want to know? Just watch this movie. It's hard to write down the story because there is too many character inside this movie and it makes the story a bit hard to catch up from the beginning, that's why it loses 0.5 mark here. But, I really envy the director, they know how to manage the character very well and fit into the story. The story is quite unique, because nowadays there is no such movie that make fun of CIA (Maybe there is but I don't know) and the style of the comedy is different. That's why I said not everyone like it (I watch with my friend, and he said "This movie is stupid, I hate it!!). But I hope you all to give it a try (If not nice just blame me, haha just kidding). Although it feels abit draggy from the beginning, but after watching it, the whole movie is very hilarious. Besides that, I like their acting very much especially Brad Pitt and John Malkovich. It really surprise me that John Malkovich act as a good guy here (maybe not). But sometimes their act is quite disturbing and it is a perfect fit for this story. This movie really has a great cast. Other than that, when I watch this movie, I also focus on cinematography which is really good. I had not much to write about this movie, so here comes a conclusion. This is a movie with a lot of character but it is hilarious, and fun to watch.

Max Payne

Max Payne, 1 out of 4 stars

Mark Wahlberg as Max Payne and Mila Kunis as Mona Sax in "Max Payne" or should I call it "Max Pain"?

Max Payne, it is the worst game adaptation movie I ever seen recently. I said it and I mean it. "Max Payne" is based on a popular game also called Max Payne. This film is directed by John Moore who directed "Flight Of The Phoenix" at 2004. This movie is about a detective, Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg) trying to investigate and find the murderer who killed his wife and his daughter. In his search, he met Natasha Sax (Olga Kurylenko) and from there he also met Natasha's sister, Mona Sax (Mila Kunis). During his search, he found out that most of the people are taking some kind of drug which the film called "Valkyr". "Valkyr" is a drug which can make the person having hallucination and make the person become super soldier. So, Max Payne make his own way to find out the person who killed his wife. In the end he found out that the person who killed his wife is the person who he trusted well along the way. Well the plot is short because I don't know what to write about and because the story is very simple and boring, actually. Besides that, this movie only have a few scene of action sequences which I think it's sucks, even action junkies would not praise this movie I think. Other than that, I hate this movie because it only has two scenes using slow motion technique. Okay, let me tell you the truth, if you play the game before you sure know that the game contain a lot, which I mean hell lot of slow motion or should we call "Bullet time" sequences. But in this film, it only have two scenes using slow motion. Okay, maybe it's not suitable for one film having a lot of slow motion, but at least add more slow motion sequences in it just like they did in "300" and it will be a better movie. I want to have a lot of slow motion in this film is because it is a trademark in Max Payne (Game). After I watch this movie, someone told me that maybe they should try to make it like "Sin City" which contain alot comical style in it. Maybe it works. Despite a weak plot progression and bad acting, the only thing that I really admire from this film is the set design, it really follow the game design and they did it well. But still, this movie is a mess or just a toxic waste, even "Hitman" is better than this. I like "Hitman"(movie) a lot, actually. It's a lot better than this. Yes, this is a very short review so I will straight to the point, I'm quite disappointing about this film and it will be one of the worst movie this year. AND I MEAN IT!!

Quarantine

Quarantine, 4 out of 4 stars

Jennifer Carpenter did a lot of screaming in "Quarantine", a movie which also make you scream.

Woow. It since how many months that I didn't watch movie already. Haha Just kidding. I never update the blog doesn't mean I didn't watch movie. Actually I watch hell lot of movie recently. Today, I just wanna spend a little time just to review one of my favourite horror movie this year, which is "Quarantine". It is directed by John Erick Dowdle. Who is this guy anyway? I myself also dont know who he is. "Quarantine" really amaze me since "Cloverfield". It's really an effective horror film which can make you jump out from your seat. Maybe alot of people out there dont really like this film because it uses the shaky camera technique same as "Cloverfield" and of course a lot of scene are shaky. The film begins with a reporter Angela Vidal (Jennifer Carpenter) making a documentary at Los Angeles fire station followed by her cameraman, Scott (Steve Harris). Both of them are introduced to a night shift firefighters Fletcher (Johnathon Schaech) and Jake (Jay Hernandez). During documentary, a medical emergency at an apartment is reported and firefighters are needed just in case there is a fire or something else. Then Angela and Scott are following them. When they reached the apartment, they have accompanied by the apartment manager, Yuri (Rade Serbedzija). Yuri explained to them that he heard a woman screamed and now is silent. So they make their way to second floor if not mistaken. Yuri unlock the door then they see a woman just standing there. Her cloth is covered with blood. When they tried to take her out of the room, she bites James (a police officer) before subdued by Fletcher. They bring James downstair to get medical assistance. When they reached the ground floor, they found out that the building has been quarantine by the authorities. They have no idea why they quarantine the building. So they make their way to find out the answer and after that they realize that their simple goal is to get out from the building as soon as possible. I just watch this movie few weeks ago, it really amaze me and I forgot to write down some very important info which is this movie is a remake of the Spanish horror film "Rec.". When this movie came out from the theater, there is alot of people say "It will not as nice as "Cloverfield"". (Of course for those who like "Cloverfield"). But for me, it is as nice as "Cloverfield". I give this movie 4 stars is because their acting is very top notch. Don't talk about winning an Academy Awards, but their every expression in every conditions in this film are really 100%. Why impression are so important in this movie is because the story is only in an apartment. The apartment is just a small place, so intense action sequences cannot cover up the story or bad acting. In "Cloverfield", the set are big scale, so it has to use action sequences and more. Other than good expression, this movie also contain a little bit story telling to explain what was happening in this apartment before they get here, so that the audiences will know why the apartment has been quarantine, unlike "Cloverfield" it is a big scale movie so there is no story telling. Besides that, this movie contain a lot of blood and gore which is very suitable for this film and every scene from this movie are very intense and fun. I like it very much and it a lot better than "Diary Of the Dead". In conclusion, for those who like horror movies, this movie really works!!

The X-Files: I Want to Believe

The X-Files: I Want to Believe, 3 out of 4 stars.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson team-up again for a new cases in "The X-Files: I Want to Believe".

This is not about alien anymore...but the truth is still out there.

I write this reviews after I wrote Eagle Eye review. Actually I watch this movie before "Eagle Eye". Sounds strange? Ah...cut the crap. Actually I found myself a lot of time today, so I just using this free time to do some reviews. The X-Files: I Want to Believe, directed by the creator of The X-Files TV series, Chris Carter. Sounds nice isn't it? Since that I almost forget my comment in my head, so I just make it quick. The film begins with a FBI agent, Monica Banan has been attacked by an unknown person. Then the films jump to the scene where Father Joseph Fitzgerald Crissman (Billy Connolly) and a group of FBI found a broken hand on the spot. After that, the films focus on Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) are now a physician in a Catholic Hospital and she's now treating a boy named Christian who has Sandoff disease. One day, an FBI agent came and ask her to help them to investigate the disappearance of two women. Scully, then trying to convince her ex-partner, Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) to help her. Then both of them has been sent to Washington D.C. There, they met Father Joe who claims god giving him the vision to see crime and others. From there, Mulder has found out a lot of clue and finally knowing the answer of disappearance of the women and before the time has gone, Scully and Mulder have to face the problem with each others and Scully has to make a choices whether to continue treat Christian or just let Father Ybarra, the head of the hospital to make the decision which is removed Christian from the hospital to a palliative-care facility to live his remaining day. Actually, I'm tired to write out all the story of this movie, because I don't want to be a spoiler sometimes. Actually and honestly I really enjoy this movie more than "Eagle Eye", of course not a lot. First, this movie is about making a choices, mindset and other small issue about moral. That's why I liked this movie. Like I said "this is not about alien anymore.." Unlike the first X-Files movie, "The X-Files" (1998), although I not yet see it, but it is about aliens. The story of this movie is fine but not great. I think some of the TV series fans will feel disappointed with the story, but for me I think it is fine because it is not involve in alien or other supernatural things. I think aliens are outdated already. The story is very simple, easy to absorb and easy to understanding. The acting is great especially Gillian Anderson. It been a while I didn't see her in the big screen, and I found out that her acting is still great when she act in X-Files. Besides that, the chemistry between both of them is very good. Despite good acting, this movie also contain a few thrilling moment which is I quite admire of. The director done a great job in maintaining the thrilling sequences with the story telling. He arrange it perfectly, and audiences will not feel this movie is boring or draggy. Did this movie require a lot of thinking? What I can say is yes, but not a lot. The ending of this movie is nice also because it doesn't show how it ends, the ending is depends on the audiences themself, and that's how the x-files tv series sometimes did, if I not mistaken. I'm a fan of x-files, and I really like the way they do the ending, it sometimes scary and very disturbing but not this one. This ending is very comfortable and relaxing. Here comes an overall. Oops, this is a very short review. It is short because this movie is very simple but very absorbing. That's all I want to say. Overall, this movie is very absorbing, sometimes thrilling, sometimes touching and I really enjoy every moment from this movie.

Eagle Eye

Eagle Eye, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan are getting instructions from an unknown woman in "Eagle Eye".

Eagle Eye, released few weeks ago and I'm planning to watch it few weeks ago but I couldn't make it. I just saw "Eagle Eye" yesterday with my friends and I just feels like this movie is not what I expected from director D.J Caruso who also brought you his masterpiece, "Disturbia" in 2007 and also starring Shia LaBeouf who is nowadays a great young actor. The films begins with the army forces lead by The Secretary of Defense (Michael Chiklis) are tracking down an unknown terrorist and they have to make a decision to eliminate the terrorist by using a MQ-9 Reaper UCAV. But they have a difficulty of getting a possitive ID proves. So, the system recommend to abort the mission. But the president orders The Secretary of Defense to carry on the mission. Then the films focus on the life of Jerry Shaw (Shia LaBeouf) which is very lifeless and gameble everyday to earn extra money. One days, his mother called him and told him that his twin brother is dead. After the funeral, Jerry when home and found out that his room is filled with explosives, weapon, and other top secret documents. He then recieve a call from an unknow woman who told him that the FBI will catch him in 40 sec? If not mistaken. He must escape before the FBI come in. He don't believe and he was catch by the FBI lead by Agent Thomas Morgan (Billy Bob Thornton). Then the films focus on the life of a single mother, Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan). The unknown woman call Rachel and she's been told that if she didn't follow her instruction, her son will be kill. Then in the FBI office, Jerry have a permission to make a phone call. But the unknown woman call Jerry again and he been told that she's already plan his escape plan. During the escape, he meet up with Rachel, both of them escape from the FBI by listening the instruction which the unknown woman gave. During the escape, they finally found out the identity of the unknown woman and before the time went out, both of them must find a way to save themself and Rachel herself must also find a way to save her son. Since last week, I write a review about "Death Race" and I said "this movie is not a really good movie". So, Eagle Eye also not a really good movie either. Most people or my friend will ask me, "Why? This movie is so much fun!" I personally quite like this movie but not much. This movie is not what I expect from D.J Caruso actually. First of all, I'm not statisfied the way he handle the plot progression. For example the part where Jerry has been told that his brother is dead, and the part where Jerry has been told that the unknown woman is actually is a ....(I'm not going to be a spoiler) then the film only started to introduce the ....(I don't want to be a spoiler). It feels very weird when you watch it and it doesn't give you the intense feeling and it does not require a lot of thinking. Besides that, the thing which happen from the first half of the movie for example action sequences is not intense at all and I didn't feel any eye-popping moment. But I liked second half of the movie, it started getting more and more intense. I don't know whether you all got notice one thing from this movie or not? which is if this movie don't have action sequences at all, this movie actually don't have a great story and it will be suck. I think I better stop blaming this movie already. The only thing I envy a lot from this movie is the acting. Shia LaBeouf is a great young actor, his acting in this movie is great. I think his acting is better than in "Transformers". His expression delivers the feeling of sad, curiosity and andrenaline rush at the same time. This is why I give this movie a credits. If there is no Shia LaBeouf, this movie will be boring. Overall, despite the great acting delivers by Shia, it is still not a great but fine action thriller.

Death Race

Death Race, 2.5 out of 4 stars.

Jason Statham (second left) and his crew in "Death Race".

I'm going all the way back....

It's been along time I didn't update my blog because I've been very busy, so now I just need a little more time just to update my blog. So I'll make a quick one. Death Race, directed by Paul W. S. Anderson who brought you his masterpiece "Soldier" in 1998. The film begins with the introduction of the death race in Terminal Island Prison. Death race is a race between cars and cars. The cars are filled with a lot of machine guns and other weapon and this show is broadcast to the world through a popular paysite on internet. Then the films jump to the scene where there is a battle between Machine Gun Joe (Tyrese Gibson) and a very popular masked driver, Frankenstein. Frankenstein has been defeated by Machine Gun Joe and dead. After that, the film introduce Jesen Ames (Jason Statham), a man who has a normal life with his wife and a baby. One day, he has been attacked by a masked intruder. The intruder killed his wife, and Jesen was sent to the prison. During the life in prison, he trying to find the killer of his wife, but one day the sadistic prison warden, Henessey (Joan Allen) offer him one chance to become a new driver of Frankenstein's Ford Mustang. Henessey told him that she know where his baby is. Jesen accept the offer and started to become a racer in the prison. Death Race have three stages. In stage one and two, the driver must survive but in stage three, the driver must win in order to add to the count towards freedom. So Jesen Ames make his way to stage three, and finally he slowly noticed that all this racing is a deception and he slowly found out who is the killer of his wife. Then he trying to find a way to get back his baby and make a new whole life. I watch this movie few weeks ago, and all my comments are already stored in my mind and waiting me to let it out. So now is the time. First of all, this movie is not a really good movie, but I still give it credits. When I watch this movie, I found out that this movie not require a lot of thinking. You no need to think about the characteristic of the character, what are they thinking, what are their mindset and others. All you think from this movie is they want freedom, that's all. Except for Jesen, he want freedom and get back his baby. Other than that, what make this movie is not a nice movie is because the acting. The acting is quite bad actually, but for Jason Statham his acting is normal, not as good as his previous work which I admire in "Transporter 2". I don't want to talk about others actor except Joan Allen. Joan Allen's acting is quite good. Maybe this is the first time I heard she say "Fuck" in movies. Besides acting, the plot of this movie is not good also. The story is too simple for this kind of action movie because nowadays action movie contains a lot of thinking, and explain the inside characteristic of the character to improve the story telling, for example "The Dark Knight" and "Hellboy II :The Golden Army". Despite bad acting and story, there is few things that I admire which is the concept of the racing. When I first time watch the trailer of this movie, I thought when the race begins they can start shooting with each others. After seeing it, then i found out that, the weapon system is locked. If you want to unlock it, you need to go through the unlock system which is you need to fight for it. Besides that, this movie shows that somel of them is not only fight for freedom, sometimes they also co-operate with each other to defeat another for example where Jesen and Machine Gun Joe defeat the Henessey's secret weapon, an 18 wheel tank truck filled with flame thrower and machine gun. Other than that, this movie has a lot of explosion. The action sequences is quite unique and intense. A lot of things blows up real good actually. Overall, if you want to have some dumb fun and some action, this movie delivers but if you want to have great story telling better avoid it.

Now, this time is not about movies

BRILLANTE WEBLOG AWARD



Today when I wake up at 2.30pm in the AFTERNOON, the first thing I do of course is brushing my teeth..After switch on my computer then I log on to my blog...and suddenly Pow!! My eye become wide open...I was so surprise Pei Pei has nominated me for this award. Actually I had no much to say, but thank you Pei Pei, I really appreciate it. So now I'm buying some little time to update my blog and really hope next time can do a lot more better.

What is Brilliant Weblog? Brilliant Weblog is a prize given to sites and blogs that are smart and brilliant both in their content and their design. The purpose of the prize is to promote as many blogs as possible in the blogsphere.

Here are the rules to follow:

When you receive the prize you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who has given it to you, and link them back. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs (or even more) that you find brilliant in their content or design. Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing they were prized with ‘Brilliant Weblog’. Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize (optional).All the bloggers have wonderful work and content in their blog and all deserve to get this.

I would like to pass this award to the bloggers mentioned below:
1. Daniel Goh
2. Joon Heng
3. Fong Yun
4. Pei pei
5. Qi Guang
6. XinYing
7. Adrian

WALL-E

WALL-E, 4 out of 4 stars

WALL-E has a date with EVE in "WALL-E".

This few days, I'm trying to update myself by watching latest movie in cinema, but I'm failed to do that. I watched WALL-E few days ago and I found out that this movie is much more better than "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor". WALL-E stands for "Waste allocation load lifter Earth-class". My first impression about this movie is like "What kind of story that Pixar can come out with by putting a robot in it?" When I watch this movie and do some research from Internet, I can say that this movie is very entertaining. WALL-E, directed by Andrew Stanton who direct "Finding Nemo" in 2003. He is also the voice of Fred in "Cars"(2006). The film begins with a close up of the earth, and it shows the earth is full of trash. The trash is compacted and stacked into sky scrapper-like tower. And there is WALL-E, which is the last robot remaining and it (It is a "He") still functioning. Everyday WALL-E's duty is to compact the trash into a cube and then stack it so that the trash is easy to disposal. He also collect items from others inactive WALL-E for spare parts. Every night, he watches a videotape which is 1969 musical film "Hello, Dolly!" (I want to watch it!!) From there, he learns how to communicate, emotion, love and others. Every morning, he have to recharge his battery by using the solar panel from his body, and continue his work again. One day, when he's collecting items and prepare to go home, he found a small plant which is very surprise for him. He put it in an old shoe and store in his house. One day, there is a giant spaceship sent by the Axiom (A spaceship which is a home for human beings and can support every needs for human.). The spaceship deploys EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator). WALL-E fall in love with her on first sight. But EVE didn't show any sign of loving him. EVE came to earth to search for plants. Shortly afterward, WALL-E took EVE to his home and he shows her the video tape, and finally the plant that he stored. EVE quickly stored the plant inside herself and deactivated. After that, the spaceship came again and retrieved EVE. WALL-E quickly races to the ship and grab the outer hull as the spaceship depart to the space. After arriving the Axiom, EVE and WALL-E must find a way to cooperate with the captain of the Axiom also the human to restore the images of the earth. And both of them fall in love. First of all, in every animation there must have a lesson to tell. I think this movie is very meaningful. Every tiny part from this movie has a meaning and lesson. For example the parts where a girl said "I didn't know we had a pool!". It means that, nowadays people just sit in front of the computer and didn't know the outside world. Other than that, it also show us that what will happen to us if we too rely on robots. This movie is great, because the lesson which teach us is very meaningful, and the way it shows the message is very unique and sometimes sarcastic. Besides that, there is not much conversation in this movie. And because this film is what we called "Silent movie", it still can tell us the story by using emotion and so on. Besides that, this film has a jaw dropping visual effects. It makes this film very charming and inspiring. The team behind the visual effects really put alot of effort in it. This movie has alot of fun from the start until the end and the audiences will really enjoy it. Overall, this movie is really a masterpiece from Andrew, and probably the best animation of the year or should I say the best animation so far produced by Pixar.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, 1.5 out of 4 stars.

Brendan Fraser have to fight with mummy again in this unnecessary sequel, "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor".

Maybe someone out there think that I'm really outdated about movies. Today I just watch the third installment of mummy series, "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" with my friends. It consider too late for me to watch it but I still need to review this movie. This film is directed by Rob Cohen, an action movie director who brought you "The Fast and the Furious" in 2001. The film begins with Emperor Han (Jet Li) has conquer his enemy and all of his enemy are buried under the Great Wall of China. In the other hand, he also mastered the five elements which is Metal, wood, water, fire and earth but he cannot conquer death. So he get help from Zi Yuan who knew where is the secret of immortality. Then he ordered his second in command, General Ming to help her for the research. During research, both of them fall in love with each others. One day, Emperor Han gave Zi Yuan a choice whether she will become his wife or watch her lover die in his hand. She rejected Han, and General Ming is pulled apart by the horses. Then Han stabbed Zi Yuan, and Zi Yuan reveals that she already cursed him and his army. After that, she escaped as Emperor Han and his army became the statues. Then the film jumps to 13 years after the events of "The Mummy Returns". Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) and his wife Evelyn (Maria Bello), both of them has a son named Alex (Luke Ford). His son is an adventurer just like his father. One day, Alex has found the Dragon Emperor's Tomb and he successfully bring the tomb back to Shanghai. In the other hand, Rick and his wife have a very important mission which is to take the Eye of Shangri-La back to the China. When they reach China, they accompanied by Jonathan (John Hannah). But, both of their vacation has been ruined by a men who betrayed them since his son has found the Tomb (I wont be a spoiler). After that, Emperor Han has been resurrect by using the water from Shangri-La and he is on the way to the Shangri-La. So, Rick, Evelyn, Jonathan, Alex and one mysterious girl, altogether must find a way to stop Emperor Han from resurrect his army before is too late. First of all, I think I have not much to talk about this movie because this movie is totally sucks. When I finish watching this movie, my friend and I wasn't talk about this movie. This movie is an action movie, so the most important thing to keep this kind of movie works is to have a good plot progression. The plot progression of this movie is so bad until the whole movie just feels like nothing happen in the beginning and then something happens, and then nothing happen, and then something happens again. This movie is 1 hour and 50 minutes long, plus having a bad screenplay and plot progression, this movie feels very boring and not moving at all. When I first time heard that Mummy 3 is coming out, I found out that it is directed by Rob Cohen and my expectation is become lower and lower. The reason is this director cannot do well in controlling the climax of the movie. The thing happens so suddenly and it end too fast, and the audiences have no time to absorb the feeling. "Stealth"(His previous work) is a great example. Besides that, after I came out from the cinema, there will be a lot of questions which came out from my mind. For example, during the final fighting scene between Zi Yuan and Emperor Han, why don't Han become a beast so that he can win the fight so easily? and from the first part of the film, Zi Yuan speak Mandarin but why until second part of the film Zi Yuan speak english? Where does she learn it? and why she can summon General Ming by speaking english? During the fight scene between Zi Yuan and Han, there will be a lot of slow motion which is make the fighting scenes looks very boring and not cool at all. The only thing that I really admire is the role playing by Jet Li, because he has the look of Emperor Han and very inspiring. The acting is not so bad, and the chemistry between Rick and Alex is not good enough. This movie is very unnecessary and it is a dissapointing sequel. Overall, I prefer watching "Journey to the Center of the Earth" also starring Brendan Fraser instead of this one. This movie is consider the weakest of the series and it is the worst summer movie this year. Thumbs down!!

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight, 4 out of 4 stars.

Batman (Christian Bale) confront with Joker (Heath Ledger) in "The Dark Knight".

The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan who brought you his masterpieces, a psychological film "Memento" in 2000, "Prestige" in 2006 and a great reboot of batman franchise "Batman Begins" in 2005. Now in 2008, he as a director and writer collaborated with his brother Jonathan Nolan came out with one of the year's best film "The Dark Knight". The film begins with a psychophatic clown who known as Joker (Heath Ledger), he rob a bank with a bunch of accomplice. After that, he kill all his accomplices just to have all the money and some fun then he escaped from the bank without people noticing. In the other side, there is a bunch of mobster having a meeting with Scarecrow (Villain from "Batman Begins"). Then batman (Christian Bale) cames and interrupt their meeting. To defeat crime, Batman, James Gordon and a new character from the movie Harvey Dent also known as Two-Face (Aaron Eckhart) are collaborating together. As a district attorney (D.A), he almost become a new hero in Gotham City and now he's in love with Rachael Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal), an assistant in D.A and childhood friend of Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale). In the other side, all the mob bosses are having a meeting with a Chinese accountant, Lau (Chin Han). When they're meeting, Joker came in with a lot of grenades attach on his body. He proposes to kill batman for them and he want the mob bosses to collaborate with him. Lau go back to Hong Kong for some reason. To catch him, batman went to Hong Kong and retrieve him then deliver to Gotham City Police. Joker is growing inpatient, he told the Gotham if the batman didn't show up and turn himself in to the police, he will started to kill all the police officer. (I won't giving out too much of the plot) So batman, Gordon, and Harvey Dent planning together to catch the Joker. Although the movie didn't show us the flash back of how He (Joker) become Joker, but it shows us that how Joker influences the people around him and make Harvey Dent become Two-Face. First of all, this movie is more darker and more funnier than "Batman Begins". It has a lot of dark humor. This movie is 2 hour and 30 minutes long, you won't feel boring or draggy. Every minutes of the movie is very entertaining and sometimes disturbing. There is one thing I like this director is in every movie he make, there will be something about psychology. In this movie, there will be a lot of psychology thinking. For example the part where all the citizens are trapped in the ferry full of explosives. And they have to decide whether they want to kill others to save themselves or not. It tells us that killing someone is not easy and much more. From this scene, it also tells us that after saving the city in "Batman Begins", batman really change the mindset of the citizens toward him and each others. Other than that, the story of this movie flows very smooth and is very easy to catch up. From the beginning, we might not know why they do this why they do that, but the story will explain for you everything. Besides that, the character development in this movie is great. The director done a great job in it. It tells us everything about the characteristic and their mindset of the character. Yes, this movie is all about making choices, and mindset. Although Joker just tells us the story why he becomes Joker, but maybe one of it is right. And there is a quotes from Harvey Dent which is very inspiring that is "You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." This movie has a lot of Academy Award winning actor and actress. So, the acting in this movie is very top-notch and very inspiring especially Heath Ledger. I'm quite sad that he passed away so fast. I can tell you that his acting in this movie is really unforgettable. He is the perfect fit for this character. His character is more scarier than the previous Joker in "Batman" in 1989. In this movie, he no need to fight some one or killing someone. He just need to talk, using his philosophy to influence or brain wash the person to work with him. This is the most disturbing and the most frightening character I ever seen within this few years. Heath Ledger really put a lot of effort to prepare this character as well as the others. That's the reason why I like this character and also hope that he will nominate in Academy Awards for his character. For action sequences, Yes there will be a lot of action sequences. I like the car chasing scene where the Joker using a lot of weapon trying to stop an armored transport car. The action is beautifully made. Other than that, this movie introduces Batpod which is a batcycle. It is the ejection from the tumbler he used in both batman film. It looks very cool and well designed. For music, Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard done a great job in composing the theme. Through the themes they composed, it really defines the characteristic of the character and the corruption of the city. That's one of the reason this movie is darker than the first. Here comes an overall. This movie is really absorbing, disturbing, thrilling and it is a biggest achievement this year. Does this movie better than Tim Burton's version of "Batman"? Yes, a lot better in a way of performance, story, dialogs and others. And both of "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight" is more realistic than previous batman movie. This is also one of the best comic book adaptation within this few years. Because this movie is too great until I really don't know what to write about it. It is worth to watch a few times in cinema and this is one of the year's best film.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Hellboy II: The Golden Army, 3.5 out of 4 stars

Hellboy and his team are ready to fight the golden army in "Hellboy II: The Golden Army".

This movie is directed by the visionary director, Guillermo del Toro who brought you his masterpiece "Pan's Labyrinth" in 2006. This is a sequel to the 2004 movie "Hellboy". The film begins with some flash back of a young hellboy. His father was telling him a bedtime story about an ancient battle between human and mythical creatures. Then he's talking about the crown which can take control of the unstoppable army called the golden army. The golden army killed all the human until the truce was made. So, the crown was break in to three pieces. Three pieces a going separately to human and elves. Then, the golden army are buried somewhere and became a legend. Then in the present, Prince Nuada the elf prince of underworld is trying to awake the golden army, so he made his way to find all three pieces of the crown. First, he kill his father. Then he took the second pieces from the auction house. The final pieces is from his twin sister Princess Nuada. Princess Nuada escaped and rescued by hellboy (Ron Perlman) and his team member Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) and a new character Johann Kraus (Seth McFarlane) who is a psychic. They are the member of BPRD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense). After saving Princess Nuada, Abe Sapien found himself are in love with Princess Nuada. Later, Princess Nuada hide the pieces in the BPRD headquarters. But, things are not going as well as they want it to be. Prince Nuada discovered his sister location, then he kidnapped her for the third pieces of crown. After that, all of them travel to the place where the golden army are buried. For saving the Princess Nuada, Abe Sapien gave the third pieces to the Prince. Then Prince Nuada awake the golden army, then hellboy and his team fight for their life to save the world. Hellboy also confront with Prince Nuada and facing with a difficult choice whether he want to follow the life he knows or the unknown destiny that blinds him. First of all, when I first time watch the trailer of this movie, I think this will be a very cool movie. After I seen it, this movie is not as cool as I expected but it's cool anyway. This movie is really funny. It's more funnier than the first of course. What I'm really admire is the director done a great job in maintaining the comedy element with the actions but sometimes it feels "too much". He combined both of the element in a very good way. I just can't believe I watch this movie before watching "Hancock". Up until now, I still haven't watching "Hancock", based on my analysis, I can say that this movie will be a lot funnier than "Hancock". Other than that, in his other masterpiece "Pan's Labyrinth", he focus more in plot progression, visual effects, acting, character development. That's the reason why it became his masterpiece. In this movie, I can't say it is perfect, he didn't focus much in the plot progression instead of visual effects, actions, and character development. This movie has a very stunning visual effects especially the part where the hellboy destroy a giant creature at the Manhattan streets. The creature looks very bad ass but turn out to be very friendly when it's dead. The action sequences is great also, it has a great fighting scenes between hellboy and Prince Nuada which is very fast and intense. And the fighting scenes is the part where the movie looks very cool. Besides that, it has a lot more new weird creature than the first film which is very new for us and most of them is unimportant. For acting, Ron Perlman really fit for this character. His acting is great. The chemistry between him and Liz is great. And I like the part where hellboy drink beer with Abe. From there, it shows us the chemistry between both of them are getting much more better than the first film. Overall, this is a movie which delivered a lot of actions, and it is more funnier, more smashing and more new elements than the first film. This is great adaptation which is I really expected from Guillermo del Toro.

College Road Trip

College Road Trip, 1.5 out of 4 stars

Eshaya Draper, Martin Lawrence, and Raven-Symone star in Walt Disney's "College Road Trip".

College Road Trip is a comedy directed by Roger Kumble and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. The film begins with some introduction of life lesson by a police officer, James Porter (Martin Lawrence), then he said that the trouble occurred when choosing a college which suitable for his daughter. 4000 colleges in the U.S, he wants his daughter, Melanie Porter (Raven-Symone) to study at college which have a good academics, campus safety, short distance from home and he repeated again that the most important is distance from home. So he choose Northwestern University. Then one day, Melanie received an offer which is there will be an interview with selected student including her at Georgetown university. The whole family were happy about it except her father. James was thinking about the distance of the University, which is 700miles away from home. Melanie thinks that she have an opportunity to learn how to be independence. So she plan a road trip with her friends to Georgetown University, but her father insisted on escorting her. Soon, Melanie found out that her trip are turning to a nightmare and there will be a lot of conflicts between both of them. This movie is family comedy genre film, the story sounds good but it turns out to be a boring, and unfunny film. This movie has a goofy plot which is sometimes it wants to make the audiences laugh and it fails to do it. It is so stupid until I cannot laugh at all when watching it. For example the part where a pig screws up other people marriage party, and every scene which include the pig is unfunny. It is so uninteresting because some of the pig movements are made of CGI. Other than that, the whole road trip is feels like no energy at all. It is just because of the stupid plot, it destroys the mood of the movie. The acting is fine, Raven's acting is full of energy but Martin's acting is not as well as I expected. The chemistry between both of them is fine and when almost reach the ending there will a part which is quite touching. I can say that, the actor are enjoying acting in this movie but the audiences are not enjoy watching it. The only few scenes which give the audiences the energy is the part where Melanie singing in the tourist bus with a bunch of crazy tourists. And there is a thing that I don't really understand, which is both father and daughter can do a perfect parachuting without a special training. This is impossible. Audiences sometimes seek for logic when watching a movie especially family genre film. This is a family genre film, many people whoever it is will like to watch it. And for people who like it sure hate me because I personally think this movie "Boring and sucks!".

Semi-Pro

Semi-Pro, 3 out of 4 stars

Will Ferrell and his team in "Semi-Pro". Are they Pro? Just wait and see.

Semi-Pro is a comedy directed by Kent Alterman and stars Will Ferrell. The story of this film is set in 1976, it sounds like this is a true story but it's not. From the beginning of the movie, it started with a song called "love me sexy" sing by Jackie Moon (Will Ferrell). Jackie Moon is a singer, and he used the profits from the song to form a basketball team in ABA (American Basketball Association). He formed his team and the team called the Flint Tropics. One day, the ABA commissioner has announces that the ABA will be merged with the NBA. He told Jackie that there is only 4 teams will be absorbed into the NBA and the rest of the league will terminate operations. Tropics, is the worst team in the league and is impossible to make it into the NBA. So, Jackie has to do something to make his team to reach the top 4 in the league. But after few days, the commissioner told Jackie that his team must also have a stable fan base and must have 2000 fans attend in every games of the season. So, having a great talent in promoting, he begins to promote his team by wearing animal suits, dancing at the basket ball court and others. Then they play the games to make their team to the top 4. From the first 10 minutes of the movie, I found out that this film is not really funny for me, the jokes are quite lame actually, but the movie started with the song "Love me sexy" and I like it very much, the lyric is very funny and because of this song, it cover up the joke which I think is not funny. Until now, I still thinking about this song. This movie has a goofy plot, when almost reaching the middle of the first half, the movie started to have fun and I laugh all the way until the end of the movie although some parts are stupid and gross. Besides that, I like the spirits of the Jackie Moon in the movie. He give his team a strong spirits, tell them how to teamwork with each others and also three words "ELE" which is "Every body love everybody". Will Ferrell who also act in "Blades Of Glory", he done a good job by giving the sense of humor in this film. His acting is nice but still not as great as in "Blades of Glory", he didn't use his full talent to give the audiences more surprises and it feels like some of the idea are already seen in his previous film. Overall, despite having a goofy plot, this movie is really funny and enjoyable. I really enjoy every minutes of this film.

Witless Protection

Witless Protection, 1 out of 4 stars

Larry the cable guy and Ivana Milicevic star in this witless film, "Witless Protection".

Witless Protection, is a comedy directed by Charles Robert Carner. The story is about a small town sheriff, Deputy Larry Stalder (Larry the cable guy). One day, he's having an afternoon tea with his friends, then suddenly he spotted a high class woman named Madeleine (Ivana Milicevic), she has surrounded by four mysterious FBI agents. He knows something is wrong about them, so he set a trap and trying to save the women by kidnapping her. After that, he found out that Madeleine is actually a witness of one of a crime case in Chicago. Then both of them have to travel to Chicago to solve the case. First of all, all I want to say is this is one of the worst film in 2008. From the beginning of the film, it looks friendly to us, and some scene are laughable. After a while, you will found out that this movie is really stupid in the way you cannot imagine. This film has a lot of stupid conversation and that was still fine, but their action, their technique they solve the problem, and their mindset is really stupid. I didn't spent a lot of time laughing in this film when I watch through the whole 1 hour and 30 minutes. I think there is about 30 seconds of the scene from the movie that I really laugh which is from the beginning and after the first half of the movie . After the end of first half, it started to become a bit boring because of the stupid plot and it sometimes very insulting. But the only thing I like is the chemistry between Larry and Madeleine in this film, which is quite nice actually and the rest is a trash. This is really a soulless film. Overall, this film is really mindless, witless and it is consider one of the worst film in 2008.

Wanted

Wanted, 3 out of 4 stars

Angelina Jolie as Fox, an assassin from Fraternity in "Wanted".

This film is loosely based on the comic book miniseries as the same name by Mark Millar and it is directed by a Russian film director, Timur Bekmambetov. This film stars James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. The film begins with some brutal shootout which is some audiences will think it is ridiculous. Then the film focus on a guy named Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) who is an accounts manager work in a firm and he always bullied by his boss. Then his life change in a sudden after he meet Fox (Angelina Jolie) who save him before he was killed by an assassin named Cross. Wesley has been told that Cross has killed his father and want him to join the assassin group known as Fraternity. Before become an assassin, he was been trained brutally so that he will become a killing machine. After completed the training, he has to complete a few mission which is killing people. Before he's on the way to kill Cross, he realize that everything is not going the way he expected and he's going to find out who's the one who set him up. First of all, the story of this film is good, it has explain the history of the assassin group in the beginning. Other than that, it has a plot twists at the second half of the movie. Besides story, the action sequences is awesome, the only thing I can say is "Woow". Before you're going to watch this movie, you have to put your logical thinking at your home first, then only you can go watch it. It has a lot of stylish action which is impossible to do it in reality and when you watch it you'll just say "Woow" in every action sequences appear in this film. Besides that, there will be a lot of blood and gore in every action sequences, it is too great until we do not care about the story telling and keep on waiting for the action. This film also sometimes funny and sometimes dumb of course in a good way. I think it is really fun and it makes the audiences feel like the adrenalin is really pumping through their vein. This film also used a lot of jaws dropping CGI effects and it used a lot of stunt work too (I think so) and this is the elements which gives this movie a lot of kinetic energy. Besides action sequences, the acting is fine especially James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie, but I'm quite admire the acting delivered by Morgan Freeman. Overall, a great action thriller which delivered a lot of stylish action, kinetic energy and violent. Stylistically cool!!

The Other Boleyn Girl

The Other Boleyn Girl, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson as the Boleyn girl in this historical drama, "The Other Boleyn Girl".

The Other Boleyn Girl, directed by Justin Chadwick and it is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Philippa Gregory. The film begins with two sister Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) and Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson), they are living their life peacefully at the country. At the other side, King Henry VIII (Eric Bana) has lost his son after his son was born. Both of the sister's father Sir Thomas Boleyn and uncle the Duke of Norfolk decided to choose Anne who is unmarried to become King Henry VIII 's mistress in order to increase their family status. Then both sister fight against each other for Henry's affection. First of all, this movie has a good story but not perfect in some other way. It told us the history of Anne Boleyn who after get birth a daughter named Elizabeth, Mary Boleyn and King Henry VIII. The story also tells us the 16th century aristocrat which the rules are made perfectly for them, the culture, and even their mindset. From the first half of the film, the plot progression are predictable. I personally like the second half, the story started getting more intense which have the feeling to keep on watching. Despite the predictable plot, this movie has a great solid performance delivered by Natalie Portman, she's really have a great acting in this movie. She shows her fear, her hatred and more just like act in her previous film "V For Vendetta". But the only thing that I not really admire is the chemistry between the two sisters. Besides acting, I personally don't really like the cinematography. The technique is like filming an action movie and it make this film feels like it is not a really historical film. It sometimes doesn't get a perfect angle of capturing motion and others but the lighting is good. Meanwhile, the costume design are nice. The costume and other elements are really fit for this movie and it also define the characteristic of the character in the movie. Both of them (Natalie and Scarlett) looks gorgeous in this film. Overall, this is a good historic drama about love, hatred and betrayal. Really entertaining and touching.

Leatherheads

Leatherheads, 3.5 out of 4 stars

Renee Zellweger and George Clooney have a great time together in "Leatherheads".

Leatherheads is an American comedy starring George Clooney and also directed by George Clooney himself. This film is about a Captain of professional football player from a team called Duluth Bulldogs, Dodge Connolly (George Clooney) who struggling to maintain and save his team after they lost their sponsor. After that, Dodge convinced a college football star named Carter who is a war hero (A group of German surrender to him and his teammates) to join his team so that they will get some attention from the country. In the other side, Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) a reporter from Chicago has been assigned to proof Carter is not a war hero. But when they three met together, Dodge and Carter fight together for her fickle affections. Besides that, Carter confess to everyone that he is not a war hero. Then both of them fight for their life to win the final football games and Lexie's heart. First of all, this is a great classic movie with a great classic music. I like the music which is used in this movie. After I watch this film, I keep rewind the movie just to hear the music. George Clooney done a great job by creating a great classic environment and put it in this film. He also create a great mood to this film and when we watch it, we'll feel like we're back to 1920s which the story was set. Other than that, the plot progression is nice. It is a slow and smooth story telling movie, but you won't feel boring or draggy. This movie is really funny from the beginning until the end. The way and the tactic their using when playing the football will make you laugh out loud although it is not intense to keep the the film in a classic way. At the meantime, there are some part which is quite romance especially the part between Dodge and Lexie, both of them delivered a great performance in this film. This film has gave me a great time, I enjoy this film but sometimes I'll feel like this film is not perfect. Yes, there is a part which I think is not perfect is the ending. I won't give out the ending, I think the ending is nice but it is not what I really expect for. Overall, it is a great comedy football movie delivered by George Clooney. An enjoyable classic comedy.

Untraceable

Untraceable, 2 out of 4 stars

Diane Lane trying to trace the killer in this traceable thriller , "Untraceable".

Untraceable, is a thriller starring Diane Lane or should I say a torture film? This film is directed by Gregory Hoblit who also directed "Fracture" in 2007. This film is about a woman, Jennifer Marsh (Diane Lane) who works in the FBI's cybercrime and her job is to fight identity theft. One day, there is a website called killwithme.com which the killer torture the person in live. The more visitor visit the site, the faster the person die. Jennifer has to trace the killer quickly before the people around her including her family die in the killer's hand. First of all, what I'm going to say is the genre of this film is unique, it is a combination of "Enemy Of the Sate" and "Saw". But the only I hate is the story. The story is totally "traceable", the story is not really good in the first place. It's like you watching a cat chasing rat story film, it's nothing special and not plot twist. Other than that, this film makes you feel like you're watching a torture film. It contain too much torture scene in the first place and it completely didn't fit the genre of this film. If it is a horror or torture genre film, it will be a better film. Gregory Hoblit done a great job in creating a very dark atmosphere in this film but if only it is a horror film. Other than that, the ending is too short, it makes the audiences feel like "Is that it? No more?". In a good way, I like the cinematography of this film, it is great where a thriller should be. Besides that, the technique which the character using in solving problem is brilliant. This is the reason why it is a good intelligence film, but some part of this film is very stupid and you'll keep thinking why she do that why she didn't do that. Anyway, the acting is great especially Diane Lane, she has a great performance in this film. She also create a great atmosphere to the situation she faced in this film. Overall, this is not a great thriller, no surprises and not intense but sometimes I really admire some of the elements from this movie.

The Happening

The Happening, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Mark Wahlberg, Aslyn Sanchez and Zooey Deschanel are escaping from the city and found out what's really happening in "The Happening".

We've sensed it. We've seen the signs. Now it's happening. Actually it's happening now. This movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan who brought you his masterpieces "The Six Sense" in 1999, and "Signs" in 2002. The film begins with the people who live in America started to commit suicide. First, they're stop moving. After that, they'll find a tool whatever it is, to kill themselves. Many of them even their government believe it is an terrorist attack by using bio-weapon. Then the story now focus to Elliot Moore (Mark Wahlberg) a science teacher who is now have a relationship problem with his wife. After he has been informed the incident, he then decided to leave the town with his wife. Then the story is about how do they survive the attack, the problem they're facing and how do they solve it. That's all. What's really happening anyway? I won't give out much of the information but I'll give you a hint. There is a quotes from Albert Einstein which is also came out from this film, "If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live." This quotes are very meaningful in this movie, which remind all of us human are destroying the nature and global warming is getting serious than ever. This film also remind us about the death of human being, human will be extinct. First of all, I personally like this movie but not very much. I'm not encourage the audiences to watch this movie, but I encourage audiences who really like M. Night Shyamalan movie to watch this film. There is a little disappointment which is the story is too simple. If the story is great, I will give this film 3 out of 4 stars. Besides that, all M. Night Shyamalan's movie are a slow moving story telling type especially this one, that's why some people will think his movie is boring. In a good way, he is trying to make the audiences to create the perfect mood for the movie. Maybe some parts are very lame or very unnecessary but in this film, he done a great job in creating the mood, it sometimes scary and sometimes touching (There is also some part are unnecessary). I like the part where all the worker who become disoriented and started jumping from the top of the building, quite violence actually. For the acting, is quite nice. Mark Wahlberg who starring in the action adventure film in "Shooter", all I can say is his acting in this film is nice. Overall for this film, even though it is not a great film, but still it is quite entertaining in some other way. After his (director) failure ("The Village" and "Lady in the Water" which I also like it), he prove himself again that he's a great filmmaker. Nice try.

Sex and the City

Sex and the City, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda reunited together in the adaptation of popular HBO series "Sex and the City".

Sex and the City, is a comedy film adaptation of the HBO series Sex and the City. The event in this film is set four years after the event of the final episode of Sex and the City series. This film is directed by Michael Patrick King who also brought you the series. This film is about four friends, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) who live their lives in Manhattan, and they have to survive and get used to the life after marriage. Besides that, this film also about friendship, love, fashion and of course it is about "sex". If you watch the series before, then you'll know that the one who not yet getting married is Carrie (I'm not sure b'cos I not yet watch the series), and the whole film is more focus about her. First of all, the story is great and very touching. But some how this film won't give you much of the excitement. The reason is because the film is too long actually, 2 hour and 25 minutes. It's just because Miranda saying a little wrong sentences and a wrong action took by a little girl, this film drag until 2 hour 25 minutes long, and in 2 hour 25 minutes running time, you just laugh for a few part and cry at the last part (For some audiences). Honestly, I personally like the first half of the film instead of second half. If this movie break into two part, I'll give the first half 3 out of 4 stars and 1.5 out of 4 stars for the second half. The first half is great, and I pretty like the beginning of the film. It explains "What are the girls searching for in New York City". It also shows a lot about the latest fashion and there will be a flash back which explain the story of the series before this film, and the girls look gorgeous. I like the cloth Carrie wearing in the opening scene which have a big flower attached it. It has a lot of fun in the first half. For the second half, about 1 hour of running time, there will be a lot of unnecessary talking talking and talking including some scene which I think is lame, and there is a few of jokes. It makes the second half feels abit dull and boring. Maybe there are audiences who think it is necessary, but I personally think it's wasting time. The second half is hard to get the audiences reach the high gears except the sex scene of course, and of course there will be a predictable ending but still very very touching. The acting is great, four of them done a great job in this film. They have a great expressions and great chemistry which create a great mood to the audiences, when you see it you can feel what they feel. Even though I didn't watch the series, but still I think this movie is quite entertaining and maybe will thrill the fans of the series.

In Bruges

In Bruges, 4 out of 4 stars.

Collin Ferrell and Brendan Gleeson in "In Bruges".

In Bruges, is about two contract killers, Ray (Collin Ferrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are sent to the city of Bruges to do one assignment. Before that, they are told to wait for the instructions from their employer, Harry (Ralph Fiennes). While waiting for the instructions, they spent their time by visiting the historical place nearby. Ray doesn't like historical place and he is no idea why he came here. Other than that, he felt guilty for accidentally killed a kid in previous mission. There, he also has a romantic story with Chloe (Clemence Poesy). They both have a great experience in meeting local peoples, culture and so on (Of course in a bad way). After the phone call from Harry, their vacation totally change to a life and death struggle that they don't want to have. This movie is directed by Martin McDonagh, and this is a great film. This movie has a lot of dark humor which make you laugh from the beginning until the ending. Martin McDonagh done a great job in the plot progression and the script. The plot progress are very great which is unpredictable and sometimes slow. This movie has a great script which is funny and sometimes stupid, it makes you laugh until you won't care about the story telling. It won't let you feel this film is bored or tedious. It has a lot of surprises in every minutes of the running time, and sprinkled a lot of humor between Ray and Ken. Besides that, there is also a few part which is quite touching, and it shows that even they are a hitman they're still a human who can think, and have feelings. There is also a few shootout and a few blood and gore. Other than that, the acting in this film are remarkably great especially Colin Ferrell. He is a great and talented actor, he has potential acting in many kinds of character. I admire his acting in "Alexander", "Daredevil" and "Minority Report" which is very unique. In this film, you can feel his acting are reaching in a high gear. He provides a great energy and sense of humor to this film and people around him. This is one of his best film in his career. All I can say is "Wow!". This movie really deliver a great energy to the audiences with a great acting and sense of humor. This is one of the best film in 2008 so far.

The Incredible Hulk

The Incredible Hulk, 2.5 out of 4 stars

The Hulk confront with Blonsky (Tim Roth) in "The Incredible Hulk".

The Incredible Hulk, it is a reboot of the Hulk franchise. This film is directed by Louis Leterrier who brought you his masterpiece, "Transporter 2" in 2005 and Edward Norton as Bruce Banner and Liv Tyler as Betty Ross. Many people will think that Ang Lee's version of "Hulk" which don't have "The" in front, are too much talking and less smashing. I also agree with that. For hulk fans, will love this one. This version of hulk are more smashing and less talking. First of all, the story from this version are too simple and don't have the character development at all. In this version, Edward Norton became hulk just because of Gamma Radiation accident. But from Ang Lee's version, Bruce become hulk because of his father do an experiment on himself to improve human DNA, after his wife get birth Bruce, his father trying to find cure to help Bruce but his research has been shut down by Betty's father. After few years, Bruce are accidentally get a high dose of radiation to safe his partner in the lab, and the radiation intertwined Bruce's DNA, and when Bruce get angry he will transform to hulk. For the latest version, the story is simple, it is about Bruce had an accident in the lab and make him become a hulk, he then escape to Brazil. There, he trying to find a cure for his condition. Then his location has been discovered, Betty Ross's father send a group of soldier to capture Bruce and there is a long and unnecessary foot chase sequence, and a few mindless action sequences. After that, in order to capture Bruce, one of the soldier, Blonsky are volunteered to have injection. There is one question, they know that Bruce have an injection and become a hulk, why they still let Blonsky to have the injection although it is a small injection? Then there will be a long fight between hulk and Blonsky, the fighting sequences are great and very exciting until you can see the hulk can cast skills which you can see in the video games. The beginning of the fighting sequences are a bit similar with the fighting scene from "Matrix Revolutions". The visual effects are great in this film, it shows the very details of hulk, explosions and more. It's great! Besides that, in Ang Lee's version of hulk, it explain more inside about Bruce, for example his bad childhood memory, emotion, mindset, and others. It almost like a bit psychology film, and his friends Betty Ross are trying to help him, but his father won't let her. In the latest hulk film, it doesn't explain more. It doesn't explain the feeling when he become hulk, unlike Ang Lee's version of hulk, it shows Bruce feelings, he said "Even now I can feel it, buried somewhere deep inside, watching me, waiting...but you know what scare me the most? When I can't fight it anymore, when it takes over, when I totally lose control....I like it." Although the action sequences are too over the top, but the story focus all of the character in the film. Other than that, in the latest hulk, it focus more in the relationship between Betty Ross and Bruce. When the story is about them both, it is quite touching, and sometimes funny. Woow, when both of them almost having sex together, Bruce want to stop it to avoid him to become hulk. Because when he become more excited, he will become hulk. Overall, I think it is an unnecessary reboot of hulk franchises, they should make it a sequel, but I personally like both version of hulk. This film is a movie that can make hulk fans happy because it has a lot more action sequences than 2003 "Hulk", but it is not a great summer movie blockbuster.

The Children of Huang Shi

The Children of Huang Shi, 2 out of 4 stars

Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Radha Mitchell in "The Children of Huang Shi"

The Children of Huang Shi, directed by Roger Spottiswoode who brought you "Tomorrow Never Dies" in 1997. This movie is about a journalist George Hogg (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a nurse (Radha Mitchell), together they saved a lot of orphaned children with the help from a leader of Chinese partisan group (Chow Yun-Fat) during the Japanese occupation of China in world war two. After that, they make their way across mountain and desert to the safety place and build a new home. This movie is not as good as I expected. First of all, this is a dramatic movie, the first 20 minutes of the running time it seems like a lame action movie. After that, it becomes a great story telling movie. This movie provides a great story but the dramatic scene are not tension at all. It gives the audiences a very flat feelings, and it doesn't have the energy. Some part of the film contain unnecessary dialouge, and the acting are very stone. This movie also told a love story between George Hogg and the nurse, but there is a lack of chemistry between both of them. Because of that, the love story felt a bit boring. I quite admire Michelle Yeoh, her acting is great although she done a small role in the movie. Other than that, the photography and cinematography is very good. It shows a lot of great environment across the China. Besides that, it also shows the Chinese culture and civilization during that years. Zhao XiaoDing who is an Academy Award nominee cinematographer for his work in "House of Flying Daggers", he done a great job in this part. Overall, it is a movie that have a great story but don't have the heart that can generate energy, and feelings.

Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!

Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! 4 out of 4 stars

Horton (voiced by Jim Carrey) : I have to think light. I'm light as a feather!

Horton Hears a Who! is based on the book of the same name by Dr Seuss. This movie is directed by Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino. The story is about an elephant, Horton (Jim Carrey), he is very caring to his friends and he is very imaginative. One day, there is a very very tiny dust which looks like a seed past by him. Then he heard a scream from it. He later found out that actually there is a city which called City of Whoville and there are creatures live inside the city. So, Horton made a decision and make his way through the jungle to the Mountain Nool to put the speck in a safety place. First of all, I like the story of the film which is very unique and suitable for kids. Dr. Seuss has a great imagination by writing this story. Besides that, it is very fantasy, very touching at some part of the film, it told us that we're living in such a strange universe, our world is just a speck and the last second half of the film is almost like a musical film. Moreover, this movie contain a lot of joke which make the audiences laugh from the beginning until the end and it feels comfortable when you watching it. The visual effects used in this film is not bad, it reminds me of "A Bug's Life" which is very colorful, classic and well drawn. The character in this film is very cute and very adorable. Secondly, Jim Carrey which is a very talent actor, done a very great job in the voice of Horton. After making so many comedy movies, he prove himself again that he can make us laugh by making some funny voice instead of acting. Overall, it is a very colorful, funny, and enjoyable film. An animation which have a great story and provide you a great cinematic experience.

The Bank Job

The Bank Job, 4 out of 4 stars

Jason Statham (right), and Saffron Burrows (second left) star in this classic and smart British heist thriller in "The Bank Job".

The Bank Job, is a British crime film directed by Roger Donaldson who also direct "The Recruit" in 2003. This movie is based on a true story. It is 1971 real life Bank robbery in Baker Street, London. The story is about a guy named Terry Leather (Jason Statham) who is a owner of a car sales garage. Unfortunately, his garage always been harassed by two debt collectors. So, one day Martine (Saffron Burrows) who is his old girlfriend give him an opportunity to rob a bank so that in future he will never worry about the debt again. Then Terry hire his crew to rob the bank. After robbing the bank, what they didn't know is actually Martine is working with MI5 so that she won't go to jail because of smuggling heroin into Britain. The purpose of MI5 recruit Martine is they want the content of a certain safe deposit box in that bank which content a lot of dirty secret, the secret include the corruption of a British Government, Royal Family and others. First of all, this is a smart and great story telling film, it contain a very smart plot and dialouge. You will be enjoy this movie from the beginning until the end of the movie. There will be a small plot twist which I think is alrite, and this movie will give you a lot of surprise in every minutes of running time. Some part of the film will give some audiences a bit confuse, especially the first half of the movie. Besides that, it also have some dark humor. Besides that, it also contain a few very old-fashioned action sequences and some nude scene. Moreover, the acting is very great when it comes to Jason Statham, his acting is very similar with his previous film "Crank" which he really put his full potential in this movie and he brings this true story alive and makes this movie very energetic. I really enjoy watching this movie. Overall, a smart and well-paced classic British heist flick. Really enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda, 3 out of 4 stars.

Oogway: Today is a gift, that's why they call it "present".

Kung Fu Panda, directed by Mark Osborne and John Stevenson. The story of this movie is about a panda named Po (Jack Black) who is an apprentice noodle maker, he likes kung fu and one day, he has been chosen as the Dragon Warrior to save the world and to fight a villain, Tai Lung (Ian McShane) who has been trained by a kung fu master, the Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). Shifu also trained five of the greatest warriors, Master Monkey (Jackie Chan), Master Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Master Viper (Lucy Liu), Master Mantis (Seth Rogan), and Master Crane (David Cross). On the other part, Tai Lung escaped from the prison (pretty quick), and he's on the way to the village and wanted to have the dragon scroll. Five of the warriors are trying to stop him but they can't because Tai Lung is too strong, so before all the hope seem lost, Shifu has trained the lazy Panda to become a Kung Fu Panda. First of all, the movie is quite funny, but not as funny as I expected. The way the panda move, expression, dialouge, is quite funny and stupid. Besides that, the story is simple, and some part of the movie are predictable. Moreover, this movie has a lot of action sequences, fighting scene and Panda falling from the sky and it wont die. The fighting scene is pretty cool, very eye popping. The martial art they learned in this movie is very great, most of the skill Panda used is stomach and his butt (heh heh). But some part of the action seems like taken from "The Matrix Revolutions". There is one part where the panda fall from the sky and hit the ground. It similar with the part where the Agent Smith hit Neo from the sky and hit the ground straight. This movie also used a lot of slow motion technique which is make the situation look more funny, and I quite admire the visual effects, it's great. The music used in this movie also great which composed by Hans Zimmer and John Powell and it's contain a lot of Chinese Symphony music. This movie is good, funny but cannot make it to my best animation of the year list. Anyway, still worth watch it.