Brendonfoo's movie Reviews

Watchmen

2009-03-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Watchmen, 3.5 out of 4 stars

Laurie Jupiter (Malim Akerman), Doctor Manhattan (Billy Crudup) and Rorshach (Jackie Earle Haley) in "Watchmen". They're not a superhero, they're just an ordinary men who trying to balance the imbalance.

Before I have a further writing, the first thing I must tell you all is "Watchmen" is not a superhero movie and there is a reason in it. "Watchmen" is an adaptation based on comic book as the same name by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. This movie is directed by Zack Snyder who brought you his visually stunning "300" in 2007. The beginning of the movie shows that how the superheroes who call themselves Watchmen, Edward Blake the comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), Adrian Veidt the Ozymandias (Matthew Goode), Dr. Jon Osterman the Doc. Manhattan (Billy Crudup), Walter Kovacs the Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley), Daniel Dreiberg the Night Owl (Patrick Wilson), and Laurie Jupiter the second Silk Spectre (Malim Akerman) are formed and they're working for the government. Then it shows the historical event which have a connection with the Watchmen for example the assassination of JFK and much more. Then the movie jump to the scene where the policemen are investigating the murder of Edward Blake. Rorschach believe that someone are trying to eliminate the masked hero in the city. So he's trying to convince and warned his retired teammate. All of them reunite and trying to investigate the murder but in the end it end up nothing. So Rorschach investigate the murder alone but he himself is framed for murder. After being rescued and escape from the prison, Rorschach found out that the whole situation are just a deception. First of all, it's really hard for me to truly explaining the plot because it is a 2 hour and 45 minutes long movie and I don't want to be a spoiler. This is a great movie, because it is very similar with the previous 2008 hits "The Dark Knight". It has a lot of value in this movie, of course "The Dark Knight" is much more entertaining than this one, but the value which trying to give is much more deeper than "The Dark Knight". The word "deeper" in the sentence means it is much more difficult for some certain people to understand the whole movie. I watch this movie with my friends and we all concentrate watching it because if you want to truly understand the whole value in this movie, you can't even miss a small part from it and we notice that a lot of people who watch half way end up walking away from the cinema. Other than that, I envy the character development of each character in the movie. It really takes it's time and carefully explain each of the character mindset. For example, in the movie Rorschach is a person who think that people who commits crime must face punishment and dead. Other than that, America citizen think that Doc. Manhattan is a god, but he tell himself that he's not a god, the whole universe is so big, to them I'm just a termite. Throughout the film, it shows that he's not interested in saving the world because he just a termite, why he want to care about the people who will die or alive, and the thing he did previously is nothing. This indicate that, what we really did in our life is nothing. He also stated that, everything doesn't has an end. It means that if you stop a war, no matter what it will happen again, just like economic recession, They're just an ordinary person who trying to balance the imbalance. Talk about "balance", I think you all know what I mean. As for the Edward Blake the comedian, the movie explain to us that he's just a guy who makes people laugh but in real life, he is very sad and depress. This indicate that for him, life is a joke. Of course for some people will spawn a very sensitive question, "What is the purpose of living in this world?" Maybe I'm the one who think too much. Yes, my friend also think a little too much, after watching this movie, we had a conversation about this topic and it's never end. Because of this conversation, we're finally and truly know the whole meaning of this movie. It doesn't have ending. Other than that, in my opinion this movie doesn't have a villain. For example Adrian Veidt the Ozymandias, many people will think that he's a villain. For me he's not. He is a person who think that killing a million will safe a billion. This kind of thinking which may apply in certain situation in real life. Besides that, there are two scene which I think is very meaningful, which is the scene where Rorschach having a conversation with a Psychologist and the scene where the psychologist looking up to the sky before the chaos (I won't tell you what it is) happen. It explain to us that you think you've seen everything? we actually haven't seen anything yet. This movie also contain a lot of humor and of course blood and gore. The director in his previous movie "300" he uses a lot of chroma key technique, in this movie he uses a few. But the result is good, he is a talented director who know how to use a great visual to explain to us the dark side and the bright side of the story. I like the way he uses the yellow smiley to uncover the meaning of the movie. This is a 2 hour and 45 minutes long movie and I think it is very rich with values and in order to fully understand the whole meaning, it worth to see a second times. Actually, I'm planning to watch it a second time. Do I encourage you all to watch this movie? For certain people I will and for some people I will not. You have a question? Do ask me. But in the end, just don't think too much.

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

2009-03-13T05:15:00.000-07:00

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, 1.5 out of 4 stars

Kristin Kreuk as Chun-Li in "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li". Does she look like a street fighter? No, she just a girl who know how to fight well, that's all.

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li is an action film based on Street Fighter video games and the story is about the character Chun-Li's history and more. The film is directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak who previously directed "Romeo Must Die" in 2000, "Cradle 2 the Grave" in 2003 and "Doom" in 2005. The film begins with Chun-Li as a child, she was interested learning Wushu from her father. So, her father teach her a lot of Wushu and some dicipline. Her father is a businessman. One day, her father has been attacked by Bison (Neal McDonough) and Balrog (Michael Clarke Duncan). Years later, Chun-Li (Kristin Kreuk) now is a popular pianist. One day, she received a scroll with an Ancient Chinese text in it. After a while Chun-Li found out that she must find a man named Gen (Robin Shou). After Chun-Li met Gen, Gen told her that he can find her father who has been trapped in Bison's prison. So, Chun-Li must learn some martial arts and learn how to control her anger in order to safe her father. First of all, this is one of the worst movie so far in 2009. There will be a lot of street fighter fans who really felt disappointing after watching this. The whole movie doesn't focus on Chun-Li at all. Chun-Li doesn't has a lot of screen time in this movie. It shows that Chun-Li is not a street fighter at all. She just a girl who know how to fight well, that's all. Besides that, the story telling is not good, it too focus on both of the investigators, Nash (Chris Klein) and Maya (Moon Bloodgood) who investigate some murderer in that particular places, and in the end they team up with Chun-Li to fight Bison. It just pointless. And the dialogue between both of them are stupid and very unnecessary. Besides that, the movie is just 1 hour and 30 minutes long. Audiences don't want to hear both of them just talking crap, but what they want is to see a lot of action. Other than that, I personally think that Kristin Kreuk is just a miscast. She can't speak mandarin well. It feels very weird when you see it. From the beginning of the movie, Chun-Li as a child and she can speak mandarin very well. But why when she become teenager she can't speak well? It just wrong. Despite that, there will be a few of fighting scene which I think is not intense enough. The fighting scene is not unique and no excitement at all. And also there will be a lot of gun fighting scene which is more than fighting scene. The gun fighting scene also very unnecessary in the movie, it just too long and pointless. Or should I say the whole movie is pointless. Some of the action scene are dragged too long just for making the movie long enough to see. I personally don't know what is wrong with the director, his previous work for example "Romeo Must Die", the fighting scene is very unique and very fresh although it looks very fake, at least it has a lot of fun. There is one thing that I can promise you which is you can't get any fun from this movie. Overall, "This movie contain a lot of cheesy dialogue, draggy, pointless, and in the end it just wasting of your time."

Punisher: War Zone

2009-03-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Punisher: War Zone, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Dominic West as Jigsaw in "Punisher: War Zone", and you don't want to mess with him because he will cut your throat by using a wine glass.

Many people thought "Punisher: War Zone" will be another bad movie since "Max Payne", but it's not. This movie is better than I thought it might be. I'm quite surprise actually. This movie is directed by Lexi Alexander. The film begins with Billy Russoti (Dominic West) are having a party with mob boss Gaitano Cesare. Then Frank Castle (Ray Stevenson) has infiltrates the party. Russoti escaped to the recycling plant. Castle then infiltrates the recycle plant and accidentally killed an undercover agent, Donatelli. He died on the spot. After having a fight with Russoti, Castle thrown Russoti in to a glass crushing machine and Russoti ended up disfigured. After recovered from injured, Russoti called himself 'Jigsaw' then regroup his gang and frees his brother Looney Bin Jim (Doug Hutchison) to have a revenge on Castle. On the other side, Castle team up with his partner, Microchip (Wayne Knight) to investigate the next target of Jigsaw. After that, Castle found out that in the past Donatelli has in charge of Jigsaw's money. So, Castle must quickly prepare everything and stop Jigsaw from harming Donatelli's family before it's too late. First of all, this is not a bad movie actually. This movie delivers a lot of fun. Fun means a lot of action. The action sequences in this film is unique and stylish. Other than that, the action sequences sometimes contain a few humor in it. There is a few part where makes me laugh out loud and I really enjoy the laugh. Besides that, there is a lot of action film which using shaky camera technique for the action scene so that the action scenes are intense, but this film doesn't have it. The film cinematography is good. It doesn't use shaky camera technique for the action scene but still the action scenes are very eye popping and intense. Besides that, the performance delivered by Ray Stevenson as Frank Castle is great. He is a perfect fit for this character. Although the overall acting is acceptable, but his performance is great, he really shows the characteristic of Frank Castle. In my opinion his performance is better than Thomas Jane as Frank Castle. Other than Ray Stevenson as Frank Castle, Dominic West's performance as Jigsaw also very good. His acting is very top notch and really put effort in it. Wow, this film seems great huh? Although it is a good movie but in my opinion, the story telling in this film is not very well. Sometimes it's too focus on other character which is not important instead of Castle. What safe this movie is Donatelli's wife and kid. If both of them doesn't exist in this movie, the movie will be suck. Besides that, this movie is just too much blood and gore. There is a lot of blood and gore, for example a wood impaled a person eye, Jigsaw piercing a guy's throat by using a wine glass, Looney eating a guy's kidney and more. This is a short review actually because I don't know what to write about this movie anymore. So the overall for this film, "This is a good action movie which gives you adrenaline rush, but it is bad when it comes to plot and character development."

Frost/Nixon

2009-02-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

Frost/Nixon, 3.5 out of 4 stars

Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) and David Frost (Michael Sheen) in "Frost/Nixon".

After the disappointment of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", here is another Academy Awards nominated historical drama based on the real interviews of David Frost and former President of United States, Richard Nixon. This film is directed by Ron Howard who brought you his masterpiece "Cinderella Man" in 2005. He also the one who direct "The Da Vinci Code" in 2006. The film begins with some reports and news about the Richard Nixon who involve in Watergate Scandal. I'm not gonna to tell you what it is because it is a sensitive issue and I myself also not really deep inside the story of Watergate Scandal. Then the film cut to the scene where Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) making his resignation speech. On the other side, David Frost (Michael Sheen), he is just finishing his talk show "Frost Over Australia". At the back stage, he's watching the television which shows Nixon is leaving the White House. So, he ask his producer to have a interview with Nixon. After Nixon accept the interviews, Frost hired two investigators Bob Zelnick (Oliver Platt) and James Reston Jr. (Sam Rockwell) to find some information mostly on Watergate Scandal. So, the climax of the film is the Frost/Nixon interviews. The interviews that place at the house of Frost's friends. The purposes of this interviews is to give Nixon the trial he never had. First of all, this is a great movie, as I say the climax of the film is the intervies so this film mostly focus on the Frost/Nixon interviews. And the director handle the plot progression very well. It doesn't feel bored or tedious. Besides that, the whole set is just simple but very absorbing. Other than that, the screenplay is amazing although some conversation is fiction. This movie doesn't need any character development. It just need a great screenplay to reflect the characteristics of the character and their mindset. And there is no good guy or bad guy in this movie. It is a very thoughtful film and I like it. Throughout the film, I enjoy every minutes of it, and the interviews between both of them is just thrilling and awesome. The acting is just top notch especially Michael Sheen and Frank Langella. They really understand the role of each real life character and bring it to the screen and they did it very well. Despite that, I really wish I give this movie a 4 stars rating, but I think this movie lack of some important imformation about the Watergate Scandal. It doesn't explain much about it. So, people who really have no idea about Watergate Scandal, they will not fully understand the whole movie. Overall, "This movie is very well crafted and exciting. Genuinely gripping."

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2009-02-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) and Daisy (Cate Blanchett) finally meet each other and they are falling in love in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button".

The 81st Academy Awards is over, and "Slumdog Millionaire" won 8 awards. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" just won 3 awards. I really have a high hope for this movie until yesterday. Do I like this movie? Yes, but I like this movie as much as I hate this movie. Is it a really nice movie? Yes it is, and of course there is a reason why I hate it. This movie is directed by David Fincher who brought you "Panic Room" in 2002 and "Zodiac" in 2007. I'm quite surprise that he is also the one who directed "Alien 3" in 1992. The story begins with a baby was born and his appearance are different from other child. He looks very old just like an old man. When the baby was born, the father quickly abandon the baby at the nursing home. Queenie (Taraji P. Henson) who work at the nursing home decide to take this baby as her son and named him Benjamin Button. When Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) was still a kid, he meets Daisy. Both of them always playing together and even Daisy's grandmother teach Benjamin how to play piano. Througout the story, Benjamin begins to grow younger and younger. The rest of the story is all about how he live his life and how he gets his first love, and the person he met when he is working at the tugboat. Then he also get caught in World War II, and how he survive it. Besides that, the story also explain to us how Benjamin meets Daisy (Cate Blanchett) and there is a love story between both of them. Yes, this movie has a great story. The story telling is amazing throughout the whole film. The plot progression is very well done and very smooth. When I watch this movie, I totally get caught in to the story. The good thing about this movie is it really shows the timeline that exactly when the World War II strike the whole world, and when the first America rocket was launch and others. Besides that, the acting is really good especially Cate Blanchett, she really shows the emotional part of her character in the movie, and she did it well. Other than that, the cinematography and the set design is very well done although I think "The Dark Knight" should win Best cinematography in the Academy Awards. This is why I like this movie. But before you have a further reading, first I have to tell you the next thing that I write will contain a small spoiler. Why I hate this film? I keep telling myself this is a great movie, it is very beautiful made movie. Until when I see the ending, I totally lose hope for this film. Why? Because the ending is not logic at all. It doesn't apply the "Logic" for the ending. Okay, I'll make it straight. People born as a baby and die as a person. We die when we're old and of course as we know Benjamin die when he looks younger. But, Benjamin born as a baby also, and how come he die as a baby? Human body cannot shrink until become a baby. This is impossible, and the whole concept is wrong. Yes, it is a fantasy movie, but for me it really leaps beyond fantasy barrier. And it is totally wrong!! I mean it! The ending is ruining the whole movie. Despite that, the whole movie only care about the story telling but it didn't care much about the character inside the story. I think I should stop by now. There will be a lot of people who like this film, but in the end it still depends on what you want or hope from this film. And let me tell you, there is no lesson to be learn from this film. Overall for this film, "This is a great drama with a great story telling but it leaps beyond the fantasy barrier and end up too unrealistic."

Revolutionary Road (2008)

2009-02-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

Revolutionary Road, 4 out of 4 stars

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in "Revolutionary Road". Which road will you choose? A road to where you live with a normal life and you have a job to support your family or a life that your wife will support you and the family so that you can discover what you truly want?

Academy Award nominations: Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Supporting Actor

"Titanic" is the story about two person with different social classes who fall in love with each others. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet previously work together in "Titanic" now act as husband and wife in "Revolutionary Road". This film is directed by Kate Winslet's real life husband, Sam Mendes who brought you a psychology war film "Jarhead" in 2005. The film begins with a party, Frank Wheeler (Leonardo DiCaprio) meets April (Kate Winslet). Both of them talking with each others about their future undertaking. After that, the film skip to the scene where Frank attend to a show. I'm not gonna to tell you what happens next. The film shows that both of them are husband and wife and they have a childrens. The films also shows that Frank have a job. He work as a salesman in "Knoxx". His life seems very miserable because he is not interested in this work, but he's good at it. So, one day during Frank's birthday, April tells Frank that they'll move to Paris to start a new life where April work as a secretary and she will support Frank. Of course there is a reason in her decision. Their friends heard about it and think that their decision are immature and totally unrealistic. Why April make this decision? And how Frank react by this decision? This film will explain it all. I will not tell you the whole story because I think it is very interesting and I won't spoil it. First of all, the story is simple and easy to understand, it is about life. What kind of decision we make now will affects our future undertaking. Besides that, I really like this movie is because it gives us a lot of freedom to get inside the character mindset, and it gives us a lot of time to think what they think. Honestly it's hard for me to think about April's mindset and I think April's decision is immature. Besides a great story, the director done a great job in plot progression and the character development is great throughout the whole film. The acting is very top notch especially Leonardo DiCarpio. His acting is great and I really dissapointing he didn't nominate for best actor in Academy Awards. This is a drama genre film, and I really enjoy watching it. "This movie is simply one of the year's best film."

Bolt (2008)

2009-02-10T03:44:00.000-08:00

Bolt, 3.5 out of 4 stars

Bolt (John Travolta) and Penny (Miley Cyrus) in "Bolt".

Academy Award nominations: Best Animated Feature

Three weeks just passed. I spent my three weeks celebrating Chinese New Years with my friends and family. Now, I had to get back here and write some reviews for the Academy Awards nominated film in this few days. First, I would like to review "Bolt". Why? Because this movie is cute. "Bolt" is directed by Chris Williams and Byron Howard. The story is about a dog named Bolt (John Travolta). It has been modified by Penny's father and it has super powers. One day, Penny's father has been kidnapped by Doctor Calico (Malcolm McDowell). So, Penny (Miley Cyrus) and Bolt have to establish a plan to save her father. Before I continue writing the plot, I had to write Spoiler warning right? But I'm not doing it because I'm not going to tell you the plot anyway. So, it will be a short review. First of all, what I need to say is "Why so serious?". This film is for kids and family. The beginning of the film is just look very serious. For us, it is a joke but for kids it just not funny. It feels like you're watching a spy thriller animation. It's just not a big deal anyway. After few minutes running times, the film totally change from action packed to comedy. It happens too fast. Besides that, the story is quite nice actually. The story really have some great value which is we must face the truth instead of escaping it. Other than that, friendship is very important in our life and we must appreciate it. Besides that, I have a friend who told me this film is just "Okay" because she think that the Rhino (Mark Walton) ain't cute because of the voices are too rough. For me the voice is perfect, it really fits for that character, because the voices define the characteristic of each character inside the film. The plot progression for this film is very smooth, and the character development is very good. The audiences sure will enjoy watching it. Overall,"This is a movie which suitable for all ages and contain lot's of fun!"

Pineapple Express (2008)

2009-01-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

Pineapple Express, 3 out of 4 stars

Seth Rogen and James Franco have a great chemistry in "Pineapple Express".

What is the meaning of Pineapple Express? Does it mean newspaper? Of course not, wait until you see it and you'll be surprised. "Pineapple Express"directed by David Gordon Green who brought you "Undertow" in 2004. From the beginning, the film introducing the year of 1937 in United States of America, then two men including the general are walking towards a secret underground basement. Inside the basement, there are scientists who conduct an experiment. From there you'll noticed that why the "Pineapple Express" is illegal. Then the film introduce Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) who work as a process server. Everyday, he travels around and deliver the subpoena to the people who live and work nearby. After working, he went to visit his friend Saul Silver (James Franco) who also his drug dealer. At nite, when he was about to send the subpoena to one person, he witness Ted Jones (Gary Cole) and a female police officer commit a murder, he panics and run away from the scene. Unluckily, he leaves a rouch which contain drugs on the scene. Ted Jones is a drug lord, so he and the female police officer are trying to find out Dale Denton's dealer so that they will easily reach Dale and kill him. So, Dale Denton and Saul Silver have to run for their life in order to safe themselves. In their escape journey, they also find out the story behind the murder and find out the secret basement where the scientist close down long time ago. First of all, this is an action comedy movie which is very unique and delightful. The plot progression in this film is very smooth, so when you watch it, you really enjoy it in every minutes. Of course, it has a little bit action sequences in it, so the first half of the film is comedy, and the second half is action comedy. The acting is very top notch and funny especially the acting delivered by James Franco. I like his acting in this movie, his expression in this movie is very realistic and natural. Besides that, the audiences can really noticed that everyone in this film are very enjoying when they're acting. Other than that, the director done a great job in the character development. From the beginning of the movie, the director used the black and white technique to show the year of the 1937 which I think it is very suitable for this film, because it really attracted the audiences, and makes us wonder what are they doing during that time. It sounds like this movie is very perfect, then why I gave it 3 out of 4 stars? I think this is a very funny movie, and the director who previously direct the thriller and drama genre film done a great job in making comedy. But he did this film too casual. The whole movie is too casual. Because it's too casual, some part of the film cannot lift up the mood at all. Besides that, the director cannot manage the action sequences very well at the final part of the film. The action sequences is a little bit too long and very unnecessary. Other than that, the screen time for the character Red (Danny R. McBride) is too few. It doesn't shows his characteristic in detail. I have nothing to say about this movie, so I hope that you'll know what is pineapple express means. Overall, this is a movie which the audiences can enjoy every minutes of it from the beginning until the action packed ending.

Yes Man (2008)

2009-01-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yes Man, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Zooey Deschanel as Allison and Jim Carrey as Carl the man who always say "Yes!!" in the movie "Yes Man". What would I say? I just say "Yes" and "No".

Yes yes yes this is an American comedy movie starring Jim Carrey, no no no I don't like the first half of the movie. Just say yes but only if you really want to. "Yes Man", directed by Peyton Reed who brought you "The Break-Up" in 2006. This movie is about the life of Carl Allen (Jim Carrey) who spends his life working in the bank as a loan approval officer. After working, he spends all his time watching DVD at home (Almost like me, and I really hope he enjoy watching "Saw" movie.) One day, his friend Nick (John Michael Higgins) wants him to enjoy life and don't be lifeless, so he took Carl to attend a show called "Yes!" From there he met Terrence Bundley (Terence Stamp) and start from that day, Carl promise them to say "yes" to everything. Because he like to say yes, he really has a positive starts, he meets Allison (Zooey Deschanel) in the process and everything started to be perfect. So, he attend the flying lessons, attend Korean language lessons, learn to play guitar and so on. Besides that, he also approved all the loan that went through him. But, saying too much "yes" without knowing the reason also will cause some consequences. So, Carl has to find out the meaning of saying "yes" so that he can impress his love one and continue his wonderful life by saying "yes" and "no" or something else (I'm not telling you). After I watch this movie, I can't resist to say no for the first half of the movie because I've been brain wash by the word "yes". So I have to get this opportunity to say "No!". No, I don't like the first half, maybe is because Jim Carrey said too much "No". It makes the first half very down fall and felt a little bit boring. Despite that, there is a few part which I think is funny, the part where he going to the store to buy the "Transformers" DVD, and the part where he watching "Saw". Besides that, I have to say no to the plot progression. The plot progression is going flat. So the whole movie is just flat, this is because the story is simple and predictable. This film still can survive is because it contains a love story. When you apply the "Yes" and "No" principles in the love story, that will be great and I'm glad the director did it right this time. Other than that, Jim Carrey's acting is nice, he knows how to make the audiences laugh and he knows how to make that situation becomes funny and hilarious, I like the part where he's playing guitar while singing. But I'm tired of his repetitiveness. For the second half of the film, it becomes more fun and delightful from the beginning to the end. The second half try to send us the message about the meaning of the "Yes", and must be brave to say "No" of course in some situation. Just say "Yes" if you really want to. Despite I said "no" for the first half, this film is still delightful and funny to watch.

Space Chimps (2008)

2009-01-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

Space Chimps, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Luna (Voiced by Cheryl Hines, Ham III (Voiced by Andy Samberg) and Titan (Voiced by Patrick Warburton) in "Space Chimps" and looks like they have a great time working together.

Space Chimps is an 1 hour 21 minutes long movie, so this movie is short and of course this will be a very short review. This computer-animated film is directed by Kirk De Micco. This film is the story about a chimp, Ham III (Voices of Andy Samberg) a grandson of the first chimpanzee in space. Ham III is a circus performer. He always perform a stunt to impress human. One day, a 3.7 billion NASA probe has disappeared. So, the agency from NASA recruit Ham III and his crew member Luna (Voices of Cheryl Hines) and Titan (Voices of Patrick Warburton) and send them to space to investigate and retrieve the probe. During their travel, they find out that there is planet which contain life forms. From there, they get to know their new friends and help them to defeat an evil on that planet. First of all, this film is short, so that's mean the plot progression is very too quick. When you watch it, you won't enjoy every minutes of the film because some part you don't even have time to enjoy. Other than that, some of the jokes is quite hilarious, this is why I gave it credits. The jokes are quite funny and some are quite lame. But it still hilarious. This is not a very beautiful made film, of course it is not as beautiful as "Wall-E" and other animation in recent year. It uses a very simple techniques to make this movie. It doesn't look colorful and eye catching. Besides that, the story is quite simple and easy to follow, but the story will be mention a few topic that everybody talks about nowadays, which is "Is there any lifeforms from other planet?" and much more which is maybe one day chimps will be smarter than us, you never know (Hope not). And the story is predictable. For this kind of movie, you won't enjoy every part of it, but it still very comfortable to watch it. Other than that, this movie lack of some music, that's why some part of the movie is not intense and feels nothing. Overall, this is a movie which it doesn't reach the standard of the other animation film in recent year, but it is still a watchable animation.

Transporter 3 (2008)

2009-01-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

Transporter 3, 2 out of 4 stars

Jason Statham as Frank Martin in "Transporter 3".

I'm going all the way back yet again. Now Frank Martin really has another job to do in Transporter 3. This film is directed by Olivier Megaton. This is a third installment in Transporter trilogy and I think this is the weakest in the trilogy. The film begins with a transport ship which travel through a big ocean, then the two workers inside are trying to open the drums in the container. After they opened it, they realize that inside the drums is the toxic waste. The captain of the ships then throw the dead bodies to the sea. Then the film cut to the scene where Frank Martin (Jason Statham) and Tarconi (Francois Berleand) are fishing together. Then the film introduced Minister Leonid Vasilev (Jeroen Krabbe), head of the Environmental Protection Agency. He has a plan to save the environment, but he has been forced to work with Johnson (Robert Knepper). At that night, Frank was alone in his house, then he is knocked out by some one. After that, he wake up in a room. Then Johnson tell him that he would like to hire him to do a job. Frank has forced to take the job but in one condition that he only drive his own car. So, Johnson mention to him that the metal device around his wrist is a bomb, if he's at 75 feets away from the car, the bomb will explode. So, Frank has to transport the package to many other places. In order to survive, he must protect the daugther of Vasilev, Valentina (Natalya Rudakova) who has been kinapped and he has to make sure that he's always stay with the car. But soon, he'll find out that Valentina is the package that he's transporting. This is a disappointing sequel. I can say Yes to the action. There will be a lot of action. But, the filming style (Such as camera view, angle, movement and shot) for this film is very bad and it's not suitable for this movie. It makes the action sequences looks very fake, lacks of energy and not intense enough. When you watch the action sequences, it cannot give you the adrenaline rush. The car chase sequences also feels a bit lame and unecessary. Why it feels lame? It is because I don't like the camera angle while shooting the scene, it really makes the sequences lack of energy and don't have the feeling of need for speed. It feels like you're watching Hong Kong movie style of car chase. The only watchable part is the train action scenes. Besides that, the story is quite good actually, there is a plot twist and it's quite predictable, because of this, it's really makes this film not a bad movie. The acting is normal, Jason reprise his role as Frank Martin and he really knows how to kick their ass. But, he's acting is not as good as "Transporter 2" and lack of energy also. Talking about "Transporter 2", there is a lot of stylish action, the intensity of the action makes the film more eye candy. It makes us think "Is it possible to do it?" That's is why many people like it. Then talk about this one, some action is unique, but still it lacks of energy. And people will say "I'm tired of it". This wil be a short review because I had nothing to say about this movie. I give this film 2 stars is not because the movie is bad, this movie is not a bad movie, it just lack of energy and misuses some of the cinematic techniques to lift up the movie.

The Worst Films 0f 2008

2009-01-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

Now is the time for me to decide the movie which I personally think is the worst of 2008. Of course, it is from top 10 to top 1. People who really like the movies which I listed below, please put the blame on me (Just kidding). Of course, the movie which I never seen before is not included.

10.) Jumper
9.) What Happen In Vegas
8.) College Road Trip
7.) The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
6.) Witless Protection
5.) Bangkok Dangerous
4.) Superhero Movie
3.) Max Payne
2.) Babylon A.D.
1.) Meet The Spartans

So, how was it? I did write reviews for some movie that I mentioned above. Others is not available. So, I will do a quick one. First, "Jumper" directed by Doug Liman who brought you his masterpiece, "The Bourne Identity". I'm very disappointed with his latest film. He cannot manage the action sequences well and fit into the movie with the character. Some of the character in the movie are lack of purposes. And there will be a plot hole in the movie, and the acting are bad. Actually I thought "21" will be in top 10. I really think about it and I choose "Jumper" as top 10. Second, "Bangkok Dangerous" directed by The Pang Brothers who also direct "Bangkok Dangerous" (Thai version) in 1999. This movie is about a hitman who going to Bangkok to have an assignment, kill people. I really enjoy this year summer movie, because there is a lot of movie which is more humanized and more focus on human mindset and characteristic. But, I hate this movie is because this movie is too humanized. The real hitman doesn't know how to love just like the movie "Hitman", he even doesn't want to make love with the girl. And the movie is too focus on the relationship between the hitman and the girl. It doesn't look dangerous enough. In the end, the movie feels very lame. Finally, "Babylon A.D." directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. I don't know why this movie existed. First, Vin Diesel doesn't look cool (he looks dirty and smelly) in the movie. Second, after you watch this movie, you'll feel like the director made this movie is for fun. The action sequences in this movie is not related with the story line at all. All I can say is the director is ruining his own movie. Such a waste.
Woow...I just want to stop it. The comments above is just my opinion. So don't be angry and enjoy the upcoming movie in 2009.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

2009-01-10T01:12:00.000-08:00

High School Musical 3: Senior Year, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Zac Efron as Troy, Vanessa Hudgens as Gabriella and they have spent a sweet time together in the third installment of High School Musical franchise "High School Musical 3: Senior Year".

It's just too late for me to review this movie, I wanted to review it because this is a better movie than I thought it might be. That's mean High School Musical 2 is suck. So, it is better this time? Yes of course. For the third installment of the franchise, luckily they did it right this time. This film is directed by Kenny Ortega who also direct the first High School Musical in 2006. Now, the third installment is about senior year, is there any sequel in the future? I don't know. just wait and see. The film begins with a basketball Championship competition between Wildcats and West High Knights. Wildcats almost lose the game. So Wildcats team leader Troy (Zac Efron) raised his team spirit by singing "now or never". After that, they win the game. (It is possible to sing so steady and smooth while playing the basketball?) After the basketball match Troy has a party at his house, then Troy and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) are singing "Right Here, right now". They're thinking about their future undertaking and they hope that the last few months at their high school would not end. So the rest of the movie is about how they spent the last few months at the high school, the relationship between Troy and Gabriella and what is the plan they're organizing for the prom night and what would they do during the graduation ceremony. First of all, I like the songs from this movie. It's quite comfortable to hear them sing in this movie. The songs is very touching and it gives the movie some lift up energy. There will be many kind of songs in this film, this is why I like this movie. They do a lot of changes and make this film looks charming and feels very different from it predecessors. The story is good anyway but not as good as the first one. The acting in this film is not professional enough. I doesn't really like the acting actually. The actors and actress especially Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, from some part of the movie, their acting is very stone and emotionless. Other than that, I'm not really admire the choreography from this movie. There is one part where Troy is angry and confused after having conversation with his dad, then he dancing and storming around at the hallways while singing "Scream". For me, the choreography is a bit similar with Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity" and Jennifer Lopez's "I'm Glad". Even the camera technique they're using also a bit similar with the "Virtual Insanity" MTV. Besides that, the ending of this movie is a little bit too fast and less contain. Anyway, after I watch this movie, I'm not disappointing but quite surprising because it is still a watchable musical performing arts genre film and it is better than the second installment from the franchise.

Body of Lies (2008)

2009-01-09T00:43:00.000-08:00

Body of Lies, 3 out of 4 stars

Crowe as Hoffman and DiCaprio as Ferris in "Body of Lies"

Body of Lies, directed by a masterful director Ridley Scott who brought to you his masterpieces "Alien" (1979), "Gladiator" (2000), "Black Hawk Down" (2001), "American Gangster" (2007) and more. This is a spy thriller film based on the novel of the same name by David Ignatius. The film begins with a bunch of anti-terrorist squad team prepare to engage the terrorist at the small apartment. Then the terrorists suicide by bombing themselves. The film cut to the scene where Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) a CIA operative in Iraq is getting the lead to a terrorist called Al Salim. Then the film introduce Ed Hoffman (Russel Crowe) Ferris's handler who trying to explain nowadays the CIA are hard to track down the terrorists, because they know the CIA has a great technology. So all the terrorist turn off their phones, shutting down their email, and using the old method of communicating face-to-face and others. By tracking the terrorist Al Salim, Ferris lost his friend in a car chase. Then Ferris went to Jordan and meet Hani Salaam (Mark Strong), head of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department. He told Ferris make sure he didn't lie to him. In order to find out who is Al Salim, Ferris meet a Jordanian Architect, Omar Sadiki. By using him as a bait, the CIA make a fake terrorist attack at Turkey so that Al Salim will try to find out who is the one who conduct the attack. Besides using Omar Sadiki as a bait, Ferris will soon find out he himself also will become a bait and he has to figure the way out in order to save himself. First of all, in my opinion this is really a great spy thriller film made by Ridley Scott. The story of this film is great, it contains a strong muslim element in it. Of course, it is a very sensitive topic but Ridley done a great job in making it balance between the topic and the film, and sometimes it makes you not to believe in CIA in some situation. The plot progression is almost perfect, only the first 30 minutes of the film which is I think is a little bit too fast. It makes the film a bit confusing because many thing happens at a lot of location. Besides that, Ridley done a great job by choosing a great actors who has a ability to act very well in every scene of the movie. Other than that, this film contains a bit action sequences which is very realictic and not too over the top. Ridley is a director who knows how to get a great shot and put it into a movie. I like the cinematography in this movie, Alexander Witt done a great job in lighting and others. Because of that, the movie looks cool, intense and has a unique style. Other than that, the composer Marc Streitenfeld also done a good job in composing the score in the movie. The score which he composed helped to support the film intensity and style. All I can say is this movie really deliver the thrills. Overall, "It is a great spy thriller film that can make you believe in everything the terrorist did nowadays. It's not perfect but it really delivers the thrills."

The Spirit (2008)

2009-01-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Spirit, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Gabriel Macht as the spirit in "The Spirit" Is he a ghost? Find out yourself.

The Spirit, directed by Frank Miller, who brought you his real masterpiece, "Sin City" in 2005. This film is an adaptation from a comic book of the same name. The story is about the spirit (Gabriel Macht) who find his nemesis known as Octupus (Samuel L. Jackson) who wants to find a mystical blood of Heracles or Hercules so that he will become immortal. On that day, a woman named Sand Saref (Eva Mendes) an ex- girl friend of the spirit discovered two chests at the pond. One of the chests contain the blood of Heracles, so Octupus and his thugs make their way to find Sand Saref in order to get the chest. In order to protect his ex- girl friend, the spirit has to stop Octupus before he reaching her. So, first of all I heard a lot of bad reviews about this movie from my friends, from my friends' friend and others. In my opinion, this movie isn't bad enough to make it the worst of 2008, actually. I like Frank Miller movies, I like the way he present the movie and the way he makes the joke in the movie. Of course, I'm quite disappointed about this movie. Why? Because "Sin City" is really perfect. In "Sin City", he used a lot of comical style in it. Because of this, when you watch "Sin City", you feels like the comic is coming to real life. But, in "The Spirit", he used a few comical style. I expect he use more comical style in this film but he didn't. But still, the movie came out with a style that follows "300" and more. The only things that I really admire from this movie is the introduction and the ending. Frank Miller done a great job in it. Besides that, this film contain a very strong women characteristic in it. It makes the film looks very stylish and colorful. Besides that, it shows that women are very important for the spirit. The director handle the women character very well and I envy that. The only flaws is the story telling. This movie has "Sin City" style but don't have "Sin City" style of story telling. The story of this film is kind of weird but I like that (Because Frank Miller's movie also kind of weird) but the plot progression in this film is very bad. It make this film feel very boring and tedious. For me, I still can accept it but for the audiences maybe they can't. Despite a bad plot progression, this film is sometimes funny and hilarious. But some part of the jokes are not suitable in that particular situation. Overall for this film, "Frank Miller's latest film is boring and tedious, despite that it's still consider a good movie which has a great visual style and with a great weird presentation."

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

2008-12-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-31T11:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-29T11:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-04T05:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-04T04:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-09T00:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-30T05:06:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-13T08:42:00.001-07:00

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

2008-06-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-08T02:48:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull

2008-06-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, 3.5 out of 4 stars

Mutt Williams: You're a "Teacher"?
Indiana Jones: Part-time.

Here comes a long waited Indiana Jones movie (19 years since the third movie). This movie is the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones series (Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple Of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) which also directed by Steven Spielberg who brought you his masterpieces "E.T: the Extra-Terrestrial"," A.I."," Minority Report", and much more. In his latest movie Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford and Karen Allen are back to this action adventure film and I'm glad their back. The film begins with a bunch of soviet soldier attack a military base in Nevada desert, and here comes Indiana Jones. Then Colonel-Doctor Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) forced Indiana to lead them to the hangar where the secret government stored the various item which government don't want the outside people know. After that, they start searching the item they want and Indiana Jones are trying to escape and here comes the action begins. In this movie, the action sequences is nice, very old fashioned and classical. The acting is very great especially Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett. By acting as a villain, Cate Blanchett has a bob cut and learn some karate skills, it makes her looks exactly like a soviet agent. Shia LaBeouf a young actor who act in "Transformers" act as Mutt Williams who is Indiana Jones' son, in this movie he has a great sense of humor and make the story become more funnier. The funniest part is where Indiana stepped on the quicksand and Mutt trying to safe him by using a snake. This movie also have a spectacular stunt. Harrison Ford proves that he is still able to do stunts such as punching, falling, running and much more. Besides that, it used alot of special effects in this movie, and it has a great stunning visual effects. But, this movie will also give us some disappointment, which is the contain of the jokes are less than the first two film, and there will be less blood and gore too (not as much as the first two). When you watch the first two film, you will laugh from the middle till the end of the movie. But the latest Indiana Jones won't give you so much laugh. But still, Steven done a great job in the combination between action and jokes. For the plot, it goes very smooth from the beginning to the first half and explain a lots of things and very easy to understand, for the last half there will be alot of fun and action sequences which will make you laugh. Other than that, there will be a twist in a final few minutes which is very surprising and unbelievable. Music composer, John Williams who composed all four Indiana Jones series, he done a very great job in the theme song. The theme song he composed is very classic and great. After coming out from the theaters, you will keep thinking the theme song. Overall, even though it is not the best in the series, this movie still have a lots of great action, fun, stunning visual effects and very entertaining. People who like the first three movie, will also like this one.

Extra: Can you really survive the nuclear blast by hiding in a lead-lined refrigerator?

Superhero Movie

2008-06-04T02:15:00.000-07:00

Superhero Movie, 1 out of 4 stars

Superhero? I don't think so. It's Stupid hero.

Superhero Movie, directed by Craig Mazin who brought you "The Specials" in 2000. The first thing I want to talk about this movie is "It's sucks", even though it is better than "Meet The Spartans". The story is about a student Rick Riker (Drake Bell) who being bitten by a dragonfly and become superhuman who has alots of abilities. Does he fly? Yes!! but have to wait until the last few minutes then he can fly. Then he decided to use his power to save our world and the one who standing his way is the stupid villain, Hourglass (Christopher McDonald) who want to make himself immortal by killing all the people. The story of this movie is almost exactly the same with the "Spider-man", it's only change a bit details and add on some more character from other movie only, for example character from "Fantastic Four", "X-men" and others. There's nothing fresh from this movie, it just like see the same movie again and again. The first hour of this movie is like watching another version of "Spider-man" and the last 20 minutes only you can see some new things. Even though some part of this movie makes me laugh but still this movie makes me feel very boring and sometimes stupid. (But not as stupid as "Meet The Spartans").

What Happens In Vegas

2008-05-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

What Happens In Vegas, 1.5 out of 4 stars

Diaz and Kutcher getting married while intoxicated in "What Happens In Vegas". What happens in Vegas? It seems nothing happen at all.

This movie is a 2008 romantic comedy film directed by Tom Vaughan and starring Cameron Diaz and Asthon Kutcher. The story of the movie is about two different person, a stockbroker Joy Mcnally-Fuller who has been dumped by her fiance, and a carpenter Jack who lost his job. Both of them travel to the Las Vegas and having a party, both of them get drunk and get married in a drunken ceremony. Don't want to be a spoiler, so I wont write the rest of the story. Honestly, I personally think this movie is not funny at all. Yeap, few part makes me laugh from the first half of the movie, but many part are stupid and wont make you laugh at all. Besides that, this movie have a lot of stupid dialouge and plot too, oh should I say "Awful" and of course this movie is not romantic at all. Until the second half of the movie, it started to change a bit friendly and started a bit romance. But still the second half feels a bit boring and of course this movie has a happy ending. Overall, boring and not funny at all. Don't waste your money to see in cinema.

George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead

2008-05-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead, 3 out of 4 stars

Jason:72000 hits in 8 minutes, they're not getting the truth from anyone, all the news is a lie. All over the world, people learning how to survive by seeing how we've managed to survive.

This movie is directed by the legendary zombie movie maker, George A. Romero who brought you his masterpiece "Dawn of the Dead" in 1978, "Land of the Dead" in 2005 and more. Now, his latest horror film "Diary of the Dead", filming style just like "Cloverfield" but they are not using digital camera of course, now their using Panasonic HDX-900 and HBX-200. The movie begins with a news about the dead of one family, and suddenly they woke up and comes out with a dead walking people which we called ZOMBIE! After that, the movie introduce Jason, a student who want to be a filmmaker are filming a zombie movie with his friends in the jungle. After that, they heard a news about the dead are returning to life and started killing everyone in the city, and they make their ways to the only safety zone, their home. This movie filmed only by two cameras and few parts of the movie is from hand phone camera. Besides that, the whole movie is not just two person filming until the end, it also shows us some documentaries, and talk about the media which lie to the people about the real situation, and Jason try to post this movie to the website to tell people the truth. This movie is different from "Cloverfield". "Cloverifield" is intense, but this movie is slow and it will make you frightened. This movie don't have shaky camera technique, and many scene are quite frightening. Although this movie is not very intense but when you watching every moment in the movie, you will not want this movie come to a stop. Other than that, the make up for the zombie is excellent, and there will be a lot of blood and gore. Overall, although this movie is not as intense as "Cloverfield", but if you like "Cloverfield" and "Blair Witch Project" you sure will like this one. It is a nice horror genre film. I like it.

Speed Racer

2008-05-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Speed Racer, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Can driving change the world? Yes, he can.

Speed racer, is an adaptation from the 1960s Japanese anime series Speed Racer. This movie is written and directed by Wachowski brothers whom brought you their masterpiece "The Matrix" in 1999. The story of this movie is about a young boy called Speed who want to fulfill his brother (Rex Racer) legacy in this aggressive and dangerous racing. Before we watch this movie, the first thing we thought is the visual effects. Of course, this movie content a lot of visual effects, and it's great. The visual is very eye candy, fresh and very colorful when it comes to the environment, world details and the action sequences. But some part of the visuals are very fake (Cartoon) and some parts felt like trying to be "Sin City". For the action sequences, it is very intense especially the desert racing and the last racing. It is eye popping as the first "Matrix", and of course the action is very stylish and they done a great job in cinematography too. It also content a few slow motion which they also done in "The Matrix" and it looks cool. At the desert racing sequences, there is one part where a bad guy want to toss a bee hive which surround by the bees to the main character (Speed), the thing I don't know is, How could the bees can travel such a high speed? (The bees still surround the hive instead of blown away because of the high speed). When comes to the story, it is nice but is not as nice as I expect from the director, so I'm a bit disappointed for the story. The plot is going well from the middle of the film to the ending of the movie. Some part of the movie is very lame, it is an unnecessary part for the film especially the part which consists of the chimpanzee with Spritle. Other than that, this movie is 2 hours 15 minutes long, of course there are some dialogue which is very lame and is unnecessary for the film and it's feel like a drag. For the acting, is great when it comes to villain. Roger Allam act as Mr. Royalton, who want Speed to sign a contract to race for him. He done a great job in this film and also in "V For Vendetta". He made a great impression for this movie, the way he talk and his expression make him bad ass enough to be a villain. In conclusion, it is a very colorful, intense, stylish, sci-fi movie. Very entertaining.

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian

2008-05-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian, 3 out of 4 stars

Caspian: I think I'm not ready.
Aslan: For that reason, I think you're ready.

This movie is directed by Andrew Adamsom who also brought you "The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" in 2005. Now the sequel is bigger and more excitement than the first one. The story is about (No Spoiler, of course) the four pevensie children return to Narnia to aid a prince who struggle for the throne to against his corrupt uncle king Miraz. First of all, the story started and ended very well. The plot also going smooth and you will not feel boring when watching it, but still the beginning will feel a bit draggy for some audiences. For the acting, sure they have improvement. The four of them (William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, and Georgie Henley) are now very charming in this movie (not like the first one) especially when they're fighting. Of course, this movie will be darker than the first Narnia and there will be less magic but more fighting which will give some audiences a disappointment. Even though is darker than the first one, this movie have a ground breaking visual effects. The visual is nice and the filming technique is nice also. This movie used a lot of of slow motion in fighting sequences which is very cool looking. The music using in this movie is a bit different from the first one too, which is composed by Harry Gregson-Williams (one of my favorite). Anyway, I think this movie feel a bit like "Lord Of The Rings" and is very entertaining even though there is not much magic in it (Aslan cast magic this time).

Extra:
Tales of Narnia

21

2008-05-17T03:46:00.000-07:00

21, 2 out of 4 stars

Woow.....It's my first time going to the casino.

21, based on a true story and also draw from the best selling book "Bringing Down The House" by Ben Mezrich. This film is directed by Robert Luketic who also directed "Legally Blonde" in 2001. This movie is about a student, Ben Campbell who want the scholarship to transfer to the Harvard School of Medicine. His desire is to become a doctor and he knows he cannot afford $300,000. So he joined a group of student, and they are trained to have skill in counting card at black jack. Every weekend, they fly to the Las Vegas and using their skills, hand signal to win a lot of money in casino. Jim Sturgess act as Ben Mezrich. His acting in this movie is average, not so good and not so bad. Sometimes he looks cool, but sometimes make the audiences feel like the actor is in low energy. For Kevin Spacey, act as the professor, done a great job in this movie. Besides acting, this movie give me a lot of disappointment actually. I like the story of this movie, it's very entertaining. But the director spoiled it. First, is the plot. The plot is going not in the straight line, it sometimes skip to other scene and came back again. It's make the audiences very confuse. The movie became a bit draggy sometimes. It makes me feel like lots talking less card playing. That's mean the audiences don't actually see enough of the card playing to satisfy. This movie gives a lot of messages about life and money but the ending seems to be negated all of it. This movie ending is not really nice, and before reach the ending the sequences it's a bit similar with "Ocean Eleven". Overall, "Take us too long to reach the high wire."

Iron Man

2008-05-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

Iron Man, 3 out of 4 stars

Oh, I can fly......Yeah you can!!

Iron Man, directed by Jon Favreau who brought you "Zathura" in 2005 and starring by psychotic Robert Downey Jr. as iron man. The movie starts by introducing the Tony Stark have a trip to Afghanistan to demonstrate his new weapon which named "Jericho Missile" (It is a very cool missile), and his convoy is attacked by and he is kidnapped by the terrorist group named Ten Rings. Then the movie reverse to few hour or day ago (I forgot already). When I first time see the movie trailer, I thought why they choose Robert Downey Jr. to be an Iron man, it totally miscast. After I watched this movie then I realize I was wrong. His acting in this movie is nice, and he is fit in this movie. He did his characteristic well in this movie and there is no other choice to be an Iron Man except him. Besides that, he brought a very deep sense of humor to this film. Other than acting, the visual effects in this movie is quite nice especially the part where he wear the iron man suits, this movie maybe will be another Academy Awards nomination for visual effects. The visual effects is done by Industrial Light and Magic which also use in "Transformers". The action sequences is quite nice, especially the sky chasing part and there is a few fighting scene between Iron Man and Iron Monger which is nice but not intense, that part will give an audience a little bit dissapointment. The plot in this movie is going very well and smooth, so when you see this movie you will find it very comfortable. There is also a small plot twist in this movie. There is also some part of this movie are quite unlogic. There is one part where the tank shoot the Iron Man when he was flying, and the warhead hit the Iron Man. That part is like "Woow!! Damn accurate!!" Anyway, this movie is a great comic adaptation and it gives a great energy to the audience. This movie is very entertaining and very funny. Two thumbs up!!

Trivia: In Rotten Tomatoes review aggregator, 93% of critics gave the movie positive reviews. (OMG!!)

Street Kings

2008-04-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

Street Kings, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Freeze!! or I'll shoot!! You motherfucker!!

Street Kings, directed by David Ayer. Keanu Reeves act as a LAPD detective, his life become dark and very lifeless after the death of his wife. He set out on a quest and pressed to action to discover the killer of his former partner. From the first few second of the film, I think the introduction is too short, thats mean it really cannot catch any attraction at all. But after few minutes of running, then you will discovered that this movie is gonna be very fun. FUN when Keanu Reeves starts shooting somebody! His acting is quite nice, but not as nice as in "Constantine" honestly. The thing I like about him in this movie is "He really drink alot!" as in "Constantine", he smoke alot. Besides that, Academy Award winner Forest Witaker who act as Captain Wanders (Keanu Reeves supervisor), he's acting is quite impressive. He's really make this movie look good. Without both of them, I think this movie will be sucks. The good thing in this movie is because it shows corruptions in cops world just like in "American Gangster" but in other way. For example the way they deal with the criminal is by killing them. But after that, they lied in the report and manipulate evidence to cover up for their own and others. Other than that, the plot sequence in this movie is not very good, it felt like sometimes fast and sometimes slow. The plot going slow from the beginning and middle part of the movie and it has a good plot twist. But for other people who watch alot of movie will definitely know the twist before watching it. I think the writer have to generate a higher expectation so that it will be much more better. This movie also contain abit laughable dialogue. But still this movie will sometimes give you a nice ride. "A nice action-packed thriller."

10,000 BC

2008-03-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

10,000 BC 2.5 out of 4 stars.

I can save you, so please don't eat me!

10,000 BC directed by Roland Emmerich who brought you "The Day After Tomorrow" in 2004 and "Independence Day" in 1996. The story begin with a young mammoth hunter, D,leh who their village called him a hero because of killing mammoth, he has only two friends, Tic Tac and Evolet who he fall in love with. At night, a bunch of raiders came and kinapped several of the tribe including Evolet. So D,leh have to travel to desert and jungle to save her. In his travel, he met alot of friends and learned their culture and face alot of weird nature. From the beginning of this movie, it cannot catch any audience attention, it's like very boring. But after you watch through 30 minutes of the movie, the story started to become more interesting. The plot are going too slow from the beginning, and after 30minutes running times it's moving faster and faster. Overall the story is quite nice, it is quite reality for us but for the them (the character inside the movie) is myth and prophecy, actually everything happen are all coincident, so it really fun to watch their reaction, thinking and mindset. The acting is nice, the actor (Steven Strait) and actress (Camilla Mille) are fit for this movie, especially the actress, she quite charming in this movie. For the visual effects, its quite good for some parts of the movie, but there is one part that I quite dissapointing is the slow motion they use in this movie. The slow motion used at the action sequences at the pyramid are sucks especially the final part where the a big gold fell down from the pyramid. Luckily this movie used few slow motion. Its really destroy the feeling of "real". Overall, Roland Emmerich done a good job for direct this movie. It's better than "The Day After Tomorrow". Although many critics have given this movie negative reviews, but still I give it credit.

Vantage Point

2008-03-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Vantage Point, 2.5 out of 4 stars.

Vantage Point, directed by Peter Travis who brought you "The Jury" in 2002. This movie started with the President of United stated went to the Salamanca, Spain, where he is holding an anti-terrorism summit. In 23 minutes period there is an assasination attempt to kill president. This movie is very unique because in one hour running time, you just have to catch the story in this 23 minutes with different point of view. This film loops through this 23 minutes over and over and over again with different point of view and different person. There are 8 point of view in this movie. This movie is fast, fun, and breezy entertainment, if you go cinema you just buy for the entertainment but not the final twist. The actions are quite intense especially the car chase scene. It contain abit shaky camera style like the movie in "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Maybe they're trying to replicate). The thing which less entertainment is the story, the story started off well and contain good final twist, but the whole movie didn't fully explain the whole story, so after watching it you will ask yourself why they do that, why they do this. So the good thing inside this movie is you watch the 23 minutes over & over again plus the action scenes but not the story. Overall it is still a good old fashioned political conspiracy thriller.

No Country For Old Men (2007)

2008-02-26T21:04:00.000-08:00

No Country For Old Men, 4 out of 4 stars.

No Country For Old Men, directed by Coen Brothers who brought you "Intolerable Cruelty" in 2003. This movie won 4 awards in 80th Academy Awards, and it adapted from the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name. This movie tells the story of a drug deal gone wrong and the ensuing cat and mouse drama as three men crisscross each other's paths in the desert landscape of 1980 West Texas. In this movie, there is few scenes that contain blood and gore, and some scenes are very intense where Llyewelyn Moss(Josh Brolin) who accidentally found a satchel contain 2 million dollar, and has been chasing by the an evil assassin(Javier Bardem) who want to retrieve the money back and there is few shootout between both of them. For acting, both of their acting is great especially Javier Bardem character. His acting is great, from the beginning of the film, it shows the characteristic of this character, his act just like he is really an assassin in real life. Besides that, in this movie he has an extraordinary moptop haircut. Because of the haircuts, he is very badass in this movie. I'm glad he won the Best Supporting Actor in Academy Awards. The plot for the film is great, and explain to us that this place is increasingly violent and the story is easy to understand or follow. This movie is my 2nd best film in 2007.

80th Annual Academy Awards

2008-02-25T07:52:00.000-08:00

Best Picture

Best Director

Paul Thomas Anderson - There Will Be Blood
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen - No Country for Old Men (Winner)
Tony Gilroy - Michael Clayton
Jason Reitman - Juno
Julian Schnabel - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Best Actor

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett - Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie - Away from Her
Marion Cotillard - La Vie en Rose (La môme) (Winner)
Laura Linney - The Savages
Ellen Page - Juno

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Cate Blanchett - I'm Not There
Ruby Dee - American Gangster
Saoirse Ronan - Atonement
Amy Ryan - Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton - Michael Clayton (Winner)

Best Original Screenplay

Best Adapted Screenplay

Atonement - Christopher Hampton, from Atonement, novel by Ian McEwan
Away from Her - Sarah Polley, from "The Bear Came over the Mountain", short story by Alice Munro
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly - Ronald Harwood, from Le scaphandre et le papillon, memoir by Jean-Dominique Bauby
No Country for Old Men - Joel and Ethan Coen, from No Country for Old Men, novel by Cormac McCarthy (Winner)
There Will Be Blood - Paul Thomas Anderson, from Oil!, novel by Upton Sinclair

Other awards

Best Animated Feature

Best Animated Short

Best Art Direction

Arthur Max and Beth Rubino - American Gangster
Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer - Atonement
Dennis Gassner and Anna Pinnock - The Golden Compass
Dante Ferretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Winner)
Jack Fisk and Jim Erickson - There Will Be Blood

Best Cinematography

Best Costume Design

Albert Wolsky - Across the Universe
Jacqueline Durran - Atonement
Alexandra Byrne - Elizabeth: The Golden Age (Winner)
Marit Allen - La Vie en Rose
Colleen Atwood - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Best Documentary Feature

No End in Sight
Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience
Sicko
Taxi to the Dark Side (Winner)
War/Dance

Best Documentary Short

Best Visual Effects

In my opinion

In my opinion, i'm quite dissapointed in this year Academy Awards. Some movies that should win the awards but didn't win. For example award for best visual effects. Based on the expert voting from Yahoo, they voted "Transformers" will win the awards but end up with "Golden Compass". It is unreasonable....Based on the yahoo users voting, "Golden Compass" only get 13% for the vote, wherelse "Transformers" is 48%. The reason that "Golden Compass" won this award because maybe the visual effects usage is more than "Pirates Of The Caribbean" and "Transformers" it is about 80% of the movie using visual effects, that's why the budjet of this movie is very high, is about 180million USD. Other than that, for the Best Song Award, three songs from "Enchanted" nominated this award but end up with others movie. Then for the best actress, Keira Knightley didn't even nominated. With such a dissapointment, there's also some happiness in this Academy Awards. "The Bourne Ultimatum" won three awards, which are Best Film Editing, Sound Mixing and Sound Editing. "The Bourne Ultimatum" is a very nice show, it is the best action film of 2007. Other than that, "Atonement" won the Best Original Score. The score using in this movie is very unique. It using the typing machine to compose the score....it just feel good when you listen to the score. It is fit to the movie.....the score is like....ta ta ta ta.... ta ta ta ta....------. It really feels good.

Meet The Spartans

2008-02-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

Meet The Spartans, 0.5 out of 4 stars.

Meet The Spartans? I rather watch Meet The Parents.

Meet The Spartans, directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer who brought you "Epic Movie" and "Date Movie". When I see the first trailer for this movie, I thought this movie will going better than "Date Movie". But after watching it, I want to vomit. The story is just a copy cat from "300". So, I encourage you not to see this movie, you rather watch "300". The whole movie is pointless especially the joke, and the acting is sucks like hell. This movie can't even make the fart joke funny. When I watching it, I didn't feel like want to laugh. All I do is said "WTF....". The part which make me want to vomit is the GTA part which is the Leonidas become the GTA character. That part is the most stupiest part in this movie. I think both of the director should attend the college class which teach all the director "What things you should not do in a comedy" by showing this movie. This movie will be my worst movie in 2008/ all time. I think the director should prepare to be the next razzie awards winner.

Overall: "Simply the worst movie in 2008."

Atonement (2007)

2008-02-23T10:03:00.001-08:00

Atonement, 4 out of 4 stars

Keira Knightley stars in "Atonement", a very beautifully made flick.

Atonement, directed by Joe Wright who brought you "Pride And Prejudice" in 2005. This movie is based on the novel by Ian McEwan. This movie is starring by Keira Knightley, James McAvoy etc. This movie is one of the few great adaptation along this few years. This movie contain old fashioned love story with modern psychology and storytelling. This movie also using alot of flash back. The movie shows the flash back after the point of view of the person and the flash back shows you the exact meaning of that scene. The acting is perfect especially Keira Knightley and the newcomer, Saoirse Ronan. Their acting is totally fit to their character, so I'm sure both of them will win for the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress in Academy Awards. When you watching this movie, there isn't have the meaning of atonement until you reach the ending. The full meaning of atonement is clear at its conclusion, this kind of ending is very unique and is good by putting it in this film.

Overall: "One of the best drama/film in 2007"

Rambo (2008)

2008-02-04T22:08:00.000-08:00

Rambo, 2.5 out of 4 stars

Sylvester Stallone stars in this bloody and gory sequel, "Rambo".

Rambo, written and directed by Sylvester Stallone and it is a sequel of "Rambo III"(1988). This movie is following the events of Rambo III, Slyvester Stallone return to Thailand then resides to Burma. Then there are a group of missionary approached him and ask him to take them to a village for a mission. At the village, everythings going well but suddenly the Burma army came and kill everyone except the missionary. Then their pastor comes to Rambo and want him to guide the hired mecenaries to rescue the team. In this movie the story is very simple, so I think Slyvester Stallone can be very smart (Rocky) and sometimes can be very dumb (Rambo). The acting also not really good but atleast greater than acting in "Rambo: First Blood Part II" (I think he must prepare for getting another Golden Raspberry Awards). In this movie the only thing that I envy the most is the action sequences. By using the aid of visual effects, the action sequences are very eye candy and it looks very real especially the blood and gore parts. This movie probably has enough good action, blood and gore. When you watching the last fighting between the mecenaries, Karen Rebels and Burmese Army, you will cheer up untill the end of fight. Besides that, 61 years old Sly still very active and as tough as before. So this movie isn't very good but it's still worth to go cinema to see the action.

Trivia: This movie holds the record with the most kills out of the entire Rambo series, with 236 kills. That's mean it is an average of 2.59 kills per minute.

Overall: "A great sequel in Rambo series!", "Rambo is a very intense, blood and gore action movie! I like it!"

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007)

2008-02-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street,

Johnny Depp sing with his vengeful spirit in "Sweeney Todd".

This movie is directed by Tim Burton who brought you "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory", "Batman (1989)" etc. This movie is about a grisly revenge by Benjamin Barker, who imprisoned by a lecherous judge. 15 years later, Barker return as a barber Sweeney Todd and exacts revenge. This is a performe arts/ musical featured film, all the actor/ actress really can sing in this movie especially Johnny Depp and Sacha Baron Cohen who act in "Borat". This is a dark movie because it is about revenge and the songs they sang also a very dark song. The lyrics of the song is very simple but meaningful. The acting was good. This movie is a perfect fit to Johnny Depp. In the movie he heart is full of vengence and pain. When he sing, he sing with his heart, when he act he act with his heart. Other than that, this movie contain alot of graphic bloody violence. Barker kill alot of people in this movie just using a razor. This movie is very special and unique because there was very few musical featured film which have blood and gore genre. This movie is simply one of the best musical featured film in 2007. Besides that, this movie recieved three Academy Awards for Best Actor, Best Achievement In Art Direction, and Best Achivement In Costume Design.

Overall: "One of the best musical featured film in 2007."

Cloverfield

2008-01-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

Cloverfield, 4 out of 4 stars.

Cloverfield is directed by Matt Reeves. This movie is about a monster acttacking New York city and how a bunch of people survive the acttack. This film is filmed by using a digital video in a point of view of a group of friends. This movie is similar with "Blair Witch Project" which also film by using digital video. This movie contain alot of visual effects and the visual effect the filmmaker using are great. When I was watching this movie, I just feel like I am in the same situation with the character. There were many scary parts and it will keep your adrenaline up until the end of the movie. This movie contain abit of humor and some parts are very touching so it is very fun to watch it. After watching this movie there is one question just pop out from my head, that is "How the camera survive?" and people who suffered motion sickness are not encourage to watch this movie because this movie contain alot of shaky camera which I think is ok. Some people will feel very queasy after watching this movie. I think the camera work is great and because of this, the whole movie is very intense.

Overall: "The most intense monster film that I ever seen within this few years!", "It is a short, intense and gripping thriller."

American Gangster (2007)

2008-01-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

American Gangster, 4 out of 4 stars.

Denzel and his brothers star in this brilliant, engrossing story telling film, "American Gangster".

American Gangster, directed by masterful director who brought you "Alien", and "Gladiator". This film is about the truth story of Frank Lucas who they called "Drug Lord". Denzel Washington act as Frank Lucas and his acting is very nice. He put his best performance in the screen as a drug lord who revolutionized his business by importing the 100% pure drug directly from Bangkok. Besides that Russel Crowe act as a detective, Richie who attempt to catch the supplier of the drug which named "blue magic". The timeline is is film is 1967-80 and didn't contain alot of action, is contain alot of story telling. This movie is about smart and intelligence.

Overall: "One of the year best film"

Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem

2008-01-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem 2 out of 4 stars

Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem is directed by Greg Strause and Colin Strause who are the 1st time director. The poster of this movie, it looks cool but after you seen this movie you will be dissapointed, for who are the action movie fan. In this movie, the action sequences is great but the last fight between the PREDALIEN and PREDATOR are not intense enough. For the storyline, for me is quite draggy and you will feel the story are jumping around "TOO MUCH". Other than that, this movie is called AVP but there are not many VS. in this movie. This movie will make you feel like Humans Vs. Aliens more than Aliens Vs. Predator. For the audiences who expect the great storyline, and intense action they will be dissapointed. For the audiences who expect blood and gore, this movie delivered it (The trailer already show all the blood and gore scene). But I still prefer the Paul W. Anderson version of AVP

My 10 most anticipated movie of 2008

2007-12-31T10:10:00.000-08:00

Today is 1 January 2008, a brand new year!! So I hope that Hollywood can produce more great movie this year. This year is expected another battle for sequels. My anticipated movie in 2008 are..

1. "Cloverfield" Reasons: Produced by the director of "Mission Impossible III"

2. "Jumper" Reasons: Directed by Doug Liman who direct "The Bourne identity" and "Mr. and Mrs Smith"

3. "Iron Man" Reasons: Based on the fictional Marvel Comic character Iron Man. It is the 1st idependently produced by Marvel Studios.

4. "The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian" Reasons: From the director of "Shrek" and "Shrek 2"

5. "Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of Crystal Skull" Reasons: Sequel to the 1989 "Indiana Jones And The last Crusade". This movie is directed by Steven Speilberg and produced by George Lucas.

6. "Wanted" Reasons: Starring by the sexy Angelina Jolie. Based on the comic book miniseries, Wanted by mark Millar.

7. "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" Reasons: Directed by visionary director, Guillermo del Toro who brought you "Pan's Labyrinth".

8." The Dark Knight" Reasons: Sequel to the one of the best film in 2005, "Batman Begins". Directed by Christopher Nolan who brought you "The Prestige".

9. "Bond 22" Reasons: Daniel Craig comes back in the long awaiting bond movie. From the director who brought you "Monster Ball" in 2001.

10. "Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince" Reasons: Based on the best selling novel of the same name by J. K Rowling.

The movie which I HATED in 2007

2007-12-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

2007 is coming to the end. In 2007 Hollywood produce alot alot of movie that i like and dislike. Here are the list of the movie which i HATED in 2007 (didn't include the movie which i haven't watch).

1. Hannibal Rising
Overall: "This prequel is awfully silly and boring!" "This movie totally miscast"

2. Pathfinder
Overall: "Action is nice, but story sucks!" "This director can make you jump out from the sit
but cannot make the story move."

3. The Condemned (Most hated)
Overall: "A Hollywood toxic waste." "It is a souless film, this movie has no reason to exist."

4. The Invisible
Overall: "The story sucks, the acting sucks, the plot also sucks!", "

5. Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer
Overall: " The film is too short for a big story."

6. Rush Hour 3
Overall: "Whole movie feels like 2 hours long instead of 1 hr 30 mins." "If it is Jackie Chan
movie, we will expect the action, but in this movie humor more than action."

7. The Last Legion
Overall: "This movie also totally miscast!"

I Am Legend

2007-12-30T08:05:00.000-08:00

I Am Legend, 3 out of 4 stars.

Will Smith stars in this mind blowing thriller in "I Am Legend".

I Am Legend, adaptation of Richard Matheson's 1954 novel "I Am Legend" and remake of "The Last Man On Earth" in 1964 and "The Omega Man" in 1971. This movie is directed by Francis Lawrence who brought you "Constantine" in 2005 which contain alot of CGI effects. In this movie, it also contain alot of visual effects which is very eye candy, even the chasing animal scene also have to use visual effects. Because contain alot of visual effect, so this movie budget is about 150million dollars. From the beginning of the movie, the story going very well, fascinating and fun to watch but the ending is the problem, "Abit short" actually. The acting, is nice especially Will Smith (of course) and the dog act very well too (the dog is well trained by the trainer, and didn't contain CGI which is very good). Besides that, this movie contain top-notch action sequences that is memorable.

This movie is too CGI dependent, and after watching it some question will raises from our mind.

Overall: "A great movie which is very touching, scary, funny, and thrilling."

Music Composer

2007-12-29T03:25:00.000-08:00

The music composer

Movie is about entertaining. Entertaining=Excitement, Excitement=Action, comedy, horror.

But movie without music, is a dumb.

My favourite music composer is Hans Zimmer. He is an Academy award winner film composer and he is recognized as one of Hollywood's most innovative musical talents, having first enjoyed success in the world of pop music as a member of The Buggles. Untill now, he composed about 96 films which some are composed with other composer. Besides that, he also composed "The Lion King", "Madagascar" and "The Simpsons Movie" which i think is nice. Some of my favourite movie score which he composed are "The Rock", "Mission Impossible 2", "Gladiator", "Black Hawk Down", "Pearl Harbor", "Batman Begins". "Pirates Of The Carribean 2&3", and "The Da Vinci Code".

There are some music composer that also my favourite, John Powell, Harry Gregson-Williams, and Steve Jablonsky.

Hairspray

2007-12-28T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hairspray, 4 out of 4 stars

Woow...they really use alot of hairspray in this movie.

Hairspray which is another awaiting remake of "Hairspray" in 1988. This movie is directed by Adam Shankman. I like this movie very much. I like the song, the acting, the costume design and many more. This movie create a good 1960's environment of Baltimore which will make you feel like you're into the 60's. In this movie, everybody can sing. This movie give me one surprise which is even Christopher Walken also can sing! Besides that, all the actor and actress act very good especially Nikki Blonsky. Without her, i gurantee this movie will not be "perfect". This movie is about energetic, and sing with heart. This movie is simply more entertaining than "Dreamgirls".

Overall:" The best adaptation musical/performing arts this year!"

Enchanted

2007-12-28T04:32:00.000-08:00

Enchanted, 3.5 out of 4 stars

This movie really enchanted!!

Enchanted, directed by Kevin Lima who brought you another cartoon movie, "Tarzan" in 1999. He done a great job in this movie. He know how to "use" the actor. This movie actually is funny but "not alot", the 1st 15 minutes animation world and the real world are perfectly fit in this movie which is director done a great job, and the real thing that the audiences want in this movie is entertain. This movie did it! The story feels very entertaining. Really the actor or actress really enchanting? Yes especially Amy Adams. She really make the fairy tales come to life, charming and very energetic. Amy Adams and James Marsden sing very well in this movie.

Overall: "An entertaining holiday movie"

The Bourne Ultimatum

2007-12-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Bourne Ultimatum, 4 out of 4 stars

Matt Damon stars in this best action thriller of the year, "The Bourne Ultimatum".

The Bourne Ultimatum, directed by Paul Greengrass who also directed "The Bourne Supremacy" in 2004. This film is the best action thriller of the year. Matt Damon did a great job in this movie. He's acting is improving from the 1st bourne film untill now. Besides that, the action sequences is very nice. I like it because it is all about intelligence, technology and stamina. This movie is adapted from the novel by Robert Ludlum with the same name. Eventhough the book is nice and the story is different from the movie (which is good for us), but the movie is still very entertaining.

In "The Bourne Supremacy", many critics have criticized for its shaky camera which some of the action sequences are difficult to see. In this movies there is also have many shaky camera. But for me i think it is good because all the director have their own style for example like director Michael Bay, his movie contain alot of shaky camera. His latest movie "Transformers", many audiences cannot figure out which robot are fighting which robot, some of the sequences are difficult to see because of shaky camera. In my opinion, this is a good "shooting" style. It is a work of art by a cutting-edge artist who is master of movement, light, color and shape, even explosion.

Overall: "The best action thriller of the year!"

National Treasure: Book Of Secrets

2007-12-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

National Treasure: Book Of Secrets, 2.5 out of 4 star

Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha and the director in the set of "National Treasure: Book Of Secrets".

National Treasure: Book Of Secrets which is the sequel to National Treasure (2004) directed by Jon Turteltaub. This movie is produce by Jerry Bruikheimer and it is very entertaining and funny especially Riley( Justin Bartha). The action nice and contain abit high concept sequences and it is more adventure and thrilling than the 1st one, more historical place for example United State Capitol, library of congress, Lincoln Memorial, and the most interesting is Mount Rushmore.

On the other hand, this movie is abit draggy eventhough it is funny. They should not waste the time by talking joke (which is some i think is "ok") and what is less is "excitement" the car chasing part is a good example. It is old fashioned car chase (which is good because didn't contain any CGI) but it is no excitement at all.

Music and Lyrics

2007-03-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

Music and Lyrics, A-
Genres: Comedy and Musical/Performing Arts
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexual content.

Way back into love....

Music and Lyrics, directed by Marc D. Lawrence who brought you "Two Week Notice" in 2002. The story line of the movie is very cute and nice and have a good plot too. Besides that the acting is nice especially Hugh Grant. He is the member of the pop group in the movie and from the start, the music video for "Pop goes my heart" is hilarious. Other than that, Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant make a perfect on screen couple. This movie is perfect for a date movie! Moreover, the lyrics content in the music is meaningful. You'll feel very comfortable when you listen to the music they sang.

Overall: "Excellent Valentines movie!", "A great romantic comedy film"

Pathfinder

2007-02-26T00:41:00.000-08:00

Pathfinder, D-
Genres: Action/Adventure and Remake
MPAA Rating: R for strong brutal violence throughout.

Pathfinder, directed by Marcus Nispel who brought you a horror movie "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" in 2003. In this movie, the director done well in all the battle/action sequences. The acting in this movie is quite "OK" for me.

Even though the movie content good battle/action sequences, but this movie lack of story telling and the plot of this movie was going too slow.

Overall: "Have a good battle/action sequences but not worth for two thumbs up.", "Not a good movie, wasting money for watch in cinema."

Blood Diamond

2007-02-26T00:11:00.000-08:00

Blood Diamond, A-
Genres: Drama, Romance, Thriller and Crime/Gangster
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence and language.

Blood Diamond, directed by Edward Zwick who direct "The Last Samurai" in 2003. This movie is so touching and so well directed. This movie content alot of action and have glory violent visual effects. Other than that, the acting is owe some especially acting by Leonardo DiCaprio. Besides that the story line of this movie is great, it shows how the Africa is treated by the foreigners trying to retrieve the jeweleries for profit and this movie displays the harsh realities of life, war isn't a glorious thing.

Overall: "Brilliant/Outstanding, heart pounding action movie of the year!", "Another masterpiece by Edward Zwick!", "Best action movie in 2006."

Children Of Men

2007-02-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

Children Of Men, A-
Genres: Drama, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller and Adaptation.
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, language, some drug use and brief nudity.

Clive Owen stars in this outstanding sci-fi movie, "Children Of Men".

Children Of Men, directed by Alfonso Cuaron who brought you "Harry Potter and the Prisoner Of Azkaban" in 2004. This movie is based on the book by P.D. James. In this movie, the director done well in all the direction. The story is very chilling and amazing. Other than that, this movie has a great cinematography. Cinematographer, Emmanuel Lubetzki's whirlwind camera work create non-stop and real action and tension. The actor, Clive Owen are suit for the role. He done very well in this movie.

This movie pull off a similar motive as "V For Vendetta" which trying to deliver a message.

Overall: "An outstanding sci-fi film since 'V For Vendetta'."

The Queen

2007-02-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

The Queen, A-
Genres: Art/Foreign and Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language.

Helen Mirren stars in "The Queen", one of the year's best film.

The Queen, directed by Stephen Frears who brought you a comedy, "Mrs. Henderson Presents" in 2005. This movie have a great detailed look at the lives of British Royals in 1997. The acting is well done especially the queen, Helen Mirren and the prime minister or Tony Blair, Michael Sheen. Helen Mirren gives a stunning performances as the queen. Besides that, the movie is well casted and the director is great in direction.

Overall: "A surprisingly enjoyable film."

Dreamgirls

2007-02-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

Dreamgirls, A+
Genres: Drama, Musical/Performing Arts and Adaptation.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language, some sexuality and drug content.

Dreamgirls, directed by Bill Condon who brought you "Kinsey" in 2004. This movie is very nice. This movie has a great costumes design, great direction, great storyline, and great acting especially Jennifer Hudson. Her acting is nice even though she is the first time actor. The actor in the movie express their feeling by singing songs. The songs they sang is very nice and felt comfortable after hearing it. This movie will entertain you from the beginning until the end.

Beyonce, her acting in this movie is in average stage even though her acting has improving.

Overall: "Another great musical featured film since 'Chicago'."

Borat: Cultural Learning Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan

2007-01-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan, A-
Genres: Comedy and Adaptation.
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive strong crude and sexual content including graphic nudity, and language.

Woow...this will be the best comedy film of the year!! Very nice..!!

Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan, directed by Larry Charles who brought you "Masked & Anonymous" in 2003. This movie is very funny. It content a lot of jokes, and some scene is very gross. Sacha Baron Cohen, who created this character Borat done very well in joking, insulting in this movie. This movie is the funniest movie in the year because it is smart. From the title of the movie, every single word is very funny especially both of the "of". before watching this movie, make sure your sense of irony is factory installed, if not you'll find this movie horrifying.

This movie is very offensive and cruel, and some people would not like this type of humor.

Overall: "This movie will make you laugh your ass out!!"

The Guardian

2007-01-14T23:26:00.000-08:00

The Guardian, B+
Genres: Action/Adventure and Drama
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action/peril, brief strong language and some sensuality.

Asthon Kutcher as a coast guard member in "The Guardian".

The Guardian, directed by Andrew Davis who brought to you "Collateral Damage" in 2002. This movie is an excellent action drama. The story of this movie is very nice. Besides that, the director done very well in recue sequences. The overall acting is good especially Kevin Costner and Asthon Kutcher and that's the reason which make this movie very entertaining. Other than that, this movie content a realistic rescue swimmers and search or rescue operation, and realistic coastie life.

There are simularities between the story line of "Top Gun" and "The Guardian". The plot is quite slow and make this movie 2+hours long.

Overall: "Two thumbs up", "A great action drama"

Night At The Museum

2007-01-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

Night At The Museum, B-
Genres: Comedy, Kids/Family, Science Fiction, Fantasy
MPAA Rating: PG for mild action, language and brief rude humor.

Night At The Museum, directed by Shawn Levy who brought you "The Pink Panther" in 2006. This movie is very funny. There are many comedian who act in this movie for example Owen Wilson, Robin WIlliams, Ben Stiller and others. The story and the visual effects in this movie is nice. Besides that all the actors done a great job in this movie.

Although this movie is very funny, but at some part of the dialogue and jokes are tasteless and need to put some effort.

Overall: "You'll waiting for the night come", "A comedy that will make you laugh from the start till the end."

Eragon

2007-01-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

Eragon, B-
Genres: Drama, kids/Family, Science fiction/Fantasy and adaptation
MPAA Rating: PG for fantasy violence, intense battle sequences and some frightening images.

Eragon, directed by Stefan Fangmeier who brought to you "Galaxy Quest" an action comedy in 1999. This movie is based on the novel written by Christopher Paolini. Eragon is the first novel in Inheritance trilogy. In this movie, Edward Speleers(Eragon) done a great job in this movie, he is the first time actor. Besides that, this movie is entertaining and the scenes in this movie are breathtaking and beautiful. Other than that, the director done really well in the battle sequences especially the battle between Eragon and Durza.

The story of this movie is great of course, but it will give a great dissapointment to who are already read the novel. In this movie, the plots are going so fast that skipped most of the important parts. For those who didn't read the novel, maybe you would almost be lost as to what was happening.

Overall: "An entertaining trip.", "A breathtaking ride!".

Déjà Vu

2006-12-15T04:24:00.000-08:00

Deja Vu, A+
Genres: Action/Adventure, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Thriller
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and terror, disturbing images and some sensuality.

Denzel Washington stars in one of the best thriller of the year, "Deja Vu".

"If you think it's just the feeling, go back, and look again." --- Deja Vu.

"What if you had the most important thing in the world to tell someone but you knew they wouldn't believe you?" --- Doug (Denzel Washington)

Deja Vu, directed by Tony Scott who brought you "Enemy Of The Sate" in 1998 and others. This movie is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer who produced many action movie like Bad Boys2, Pearl Harbor, Pirates Of Caribbean: Dead men chest and others. This movie is a Sci-Fi action thriller. This movie is very nice. Denzel Washington delivers great performance in this movie since "Inside Man", he did a great acting in this movie. This movie content abit of magic of quantum physics and high-concept scripts. Billi Marsilii and Terry Rossio (Co-writer of "Shrek","Shrek 2") write a clever scripts. It will give you an unimaginable ride and very entertaining. Besides that it's got a great plot and great action sequences. A must see!!

Overall: "One of the best Scott-Bruckheimer production since 'Top Gun' and 'Enemy Of The State'."
"A Great Sci-Fi action Thriller of the year!"
"Denzel Washington done a great job since 'Inside Man'."

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning

2006-12-13T05:10:00.000-08:00

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, C+
Genres:Suspense/Horror, Thriller, Remake and Sequel
MPAA Rating:R for strong horror violence/gore, language and some sexual content.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, directed by Jonathan Liebesman who directed "Darkness falls" in 2003. This movie is produced by the hollywood best action director, Michael bay who produced "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" in 2003, and others. This movie once produced in 1974 and 1986 and now Michael Bay produced this movie again in 2003 and 2006. This movie content alot of bloody scenes, of course is the reason to make this movie perfect. The Leatherface (Andrew Bryniarski) is this movie is more brutal than the first one. The direction and the visual effects of this movie is nice than the first one. The acting is almost perfect.

The story line in this movie is nice but quite similar with the first one. After wathing this movie, my mind floated one question, Why some charaters talking or telling us stuff that we are already know?? For example, one character ask another, "Are You OK?" when the person under questioning is plainly knee deep in a bear trap? Besides that, the first movie in 2003 presented itself as a true story(Yeap it is a true story, but he is not using chainsaw but gun to kill people), but this movie is not presented as a true story.

Saw III

2006-12-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

Saw III, A+
Genres: Suspense/Horror and Sequel

MPAA Rating: R for strong grisly violence and gore, sequences of terror and torture, nudity and language.

Shawnee Smith and Tobin Bell star in this smart, bloody and gory horror film, "Saw III".

Suffering? You haven't seen anything yet. ---Jigsaw. Saw III, directed by Darren Lynn Bousman who brought you Saw II in 2005. He is the first time director when he make Saw II. Saw III is the best in Saw trilogy. In this movie, it content many bloody scene, so warning for the people who don't like to watch horror movie, "Please don't watch!" For people who like to watch horror movie, yeah "try this!". There is a twist in the end of the movie same as Saw, and Saw II. The story line in this movie is good. The visual effect also quite good, but acting....almost perfect. After watching Saw and Saw II, you might have many questions about the movie, hmm....Saw III will answer it all. Besides that, the way jigsaw was testing the people is more gross than other two movies.

Saw III too focus on gore more than the first two. The acting still have to improve.

Overall: "One of the best halloween film!", "Best horror film of the year!"

Happy Feet

2006-12-06T03:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Feet, A-
Genres: Action/Adventure, Kids/Family, Musical/Performing Arts and Animation
MPAA Rating: PG for some mild peril and rude humor.

Rude humor? Haha, i agree.
Warning: This movie will cause toe tapping.

Happy Feet, directed by George Miller, Judy Morris (II), and Warren Coleman. This animation will give you an enjoyable ride! The story line of this animation is simple and easy to understand, besides that it full of emotions and the music is wonderful. Visual effect is nice and the sceneries are breathtaking. The peguins are so so so cute!! This animation drives home the message about mankind's disastrous decisions that could or may destroy the pristine world of the penguins, seals, whales and other creatures that inhabit the southernmost continent on our planet.

This animation contained many sexual references. "Right from the beginning the song that Norma Jean (Mumble's mom)sang is semi-explicit. She sings "X" instead of "Sex" in one of Prince's old songs. Later on, there's a scene where Mumble and Gloria (one of Mumble's friends) are falling and they roll on each other in completely noticeable sexual position" - by Chiniaberry. Besides that, it not suitable for kids. Hmm....for kids movies, there is no need to have ethnic and sexual steoreotyping and a political message.

Overall: "The best animation of the year."

Casino Royale

2006-12-05T23:51:00.000-08:00

Casino Royale, B+.
Genres: Action/Adventure, Thriller, Adaptation and Sequel

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violent action, a scene of torture, sexual content and nudity.
Daniel Craig stars in this new bond movie, "Casino Royale".

Bond, James Bond. Casino Royale is based on the first of lan Fleming's novel. The movie is directed by Martin Campbell, the one who directed Pierce Brosnan 1st James Bond movie, "Golden Eye" in 1995. In this movie, Daniel Craig as James Bond. Although it is not Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, but it is still a great movie. The action sequences, visual effect, sound effect overall is good. The direction and the story line is fair. This movie is different from the previous James Bond film which contain alot of great technology or some crazy stuff, but this movie didn't have it at all (which is good to fit the originality of the James Bond). Eventhough previous James Bond film is nice, but i like "casino royale" alot.

Overall: "A newcomers make this franchise come to life again!" "One of the best Bond film"