This is the third movie of a 3 movie marathon based on real life / characters / events I watched yesterday.
This is a powerful drama. In 1993, there was ethnic war between the Tutsis and the Hutus in Rwanda. The film highlights the horrors of war, and also brings forth that a man must do, in all his ability, to always protect his family first in times of crisis. It's sad, but true, that there is always a limit to the number of people you can help.
Don Cheadle plays Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager whose hotel was used by the UN and world media as a base for covering the supposed peace treaty between the 2 ethnic groups, and later used as a place of safe refuge when Hutus start to ethnic cleanse the "cockroaches" Tutsis - it's amazing how easily hatred is bred through endless radio broadcasts.
Being a Hutu himself, and married to a Tutsi, this brings forth danger to Paul himself. However, with his street smarts, and network connections, he manages to stay one step ahead of the situation, and brings hope to his family, employees, and refugees, when all seems bleak.
While the West has abandoned Paul and Rwanda, Paul has shown courage and hope in turning things around, during times of violence and rampant corruption. You're as good as what you can offer to those in power - once you have nothing, you're as good as a goner. This doesn't only apply to Paul and the generals, but also, on a bigger picture, between the West and Rwanda as well.
I haven't watched a lot of movies starring Don Cheadle, except for the Ocean11/12 movies. Given these shows tend to root for strong leading man types, probably Denzel Washington, Cheadle does an excellent job here.
No doubt the lack of A-stars, the supporting cast gave commendable performances, see if you can spot Joaquin Phoenix underneath his bearded face!
I shan't preach here, but I must state that genocide is evil, and the world cannot turn a blind eye when it happens, no matter where.
Watch this film, and understand.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Finding Neverland
This is the second movie I watched in yesterday's 3 movie marathon.
Who would've thought that even James Matthew Barrie can get writer's block and his latest play proved to be such a bore. The film opens with high English society going a cinema of yesteryear - the theatre - and by the end of it, JM Barrie knew he needed something special to stay at the top of his game.
Chance allowed him to meet a widower with 4 boys, and needless to say, their life experiences together form the basis of his most famous work - Peter Pan. However, through spending much time with this family, his own loveless marriage spun out of control, while at the same time, he finds new meaning in life with his teaching of imagination and escapism to his new surrogate family.
This film briefly explores the nuances of high society in the Victorian age, as things like these set tongues wagging, and is equivalent to the current day scandals. We're also treated to a behind the scenes look at how the theatre group pulls off the fantasy elements of the play - you'd have to believe it's there, and Barries' masterstroke in inviting orphans to the premiere of Peter Pan.
Johnny Depp does it again with his top notch acting. He's one of the few character actors around, and takes his performance to another new level. This film, given Barrie's encouraging use of imagination, allows Depp to showcase multiple roles when he plays with the kids, and one which audiences immediately identify with, is the shade of Captain Jack Sparrow when he portrays a pirate.
Kate Winslet does a commendable job as the children's mom in a single parent family, being the strong pillar to 4 young boys, and yet, being so vulnerable because of a critical illness.
Dustin Hoffman chews up his scenes, and the best irony comes in his initial disbelief that Peter Pan can pull it off (There are some of you who remembered that he played Captain Hook in Spielberg's Hook)
This is a nice touching drama on soaring life with imagination, the background tale behind the boy who never grew up, and ladies, be prepared to bring some tissues for this one - even my eyes did well at the end of this one.
Who would've thought that even James Matthew Barrie can get writer's block and his latest play proved to be such a bore. The film opens with high English society going a cinema of yesteryear - the theatre - and by the end of it, JM Barrie knew he needed something special to stay at the top of his game.
Chance allowed him to meet a widower with 4 boys, and needless to say, their life experiences together form the basis of his most famous work - Peter Pan. However, through spending much time with this family, his own loveless marriage spun out of control, while at the same time, he finds new meaning in life with his teaching of imagination and escapism to his new surrogate family.
This film briefly explores the nuances of high society in the Victorian age, as things like these set tongues wagging, and is equivalent to the current day scandals. We're also treated to a behind the scenes look at how the theatre group pulls off the fantasy elements of the play - you'd have to believe it's there, and Barries' masterstroke in inviting orphans to the premiere of Peter Pan.
Johnny Depp does it again with his top notch acting. He's one of the few character actors around, and takes his performance to another new level. This film, given Barrie's encouraging use of imagination, allows Depp to showcase multiple roles when he plays with the kids, and one which audiences immediately identify with, is the shade of Captain Jack Sparrow when he portrays a pirate.
Kate Winslet does a commendable job as the children's mom in a single parent family, being the strong pillar to 4 young boys, and yet, being so vulnerable because of a critical illness.
Dustin Hoffman chews up his scenes, and the best irony comes in his initial disbelief that Peter Pan can pull it off (There are some of you who remembered that he played Captain Hook in Spielberg's Hook)
This is a nice touching drama on soaring life with imagination, the background tale behind the boy who never grew up, and ladies, be prepared to bring some tissues for this one - even my eyes did well at the end of this one.
Fighter In The Wind
It's uncanny to have sat through a marathon of 3 movies, each either inspired, or based upon real life or real events.
This korean movie claims to be inspired by the life of Choi Bae-dal, who founded the kyokushinkaikan variation of Karate, and the film explores the prejudice between the Koreans and the Japanese back then.
The setting is in post-WWII Japan, with Yakuzas and American GIs abound, not to mention the influx of Korean immigrants. This film narrates the life of Bae-dal in a fairly straightforward way, following his path to fame amongst fighters - taking on karate, judo and even kendo exponents.
Somehow this film parallels Stephen Chow's KungFu Hustle, which also narrates the life of a nobody to a somebody, with a pretty babe in tow for good measure, except this one is without the slapstick comedy.
The first half plods on, as our protagonist is still a greenhorn
in the martial arts world. Once you've gotten past the first hour, things start to pick up when he trains himself to be the best of the best, but towards the finale, it somehow hints of Tom Cruise's The Last Samurai. Probably no fault of its own, as it explores the same theme amongst all martial arts - honour and justice.
The fight scenes, which looked spectacular in the trailers, actually offers nothing new. Most of it are quick cuts and slow motion, and given the premise, could've offered more in terms of actual fights.
This should appeal to those who wanna know more about the myth behind Kyokushinkaikan Karate. If you're looking for real Kung-Fu action, you'll probably be better off with a Jet Li martial arts movie.
This korean movie claims to be inspired by the life of Choi Bae-dal, who founded the kyokushinkaikan variation of Karate, and the film explores the prejudice between the Koreans and the Japanese back then.
The setting is in post-WWII Japan, with Yakuzas and American GIs abound, not to mention the influx of Korean immigrants. This film narrates the life of Bae-dal in a fairly straightforward way, following his path to fame amongst fighters - taking on karate, judo and even kendo exponents.
Somehow this film parallels Stephen Chow's KungFu Hustle, which also narrates the life of a nobody to a somebody, with a pretty babe in tow for good measure, except this one is without the slapstick comedy.
The first half plods on, as our protagonist is still a greenhorn
in the martial arts world. Once you've gotten past the first hour, things start to pick up when he trains himself to be the best of the best, but towards the finale, it somehow hints of Tom Cruise's The Last Samurai. Probably no fault of its own, as it explores the same theme amongst all martial arts - honour and justice.
The fight scenes, which looked spectacular in the trailers, actually offers nothing new. Most of it are quick cuts and slow motion, and given the premise, could've offered more in terms of actual fights.
This should appeal to those who wanna know more about the myth behind Kyokushinkaikan Karate. If you're looking for real Kung-Fu action, you'll probably be better off with a Jet Li martial arts movie.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Elektra
This movie picks off a few years after Daredevil, though it almost severs all ties with the movie it spun off from. The narrative is heavily filled with flashbacks, slow motion and the "power of meditation", which makes the pacing uneven.
One of the major dangers of superhero movies is when the villains upstage the protagonist. Here, colourful villains that look like castaways from Mortal Kombat (hey, they got an alumni actor!) could have brought more potential to the show, but somehow were reduced to one dimensional, shallow cartoony characters with little dialogue. Guess not everyone can make an "X-Men" movie with tons of characters, yet with a fulfilling feel to it all, though their powers and the special effects were notable highlights.
Another danger is the lack of involvement from the creator. No doubt Stan Lee did not create Elektra, somehow it doesn't really feel like a Marvel movie without his cameo appearance. Frank Miller, the creator, certainly did not have a hand in this show, which tells.
Jennifer Garner is hot hot hot in red red leather, and the camera lingers onto every strut. I was surprised the local censors passed without a cut, the smooch between Elektra and Typhoid Mary.
In summary, paraphrasing what Electra says, this movie has too many variables and lacks background. At times it tries to sound sophisticated, but most of the time, reduced to a simplistic action movie with nothing new to offer and leaving many subplots introduced, unresolved.
3 references to Daredevil
1. The Pendant she has
2. A little flashback clip showing what happened to her after Daredevil
3. A Daredevil grafftti in one scene
One of the major dangers of superhero movies is when the villains upstage the protagonist. Here, colourful villains that look like castaways from Mortal Kombat (hey, they got an alumni actor!) could have brought more potential to the show, but somehow were reduced to one dimensional, shallow cartoony characters with little dialogue. Guess not everyone can make an "X-Men" movie with tons of characters, yet with a fulfilling feel to it all, though their powers and the special effects were notable highlights.
Another danger is the lack of involvement from the creator. No doubt Stan Lee did not create Elektra, somehow it doesn't really feel like a Marvel movie without his cameo appearance. Frank Miller, the creator, certainly did not have a hand in this show, which tells.
Jennifer Garner is hot hot hot in red red leather, and the camera lingers onto every strut. I was surprised the local censors passed without a cut, the smooch between Elektra and Typhoid Mary.
In summary, paraphrasing what Electra says, this movie has too many variables and lacks background. At times it tries to sound sophisticated, but most of the time, reduced to a simplistic action movie with nothing new to offer and leaving many subplots introduced, unresolved.
3 references to Daredevil
1. The Pendant she has
2. A little flashback clip showing what happened to her after Daredevil
3. A Daredevil grafftti in one scene
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Another Freebie On Its Way
It was quite late after the Kinsey show 2 nights back, and I was tuning in to my favourite radio station Power 98, (currently tied with another new hotshot station Lush 99.5). The first thing I heard was the DJ Soo Wei saying that nobody had won their movie challenge yet, and she started to repeat the questions.
I was hearing the questions for the first time, and yep, I know all the answers. Was ready to call in until she said to SMS in the answers.
What?! I have the slowest sms-typing speed in the world!
Then I felt the winning feeling. It's unexplainable, I just feel it, the overwhelming sensation of something coming my way. SMS-ed my answers, and five minutes later, I got a call and I was on the air (well, not quite.... most of the time, it is pre-recorded).
For all you curious folks out there, and to those who were clueless (thank you for giving me the opportunity to win), the answers were
1. Seed of Chucky
2. X-Men 2: X-Men United
3. Kill Bill Vol 2
I won a S$50 CD hamper. Not sure what's in it yet, gonna collect it soon and let ya all know
Oh yeah, and for the record, I don't get this kinda feeling for 4D/Toto, so don't bother asking me yeah?
I was hearing the questions for the first time, and yep, I know all the answers. Was ready to call in until she said to SMS in the answers.
What?! I have the slowest sms-typing speed in the world!
Then I felt the winning feeling. It's unexplainable, I just feel it, the overwhelming sensation of something coming my way. SMS-ed my answers, and five minutes later, I got a call and I was on the air (well, not quite.... most of the time, it is pre-recorded).
For all you curious folks out there, and to those who were clueless (thank you for giving me the opportunity to win), the answers were
1. Seed of Chucky
2. X-Men 2: X-Men United
3. Kill Bill Vol 2
I won a S$50 CD hamper. Not sure what's in it yet, gonna collect it soon and let ya all know
Oh yeah, and for the record, I don't get this kinda feeling for 4D/Toto, so don't bother asking me yeah?
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Kinsey
The movie's tagline says "Let's talk about sex". And it really does - talk.
This is the other bioepic that opens this week in Singapore's shores (besides The Aviator), and it presents to you the life of Dr Kinsey, sex researcher, well, not by chance. Starting off as a zoologist with intense and devoted research on gull wasps, he discovers a necessity to research on sex, sparked by his own ineptness towards making love for the very first time with his virgin wife.
As with all research, you need a sample population size to theorize. Collecting gull wasps is must simpler than getting people to reveal their innermost secrets and fantasies, as he painfully discovers. So there lies the opening of the movie, which showcases the methods of questioning he uses to get people to open up and talk about their sex lives. This is perhaps one of the highlights of the movie.
And as with all research, you might need to dabble into the queer and the untrodden path. Here, we see him engaging in homosexual love, and in the name of science, unenthusiastically allowing his wife to sleep with his pet student (hey, he must be impartial and objective to his research), and fellow staff members to have sex with others' wives, and get it on film to be analysed!
Impartiality and objectivity in research also takes centrestage - we're humans after all, with sets of morals that differ from person to person. How much "deviant" practices can one sit through when dwelving into other's intimate secrets? In one particular interview, the interviewee boasts to having committed incest, beastality, etc!
This film charts the rise (a topic that's "new", never talked about so openly, hence gaining Dr Kinsey fame), to the fall (societal backlash from challenging normal sexual conventions, mostly from popular unacceptance and denying the truth about what's happening around society) of Kinsey's research, and through it, shows that when society's morals and conduct comes under the spotlight, not everyone can accept scientific findings with an open mind - ignorance may be bliss.
This movie is stripped of erotica, so anyone who thinks they might have a field day with sex on cellulite ought to think twice. Watch it from a scientific point of view, and you'll enjoy the show tremendously.
This is the other bioepic that opens this week in Singapore's shores (besides The Aviator), and it presents to you the life of Dr Kinsey, sex researcher, well, not by chance. Starting off as a zoologist with intense and devoted research on gull wasps, he discovers a necessity to research on sex, sparked by his own ineptness towards making love for the very first time with his virgin wife.
As with all research, you need a sample population size to theorize. Collecting gull wasps is must simpler than getting people to reveal their innermost secrets and fantasies, as he painfully discovers. So there lies the opening of the movie, which showcases the methods of questioning he uses to get people to open up and talk about their sex lives. This is perhaps one of the highlights of the movie.
And as with all research, you might need to dabble into the queer and the untrodden path. Here, we see him engaging in homosexual love, and in the name of science, unenthusiastically allowing his wife to sleep with his pet student (hey, he must be impartial and objective to his research), and fellow staff members to have sex with others' wives, and get it on film to be analysed!
Impartiality and objectivity in research also takes centrestage - we're humans after all, with sets of morals that differ from person to person. How much "deviant" practices can one sit through when dwelving into other's intimate secrets? In one particular interview, the interviewee boasts to having committed incest, beastality, etc!
This film charts the rise (a topic that's "new", never talked about so openly, hence gaining Dr Kinsey fame), to the fall (societal backlash from challenging normal sexual conventions, mostly from popular unacceptance and denying the truth about what's happening around society) of Kinsey's research, and through it, shows that when society's morals and conduct comes under the spotlight, not everyone can accept scientific findings with an open mind - ignorance may be bliss.
This movie is stripped of erotica, so anyone who thinks they might have a field day with sex on cellulite ought to think twice. Watch it from a scientific point of view, and you'll enjoy the show tremendously.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
More Old Reviews
I was running another site with friends, but sadly, we have decided to close it down.
Salvaged some old reviews, posted here for your reading pleasure
(Just in case you're wondering, The Aviator is the latest movie reviewed)
Salvaged some old reviews, posted here for your reading pleasure
(Just in case you're wondering, The Aviator is the latest movie reviewed)
Saturday, January 08, 2005
The Aviator
This almost 3 hour bio-epic of Howard Hughes, the second collaborative film between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio (the first being Gangs of New York), may seem as mammoth as the sproose goose, but with excellent casting, acting, sets and pacing, you'd be clammering for it to continue as it barely scratches the surface of Hughes eventful life, as director, aviator and visionary.
Squeezed into the film are so many themes and subplots, it makes you eager to want to learn more about this fascinating icon, in addition to the Early Hollywood to post-WWII era covered.
Hollywood - this is at its earliest, with classic screen legends brought to life again. The first 15 minutes of the film lets you into the production of Hughes' Hell's Angels, and other classics of his like Scarface and The Outlaw were covered, with the latter's friction with the censorship board on mammaries bringing huge doses of humour. Also, look out for Jude Law's Errol Flynn!
Romance - between Katharine Hepburn, played so perfectly by Cate Blanchett, and Kate Beckinsale's Ava Gardner, who teases and asks Hughes of nothing more than buying her dinner. Minor love relations are briefly mentioned, or given the "Tabloid Treatment".
The Aviator - Hughes designs, builds and then test flies his own planes. We get to see him being the fastest man on earth, circling the globe, critically crashing his Air Force's spy plane prototype, and piloting his crowning glory, C-130's granddaddy Hercules.
Corporate Business - Business is war, between Hughes' WTA and Alec Baldwin's PanAm. Watch how they scheme against each other for the battle of the skies!
Corruption - Politics and money don't mix... or do they? We get a sneak peek into the corruption and bribery of the early days. Oops, or should I say, generous donations?
Excessive Compulsive Disorder - Hughes suffers from ECD, and is obsessive with cleanliness. He uses his own bar soap in pubilc loos, doesn't stand anything raw, or the tiniest speck of dirt on anyone else's shirt. We see the disorder zapping his of his sanity, and he declines into living in filth (the irony of it) and stark naked in his projection room, suffering from the disorder at its worst, before Ava plucks him out of his rut.
I have to admit I ain't much of a Martin Scorsese fan, till now. I haven't watched Goodfellas, and my recent memory of Scorsese is Gangs of NY, and the lending of his voice for the blowfish in Shark's Tale. Here, he mastefully mixes and weaves the themes together into one long compelling narrative.
I have always been a fan of Leo DiCaprio's acting abilities, from What's Eating Gilbert Gabe, to spouting Shakespeare in Bahz Luhman's R+J. This is yet another occassion where he plays someone real and does one heck of a job.
This show has something for everybody, is oscar worthy, so don't miss it. Now I gotta hit the stores to get one of his biographies...
Squeezed into the film are so many themes and subplots, it makes you eager to want to learn more about this fascinating icon, in addition to the Early Hollywood to post-WWII era covered.
Hollywood - this is at its earliest, with classic screen legends brought to life again. The first 15 minutes of the film lets you into the production of Hughes' Hell's Angels, and other classics of his like Scarface and The Outlaw were covered, with the latter's friction with the censorship board on mammaries bringing huge doses of humour. Also, look out for Jude Law's Errol Flynn!
Romance - between Katharine Hepburn, played so perfectly by Cate Blanchett, and Kate Beckinsale's Ava Gardner, who teases and asks Hughes of nothing more than buying her dinner. Minor love relations are briefly mentioned, or given the "Tabloid Treatment".
The Aviator - Hughes designs, builds and then test flies his own planes. We get to see him being the fastest man on earth, circling the globe, critically crashing his Air Force's spy plane prototype, and piloting his crowning glory, C-130's granddaddy Hercules.
Corporate Business - Business is war, between Hughes' WTA and Alec Baldwin's PanAm. Watch how they scheme against each other for the battle of the skies!
Corruption - Politics and money don't mix... or do they? We get a sneak peek into the corruption and bribery of the early days. Oops, or should I say, generous donations?
Excessive Compulsive Disorder - Hughes suffers from ECD, and is obsessive with cleanliness. He uses his own bar soap in pubilc loos, doesn't stand anything raw, or the tiniest speck of dirt on anyone else's shirt. We see the disorder zapping his of his sanity, and he declines into living in filth (the irony of it) and stark naked in his projection room, suffering from the disorder at its worst, before Ava plucks him out of his rut.
I have to admit I ain't much of a Martin Scorsese fan, till now. I haven't watched Goodfellas, and my recent memory of Scorsese is Gangs of NY, and the lending of his voice for the blowfish in Shark's Tale. Here, he mastefully mixes and weaves the themes together into one long compelling narrative.
I have always been a fan of Leo DiCaprio's acting abilities, from What's Eating Gilbert Gabe, to spouting Shakespeare in Bahz Luhman's R+J. This is yet another occassion where he plays someone real and does one heck of a job.
This show has something for everybody, is oscar worthy, so don't miss it. Now I gotta hit the stores to get one of his biographies...
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Meet The Fockers
Originally Posted On: 25th Dec 2004
If this is a comedy year, then it's gotta be Ben Stiller's year, with films like Starsky and Hutch, Dodgeball, and now, a sequel to the hit Meet The Parents. It's a logical move, given the success to the movie, and a natural continuation to meeting the other set of parents, what more one whose family name sounds so much like an expletive.
The film wastes no time in reminding you why the first was successful, with obvious jabs on the male nursing profession and his Gaylord M Focker name. The first 5 minutes sums up everything you liked about the first film nicely - "I'm Watching You" hand gestures, circle of trust, etc, before embarking on the inane journey to Focker Isle, where things get, a little crazier.
Our favourite characters like the kitty cat are back, and joined with another madcap hump-everything-that-moves doggie. In addition, we have a baby on board who adds a new dimension to innocence.
Although some plot bits are recycled from the first, like the use of hidden cameras by De Niro, and then playbacked for hilarious effect during the end credits, none of it seems contrived and you just wanna sit through and lap all of it up.
Definite must see this holiday season.
If this is a comedy year, then it's gotta be Ben Stiller's year, with films like Starsky and Hutch, Dodgeball, and now, a sequel to the hit Meet The Parents. It's a logical move, given the success to the movie, and a natural continuation to meeting the other set of parents, what more one whose family name sounds so much like an expletive.
The film wastes no time in reminding you why the first was successful, with obvious jabs on the male nursing profession and his Gaylord M Focker name. The first 5 minutes sums up everything you liked about the first film nicely - "I'm Watching You" hand gestures, circle of trust, etc, before embarking on the inane journey to Focker Isle, where things get, a little crazier.
Our favourite characters like the kitty cat are back, and joined with another madcap hump-everything-that-moves doggie. In addition, we have a baby on board who adds a new dimension to innocence.
Although some plot bits are recycled from the first, like the use of hidden cameras by De Niro, and then playbacked for hilarious effect during the end credits, none of it seems contrived and you just wanna sit through and lap all of it up.
Definite must see this holiday season.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Kungfu Hustle
Originally Posted On: 24th Dec 2004
I missed the Stephen Chow movies of old, before his forays into the US Market with Shaolin Soccer and now Kungfu Hustle, where his movies were inane, slapstick and filled with witty dialogue that entirely made no sense.
But don't misread me, I'm not saying that this flick is no good. There are classic Chow moments, but somehow I feel that they ain't enough. The Kungfu and its effects remind you of The Matrix Trilogy, with its bullet time effects, and even Axe Gang members and fight scenes that resemble the Burly Brawl, no surprise though, as the fight choreographer is Yuen Wo Ping.
Character development, like all Chow movies, are zilch and cartoony, and the female lead in this film, although va-va-voom, is classic flower vase material, and she doesn't even say anything, how's that?!
Put your brains at the door and you'll have an entertaining time.
I missed the Stephen Chow movies of old, before his forays into the US Market with Shaolin Soccer and now Kungfu Hustle, where his movies were inane, slapstick and filled with witty dialogue that entirely made no sense.
But don't misread me, I'm not saying that this flick is no good. There are classic Chow moments, but somehow I feel that they ain't enough. The Kungfu and its effects remind you of The Matrix Trilogy, with its bullet time effects, and even Axe Gang members and fight scenes that resemble the Burly Brawl, no surprise though, as the fight choreographer is Yuen Wo Ping.
Character development, like all Chow movies, are zilch and cartoony, and the female lead in this film, although va-va-voom, is classic flower vase material, and she doesn't even say anything, how's that?!
Put your brains at the door and you'll have an entertaining time.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Ocean's Twelve
Originally Posted On: 18th Dec 2004
I got mixed feelings watching the film. It's supposed to be a heist flick, but doesn't feel that way. On the other, it's fun to watch the big name stars hamming it up on screen having a great time.
One of the best parts is when Julia starts to play herself, and the cameo by Bruce Willis as himself is a hoot
Other than that, the heist part is a bit of a let down - if compared to the first film, this one lacked the the sophistication of planning, twists, and the air of confidence, and everything about the heist (more than one) is told in flashbacks.
Not as fresh as Ocean's 11, but Catherine Zeta Jones, yeah she's hot
I got mixed feelings watching the film. It's supposed to be a heist flick, but doesn't feel that way. On the other, it's fun to watch the big name stars hamming it up on screen having a great time.
One of the best parts is when Julia starts to play herself, and the cameo by Bruce Willis as himself is a hoot
Other than that, the heist part is a bit of a let down - if compared to the first film, this one lacked the the sophistication of planning, twists, and the air of confidence, and everything about the heist (more than one) is told in flashbacks.
Not as fresh as Ocean's 11, but Catherine Zeta Jones, yeah she's hot
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Batman Begins Trailer
Originally Posted On: 14th Dec 2004
OK, this is a first trailer review. Well, I'm a Batman fanboy, so I guess this is inevitable.
(There is another teaser trailer released earlier, but that is not covered here)
The minute the trailer was over, I was having bat-orgasm.
MAN IT ROCKS!
Essentially, this trailer can be split into 2 parts, separated with a one line uttered by Ducard (Liam Neeson): Are you ready to begin?
The first part opens with Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) undergoing various training by Ducard and the League of Shadows. It also shows the classic scene where Bruce falls into the cave.... all these with Ducard's voiceover on ideals, and to become something more than a man, capped with the one liner above
Then we enter familiar territory where the suit's chamber is opened, and for the first time we see the cowl, followed by Bruce fabricating some bat-darts and spray painting his new suit "borrowed" from WayneTech.
The trailer explodes with various montages of the Bat in action, explosions, car chases (yeah I thought I saw the mean-assed batmobile), which builds into a crescendo, and my favourite part of the trailer, which parallels Tim Burton's first Batman movie:
A thug is seen on screen, cowardly and dripping with fear.
He yells out "WHERE ARE YOU!!!!"
and the camera pulls away to reveal Batman hanging upside down
whispering menacingly
"Here"
WHOA!!!!
Watch the trailer at the official Batman Begins website now!
http://www.batmanbegins.com
Let's see if subsequent trailers feature more key characters, especially the villains, though I suppose Chris Nolan probably wanna keep The Scarecrow as a surprise
OK, this is a first trailer review. Well, I'm a Batman fanboy, so I guess this is inevitable.
(There is another teaser trailer released earlier, but that is not covered here)
The minute the trailer was over, I was having bat-orgasm.
MAN IT ROCKS!
Essentially, this trailer can be split into 2 parts, separated with a one line uttered by Ducard (Liam Neeson): Are you ready to begin?
The first part opens with Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) undergoing various training by Ducard and the League of Shadows. It also shows the classic scene where Bruce falls into the cave.... all these with Ducard's voiceover on ideals, and to become something more than a man, capped with the one liner above
Then we enter familiar territory where the suit's chamber is opened, and for the first time we see the cowl, followed by Bruce fabricating some bat-darts and spray painting his new suit "borrowed" from WayneTech.
The trailer explodes with various montages of the Bat in action, explosions, car chases (yeah I thought I saw the mean-assed batmobile), which builds into a crescendo, and my favourite part of the trailer, which parallels Tim Burton's first Batman movie:
A thug is seen on screen, cowardly and dripping with fear.
He yells out "WHERE ARE YOU!!!!"
and the camera pulls away to reveal Batman hanging upside down
whispering menacingly
"Here"
WHOA!!!!
Watch the trailer at the official Batman Begins website now!
http://www.batmanbegins.com
Let's see if subsequent trailers feature more key characters, especially the villains, though I suppose Chris Nolan probably wanna keep The Scarecrow as a surprise
Saturday, December 11, 2004
The Phantom Of The Opera
Originally Posted On: 11th Dec 2004
I didn't have the money to watch the musical when it was in Singapore, and missed it when I was in London in August this year (another story, another time)
So when this Andrew Llyod Webber-Joel Schumacher collaboration came along, there's no excuse not to catch it on the silver screen (and at a reasonable price too)
What works in this film are the elaborate sets and costumes you'd come to expect from a Hollywood production (c'mon, in a musical theatre, there're no "outdoor" sets per se). The artistes in this film also manage to pull off the music and singing in this flick (well, I ain't a professional, but was entertained and satisfied). Little spoken dialogue when it could be featured with songs (hey, it's a musical!) Simply wonderful.
I shan't elaborate more on a storyline that most of you will already know. Go catch it if you're into musicals but lack the funds for front row theatre seats. You can't get any "closer" than what you can achieve in movies.
Ever since Moulin Rouge brought about a revival of musicals, am looking forward to see if Llyod Webber would translate more of his works for the big screen.
I didn't have the money to watch the musical when it was in Singapore, and missed it when I was in London in August this year (another story, another time)
So when this Andrew Llyod Webber-Joel Schumacher collaboration came along, there's no excuse not to catch it on the silver screen (and at a reasonable price too)
What works in this film are the elaborate sets and costumes you'd come to expect from a Hollywood production (c'mon, in a musical theatre, there're no "outdoor" sets per se). The artistes in this film also manage to pull off the music and singing in this flick (well, I ain't a professional, but was entertained and satisfied). Little spoken dialogue when it could be featured with songs (hey, it's a musical!) Simply wonderful.
I shan't elaborate more on a storyline that most of you will already know. Go catch it if you're into musicals but lack the funds for front row theatre seats. You can't get any "closer" than what you can achieve in movies.
Ever since Moulin Rouge brought about a revival of musicals, am looking forward to see if Llyod Webber would translate more of his works for the big screen.
Blade: Trinity
Originally Posted On: 11th Dec 2004
I admit I haven't watched the first sequel to Blade, but I watched the first, at a time when comic book movies weren't all that popular after Batman and Robin bombed.
However, this film somehow lacks the chic sophisticated feel of the first movie. It does has its moments - good action, cool toys, fabulous chicks, but falls flat somehow, that you've seen it all before, and there's nothing new on offer.
3 things stand out though, not necessarily good:
1. There are a lot of shots of buildings, streets, landscape, in a fast forwarded motion, from day to night.
2. It's great product placement for Apple's Powerbook and iPod. Wonder how much millions it cost for those incredible closeups
3. Lots of creative expletives, in my opinion. Even a reply to the line featured in the trailer ("are you ready to die?") is given the expletive treatment, and the middle finger is one of the first things you'll see too.
The main weakness in the movie is the lack of strong baddies. Drake (the original vampire) has no unique value proposition, except for looking mean, thirst for virgin blood and looks great in his original form with venus fly trap like fangs.
Stay until the end of the credits if you wanna catch a 5 second clip of Blade looking mean and driving his GTO.
I admit I haven't watched the first sequel to Blade, but I watched the first, at a time when comic book movies weren't all that popular after Batman and Robin bombed.
However, this film somehow lacks the chic sophisticated feel of the first movie. It does has its moments - good action, cool toys, fabulous chicks, but falls flat somehow, that you've seen it all before, and there's nothing new on offer.
3 things stand out though, not necessarily good:
1. There are a lot of shots of buildings, streets, landscape, in a fast forwarded motion, from day to night.
2. It's great product placement for Apple's Powerbook and iPod. Wonder how much millions it cost for those incredible closeups
3. Lots of creative expletives, in my opinion. Even a reply to the line featured in the trailer ("are you ready to die?") is given the expletive treatment, and the middle finger is one of the first things you'll see too.
The main weakness in the movie is the lack of strong baddies. Drake (the original vampire) has no unique value proposition, except for looking mean, thirst for virgin blood and looks great in his original form with venus fly trap like fangs.
Stay until the end of the credits if you wanna catch a 5 second clip of Blade looking mean and driving his GTO.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
National Treasure
Originally Posted On: 8th Dec 2004
It's been a long time since we last saw a Bruckheimer-Cage vehicle, and this one is as enjoyable as their past collaborations.
For starters, it will appeal to Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code fans, as the narrative is similar - myths and legends, symbols, Freemasons, Knights Templar, etc form the basis of the story. And instead of Robert Langdon, we have Cage's character solving riddles and clues that promisingly and hopefully would lead to treasure (The Sacred Feminine anyone?)
The first half of the movie dwells on the plot to steal the Declaration of Independece. Quite nicely done I must say, before launching into Dan Brown's style of cut action scenes, "Chapter cliffhangers", diving into explanations of clues left behind in the American greenback, the all seeing eye, the unfinished pyramid and the like.
Not as exotic a location setting as it's based in US cities (New York, Philadelphia, Boston got a mention, but hey, it's Hollywood!), as compared to Brown's Langdon novels set in Paris, England, The Vatican, Rome.
This should wet your appetite while waiting for Tom Hanks and perhaps Julie Delphy to emulate something similar.
Not to be missed by Cage fans, Dan Brown fans, and fans of the face that launched a thousand ships, Diane Kruger
It's been a long time since we last saw a Bruckheimer-Cage vehicle, and this one is as enjoyable as their past collaborations.
For starters, it will appeal to Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code fans, as the narrative is similar - myths and legends, symbols, Freemasons, Knights Templar, etc form the basis of the story. And instead of Robert Langdon, we have Cage's character solving riddles and clues that promisingly and hopefully would lead to treasure (The Sacred Feminine anyone?)
The first half of the movie dwells on the plot to steal the Declaration of Independece. Quite nicely done I must say, before launching into Dan Brown's style of cut action scenes, "Chapter cliffhangers", diving into explanations of clues left behind in the American greenback, the all seeing eye, the unfinished pyramid and the like.
Not as exotic a location setting as it's based in US cities (New York, Philadelphia, Boston got a mention, but hey, it's Hollywood!), as compared to Brown's Langdon novels set in Paris, England, The Vatican, Rome.
This should wet your appetite while waiting for Tom Hanks and perhaps Julie Delphy to emulate something similar.
Not to be missed by Cage fans, Dan Brown fans, and fans of the face that launched a thousand ships, Diane Kruger
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Alexander
Originally Posted On: 4th Dec 2004
In recent memory, a film by Oliver Stone will naturally attract controversy like bees to honey. Gone were the days when stories were simplier and shorter (Platoon), and nowadays 3 hour bio-epics are norm (JFK, Nixon).
Not that I disagree strongly with the protrayal of Alexander as bisexual - hey, men in those days married and had sex with females only for reproduction of heirs. But having such protrayals rammed down your senses scene after scene, tires you. You have Alexander showing zero interest amongst scantily clab women in tribes conquered (good?), but instead you have him gaze with lust upon nubile pubescent men, and kissing them, and embracing his lover Hephaistion, while exchanging sweet nothings each time they're together in a scene. I reckon if Oliver Stone had his way 100%, we'd see a sex scene or two between them too. But instead we get the obligatory one between Alexander and his Asian bride (oh yeah, it's a woman)
Blame it on Aristotle and his teachings on freedom of love.
What is missed most, I believe, amongst simple people like us, are the scenes of war. When one thinks of Alexander, one thinks of the conquests which he had (which made him The Great, no?). Sadly, this film only features two - one in Persia, and the other in India. Nicely film, with the blood and gore you'd come to expect after films like Gladiator - great costumes, weapons, decapitated limps by blades on chariot wheels, impaled bodies from spears, elephant trunks being cut off, you get the drift.
The rest of the time is spent on politicking, backstabbing, alcohol parties, and an ooh-lala mummy (Jolie rocks) sending notes and warnings and speaks funny. The purpose of these scenes to highlight the rot in his empire, could be brought out better if the pacing is tighter. But they ramble on and on.
Archilles Wannabe. Yeah. Son of Zeus, probably not.
In recent memory, a film by Oliver Stone will naturally attract controversy like bees to honey. Gone were the days when stories were simplier and shorter (Platoon), and nowadays 3 hour bio-epics are norm (JFK, Nixon).
Not that I disagree strongly with the protrayal of Alexander as bisexual - hey, men in those days married and had sex with females only for reproduction of heirs. But having such protrayals rammed down your senses scene after scene, tires you. You have Alexander showing zero interest amongst scantily clab women in tribes conquered (good?), but instead you have him gaze with lust upon nubile pubescent men, and kissing them, and embracing his lover Hephaistion, while exchanging sweet nothings each time they're together in a scene. I reckon if Oliver Stone had his way 100%, we'd see a sex scene or two between them too. But instead we get the obligatory one between Alexander and his Asian bride (oh yeah, it's a woman)
Blame it on Aristotle and his teachings on freedom of love.
What is missed most, I believe, amongst simple people like us, are the scenes of war. When one thinks of Alexander, one thinks of the conquests which he had (which made him The Great, no?). Sadly, this film only features two - one in Persia, and the other in India. Nicely film, with the blood and gore you'd come to expect after films like Gladiator - great costumes, weapons, decapitated limps by blades on chariot wheels, impaled bodies from spears, elephant trunks being cut off, you get the drift.
The rest of the time is spent on politicking, backstabbing, alcohol parties, and an ooh-lala mummy (Jolie rocks) sending notes and warnings and speaks funny. The purpose of these scenes to highlight the rot in his empire, could be brought out better if the pacing is tighter. But they ramble on and on.
Archilles Wannabe. Yeah. Son of Zeus, probably not.
After The Sunset
Originally Posted On: 4th Dec 2004
This is one of those heist movies, but filled with cliches and none of the suspense that draws you into the mastermind's plans on how to successfully pull the heist off.
This doesn't have an A-list cast, except perhaps Brosnan (who by the way was dumped by 007 producers). The rest of the cast were filled by B list actors and has-beens like Woody Harrelson (his performance here, I like, in a sorta cheesy manner). Salma Hayek is under used in this role, except for whining on retirement and sunsets. Pah! Who wanna watch sunsets with you, when there's a multi-million diamond up for grabs?
Nothing exciting in the storyline - a master thief decides to retire, but is brought back into the game by a local thug who makes an irresistable offer, a washout cop obsessed with the thief because of the embarassment suffered each time he's outwitted, and a complimentary twist at the end.
Nothing exciting at all, except perhaps for Salma Hayek's curves, which she flaunts each time on screen. And oh yes, remind me not to rely too much on modern technology for automobiles.
This is one of those heist movies, but filled with cliches and none of the suspense that draws you into the mastermind's plans on how to successfully pull the heist off.
This doesn't have an A-list cast, except perhaps Brosnan (who by the way was dumped by 007 producers). The rest of the cast were filled by B list actors and has-beens like Woody Harrelson (his performance here, I like, in a sorta cheesy manner). Salma Hayek is under used in this role, except for whining on retirement and sunsets. Pah! Who wanna watch sunsets with you, when there's a multi-million diamond up for grabs?
Nothing exciting in the storyline - a master thief decides to retire, but is brought back into the game by a local thug who makes an irresistable offer, a washout cop obsessed with the thief because of the embarassment suffered each time he's outwitted, and a complimentary twist at the end.
Nothing exciting at all, except perhaps for Salma Hayek's curves, which she flaunts each time on screen. And oh yes, remind me not to rely too much on modern technology for automobiles.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Saw
Originally Posted On: 27th Nov 2004
You're caught in a life and death situation - your own. To escape, you have to inflict extreme pain on yourself, or inflict it on some other soul, even if it meant mutilation, or death.
That's the premise for Saw, one of the more refreshing psychological gore thrillers since Se7en. With characters caught in the middle of scenarios as described, things are naturally more than meets the eye.
Much of the narrative is spent in a stanky toilet, and it's disgusting enough to rival the one in Trainspotting. The film ups the gore factor in treating you to other sickly designed "kill or be killed" methods.
Saw kept me at the edge of my seat, and never did I see the twist at the end coming, with all the red herrings, some of which are very obvious, thrown in. And for that happening to me, it's extremely rare.
You're caught in a life and death situation - your own. To escape, you have to inflict extreme pain on yourself, or inflict it on some other soul, even if it meant mutilation, or death.
That's the premise for Saw, one of the more refreshing psychological gore thrillers since Se7en. With characters caught in the middle of scenarios as described, things are naturally more than meets the eye.
Much of the narrative is spent in a stanky toilet, and it's disgusting enough to rival the one in Trainspotting. The film ups the gore factor in treating you to other sickly designed "kill or be killed" methods.
Saw kept me at the edge of my seat, and never did I see the twist at the end coming, with all the red herrings, some of which are very obvious, thrown in. And for that happening to me, it's extremely rare.
Monday, November 15, 2004
The Incredibles
Originally Posted On: 15th Nov 2004
When I heard about the production, I wondered if it touched too close to Marvel's Fantastic Four, another superhero family of sorts - Mr Fantastic, with stretch powers, The Invisible Girl and Human Torch, self explanatory, and The Thing, with extraordinary strength. Even the villain at the end looked suspiciously like Fantastic Four's Moleman!
And yes, though the powers are slightly different, (i.e. stretch powers given to Mum, the Elastigirl, extraordinary strength to Dad, Mr Incredible, invisbility given to the daughter Violet, and Dash the son inherited powers from DC's Flash), the bickering, interaction and relationships amongst the members are retained in the storyline.
Which works, wonders. Pixar has done it again, weaving strong characterization into their superhero storyline, with each family member having problems of their own, and tying it very nicely to their powers. Mr Incredible, being super strong, realizes his own vulnerability, Elastigirl using her powers to literally run and maintain the family, Violet with her powers of invisibility to hide her insecurity, and Dash, being young and eager to flaunt his powers of speed.
And any show which ties in huge doses of humour effectively will definitely win the crowd over, not to mention the strong supporting cast of Frozone (long lost cousin of Iceman?) and Edna, the suit designer. (I rate the scene between Elastigirl and Edna one of the best in the show)
Go watch it, I recommend it, it's Incredible!
Can't wait for the sequel (well, they did Toy Story II, didn't they?) to see if Jack Jack gets more screentime!
When I heard about the production, I wondered if it touched too close to Marvel's Fantastic Four, another superhero family of sorts - Mr Fantastic, with stretch powers, The Invisible Girl and Human Torch, self explanatory, and The Thing, with extraordinary strength. Even the villain at the end looked suspiciously like Fantastic Four's Moleman!
And yes, though the powers are slightly different, (i.e. stretch powers given to Mum, the Elastigirl, extraordinary strength to Dad, Mr Incredible, invisbility given to the daughter Violet, and Dash the son inherited powers from DC's Flash), the bickering, interaction and relationships amongst the members are retained in the storyline.
Which works, wonders. Pixar has done it again, weaving strong characterization into their superhero storyline, with each family member having problems of their own, and tying it very nicely to their powers. Mr Incredible, being super strong, realizes his own vulnerability, Elastigirl using her powers to literally run and maintain the family, Violet with her powers of invisibility to hide her insecurity, and Dash, being young and eager to flaunt his powers of speed.
And any show which ties in huge doses of humour effectively will definitely win the crowd over, not to mention the strong supporting cast of Frozone (long lost cousin of Iceman?) and Edna, the suit designer. (I rate the scene between Elastigirl and Edna one of the best in the show)
Go watch it, I recommend it, it's Incredible!
Can't wait for the sequel (well, they did Toy Story II, didn't they?) to see if Jack Jack gets more screentime!
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Shark Tale
Originally Posted On: 31st Oct 2004
After watching this movie, you'll know why
Dreamworks Animation's IPO is worth billions.
Going by their success of the Shrek Movies, and
now Shark Tale, they'll be the studio that will give
Pixar a run for their money.
The premise for this animated film is similar to
Shrek's, adapting modern day icons to suit the
mis-en-scene, thus providing tongue-in-cheek
references as well as opportunities for a gag or
two.
We follow the exploits of Oscar (Will Smith), who
lives in a fish colony modelled after New York's
Times Square, with neon billboards screaming
recognizable brands like "Coral-Cola" (Coca-
Cola), "Fish King" (Burger King), "GUP"
(GAP), "FQ Magazine" (GQ Magazine), etc.
Look out for references to Titanic (the sharks' lair),
and one liners from movies like A Few Good Man,
Gladiator and even Jerry Maguire (in one of the
most direct references towards Renee Zellweger)
As the simple story goes, it's about redemption
and learning not to lie (hey, it's a G-rated movie!),
about who your true friends (those who stuck by
you even when you're a nobody and have nothing)
and about family.
One thing I've always enjoyed about Hollywood
animations, is that the toons are carefully
caricatured after the real life actors bringing
their toon counterparts to live. Even Robert De
Niro's mole is cheekily added, and Angelina
Jolie's poutty lips are featured as well and even
Martin Scorsese lends his voice in this show.
Stay throughout the end credits, and I mean
throughout the end credits. You'll be treated to
multi easter eggs and zany moments, right up until
the final character goes "Go Home, It's Past Your
Bedtime!" and the screen goes blank.
RESPECT!
After watching this movie, you'll know why
Dreamworks Animation's IPO is worth billions.
Going by their success of the Shrek Movies, and
now Shark Tale, they'll be the studio that will give
Pixar a run for their money.
The premise for this animated film is similar to
Shrek's, adapting modern day icons to suit the
mis-en-scene, thus providing tongue-in-cheek
references as well as opportunities for a gag or
two.
We follow the exploits of Oscar (Will Smith), who
lives in a fish colony modelled after New York's
Times Square, with neon billboards screaming
recognizable brands like "Coral-Cola" (Coca-
Cola), "Fish King" (Burger King), "GUP"
(GAP), "FQ Magazine" (GQ Magazine), etc.
Look out for references to Titanic (the sharks' lair),
and one liners from movies like A Few Good Man,
Gladiator and even Jerry Maguire (in one of the
most direct references towards Renee Zellweger)
As the simple story goes, it's about redemption
and learning not to lie (hey, it's a G-rated movie!),
about who your true friends (those who stuck by
you even when you're a nobody and have nothing)
and about family.
One thing I've always enjoyed about Hollywood
animations, is that the toons are carefully
caricatured after the real life actors bringing
their toon counterparts to live. Even Robert De
Niro's mole is cheekily added, and Angelina
Jolie's poutty lips are featured as well and even
Martin Scorsese lends his voice in this show.
Stay throughout the end credits, and I mean
throughout the end credits. You'll be treated to
multi easter eggs and zany moments, right up until
the final character goes "Go Home, It's Past Your
Bedtime!" and the screen goes blank.
RESPECT!
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