What attracted me to watch this movie was its promotional poster. It is simple, in a way, that manages to capture the intensity and imagination of what this movie might be. I did not read the book so i was clueless from the start. All i knew were what i derived from the title and the poster. A couple. Another man. Elephant. Circus. Water for elephants.
To be frank, i'm not a fan of its cast: Robert Pattinson (yes in Harry Potter Goblet of Fire and no in Twilight) or Reese Witherspoon (yes in Just Like Heaven, maybe in Monsters Vs Aliens). However, Robert Pattinson's performance, as Jacob in this movie, is surely commendable. Somehow, i could sense some resemblance of him to James Franco in 127 Hours. And his character is like Jack in Titanic. Christopher Waltz, who played villain, August, is another actor that deserved tremendous applause. His character moves the story forward, a character that demands great acting skills of its actor to deliver and Waltz nailed it- he portrayed his character perfectly.
The way the story is being told felt like watching Titanic, with a circus touch. It begins with the main character, who has aged, telling and reminiscing his days of his youth. The story flashes back to when it all began. It also shares the lower-upper class-like love story struggle. First thought, not very original. Predictable. But combining with circus life, it becomes a masterpiece. The story develops well, from how Jacob joins the circus troupe to becoming a man of attention, and the movie peaks at the right moment, leaving everything to fall into place. Additional credits as the script is beautifully written.
This story centralizes on issues like the abuse of animals in circus, and it is shown discreetly in some of the scenes. What the audience watches in the circus is an illusion performed at the commands of their master, August, and Jacob and Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) realize and see the pain inflicted on the animals and soon, their lives. There is a reason why this movie is entitled 'Water For Elephants' and my bet would be a reason pertaining to this. Watch it yourself and share with me your interpretation of the title.
In short, Water For Elephants is an intriguing movie with a solid development of its plot. A redeemed YES for Robert Pattinson. A good choice of movie to watch if you want an escape from computer-rich effect movies.
Year: 2011
My rating: 7.0 / 10
Genre: Drama, romance
You'll like this if you like: Titanic, animals, Robbert Pattinson
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Green Lantern
Where should I begin? Alright, I'll start by saying that the movie isn't bad. And give my views to why it isn't all that good either.
One of the reasons why I look forward to Green Lantern was that it was a DC Comic movie adaptation and as a fan of superhero, selecting this movie at the cinema comes quickly. The movie begins with a narration of the history of the Green and Yellow Lantern Corps, with visuals that felt like playing a video game. Abin Sur, a reputable Green Lantern falls to Earth and his ring chooses its successor. Hal Jordan, played by Ryan Reynolds, comes into the story as a test pilot and he slowly discovers the ring's abilities and learns of the responsibilities of becoming the holder.
The movie has its wow moments like the test run of the fighter jets- i was holding tight to my seat as if i was flying the plane, when Hal saves a helicopter crash and when Hal eventually saves the Earth. On the whole, the effects are good. I particularly like the part when Hal recites the Green Lantern vow, and as Hal being Ryan, it was quite a funny scene. Ryan suits Hal Jordan's role like how Robert fits into playing Iron Man. He adds the comedic sense in certain scenes.
However, with all the recent, Marvel movies out like X-Men and Thor, I felt Green Lantern fails to excite as much as the others did. Comparisons are surely made, and i fear Green Lantern might be overshadowed by the other superhero movies' tremendous success. Plus, the trailer of this movie does not spark much eagerness to watch. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively surely have good looks but unfortunately, they don't share on-screen chemistry like Iron Man and Pepper, Spiderman and MJ, Superman and Lane or even him and Sandra Bullock in The Proposal; thus making their love story somehow dull. Hal has character but it was not elaborated much. He suffers from the memory of his father but the movie lacks to bring forth and emphasize his true struggle. The climax was good, but it was short and i expected more.
In short, Green Lantern feeds on the imagination of a viewer to be a superhero. It certainly has its wow and dull moments, so enjoy and savour the best parts and forget the rest.
Year: 2011
My ratings: 6.6 / 10
Genre: Action, Sci-fi, Comic adaptation
You'll like this if you like: X-Men, Green Lantern: First Flight, Ryan Reynolds.
One of the reasons why I look forward to Green Lantern was that it was a DC Comic movie adaptation and as a fan of superhero, selecting this movie at the cinema comes quickly. The movie begins with a narration of the history of the Green and Yellow Lantern Corps, with visuals that felt like playing a video game. Abin Sur, a reputable Green Lantern falls to Earth and his ring chooses its successor. Hal Jordan, played by Ryan Reynolds, comes into the story as a test pilot and he slowly discovers the ring's abilities and learns of the responsibilities of becoming the holder.
The movie has its wow moments like the test run of the fighter jets- i was holding tight to my seat as if i was flying the plane, when Hal saves a helicopter crash and when Hal eventually saves the Earth. On the whole, the effects are good. I particularly like the part when Hal recites the Green Lantern vow, and as Hal being Ryan, it was quite a funny scene. Ryan suits Hal Jordan's role like how Robert fits into playing Iron Man. He adds the comedic sense in certain scenes.
However, with all the recent, Marvel movies out like X-Men and Thor, I felt Green Lantern fails to excite as much as the others did. Comparisons are surely made, and i fear Green Lantern might be overshadowed by the other superhero movies' tremendous success. Plus, the trailer of this movie does not spark much eagerness to watch. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively surely have good looks but unfortunately, they don't share on-screen chemistry like Iron Man and Pepper, Spiderman and MJ, Superman and Lane or even him and Sandra Bullock in The Proposal; thus making their love story somehow dull. Hal has character but it was not elaborated much. He suffers from the memory of his father but the movie lacks to bring forth and emphasize his true struggle. The climax was good, but it was short and i expected more.
In short, Green Lantern feeds on the imagination of a viewer to be a superhero. It certainly has its wow and dull moments, so enjoy and savour the best parts and forget the rest.
Year: 2011
My ratings: 6.6 / 10
Genre: Action, Sci-fi, Comic adaptation
You'll like this if you like: X-Men, Green Lantern: First Flight, Ryan Reynolds.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Gnomeo and Juliet
One of the reasons why i watch animation movies is because it is light and entertaining. Gnomeo and Juliet proves no less. In fact, i am pleasantly surprised that this movie is more than what it seems to be.
Firstly, the characters are cute. Yes, cute. Imagine your garden decorations, the gnomes, come to life. Though the concept felt similar to that of 'Toy Story' and have a plot like 'Alpha and Omega', i found this movie a joy to watch with its adorable characters. To be honest, i enjoyed this movie more than 'Alpha and Omega'. Apart from its leading characters (Gnomeo voiced by James McAvoy and Juliet by Emily Blunt), Nanette, Featherstone and even the Shroom add fun to the movie. Great cast for the voices!
Secondly, this movie includes essences from Shakespeare's classic 'Romeo and Juliet' and manages to capture a great sense of imagination and adventure, and definitely a bundle of lessons to learn. It is a story of two gnomes from two different families- and the families are not in good terms with one another, that falls in love with each other. Though their love may be seen as 'doomed', love is truly a remarkable feeling that breaks boundaries.
Thirdly, i found some scenes to be refreshing and, perhaps, exhilarating. One of them is the lawnmower race. When you watch further into the movie, you will understand that the gnomes are delicate beings as they are made from clay which may break under a force. Another is while retrieving the orchid at a nearby abandoned house. Even the idea of growing a plant together that represent their love somehow made me smile. Not to mention, you will be mesmerized by songs from Elton John that suit the scenes.
In short, Gnomeo and Juliet is a cute cartoon that delivers and exceeds any ordinary animation shows. Yes, kids will be thrilled to watch this movie, but i am certain any movie-goer with an eye for cartoons will be pleased to find that this movie satisfies and will leave you with a smile- and all the more wanting to live in this sweet tale of life when the credits roll.
Year: 2011
My rating: 7.5 /10
Genre: Animation, adventure, comedy, family
You'll like this if you like: Toy Story, Alpha and Omega, Finding Nemo.
Firstly, the characters are cute. Yes, cute. Imagine your garden decorations, the gnomes, come to life. Though the concept felt similar to that of 'Toy Story' and have a plot like 'Alpha and Omega', i found this movie a joy to watch with its adorable characters. To be honest, i enjoyed this movie more than 'Alpha and Omega'. Apart from its leading characters (Gnomeo voiced by James McAvoy and Juliet by Emily Blunt), Nanette, Featherstone and even the Shroom add fun to the movie. Great cast for the voices!
Secondly, this movie includes essences from Shakespeare's classic 'Romeo and Juliet' and manages to capture a great sense of imagination and adventure, and definitely a bundle of lessons to learn. It is a story of two gnomes from two different families- and the families are not in good terms with one another, that falls in love with each other. Though their love may be seen as 'doomed', love is truly a remarkable feeling that breaks boundaries.
Thirdly, i found some scenes to be refreshing and, perhaps, exhilarating. One of them is the lawnmower race. When you watch further into the movie, you will understand that the gnomes are delicate beings as they are made from clay which may break under a force. Another is while retrieving the orchid at a nearby abandoned house. Even the idea of growing a plant together that represent their love somehow made me smile. Not to mention, you will be mesmerized by songs from Elton John that suit the scenes.
In short, Gnomeo and Juliet is a cute cartoon that delivers and exceeds any ordinary animation shows. Yes, kids will be thrilled to watch this movie, but i am certain any movie-goer with an eye for cartoons will be pleased to find that this movie satisfies and will leave you with a smile- and all the more wanting to live in this sweet tale of life when the credits roll.
Year: 2011
My rating: 7.5 /10
Genre: Animation, adventure, comedy, family
You'll like this if you like: Toy Story, Alpha and Omega, Finding Nemo.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
X-Men: First Class
A class on its own. The 'X-Men: First Class' definitely lives up to its expectations! If you have watched the rest of the X-Men movies, this movie explains and answers questions as it tells the origin of how the two sides formed: Prof X and Magneto. One of the best in its franchise and certainly, one of the greats from Marvel.
The movie begins exceptionally well by introducing Charles and Erik at an early age. Charles lives in a well-to-do family and grows up with Raven (or Mystique). He earns his Professorship and studies mutant. James McAvoy, who plays Charles Xavier, stumbles in between the brink of war initiated by Sebastian Shaw (star Kevin Bacon). Micheal Fassbender who plays Erik Lehnsherr, or better known as Magneto, grew up with vengeance and sufferings in his heart, and his ultimate goal is to kill the man who killed his mother, Shaw.
Charles meets Erik in one of his attempt to kill Shaw. They soon recruit more mutants on their side, coach them on their abilities and work together to stop Shaw from starting the war between America and Russia. Erik has another extra intention though. Amazing acting from the stars brought out the best of all the characters - Emma Frost, Beast, Banshee, Havok, to name a few in the movie.
The development of this movie is great- a blend of high adrenaline pumping action scenes with depth on characterisation. We follow the lives and struggles of the mutants, silently standing on their side. Hugh Jackman makes a cameo appearance for Wolverine- keep you eyes open! The effects of the movie are sufficient to blow your mind away with missiles and explosions, tornado and waves.
The great thing about X-Men movies, particularly in this latest one, is that it has a solid storyline that packs a punch, relives the characters from the comic and leaves every fan with a taste for more! Spectacular! Definitely an ideal pick for the weekend ahead.
Year: 2011
My rating: 8.5 / 10
You'll like this if you like: X-Men series, Iron Man
Genre: Sci-fi, action, adventure
The movie begins exceptionally well by introducing Charles and Erik at an early age. Charles lives in a well-to-do family and grows up with Raven (or Mystique). He earns his Professorship and studies mutant. James McAvoy, who plays Charles Xavier, stumbles in between the brink of war initiated by Sebastian Shaw (star Kevin Bacon). Micheal Fassbender who plays Erik Lehnsherr, or better known as Magneto, grew up with vengeance and sufferings in his heart, and his ultimate goal is to kill the man who killed his mother, Shaw.
Charles meets Erik in one of his attempt to kill Shaw. They soon recruit more mutants on their side, coach them on their abilities and work together to stop Shaw from starting the war between America and Russia. Erik has another extra intention though. Amazing acting from the stars brought out the best of all the characters - Emma Frost, Beast, Banshee, Havok, to name a few in the movie.
The development of this movie is great- a blend of high adrenaline pumping action scenes with depth on characterisation. We follow the lives and struggles of the mutants, silently standing on their side. Hugh Jackman makes a cameo appearance for Wolverine- keep you eyes open! The effects of the movie are sufficient to blow your mind away with missiles and explosions, tornado and waves.
The great thing about X-Men movies, particularly in this latest one, is that it has a solid storyline that packs a punch, relives the characters from the comic and leaves every fan with a taste for more! Spectacular! Definitely an ideal pick for the weekend ahead.
Year: 2011
My rating: 8.5 / 10
You'll like this if you like: X-Men series, Iron Man
Genre: Sci-fi, action, adventure
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