Real Steel

I am going to be brief- one of the best movies in 2011!

Hugh J's performance in this movie is flawless. Playing the role of the father and an unsuccessful robot boxer, he meets his son, Max (played by Dakota G). Soon, their relationship blossoms together with their new sparing robot, Atom- how i wish i have Atom as a friend, that lead them into the world championship.

The movie begins with plenty of development and foreshadow, making the movie very predictable. But the excitement and the journey from where they were to where they are at the end was spectacular. A movie with numerous layers, Real Steel surely did succeed at all levels. The fight scenes were well executed- i was at the edge of my seat, clenching my fist and cheering all the while.

It touched straight to the core- that i teared up in the end. It accomplished bittersweet moments effortlessly; and while some other movies fail to make the hero loses and wins at the same time, Real Steel did it in style.

I highly recommend Real Steel because really, it's as good as any metal out there!

My rating: 9.2 / 10
Year: 2011
Genre: Action, drama, sci-fi

Celda 211 (Spanish, Cell 211)

This movie likens that of a gemstone- raw, real, unique, crafty and incomparable. I watched this movie, my first Spanish movie in cinema, with English subtitles and frankly, i was impressed. Though now the only regret i have is not mastering the language before the show. If only i could pay more attention to the movie instead of the translated words running at the bottom.

This is a story of a prison guard, Juan Oliver (played by Alberto A) who decided to go to work one day before he actually begins to 'make an impression'. What awaits him later is a riot, which forced him to be locked in Cell 211 after suffering an injury to his head. He knows the only way to live is to be one of them, and so he acted as an inmate. But until when can he keep it to himself? He has to make peace with the rest of the inmates and gain the trust of their 'leader' Malamadre (played by Luis Tosar) as they take hostage of high profile, terrorist-prisoners. He later learns an ugly news of his pregnant wife outside prison and his life is never the same again.

This movie plays around the humanity of man and how corruption and distrust can affect a man's freedom and ultimately, his life. There were moments in the show. Obviously, the prison riot. The police riot scene later was well delivered straight to its core, which led to the falling domino pieces in the movie. The turning point of Juan's character was when he received the news about his wife. Fine acting by all the cast with amazing characterization, awesome cinematography and directing at every scene!

The development of the plot is great, at points where it creates suspense left me on the edge of my seat. The blossoming relationship between Juan and Malamadre is well crafted, and believable- that i don't see in many other movies these days. It felt like Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Walking out the cinema, i was left to ponder at many questions with respect to the show. Why was Juan left in Cell 211 at the first place? As if a curse is cast to the cell. It will be interesting to watch the Hollywood remake of the movie in two years time and i hope it does remain to its authenticity. Definitely award-worthy, it accentuates prison drama at its best- pulling heartstrings despite its violence and vulgar language.

My cinematic experience has truly broadened. And i am sure yours will too after watching this movie.

Year: 2009
My rating: 8.4/10
Genre: Drama, Action
You'll like this if you like: Prison drama movies.

August Rush

My rating: 8.7 / 10
Year: 2007
Genre: Musical, Family, Drama
You'll like this if you like: Raise Your Voice, Once, music related show