Year: 2012
My rating: 8.5/10
Genre: Adventure, drama
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Skyfall
To say the least, this latest movie of the Bond franchise lives up to its expectation- Skyfall!
I have to admit, i'm not much of a Bond fan, or even Daniel Craig. But my perspective of him has now changed, and this movie is pretty awesome. The trailer looked promising and the reviews were great- how was i to resist this? So i entered the cinema, expecting a two-and-a-half hour movie that is filled with high-pumping adrenalin scenes, girls, cars and a mission we all know, in the end, he will succeed. There was more depth and substance in this installment, to which i think, brings James Bond to a whole new level.
There was no slowing down, not especially in the opening scene. The car-bike chase, especially on the rooftop, and on the train scenes were intense and definitely, they set a tone for the rest of the movie. Then, we were serenaded by Adele performing her opening credit single 'Skyfall'- like all other Bond movies where the opening credit takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The main essence of this movie relates to M and her past, which comes back to haunt her- and all those standing between them will suffer. James Bond, who returns after a 'hiatus' from the agency, has his loyalty for M tested when he meets the villain, Silva.
Somehow, Silva reminds me of the Joker and Bane from The Dark Knight saga. I had this odd feeling like he would play into Bond's mind and cause mayhem. One of the best scenes in this movie was when Silva broke out from his prison and sought for revenge at M in a council hearing. The script written for M and the timing of the movie was executed perfectly, with the right dose of soundtrack to keep suspense flying high. In an attempt to be ahead of the villain, Bond devised a plan with the help of his trusted team, Q, Tanner and later Mallory. He returned to where he began- Skyfall, Scotland, and i thought Skyfall is some metaphor for something, probably a departure.
The way Bond and his limited resources built a defense 'fortress' reminds me of Home Alone, but with much more violence. The climax was brilliantly done- right timing, right length of time, right amount of explosions and shootings, and right lighting. The ending was a little less expected- or i had not seen it coming, but it was a good ending to the movie.
There was not much 'girl' scenes to woo over- M was the leading lady and Severine was temporary eye candy, and not much 'cars' to envy. Perhaps, more gadgetry in this. Needless to say, the action was top-notch, the acting was great. Some scenes can make you burst into laughter. I got to learn more about James Bond and M.
Skyfall is definitely worth the money and time. Whether it is the best Bond movie yet, some may say, but i can't because i have not watched the older ones. But it is one of the best of this year's competitive movie list.
My rating: 8.6/10
Year: 2012
Genre: Action, drama
I have to admit, i'm not much of a Bond fan, or even Daniel Craig. But my perspective of him has now changed, and this movie is pretty awesome. The trailer looked promising and the reviews were great- how was i to resist this? So i entered the cinema, expecting a two-and-a-half hour movie that is filled with high-pumping adrenalin scenes, girls, cars and a mission we all know, in the end, he will succeed. There was more depth and substance in this installment, to which i think, brings James Bond to a whole new level.
There was no slowing down, not especially in the opening scene. The car-bike chase, especially on the rooftop, and on the train scenes were intense and definitely, they set a tone for the rest of the movie. Then, we were serenaded by Adele performing her opening credit single 'Skyfall'- like all other Bond movies where the opening credit takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The main essence of this movie relates to M and her past, which comes back to haunt her- and all those standing between them will suffer. James Bond, who returns after a 'hiatus' from the agency, has his loyalty for M tested when he meets the villain, Silva.
Somehow, Silva reminds me of the Joker and Bane from The Dark Knight saga. I had this odd feeling like he would play into Bond's mind and cause mayhem. One of the best scenes in this movie was when Silva broke out from his prison and sought for revenge at M in a council hearing. The script written for M and the timing of the movie was executed perfectly, with the right dose of soundtrack to keep suspense flying high. In an attempt to be ahead of the villain, Bond devised a plan with the help of his trusted team, Q, Tanner and later Mallory. He returned to where he began- Skyfall, Scotland, and i thought Skyfall is some metaphor for something, probably a departure.
The way Bond and his limited resources built a defense 'fortress' reminds me of Home Alone, but with much more violence. The climax was brilliantly done- right timing, right length of time, right amount of explosions and shootings, and right lighting. The ending was a little less expected- or i had not seen it coming, but it was a good ending to the movie.
There was not much 'girl' scenes to woo over- M was the leading lady and Severine was temporary eye candy, and not much 'cars' to envy. Perhaps, more gadgetry in this. Needless to say, the action was top-notch, the acting was great. Some scenes can make you burst into laughter. I got to learn more about James Bond and M.
Skyfall is definitely worth the money and time. Whether it is the best Bond movie yet, some may say, but i can't because i have not watched the older ones. But it is one of the best of this year's competitive movie list.
My rating: 8.6/10
Year: 2012
Genre: Action, drama
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Dredd
To be honest, when the movie began, the first thought that came to my mind was 'why am i watching this movie?' and i feared it would be like Spirit (2008) or Jonah Hex (2010). It was choppy and messy in terms of the filming, and the soundtrack was just not comfortable to sit through and watch the earlier scenes. Then i thought whether i had wasted my money, and time, on this movie. Even the narrative at the beginning reminded me of Megamind (2010), which was good in the animation movie, but not quite convincing for this action, dark movie. I breathed, trying to calm myself down and be patient.
Then, fortunately, the plot thickened and the direction of this movie turned away from my disappointment; drew me into the locked down Peach Trees building and went into high gear.
In this time of setting, in Mega City One, the 'Judge' is known to its people with combined powers of the judge, jury and executioner. Dredd is one of those Judges- and possibly the top of the league, and is faced with a task to coach rookie Anderson, who has psychic abilities. On this fateful first day, the pair is led into the Peach Trees, replying to a call of the death of three men. Their investigation, duty to uphold the law, drives them to discovering drug lord Ma-Ma, who controls this 200 storey building. Not wanting to be held by the law, Ma-Ma (somehow, i felt this villain lack depth and did not really create fear like other villains in other movies; she was just a ruthless leader) devices a vicious plan to outdo the Judges- by locking them in, with no way out and no one in. This was the point that i really got to the edge of my seat.
Despite its violence, the scene of the machine gun-laser-like shooting was brilliant, and the graphic was like for a game. There was not as many shootings as i had expected- sometimes, less means more. In another scene of the mind reading challenge reminded me of Jean Grey and Prof X, but in a more gruesome and vulgar manner. It was smart to have someone with psychic ability in the movie. An issue that were brought into the movie was corruption- not so original but it helped to move the movie to the next level.
The movie developed to a peak-high level and i felt the climax was shorter than what i anticipated for. Nevertheless, i was pleased at the end of the movie.
I could see why this movie is rated 18. First, the violence, blood can make you flinch. Then, there are scenes involving the influence of drugs called Slo-Mo, showing people who take them get high and the world around them sparkle, literally. Because it was 18, and because of these, i cannot but include them as points not deductions to the movie. The people behind this movie were bold and brave enough to include them.
Speaking in terms of originality, i found the combined powers of judge, jury and executioner a breath of fresh air, and the scenes involving the Judges to pronounce their sentence to the defendant were, in an odd way, entertaining. Don't expect drama or intelligent twists, this movie is not for either. It has a story to tell, a simple one but told effectively, with sufficient violence to keep adrenaline high and pumping.
Dredd is a guilty pleasure as charged.
Year: 2012
My rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Then, fortunately, the plot thickened and the direction of this movie turned away from my disappointment; drew me into the locked down Peach Trees building and went into high gear.
In this time of setting, in Mega City One, the 'Judge' is known to its people with combined powers of the judge, jury and executioner. Dredd is one of those Judges- and possibly the top of the league, and is faced with a task to coach rookie Anderson, who has psychic abilities. On this fateful first day, the pair is led into the Peach Trees, replying to a call of the death of three men. Their investigation, duty to uphold the law, drives them to discovering drug lord Ma-Ma, who controls this 200 storey building. Not wanting to be held by the law, Ma-Ma (somehow, i felt this villain lack depth and did not really create fear like other villains in other movies; she was just a ruthless leader) devices a vicious plan to outdo the Judges- by locking them in, with no way out and no one in. This was the point that i really got to the edge of my seat.
Despite its violence, the scene of the machine gun-laser-like shooting was brilliant, and the graphic was like for a game. There was not as many shootings as i had expected- sometimes, less means more. In another scene of the mind reading challenge reminded me of Jean Grey and Prof X, but in a more gruesome and vulgar manner. It was smart to have someone with psychic ability in the movie. An issue that were brought into the movie was corruption- not so original but it helped to move the movie to the next level.
The movie developed to a peak-high level and i felt the climax was shorter than what i anticipated for. Nevertheless, i was pleased at the end of the movie.
I could see why this movie is rated 18. First, the violence, blood can make you flinch. Then, there are scenes involving the influence of drugs called Slo-Mo, showing people who take them get high and the world around them sparkle, literally. Because it was 18, and because of these, i cannot but include them as points not deductions to the movie. The people behind this movie were bold and brave enough to include them.
Speaking in terms of originality, i found the combined powers of judge, jury and executioner a breath of fresh air, and the scenes involving the Judges to pronounce their sentence to the defendant were, in an odd way, entertaining. Don't expect drama or intelligent twists, this movie is not for either. It has a story to tell, a simple one but told effectively, with sufficient violence to keep adrenaline high and pumping.
Dredd is a guilty pleasure as charged.
Year: 2012
My rating: 7.6/10
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Saturday, July 28, 2012
The Dark Knight Rises
The legend ends. The legend ends, magnificently. The third and final installment of the Batman franchise masterminded by Christopher Nolan lives to its expectation. Nolan needs no proving further that he has one of the best minds when it comes to directing a movie. That said, i was tricked by him, again.
No worries, i won't be spoiling this movie here- because you have to watch it yourself. This movie sets of eight years after The Dark Knight ends. As Bane is villain, Bruce Wayne/Batman struggles to protect and save Gotham City from Bane as he brings unimaginable chaos, leading to a war of great magnitude- one of the best in the cinema. At nearly two hours and forty five minutes, this movie is long and lots of developments are being done throughout to rise to an amazing climax.
One of the greatest assemble of cast. I always like Bale as the Batman- and i think he is one of the best among all other Batman movies. Anne H who plays Selina Kyle is a good addition to the movie and her character does push plot. M Caine and Gary O who plays Alfred and Gordon, Morgan Freeman as Dr Fox, Marion C as Miranda, Joseph GL as Blake and definitely Tom Hardy as Bane show top-notch performances. Each character, given the movie length, was well developed and explored. The score and music by Hans Zimmer, as good as always.
Some scenes are mind-blowing like the collapsing of the field and the bridges. Element of suspense is surely present, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I felt the ZOMG factor at its climax. The missiles chasing after the Bat in the air, the awesome bike that can change direction so awesomely. Just how the movie fits its puzzles so perfectly is brilliant- so good that it kept me and my friends thinking even after the movie. We kept thinking on how this and how that, the twists, and the special effects of the scenes. Surely, Nolan concluded his spin of this Batman saga brilliantly.
There is nothing much i would want to add because i do not want to risk spoiling this movie. The title of this movie got me to think, why 'rises'? After the movie, i got what it means. It would be better if you have watched the Batman Begins and TDK as some references were made from the earlier two installments. Nevertheless, if not, watch it and be thoroughly entertained.
This TDKR has definitely put DC Comic movies back in the forefront. If the other superheroes of this DC universe is made on such level, or combined, it would certainly give Marvel a run for their money! A great cinematic experience felt and definitely a must-watch.
My rating: 8.8 / 10
Year: 2012
Genre: Drama, action, thriller
No worries, i won't be spoiling this movie here- because you have to watch it yourself. This movie sets of eight years after The Dark Knight ends. As Bane is villain, Bruce Wayne/Batman struggles to protect and save Gotham City from Bane as he brings unimaginable chaos, leading to a war of great magnitude- one of the best in the cinema. At nearly two hours and forty five minutes, this movie is long and lots of developments are being done throughout to rise to an amazing climax.
One of the greatest assemble of cast. I always like Bale as the Batman- and i think he is one of the best among all other Batman movies. Anne H who plays Selina Kyle is a good addition to the movie and her character does push plot. M Caine and Gary O who plays Alfred and Gordon, Morgan Freeman as Dr Fox, Marion C as Miranda, Joseph GL as Blake and definitely Tom Hardy as Bane show top-notch performances. Each character, given the movie length, was well developed and explored. The score and music by Hans Zimmer, as good as always.
Some scenes are mind-blowing like the collapsing of the field and the bridges. Element of suspense is surely present, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I felt the ZOMG factor at its climax. The missiles chasing after the Bat in the air, the awesome bike that can change direction so awesomely. Just how the movie fits its puzzles so perfectly is brilliant- so good that it kept me and my friends thinking even after the movie. We kept thinking on how this and how that, the twists, and the special effects of the scenes. Surely, Nolan concluded his spin of this Batman saga brilliantly.
There is nothing much i would want to add because i do not want to risk spoiling this movie. The title of this movie got me to think, why 'rises'? After the movie, i got what it means. It would be better if you have watched the Batman Begins and TDK as some references were made from the earlier two installments. Nevertheless, if not, watch it and be thoroughly entertained.
This TDKR has definitely put DC Comic movies back in the forefront. If the other superheroes of this DC universe is made on such level, or combined, it would certainly give Marvel a run for their money! A great cinematic experience felt and definitely a must-watch.
My rating: 8.8 / 10
Year: 2012
Genre: Drama, action, thriller
Friday, July 27, 2012
Ice Age 4: Continental Drift
The trio is back with the fourth installment- or no? Ice Age 4 revisits Manny, Diego and Sid in an all new adventure with a geological flavour of event- the Continental Drift happening before their very eyes, comically caused by the ever-pursuing Scrat over the acorn. As years have passed, Peaches (Manny and Ellie's daughter mammoth) grows up into a young teen, Sid welcomes his family especially his grandma and Diego finds love in their quest. The Earth plates begin to move, resulting in the trio being separated from the rest of their community. Soon, they face pirates and must work together to survive and reunite with their loved ones. That's about it. Simple, direct and somewhat formulaic.
That's what Ice Age has been doing and the third (Dawn of the Dinosaur) paid well of as it becomes my favourite of this franchise. I particularly enjoyed the first half of the movie- how the Earth or land splits and moves with the graphics a wonder to watch and the hilarious scenes like the trio going through a storm. The ending falls rather flat and short. Unlike the Dawn of the Dinosaur (yes, i'm comparing with the third but i shouldn't), i didn't get the suspense and thrill when watching the climax of events. No doubt, this movie has everything done neat and clean but i personally did not find it memorable.
The characters remain an interesting herd to watch. Manny continues to be grumpy but apart from that, now he becomes a father figure. Sid's craziness and wackiness is one of the strongest points of the show, or franchise to be exact. He never stops to entertain with his awkwardness. And Diego, i guess every man would relate to him- being masculine and tough yet soft on the inside. Peaches and Louis cute friendship. Again, that's just it. I found this movie to lack characterization in the other characters. The granny introduced was a nice addition but sometimes, i find her to be a tad too annoying. The pirates were just pirates playing their roles as villains but nothing further.
This movie is ok may be because i had a high expectation of this movie since the third installment. Hopefully this is not the last of the Ice Age franchise because i am not thoroughly satisfied with an ending as such. Much said, it is still a good watch for a family outing because apart from the comical scenes and adventure, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift does have some values to learn and reminds you that you have each other.
My ratings: 6.8 / 10
Year: 2012
Genre: Animation, adventure
You'll like this if you like: animation, Ice Age franchise.
That's what Ice Age has been doing and the third (Dawn of the Dinosaur) paid well of as it becomes my favourite of this franchise. I particularly enjoyed the first half of the movie- how the Earth or land splits and moves with the graphics a wonder to watch and the hilarious scenes like the trio going through a storm. The ending falls rather flat and short. Unlike the Dawn of the Dinosaur (yes, i'm comparing with the third but i shouldn't), i didn't get the suspense and thrill when watching the climax of events. No doubt, this movie has everything done neat and clean but i personally did not find it memorable.
The characters remain an interesting herd to watch. Manny continues to be grumpy but apart from that, now he becomes a father figure. Sid's craziness and wackiness is one of the strongest points of the show, or franchise to be exact. He never stops to entertain with his awkwardness. And Diego, i guess every man would relate to him- being masculine and tough yet soft on the inside. Peaches and Louis cute friendship. Again, that's just it. I found this movie to lack characterization in the other characters. The granny introduced was a nice addition but sometimes, i find her to be a tad too annoying. The pirates were just pirates playing their roles as villains but nothing further.
This movie is ok may be because i had a high expectation of this movie since the third installment. Hopefully this is not the last of the Ice Age franchise because i am not thoroughly satisfied with an ending as such. Much said, it is still a good watch for a family outing because apart from the comical scenes and adventure, Ice Age 4: Continental Drift does have some values to learn and reminds you that you have each other.
My ratings: 6.8 / 10
Year: 2012
Genre: Animation, adventure
You'll like this if you like: animation, Ice Age franchise.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
A Dolphin's Tale
If there is one word to describe this movie, it's inspirational! The characters display great emotional depth with well developed story line. The link between Winter, the real life dolphin who suffers a damage and eventually removes the tail, and Sawyer's cousin, Kyle, who is injured during his time in the marines, is touching and uplifting simultaneously. The bond shared by Winter and Sawyer (who is, at the beginning of the movie, a reserved and almost friendless boy) is what every kid would want; the close bonding between Sawyer and Kyle shows that 'Family is Forever', and the friendship developed by Sawyer and Hazel is one to adore.
Struggling to keep up with the financial of the aquarium, at the same time helping Winter to swim normally again, sold this movie like none other, apart from the nicely done effects. Scenes that leave lasting impacts include when another handicapped child travels for hours just to visit Winter (how Winter inspires the many lives of human beings), and Sawyer and later Dr McCarthy's comments on Kyle's selfishness. Of course, great job to the cast for delivering an honest, believable and true performance. If the entire length of the movie is heart-warming enough, wait until the video clips of Winter at the end of the show- you will smile because you cannot cry.
I may be biased in this review, in such that i am passionate about the marine life- definitely, to swim with the dolphin, or Winter herself, is a reward. But putting that aside, this movie is one to watch, worth watching and worth remembering. I believe the rich values of this movie will propagate with great length- never give up! I felt uplifted after the movie, and i'm sure you will too.
Year: 2011
My ratings: 8.0 / 10
Genre: Drama, animal
You'll like this if you like: We Bought A Zoo, animals
Struggling to keep up with the financial of the aquarium, at the same time helping Winter to swim normally again, sold this movie like none other, apart from the nicely done effects. Scenes that leave lasting impacts include when another handicapped child travels for hours just to visit Winter (how Winter inspires the many lives of human beings), and Sawyer and later Dr McCarthy's comments on Kyle's selfishness. Of course, great job to the cast for delivering an honest, believable and true performance. If the entire length of the movie is heart-warming enough, wait until the video clips of Winter at the end of the show- you will smile because you cannot cry.
I may be biased in this review, in such that i am passionate about the marine life- definitely, to swim with the dolphin, or Winter herself, is a reward. But putting that aside, this movie is one to watch, worth watching and worth remembering. I believe the rich values of this movie will propagate with great length- never give up! I felt uplifted after the movie, and i'm sure you will too.
Year: 2011
My ratings: 8.0 / 10
Genre: Drama, animal
You'll like this if you like: We Bought A Zoo, animals
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)