Movie Review - Casablanca

As I was scanning the shelves of my library, I saw the DVD Casablanca. It's located inside a room specialized for video reference. A few times have I ran into it and as tempted as I was, I was also frightened for the thought of the movie might suck big time. It's a romantic film set during WW2 and from what I'd heard, it was a classic to be watched. However, it was a black and white film produced in the 40s. Hence, my fear.

Despite my initial fears, I reluctantly grabbed the DVD and walked to the counter to check it out. Fortunately, it was not as boring or hellish as I thought it would be. To my surprise, it was an awesome movie for a movie produced in black and white. Now I know why they call it a classic. So, for this movie review post, I have decided to go retro and feature this spectacular Oscar-winning movie.

CASABLANCA

Now, the thing is, I don't normally watch romantic films, let alone in black and white. But there are tons of reference made to this films in today's media. So, I was compelled. I even managed to catch the infamous phrase, "This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship". XD

I tried not to reveal any spoilers but if you guys wanna enjoy the movie without any disturbance, better skip this paragraph. Basically, this movie is set in WW2 with a couple madly in love but the guy is dumped by the woman for no apparent reason. Years later in Casablanca (it's a city), they run into each other again but this time, the girl is seen with a husband. Drama?

As for the rest, you guys need to download or buy the movie to find out. Seriously, though it's a really really really old movie, it still compels me to watch it.

A solid 4 out of 5

And the Award Goes to Natalie Portman!!!

Ms Portman is on the move in the filming industry. Ever since the release of Black Swan, she has become the renowned star she was back in the days of Star Wars. Moreover, she will be featured in 3 more movies this year - No Strings Attached, Your Highness and most of all, the ever popular, most anticipating movie (for a geek like me XP)

Prologue:

First of all, I'm going to discuss about Black Swan. I know the movie was released last year but as your all know, Malaysia ain't no America. The movie was only released this week in the cinema. Even so, I don't bother watching it in the theaters for major scenes such as Portman's masturbation and the lesbian kissing scenes would definitely be cut out XP

Hey, I'm gay but those scenes are amazing which kinda makes me a bi...I'm sexually confused.

Regardless, the movie is superb! Bloggers like Vincent even featured about it. Natalie was nominated and won several awards for that movie. It has everything to do with the fragililty of the human mind and how easily it can be influenced by external forces. This would be an awesome case study for me when I'm a certified psychologist...hehe

Basically, Portman's character suffers a mental breakdown from the pressure exerted from her mother and her work as a ballet dance. The whole plot is poetic in conjunction with swan lake in which a virtuous princess is transformed into a sensual swan. (Go read the story on your own) There are several versions of the story btw.

Overall, the movie is one of the must watch movie of the century, right next to The Dark Knight. I would give it a 4.5 out of 5. It's nearly flawless.

Climax:

Yesterday, me and my friends randomly chose to watch No Strings Attached. Coincidently, Ms Portman is in it again. I'm dazed by her beauty.

In this movie, she's a doctor seeking sex with Adam (Aston Kutcher) while leaving no strings attached because to her, having a relationship might be complicated to handle. Well, this is a typical romantic film meant for couples. I repeat, it is meant for COUPLES. Me and my friends (2 of them) felt awkward watching it with just us guys with no partner to hug and go "awww~" throughout the movie. Kinda sad~

However, the movie was so-so only. Natalie sort of portrays too much emotions here and the movie was kinda plain. It is hilarious with some of its scenes.

Hence, I would give it a 3.5 out of 5

Epilogue:

Her pending movies for this coming few months would be a comedy by the title Your Highness and the action-packed . While I don't have much detail on the former, I am excited about the latter. Below is trailer no.2 for Thor. Hope you guys enjoy it. I know I myself and my lecturer did XD

Movie Review - Tron Legacy

I know it's been a long since my last movie review post. Truth of the matter is I've caught up with several things and one of them is sloth. Anyhow, I watched Tron Legacy yesterday and I just had to feature it in my blog. It's too awesome!!!

There were shiny lights everywhere. Spinning. Zigzagging. Derrezing. Though the pace is slow, it has fantastic soundtrack as well as special effects. Once the character is inside the computer, that's where you can't take your eyes off. Plus, Daft Punk and Olivia Wilde (you might know her as 13 in House) are in the movie. Olivia is breathtaking with the sexy new bob-styled hairdo.

Just so you know, everything happens inside a computer mainframe. Bare in mind that do not, I repeat, DO NOT watch it in 3D. That's one of its downside. Moreover, it's advisable to search the local DVD store to find the first Tron movie (yes, this is the sequel). Honestly, I was confused at some of the dialogues because they refers back to the original film.

Despite the flaws, the movie was enjoyable. If I get the chance, I ma watch it over again ^^ (minus the 3D glasses)

Rating: 4 out of 5

Mega Movie Review

Ok, I know that my movie review posts have come to a halt lately due to the fact that I don't have the mood to write reviews. That is why for this special post, I'm going to write as many and as short the review as possible about the recent movies I have watched in the cinema.

I will start off with the last movie I've watched which is the latest animation movie to hit cinema - Megamind.

Notable Stars: Will Ferrel, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, David Cross, Brad Pitt

Director: Tom McGrath

Synopsis: It starts off with a typical Superman theme with Megamind, the villain, kidnapping Roxanne Ritchie, Lois Lane's parallel while waiting for Metro Man, the hero of the city to save the day. However, Megamind doesn't plan on actually destroying Metro Man and take over the city. A while later, he finds that he needs a hero to fulfill him so that he has a purpose since he already take over everything. So, he tries to create a new hero but ends with creating another villain. Now, he has to become the good guy and the new hero. Also,he must win over the heart of Roxanne. The romance part of the film.

Verdict: I've just realized all the animation movie I've seen so far are awesome. Though some have a slow plot going on while some turn horrible towards the ending, Megamind has none. It was hilarious as every animations should be. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Look up in the sky cause it's Skyline~

Notable Stars: None that I know of (>.<)

Director: Brothers Strause

Synopsis: Alien invasion. Citizens abducted. Group of people tries to survive and one by one are killed off. Dumb-ass tries to rescue girlfriend. All of it happened in L.A.

Verdict: A quintessential movie with horrible dialogues and actings and plot. The only thing worth while to look at throughout the movie is the aliens. Nice mothership, massacre, giants aliens and pretty lights. Besides those, the movie basically sucks.

Rating: 1.5 out of 5

Next is a movie I watched in Pavilion a week ago - RED.

Notable Stars: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren

Director: Robert Schwentke

Synopsis: Inspired by the comic book of the same name, this movie tells of Frank Moses(Willis), an ex-CIA agent being on the hunt by the CIA itself. Along with his old team mates, they must uncover the truth beneath of the commotion and catch the felon who framed him from start. Big guns and lots of action are included as well. Nothing less from a movie starring Willis.

Verdict: Though I haven't read the comic yet, the movie was decent and some of the actions are spectacular. There is a few slow moments in the middle of the film which makes it quite tedious. More action-packed scenes should fill in the movie. Otherwise, the movie is worth watching. Besides, Helen Mirren is it and she's carrying a gun XD. Nothing good like an old woman shooting people. I almost find her hot!!!!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Last and hopefully not least,

Notable Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Jung Woo-sun

Director: John Woo

Synopsis: A mummified Indian monk was said to possess magical power to the owner. It was divided in half and separated from each other. A group of Kung Fu specialized mob called The Dark Stone Gang wants to retrieve both remains to gain the power. Realizing the misuse of power once it falls to the wrong hand, Jianyu (Yeoh) stole the body and hid it. She tries to live a normal life in a small village but of course, the main protagonist's story is never be simple.

Verdict: Truth be told, this is the second Chinese film I've watched in the theater and the only reason why I would even watch it is because Michelle Yeoh is in it. To my surprise, the movie isn't just awesome, I was paying full attention to it. The basic fighting scenes were filled with new style of actions and again, Michelle Yeoh's acting was superb. Even though the storyline is a tad predictable (all Chinese movies are), I would recommend it, even if you are a banana like me XD

Rating: 4 out of 5

Movie Review - You Again

The funny thing about watching this movie was that I didn't exactly plan to watch it. Bored friends and empty schedule somehow dragged me into it. I saw the trailer in the theaters before and found it quite hilarious but never intent to watch it in the cinema. In the end, I found myself laughing as I walked out of the cinema.

Enough about me, the movie was enjoyable to say the least. It stars Kristen Bell as Marni and Jamie Lee Curtis as Gail which are the only two prominent actress I know of. The others I have no idea who the hell they are but you can see the name in the above poster. For Kristen, I came to know her name via Heroes (Season 2) where she played a demented but sexy and electrifying character. As for Jamie, everyone knows her after Freaky Friday. The thing I wasn't expecting was Kristen playing a lead role as a good gal because among all her other roles in various films, even the upcoming Burlesque, she was a bitch. Lolx Or maybe I haven't watch her other movies yet. (Time to rent DVDs)

Synopsis:

Back to the movie, it illustrates how a girl(Kristen) has to face her high school nightmare again the moment she found out her brother is marrying her nemesis, Joanna(Odette Yustman) from high school. Then she's been putting all her efforts to break up the relationship. As for Gail Buyer, Marni's mum, her trouble starts when Joanna introduces her aunt, Aunt Ramona(Sigourney Weaver) to the family. The aunt used to be Gail's BFF but for unknown reason, she pushed Gail into a pool on their prom night. (To find out the reason, watch the movie)

Review:

All in all, the movie was awesome with severals funny moments in them even though the middle section of the movie lacked of them. Kristen's acting was improving and she was hot in the film. It was fun watching two pairs of people fighting over their past.

I shall give it a 4 out of 5.

Movie Review - Eat Pray Love

Sac: Hey, haven't watch movie for quite a while now...must watch ar this week

Me: Ok (smile). Which movie you wanna watch then?

Sac: Hmm...you search online and pick lor.

Me: KK

(Searching)

Me: Timing around 8pm right?

Sac: Yup

(Search some more)

Me: The only available ones are Eat Pray Love and The Child's Eye

Sac: Wuuu....Let's watch The Child's Eye

Me: O_O (Petrified)

(Cal appears out of nowhere)

Cal: I wanna join in as well!!!

Me: We are watching The Child's Eye.

Cal: >.<>

(huddle with Cal)

Sac: =.= fine~ Eat Pray Love then.

Staring Julia Roberts, this is movie is based on the book of the same name written by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book is a memoir detailing a woman seeking self-discovery after a nasty divorce because she couldn't achieve what she wanted in life. The country she had traveled in chronological order were Italy, India and Indonesia. The title was aptly named as she ate in Italy to satisfy herself and enjoy life itself; prayed in India to find her spiritual self and moved on from her past; lastly, understanding what true love was and the sacrifices we made for it.

Honestly, when I first saw the novel and the movie poster, my head was saying "not another chick book/movie". It was obvious that the genre of the movie was romance with all the lovey-dovey content and dramatic scenes. Then again, after watching the movie, I found myself laughing instead of crying non-stop. True, it was still a romantic film but enjoyable enough for girls and sensitive guys like me =P

Some of the scenes were hilarious due to the cultural clash experienced by the main character. Hence, I was laughing. Moreover, the movie did taught several valuable lessons regarding love and life. We must enjoy life for it is too short. Life is full of wonders and mystery but nowadays we tend to neglect it and waste our life in front of the TV screen. Like Liz, we should go explore around the world instead of waiting for something to happen to us. As for love, it's a mass of complexity. (Watch the movie then you'll know) Plus, Julia Roberts was awesome in the film.

To summarize this review, even though Eat Pray Love may just be another chick flick, it is still worth watching. Those who despise the theatre, buy the book. It's equally enjoyable. With that, I give the film a 4 out of 5 =)

Movie Review - The Devil

The other day I went to the cinema with a friend of mine (I will call him Jacky here) =P

There were a list of movies to choose from: Eat Pray Love, The Devil, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, Charlie St Clouds, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga' hoole.

Knowing a person like me, Wall Street was the first to go out. I hate movies that deal with economy and business. Those two are a major sleep-inducer for me. Next was Charlie St Cloud. It had a bit of psychological aspect to it but due to the presence of Zac Efron, I'm sorry Charlie but I can't watch you. After that, we had Legend of the Gurdians. Now I always have this fondness for owls but this movie on the other hand wasn't on my list. I still love owls though ^^

That left us with Eat Pray Love and The Devil. Readers, understand this. I have no whatsoever biasness against chick flicks. I know they are boring and too sensitive for some men but for me, let's just say I'm special =P As for The Devil, my masculine side was pestering me to watch it. In the end, it won.

(Warning: Spoiler detected!)

For those who has little ideas about what the movie is about, here's the layout of it. It was directed by John Erick Dowdle, the guy who directed another horror film - Quarantine. However, the story was devised by M Night Shyamalan. Yes, the idiot who ruined Airbender for us. But the movie was surprising good with its plot twist. According to him though, this movie is set to be a trilogy called The Night Chronicles.

Moving on, the story centered on several characters and a detective who had a dark past. Now, these particular people were heading to a building, each with their own agendas. The building was told and early in the movie, someone committed suicide on one of the floors. (MYSTERIOUS)

While the detective, played by Chris Messina, was investigating the suicide, the other major characters were riding an elevator. It stopped half way with no apparent reason. Slowly, the people in the elevator were killed off one by one and it turned out they weren't so innocent at all. As the movie progressed, it was determined that one of the people in the elevator was the devil himself, seeking to torment those who sinned.

Typical storyline but as I said before, it has a nice plot twist. Those who are smart enough, they can predict outcome a hour into the movie. Sadly, I wasn't that smart.

Overall, I give the movie a 4 out of 5. And be careful, you never know who's watching you...

Movie Review - Resident Evil: Afterlife

For my first movie review in this blog, I am going to evaluate the latest movie I have watched - Resident Evil : Afterlife (in 3D)

(Warning: Spoilers are included)

Before I continue to my review (which would be a bloodshed), here's a brief synopsis of the movie.

Alice, the main character is seeking to destroy the Umbrella Corporation which is creating the most formidable bioweaponry (even when the world is infested with zombies). Turning into a weapon herself at the hands of Umbrella scientists, Alice wishes for nothing more than to eradicate the company and take her vengeance on the CEO of the company, Albert Wesker.

She succeeded by not without the cost of her lives(her own clones actually). That's only the beginning of the horror. In the following events, she had to go to Alaska to search for the others. (watch the third movie). She found Claire Redfield instead (another lead female character) but she was brainwashed by a device attached to her chest. After Alice put some sense into her, they travelled to the City of Angels and other hell occurred.

New game characters includes Chris Redfield, the Executioner from RE5 and the Majini (translation: 'evil spirit'). There's another character who appeared during the after-credit scene but it's kinda obvious for fans like me ^^

Done with the synopsis, on with the criticism. (Warning: vulgarity is included)

For typical movie goers, the film might seem fun with all the senseless fighting and killing mindless zombies. Conversely, to RE fanatics like me, the only thing that went through my mind was " What the FUCK were they thinking!?"

Seriously, directors nowadays have little regards for what fans wanna watch. They just simply throw anything related from the game or comics into the film without any concerns for the storyline. For instances, the Executioner. True, they retained the original design from the game. Plus, the axe/knife was impressive in the film for both fans and victims. The only thing missing in the film for this enemy was the reason for his presence.

As the film progressed, viewers would see this behemoth dragging his killing machine to shed some blood from the survivors but the thing is, he just appeared out of nowhere with no apparent reason.

Though the slashing of the victims was cool, the director should have dwelled into its origin and explain why it was there in the first place. IDIOTS!!!

Moving on, the next character I would like to lament about is Chris Redfield. In the film he was played by Wentworth Miller from Prison Break.

On the left is the RE5 version of Chris. All pumped up on steroids.

On the right, we have another version of Chris from the previous

games. See the vast disparity.

The film's Chris looked more like the one on the right which

was acceptable for me because, truth be told, I hated the newly

designed Chris. He was too buff and they turned him into a

stereotype.

Claire + Chris in the film

Claire in Code Veronica

On the other hand, his sister, Claire Redfield, was a major casting disaster.

Don't get me wrong, Ali Larter is a great actress but she's just not a suitable

choice for Claire. Firstly, Claire is way much younger than Ali and Ali just doesn't have some

of Claire's attributes. Besides, these two looks totally different.

The following character whom I need to complain is Albert Wesker. Shawn Roberts did a good job impersonating Albert but in the game, he did not have creepy extended mouth coming out of his

mouth. He was instead infected by the Uroboros( play RE 5) and some unknown virus in the game. His stealth and matrix-like movements were a safe for him as they followed the game.

For me, I am all about originality =P

Aside from the characters differences, there were colossal amount of plot holes in the film.

There were the unexplained appearance of the Executioner. Chris and Claire's relationship was

never explored. It was all about Alice who didn't even appear in any of the game. Furthermore,

zombies do not evolve into a freaking a Majini(the main enemy in RE5). To make it worse, they

didn't even mention how the zombies become a Majini look-alike.

I do, however, wanna praise the surprise at the end of the film but still I want the original

Jill Valentine back T_T Oops...I have said too much

All in all, the film is quite enjoyable for its action but there just too much plot holes which makes it seems like Transformer 2. I still prefer the directors to reboot it and revisit the story back in Spencer Mansion(play RE 1) but this time, exclude Alice please...

I shall give it a 2 out of 5

This review is brought to you by the Umbrella Corporation