Movie Reviews

Transformer 3: Dark of the Moon (2011; Genre: Action) Rating: 2.5 / 5 "A pack of Action"

2011-08-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

Directed by Michael Bay

Produced by Steven Spielberg

Don Murphy

Tom Desanto

Written by Ehren Kruger

Starring Shia LaBeouf

Josh Duhamel

John Turturro

Tyrese Gibson

Studio DreamWorks Pictures

Distributed by Paramount Pictures

Release date 28 June 2011

Running time 155 minutes

Quick Synopsis

A Cybertronian spacecraft managed to escape in the middle of war and crashed on the moon. NASA detected the impact and authorized by the president to send a man on the moon to collect some samples. This incident remains secret until Optimus Prime found out that the humans have been hiding those information for years. Soon the secret of it is slowly revealing. Decapticons have been planning and waiting for those pillars found in the spacecraft. With the ability of those pillars to create a portal, Decapticons planned to take over the Earth.

Reviews
This is what summer movie suppose to be. It starts with a bang and end with a bang. Michael Bay has greatly introduced terrific action concept which this third installment is more intense and exciting. The details and special effects generated has lifted this Transformer third installment to an amazing CGI work. For those action lover, this movie is going to amaze you. However, the lack of great story line makes this third installment less humane.

X-Men: First Class (Genre: Action, Adventure) Rating : 4 / 5 "Listen carefully my friend, you should watch it"

2011-06-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

Produced by Gregory Goodman

Simon Kinberg

Story by Sheldon Turner

Bryan Singer

Starring James McAvoy

Michael Fassbender

Kevin Bacon

Studio Marvel Studios

Dune Entertainment

Bad Hat Harry Productions

Distributed by 20th Century Fox

Release date 1 June 2011

Running time 132 Minutes

Quick Synopsis

Charles Xavier (Professor X "McAvoy") and Erik Lensherr (Magneto "Fassbender") was a good old folks who pursue different paths. Erik is in the a deep grief to avenge his mother death. Been through the pain of Nazi eras, Erik soon discover his dark personality. While, Charles Xavier lives alone in a big mansion since young and have a idealistic view of the society between mutants and humans. Both Charles and Erik met in the middle of the fight with Shaw "Bacon" the dangerous mutant. Erik is blinded by his hunger for revenge and Charles tries to find Erik's inner peace. However as time goes by, both Erik and Charles are not destined for the same path.

Review

X-Men first class is refreshing the franchise that is going downward since the last Wolverine X-men origin. This whole new concept of the story did really bring up the franchise to a new level. The story is beautifully crafted and for those who followed all the series of X-men movies, this first class really explained all of it.

McAvoy executed the Charles Xavier greatly with the punch line that I would never forget "Listen carefully my friend, killing shaw will not bring you peace". The audiences are brought to better understanding of the Professor X and Magneto characteristics. This whole concept of rebuilding the atmosphere of mutants world by bringing the founders of X division "Charles Xavier" and mutant brotherhood "Erik Lansheer" and put it in a new perspective did surely revived the dying franchise. The character building which is the part that needed to be praised even though the special effects are a bit patchy as some says.

X-Men First Class

Buzz!
Do you know that the opening scene of X-Men first class (2011) and X-Men 1 (2000) is similar? You should check it out!

Vanishing on 7th Street (2010; Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller) Rating: 2.5 / 5 "Spooky "

2011-06-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

Directed by Brad Anderson

Produced by Norton Herrick
Tove Christensen

Written by Anthony Jaswinski

Starring Hayden Christensen
Thandie Newton
John Leguizamo

Studio Herrick Entertainment

Distributed by Magnolia Pictures

Release date 12 September 2010

Running time 90 Minutes

Quick Synopsis

Several humans stuck in the middle of the darkness that is about to consume them. The way and the only solution is to stay near the lights. With the dark soul waiting in the darkness, they need to find a way to get out from the city.

Review

Hayden Christensen (Luke) has gone through the pain of fighting the darkness in "Star Wars" and then come back just to find himself stuck with his own past darkness in "Jumper". Now, he is back again to be consumed by the darkness in "Vanishing on 7th Street". Performing along John Leguizamo (Paul) and Thandie Newton (Rosemary), this movie is great in character execution. You can exactly feel the fear depicted by the characters. The setting is fabulous with a little magic touch of the movie director, the audiences are surely being brought into movie especially with the strong scene of plane crashing in the middle of the city. The way it executes the beginning surely enhances the curiosity of the audiences. With the spooky setting surely everyone going to think that this is going to be hell out of a movie.

Well, unfortunately the lack of originality and half full story telling result in it as an average movie. Even with the good directing, the movie fail to lift itself to the next level. The lack of character building just left the audiences with never ending guessing. The lack of explanation just left the audiences with emptiness in the story. However, Vanishing on 7th Street is still acceptable movie to be enjoy by horror fans. For those who love horror mystery movie without some sort of creatures that jump out and haunt you in the mind for the rest of the night, this movie is worth a try. Overall, seeing "Vanishing on 7th street" is interesting, seeing it second time makes me angry for wasting time.

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Sucker Punch (2011; Genre: Fantasy, Action) Rating : 1.5 / 5 "Sucker punched"

2011-04-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

Directed by Zack Snyder

Produced by Deborah Snyder and Zack Snyder

Story by Zack Snyder

Starring Emily Browning

Abbie Cornish

Studio Legendary Pictures

Cruel and Unusual Films

Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures

Release date 25 March 2011

Running Time 120 minutes

Quick Synopsis

Baby doll is being sent by her stepfather to mental institution. She is planned for lobotomized. Along the way, Baby doll is planning for her escape with the assistance of her other institutionalized friends.

Review

I laughed at myself for being sucker punched by our beloved director of 300 "Zack Snyder". The movie is awkwardly told. The action part is totally unnecessary. Sometimes a less is more. Fortunately, the plot and setting is interesting enough to keep me watching. But honestly, it took only 40 minutes to finish the story which means that I have to go through agonizing 80 minutes of bored.

The action part is totally a ruin for the story atmosphere. However, you have to praised the hard work of the beautifully crafted action scenes. Unfortunately, Sucker Punch could have been better without it. Sucker Punch is suppose to be dark, serious and thrilling. In the end, Sucker punch is a coffee with too much sugar.

Well in term of character building, there is an eager of wanting to know what really is going on with the "Baby Doll". Is she really mentally ill or what else? Disappointingly, the line of finding out is kinda blurred, thus leaving the audiences to adopt a certain perspective along the movie "Guessing".

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13 (2010; Genre: drama, thriller) Rating : " 0.5 / 5" A waste of time

2011-04-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

Directed by Gela Babluani

Written by Gela Babluani

Starring Sam Riley
   Mickey Rourke
   Ray Winstone
   Jason Statham

Distributed by Paramount Vantage
   Endeavor

Premise

A naive young who stumbled into a complicated gambling game of Russian roulette.

Review

A complete waste of talent and time. Probably the next contender of the last air bender, but the only downside of this is the screenplay. Thirteen is lack of story and lack of character building. Bombarded with a major name like Jason Statham and Mickey Rouke to star in it, surely nobody could think that this movie is going to be a big disappointment. However, Gela has successfully trick so many audiences, especially with those elegantly designed poster like above. Thirteen is just like throwing a flat story and make it looks like a blockbuster hit. Just can't believe that Jason Statham even considered signing in for the cast.

What makes me want to see the movie at first is the cast and the poster which looks appealing. And now I want my whole 90 minutes back. The premise is interesting but the way it is being told is ridiculous. First 10 minutes really depicted how it is going down from there. There is lack of detail in the story. Barely a good explanation on how the winner is paid and how the players are being picked can be found in the movie. The main character is lacking of motive and it is executed poorly.

Well, some might find it interesting. But if you like thriller movie with a good story and greatly built character, this movie is worth a skip.

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Faster (2010) Genre: Action, drama ; Rating: 2.5 / 5 "Faster is too fast"

2011-02-04T04:08:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia

Directed by George Tillman, Jr.

Release date 24 November 2010

Studio Castle Rock Entertainment

Starring Dwayne Johnson;

Billy Bob Thornton

Brief Synopsis

Vengeful Mr. Driver "Dwayne Johnson" running rage through the town and interstate to avenge his brother death on a set up bank robbery 10 years ago.

Review

Released four months ago and I just noticed it now. It seems like the movie doesn't exists at all and there is only one and only one explanation for it "A poor marketing campaign".

Well got to be excited as Dwayne Johnson is back on action genre after the tooth fairy invasion. Despite the poor performance of the movie in financial term, Dwayne Johnson does surely lifted the movie a bit, pulling "Faster" out from garbage list of 2010 Movies. Dwayne Johnson has been perfecting the aggressive tough character through out movie like "The Walking Tall' and "Rundown". Again, he is pulling his magic out saving this half empty "Faster".

Faster is a poorly written movie which is left half emptied. The movie doesn't has a clear direction either to go toward regular or darker and more serious action movie. Faster could have been better as it has interesting plot, good casting and directed beautifully. Unfortunately, the only let down of it is the story line that failed to focus on character building leaving the audience with a little clue of how it suppose to be. Or on the other words, Faster tells a fast story with a fast moving plot as a result Faster was kicked out from the top ten list just as fast as how it told the story.

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Monsters (2010; Genre: Sci-fi, Mystery, Adventure) Rating : 2 / 5 "Flat"

2010-11-25T03:12:00.000-08:00

Studio Vertigo Films

Distributed by Vertigo Films

Directed by Gareth Edwards

Release date 12 November 2010

Running time 94 Minutes

Starring Whitney Able

Scoot McNairy

Quick Synopsis

After a shuttle ship crashed in the middle of forest between US and Mexico, alien form started to spread across the forest. Few years later, a journalist "Andrew" (McNairy) is being told to get the employer's daughter "Samantha" (Able) back safely to US. Unfortunately, Samantha passport being stolen and left them with no choice beside to go through the forest which is inhabited by the alien.

Review

This is new way in telling alien story. Unlike any other "alien genre" movie such as 'War of the World (Spielberg)", "District 9 (Jackson)", Monsters delivered it in elegant way. As a result, it is a slow phase movie which will eventually bring you to sleep without even you knowing it. Well, to be honest, there is barely a scene fighting the alien. The movie is absolutely a waste of time for action fans but for those who admire the cinematography and the art of story telling, this movie might pull it through.

Frankly, I do not like this film. Its flat and doesn't enhance my interest towards the film. Its just like watching a documentary film describing what it looks like inside the danger zone inhabited by the alien. Not much information can be derived beside a beautiful scenery and an alien with tentacle. Overall, this movie is loved by critics but a disappointment for movie goers.

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Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010; Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy) Rating: 2 / 5 "Totally over-rated"

2010-10-31T06:18:00.000-07:00

Studio Big Talk Films

Relativity Media

Distributed by Universal Pictures

A film by Edgar Wright

Based on Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Release date 13 August 2010

Running time 112 minutes

Starring Michael Cera

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Kieran Culkin

Quick Synopsis

Scott Pilgrim (Cera), band member who dated a girl named Ramona (Winstead) and unintentionally bringing Scott the challenge of defeating his ex 7 Ramona boyfriend. Scott then has to go one by one defeating them before Ramona will date him.

Source : Filmofilia

Review

Obviously, this movie is totally overrated by critics. Audiences are bombarded by complex editing which cause the story line to be extremely confusing, thus leaving the movie completely nonsense and frustrating. Although it does please the audience by bringing them back to the NINTENDO and SEGA age with the imaginative editing and visual effect, it fails to position itself to the current trend causing the movie to be a financial disappointment. "Second weekend and the movie dropped to bottom top ten" (Source Wikipedia).

What makes it worse is the leading actor "Cera" (Scott Pilgrim). Scott pilgrim character is poorly executed causing the character to flow flat and unable to express his emotion. Scott Pilgrim is really frustrating and annoying at the same time. Fortunately, the supporting role seems to be covering the lead character weakness.

On the other side, the scene was perfectly shot.The techniques used to elaborate the action sequences really lifted up the fight scene. However, the down side is the editing as stated above. The editing cause the story to jump from scene to scene and unable to maintain the coherency, leaving the audiences have to imagine themselves.

Despite praised by majority of the critics, I would skip this movie and wait until the DVD released as it is not worth to spend the weekend just to come out feeling regret and annoyed.

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Wall Street 2 (2010; Genre: Drama) Rating: 2.5 / 5 "Not strong enough"

2010-10-14T01:27:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia

Studio Edward R. Pressman Film

Distributed by 20th Century Fox

Directed by Oliver Stone

Screenplay by Allan Loeb ; Stephen Schiff

Release date 24 September 2010

Running time 127 minutes

Starring Michael Douglas

Shia LaBeouf

Josh Brolin

Carey Mulligan

Quick Synopsis

Gordon Gekko (M. Douglas) is back after almost eight years in prison which seven years later he finds out that his daughter "Winnie" (Mulligan) is dating Jake Moore (LaBeouf) and about to get married. Due to Winnie hasn't spoken to Gekko for a long time since Rudy death, Gekko is reluctant that Winnie will be willing to accept Gekko back. Jake working as broker is benefiting from Gekko intelligence and is struggling to look for investor to fund the fusion research project and to avenge the death of his role model Keller Zabel from suicide. Hence, both of them "Jake and Gecko" comes into agreement that Gecko will help Jake to avenge the death of Keller Zabel and in returns Jake must help Gekko to gain trust from his daughter again.

Review

Gordon Gecko is back but fail to impress. Audiences might feel disappointed with Gecko is not the main plot for the whole story, magic finance trick that he pulled out to fool the stock market systems that is found on Wall Street 1 is barely executed on the sequel. However, in term of character execution, both Shia and Douglas really pull it through with their performance to the limit.

www.filmofilia.com

On the other side, the effect of financial crisis hardly depicted in this movie and unlike the first movie, the atmosphere of stock trading is not fully developed leaving the movie merely touching the outstanding line. However, the message of the writer is getting through quite easily to the audience that "Greed is not good, that Greed is going to slowly consume you, that Greed is going to harm your love one without you even know it". More, I find that the drama is not strong enough leaving it just like another romantic conflicts. Well, overall the movie is okay for a mere entertainment and stock market lover.

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The Last Air Bender (2010; Genre: adventure, family, fantasy) Rating : 1 / 5 "What the. . ."

2010-10-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

Studio Nickelodeon Movies

Distributed by Paramount Pictures

A film by M. Night Shyamalan

Release date 30 June 2010

Running time 103 minutes

Language English

Starring Noah Ringer
   Nicola Peltz
   Jackson Rathbone
   Dev Patel

Quick Synopsis
Four nations "Air, Water, Fire and Earth" is living in peace until Fire nation started the war. It is the job of Avatar to keep the nations in balance and peace, however, when the Avatar is needed, he disappeared. 100 years later the Avatar "Aang" is found by Katara and his brother. Aang soon discovers that he has been trapped under water for a century. Realizing that it is he is responsible in keeping the world balance again, Aang has to learn how to bend the three other elements "Water, Fire and Earth".

Review

It is sad just looking at the cast but it get even sadder watching the whole movie ruined by incompetent blunt action sequences with a big failure character execution and bad casting. For anime fans, this is the biggest disappointment of anime adaptation this year. Mr Night just getting worse since the master piece of Sixth Sense. Unbelievably, the cast just can't even pronounce the main character right. It should be "Aang" not "Oong".

The special effects is okay but the action shooting technic is a big throw down for the movie. Moreover, the storyline is rushed thus neglecting the most important part of the anime which is the character building of Aang that is developing it from ordinary child to an avatar. Well, come on Mr. Night. This is what the fans is looking for, the great story of the Aang adventure, not the special effects.

On the other side, the casting seems like a eeny, mini, miney, moo picking. From the picture at the left side, you can see what's wrong with it. Personally, I quite agree with the Aang casting but the rest of the character is just super dumb. Especially the fire bender cast, Prince Zuko should be tough with a deep voice character but turns out in the movie, Zuko just another teen with soft voice which like to nag around. Well, I guess its the story line fault "lacks of character building" which makes Zuko looks like a pampered prince.

Here is the video of fans voicing their disappointment :

On the bright side, you have to give a praise for this Noah Ringer acting as Aang. Noah did a good job for his first acting career rather than the other casts. If I may say, its the lack of character building which makes Noah executed the Aang character badly. If Mr. Night just put a bit more attention on Aang character development, the movie might turns out to be a bit better.

Overall, there is a little chance for the sequel of this movie.

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The Other Guys (2010; Genre: Action, Comedy) Rating : 3 / 5 "Surprisingly fun"

2010-09-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

Studio Gary Sanchez Productions
   Mosaic Media Group

Distributed by Columbia Pictures

Directed by Adam McKay

Release date 06 August 2010

Running time 107 minutes

Language English

Starring Will Ferrell
   Mark Wahlberg
   Samuel L. Jackson
   Dwayne Johnson

Quick Synopsis

The popular detective Danson (Johnson) and HighSmith (Jackson) really depicted as the town hero. Both of them has a good reputation in never let the criminal escapes by chasing them to the limit such as crashing to a double decker bus or even crashing into trump building. While "the other guys" Allen (Ferrel) and Hoitz (Wahlberg) is an paperwork officer where they rarely get any praise and hardly respected by their co-workers. One day, Danson and HighSmith are chasing criminals which they successfully escape from 20 stories building. Danson and HighSmith ridiculously jump off the building in order to catch those criminals and of course died instantly when they reach the ground.

Hence, the other guys (Terry and Allen) now have a chance to show what they are capable of to the office. However, Allen seems to reluctant to go for a field work and prefer to stay in the office. While, Terry keep forcing Allen to go out for an crime busting activities.

Review

Well, the first 20 minutes is absolutely amazing and funny with the short appearances of two action stars Dwayne and Jackson. However, for the rest of the story, I find it a bit dull and lack of action. It is more into drama comedy rather than action comedy. Yet, this movie successfully captured my attention with some jokes and conflicts. Although, I find the comedy part a bit plain but for some people I asked eventually find it to be funny. I admit it there is some part that the comedy scene is hilarious but some of it just lame. Watching the other guys just remind me of the movie "Johnny English" (Rowan Atkinson). To conclude it, Johnny English - a bit of comedy - a bit of action + a bit of drama + a seriousness= "The Other Guys".

The character building is really there, you can find how Allen and Terry do really have different characteristics but a similar foolish side. Have you ever seen Will in a bit sane and a bit realistic comedy movie? Have you ever seen Mark in comedy movie? You have to praise them for trying a new thing and surprisingly "it works".

The premise is interesting, the plot is flat, the storyline is a so so and the comedy is acceptable. Well, you know what to do with it. Either you can skip this movie and regret it the next day or go for it and still regret it the next day.

Trailer

P.S: If you are detailed enough, you can find a deleted and the mistake in the trailer.
Give up?
Look at the 0:48 where the medal is missing and reappearing.
The deleted scene is when the cop said "Look there is another jumper"

The Experiment (2010; Genre: drama, Thriller) Rating : 2.5 / 5 "Experimented but. . . . "

2010-09-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

Studio Inferno Distribution

Magnet Media Productions

Natural Selection

Tax Credit Finance

Distributed by Stage 6 Films

Warner Bros.

Directed by Paul Scheuring

Release date 21 September 2010

Running time 96 minutes

Language English

Starring Adrien Brody

Forest Whitaker

Fisher Steven

Brief Synopsis

Several men enrolled in psychological experiment with a reward of $1000 per day for two weeks. The study conducted involve in prisoners and guards scenario. The purpose of experiment is to study human behavior that will relatively change in corresponding to the roles given. However, in order to receive the money, each participants are warned to obey the given rules or the experiment will be stopped and no one will receive the money.

Review

Character execution is great yet the story seems to be not excited as the title of the movie. I expected more out of the movie. The character building is there, yet the drama element is not fully evolved. It just like serving you a spaghetti without seasoning. The movie started good but then the plot remains flat along the way without the intention to emphasize the word "Experiment". Well, "The Experiment" is just another experimental movie with a same premise, same plot and same purpose, or in another words "Nothing excited about it". However, if you are curious, this movie is not bad for you as it adapted from the real experiment in one of the university in US.

Trailer

The Losers (2010; Genre: Action, Comedy) Rating : 1 / 5 "A Loser indeed"

2010-09-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

Sources: Wikipedia

Studio DC Entertainment

Dark Castle

Warner Bros. Pictures

Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed by Sylvain White

Release date 13 April 2010

Running time 103 minutes

Language English

Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Zoe Saldana

Chris Evans

Quick Synopsis

Five members of special forces team led by Clay are sent for a mission in Bolivia. During an air strike call, they find that a truck load of children is coming in the danger zone. Calling to abort the mission, they are intercepted by "Max" which scrambled their signal and eventually blocked them from calling the mission control. Clay decides to save the children and bring them to extraction. Due to limited space on the chopper, the children are extracted first leaving the special forces behind. However, Max call for a strike on the chopper which kills all the passengers on board. Realized that Clay is that actual target, they stay undercover on nearby village until a woman approach clay for a mission to kill Max.

Review

The movie is bad as it is. Filled with corny and junk dialog, the movie get even worse with ridiculous story line that won't even make audience to impress. Not until there, the fail twisting plot that suddenly pop up in the middle of the nowhere with unclear motive makes the movie looks like a cheap revenge movie with no direction. All I can say, the movie get to worst from minute to minute.

The characters are unique if I may say. The biggest disappointment of it is the screen play which I believe need more improvement in character building. The action element is already there. The biggest losers in the movie is the villain "Max" character which you will find it some what to be cool and well developed for the first few minutes but then after 40 minutes, the villain looks like a mentally ill person which the character is poorly executed with a poorly structured dialog which makes him "a fail wannabe Godfather".

The premise of the movie is similar to A TEAM but A TEAM is way better than The Losers.

Two words for this movie "Forget it".

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Salt (2010; Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller) Rating: 3.5 / 5 "Need Mr. Pepper"

2010-09-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Studio Relativity Media

Distributed by Columbia Pictures

Directed by Philip Noyce

Release date 23 July 2010

Running time 98 minutes

Language English

Starring Angelina Jolie

Liev Schreiber

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Augus Diehl

Brief Synopsis

CIA agent Evelyn Salt (Jolie) is interrogating Russian defector which then she recovers an assassination plot against Russian president on his visit to US that will bring destruction to the United States. Later, it reveals that Evelyn Salt is Russian spymaster mole planted on CIA to execute the most outrageous and well planned plot to bring US down to their knees. Peabody who is a CIA agent that is pursuing Salt then reveals that she is not what she is.

Review

Salt is a spot on movie for your weekend entertainment. The movie has developed real good action element that will make you jump out of your seat excited. Surely, the action is spot on and it will pump up your adrenaline. Unbelievably, Angelina Jolie executed the character very well that you won't realize that she is the humble woman from the "Changeling (2008)".

The action element is perfectly developed with story line backing it up, hence, you are surely going to enjoy it. Yet, when everything seems to be perfect, Salt actually need a pepper indeed to spice all the things up. Audiences will feel that something is missing along the storyline, let me tell you that the chef have forgotten to put pepper on your meal.Salt is lacking in the development of the dark character of Salt. You must be asking why would she turns against her groups besides losing her partner? Well, seems like if the movie dragged a bit longer to 120 minutes that might be sufficient to add some element and spice up the story line which I am sure that it is going to lift Salt from amazing to extra ordinary.

psst: The first cast is actually Tom Cruise which is "Edwin A. Salt" which then Angelina Jolie stepped in and there you are "Evelyn Salt". No wonder I find that in several scene, Salt acted like a male character cause it is re-written for Angelina.

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The Expendables (2010; Genre: Action) Rating : 2 / 5 "Tasteless"

2010-09-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

Studio Nu Image

Millennium Films

Distributed by Lionsgate

Directed by Sylvester Stallone

Release date 13 August 2010

Running time 98 minutes

Language English

Starring Sylvester Stallone

Jason Statham

Jet Li

Dolph Lundgren

Randy Couture

Mickey Rourke

Brief Synopsis

A group of hired mercenaries is send to Gulf of Aden to rescue the hostages and end up with them accomplishing the mission. Sooner after the previous mision, Mr. Church comes to offer a deal for to assassinate General Garza in fictional island Vilena which later they find out that there is something behind the intention of Mr. Church. Barney (Sylvester), the leader of the team called "the expendables", decided to take on the missions although they have cancelled the deal when he finds out that they were being set up by Mr. Church to kill their own man.

Review

With lots of big stars, the movie could have done better however The Expendables is just another classic action movie. Tonnes of explosions and gun fights are filling almost the whole 90 minutes of the movie. Unfortunately, the story line which is a bit of this and a bit of that seems to be letting the movie down especially with the short and corny dialog which makes some of the stars look like a fool. The drama element is badly developed, seems like it just making the movie looks longer with unclear romantic element.

Jet Li fight scene is a disappointment, the art of the fight that Jet Li usually executes has long gone since the beginning of the movie. Well, this is what a happen when you ask a boxer "Rocky Balboa" to direct a kungfu fight scene. The result is neither kungfu nor boxing.

Well, looking at the intensity of the action, it is not bad. The action element is well developed and it is surely going to entertain action lover. With all the big stars, the movie turns out to be not what I have expected i.e ordinary.

The Ghost Writer (2010; Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller) Rating : 4.5 / 5 "Another Polanski masterpiece"

2010-08-16T03:43:00.000-07:00

Studio France 2 Cinema

France Televisions

Canal+

Distributed by Summit Entertainment

Optimum Releasing

Pathe

Directed by Roman Polanski

Release date 16 April 2010 (UK)

Running time 128 minutes

Language English

Starring Ewan McGregor

Pierce Brosnan

Kim Cattrall

Olivia Williams

Brief Synopsis

A ghost writer (Ewan McGregor) has been assigned to continue his predecessor work on British Prime Minister Adam Lang memoirs (Pierce Brosnan). A big pay and the ghost writer can't resist it. However, the ghost writer later finds out that the task has never been so easy which soon he finds out that his predecessor is murdered instead of suicide or accident.

Adam Lang who is currently being investigate for criminal wars cause the ghost writer to dig deeper inside it. As many said that the truth should have never been revealed, the ghost writer is bringing himself a danger when he starts revealing the truth. After all, he manages to finish the memoirs which later his curiosity bring him to the end of his journey.

Review

You might have read the above brief synopsis that I specifically mentioned a ghost writer term over and over. Interestingly, the whole 200 minutes and I can't even find a single clue about the main character name on the movie. Well, no matter how silly it is that a main character without a name, you won't even notice it because the movie is excitingly intriguing and interesting that you won't even dare to get up from your seat. Polanski has really put very much effort bringing this novel story into a motion cinematic art of story telling. Thanks to him, politic movie has never been so interesting like ever before especially with the controversy element that he added to satisfy the audience hunger for more.

Ewan in the centre role of the movie executed the character brilliantly as well Pierce Brosnan supporting role really lift up the characters. Both acted really good, but I have to praise brilliant work of Pierce which I find he is really different from the usual James Bond.

Well, from all the good side, there must be something bad about it. Besides, a main character without a name, the movie has a really simple elegant but a bit disappointing ending. I wish that the ending could have been edited by getting rid of couple seconds of the movie exactly before ***SPOILER***** to feed the needs of audiences curiosity.

Movie Trailer

Killers (2010; Genre: Action, Comedy, Romantic) Rating: 1 / 5 "Neither fun nor action""

2010-08-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Studio Katalyst Films

Distributed by Lionsgate

Directed by Robert Luketic

Release date 4 June 2010

Running time 100 minutes

Language English

Starring Katherine Heigl

Ashton Kutcher

Brief Synopsis

Jen Kornfeldt (Katherince Heigl) has just recently broken up with his boyfriend and decides to go for a vacation with her parents. On the way to her hotel room, she meets a guy named Spencer (Ashton Kutcher). Then it cuts to the scene where Spencer as a spy is completing his tasks but before he managed to ask Jen out for dinner. Afterwards, both end up having a good holiday together and start to build up their relationships without Jen noticing that her soon coming husband in three years time is actually a spy that work with "bla bla bla" and given a license to "bla bla".

Three years later, Spencer is under a hit list with bounty of $20 million and afterwards the secret slowly evolving. Spencer will then try to run away and deal with those bounty hunter involving Jen which later in the scene announced that she is going to have a baby. Spencer regrettably keep his previous Job before marriage a secret and the drama emerge with happy ending.

Review

The great premise of the movie if executed well in high level of cinematic art by getting rid of the comedy element and starts moving towards hardcore cinematic art could have been a fantastic movie. However, fact did not say so. Killers is neither funny nor intense with the drama is not fully developed, action is flat and romantic is dull. Killers is just like another TV movie to waste your time.

Getting inside the movie,

Killers has a 45 minutes of nonsense, boring and flat character building. Fortunately, for the audience the action starts to emerge after a long 45 minutes waiting. Yet, it doesn't help in rebuilding the audiences interest about the movie as Killers story line flows flat to the end of it. Moreover, the characters of the movie is not very well executed. It might seems that Kutcher is better staying in drama genre rather than in action genre.

Comparing previous movie with the similar plot "Knight and Day" and "Date Night", Killers is far below than any of those two movies. Perhaps, if Killers was out first before any similar plot movie like K n D and Date Night, it could have received some interest in the audience. However, with all those similar plot flooding the cinema from beginning of 2010, I guess audiences has quite fed up with similar story line.

Movie trailer

Repo Men (2010; Genre: Sci-fi, Thriller, Drama, Action) Rating : 1.5 / 5 "Tricked by the cover of the movie"

2010-07-30T03:56:00.001-07:00

Studio Relativity Media

Stuber Pictures

Distributed by Universal Pictures

Release date(s) March 19, 2010

Running time 111 min

Main actor Jude Law

Forest Whitaker

Repo Men is a failure of great cinematography. Seems like the art of unknown has really been forgotten in the process of making this movie as it is filled with unnecessary disgusting scene of killing and ripping someone flesh.

Brief Synopsis

2025, where human health has been deteriorating and the demand of organ transplant has incredibly jump up. Therefore, here comes the union as usual acting as an organisation that is slowly consuming either innocents or sinners just to gain great sales of artificial organ transplant.

Due to the cost of the AI organ, repo-men is needed to collect the organ from people who can't afford to meet the monthly payment. No matter what is the reason, repo-men is a human without feeling will just ripped off the AI organ from anyone even though they are still alive.

Remy (Jude Law), is one of the best repo-men that the union have. One day, his best friend Jake (Forest Whitaker) is devastated with Remy plan to quit the repo-men position. Hence, Jake then set-up Remy to become one of the AI organ user itself.

Since then, Remy finally realizes what has he done and now living a live being hunted by the repo-men.

Review

Remy is a well executed character but not fully developed yet as it seems to be lacking of dark element inside this character. However, Jude Law seems to has done his best bringing this character alive if I may see. So do, Forest Whitaker, as usual always end up in a character that either good or bad.

The biggest disappointment is the movie is filled with unnecessary scene of violence that will put you down to know more about it. The movie will make you sick and finally for some will say "enough is enough" and turn of the TV or maybe walked out from the cinema.

Its too bad and sad to see a great actor in a badly directed movie. The movie would have been okay if they just omitted the bloody killing scene and especially the ending climax scene which I can't believe that the director really go through it.

However, in term of the story line, the movie has a similar plot with the movie "NEXT" starring Nicolas Cage, only repo-men has a different premise and storyline. Well, I might say the drama is not well developed as the audience is only left with only a bit story about his conflicts with his family and rather more focus on the Repo-men activity.

Overall, I would just say that the movie is disappointing as it is.

Inception (2010; Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller, Mystery, Sci-Fi) Rating: 5 / 5 "Stay on it, don't miss any scene and this movie will be amazing"

2010-07-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

This latest Nolan works is incredibly exceptional from any other Sci-fi, Mystery movie that you have ever watched. This movie is not for casual movie lovers, it is for hardcore movie goers as it is amazingly complicated and interesting at once. If I may say, this is the best movie for this month and perhaps this year.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio (Shutter Island) as Cobb and many other famous stars like Ellen Page (Juno). This movie is surely going to be good in term of character execution.

On the other side, Nolan is bringing audience into a higher level of story telling. This movie requires an extra focus, once a scene is missed, you surely going to regret it and even your spider sense will not help you understand this hardcore story. If you are casual movie goers, than be prepared for the surprise, the twist, the plot of various scene, or even more complicated story concept that you can't even believe that you are watching it right now.

I would like to write some part of the synopsis, but I guess it will be too complicated to read it rather than watch it. Well, all I can say is "good luck with it"

Casual movie goers might love to hate "Inception" while hardcore movie goers will love it and will never change their minds about it.

******SPOILER ALERT***********

Well, reaching the end of my review, I would like to explain the ending which I find very open ended. Beware for those who haven't watch it to ignore this part, otherwise, the movie won't be as good as it is.

Ending Scene Explanation

Cobb is still in the dream or in the "Limbo State". It was all Saito that make Cobb believe that he has come out from the dream.

What about the totem?

Remember that Saito did see what Cobb totem is? (The toilet scene, where Cobb dropped his totem and Saito was behind him?) Saito did an amazingly detailed dream for Cobb.

What about his son and daughter?

They are wearing the same clothes and they have grown older. Remember the phone that Cobb made where his daughter voice seems to be an adult voice?

Predators (2010; Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi) Rating: 2 / 5 "Just another hunting story"

2010-07-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

Predators? Hearing this word might remind you on Arnold Scwarnegger beating Alien. After the last seqeul of Predators 2. Predators come back again to hunt human being after lost in the space for 20 years.You might called it Predators 3 or Predators return as you like because the setting of the movie is long after the first movie Predators 1. Predators(2010) is a sequel to Predator (1987) and Predator 2 (1990).

Anyway, I would call it Predators Hunting Game. If you asked a gamer, they would say Predators: Expansion Pack. Why? The new Predators is neither boring nor interesting. The movie seems to be made only to entertain the Predators' fans that are hungry for more.

Begins with a free fall of our great actor Adrien Bdrody as Royce and followed by several human beings and some sort of creature thrown in the forest. They later finds out that they are in the Predators Hunting Game. More, what a coincidence or on purpose they are also hunters, "a cruel human hunter with violence history", hence, they are able to use their hunter instinct to hunt back the Predators that is why I would say that the plot is simple, "Hunters VS Hunters".

The movie fail to develop the dark characteristic of each character with a very disappointing twisting character plot at the end that did surprise audience but fail to make the movie so special that it deserve a hand clap. The action element is great and well developed but the drama element just another useless part that is being added to make the movie longer to achieve the length of standard cinema movie. This is largely due to the writer doesn't developed it further hence unable to bring audience to a higher level of the movie. Thus, the movie can be said just another expansion pack of a famous movie.

Overall, the movie is just to pampering the predator fans only. You might leaving the cinema excited about it or regretted it that you have spent a few bucks for that movie.

The Karate Kid (2010; Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Family, Sport) Rating: 4 / 5 "Watch it or regret it"

2010-06-30T20:09:00.001-07:00

The new karate kid is "the modern" version of the previous original version or in other words, Karate Kid is both interesting for young and adult to enjoy. Still keeping the original plot, Karate Kid bring the audience to a new level of story telling. Unlike, the original version that is enjoyable to many age, the new karate kid has the dark side of the story so do a bit violence for children under 10 to watch. Like in Australia, many critics claim that the movie is too violence for children. Well, I admit it in some part of the scene where the kid brutally beaten by his peers but then I would say screw the critics!!!.

Who is in "The Karate Kid"?

Jackie Chan as Mr. Han

Jackie Chan has been acting as good police in Police Story, the best detectives in Rush Hour and Luckiest spy in Tuxedo. Now, Jackie is back not to kick some a** but to teach how to kick some a** in the New Karate Kid. Jackie Chan executed his character "Mr.Han" very well and as usual, Jackie fighting choreography is interestingly fun and appealing to watch and I would love repeat the fighting scene until I am sick of it. 'The spy next door' might let you down, but you will definitely love this movie.

Jaden Smith as Dre Parker

You might have seen this great young actor in pursuit of happiness. His great acting skill is unquestionable, guess it is inherited from his father "Will Smith". Haven't seen him in any fighting movie, Jaden Smith surely surprises his audience with his kung fu skill in this karate kid.

The movie begins with Parker family moving to China in looking for a better life. Like any other foreign kids, Dre is a subject of inevitable bullying at school. One day, Dre faith brings him to a fighting tournament where Jackie is the one who is going to train Dre Parker from zero to a tremendous kungfu fighter.

Still keeping the original plot, the new karate kid is enjoyable to watch with a greater level of story telling. Unlike, classic karate kid, this remake include the dark element which makes the story much more interesting for today tastes. I would love the story dragged a bit longer, but unfortunately it has already running for 140 mins which kinda long for this movie genre. Well, this movie is a "spot on" for my entertainment this week.

A - Team (2010; Genre: Action) Rating : 2 / 5 "Purely an entertainment only"

2010-06-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

A - Team is a remake of the well known TV series. Full of action and a bit of comedy, this is what A-Team is about. If you like 'Paris with Love' THEN you will like "A-Team".

A-Team is about four guys working in a group which specialized in a covert mission. Amazingly, along the movie, the A-Team members is miraculously lucky which it seems not a single bullet go through their bodies. Sounds interesting? Not yet, the A-Team manages to survive from a free fall of about 30,000ft and under fire by high technology drone. Now its interestingly weird----- and astonishingly it doesn't stop here!!!, surviving hundreds of container falling on the members is 101% unbelievable lucky. Just wonder what spell do they got for being that lucky.

The movie begins with Hannibal Smith being brutally beaten for ransom then suddenly it turns out to be a rescue mission of his fellow team mate Faceman and in on the way, he miraculously lucky to find another a-team driving a van and manages to rescue his team mate right on time. "Seems like the story line is full of coincidence?As I say, the A-TEAM is about four lucky guys on a mission" Then it continues on recruiting another a-team member in a mentally ill hospital. Afterwards, they manages to kill the corrupted police chief who they successfully baited to chase them to the US soil which then fired down by jet fighter. Then the movie continues with another mission after "8 years and 80 successful missions" of finding the missing plate and dig deeper who is behind it.

What I can say is Liam Neeson as "John Hannibal Smith" is spot on and his character is well executed, unfortunately, a corny dialog of his mates is a complete "no no" as it makes the wise Hannibal look like being fooled around. Moreover, Bradley Cooper as a "Templeton Faceman Peck" is trying to execute his character as a James Bond but turn out to be only pervert guy with crazy idea.

A-Team fails to deliver an appealing story. I have never watched the TV series before, perhaps they just wanted to keep the original classic story on this "A-Team" movie. However, a new decades with a new taste but a complete same style of story? I guess it will works decades before but not in today trends cause it makes the movie just like another regular movie entertainment which doesn't leave any feeling for the audience to talk about after it finished.

The last thing I can say about the movie is "it is fun to watch, a pure entertainment that you will not ask for more"

24 Series Season 8 (2010; Genre: Action, Drama, Serial) Rating : 1 / 5 "Unbelievably disappointing "

2010-06-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

24 Finale season is a big disappointment. Not only it lack of surprise element, but also a whole boring season. It seems, the writer has run out of idea by twisting the plot, story line and the character so many times in this season 8 of 24 episode.

What's GOOD?

Charles Logan (Gregory Itzin)

First appearance on Season 4, this character continue to strives to Season 8. Surely he makes the story interesting with his bad-ass and stubborn character.

His appearance on the last few episode of season finale definitely has given the blunt season 8 a slight return after boring 20+ hours episodes.

Chloe_O Brian ( Mary Lynn Rajskub)

This brilliant character has been staying low in season 7 and make a brilliant return on the season 8 as one of the main character rather than in previous season, Chloe was written of for several episodes.

As usual, Chloe is the complement of the mission. Without her, Jack won't be able to finish even a single mission. As can be said, she is the best Jack's sidekick.

Omar Hassan (Anil Kapoor)
The first appearance of this character is not bad at all. Not only, it provide more elements but also a greater potential of conflicts that results in an exciting story line in some of the episodes.

Well, unfortunately, the live of the character is short. The great adventure of this character has to end at episode 16. The interesting new character Omar Hassan fooled me several times thinking that the season 8 is going to get interesting and exciting.

What's BAD?

Renee Walker (Annie Wersching)

The first appearance of Renee on season 7 is spot on. Purely great and exciting character that always do things according to procedure and rules.Yet, Renee made a poor return. This character is not interesting anymore but instead frustrating. A depressed and mentally not well Renee is brought in at episode 4 to help CTU to retrieve the material and then shot dead by a sniper at episode 17.Renee has done nothing good to the story line besides making Season 8 as frustrating as the character.

Dana Walsh (Katee Sackhoff)
Dana Walsh is the biggest disappointment here. The nature of the character is twisted several times. First few episode, Dana is a good agent that is about to get married. Afterwards, in the middle of the season, Dana changes to a character that going to get a revenge and finally at the end, it turns out that Dana is a mole planted on CTU. ????

I can only say, Dana is terribly developed. It just like eating sugar, salt and lemon, then, being asked what do it taste like.

Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland)

Without Jack, 24 is not 24 anymore. This character has been appearing from the first to the finale season. It seems like 24 is born in this character.

Unfortunately, Jack is not the members of CTU in season 8.

Jack get himself into a trouble despite his early appearance on the first episode clearly stated that he will not land his feet or even touch anything about CTU again a.k.a retired.

However, season 8 seems to be running out of idea with Jack constant decision to go away from CTU but the faith eventually run him back to CTU again. Jack appearance in season 8 is not what I have expected on season 6. Perhaps, the twisting plot and lack of near misses scene has made this five stars character boring and predictable.

Overall

Season 7 is bad and Season 8 is worse. Season 7 at least still appealing to me but season 8 has purely make me disappointed and angry that I have wasted my precious 24 hours watching it.

Prince of Persia: The Sand Time (2010; Genre: Fantasy, Adventure) Rating: 4.5 / 5 "A must watch"

2010-06-01T07:08:00.001-07:00

Jerry Bruckheimer production has always been exciting and interesting. Many of his production has been successful such as the TV show "Amazing Race", Blockbuster Movie "Top Gun" "Black Hawk Down" "Bad Boys" "Pirates of Caribbean". Now here come his latest production which is the game adaptation "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time".

Having been only playing the third series of the game "Prince of Persia: the two thrones", the movie is just as excited as the game.

Perhaps if I may say, the movie adaption will not disappointed fellow gamers. Unlike many other game adaptation, Prince of Persia still keeps and embraces the original element of the story which makes the movie truly lovable and enjoyable to watch.

Begins with the story of how prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) is adopted and then continue to the capturing of sacred land that he finds out that he is set up on his father death. Unable to convince the other brothers, Dastan runs with the princess help. Soon, Dastan will finds out the secret dagger he took from one of the princess guard. Afterwards, the story behind it is revealed, therefore, Dastan realises that the dagger must not fall in the wrong hand.

Seeing the costume, the scene and the action, it just like watching the game comes to life. However, I wish that the story line could have been stretched a bit longer which then the character of Dastan could be fully developed as well the romantic element in the story.

Despite many of negative critics by many non gamers reviewers. I would say that they are wrong, the movie is exciting for "Prince of Persia" enthusiast gamers and just like many other Disney movie, Prince of Persia is a fun and enjoyable movie to many viewers young and adult, gamers or non.

For gamers, you don't want to miss this movie. Yet, for those who are looking for a more serious darker and more violence movie, you are in the wrong place as this movie is for family entertainment.

Compare to this year fantasy movie released "The Clash of Titans", Prince of Persia is far better than the Clash of Titans. If you may know, Prince of Persia is selling a franchise while Clash of Titans only selling the actor and the visual effects. Then you guess, which one is much better?

Alice in Wonderland (2010; Genre: Adventure, Fantasy) Rating: 4.5/5 "A MUST WATCH"

2010-05-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

Tim Burton is magnificent in changing the classical Disney fairytale to fit with today taste and trends. Alice in Wonderland is no longer Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Mo cartoon but instead, a terrific adorable enjoyable family movie that must not be missed.

Starring, Mia Wasikowska (Alice); Johnny Depp (Mad Hatter); Helena Bonham Carter (Red Queen); Anne Hathaway (White Queen). The movie begins with a teenager Alice that is going to be engaged soon and then finds herself following a tick-tock rabbit to the tree hole and falls into the underland. There the adventure begins in restoring the wonderland that is under the rule of the red queen. Alice is belief to be the one who is going to slay the jabawocckey (The dragon) and save the underland.

Johnny Depp acted weirdly good as a Mad Hatter. Mad Hatter is magnificently unique from the whole character in there. As well, the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) which I finds that she perfected the Red Queen bad characteristic. Without, her, the red queen is no longer a red queen. Various character is introduced enhance the imaginative of the young and old such as the cherious cat which mysteriously interesting. However, I am quite disappointed in how Anne Hathaway executed her characters that I find bit awkward. Nevertheless, "Alice in Wonderland" is a spot on family entertainment that adult will enjoy it as much as the young.

Robin Hood (2010; Genre: Action, Drama, Folklore) Rating: 4 / 5 "Don't miss it"

2010-05-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Robin Hood (2010) is a movie remake about a greatest outlaw in Britain where "he rob the rich for poor" is a well know statement for this folklore hero.

The remake of Robin Hood (2010) with the director Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe (Robin Longstride) and Cate Blanchett (Marion Loxely) is just like a great combination for perfect good story. Having been working with Russel on Gladiator, Ridley seems to know well how to develop a good Robin "Russel" Hood.

Begins with a long battle between England and France that has lasted ten years, Robin Longstride returns home after the king Richard the lion heart died in the battle. There, the knights, takes the crown to return it to England yet on the way being ambushed by France soldier lead by the traitor which eventually also a knight of England "Sir Godfrey" (Mark Strong). Robin just in the right time managed to secure the crown and return it to the England by disguising as a noble man. Before Robin makes a promise to the dead knight to return the sword which he later finds out as his father close friend which then he discovers his dark past. On the other hand, Sir Godfrey has been secretly making a deal with French king and try to lure the noble men to fight against the King.

This movie is about "the making of Robin Hood". It can be said, it is before the legends begin. The character of Robin is very well executed by Russel as well the story line which seems to successfully bring audience to a new dimension by telling a great story of the beginning of the great Robin Hood that people have never heard before. The movie has the element of action, drama and love which makes it interesting to watch and enjoyable. I enjoyed the movie but I wish that the story of the Robin Hood should have been developed deeper to why he has such a lion heart to help the poor.

Crazies (2010: Genre: Horror, Drama, Action) Rating: 1/5 "Not recommended"

2010-05-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

Crazies 2010 is the remake of 1973. Starring Timothy Olyphant (David Button), the original version is interesting but the remake fail to grab audience interest.

The story begins in a baseball match where a strange guy come in the field with a shot gun held in the middle of the game. David Button as the sheriff response to it and try to stop the strange guy that eventually he knows who he is and unfortunately, David has to shoot him to save his own life. Then, the next killing scene is on the middle of the farm, where a farmer kills his family and end up with blank look like the one before in the middle of the baseball game. Afterwards, David then suddenly found out that the river is contaminated which also is the main supply of the water which later he finds a crashed airplane. Then, the weird day occurs with the some sort of infected human that consumed the contaminated water called "crazies" start to attack without any reasons. Then suddenly, the whole town is abandoned and blasted up with a nuclear which by then the main character "David Button" has escaped the town with his wife.

Audience is just simply thrown in the game without an explanation how to play it. The movie fail to tell a good story so do fail to develop "the crazies" that end up want to act like zombies but come out as a brainless maniac psychopath killer. So, what is the movie about? The most weird thing is only 2 lines in the movie describing why the villager become a brainless maniac psychopath killer. Let me give you a clue " a biological weapon that crashed in the river which eventually consumed by the villager then cause them to either die or go insane". The premises of the story is simple "a couple and his best mate running away from contaminated city together".

Well, it is up to you to give it a go and have another thought about it.

But I am very disappointed with this movie which after I read the version of 1973 in the Wikipedia, I found it a lot more interesting than the remake 2010.

NoWhere Boy (2010; Genre: Biography, Drama, Music) Rating: 4.5/5

2010-05-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

John Lennon. . . If you are fans of the beatles, you must have known this name.

Nowhere boy is about the journey of John Lennon starred by Aaron Johnson before he become the world popular singer.

Starting in quite and peaceful town, John is raised by "Mimi" (Kristin Scott Thomas) his aunt and his uncle who in the beginning of the movie died from exhaustion or heart attack. John later meets his long lost mom and eventually learned guitar from her. He then interested to become a singer after his mom "Julia Lennon" (Anne-Marie Duff) brought him to see documentary of Elvis Presley. Along with the movie, John later found out the family affair and dispute that resulted him to be taken by his aunt which eventually has scarred him for a life time. No matter what, a past is a past, then John tried to get his aunt and him mom to get together and become a sisters once again.

The character of John depicts the process of young John turning to adult John in this movie. As well, Mimi character is very well executed and developed. Kristin Scott Thomas act fantastically as "Mimi" depicting the compassion of an aunt to love and to take care the young John as well a good sister and wife. Just can't imagine what will the movie be without the Kristin acting as "Mimi". The movie is well developed and constructed letting the viewers to get a feeling of the young John and what makes him to become a tough John. If you are looking for the path of his career success, you might be disappointed as this movie is about the story before his singing career begins.

At last, the movie is about the making of John Lennon and the Beatles.

For the John Lennon fans, this movie is a must watch movie. For those that are not, this movie is worth a go.

A Christmas Carol (2009; Genre: Drama, Animation) Rating: 5 / 5

2010-04-16T06:46:00.001-07:00

Charles Dicken's classic novel has never been disappointing. A Christmas Carol is both terrific in the character and so do classically interesting and enjoyable. Voicing "Jim Carrey" as Scrooge. A Christmas Carol must not be missed. Although, I missed it and manage to catch up today.

Scrooge is a terrible, ugly, old and stingy old folks who has forget how to share, love and to care. Begins with the death of his long best also a stingy friend, the director manage to depict it very clearly the characteristic of the Scrooge that it only needs a couple minute to describe the Scrooge character. Then, his late friend visits him after 7 years of his death in a ghost form telling Scrooge that he will be visited by 3 ghost which is the Ghost of the past, the present and the future. The spirit that take Scrooge into a journey in discovering back the sense of love, care and to share.

Yet, this joyful is dark and scary at some point which might scare some of his targeted audience which is children. I haven't read Charles Dicken's Christmas Carol yet, but I am sure it must be interesting. It kinda strange to see many critics mock the movie in the way it is adapted and developed. But for me, I like the movie and I am enjoying it.

Here is the trailer:

The Spy Next Door (2010; Genre: Comedy Action) Rating: 2/5

2010-04-02T16:27:00.001-07:00

Jackie Chan as usual is back to kick ass bad guy in Comedy Action movie "The Spy Next Door". Audiences might be disappointed with "The Spy Next Door" as it is not the usual Jackie's movie with lots of action. The Spy Next Door is more settle and calm with only a few fighting scene.

The movie begins with compiled Jackie Chan past movie scenes stating him as a spy named, Bob Ho. Reaching his retirement age, Bob decides to settle down and falling in love with his neighbour, Gillian (Amber Valletta). However, fact doesn't say so as the "Bad Guy" Bob captured in the beginning of the movie escapes. Mean while, Gillian plans to visit his father who have fallen sick out town. Trusting Bob to take care of this children who hate Bob very much, Gillain leaves them without worries. However, Gillian's son downloaded the secret file sent by Bob partner and unfortunately being traced by the the "Bad Guy" and there the story begins.

Seeing it just like watching another version of "The Pacifier" starring Vin Diesel, but without the excitement which "the pacifier" has. The only interesting in The Spy Next Door is the fun and unique fighting choreograph while leaving the rest of the scene tasteless and boring. Yet, for Children the movie is enjoyable to watch, remembered and praised. The Spy Next Door is a entertainment for kids and only for kids. So you should spend your weekend taking your child to a cinema watching "The Spy Next Door" and have a good chat about it afterwards. The Spy Next Door is hilarious for kids but not suitable for serious adult. Audiences will love his funny and well developed fighting choreograph but not the story for this movie.

The Box (2009; Genre: Sci-fi, Horror) Rating: 2.5/5

2010-03-27T03:59:00.001-07:00

The box starring Cameron Diaz is a sci-fi movie which completely take audience to a new level of what they can imagine. Looking a the title, the box is definitely will be a mysterious movie.

The box,of course is about a box, sends to a married couple with a single child by stranger,which in the movie it is Lewis Family. By pushing the button inside the box, a person that the family don't know will die and the responsible person will receive a million of cash. Norma Lewis starring Cameron Diaz is appealing to push the button which brings her in a interesting adventure discovering the truth behind the stranger, Steward (Frank Langella), who sends her the box. Who is Steward? You have to watch it on your own and Frank who I believe acted perfectly as a mysterious stranger man, Steward. You might salute the way Frank execute the character.

The box is great in entertaining so do exciting as it makes you like a cat in curiosity with instinct want to look for more. Yet, the movie fail to deliver an exciting moment of truth which left audiences wondering what is happening. Like a cat thrown in the water, audiences turns away wondering why have they watched that movie. As I can say, a waste of good story with a terrible ending. However, if you like a mystery movie with some sort of hidden message in the movie by the writer, you may like this movie.

Received 44% in rotten tomatoes and 6.0/10 in imdb. Its up to you. I would suggesting just rent a dvd and go through it with your love one and probably have a little or mocking discussion about the movie at the end.

Here is the trailer. Hope you enjoy it.

Green Zone (2010; Genre: War, Drama, Action) Rating: 4/5

2010-03-23T04:35:00.000-07:00

It is a perfect choice casting Matt Damon as the main character in Green Zone. The movie is good and intense. Audiences are entertained with the action and twisting plot which then at the end leave audiences to talk about it.

Green Zone is about a WMD Soldier (Roy Miller; Matt Damon) who finds something is not right after various fail attempts of locating the Weapon Mass Destruction in Iraq after . Roy then digs deeper to look for the truth which then a stranger (Freddie;Khalid Abdalla) approaches him giving him an insights about the location of most wanted man called "Club of Jack" a.k.a Al-Rawi. Then, the allies split to two sides, THE CIA led by Martin Brown (Brendan Gleeson) who want to reveal the truth behind the WMD missions and the delta force led by Clark Poundstone (Greg Kinnear) who is covering the truth. Struck by challenges from the delta force, Roy decides to continue revealing the truth by himself and his team with the help of Martin and Freddie. Roy then finally realises that in order to pursuit the truth, he needs to capture Al-Rawi ,who later turns out to be one of the "SPOILERS",alive.

The movie is well scripted and so do politically exciting. Green Zone has the element of action as well as the thriller component which cause audiences to keep guessing what is going on. Green zone is terrific entertainment during the weekends. Compare to the award winning The Hurt Locker, Green zone appeals more in story line and keeps the audiences asking for longer movie length. Receiving 7.6/10 in Imdb.com, this movie should not be missed.

The Winner of Oscar awards

2010-03-07T21:15:00.001-08:00

Best Picture (Hurt Locker)

Actor in a leading Role (Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart)

Actor in a Supporting Role (Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds)

Actress in a Leading Role (Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side)

Actress in a Supporting Role (Mo' Nique in Precious)

Animated Feature Film (UP)

Art Direction (Avatar)

Cinematography (Avatar)

Costume Design (The Young Victoria)

Directing (The Hurt Locker)

Documentary Feature (The Cove)

Documentary Short (Music by Prudence)

Film Editing (The Hurt Locker)

Foreign Language Film (The Secret in Their Eyes "Argentina")

Makeup (Star Trek)

Music (Original Score) (UP)

Music (Original Song) (Crazy Heart)

Short Film (Animated) (Logorama)

Short Film (Live Action) (The New Tenants)

Sound Editing (The Hurt Locker)

Sound Mixing (The Hurt Locker)

Visual Effects (Avatar)

Writing"Adapted Screenplay" (Precious)

Writing"Original Screenplay" (The Hurt Locker)

The Men who stares at goat (2010; Genre: Comedy, War, Drama) Rating: 2/5

2010-03-06T03:44:00.000-08:00

The Men who stares at goat is an awkward movie so do intriguing. Well, why is it intriguing? Starring Oscar winning awards George Clooney has surely lifted the popularity of the movie. Clooney is terrific in drama movie, the way he execute the character is compelling enough for viewers to endure 90 minutes weird movie.

Inspired by the true story, the movie is about operation of the military to create super marine who has psychic ability like walking through walls, reading mines, finding lost things and many more. It all begins with Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor), a journalist, who wants to show his wife bravery by going to IRAQ to cover the war yet accidentally meet a guy name Lyn Cassady (George Clooney) who he knew from the previous interviewee that Lyn is a psychic marine. Instead going for the war news, Bob then follows Lyn to gather more information about the secret operation which first he thought it was some sort crazy stuff made up by insane past interviewee. Bob then follow him to anywhere Lyn wants to go and later ends up in the military camp where the psychic research is being conducted to a newer level than before.

During the adventure, some funny scene can be found but not as hilarious like many other comedy movie. Quite disappointing for me, as I thought it would be very funny like the trailer but alluring enough to keep me watching hoping for the story to get better soon. However, fact doesn't say so. The story getting weirder towards the end, the totally awkward plot really let me down which I feel that I have been cheated by the title shown in the beginning of the movie "More of this is true than you would believe". The project psychic is really there and one of the sources, the movie heavily fictionalised it making it unbelievable. Yet at least, the funny dialogue and scene is not corny and George Clooney act is entertaining enough.

For those who are going to watch this movie, hmmm..., I have nothing to say. People have different taste. You might come out loving this movie but for me its a NO NO.

Received 6.6 in imdb and 54% in rotten tomatoes.

Here is the trailer have a taste on it!

[REC] 2 (2010; Genre : Horror) Rating: 3.5/5

2010-03-04T21:58:00.000-08:00

Rec2 is a sequel of spanish horror movie in 2007. The popularity of the movie resulted in the movie remake to Hollywood version (Quarantined) but did not received as many positive critics as the predecessor "REC".

Rec 2 begins with a SWAT team being sent in with a doctor who later finds out as a priest. Slowly, the SWAT realises that this is not a S.A.R mission but to finds the blood sample of the madeiros girl. Upon the search, the SWAT has to face terrible Dead Walker a.k.a Zombies. The movie is extremely terrific in the way the shot is taken. Intense and interesting as can be said. Viewers don't have to worry about missing the REC1, because you will still able to follow the movie. (To be honest, I haven't seen Rec1 as well). Unlike many horror movie, the pumping of adrenaline is more to the chase and fight to survive scene rather than "sudden appearance" like many other Asian horror movie. Moreover, the way the story is told making me wanting more.

However, the ending might be quite disappointing as weird new element being added making the movie either about possessed outbreak or alien outbreak.

Anyway, here is the trailer, Enjoy.

Received 80% in rottentomatoes.com

and 6.7 in imdb.com

Shutter Island (2010; Genre: Drama Thriller) Rating: 3.5/5

2010-03-02T12:38:00.001-08:00

Shutter Island is mind twisting movie that everyone will love to hate. For those who get the ending, they would probably love the movie, unfortunate for those who didn't get it.

Begins with a legendary war hero,Teddy Daniels ( Leonardo Di Caprio) with his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Buffalo), reaching the shutter island in search of missing patients. However, the behind the objective, Teddy is looking for evidence to expose the secret experiment in the shutter island while getting the revenge on Edward Laidis that killed his wife at the same time. Getting to the end of the movie, it's getting more interesting. However, you need to pay more attention as the movie gets to the climax and to the end. The mind twisting ending will surely surprise you like never before, so do the the ending that people mis-interpreted.

However, the way the movie is edited makes it so complicated to comprehend yet interesting to follow. For mystery lover, this movie must not be missed.

Received about 8/10 in imdb.com, it is up to you.

Little Big Soldier (2010; Genre: Action Comedy) Rating: 3 / 5

2010-02-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

Starring Jackie Chan and Wang Lee Hom, with funny choreograph and interesting fight scene, this is obviously is an enjoyable movie.

Begins with ambushed Wei soldiers by Liang soldiers leaving a single man standing on both side which is Jackie Chan,a Liang's foot soldier and Lee Hom, a Wei's General. The liang foot soldier then captures the general hoping for rewards at home (Liang Shan). In their journey, Jackie Chan faces a lot of challenges in delivering the prisoner to the Liang's WarLord. As usual like many other Jackie's movie, the unique choreograph fight scene is surely entertaining so do interesting. Jackie purpose of making movie is to leave viewers to be happy when leaving the cinema and he surely accomplish it. Just three words come out from me "FUN and Enjoyable".

However, looking at the plot, it isn't strong enough to make viewers feeling excited as can be said "No surprise and mind twisting plot" or on the other words "Simple and Fun". If you are looking some sort of movie like 14 Blades and Red Cliff, well this movie might disappoint you.

Received 8/10 at imdb.com (21 February 2010), I am sure you will have a fun time watching it.

Here is the trailer:

Enjoy!

14 Blades (2010; Genre: Drama Action War) Rating : 3.5 / 5

2010-02-11T07:49:00.000-08:00

14 Blades is heavy movie for Movie Goers. Starring Donnie Yen as Qing Long "the main character in the movie" the movie will obviously entertain viewers with his good fighting choreograph like many other movies he starred, Some of them are IP Man and Flash Point. If you love how Donnie Yen execute the choreograph in his previous movie then you may like this movie. However, this movie is heavy in the story which means complicated.

14 Blades is about Chinese Warrior "JinYiWei" who are trained from young to execute mission such as assassination, escort or even slaying traitor. Qing Long is one the best of the JinYiWei troops, supplied with a box contains 14 Blades and each blade serves different purpose such as the 14th blade is to end his own life if he failed the mission. After received a task which he realises in the mission that it will cause the whole nation to fallen apart, he betrays and barely escapes. Qing Long then continue his journey to retrieve his dignity back and return the imperial seal which is stolen during the mission he abandoned.

The story is very complicated and for some you may find it quite boring. However, Donnie Yen fighting scene will surely wakes you up. Donnie Yen character is well developed, however, the element of the story "Romantic" which isn't well developed or can be said leaving viewer with a flesh of mangoes and thrown away the fruit inside it.

Received 6.0 in Imdb. This movie is not bad.

For me I would give 3.5 out of 5, for well developed Qing Long Character and good choreograph but not for the underdeveloped romantic story that the writer trying to add in.

From Paris With Love (2010; Genre: Action Comedy) Rating : 4 / 5

2010-02-06T18:23:00.000-08:00

From Paris with love is fast phased action movie. Starring John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, both collaborate perfectly in this movie.

Begins with peace introduction of James Reese character (Meyers) and the action begins non-stop till the end after Charlie Wax (John Travolta) appears. The need of achievement by James Reese resulting him joining Charlie Wax adventure in stopping terrorism in Paris land from bottom to the top and it is called "WAX ON, WAX OFF way". The story is fast and for action lovers, you won't regret it. Viewers are brought to a roller coaster ride and as I said it is fast phased movie, every seconds is a continuous scene of another action scene. Don't be fooled by the break of conversation between the action scene. The movie is not over untill Charlie Wax say so. If you are looking for a serious action movie like slow introduction and fully developed story. Then, this is not your choice, but I can say this movie is exciting, fun and worth spending a dime in cinema.

Received 6.1 in imdb.com. I am sure you will regret missing this movie.

Here is the trailer enjoy!

Legion (2010; Genre: Drama Action Fantasy) Rating: 1.5 / 5

2010-02-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

Legion is about an angel who is sent to earth to end human destiny after God has lost faith in humanity. One of the angel "Michael" (Paul Bettany) believes that is not what the God wants while his friend Gabriel believes that His wish is His commands.

Mostly setting in the middle of desert. The movie starts in the middle of the city where the fallen angel "Michael" cut his wings and betray the God wish. Michael continue his journey to middle of the desert to save a young pregnant woman which he believes the coming baby will save the human kind and change God minds. The movie has action element in it yet the story isn't developed enough. Bringing viewers too quick into action scene without developing it further resulting the body of the story to be boring and filled with junk and corny dialog. The movie is a fail wannabe constantine. However, for viewers who love action, this movie is not bad.

Received only 18% in rottentomatoes.com. It's up to you to judge the movie.

Here is the trailer of the movie.

Quote of the week From "Jerry Maguire"

2010-01-28T21:26:00.000-08:00

Jerry Maguire starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Cooding and Award winning child actor Jonathan Lipnicki. Jerry Maguire is famous of their quote which has been planted in people minds from generation to generation. Even the quote is used as a cheat keyword in one of the famous strategy game "Starcraft"

If you guess "Show me the money", then you are absolutely correct.

Below is the short clip courtesy of YouTube.

Le Petit Nicolas (2009; Genre: Drama Comedy) Rating : 4 / 5

2010-01-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

Le petit Nicolas or in English "Little Nicolas" is a film adaption from one of the famous french children book.

The film is about Little Nicolas who imagine funny weird things what will happen to him when his mother is pregnant. Taken away by his imaginations, Nicolas takes himself to various plans of kidnapping his coming sibling to prevent what he imagines that he will be abandoned once his sibling is born. This movie shows you how great is the child imaginations. For adult viewers, seeing this movie is just like remembering their old past adventures. The well developed character Nicolas make the movie loveable to watch. It may quite boring when you see the trailer but don't judge the book by the cover some says.

I haven't read the book yet but I am sure that the book is as good as the movie. I would have to say that the movie worth spending a dime in cinemas with your family on weekends or may be bring your grandpa or grandma for nostalgic. Received 6.6 in IMDB, well, it is up to you.

Fame (2009; Genre: Musical) Rating : 2 / 5

2010-01-24T18:14:00.000-08:00

Fame is awful in the story but rich in creativity. It's just the combination of High School Musical with The streets. The dancing, the singing and the musics is entertaining yet the story line is completely awful. If you are looking a good story like the streets or even love story like in the high school musical, then this "Fame" is not your choice.

The story is about the difficulty in getting into show business. Viewers being thrown from one character to another character in short scene without developing it further. It is similar to telling a short gossip not a story to the viewer. Viewers are left with a short scene of the stress and challenge received by the students from the personal life to the career and jealousy yet too many characters in the story means not enough time to focus on main characters. As a result, the movie is more like documentary with video clips of dancing and singing compiled in the middle of the scene making the movie longer.

If you like the streets and High school musical, then you will be disappointed with the story yet you will love the musical scene such as tap dancing, break dance, DJ musics, singing, piano songs and lots more. So what you have to do is go have a quick nap and ask your friends to wake you up when the musical scene starts.

The movie received about 20% in rottentomatoes and 4.5 in Imdb. What I think, this movie is not worth it spending a dime in cinema. Just roll over you tube and search for the dance clips of the movie then there you go.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK From Terminator Movie

2010-01-20T04:43:00.000-08:00

If you are fans of " terminator ", you must have known the famous icon of the movie "Arnold Schwarzenegger". Arnold has been starring three of the series which generate lots of returns to the investment and it continue strive to the fourth instalment even after Arnold isn't in the role any more. The fourth starring Christian Bale may be quite a disappointment for the fans yet it still keeps the element of action.

For those terminator lovers, here is the famous quote from the movie

"Hasta La Vista Baby" from Terminator 2 or Perhaps the other version of hasta la vista too

Enjoy!

Law Abiding Citizen (2009; Genre :Drama Thiller) Rating : 3.5 / 5

2010-01-19T17:55:00.000-08:00

Law Abiding Citizen is enjoyable despite lots of bad critics.

Starring Jamie Foxx as Nick Rice and Gerald Butler as Clyde Shelton, both of them make a good collaboration.

The story of "Law Abiding Citizen" begins after a home invasions which leaves Clyde's wife and daughter murdered. The grieving father is devastated by the news from Nick saying that only one of the suspects will receive a dead penalty while the other only light penalty. Afterwards, it takes viewers to the next ten years where the beginning of the revenge begins. The objective of Clyde's is to bring the fail justice systems and take anyone who has connections to his case down.

Instead of developing the Clyde characters, viewers are shown with the finished product of grieving Clyde that is ready to start his killing sprees. Unlike the Saw movie, The law abiding Citizen still keeps the art of unknown by leaving out the scene of torturing and slowly killing. Therefore, viewers can still eats their popcorn without feeling disgusted like the Horror saw movie. The movie is mainly about Clyde playing a revenge game with Nick. The clever plot of how Clyde plans to destroy Nick and the justice systems is interesting and making you want to know more about the next plans. However, the messages of the writer isn't getting through with the unclear ending "the scene where Nick reunites with the family" which is totally unrelated to the premise. Wish the movie could dragged a bit longer showing the effects of the whole incident to Nick.

In my opinion, the movie is still enjoyable to watch despite lots of negative criticisms.Well, every one has different unique tastes.

Its Complicated (2010; Genre: Romantic Comedy)

2010-01-18T05:57:00.000-08:00

It's Complicated film is awesome.

Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.

As reflected by the title, the movie is about a complicated love triangle relationships between Jane (Meryl), Jake (Alec) and Adam (Steve). AFFAIR story has never been so hilarious. Both Meryl and Alec really pull it out with tremendous good acting. The story started with divorced Jane which later finds out that her ex-husband "Jake" is looking forward to rebuild their relationships. Due to loneliness of empty nest and the urge to take care, Jane is having an "COMPLICATED" relationship with Jake while Adam as her architect is also attracted to Jane. Leaving Jane to choose between Jake or Adam, the story flows with funny scene mostly from Jake and the supporting character Harley (John Krasinski).

As the story dragged a long, some may find it a bit as the story of porn, mainly due to the main character "Jake" is always show up for a sex. Duh... LOL. Yet, it is entertaining.

Viewers may have different perspective and mix feeling towards the end. Well, the ending is generated for Movie goers to talk about after the movie ended.

Received 6.8/10 in IMDB.com and 57% on Rottentomatoes.com (19 January 2010) , well it is really up to you. I would say that this film is worth to watch it with your friends and lovely family.