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Movie Review: Iron Man

April 30th, 2008 by KayKay

Marvel Studio’s first self-financed blockbuster. Does it fly or does it bite dust?! (I gotta work on my intro.. sheesh)

3.5 out of 5 popcorns

Iron Man has alot going for it - an A-list ensemble, a fanboy director and the CGI wizardry of Industrial Light & Magic. The end result is a entertaining movie, although at times it could have offered much much more.

Based upon Marvel’s iconic Super Hero, IRON MAN tells the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. When he eventually returns to America, he vows to right the wrongs and protect the world as Iron Man.

Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark could not have been a more excellent choice as he spat one-liners and oozed charisma in almost every scene he has with women… even men! (in an army vehicle, no less.). He and Gwyneth Paltrow certainly had chemistry in the scenes they shared, but in all honesty I really couldn’t care about Pepper Potts… maybe it’s just me, meh. Terrence Howard felt like he was just there, but there was a singular awesome shot of him looking over to the Iron Man suit saying “Next time, baby”… I say, bring on War Machine hell yeah!! Baddie Jeff Bridges was pretty good, I really almost couldn’t tell it was him all along until the end, but his transformation from mentor/business partner to Iron Monger was pretty sudden. I wish there were more built up to that.

Only itching thing I have with this movie is that there weren’t enough action scenes. You get Iron Monger vs Iron Man as the only really big action piece in the movie, and the rest were just Iron Man taking on some terrorists and flying. Somehow, the fight on the highway with Iron Monger reminded me alot of Optimus Prime vs Bonecrusher from Transformers… just that it lasted a lot shorter.

To sum it up, Iron Man will be worth your dollar. Even if you have zero inkling if who he is, this film should answer almost all your queries and more. For the comic fans, it’s a solid adaptation of the beloved machine.

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Movie Review: SHUTTER

March 29th, 2008 by Jonathan

Rating: 3 outta 5 Popcorns
Genre: Horror
Starring: James Kyson Lee, Joshua Jackson, Rachael Taylor, David Denman, Maya Hazen

After watching so many failed Hollywood remakes of Asian horror films I didn’t really have high expectations for this movie. For those of you who have seen the Thai “Shutter” you would have pretty much known what the story is about. Apart from the first few scenes of the english remake, the rest of the story-line is about the same as the Thai film, especially the shocking discovery made near the end (those who have watched the Thai version should know).

Unlike the Thai film where the movie was filmed entirely in Thailand, “Shutter” was filmed in New York and then moving over to Tokyo, Japan where the newlyweds encounter a very terrifying looking (to my opinion) female ghost after an accident on the road. This she-ghost manifests herself into photographs, something we call spirit photography or Shinrei Shashi, the concept borrowed over from the Thai version.

I feel that the film makes more sense now, not only because it is in english but also because it explains why the ghost took so long to take her revenge. Apparently Megumi (the she-ghost) was waiting for them to return to her territory before she starts playing her little game. Despite being a horror film, the producers managed to inject a little humour to make fun of spirit photography half way through the flick, showing how a paranormal magazine fabricates its own spirit photos for publications.

It is remakes like “The Eye” (which was a hundred percent rip-off from the Hong Kong Film) that makes you question the originality and creativity of Hollywood. However, I feel that the makers of “Shutter” should be credited for their efforts to acclimatise the western audience to the Eastern horror film concept.

Now you know why I posted an entry about Spirit Photography. Rumours on the net claim that the 2 videos (in the previous post) were a set of viral videos released by the producers of “Shutter” to boost marketing. They released only two videos, just about a year ago. Such lengths a marketing team will go to pormote a film, so much dedication.

Related Entries: Spirit Photography

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Movie Review: The Leap Years (2008)

March 17th, 2008 by Melvin

Genre: Romance/Drama
Director: Jean Yeo Lay Kuan
Cast: Wong Li Lin, Ananda Everingham, Joan Chen, Qi Yu Wu, Tracy Tan, Sylvester Loo, Vernetta Lopez, Nadya Hutagalung, Paula Malai Ali, Allan Wu, Jason Chan Keng-Kwin
Runtime: 1 hr 30 mins
Released By: GV/Mediacorp Raintree Pictures
Rating: PG

Synopsis:

Some years ago, while conducting an English language workshop on a hot, dreary afternoon for a large group of students in Singapore, I suddenly felt sorry for them, and decided to tell them a story. It was a romantic love story calculated to make any sixteen-year-old sit up and listen with full attention. I told them about a young Singaporean girl who unexpectedly meets her dream man on a special day - 29 February 1988 - when a quaint old Leap Year custom allows women to make the first move in a romantic encounter. Our heroine does precisely that. Hereafter she and the dream man, both exceptionally attractive and brimming with life’s hopes and dreams, are caught in a dizzying spin of events that Fate seems to like visiting upon young lovers. “You will come together at last. But not yet, not yet,” says Fate mischievously.

The lovers meet every 29 February over 12 years, in breathless negotiations of the many pitfalls along the path of true love which has never run smooth anyway, before their hopes are finally fulfilled in a spectacular millennial culmination worthy of love’s loftiest dreams.

My own Movie Review

Everyone has their own story to tell. Everyone has their own way of interpreting Catherine Lim’s novel into their own lives. Some might reflect this movie with their relationships but others, like me, reflect this with friendship.

Communication is essential for long lasting friendship and relationship. This story line has given many Singaporeans a deep impression and strong understanding to the story as it’s a Singapore production, not forgetting a Singapore writer, Catherine Lim. Who is willing to wait for 4 years for a relationship in Singapore? It’s such a fast pace environment and not many will be so unrealistic as Li-Ann (Wong Lin Lin) to follow her heart and the fortune teller’s descriptive and profound advices?

Not many, thus this movie has proved that there are people who really followed their heart and destiny. They are those who talked less than 1,000 words per leap year to their loved ones and still having the passion for each other instilled within them deeply.

On the contrary, we have the meaning of true friendship in this story too. Here we realized that at times, we are too involved with a single best friend. Dawn till dusk, you’re only able to think of your one and only best pal till you drown yourself in a world of an absolute ideal friend to share woes or happiness.

Till one day, the one you yearn the most to be with will the one you will be hurt and disappoint you the most. The other friends such as KC (Qi Yu Wu) who will be finding themselves like a fool; awaiting and caring for someone who doesn’t cherish it. In turn, like Catherine wrote in her book, it will just be a reflection of each other (Li-Ann & KC), trying to find someone close to share happiness and woes with.

The Leap Years is one of the very few Singaporean movies that deals with the banal and not local ah beng culture, traditional customs or Jack Neo slapstick. It is a sign of maturation in local cinema when easy themes at hand are exhausted and somebody finally reached out for something global. I hope the writers credited are Singaporeans with English surnames.

Great and profound quotes were splashed on the screen at many intervals and it’s one must watch local film.

Nadya and Paula were 2 hot, sexy chicks that portray the real urban personality of a Singaporean. They act, they flaunt and they emotes well with the storyline. Wong Lilin was extremely good in this movie as unexpected. After not dealing with showbiz for a long time, it’s her talent that portrays her emotions with tonnes of conviction.

Most of the soundtracks were from Corrine May and the lyrics are totally awesome with the different scenes of the movie. Not forgetting the famous, melodious string of notes from Forbidden Colours on their trailer / teaser.

Overall, 4/5 Leap Years for this movie. A big standing ovation for Jean Yeo who directs this movie who made great shots and angles of the Singapore landscape.

Trailer

Quote of The Leap Years

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on. …”

Posted in Movie Reviews | | 6 Comments

penny DREADFUL

January 9th, 2008 by Bobby

I watched a movie today. penny DREADFUL it is.
Yes, today! Notice why the title isn’t Penny Dreadful?
You are right! That movie is really dreadful.
Yes, to me and my 3 poor friends.
Luckily we wasted just merely 6 bucks.

First of all, remember not to enter a cinema with just less than 10 people inside.
Secondly, this whole movie is kinda budget.
The number of people that is involved - 8.
Number of cars - 3
And with an abrupt ending.
Just go and imagine.

All of us are fuming as we stepped out of the cinema. Haha!

If you never watched a bad example of movie before, you just got one.
-winks-

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Review: I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry

September 21st, 2007 by KayKay

Will you marry your best buddy?

2 out of 5 popcorns

The premise of the film seemed intriguing enough, but ultimately it wasn’t all that much entertaining in the end. None of the humour in this film was really clever, so in the end it resorted to the typical nude shower scenes and also the awkward scenes of the young boy dancing.

The film’s only positive point was the appearance of Jessica Biel as the ‘gay’ couple’s defense lawyer. And also, the boob-grabbing scene! Damn Adam Sandler! And the apperance of Rob Schneider as the Japanese man was a pleasant surprise. Lance Bass (from N*Sync) also makes a cameo.

Overall, this film was kindaaaa teetering on boring the hell out of me at certain points. If you’re in for light-hearted laughs, then go for it. If not, you’re probably better off waiting for it on HBO.

P.S: This film is rated M18.

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Movie Review - Ratatouille

September 4th, 2007 by KayKay

Is this another theatrical triumph for Pixar?

4.75 outta 5 popcorns

Wow, how can anyone possibly underestimate Pixar’s stranglehold on the animation industry of today? Ratatouille is another trademark Pixar film: not only does it have a really good story, the film also has really, really beautiful looking effects and animation.

Ratatouille follows the adventures of Remy, the film’s lead rat, on his quest to be a conqueror and maker of fine cuisine food. Along his journey, he meets bumbling chef-wannabe Linguini who needs the job in the kitchen just to prove himself an able chef. I’m sure you can just imagine the hilarity that’s bound to ensue what with a rat and a chef-in-training, but when the film dives into the emotional issues, it does not disappoint.

You may be surprised, but this is not your standard kiddy fare. Sure there are laughs, but what really struck me was the warm feeling I had (kinda gay) when I left the theatre. Go watch it, and probably you’ll feel the same. Consider this film another home run for Pixar. Au revoir!

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Movie Review: Perfect Stranger

August 7th, 2007 by Melvin

How far will you go to keep a secret?

This is the famous tag-line for this movie. And for those movie buffs who love suspense or rather, keen to start watching a mystery/suspense genre movie, this is THE movie for you. A lengthy movie lasting 105 minutes, catering more for people with patience otherwise you might start to have the hallucination that the cinema ‘turns pitched black’ (sleeping).

3 outta 5 popcorns

For almost 3/4 of the movie, I was trying to figure out what evidence is there to accuse Harrison Hill (Bruce Willis) for murdering Katrine’s (Halle Berry) friend. It was only until the last quarter of the movie that the evidence all seem to point to Harrison Hill being the murderer. But I was wrong, really wrong, as there was a sudden twist in the plot very near the end.

Here is the plot of the first 3/4 part of the movie. When investigative reporter Rowena Price learns that her friend’s murder might be connected to powerful ad executive Harrison Hill, she goes undercover with the help of her associate, Miles Hailey. Posing as Katherine, a temp at Hill’s agency, and Veronica, a girl Hill flirts with online, Rowena surrounds her prey from all sides, only to discover that she isn’t the only one changing identities. The closer Rowena gets to finding the truth, the more we see how far people will go to protect it. (I will not reveal what happened next for the last quarter of the movie, it’s for me to know and for you to find out.)

For the first 3/4 of the movie, just be sure to grab some popcorns and ensure that you don’t fall asleep as it gets a little too draggy. What’s so unique about the movie is that the climax starts at the very end of the movie and ends with a sudden anti-climax (You will go ‘blar?’). That’s what i call ‘interesting’. Thus, for the first half of the movie, I was already thinking of rating the movie 2 out of 5 popcorns but with the powerful twist (yes, a major twist) at the end, I have no choice but to give an extra popcorn to 3 out of 5. Just a small segment of 20 minutes on the later part of the movie has forced me to increase the rating. So people, watch out for the last part if you want the real truth of the murder!

Starring: Nicki Lynn Aycox, Giovanni Ribisi, Bruce Willis, Gary Dourdan, Halle Berry and directed by James Foley, this movie is rated NC16.

Oh yes, there are some hot scenes where you can really enjoy with Halle Berry. (Ouch!)

Catch the trailer here.

(more…)

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The Simpsons Movie

July 28th, 2007 by Jonathan

The movie I have been anticipating all year long is finally opened! The Simpsons Movie I feel was rather quick. Simple story line but really funny. Deserving a rate of

3.78 outta 5 popcorns

Like I said the movie was quick giving you no time to rest from one joke to another. It’s like first you’re laughing at Homer than immediately Bart does something stupid and *puff* Maggie pops out from no where.

The plot wasn’t too complex at all, simple enough to be a Simpsons film. Bart exposes his penis for the first time for an awkward 5 to 7 seconds. The movie was more punny, punny enough to be really funny.

You would hear Homer saying “I can’t believe we’re paying for something we get for free on TV” during the Itchy and Scratchy Movie clip shown at the beginning of the movie.

I dare guarantee that you can watch this movie for a second, third time and still laugh! Be sure to pay close attention to the background and ‘props’ as there are alot of hidden jokes around.

One more time, this is a really quick movie. Squeezing a bucket full of comedy (I love using that phrase) into just 84 minutes. And stay in your seats during the credits, haha, please do not say I didn’t inform you.

Spider-pig, spider-pig, does whatever a spider pig does…

Posted in Movie Reviews | | 1 Comments

Movie Review: Knocked Up

July 26th, 2007 by Jonathan

One night stands may not be this funny in reality but it certainly has the same repercussions. Knocked up takes love flicks to another level by infusing a very realistic and down to earth plot with an entire bucket full of comedy. Which we feel deserve a rating of

4.5 outta 5 popcorns

Yes, this romance comedy is a must watch this summer, not forgetting the ever so funny Simpsons Movie opening today.

The movie is basically about a hot girl (Alison, played by Katherine Heigl) getting all high in a club and then engaging in a one night stand (commonly known here as ONS) with a really fat slob, Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) who shares a home with four other buddies and making a living from a porno website. Which resulted in Alison getting preggers.

Like ‘The 40 year old Virgin’ (also directed by Judd Apatow) I was laughing my ass off throughout the entire movie. The movie perfectly portrays the everyday problems of most couples with unwanted pregnancies and yet making it so funny it just makes you want to look in the mirror and laugh at your own face.

But there’s a fact in the movie that I really cannot deny, all the ugly fat slobs get the chicks. So girls what are you waiting for? Come to yours truly

Posted in Movie Reviews, General | | 1 Comments

Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix

July 12th, 2007 by Jonathan

/harry Potter This is a darker and more sinister version of the multimillion dollar series. With incredible CGI (Computer Graphic Imagery) and a more summarised and succinct script, we were forced to rate this movie (unanimously),

2.5 outta 5popcorns

The entire movie lasted for 138 minutes, which I find a little tight for the thickest book ever published in the series so far. It really is a commendable feat to try to squeeze everything into 2hours and 18 minutes, but it resulted in parts of the story being cut off and jeopardising part of the plot.

In this installment you would realise a couple of familiar faces from the previous movies, some of which were hot favourites like Prof. Moody and Sirius Black. But because of the number cast involved in this film, many of the other main characters were given significantly less air time than what they deserve. Like how Ron Weasley (Harry’s best friend) played a more subtle role, Cho Chang barely spoke more than 10 minutes worth and Hagrid our favourite giant only appeared for 1 scene.

Radcliffe portrayed Harry as a typical adolescent, full of rage and angst, confused about who he is and of course filled with raging hormones.

But despite all the negativity, the movie did make the crowd laugh quite a bit, especially the scene between Prof. Snapes and Prof. Umbridge (which I would decline to elaborate), albeit the Professor himself fell victim to the lack of air time in this movie.

Let me introduce a couple of new faces from this sequel.

Professor Dolores Umbridge

Professor Dolores Umbridge
She is the new Defence Against The Dark Arts Teacher appointed by the Ministry of Magic to supervise a more theoretical than practical curriculum in Hogwarts. It is apparent that she has an obsession for the colour pink, with her office walls, tea colour, sugar colour and entire closet all pink in colour. But don’t let this pinky lady fool you, pay attention to her methods of punishing students. Pink has never been more sinister.

Luna Lovegood

Luna Lovegood
She’s a really weird girl but weird in a cute way. Luna played quite a significant role in this film. She was able to relate to Harry in a lot of ways, because she has seen death too. To think of it, Luna was a little creepy with her walking around bare footed in the chilly weather outside of Hogwarts and pasting missing signs around the school to look for her shoes only to find it hanging on the ceiling and then leaving it hanging there to go grab a meal. But I can’t deny that her character is pretty cute. Ah.. you’ll understand when you watch it.

Cho Chang

Cho Chang
Cho Chang Ching Chang Chong. How racist! Doesn’t mean her name is Cho Chang means she had to be Chinese?! Barely speaking for more than 10 minutes in this film, she totally twisted the story when what was suppose to be a peck on the lips with Harry turned out to be a really wet smooch on screen under a mistletoe.
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Bellatrix Lestrange

Bellatrix Lestrange
One word to describe her, ugly, weird, crazy, ugly. Ok fine that’s 3 words but seriously, can Sirius Black’s evil ~~sister~~ cousin look any worse than this? I didn’t want to look at her during the film, neither do I want to talk about her now.
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Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix Opens Islandwide today! 120707.

Posted in Movie Reviews | | 3 Comments

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Movie Review: Iron Man

Movie Review: SHUTTER

Movie Review: The Leap Years (2008)

penny DREADFUL

Review: I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry

Movie Review - Ratatouille

Movie Review: Perfect Stranger

The Simpsons Movie

Movie Review: Knocked Up

Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix

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