Disney has failed to impress me ever since Steve Jobs and John Lasseter created Pixar. Tangled did stir my heart a bit but not as much as how Brave did. This season, Frozen has that Disney magic that has been missing for so long and it comes in full force here.
The Story The magic happens in Arendelle. Elsa, the older sister of the two royal heir possesses a special power to create ice at will. It was all peaceful till Elsa learn that she has difficulty controlling her power and ultimately strikes her own sister Anna. With their parents gone, fearing that she could do more harm than good. Elsa has chose to flee Arendelle leaving everything including her caring sister behind.
The Film
I grew up with Disney. I have watched every traditionally animated film they have ever produced. It was magic, wonders, dreams and hope. But somewhere Disney went down hill and Pixar stole their thunder film after film. Today. I’m proud to say Disney has redeemed themselves through Frozen. They have gone back to their basics and brought magic and musical back. Song after song, scene after scene. Frozen makes you want more of the magic.
The voice cast which include Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad and Johnathan Groff is brilliant. They all played the characters flawlessly with superb ease and likability along with their unique talent in singing. They could really bring out the sympathetic or upbeat songs at will. And most of all, Idina Menzel’s solo of “Let it Go” is the highlight of the entire show. Brings me back wonderful memories of when I was watching Disney classics like ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘The Lion King’ and ‘The Jungle Book’. Frozen totally matched the ranks of old.
The last thing I would like to mention is how the animation team has breath life into the animated world with such beautiful graphics. Every whiff and expansion of the snow and flakes just melts my heart. The ice palace building scene was just breathtaking with the wonderful song “Let it Go” accompanying it.
Favorite Scene
Elsa flees Arendelle and unleashes her magic, creating a breathtaking ice palace.
The Internship didn’t strike to me as a movie to be on my ‘must watch’ list. Particularly because Vince Vaughn always appeared to be acting off slap stick humor. Owen Wilson is fine, but this duo definitely can’t pull off that great initial attraction when you watch the trailer. What made me watch it was because I was invited for the premier with a whole big bunch of friends. So I thought it should be fun not because of the movie, but because of the gang.
The Story It started off with Nick Campbell (Owen Wilson) and Billy McMahon (Vince Vaughn) losing their jobs and trying to find a new footing in their life. But since they are both so dinosaur in many ways, it seems hard to find a new job that requires zero to none computing skills.
Despite the hurdle, Billy managed to convince Nick to join Google’s summer internship program. That is possibly one of the worst suggestion anyone could ever make. Having to fight with thousands of fine young graduates, they actually managed to get into their program. But this doesn’t mean they are hired. It’s only an internship program.
The movie gets fun when they reach Googleplex. They will have to form teams and compete to get the top spot to have a chance to be employed.
The Film
The movie didn’t start off with a bang. It actually went quite slowly for the first 30 minutes. But the build up of the movie was there. It slowly reels you in with all the witty jokes and odd scenes. It gets fun when they finally reach Googleplex. This is where you’ll see some Google cultures, but it does make you wonder if everything that was shown in the movie is actually part of the real internship program. It does have quite a number of odd sayings and doings.
This movie is a feel good movie. It’s the kind of movie where you’ll see a team formed with a bunch of people who are the outcast or last picked. But somehow this team would rise from the ashes and carry the last member across the finishing line and still magically win the whole game despite pitting against the best of the best teams that is almost guaranteed to win.
Great movie overall. Jokes that require a bit of thinking instead of being slap stick. Good build up of story line instead of being predictable. Great performances by the duo that did not disappoint.
Also, this movie has got one of the best ending credits.
Go watch it for a relaxed fun time.
Favorite Scene
Yo-Yo Santos and the hand dryer with Nick Campbell saying a bunch of funny comments.
After watching this movie last week, I feel like I have the need to educate the public about this movie. It is a horrible! I mean I would know it’s horrible just by looking at it. What actually made me allow myself to waste my time watching this movie is because I’ve saw a documentary on how the directors and graphics effects team try so hard to make everything look as realistic as possible. How Ghost Rider pisses fire and how the leather jacket boils up close. I was suckered into the beautiful effects. Was it worth it? Nope!
The Story (Part 1)
If you’re a movie goer, you would know that back in 2007 was the first installment of Ghost Rider. But that wasn’t such a great film. How about the second installment? This time around, Ghost Rider is on a quest in return to save his own soul, the very one he sold long ago to save his father and in return do Satan’s deeds.
The story starts off with a special kid everyone was looking after. As usual, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that this special kid has of some use to the Satan. Ghost Rider was brought into the picture of this kid by this holy person who happens to be on a bike as well. This holy personThe attractive contract offered was that he gets to redeem his soul and be once again the human himself, Johnny Blaze. Tempted by the offer, he allowed Ghost Rider to manifest and went on a hunt for this kid. The search for the kid was an easy one and quite a thrilling one. After uniting with the kid, there’s quite a chunk of sentimental drama scenes though. Johnny Blaze did deliver his end and he was cleansed as promised.
Don’t worry, the story doesn’t end here. It just gets weird. Ghost Rider is gone and the kid is once again captured on holy grounds. And so, being the superhero without powers he proceed to try and save this kid again. Déjà vu?
This is as far as the spoiler free goes. If you want to read about what happens further, do scroll down way after the trailer.
The Film
Ghost rider: Spirit of Vengeance 2012 is a high-octane style comic movie. Directors Brian Taylor and Mark Neveldine took great lengths to film this movie. Neveldine actually went on rollerblades and lugged a giant, expensive 3-D camera to film flying off cliff shots. But how many of us really care if it’s shot on Red or an iPhone? We walked into a cinema every time hoping that the trailer we saw months ago is not a lie. We want to watch something awesome!
This film is made for mindless comical carnage with tons of fire effect. The whole film is pretty dark and grunge drooling with grit. I’m quite disappointed that Ghost Rider did not ride as much as the first film. The comic book Ghost Rider is all about riding the bike and conjuring a hellfire bike out of thin air. Chains and fire and more chains flying around from his throat or chest that incinerates every object that stands in his way. Also, they have totally removed the penance stare that literally kills anyone and the ability to defy gravity with his awesome chopper.
The villains are nothing awesome to shout about. After all, you do know that Ghost Rider is considered one of the most powerful Superhero. Ghost Rider is virtually unstoppable like Hulk. The only way to contain their carnage power is their human form.
Acting on Nicolas Cage’s part is okay. The lady and the kid are annoying. All others are just fillers. I believe I didn’t enjoy any of the acting bit at all! Wasn’t sure if it’s intentional or just bad sound editing that most of the people are talking in odd accents and sounded mumbled. They did try to put some comedic elements I honestly think it wasn’t really that funny.
Finally, I do wanna give some credits to the special graphics team and the director for the comical adaption of the onscreen play. If only your story line was amazing (read on further below after the trailer to find out why I hated the story line), you would’ve had my full support in Ghost Rider 3.
Favorite Scene
The ending bit where Ghost Rider sent Satan himself back down to hell!
Warning: contain spoilers
The Story (Part 2, continued)
So Johnny Blaze went to save the kid with no powers and lots of ammo. He was daring enough to wrestle Satan himself. But of course he was flung way down the stage and found himself in a near death situation. At this point, the kid who has got the powers of Satan himself, gave Johnny Blaze his powers back. The same contract that he signed years ago. Ghost Rider reemerges, bad guys are all gone but kid dies. Fret not though, only in comics you get to lose your powers and get em’ back. So the kid was revived by Ghost Rider. End.
As if losing your powers and getting it back is not enough. They had to kill the kid and bring him back to life. I hate movies like this. It’s just too cliche.
Ratings for this movie is at a stunning 8.1 stars on IMDB and 79% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re all about numbers then you would definitely watch this movie but my title here is telling you otherwise. It’s ridiculously overrated! To be fair, I did feel a little emotional attachment with the great cinematography that draws you closer to the movie. I felt the movie was fantastic for a moment. But after a day of thought, the movie is a disappointment. I want my 2 hours back!
Trailer Vibe
The trailer give this movie off as the type of movie where you would expect lots of cool pumped-up action driving scenes with Ryan Gosling. Carey Mulligan seems to have a romantic connection with Ryan Gosling and multiple sideline stories seem interesting enough to explore the movie. Overall, the perception of the movie is a fast-paced action type of show.
Action movie goer perspective
You will be immediately thrown off by the fuchsia pink of the opening credits. You thought some cool jagged-edged title is gonna flash across the screen and disappear as soon as the car chasing scene starts. It did still managed to build up the tense moments during the first chapter but you will be completely turned off as the remaining ultra slow scenes unfold for the next few chapters. You’ll be dreaded to wonder where did all those action scenes went to from the trailer you saw. The uncalled for violence and uninspiring story leaves you ponder what else is beneath this movie without it. Sure it has style, but there’s no substance.
To summarize, it’s painfully slow, unimaginative film blanketed by loud music and blood capsules.
Artistic movie lover perspective
Ryan Gosling did a good job in portraying the silent cool character speaking only when necessary. Scenes where you could feel the tension and fury in his eyes as well as silence that brought the caring and ridiculously though side. The scenes unfold slowly as the emotion sinks deeper and deeper into your heart. A skill the director has put in this film to grab hold of you and takes you inside this often dark and dreamy LA setting. It has beautiful cinematography but what is it without a great plot?
To summarize, retro action with style but portrait a blank canvas in the end.
Marketing Perception
Every poster they created includes the tag line ‘From the producers of 300’. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not comparing this movie with 300. Not one bit. But they’ve created the perception that, if it’s produced by the same people behind 300, it should be as good as 300. Now this is where they get everyone pumped up for some ‘This is Sparta’ awesomeness only to find out at the end of the movie, it’s all a lie. The movie did make a good opening weekend scoring #1 on the charts. My say is that, it’s 11.11.11 and everyone has got nothing else better to do or celebrate except to watch this movie. Good call on the marketing team!
The Film
So please folks. Let’s give this movie a fair review. The action scenes are awesome, after all we are all attracted to the movie because of the trailer right? But the way the story unfolds couldn’t be cheesier or cornier. Dialogues are borderline and acting is just as good as it gets. The inconsistencies with Greek mythology kills your senses and imagination. Some scenes will just make your jaw drop at the wondrous stupidity it portrait. If you’re into hack and slash gore, then fans will enjoy while it last. Still I think Conan The Barbarian 2011 packs more gore.
For $75million worth of production. I say it’s a poor movie.
For Malaysia Only
If you’re in Malaysia and you plan to watch this in the cinema, please refrain yourself. The further brainless censorship board will make you regret every penny you spent on this movie. Most of the gore and sexy scenes are gone. What’s worst, repeating scenes or slowing down parts of the movie is just plain dumb. I hate to say this but most probably a pirated DVD/Blu-ray copy would be better if you still plan to watch this movie.
Official trailer that practically includes all the best scenes.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VdONYkKFmQ]
Remember Eat, Pray Love 2010? I think it was really bad. So my natural perception towards a similar 3 words title like Crazy, Stupid, Love is somewhat bad too. Lucky for this movie, Emma Stone was the reason why I’ve decided to give this movie a chance.
The Story
The Weaver couple Cal & Emily (Steve Carell & Julianne Moore) have got a perfect American dream life until Emily decided to asked for a divorce. Cal’s life sinks to a desperate point where Jacob (Ryan Gosling) comes along to turn his life around into this suave irresistible gentleman. Despite Cal’s makeover and his many new conquests, the one thing that can’t be made over is his heart, which seems to keep leading him back to where he began. This however isn’t the main plot of the movie. It also follows Jacob, Hannah (Emma Stone), David (Kevin Bacon), Robbie (Jonah Bobo) and Jessica’s (Analeigh Tipton) romance. It might sound complicated but I think the directors Glenn Ficarra & John Requa did a great job by showing us how different love is for the singletons & couples.
The Film
Judging from the title & trailer, this movie might seem like a chick flick. I strongly beg to differ after watching this movie. It is a sweet romantic comedy about good-hearted people.
Now you’re gonna think that sweet romantic comedy is predictable throughout all the titles from Hollywood. This is where Crazy, Stupid, Love shines because the plot twist from being crazy and stupid catches you by surprise and gives the movie its needed climax points. The love isn’t painted out to be this magical solution to every scene to make everyone happy.
The characters portrait in this movie are realistic and believable. Every character has got their flawed side and it works! It gives us a glimpse into the raw, human moments that imprints precious memories to bring two people together or tear them apart. Great cast by the directors also helped making scenes that made you laugh, cry, wonder and cover your eyes.
Perfect date movie.
Favorite Scene
The scene of Jacob & Hannah hanging out together when Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – The Time Of My Life music came on.
Just when you’re so over prequels, sequels, superheroes and robots. This show arrived ‘In Time’.
The Story
In Time is set in the future where everyone lives till 25 and stops aging. To continue living everyone needs to buy time or you drop dead like flies. Unfortunately, time is also the currency. Time is what you get after you work, time is what you use to pay for your luxuries and necessities. The poor is on a constant race to get more time to survive the next hour while the rich strolls around aimlessly living forever. Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) and his mother (Olivia Wilde) struggles to live day to day till Will met a man with over a century to live. His journey starts the moment he was given a century to live.
The Film
Months ago I covered this film’s trailer. I was extremely smitten by Amanda Seyfried’s looks, and the plot/story of the film. Trailer always looks promising I know, but this show delivered!
The director, Andrew Niccol hasn’t got any big titles under his belt that excites me. But he wrote and produced The Truman Show 1998 and The Terminal 2004 which I thought was great. The cast besides Justin Timberlake & Amanda Seyfried, includes Olivia Wilde, Cillian Murphy, Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory), Matt Bomer and Alex Pettyfer just to name a few.
After watching the movie, I can’t help but think that this movie actually gave me the exact thrills of Speed 1994 by Keanu Reeves. It’s rare that a movie can make you feel like you’re being pushed to the edge but this show did it. Constantly your mind is wired into their world racing against time in hope that you’ll survive. The closer the time gets to 0:00 the faster your heart beats.
In Time also made me realize that most of us are wasting our time. If we have a clock that is similar to the movie. I bet we will live day by day to its fullest.
Favorite Scene
How Will Salas managed to break free from the arm fight in the hotel with Sylvia Weis.
You’re Missing Out
Till today, Love Me If You Dare 2003 is still my favorite film of all time.
It’s your great loss if you do not watch foreign films because these films are the ones unlike the norm of Hollywood crap. I think Bollywood these days do a much better job than Hollywood even. Of course I’ll leave that for another article.
The Film
This French film directed by Yann Samuell is simply brilliant. The film infuses fairy tale cues with realism that didn’t seem exaggerated. The chemistry between Julien (Guillaume Canet) and Sophie (Marion Cotillard) is perfect with extreme complexity of feelings. Although do note that “Jeux d’enfants” is translated closer to “Games of Children” instead of “Love Me If You Dare”. A great gimmick!
Trust me, as the movie begins. You’ll fall in love with the mood and color of the movie. The dream like effect will glide you through the entire movie and soon enough you’ll realize that life is short and we all should make the best out of it, everyday.
The Story
Love Me If You Dare 2003 is a story about 2 children who started an odd game of outdoing each other with limitless dares and stunts, but as they grow into adulthood their stunts become more dangerous and life threatening. Soon enough they realize that their continuation of the game had been a desperate attempt to hide the fact that they were meant for each other.
Watch this movie with childlike innocence and let your heart filled with fantasy and suspend your reality for a moment. Let the movie make you smile, laugh and cry. Celebrate life.
Cap ou pas cap?
Favorite Scene
The fake rob and the bunch of things Julien said while driving off.
The best English trailer I could find.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtzjUjVQe9Q]
Carlsberg pulled a stunt on several unsuspecting couples going to a movie theater. They filled a Belgian cinema with the baddest looking bikers, and left only two seats in the middle empty. Their reactions were priceless.
Watch the video and answer the poll
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS3iB47nQ6E]
The Perception
If you’ve watched the trailer, it sums up as an action packed fantasy robot fighting movie. Boxing, steel, Hugh Jackman. A movie where you can smell its testosterone from miles away.
The Surprise
The surprise was, it offers way more than that. It’s not just some metal on metal pounding like Transformers the movie. It’s not just some boxing plot showing a rags to riches story.
When was the last time you heard the crowd in the cinema cheering away with the movie? The energy the movie brought was so high that the audience is literally shouting ouch as each punch is throw at each other.
Acting performances from Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lily and Dakota Goyo really hits the spot. Their relationship felt genuine and realistic. The 12 year old Dakota Goyo will definitely make your tears roll down your cheeks at certain scenes.
The comedic elements would pop out as cheesy if not scripted properly. But Real Steel did it so well it just kept the crowd laughing.
Computer graphics of the robots are so realistic you just can’t stop helping to think that ‘Where can I buy one of these after I leave the cinema?’
It is truly a perfect cross over movie transcending from modern day fiction to a timeless classic.
Favorite Scene
When Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) goes into shadow mode with Atom the robot and Max Kenton (Dakota Goyo) watches him.
Real Steel, Real Deal.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei5l3r1dV4I]
