The Love Guru (2008) - Victor Kwong

There was only one reason why I watched this movie... Jessica Alba. Everything else in this movie was garbage. The jokes fall short of their mark and I would rather cut the Queen’s toe nails than have to watch this movie again.

The Love Guru is about an American who was abandoned by his family and raised by Gurus in India. Seeking fame and fortune in the US with his methods of self help and love, his chance arrives when he is asked to reunite Darren Roanoke (a famous ice hockey player) with his estranged wife who has left him for Jacques Grande a Canadian bloke packing some heavy “artillery”. While helping Roanoke reunite with his wife, Guru Pitka too falls in love....

Rating: 3/10

Watch this movie only on DVD and only if there is absolutely nothing else to rent!

The Women (2008)

"The new comedy about finding out what you really want."

I won free tickets to catch this movie from the 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty and I almost didn't go to the cinema. The movie; which was an updated screenplay of George Cukor's 1939 movie with the same title; turns out to be better than I expected.

The characters are well defined and well played. The story unfolds appropriately. The scenes are quite funny at times. But I do have to say, however I look at it; it's still a chick flick. So guys - be warned. :) The best thing about it for me? There wasn't one inappropriate scene throughout the movie (nudity or extreme display of affection)!

All in all, save your $$$; this is more enjoyable to watch as a DVD.

Rating: 6/10

WALL-E (2008)

"An Adventure Beyond the Ordinar-E"

The latest Anime from Pixar brings us to a distant future (albeit a not so realistic one), where mankind has abandoned earth because it has become covered with trash from products sold by the powerful multi-national Buy N Large corporation.

The main character, WALL-E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class), is a determined garbage collecting robot has been left to clean up the mess. WALL-E is alone on Earth except for a sprightly pet cockroach; mesmerized with collecting trinkets of earth's history and show tunes. That is until one day, Eve, the sleek search robot, arrives and changed WALL-E's life purpose.

For kids, the characters expressions' are very entertaining and the message of "eco-friendly and pro-exercise" is very well delivered. Even the way "WALL-E" & "Eve" call their names are very cute and catchy!

For adults, the animation is incredible to watch and the movie is extremely enjoyable. It's different, full of funny bits while delivering a heartbreakingly tender love story between these two very adorable and expressive main characters.

This is totally a highly recommended movie. [Even the Rotten Tomatoes rate it at 96%!!!] Try to catch this movie in the cinema, you'd appreciate the animation even more!

Rating: 9.8/10

Tropic Thunder (2008) - Victor Kwong

4 Narcissistic actors embark on a journey to make the best and most expensive war film ever! But with clashing egos and a ballooning movie budget, the director decides to throw his self absorbed actors deep into the jungles of Southeast Asia not realising the real danger which hides within...

This is a real humdinger with heaps of action, over the top comedy and one of the best intros to a movie! I have gained immense respect for Robert Downey Jr. after watching this movie. From his Australian accent, his role as an African American soldier and his “Award Winning” role in “Satan’s Alley” (this was a classic scene!), He puts in an unbelievable performance with some truly diverse and challenging roles which in my opinion he fully pulls off!

Special mention to Tom Cruise who surprised me with his hilarious performance!

Rating: 9/10
Watch this movie if you like: Zoolander, Mystery Men, Happy Gilmore

Welcome to the Sticks (French) - Gemma

This movie was full on laughter from start to finish. Dany Boon wrote, directed and acted in this hilarious comedy about a postmaster who fakes a disability to get a prime job on the Riveria but gets caught and ends up in "the north". Everyone sympathises with him when they here because nobody wants to sent to "the north". His wife & son stay behind in the south. But when he discovers its not all bad, nobody believes him so he makes up the stories they want to here. All goes well until his wife decides to visit.

Its well-written comedy which takes everyday life and turns it into an hilarious ride. I loved all the characters. The english sub-titles are written in the quirky fashion that the people from "the north" speak. It might be a little hard to read initially but you get into the swing after a few lines. Top class entertainment (9.5/10).

Hellboy II - Gemma

Where would Hollywood be without remakes and sequels, eh ?? But aas sequels go, I'm glad they did this one. I really enjoyed the original and was not disappointed by number II. Excellent one-liners, lots of action, quirkiness and strange creatures !! Definitely worth a look (8/10).

Not Quite Hollywood - Gemma

If you are not into documentaries then don't bother reading any further !! Meanwhile, if like me, you love docos - especially ones about movie making - then you'll have a great laugh at this one. Quentin Tarantino features a LOT, talking about his obsession with Aussie cult movies from 70's and 80's. This was a time before "health and safety" and liability !! Where high speed chases were filmed by cameramen hanging off the back of a motorbike with no helmet.

The intermixed commentary from actors, film critics, celebrities and directors flows really well and I even missed some of the banter because the audience (including myself) were laughing so much.

With a very brief mention of the period pieces being filmed, this doco focuses on some of the worst and the best slasher, horror, porn and action movies to come out of Australia. Barry Humphries, Steve Bisley, Russell Boyd, Graeme Blundell, Sigrid Thornton, even George Lazenby all have their say about the era that put Australian movie making on the map. Great entertainment (9.5/10).

Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Empire

If you've seen the first two you have to go see the latest in the series. Not as action-packed or scary as the original & sequel but still worth a watch. Very light entertainment and Jet Li didn't feature all much despite being the "mummy" in the title !! It felt like it was over way too quickly but I still enjoyed a few laughs (6/10).

In Bruges - Gemma

This is only Martin McDonagh's second movie and, although I've seen heaps of his plays over the years, I wasn't sure what to expect. The acting from both Brendan Gleeson & Colin Farrell was pretty good but the movie didn't really go anywhere. There were a few laughs, some good one-liners but overall I'd wait until DVD to watch this one (4/10).

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) - Victor Kwong

In the eyes of Hollywood they were seen as the next up and coming glamour couple. Sarah Marshall is the lead actor in a highly successful TV series while her partner Peter Bretter was a successful music composer on the rise.

It seemed like nothing could stop this power couple, however truth be told, Peter is a struggling musician who stays at home all day while Sarah struggles to remain committed in their relationship.

Following their devastating break up a dejected Peter goes on vacation to Hawaii unaware that Sarah was vacationing in Hawaii too..... With her new boyfriend!

This movie is an absolute classic! Full of great one liners and truly awkward moments. If you enjoyed movies such as Super Bad, The 40 year old Virgin and Knocked up then you will definitely enjoy Forgetting Sarah Marshall!!!

Rating: 8.5/10

Guys and Dolls....(The Documentary) - Victor Kwong

Ok so this isn't exactly a movie but it is quite interesting none the less. Guys and Dolls takes a look into the lives of 4 individuals who lead a unique lifestyle..... they have dolls for girlfriends.... yes I kid you not these guys justify a life of living with dolls!

Off the bat, this sounds like a documentary that is 'taking the mickey', but it is actually a serious documentary informing us that these people are "normal" and the general core reason these individuals acquire these dolls is because they can't find a suitable female companion.

Guys and Dolls also delves into other aspects such as the doll industry, the requests made by customers and how these dolls are maintained (This is funny!)

When I found out about this documentary I thought this would be full of hilarious moments however I was mistaken and rarely laughed throughout the documentary. All and all this is a very interesting look at how these people live their lives.

After watching this documentary I doubt I will laugh if I see a bloke watching the streets with his doll.... Anyone interested in watching this documentary let me know. I give it an 8/10

We Own The Night (2007) - Rick Hart

Starring: Jacquin Pheonix, Robert Duvall, Mark Whalberg, Eva Mendes
Director: James Gray

It is normally a safe bet to assume a movie starring Jacquin Pheonix, Robert Duvall and Mark Wahlberg would be pretty good. We Own The Night is no exception. However, while it is a good movie it can’t be accused of being overly original.

Director James Gray again teams up Jacquin Pheonix and Mark Wahlberg, who he also directed in 2000’s The Yards.

The story revolves around two brothers, one a cop and one running a New York night club with links to some unsavoury Russian drug dealers. Joe (Mark Wahlberg) is the good son who has followed his father’s footsteps through the police force. While, Bobby (Jacquin Pheonix) is the night club manager whose world gets turned upside down, when his world and that of his brother’s collide. Their father is played by the understated, yet ever convincing Robert Duvall.

When Joe is gunned down by one of the Russians, Bobby must decide where his loyalties lie. What transpires from there is a well told, well acted but very predictable story line. The old ‘blood is thicker than water’ comes to the fore and Bobby sets about trying to put things right.

Even the twists and turns in this movie are quite predictable and it pretty much steers the safe course throughout. The ending in particular is very clichéd.

Pheonix, while very good in the role of Bobby, seems to play the character with the same brood and mannerisms he brings to most of his roles. Duvall is good, as are Wahlberg and Eva Mendes as Bobby’s loyal girlfriend.

We Own The Night is a good film, but one where its safe route and predictability, for mine, did detract from the movie as a whole.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10