Tuesday, October 21, 2008

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!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

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

Monday, September 15, 2008

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

Friday, September 12, 2008

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).

Monday, September 08, 2008

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

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

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

Friday, June 13, 2008

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

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Gone Baby Gone (2007) - Rick Hart

Starring: Casey Affleck, Amy Ryan, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman
Director: Ben Affleck

It may be a while since Ben Affleck, the actor, has delivered anything worth watching (Changing Lanes maybe). Ben Affleck, the director though, has come through with the goods with Gone Baby Gone.

In an attempt to ‘keep it in the family’ he enlists his little brother, Casey to take on the main role. And little brother doesn’t disappoint. He’s made a film, which deserves all the praise it has received. Unlike many other suspense-filled dramas, GBG doesn’t play it safe and the line between right and wrong is well and truly blurred throughout, especially in its ending.

After a little girl goes missing, fearing the police aren’t doing enough, the girl’s aunt hires a private detective (Casey Affleck) to use his local knowledge and contacts to get some answers. What follows is one man’s determination to find the truth no matter what the cost. Casey Affleck’s ability to combine hard-edged with the right amount of sensitivity is great and will surely see him stepping out of Ben’s shadow once and for all.

There are some other fine performances throughout, with special mention going Amy Ryan as the girl’s drugged out, ‘always looking for a good time’ mother and Ed Harris as the hard-nosed cop heading up the case. Ryan’s performance, for which she earned an Oscar nomination, is a highlight. You don’t know whether to hate her, feel sorry for her or both. Testament to how well she delivers in the role.

A brief, but story critical performance from Morgan Freeman also adds weight to the quality cast.

GBG takes you on one hell of a ride and keeps you guessing and glued all along. It leaves you questioning right from wrong and what you would do in such situations. If you are anything like this viewer the answers may not be so easy to come by.

If there is a criticism of GBG it’s that, while the ending has a great twist, it all seems a little hurried.
That said, even this does little to detract from what is a high quality movie.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Thursday, May 22, 2008

21 [2008] - Shelvia

"Inspired by the true story of five students who changed the game forever"

Director: Robert Luketic
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Jim Sturgess, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Bosworth

The movie tells the story of this very smart student who's very good with numbers, Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess), who needed money to go into Harvard Medical School (which cost ridiculously large amount of money!). His gift with numbers was noticed by his teacher, Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey), and he got invited to be a part of a group of students who count cards in Vegas.

The plot of the movie is quite straight forward and might be a little predictable. But, the actors are really good and the movie is very well wrapped together, making it a very enjoyable watch. I remember thinking the movie became a little slow and felt a tiny bit extended [123 mins - according to IMDB], somewhere in the middle of the movie, but then it picks up! :)

One thing though, a Math problem was presented early in the movie about the probability of picking the door with a car behind it when choosing between 3 doors (with 2 goats and 1 car). I cannot fathom the answers presented in the movie! It distracts me from the movie quite a bit! So if you're the type who gets curious (like me!) and might find it difficult to focus on the movie, please make sure you understand this Monty Hall problem (Wikipedia) before you go to the movie! :P

Rating: 8/10

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Street Kings (Allen Zeng)

After a year of silence, Keanu Reeves is back. In the form of a tough cop who deals violence with violence. Keanu, while being one of my favourite actors, did not present an overall satisfactory performance though. In scenes where acting skills are essential, Keanu only does an OK job.
Action-wise, this movie has enough to keep you entertained. See how Keanu's character takes the bad guys out in all sorts of awkward situations, ranging from being shot to being bound.
As to the storyline, well, I figured out the ending about 15 minutes into the movie. I sat there hoping some interesting twists might come my way, and, unfortunately, while there were quite a few twists, the interesting one never came. The ending is quite lengthy though, to me it's partly because of Keanu's performance.

Rating: 6/10

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

The Other Boleyn Girl [2008] - Shelvia

“The only thing that could come between these sisters... is a kingdom.”

Director: Justin Chadwick
Starring: Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana

This movie is definitely HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Seriously - if you haven’t watch it, make sure you do! (Go to the cinema!!!)

The movie tells the tale of the two Boleyn sisters, Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) and Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson), their rivalry, their sisterly bonds, and their relationship with Henry VIII (Eric Bana). The movie also shows the life of women and their limitations around that era. The exceptional performances by Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson and their outstanding characters made the movie extremely engaging. Plus, they look amazing in the splendid costumes and amazing movie sets.

I’m no historians – so I won’t be able to tell you how much of the story is true – but it is such a compelling movie to watch. How I wish my history teacher would show this kind of movie instead of getting me to read from the boring history textbook!

Rating: 8.8/10

Drillbit Taylor [2008] - Shelvia

“You get what you pay for.”

Director: Steven Brill
Starring: Owen Wilson, Nate Hartley, Troy Gentile, Ian Roberts

I was dragged to this movie by my sister and went in with very little expectation. But - I find myself still smiling two hours later from one of the lines in the movie.
Don’t get me wrong, it is a silly movie. :)
I guess with Owen Wilson in it, it just has to be one!
I personally think the movie was quite well done and it is enjoyable to watch. Still - I would recommend this more as a DVD than a movie.

Rating: 7.1/10

Death Defying Acts [2007] - Shelvia

“There is no escape.”


Director: Gillian Armstrong
Starring: Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta Jones, Saoirse Ronan

I’m a big fan of magicians and stories around them – so I might be biased. But I’ll try to be as fair as possible in reviewing this movie.

The movie is set around 1926 – to tell the story about Harry Houdini, the great escapist from Britain. The story is extremely captivating and having actors like Catherine Zeta Jones and Guy Pearce telling the story really did make a big difference. Saoirse Ronan definitely adds an extra punch with her impeccable appearance. She seems so suited to the role that I can’t picture her anywhere else.

I can’t talk too much about the storyline without spoiling it. Just make sure to catch it on DVD when it comes out.

Rating: 7.6/10


Tuesday, March 04, 2008

No Country For Old Men (Rick Hart)

Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring: Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones


Having been somewhat of a Coen brothers fan for some time (Fargo, The Big Lebowski, O’ Brother Where Art Thou) I went along to see their latest Oscar winning offering, No Country For Old Men. Trying my best not to be swayed by the hype and kudos that has surrounded the film, I sat prepared, popcorn in hand (largely finished before the feature commenced).

You may already know the landscape. Violent drama set around the American/Mexican border, about a drug deal gone bad, a (truly) frightening bad guy after some drug money that someone else stumbles onto and takes. But there’s so much more to this story and the way the Coen’s handle it is a credit to their film-making abilities. For the two hours it ran, I was glued, losing total track of time.

No Country centres around three main characters played by Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones and Javier Bardem. The latter a deserved winner of his recent Best Supporting Actor award at the Oscars. Is there a more frightening psychopath in recent movie history ? The sense of fear and anticipation he drives throughout the movie needs to be seen. The fact that Bardem doesn’t steal the film totally is a credit to Brolin and Jones for their first class performances.

How Josh Brolin (as the object of Bardem’s violent pursuit) was not nominated for any kind of award shocks the hell out of this viewer. If nothing else this will surely help put the Canadian born actor on the ‘A’ list map. Jones as the laconic, yet assured, yet self reflecting sheriff delivers yet again. He was surely an automatic choice for the role. The performances from the main three and an ever-cool, if brief, cameo from Woody Harrelson not only help carry this film but lift it to the heights it reaches.

Yes, No Country has its share of violence, but it is totally in keeping with the context of the story. In fact I didn’t find myself in any way fixated with this aspect of the movie because the story being told was so good.

If there are any criticisms towards the film, then it is the ending. I felt a little bit of the “Is that it ?” syndrome. Maybe I just didn’t want it to end.

No Country For Old Men is an absolute winner.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Friday, February 01, 2008

Juno (Shelvia)

"A comedy about growing up... and the bumps along the way."

Director: Jason Reitman
Writer (WGA): Diablo Cody
Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman

A very refreshing comedy movie.
The story unfold in a very real life manner.
The innocence and sincere elements of the relationship between Ellen Page (Juno) and Michael Cera (Bleeker) were captured very nicely in the movie.
Definitely worth watching! :)

Rating: 8.1/10

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

I AM LEGEND (Harpreet)


Director - Francis Lawrence
Actor - Will Smith

In one line – “This movie is much more than one line”.

It’s a dream project for any actor as it simply outshines one man (remember Castaway with Tom Hanks, Erin Brockovich with Julia Roberts). Even though, as a remake of The Omega Man (1971), this movie provides Will Smith a perfect platform to make the world recognize his acting capabilities are much more than what he did in MIB, Wild-Wild West, and even I-Robot.

Excellent direction, excellent acting, traditional but immaculate action and very good camera movements makes this movie a must watch. Though, computer effects are not charming and use of real people instead of computer generated images for the infected people would have been much better.

About the director Francis Lawrence’s (Constantine) work – one, he knows how to fright the audience and two, he did a very smart thing by not wasting time in showing how the population disappeared. For critics who do not agree with second point and say that the event should have been elaborated, understand that - this movie is all about saying why Robert Neville (Will Smith) became a legend and not on a medical blunder.

Robert Neville lives alone in the city with his dog and NO human being. He gets the luxury of free grocery shopping, gets away by doing a runner at petrol pump and enjoys the golf sessions on military planes but the loneliness and the fear of dark and infected haunts both until the dog dies while saving Robert from an attack.

As always, I read the reviews on websites before watching the movie. Almost all the websites said - "except the end, the entire movie is good". From my perspective, this movie cannot have a better ending than this. The movie, as suggested by its name, explains why Robert would be called a Legend by the future – not because he was a legendary fighter or a legendary scientist or even a legend that survived alone but because of his efforts to get not just “human beings” but also “humanity” back in the world.

A must watch.

Rating: 8/10

(Please note these are my personal remarks and may or may not be different to views expressed by others)