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

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