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