Robin Hood

If you were going to see this movie expecting to see men in tights, you might come away disappointed: this is not the Robin Hood we know from such movies as Prince of Thieves (and definitely not the one we know from Men in Tights!). A more appropriate title for the movie would have been "Robin Longstride" (Robin Hood's actual name), but that might not have the drawn the crowds sufficiently. This is an origin story for the character of Robin Hood. It shows us the how he became the legend of those other movies. This can be somewhat of a weakness (perhaps even it's most striking) of the movie, as we don't really see Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men until the very end. This means the movie can feel somewhat as if it ends at what really is the beginning.

VERSUS

Despite this, it is an enjoyable movie, the pacing is good and there is no time for any dull moments. The battle scenes are particularly thrilling, and are definitely some of the strongest points in the movie. The battles at the start and the end of the movie are particularly engaging. The movie does at times feel as if it is a medieval version of Gladiator, especially when Robin Hood makes a speech. Overall the acting is good, with the stand out being Cate Blanchett as Lady Marion. Russell Crowe makes a believable and tougher-than-usual Robin Hood, but his accent tends to waver between a number of flavours, including what sounds like Irish and Scottish.

All in all there is nothing truly bad in this movie, but there is also not that much that sets it apart from many other action movies. If you do find yourself at the cinema, unsure of what to watch, Robin Hood would make for an entertaining hour and a half.

Iron Man 2

Coming out of the cinema, I heard mixed impressions on this one. They varied from:
"That was awesome, 10x better than the first one! I wish I was Iron Man..." to "That was disappointing... I think the first one was much better."

I'll be sitting on the fence for the time being, because I think that both of these simplistic statements contain some truth. Iron Man 2 is a fast paced and aesthetically pleasing movie with lots of impressive visual effects. Among other scenes, I’m thinking of the one where Tony Stark dons his Iron Man suit “on-the-go” (his suit being conveniently stowed away in a suitcase like it was his gym gear). To me, that was more impressive than the mechanical blur in the "Transformers" movies. Cheesy dialogue, mushy plots and mainstream sense of humour make it for a really compelling and accessible movie for the wider audience. Iron Man/Tony Stark, now a celebrity superstar, makes an extraordinary entrance into the Stark Expo, with cheerleaders dancing and welcoming him. During the movie, Tony Stark goes on to claim that he has "Privatized World Peace" - catchy.

What was really disappointing for me was the lack of depth with the many new characters in Iron Man 2, despite the A-list cast. Superhero movies often make the mistake of involving too many (supposedly) important and popular characters, only to give them a few minutes of screen time. Mickey Rourke is brilliant as Ivan Vanko and I wish that his character was exploited a bit more. Sam Rockwell is also quite funny and entertaining as the villainous arms dealer that threatens Tony Stark’s empire. As for Robert Downey Jr's acting and presence, there is not much to complain about, as I cannot dissociate him from Tony Stark anymore. Obviously, it's a sequel, and there's always going to be comparisons with the original. But if we take it for what it is (an action movie - explosions!!!), I would say it was quite entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Would recommend for a night out.

Chris How

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

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

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

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