Thursday, May 15, 2008

10,000 BC

Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Action

Overall value for money and time: 6.7/10

Though probably one of the highly anticipated films, this movie wasn't really worth waiting for. However, when compared to "Forbidden Kingdom", this movie is so much better, yet it lies a notch lower compared to "Apocalypto". It has a story plot similar to "Apocalypto", where a tribesman is the chosen one to free his people from evil. It does feel a little weird to hear them speaking english. It has astounding CG and convincing costumes, yet the casting wasnt all too perfect. The lead star doesnt have the overall "stylo-ness" in him. Even after the end of the movie, you wouldn't entrust your life to him. The lead actress on the other end, is the reason for me (and the lead actor) to carry on the journey. She's a real eye candy and enough to make one's day. That's why together with the cool CG, this movie bearly passed the "7" rating.

30 Days of Night

Rating: 6.7/10
Genre: Horror

Overall value for money and time: 6.4/10

Based on a graphic novel, 30 Days of Night is about an Alaskan town which experiences 30 days of night. The lives of the townspeople and the Sheriff (Josh Harnett) are threatened when a group of vampires haunts them. It's not exactly your typical vampire horror movie. It started off slow, with plot development and gradually the action caught up. The horror factor isn't overwhelming so for viewers with low fear tolerance like myself can expect a good night's rest. The ending boosted my rating for the movie so be sure to sit through the entire movie if you feel yourself drifting away in the midst of it. Watchable but if you're someone with a hectic schedule, you can give this horror movie a miss.

Away From Her

Rating: 9.1/10
Genre: Romance

Overall value for money and time: 9.2/10

One of the most beautiful movies I've seen. It's beautiful in the story, the chracters and the cinematography. A highly recommended movie about an aging couple where the wife contracted Alzheimer's diesease. The loving couple was put to the test when she requested to be transferred to a nursing home where she gradually starts to lose her identity. Her husband's battle to bring happiness to his wife was so emotionally packed that your heart will break in his place. While this movie is extremely touching and sweet, it's not those movies that will have you walking out the cinema flooded with your tears. Strangely enough, it's not tear wrenching but more thought provoking. Based on a true story, this movie will take your breath away. Well worth every penny and every single second of my time. GREAT, EXCELLENT, FLAWLESS!

Speed Racer

Rating: 5.5/10
Genre: Fantasy

Overall value for money and time: 5.2/10

From the Japanese animated series comes the movie version of Speed Racer, brought to you by Wachowski brothers (creators of "Matrix"). Sounds almost perfect doesnt it, which was the reason that convinced me to watch it. The trailer turned me off, with all the CG, making it feel a little too fake for me. I gave it a go anyway and I must say, I wasn't totally disappointed. Fortunately, the ending saved this movie. Apart from that, the opening and the build up was draggy. The humour is exceptionally lame. Also, Matthew Fox from "Lost" added some coolness to the movie. There's also Rain in this movie, though I'm not too fond of him and his character didnt have an outstanding role. This story revolves around a young boy, Speed Racer, who fantasizes about racing since young and his older brother is one of the race champions of all times. However, when his brother died in a racing accident, his family changed. When he grew up, Speed Racer realises that racing is a dark underground business, and only he, has the ability to change it.

Street Kings

Rating: 7.7/10
Genre: Crime
Overall value for money and time: 8.0/10


This movie doesnt entirely have the impact "Training Day" gave me when I finished watching it. But I wouldn't give this one a miss if I were you. It has an intense build up and quite the unexpected ending. A cop who does things the "left" way finds himself being implicated and set up. The only way he knows is to bring justice into his own hands. Great acting by Keanu Reeves and Forest Whitaker. There's also stars like Chris Evans and Amaury Nolasco (Sucre in Prison Break) which I thought was pretty refreshing to see them. I find it difficult to comment much about this movie, for it's a straightforward and rather forgettable movie.

Iron Man

Rating: 8.2/10
Genre: Action
Overall value for money and time: 8.7/10
This movie belongs to one of the top Marvel movies of all time, matching up the ranks with movies such as "Spiderman". The villian in this movie isn't the all cool and powerful type, however, the main emphasis is on the plot and character development of Iron Man. Though I'm not too fond of Robert Downey Jr, I thought he did a great job in this movie. Tony Stark is a talented and wealthy industrialist who makes weapons of mass destruction for his country. When he was captured by terrorists and realises the damage his weapons could do if they were in the wrong hands, he took it in himself to use his talent for doing good for mankind instead. Hence, he created an armoured suit to fight justice. The entire movie is very light hearted and has a good mix of everything in it - humour, action, justice, cool CG, evil villians, morality and stuff. Still, I didn't give this movie a top notch rating as there were quite a number of loop holes in it. There were some parts of the movie which just didnt make sense. However, those can be forgiven taking into account the overall plot and the portrayal of the movie. There are times which this movie may get you to the edge of your seats, so be warned, fasten your seat belts and get ready for a roller coaster ride!!

Forbidden Kingdom

Rating: 5.2/10
Genre: Action Fantasy

Overall value for money and time: 5.0/10

After the much awaited movie, how could I bear to fail this film? Since young, I've always longed for a movie with both Jackie Chan and Jet Li in it, imagine the amount of action in it! When the trailer first came out months back, it was one of the highest anticipated movies of all time. Imagine my disappointment when I watched it! Action? Impactless. Graphics? Pretty decent. Humour? Lame. Plot? Almost senseless. The movie is about a young boy who is a huge fan of Chinese Kung Fu and one day, he morphs into a fantasy world where he must return the Golden Staff to the stonned Monkey God. Only then can he free the people from the tyranny of a devious warlord. The movie is cheezy and there are lotsa senseless and abrupt takes and scenes. Somehow, it just couldnt link well. Thinking back too much about the movie will only cause you brain hemorrhage. I believe the producers wanted to make an epic movie, combining all the famous chinese kung fu characters like the drunken master, white haired "witch", monkey god etc. However, it resulted in a parody-type like movie, and it felt like a cheap production movie. It gave me the feeling that the director was trying to portray his fantasies in the main lead, and he's such an avid fan of martial arts that he made this movie just to satisfy that fantasy. There are many mixed reviews about this movie, both extremes. Either you like it or you dont. Sadly, I believe most people belong to the later, unless, you love movies like "Scary Movie", "Date Movie", "Meet the Spartans" etc. Then this movie might just make your day.

Hottie and the Nottie

Rating: 5.0/10
Genre: Comedy

Overall value for money and time: 3.5/10

While there isnt many movies with Paris Hilton in it, this lies nowhere close to the best. For you Paris's fans out there, this movie may appeal to you in some sense, but I personally felt that the plot was too hurried and there wasn't enough character development in it. There's nothing to feel touched by, and the movie could only bring a few genuine laughs. It's your average stay home popcorn movie on a gloomy day where you have nothing else better to do. The movie is about a guy who realises that he is still in love with his childhood sweetheart. Only problem is, he has to matchmake her hideous best friend before she could start dating again. It has a little spice of "ShallowHal" plot in it. It's your typical boy chase girl, realises he's in love with her best friend and they live happily ever after kinda story. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me.