Iron Man 3

Ratings: 9.2/10

Film Class: A

Genre: Superhero Action

Iron Man 3 was well worth the wait, the anticipation and hype that it built up in the past few months leading up to its official release. A note of caution though, what you see in the trailer will not be what you get in the movie. I'm going to include this important spoiler right at the start of my review, because throughout the show, I was hoping to hear some of the catchy lines spoken by the cast featured in the trailer but somehow they never made it to the big screens.

I believe the movie was massively cut due to its long runtime of 130mins, and would probably be one of the plus factors in getting the DVD with the extras in it. Either that, or the director attempted at something rather bold yet refreshing, the game of deceit right from the very beginning of a typical movie experience, the trailers. In fact, director Shane Black did just that. Huh? You might be wondering what in world am I talking about? This contradicting opinion is intended, you'll have to watch the movie to know what I mean, without giving too much away, I'm just wondering if it's the whole package (lines + scenes) or just the main gist. 

I did come home to rewatch the trailers to affirm my suspicion, and true enough, it wasn't just the lines, but some of the scenes in the trailer was cut from the movie as well. Hmm... in a way, I felt rather cheated. 

The setting and timeline of Iron Man 3 is post-Avengers, meaning it would help with piecing up some bits of the story and keeping up with some of the conversations exchanged if you caught the Avengers movie prior to watching Iron Man 3. After uniting and coming together towards a common enemy in the Avengers, the superheroes return to their "normal" lives. Here, Tony Starch, the man behind the suit, is no longer the fearless man he once was, suffering from anxiety attacks whenever he thinks back to his near-death battle with "aliens" in the Avengers movie and is hence obsessed with perfecting his technology, to protect the one person which matters most to him, his personal assistant cum lover Pepper Potts.

His world turns upside down when he openly challenged a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, which was broadcast Live across the country. After his home, stored with all his work and research was blown up into smithereens and left for dead, Tony Starch must rely on primitive technology and his wits to battle his greatest nemesis of all time. 

*spoiilers ahead*

Iron Man 3's plot, build up, action scenes and scripting were on par with its film class. It aced almost every aspect of what makes a great movie. The opening soundtrack was rather cheesy (Blue, sang by Eiffel 65 which was released in 1998), but exceptionally nostalgic. The plot had an unexpected twist in it, though not as good as the showdown between Joker and Batman in The Dark Knight because in terms of intellect, Tony Starch still beats the Mandarin, unlike in The Dark Knight, the Joker kinda dominated Batman. So it's not going to that dilemmic because the battle was more focused on both of them and involved less hard to make choices because less innocent lives were at stake. 

The build up was steadily engaging, and the pace was just right. There wasn't a moment where it felt draggy, coupled with witty funny lines by the cast in most "interval" scenes, and with well spaced out action scenes which never fails to keep me at the edge of my seats, I'm going to boldy and confidently claim that this is the best paced superhero movie at present. Come to think of it, describing the action scenes as keeping me at the edge of my seats doesn't justify how good they were... in fact they were so good, especially the first big scene, it just took my breaths away, literally. 

*major major spoiler ahead* 

I especially liked the workings of his new prototype, the Mark... er.. 47? Can't remember the exact number, but there's continuity in the mechanics of it throughout the movie. It reinforces the rationale of creating something novel, not just for the sake of it, but there's actually many advantages of doing so as seen and proven during various scenes. 

2 familiar faces also stole a bit of screentime from the charismatic Robert Downey Jr., Rebecca Hall and John Favreau. I thought both of them looked familiar but couldn't put a name to their faces until the credits rolled, and if you're wondering who they are, Rebecca Hall is probably best known for her role in The Prestige, and John Favreau, is an actor cum director who actually directed both Iron Man and Iron Man 2. 

Not forgetting the "usual" cameo by Stan Lee himself, this time, he only enjoys around 3 seconds of screentime and I almost missed it until I heard giggles in the crowd because by then I was already too drawn into the plot... 

But one of the best cameos is by xxx who appeared during the aftercredits scene. Oh, if you're wondering, and which I have already disclosed, there's an aftercredits scene so do hang around till the very end, it'll be worth it, I promise. The aftercredits scene was pretty incredible, and added more sense to the narrative style of the movie. 

Iron Man 3 is easily and undebatably one of the best superhero movies out there, and if you were hugely disappointed by Iron Man 2 and Avengers like I was, fret not, this movie will respark your faith in superhero movies. 

Flight

Ratings: 7.7/10

Film Class: B

Genre: Drama

After miraculously saving an airplane from crashing with a feat only possible by veteran pilot Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington), he lands himself in a more life threatening situation, the trial of his alcohol addiction.

Flight is a difficult movie to watch. Landing a plane to safety in the most incredibly unbelievable way possible is only a mask for this dark and depressing movie about an alcoholic's messed up life. It's more of a film on character study, on the damaging, twisted, and almost schizophrenic lives of alcoholics living in self deceit. Ok, maybe I'm being a little too harsh here, not all alcholics are out of control, but Whip Whitaker's life sure is. His addiction damages his relationship with others, though initially not explicitly shown, the story gradually unravels this seemingly intriguing character who by first impression, is an obnoxiously optimisitic guy. 

*spoilers ahead* The audience will soon be up for a treat, because 25 minutes into the movie, this seemingly optimistic guy shows his true inner self.

I was actually rather surprised at how the mood could turn around so drastically, but am impressed that the director did it with such finesse it didn't feel forced and I was happily (ironically speaking) and willingly drawn right in. 

I thought the ending scene was very powerful, with lack of a better word to describe it. Not the kind of Thor powerful which blasts you to another universe (ok, I'm being lame here, but not as lame as Denzel Washington after the plane crash), but the kind which really makes you think. 

*major major spoilers ahead* During his trial, the evidence seemed to be tweaked, even though it was presented by a supposedly partial NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) lead investigator, Ellen Block. Even though she did at times prompted Whip to confess his crime, it was unclear why the fingers were pointed at his love interest instead. He was having an intimate relationship with an air stewardess, who unfortunately died in the plane crash. There was no hint that she was even alcoholic, till the very end when the lead investigator presented that "fact". 

I believe that scene hinted at how the facts were manipulated by the airline's top man, to save the company's reputation as was seen in an earlier scene but somehow there wasn't any follow-up... How he manipulated it? Bribery of course. I'm not sure if the ending scene did imply that, but whatever it is, as what it looked on the surface, Whip's courage to own up was a killer moment in the film. Don't get me wrong, it didn't kill the film, it nailed it. It was like the epic ending scene from A Time to Kill.

There were also other subplots, like Whip's next love interest who was also an addict, a drug addict, and his hippy brother, played by John Goodman, which deceiving looked trivial but was necessary to the story progression. 

Flight was yet another emo-fying movie that affected my happiness meter for that day, but was packed with enough engine power to impress my worn-out mind from a hard day's work. 

Silver Linings Playbook

Ratings: 7.5/10
Film Class: B
Genre: Drama

Pat (Bradley Cooper) was admitted into a mental instituition for breaking down when he caught his wife in the act of adultery and almost killed her lover, but manages to move back to stay with his mum and dad on condition that he continues therapy. Delusionally hoping to reunite with his wife Nikki and not coming to terms that she has left him, he tries means to get closer to her friends and colleagues, resulting in a restraining order against him. However, a mutual close friend of his might just be his key to getting through to Nikki, or so he thinks. And the only person who could help him is an equally troubled girl by the name of Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence).

Ok, before I try to dissect the subtleties of the storyline, I shall first comment, and commend on the contributing factor to what makes the movie so successful. Plot was "cultist", might not appeal to audience who cannot relate, or feels uncomfortable relating to the topics discussed in this film, but on the surface, both Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence performances was praiseworthy and crucial in "selling" the plot. They were both so comfortable on screen it almost feels as if they were just being themselves. Kudos, to these two up and rising Hollywood stars. 

I was never a fan of Jennifer Lawrence, and wondered why she was voted the most desirable famous woman of 2013 for AskMen magazine, beating 98 other famous gorgeous looking actresses. She wasn't that great in Hunger Games, or was she? 

And she even won an Oscar for her role in Silver Linings Playbook? Well, that was what I thought before watching this movie... but now I know why. 

She truly deserves it, the Oscar. And as for the title of most desirable woman, I'm 100% certain it's because of this film as well. She acted so well, was so sluttishly vulnerable, and was this average looking girl who has such a hot developing body with her rounded bosom and perky bottoms, it's no wonder this relatively fresh actress won the hearts, and heads of men.

To win an Oscar, one would need a little luck, and good planning. I've observed over the years that the trend for Oscar nominees tend to be skewed towards those that were released nearer to the cut-off date for the awards, where the audience's memories and experiences of the films are still fresh. Those movies that comes out just after the awards stand a much lower chance of being nominated in the next Oscar, even though they might just be as good, or even better than the winner. 

I personally feel there's some biasness, but then again it could just be me, for being sore that 2 of my favourite actors, Leonardo Dicaprio and Hugh Jackman, deserving of an Oscar has never won the award before. 

*major major spoilers ahead* 

While the main topic presented in the movie was about mental illness, I don't believe it was the director, or the author's intention (since the movie was based on a 2008 novel) or at least not the way that I see it that is the main gist of it. 

I believe the main idea is that no one's really that normal. It could be because of who Pat hangs out with that made him that way, bipolar as he was diagnosed. But then again it could simply mean that mental illness is such an inaccurate diagnosis that only the unfortunate gets diagnosed with it. 

When Pat beat the crap out of his wife's love affair, one can't blame him for that. Almost any normal person would be infuriated in a situation like that. But even though there was a scene which explained that Pat wasn't diagnosed because of the beating but because of what he thought his wife and her love affair was scheming against him, I still don't think it "abnormal" to think this way. That's probably one of the ways we humans "interpret" situations hidden from us, but yet our "sixth sense" tells us that something is amiss. If everyone is so rationally capable of deducing what exactly the actual situation is being kept from us, then there wouldn't be such things as frauds, adulteries, money laundering happening in this world now would there? 

The one scene which really brings this point to light is where Pat and his group of friends were at an American football game, and everyone was "ok" to beat the crap out of each other but not Pat, because he's diagnosed with mental illness and him beating up someone else would mean there's a high chance he might be thrown back into the mental instituition. 

Once a criminal, always a criminal? Once a mental patient, always a mental patient? It's the stigma, the social norm that our modern day society will never be able to break out of, because it's just human nature to convenient settle for the easiest explanation, and it's so easy to point an accusing finger at someone else other than oneself. 

Moving away from the gloomy topic, there's a bit of Little Miss Sunshine in this... the dancing part. I was keeping my fingers crossed that the dancing competition that Pat and Tiffany signed up for would result in a more favourable outcome, with the big finishing move, but sometimes, movies like to fail our expectations, just to bring out the disappointing yet refreshing realism of life. 

Silver Linings Playbook is not a romantic movie, but it's a feel good movie despite the melancholic content. Robert De Niro and Chris Tucker also brought some light-heartedness and heart felt moments, contributing to the overall package of possibly the easiest to watch "dark" movie out there. 

Dredd

Ratings: 7.3/10

Film Class: B

Genre: Action

Hmm... Dredd doesn't have much class, it looks like a pretty low budget film, CG-wise was decent, most of the cast are relatively unknown and setting wise, 90% takes place in a locked down building. But what Dredd does promise is a semi-gory, action-packed, kick-ass, no-brainer, movie that might be worth your time. 

Made after the Judge Dredd comics, and though it's not the first live action film, there's something likable about it - I believe is the invincibility of the protagonist. Think Taken, but instead of a CIA agent, Dredd is an enforcement officer in a futuristic era where enforcement officers can act as a Judge, and is given the power to prosecute, and execute any criminal offenders. Like Spidey's uncle would say, "With great power comes great responsiblity". And even though Judge Dredd is given such great power, he doesn't abuse it and isn't afraid to mess with the big boys, er.. girl, known as 'Ma-Ma'. 

To make things a little more interesting, of course Dredd isn't alone in this. With a psychic rookie partner, locked down in a multi-leveled high-security building owned by 'Ma-Ma', Dredd and his partner must shoot their way through countless of thugs to finally bring down the city's biggest syndicate. 

A fun and cool B-grade movie to watch, but don't expect too much class of this. 

End of Watch

Ratings: 6.9/10

Film Class: C

Genre: Crime Drama

End of Watch follows closely the routine checks/busts of two LA police officers, who's the cream of the crop, but as a result lands themselves into trouble when they continually bust a criminal lord's mega illegal human-trafficking operations, forcing themselves to come face to face with brutal enemies who wants them dead.

This documentary-style like movie is raw, grainy, and at certain times, pretty boring with the seemingly everyday dialogue. Not one to keep you up at night, but it does have a few tense moments here and there. Heard a lot of talk about the realistic chemistry between the 2 leads, no doubt it was present, but as much as the random conversations were important in creating a convincing sense of realism between the characters, it added little value to the enjoyment of the film. 

*major spoilers ahead* There aren't many movies out there glorying just and righteous police officers, but when one of those few movies' finally made, it's not unreasonable to think that a tragic ending is imminent. Ie., the plot was predictable. It's just a matter of "when". However, the ending scene did end with a "bang", a mentally replayable scene which I'm certain will haunt many audiences' minds. And that, morbidly is a plus point for me. Well, at least there's a part of it which creates a deep impression... 

Django Unchained

Ratings: 9.4/10
Film Class: B
Genre: Action Drama

My only complaint about this film, is that the title is an absolute turnoff. Even though there's a pretty darn good reason for it, it metaphorically refers to the transformation of the black male protagonist (Jamie Foxx), Django turning from slave into a kickass cowboyish bounty hunter, the title lacked the coolness rampant in the movie, even more disguised by the cheesy-looking poster. Hmm... is that 2 complaints then? 

Quentin Tarentino's movies are slowly, but surely, gaining the respect of the mainstream audience. His previous films used to be on the senseless gore charts, excessive unnecessary brutality and his trademark blood splatters. Not that I'm complaining, because most of the time the exaggerated blood splatter scenes added twisted comic relief, but has an adverse effect of making his movies seem less brainy. 

I feel that he has dumped some of his old styles behind to fine-tune those which better attract a wider audience. I've caught many of his films, my first being his From Dawn to Dust (he wasn't a director but was one of the writers and actors), when he was still a fairly unknown (to me) name in the movie industry. For crying out loud, I didn't even know about his Pulp Fiction only after a few years later, and had to study a bit of him in my film appreciation class. Tarentino's filming styles are more distinct and pretty unique compared to most other directors, he sure isn't a Blockbuster-type director, but an artsy one. 

Can't believe I've spent 2 whole paragraphs on him without even reviewing the movie proper, but bottomline is, if you're one who is familiar with his style, you more or less know what to expect. Unlike his previous films  where there's a big twist in the storylines, and where the good and bad guys switch roles and vice versa, Django Unchained's plot is more "stable" and more conventional. *major spoilers ahead* The kicker lies in wiping off some of the main characters, somewhat similar to Inglourious Basterds, so for first time viewers, there's still a little "twist" in there, provided you're not already reading this post. 

Christoph Waltz is now officially one of my favourite actors. He was able to match his Inglourious Basterds stellar acting, this time more of a hero than his usual villainous roles. Jamie Foxx still didn't impress me that much, but was one of his better performances, and as for Leonardo DiCaprio, I feel such injustice that he hasn't won an oscar for his unparalleled performance. Leonardo DiCaprio is such a cream of the crop versatile actor that I don't think he has ever failed in any of his roles. And to show that to the world, he has taken the role as a villian this time round... and he was absolute badass. 

I read a couple of trivia on imdb before viewing it, which kinda enhanced the movie experience. I kept a look out for the "original Django", Leonardo's bloody hands, and Jamie Foxx's horse. In brief, for you lazy folks out there, the title and setting of this movie was inspired by a 1966 film Django, and the original Django actor Franco Nero cameoed in this, with him asking what Jamie Foxx's name was, to recieve a reply "Django" spelt out, and Jamie informing him that the "D" is silent. And Franco Nero said "I know". Such a deceivingly scripted easter egg reference for those in the know. 

When Leonardo DiCarpo exposed Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx plan, he smashed a glass, and was really bleeding. However he chose to ignore it and stayed in character. And finally for Jamie Foxx, he was riding on his own horse, and there was even a display of his own horse tricks. 

Django Unchained has a fairly predictable storyline, but I love how it's clearly broken down into different major scenes and features different showcases of the cast. From the start the focus was on Christoph Waltz, about how he freed Django and taught him the ropes. We get to understand him better, and once the director's "mission" of doing so was completed, the focus shifted to Jamie Foxx, about him rescuing his wife from a ruthless plantation owner. That's when Leonardo comes into the picture (about midway in the film) and steals the limelight. Next in line, was Samuel L. Jackson, Leonardo's loyal senior house slave. Samuel L. Jackson was also hilariously exchanging spiting lines with Django. 

All in all, it was an absolute delight to watch these veteren, highly acclaimed actors on screen, all in one non-blockbuster-like movie. Kerry Washington, Django's wife's acting looked so amateurish in comparison with these powerhouses. 

The plot, though simple, touched on a sensitive topic, in a professional, entertaining manner in which only Quentin Tarentino could pull off without offending his audience.

With loads of hilarious punch lines, unexpected cameos (did I mention Jonah Hill and Quentin Tarentino was in as well?), star studded cast, edge-of-your-seats mood setters (cos' you'll be sitting in anticipation of sudden gun draws), old school cowboyish cinematography/film style with old school OST and the director's trademark blood splatters, this movie would easily make its way into anyone's top 10 list who appreciates good ol' cinema. Intense, yet light-hearted, and highly entertaining. Django Unchained is a must-watch for 2013!

Ruby Sparks

Ratings: 6.7/10

Film Class: C+

Genre: Teenage Drama

What if an imaginary girl of your dreams (literally) were to suddenly appear in your life, to have already fallen so deeply in love with you, and whom you can control her to do as you demand? Sounds too good to be true? Well, that's Ruby Sparks for you, in a nutshell. A one-time hit wonder novelist suffers from writer's block. Desperate, he creates a fictional female lead for his new novel out of this one vague dream of her. He creates a fictional relationship between himself and the female lead, only to discover one day that, "She's out of his mind (tagline for movie)".

What's intriguing is that the lead actress, Zoe Kazan, is the one who also wrote the screenplay for this movie. An original, yet twisted romantic story of a teenage couple. However, this is no chick flick (I find this catchy term rather sexist, but have used it in this context for the purest of intentions - to mean that the film genre mainly deals with love and romance and designed to appeal largely to female target audience [as defined by wikipedia]). Instead, there's some dark, cultist, "emo-ing" content to this. 

There was a particular scene which could easily have passed off as a scene in a horror film. It was so disturbing it's still stuck in my head even after catching it more than 2 weeks ago. I was expecting more of a feel-good, light-hearted Little Miss Sunshine mood sprinkled with teenage romance kinda movie. This just reminds me of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Catching 2 such movies within such a short span of time sure brought out the "emo-ness" in me... so, be warned.