Category: Movie Reviews

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Comedy Movie Reviews Romance

No Strings Attached – And The Portman Fever Continues

I was expecting worse, partly influenced by the mixed reviews.   But as a fan of Portman, it would be a crime to give “No Strings Attached” a miss.  I do not love her less after watching this romance comedy.   Natalie Portman remains as a versatile and witty actress.   And she has good chemistry with the leading actor Ashton Kutcher.   It is unfortunate that the script is less than inspiring.  Is it the scriptwriter’s fault?  Or is it because some of us cannot relate to the topic of casual sex?   A few minutes into the show, a younger version of Portman tells a younger version of Kutcher that she does not believe in loving someone forever.  Shortly after, a younger version of Kutcher shyly asks, “Can I finger you?”   That pretty much set the tone – script-wise – on where this film is heading.

Less than inspiring script aside, “No String Attached” does have its fun side.  I found myself laughing lightly throughout the movie.  Portman plays a doctor who has little time for romance.  And here comes Kutcher whom Portman has seen occasionally over the last 15 years, who agrees to be her friend with ‘benefit’.  You can’t really read too deep into the story because you can more or less predict where it is heading, as in most of the romance comedies.  If there is one takeaway point, that would be: being in love could be painful but it is better to feel love than living a life without.  In today’s Singapore, this seems to be so relevant.  Especially when we finally realize that the root cause of the falling birth rate could well be people not falling in love enough to get married.

Now that we have watched “No Strings Attached”, after that phenomenal “Black Swan“, I am looking forward to watching “Thor”.  Yet another movie with Natalie Portman in it.

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Drama Movie Reviews

The King’s Speech – “Terribly Good”

“Terribly good”, so said one of the audiences behind us at the end of the show.  This movie, “The King’s Speech”, has attracted quite a crowd of Westerners.  It must have been moving for some to see King George VI of UK playing on the big screen.  He is the father and predecessor of Queen Elizabeth II.  And if the queen is “touched by a moving portrayal of her father”, the filmmakers must have done something right.

Colin Firth plays the duke – soon to be king – who has a stammering problem.  Quite a thorny problem as a king who is expected to delivery public speeches.  Colin’s acting is convincing.  Those long pauses are painful to watch on screen.  The script is written by David Seidler who also has (or had) the same problem.  Geoffrey Rush plays the speech therapist.  Certainly to me, the most delightful character to watch.  Going head to head with Christian Bale (“The Fighter“) for the best supporting actor category, it would be interesting to see what the outcome is.  Because both actors are superb in what they do.  Helena Bonham Carter plays the king’s wife.  Although her airtime is minimal as the story is focused on the friendship of the king and his therapist, her being so supportive to her husband is moving.  Once again, Elizabeth is on screen, played by a charming little girl.  The Queen of UK must be quite flattered by the number of actresses in recent time eager to play her role.

The entire film gives a good early 1900 feel.  What I like most, besides the acting, is the soundtrack.  The classical pieces – of the piano and violin – accompanied the plot well.  If I read the end credits right, the soundtrack is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

How many Oscar awards will “The King’s Speech” bag this year?  We don’t have to wait too long to see.  The Oscar event is just round the corner.

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Drama Movie Reviews

Black Swan – How I Love …

Chinese New Year is a time we spend it with our family and in our case, ‘extended’ family.  At the stroke of midnight, Cynthia, our gaming buddy Mark, and I were in our goblin form (with two others) battling gnomes and machines inside the dungeon Gnomeregan.  We did not notice the time until we saw the long list of warm wishes flowing from the guild chat window.  On the second day of New Year, we met my sister, her husband Benny, and little Bethany.  On the first day of New year, Cynthia, our movie buddy TK, and I watched “Black Swan”.  I have extremely high expectation on this movie because first, I am a huge fan of Natalie.  I love her performance since the beginning, when she partnered with Jean Reno in the 1994 Luc Besson movie.  Second, I am a huge fan of Tchaikovsky, especially his ballet piece – Swan Lake.  I used to have several versions of Swan Lake recorded by different conductors and orchestras in cassette format.  You may think that a classical piece is a classical piece and they are the same.  But they are not.  When you are used to the rhythm and the details of a particular recording, listening to a different one can be – initially – excruciating.  I could write on and on about Swan Lake, the classical music.  And Swan Lake, the ballet.  But let’s go back to the movie, “Swan Lake”.

I would prefer to classify “Black Swan” as a drama and a psychological thriller, rather than an erotic thriller as marketed here in Singapore.  It is ironic because after the censorship – noticeable on that girl-on-girl scene – what is left is a series of fast forward awkward looking shots.  But look at the brighter side, two decades ago, seeing two girls kissing on screen must have been unthinkable in Singapore.  Perhaps two decades from now, adult viewers can enjoy artworks closer to the original form.

The story of “Black Swan” is surprisingly (or unsurprisingly) simple and straightforward.  There is a loose tie in with the ballet’s story development too.  Ballet dancer Nina – played by Natalie Portman – is going to be the swan queen, dancing the roles of both the white and the black swan.  Does perfection require technique and control?  Or rather, passion and letting go?  It is a story of one lead ballet dancer’s struggle to embrace the opposing roles and her transformation from the white swan to both the white and the black swan.  Natalie Portman is a brilliant actress.  Some scenes on how she methodologically goes through the ballet training are almost too painful to watch.  The result is authentic.  You can see that she has put in a hundred and ten on this movie.

From the choreography and filming viewpoint, of the few ballet scenes on screen, I felt lifted watching them (according to Cynthia, I was shaking).  Partly because I have already loved the music (and the actress).  And partly because of the special effects added to some of the scenes in making them more than what we seen on a real life ballet stage.  I am not a ballet dancer and am unable to comment on the technique of the actors and the actresses and their doubles.  From what I have seen on screen, I am convinced.

Will the Oscar voters agree with Natalie Portman that this is perfect?  We will have to wait and see.

Categories
Comedy Movie Reviews

The Green Hornet – Kind Of Silly, Also Kind Of Funny

Well, well, well.  It doesn’t matter what we write, does it?  If you are a Jay Chou fan, you still want to watch “The Green Hornet” regardless, yes?

It is an omy.sg organized event, with pizzas supplied by Domino’s.  The pizza was surprisingly tasty, and it didn’t give me too much of a thirsty after feeling.  I kept coming back for more until I felt … a little bit embarrassed.  Too bad, Domino’s doesn’t deliver to my area, as yet.

Cynthia and I watched “The Green Hornet” in 3D at Cathay Cineleisure .  The film color looked vivid, and it’s pretty well done.  While I am not sure if this movie warrants a 3D treatment, we enjoy watching movies in 3D.  Cynthia seems to be struck by the Jay Chou effect, even half of the time, she was unable to comprehend Jay’s English accent.  I can understand.  The Japanese have Takashi (who is half Chinese by the way).  I guess we Chinese have Jay Chou.  For me, I prefer watching Jay Chou acts in a romance drama.  Like his role in “Secret”.  It is strange to see him as a comedian.  Fortunately, most of the time, in “The Green Hornet”, Jay just needs to act cool.  The joke is on the leading actor, Seth Rogen.  If you don’t like Seth’s style in “Funny People“, most likely you would find this movie not as entertaining.  Cynthia and I happen to find this movie at times funny.  But it is also silly as hell.

I don’t think “The Green Hornet” is intended to glorify superheroism.  Or rather, the mockery of that.  Looking from that angle, yes, this is crazy fun stuff.  Seth plays the “Green Hornet” while Jay plays his sidekick.  This combo is oh so familiar to those movies filmed with, say, Jacky Chan and Jet Li.  Maybe the Western’s idea of the Chinese is that the Chinese are funny, adept in martial art, but not quite the lead character.  I like the part when Jay sings “Gangsta’s Paradise” inside the car, or when he plays the piano (remember “Secret”?)  I also like his Chinese song played at the end of the show.  Such a great singer he is.

While Cameron Diaz’s role is forgettable (the script’s fault, really), we love Christoph Waltz’s acting.  We have seen him in “Inglourious Basterds“.  I just wish to see more of him in “The Green Hornet”.  We laughed so hard when he said “I am ungassable!” in his bizarre gas mask and costume.  Quite possibly the most memorable quote of this movie.

I don’t think the guys would enjoy this one as much as the girls.  The dude beside me was busy playing with his phone while his partner was laughing away.  While the middle part feels draggy, “The Green Hornet” ends with a hilarious bang.  At least there was something I could take home with.

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Drama Movie Reviews

The Fighter – What An Intense And Surprising Performance!

What a surprise!  I am seeing the casting in a whole new light.  I would not have thought that Christian Bale can act.  Like really act.  I was weary if Bale was going to have that batman voice – artificially low and harsh barely above the audible range (for humans that is, not sure for bats).   I mean, I was not that impressed with that batman movie that many love.  Certainly, “The Fighter” has changed my view on Bale.  He has lost so much weight in order to act in this movie.  And his acting as a rather eccentric bigger brother, a prisoner, as well as a drug addict is convincing.  In real life, Bale is younger than Wahlberg who in this movie played as his much younger brother.  Now, how does that work?

While Bale has lost weight for the filming of “The Fighter”, I have no idea how much weight Mark Wahlberg has gained.  Wahlberg has turned into a hulk.  Cynthia told me that Wahlberg has spent half a million on training prior to this (she read it somewhere).  If I have that kind of money, I also would like to put on that kind of meat onto my body.  And becomes very yummy to all the ladies around me.  This is one of those movies that the supporting actor outshines the main actor (think “Dark Knight”).  Mainly due to the role opportunity, I suppose.

I always associate Amy Adams as the enchanted princess.  Her list of nominations and wins matches Bale’s.  In this movie, Adams does not look as unblemished as how I remember her to be.  She is still hot in her imperfect way.  But I guess that is what the role calls for.  A girl working in a bar who pairs up with a fighter (same as a boxer?) who has the ambition of getting the world title, with his eccentric elder brother as the trainer, his assertive mother as the manager, and his loving father as the … coordinator?  This movie is based on a true story.  It is one rather dysfunctional family full of drama and gets united on a fighter’s ring.  I love watching the Rocky series (and have this thing about men boxing each other for reasons beyond my comprehension).  And I love watching this one.  There is great chemistry between the actors and actresses.  A heartwarming emotional watch.  Needless to say, “The Fighter” could be an Oscar material.  But is it good enough to win some?  We have to wait and see.

This is the second movie the Movie Review Squad has watched this year.  Tong Kiat has picked the first one.  Cynthia has picked the second one.  The record is so far so good.  I am going to pick the next one and the two are very worried that I will pick the flop of the year (like a Thai movie).  We shall see.

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Action & Thriller Foreign Movie Reviews

A Better Tomorrow – Emotional, And Gripping!

TK, our partner-in-crime in Movie Review Squad texted Cynthia when we were waiting to board our plane, on New Year’s day, back to Singapore.  I was still on a Zen mode, cut off from any Internet access for more than a week.  And so, after numerous text exchanges between TK and Cynthia discussing the logistics of our first movie outing of 2011, I could not contain my bursting desire and said to Cynthia, “Just ask TK to book anything, and we will be there”.  When I learned that TK has booked us a Korean movie, I was very excited.  I pictured a typical Korean drama, with lots and lots of pretty Korean actresses.  Ah, I was so hyped up for some solid visual simulation that when TK met us in Orchard, when he texted us that he was really excited about our first outing of the year, I wanted to reply, “You have no idea”.  I didn’t, because I was driving.

“A Better Tomorrow” is – later as I found out – a remake of a Hong Kong classic movie of the same name.   I have not watched that classic, so I may not be as traumatized as those who are in love with the old film.  Personally, I am finding it quite unfair to compare Korean actors with Chow Yun Fat and Leslie Cheung whom some of us are so familiar with.  Looking at the quality of acting in this Korean remake, I was touched.  The emotion is convincing and one of the gangsters (the Chow Yun Fat clone) does look cool enough to get Cynthia all excited.  No wonder she loves this Korean remake more than the two of us for there are no actresses in this movie, at all.  Zero.

I see where the “problem” is.  Korean men (at least those on screen) are usually, how shall I say, so “pretty”.  Or handsome in a feminine way.  It does look strange to see two men crying to each other trying very hard to defy the urge to say, “I forgive you”, or “Let’s forget the past”.  And they have to act persistently stubborn over the duration of the film with one says, “You are not my brother, I do not want to see you anymore”, and another says, “You are the only brother I have, and let’s not get separated again.”  Mind you, this is a Korean film, with subtitles.  Hence I am not sure how much is lost in translation.  Maybe the original lines are not so cheesy.  By and large, I am drawn into the emotion of the acting.  I like most of the actors, except perhaps the little brother who appears to overact.  But hey, looking at the plot, I suppose  he has the reason to hold his grudges, for all these years.  So, what is the plot like?

Here is a highlight, no spoiler of course.  It is shown right in the beginning of the show.  A pair of brothers together with their mother tried to make an escape from North Korea into South Korea.  Somehow (I think), during the chase by the guards, the little brother fell down and the elder brother scared of being discovered, deserted his little brother and his mother.  The two got caught and the mother was executed.  Since then, the two brothers have been separated, until later in the story, when one becomes a criminal and another, a cop.

There is a good sense of heroism in the movie.  The drama bit made some of the audiences cried.  The gunfight bit was exciting to watch (except perhaps for those who know the ending, since this is a remake).  If I was the scriptwriter, I would replace the little brother with a childhood sweetheart of the elder brother.  And I would make the first desertion perceived as one, but it is not.  Now, that would make a more heart wrenching movie, true to Korean standard.

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Action & Thriller Fantasy & Sci-fi Horror Movie Reviews

Let Me In – Quite Possibly The Greatest Vampire Love Story Of All

“Let Me In” is not a typical vampire movie, quite possibly something you have not seen before.  That is if you have not watched the original Swedish film “Let The Right One In (2008)”.  We can debate if this is a horror film or more like a thriller later.  For the film characters that are of 12 years of age, “Let Me In” is more mature than any other vampire flicks in recent years.  A vampire romance story does not have to have cliché dialogs.  And “Romeo and Juliet” kind of fantasy is just as timeless.

But don’t let me mislead you.  This movie does have tons of creepy moments, many may not be of supernatural in nature.  A little bit of blood and gore.  Innocent dies.  The theme is dark, with zero morale compass.  It is however emotionally griping.  And it also has a great thriller storyline.  While you may be able to guess more or less where the story is heading, the story is still full of intense yet subtle moments that something may go wrong.

A little boy Owen lives with his mother undergoing a divorce with his father.  In school, Owen gets bullied often.  At home, since his mother is drunk most of the time, he has spend much of his evening time observing his neighbors with his telescope at home, or spending time in the courtyard covered in snow.  One day, a young girl moves into the building.  Soon, the two become friends.  That begins the story of a human boy and a vampire girl.  Kodi and Chloë perform well in this movie.  “Let Me In” does not employ a lot of special effects.  It does not have to.  Quite a few key scenes are shot in the perspective of one character leaving the rest up to the audience’s imagination, which is more powerful that laying out the scenes and throwing in more special effects in my opinion.

I am a fan of the role-playing game “Vampire: The Masquerade”.  Not all vampires have to be charming and glamorous.  “Let Me In” does it in style with a rather unglamorous vampire.  Below is a quote from Stephen King.

LET ME IN is a genre-busting triumph.  Not just a horror film, but the best American horror film in the last 20 years.  Whether you’re a teenager or a film-lover in your 50’s, you’ll be knocked out.  Rush to it now.  You can thank me later.

Personally, I think “Let Me In” is more a thriller than a horror.  Cynthia has zero tolerance to Asian horror movies but she can take “Let Me In” just fine.  Perhaps American horror is not meant to be scary but rather, creepy?  This movie should appeal to both non-horror movie goers (unless you faint seeing blood … I know one of my friend does) as well as to horror movie fans.

“Let Me In” will be released in Singapore on Dec 9.  On a side note, Cynthia and I have attended the movie preview session at Shaw Preview Theatre.  It was quite an experience as it was our first time at that venue.

Categories
Drama Foreign Movie Reviews

The Housemaid – More Than Just A Korean Erotic Thriller

I remember seeing the movie poster of “The Housemaid” when we were in Hong Kong.  Back then, we picked a Spanish film to watch instead.  I am surprised.  More often than not, films get released in Singapore earlier than in Hong Kong.  When Omy.sg sent me a media invite to preview the movie, I eagerly said yes.  I love watching Korean movies.  More so, I love watching Jeon Do-yeon’s performance.  “You Are My Sunshine” still breaks my heart every time I think about it.

“The Housemaid” is the type of film that the ending may disorientate you.  And I am sure there are more than one way to interpret the story.  Without giving out spoilers and if you do watch this film, pay attention to the seemingly irrelevant beginning and the bizarrely surreal ending and see if that warrants a valid connection.  There are details such as the housemaid’s burnt mark (that was not explained), her mother’s tomb (what about her father?), and some seemingly out of the sort one-liner dialogs – all of which that may or may not contribute to the story, entirely up to your interpretation.  For me, I love this aspect of the movie.  Having said so, I could imagine if one is to ignore these bits and pieces of seemingly irrelevant details, the thriller itself may not be as compelling.  Because of the lack of resolution in almost all fronts.

“The Housemaid” is a drama that takes place mostly inside a very rich household.  A family needs a young housemaid (hence Jeon Do-yeon) to help out with the housework and the upbring of the family’s young daughter.  A young and pretty wife who is pregnant with a twin.  A young and handsome husband who possesses of chest muscles that even I admire (from a bodybuilding point of view!).  And there is an old housemaid who keeps things running smoothly inside this gigantic house.  Later on, the mother of the young wife also comes into the picture.  The plot centers upon how these characters interact with one another, love and hate one another.  Solid acting, I enjoy watching.  And as for the sex scenes, I think they are artistically done (albeit a bit comical in parts).  Pretty much like the rest of the movie.  Jeon Do-yeon plays the role of an innocent and good hearted housemaid.  Trust me.  You will feel for her.

“The Housemaid” will be opened in Singapore this Thursday (Nov 11).  Below is the trailer.

Categories
Action & Thriller Movie Reviews

Red – It Is A Fun Watch, And There Are Malkovich, Willis, And More

The movie preview took place at Bugis Shaw.  And it has been a while since we hang out in that area.  Cynthia bumped onto her colleague while I to mine.  Small world it is indeed.

The story of “Red” evolves around a team of ex-CIA agents who are now being targeted by the CIA.  The first half of the movie develops the why and the second half focuses on the resolution.  I prefer the part on plot development because that got me thinking on the overall motive.  This movie is filled with lighthearted and fun moments.  Classy I must say, a bit to the crazy end.  I would not have in a million years imagined Helen Mirren wearing a long evening gown firing big machine guns at people.  Then we have John Malkovich who in his unique twisted and quirky way doing the things that you probably would expect but not imagine doing.  Bruce Willis is now 55 and he still looks great on screen, in his usual cool.  He must be one of the most acted hero in recent film history.  And there is Morgan Freeman whom I wish he has more air time.  Oh, it is fun to watch Mary-Louise Parker on screen too.  She plays the role of a pension fund customer service agent and has nothing to do with the CIA.  Somehow, she gets swept into the plot and the amazing thing is, she games for it (and the more amazing is, I am buying it).  Whenever she drops out from the plot, the plot seems to get a little bit dimmer.  Perhaps it is also because she is the only younger one – in relative term of course – in the team.  There is also a fair bit of romance in “Red”, which makes it different from other films of similar genre.

“Red” will be released in Singapore on Nov 11, 2010.  Check it out if you are into a fun movie, especially if you are a fan of the leading actors and actresses.

Categories
Action & Thriller Movie Reviews

The Town – Glorified Bank Robbers

Time passes by so quickly!  One week has passed.  We watched “The Town” last weekend.  And tomorrow is Friday.  The beginning of yet another weekend.  This week is a happy week.  The haze has been lifted.  However, in the mist of finally getting a breath of fresh air, let’s not forget that our neighbor has gone through some terrible natural disasters this very week.  So, my prayers are with them.

I hate to agree with Cynthia.  But she is right.  Ben Affleck cannot act.  Having said that, I still think that he is one cool dude.  I don’t mind to look like him, as tall as him.  Ben Affleck is the director for “The Town” and he has co-written the script.  He has done a good job in both departments.  I enjoy watching the Ben Afflect – Rebecca Hall pair.  More so when Ben pairs up with “The Hurt Locker” star Jeremy Lee Renner.  I ought to catch up on “The Hurt Locker”.  Jeremy Renner is on fire.  That rage, that emotion on screen!  I believe he is also one of the reasons why “The Town” is a success.

In this movie, Ben Affleck plays the role of a robbery architect.  And he has a team of robbers to work with him, including Jeremy Renner.  Rebecca Hall plays the role of a bank manager who first meets Ben Affleck as a masked robber.  And then meeting him as an acquaintance.  Because of that, Ben Affleck – I think – requires to speak in two different accents.  I must say some of what he says can be really hard to catch, if English is not your first language.  But that adds authenticity to the story, which is good.

The plot, I must say, is pretty smart.  The action sequence is thrilling to watch.  I enjoy the fluidity of the plot.  If there is one thing to take home with, it is this thought that although one may have changed to be better, he or she still needs to bear the consequences of the past.  Initially I wondered: Do we need another bank robbery film?  I suppose another good one doesn’t harm.