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Archive for August 2008

31
Aug

Wanted (2008), Enemy of the State, Fool’s Gold (2008)


Wanted (2008)
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

Although a bit overhyped, this is an entertaining action flick. It’s pretty much a fusion between “The Matrix” and “Night Watch” with a bit of comedy that summons “Office Space” during the first half. James McAvoy is very convincing as an alienated worker, boyfriend, and friend but remains charming throughout the picture. Angelina Jolie is beautiful as usual and I was glad to see her again as a chick that can kick men’s ass, like in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Although the story is interesting, the film didn’t explore its core as much as it should have so it resulted to a weaker picture. I feel like the middle part–when McAvoy is taught how to control his abilities–is a bit extended and the conclusion was not fully realized. If they had gotten rid of most of the middle portion, I think they would have more time to explore what the fraternity of assassins is all about. I did enjoy the twist in the beginning of the third half because I did not see it coming at all. That one thing totally changed the audiences’ outlook regarding the whole movie. This film is definitely for those who have short attention spans because there’s intense action sequences and violence that can be found pretty much every ten to fifteen minutes.


Enemy of the State
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I enjoyed this thriller because not only is it composed of action sequences, it also has something to say about our increasingly controlling government as our technology becomes increasingly advanced. Although released ten years ago, it’s more relevant today than anything. Will Smith did a great job as a man caught in a whirlpool of crime. His character is smart, resourceful and has a good family so it’s easy to root for him to succeed. While I was entertained with the action scenes that involve Smith, my favourite scenes are when Gene Hackman and Jon Voight would interact. Watching the two veteran actors collide is like watching a championship boxing match, only words are used as weapons instead of fists. The theme of the movie is consistently interesting and it made me wonder whether the government in real life do what they do here in the film. It was also nice to see familiar faces like Seth Green, Scott Caan, Jack Black, Jason Lee, and Gabriel Byrne. Even though they did not get as much screen time as the lead actors, they added a little extra something in their performances that made me smile.


Fool’s Gold (2008)
[ 1 star out of 4 ]

Oh, boy… Where do I start? I heard that this was a terrible film but I decided to see it anyway because I ran out of movies to see at the time and I wanted to give it a chance. I never liked Matthew McConaughey because I don’t think he can act. But I do like Kate Hudson from time to time. I also like the treasure hunting storyline because I pretended to find treasures when I was a kid. But this picture was so badly written, acted, and directed–not to mention boring from beginning up until they find the treasure. Things got a little interesting when they finally found what they were all looking for but that fifteen-minute segment, unfortunately, does not save this movie’s egregiousness. Every cliche that one can find in a romantic comedy can be found here, not to mention that the so-called love between McConaughey and Hudson was cruel if not way cheesy. I couldn’t come up with a reason why these two characters would be attracted to one another because they were both a mess. Or maybe that’s why they deserve each other. I did like the underwater scenes because I love the ocean, but the movie is a complete let-down despite very low expectations.

26
Aug

My Blueberry Nights, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Definitely, Maybe


My Blueberry Nights
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I liked the hyper-stylized, soul-searching, romantic tone of this movie. It was interesting for me to watch Norah Jones’ character change over the course of the film from the things she learned on the road. I agree with most people when they said that Jones’ acting is a bit amateurish but as the movie goes on, I got used to it so it’s more than forgiven. The weakness of the film lies in the second act when Jones meets Rachel Weisz’s husband. The film got really slow and that particular storyline was somewhat unnecessary. Things quickly picked up when Natalie Portman appeared on screen. She was quirky and unpredictable, which served to be the foil of Norah Jones’ character. I feel like Jones learned a lot from Portman when it comes to trusting people. Strangely enough, I thought Jones and Law had great chemistry and I completely bought the spark between them. I wanted to know more about them as they interacted and wished that the film focused on them a little bit more. Regardless, this film is not for everyone because it requires one’s full attention if one was to fully appreciate the way Norah Jones’ character evolved in a span of less than a year.


My Best Friend’s Wedding
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

I love this movie so much because the four leading actors–Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Cameron Diaz, Rupert Everett–clearly had fun with their roles, while at the same time putting something extra special in their characters. Since all four of them got a solid amount of screen time, I felt like I got to know the characters well. I saw myself in each of them even though I’m not at that age where I’m ready to get married or see my friends get married. I guess it’s their immaturities and child-like qualities that I could really relate to, which made the picture that much more enjoyable. I liked that this film had some sort of edge, which means it’s not purely your typical romantic comedy. I’m glad it managed to avoid some of the biggest cliches, which created a much more interesting movie. One of them includes a not completely likeable main character. Even though she’s a good person, some of her decisions seem mean-spirited because she’s driven by jealousy and her territorial instinct. Roberts is perfect for this role because that edge is evened out by her charisma. (I think it’s one of her best roles to date.) I also enjoyed Everett as the gay friend who is beyond funny, Mulroney as the dreamy leading man, and Diaz as the 24/7 sunshine. Everything about this movie worked for me (even the well-placed musical numbers!) because it made me laugh, tear up and everything in between.


Definitely, Maybe
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

This is one of the better atypical romantic comedies out there that is truly for everyone. All the leading actors–Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Isla Fisher, Elizabeth Banks, and Rachel Weisz–did a really good job embracing their characters. It’s enjoyable watching this picture because it’s like playing detective: figuring out the identity of Breslin’s mom from Reynold’s story. I was engaged because I gathered clues from the things that the characters said to their actions. Granted, I still got the answer wrong but that’s the fun of it; it’s actually challenging. Breslin did a really good job playing a precocious kid, but not too much to the point where it’s creepy or annoying. Even though she acts older than her age, she still has that childish immaturity that reminds us that she’s still very young. Reynolds is extremely likeable here because he’s a really good guy but the things in his life didn’t go according to plan. We want him to succeed so we wish for that happy ending for him. Although the ending is bittersweet more than anything, it’s just right because that’s how life is sometimes. Another reason why I’m fond of the movie is because that idea of my life turning out differently than what I had planned scared me. Watching Reynold’s character being so unhappy with his love life and his job really struck a chord with me because I don’t want to end up like that. But somehow, the silver lining is that maybe things are supposed to happen the way we don’t expect them to. And maybe, just maybe, through a different and more complex route, we’ll end up with what we’ve been wishing for.

25
Aug

In the Valley of Elah, The Phantom of the Opera (1989), Stigmata


In the Valley of Elah
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

This is one of the best anti-war films I’ve seen in a while. Tommy Lee Jones is excellent as a father who wants to find out who murdred his son and why. Jones is an expert when it comes to looking defeated and tired but he’s incendiary when he tries to keep his anger from bubbling over, spilling, and causing a flood. Charlize Theron is just as great as the detective that helps Jones. We root for her because she is not taken seriously by the guys at the police station; even though she’s far from perfect, she tries her best to solve crimes when no one would even bother. I’m impressed with this picture because it is so angry in a quiet way. It managed to keep me interested because it does not always show the audience what the characters see. Just when you think that the case is solved, it turns out to be otherwise so it becomes suspenseful. I’m also impressed with the images that this film presented: the flag, the videos from Iraq, the distraught soldiers, the empty land… Somehow, they all fit together because they pretty much symbolize the same thing. This film is consistently memorable scene-wise but if I were to pick the highlights, I would choose the scene where Jones tells the story of David and Goliath to Theron’s son, Susan Sarandon’s heartbreaking reaction when she finally sees her son’s remains, the revelation of what truly happened with Jones’ son, and the last scene. Anger and sadness are the two emotions that drive this film. By the end of the film, we realize that there are no easy answers no matter how many times we go over the facts. Even though the case is “solved,” there is no solace because there is nothing that can replace a life.


Phantom of the Opera, The (1989)
[ 1 star out of 4 ]

There are so many things that went wrong with this picture so I’m going to start with the positive. The set design wasn’t too shabby. Now that I got that out of the way, let me start off with the title: there was no point in calling this “The Phantom of the Opera” because the story could have been from any other horror film that has something to do with a deformed creature stalking the girl of his dreams. Also, the audience expects a certain movie because the title is from a popular classic film and a musical. Robert Englund is supposed to play The Phantom… but he’s more like Fred Krueger here–killing whoever gets on his way, most of the time unnecessarily so. Jill Schoelen, the leading actress, is a bit amateur-ish but she’s likeable enough. As for the music, it’s pretty much pointless because they sing the same song time and time again. There’s really nothing to recommend here and twenty minutes into the movie, I couldn’t wait for it to end.


Stigmata
[ 2 stars out of 4 ]

I’m not a religious person but I enjoy watching films that has something to do with religion, especially the ones that belong in the horror genre. I only partly enjoyed this movie because it started off pretty well but the last third, especially the conclusion, lacked the punch in order for the picture to be memorable. I don’t want to get started on the annoying soundtrack every time the main character (played by Patricia Arquette) would get new wounds, those of which are similar to Jesus’ when he was being cruxified. The acting here is pretty good, notably Gabriel Byrne as Father Andrew Kiernan. He provided the heart that the film desperately needed in order for the audience to care what would ultimately unfold. I lost interest somewhere in the middle because it digressed too much–the scene in the beginning that promised some sort of a scientific method in order to reveal what is truly going on under the surface vanished altogether. It didn’t find a solid footing when it comes to religious explanations either. If it had decided to take one route over the other, the movie would have been much more focused and interesting. Overall, this picture had potential but it’s not engaging enough because the writing is wishy-washy and the scenes during the last third felt extremely forced.

23
Aug

The Happening, WALL-E, Sophie’s Choice


Happening, The (2008)
[ 2 stars out of 4 ]

People have extremely high expectations from M. Night Shyamalan’s films and I wish they would just give him a break. Sure, “The Village” was not as good as “The Sixth Sense,” “Unbreakable” and “Signs,” but it’s not completely horrible. “Lady in the Water” was a complete mess and I agree with the majority. But I happen to think that “The Happening” isn’t that bad. When things get scary, they really do get intense; that’s when I really get to see where (or from whom) Shayamalan gets his style of direction. Several examples of chilling scenes include people falling from the sky and the strict old lady near the climax of the picture. I must say that I’m really disappointed with the acting here. Even Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel couldn’t save this by their acting alone. They either overact or underact during the key moments and it was so frustrating because I wanted to see more of their reactions so that I would truly get to know the characters they were playing. As for the ending, it was too abrupt and needed a more in-depth explanation. Otherwise, this film really did have the potential to be truly great. If Shayamalan had taken more time to edit, rewrite and reshoot some scenes, this would have been a terrifying moviegoing experience (in a good way instead of otherwise).


WALL-E
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

Unsurprisingly, I’m impressed with WALL-E in so many levels. I think out of all the Pixar films released to date, this is the most atmospheric: from the post-apocalyptic Earth where WALL-E is sent to deal with waste to outer space where WALL-E discovers what he was meant for. The environs reminded me of the ravaged London from “28 Days Later” to the deserted New York City in “I Am Legend.” Despite the eye-candy visuals for children, there were many layers to this film for adults. For instance, there were comments about the way we push our environment to its limits, our neglect for our physical bodies due to recent developments in technology, our eating habits, and our proclivity (whether we are aware or not) toward hiding behind anything that’s available so we wouldn’t have to deal with reality. All of those were dealt with humor… but if one really looks closely, “WALL-E” really does have important messages that we shouldn’t ever forget. Loneliness and finding love are other themes that are tackled masterfully between WALL-E and EVE. Those themes culminated during the last few scenes of the movie which, I must admit, had major tearjerker moments. Even though WALL-E and EVE were robots, it’s hard not to feel for their struggle because love is universal. Although this works as a modern silent film, this also works as a fusion between animation and live-action. Those techniques are uncommon in modern cinema but they are so masterfully sewn into the story to the point where it is genius. Lastly, references like tape recorders, sporks, iPods, and Windows can be found throughout and they are hilarious. This film is definitely worth seeing in theaters and buying on DVD because it deserves multiple viewings for offering a simple but timeless story.


Sophie’s Choice
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

The set-up between the three leads–Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol–somewhat reminded me of “The Dreamers” minus the sexual acts. “Sophie’s Choice” is more about secrets and the emotions that go along with them. Even though it’s about two and a half hours long, it managed to keep my interest because I had a feeling that there’s something more about the three characters. As the story unfolded, we find out that two of the three are not who they seem. I think the best scenes are the flashbacks in sepia, back when Streep’s character was going through the Nazi occupation. Her struggle was heartbreaking and it explains why she eventually became so vulnerable and dependent in Kline’s character. The “choice” scenes was nothing short of devastating. I think Streep deserved her Oscar win because I forgot that she was playing a character; throughout the movie, I found myself thinking that Sophie is just another person telling her story. Nonetheless, the film would have been less satisfying without the talent of Kline and MacNicol which met Streep’s greatness. The last few scenes are melancholy but they feel so right. I don’t recommend this to casual moviegoers because they may grew restless. But I definitely recommend this to people that love films, especially those that are fond of drama and storytelling.

22
Aug

In Bruges, The Spiderwick Chronicles, 10,000 B.C.


In Bruges
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

All I could say as the credits started rolling was, “Wow.” I relished every minute of this film because it managed to successfully fuse two of my favourite genres–dark comedy and suspense thriller–in an elegant and astute manner. Granted, three-fourths of the movie leaned toward the former and the rest leaned toward the latter but it does not mean it’s less rewarding. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson have such great chemistry. As the picture progressed, we get to realize that their characters weren’t just fellow hitmen–they were more like father and son. I was surprised by how much emotionally invested I was with the characters regardless of their occupation. The filmmakers were able to show that they, too, are people and are capable of feeling remorse and giving someone another chance for redemption. Never have I seen Farrell deliver as great (and as complete) a performance as in this movie. Farrell and Gleeson are pitch-perfect here. I must also commend Ralph Fiennes for giving a menacing (and funny) performance as the boss of Farrell and Gleeson. Even though he’s a killer like the other two, he has his own principles as well. He didn’t give as much screen time but we get to understand his motivations just as well. Lastly, I must give kudos to Martin McDonagh for writing and directing such a great first feature film. I was a big fan of his short film “Six Shooter” and I hope he releases more witty films like this one. All of that said, let me finish this review by stating that “In Bruges” is one of the best movies of 2008 so far.


Spiderwick Chronicles, The
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

Even though it doesn’t feel as epic as the “Harry Potter,” “His Dark Materials” and “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, “The Spiderwick Chronicles” has something magical to offer. Freddie Highmore plays two characters–twins Jared Grace and Simon Grace–the former is tougher, more adventurous, while the latter is more soft-spoken and a bit geeky. It’s interesting to watch Highmore play the two because they are so opposite, yet he could pull it off pretty well. Not only are the characters different in personalities, their contributions in order to defeat the evil creatures differed as well. Sarah Bolger, who plays Mallory Grace, is a nice addition because she has that sword-wielding, older sister, girl-power. Interestingly enough, the mother, played by Mary-Louise Parker, was kind of irksome because her character was unaware of what was happening throughout most of the film. I think this fantasy adventure is edgy because there are some dark thematic material that would pop-up once in a while, which is why I’m surprised this got a PG rating. Also, the creatures can get pretty scary for some younger viewers (especially toward the end). I did like that some of the family’s problems are connected to real life; it was that much more relatable so it was easier to care for the characters. I just wish it had a little more punch regarding the story so the film could have been stronger. I recommend this film because it’s fast-paced, heart-pounding, and cute in its own edgy way. It made me think of my childhood when my cousins and I would play pretend.


10,000 B.C.
[ 2 stars out of 4 ]

Everyone loves to hate this movie but it really wasn’t that bad. I think one of the main reasons why people disliked this film is because the trailers promised an epic greatness. As it turns out, the picture turns out to be hugely inaccurate and not as magneficient as people expected it was going to be. For me, I ignored all the inaccuracies and just focused on how exciting it was and if the story made sense. On both fronts, I thought it was mediocre: there were pulse-pounding scenes but most often followed by tedious speeches when the characters voice out what they think. The story did not really make much sense but it was bearable. “10,000 B.C.” has a handful of similarities with “Apocalypto,” but the latter is a lot more skillful in its storytelling and scope. For those people that claim that this is the worst movie they have even seen, I suggest they watch more movies. This is certainly not the worst; it’s just mindless fun and random action scenes that has something to do with prophecies and the like. It’s really not that bad and I wish people would stop being so histrionic regarding its flaws.

20
Aug

Baby Mama, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Bourne Identity


Baby Mama
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

This film made me smile from ear to ear from the time it started until the credits started rolling. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler is an excellent duo because each of them are funny in a different way. Poehler is more goofy-funny (I still laugh every time I think of her, “Bitch! I don’t know your life!” line). Fey is more low-key/smart funny. That’s why they work well together. The script is witty in its own way and it’s nicely paced. One-liners are abound and I couldn’t help but think about them on the way home. All the characters had something to contribute to the overall picture, which is nice to see in the comedy genre. The only minor problem I had with it is that it sometimes resulted to cliches (the romance between Fey and Greg Kinnear). Nonetheless, this definitely made me and my friend laugh. For those who are fans of “Superbad” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” this is a good choice to Netflix or even watch in the cinema. I know it’s going to get lost in the shuffle because of the premieres of big films like “Iron Man” and “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.” I just hope more people would give it a chance when they have time to spare.


2001: A Space Odyssey
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

This will always remain one of my favourite films of all time because Stanley Kubrick directed this movie with such mastery. Each image that can be seen and not seen are as powerful as their implications about the past, present, and future. My statements may sound like a hyperbole, but this movie really does start from the beginning of time until it comes full circle. This was made in the 1960′s but the visual effects match the best of today. But what I admire most about it its ability to use the eye-opening effects to support the story, not drive it. Moreover, one of the most menacing villains in film history can be found here. It has many insightful commentaries about science and technology and the rate of which we embrace them, without first fully thinking about the consequences. For me, the prevailing emotion of this film is the sense of isolation. There’s no escape or going back when one is miles and miles away from planet Earth. That, in itself, is a scary thought even though people cannot yet go to space so freely because it works as a metaphor for life. Even though I admire this film, I cannnot say that I completely understand it. The last few scenes gave me questions more than answers. I’ve seen this film more than once and I still do not understand everything. Maybe we’re not supposed to. As the film implies, maybe the unknown is what drives us as a species. Maybe to obtain a solution about the unknown is simply not meant to be because life is not life without mysteries.


Bourne Identity, The
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

Engaging in every way, this is my idea of an adrenaline-fueled escapism at its best. With only three movies out, I think this matched the best installments of the “James Bond” franchise. “Identity” set up the mystery that ran in the veins of the other two and the film did so with such grace. From its opening sequence, Matt Damon convinced us that he is Jason Bourne–even though he turns out to be an assassin, the audience still care for and identify with him. That’s hard to achieve. There are a lot of classic scenes in this movie. My favourite has got to be the silent but deadly duel between Matt Damon and Clive Owen near the end of the film. It was done with such focus and intelligence to the point where I was weak at the end of it. It’s funny because silent moments are the strong points of the “Bourne” series yet it is an action-thriller film. It’s ironic because action films strive to be loud, with guns and grenades going off all over the place. The “Bourne” series is humble and quiet… yet manages to throw powerful punches. Matt Damon is known in films like the “Ocean’s” franchise and “Good Will Hunting.” But I will always, always define him as Jason Bourne, the charismatic assassin in search for the truth regarding his identity.

18
Aug

Lawrence of Arabia, The Third Man, Get Smart


Lawrence of Arabia
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

This is the first epic film I’ve seen that showcases a main character that I did not understand. Granted, epic films are rich in complexity and sometimes they use ambiguity as a tool to enhance movie-going experience. Still, I personally found it hard to care for a character that one minute is sane and the next the complete opposite. I could tell there was inner turmoil going on regarding his thoughts and courses of action. However, it gets sickening after watching one decision that does not make sense on top of another. That lack of connection put me off so I can’t exactly call it a masterpiece. But perhaps I’m dwelling too much on characterization. I’ve read from a few articles that T.E. Lawrence is an enigmatic man so maybe it was not the filmmakers’ intention to explain everything about him. However, everything else is grand: from the majestic desert to the number of people (and animals!) involved, from the unforgettable score to the insightful silences. There’s many things for the senses… except the heart. Lastly, I must commend everyone’s acting, especially Peter O’Toole’s. Like the film, his acting was both elegant yet flawed, but undoubtedly fascinating in scope and timelessness.


Third Man, The
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I will start off with the negatives: Although the story is complex and manages the audience to keep guessing until near the end, I didn’t think the story was exceptional. It’s hard to really get into it because there’s more than a handful of characters that may or may not be important as the picture goes on. This picture would have been fine if there were less characters. As for its positives, I think this film is beautifully shot in black-and-white. The shadows are pronounced, as if they were characters themselves. Interesting camera angles are abound–sometimes surprising because we are occassionally forced to see certain scenes from a character’s perspective. To me, there were four stand-out scenes: when the audiences finally realizes the meaning of the movie’s title, the ferris wheel, the showdown in the sewers, and the last scene involving the beauty of nature. It’s hard to forget those scenes because most modern films can’t quite match the mastery of simplicity. They either succeed by it’s noticeable that they are trying too hard or they completely fail. It’s impressive to see a film that’s about fifty years old to be completely fresh. Finally, I must commend Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles. Every time they’re on screen together, the picture ignites and is heart-pounding. This is by no means the most memorable noir film I’ve ever seen but it is one of the most beautiful.


Get Smart
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I think this film pretty much got everything right. It could have been a little less silly at times to make room for some character development but as an action-comedy picture, it’s well-done. Steve Carell makes me laugh every time he’s on screen. He could be just standing in one spot and not doing anything yet he never fails to make me laugh. Imagine him actually doing something funny; I’d be on the floor rolling with laughter. Anne Hathaway, too, did a really good job because she provided some sort of seriousness and much-needed girl power. It would have been nice to see a female nemesis for Hathaway to fight, though. I’m actually surprised by the balance of action and comedy. Some scenes that stood out for me were a combination of both genres: the bathroom in the plane, the dance duel, and final action sequences. Granted, there’s nothing particularly original about this movie but somehow it feels refreshing because it’s so earnest and the humor is really good-natured. Think of it as “Austin Powers” but about seven to ten times smarter (and more well-paced). By the end of the film, it felt like it went full circle and we get to appreciate it because we got to see the main characters’ journey. This movie was a lot of fun to watch so I say definitely see it.

16
Aug

Batman, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Saving Face


Batman
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

Batman is my favourite superhero but I must admit that I did not like this film the first time I saw it. The Joker, played by Jack Nicholson, is supposed to be 75% crazy mixed with complete menace and 25% funny in a twisted manner. Instead, Nicholson played The Joker as more even between the two extremes. I guess my main problem is the first half; the second half picked up the pace because that’s when all the action happened. As the film went along, The Joker became scarier due to his methods of killing and his darkly amusing one-liners. As for Batman, played by Michael Keaton, I thought he was a bit weak and I wanted to get to know him better. Although we got a taste of his past, he spent too much of his time brooding in his Batcave. Most people claim that this is the best “Batman” film to date. I cannot disagree more because this is highly uneven. Yes, it’s extremely stylish (excellent use of shadows!) but it’s hard to care for the characters. If I were to pick the best “Batman” films, it would be among “Batman Begins,” “Batman Returns,” and “The Dark Knight.” In “Batman Begins,” Batman is the center of the story and no villain took the spotlight from him. It’s the most realized Batman film overall. In “Batman Returns,” we get to sympathize with the villains (Penguin and Catwoman), which is rare in superhero adaptations. This first “Batman” film is a good start but non-hardcore fans might be a bit put off. Still, I’m recommending it for sheer style.


Nightmare on Elm Street, A
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

This is definitely one of the more interesting horror flicks that came out of the 1980′s because of its intriguing idea of a maniac killing people in their dreams. Although it did have funny moments because of the ridiculous, somewhat upbeat soundtrack and some of the decisions that the characters make, there are a plethora of truly horrifying scenes. Some stand-outs include Fred Krueger’s first kill, the school haunting, and the bedroom blood flood. For a cast of mostly unknown actors (like Johnny Depp), the acting is credible despite the occassional slip-ups. The special and visual effects are not first-rate but all of it works because the real terror lies in the concept. For me, the factor that makes this film superior than typical slasher movie like the “Friday the 13th” series is that it blurs the line between dream and reality in such a way that it keeps the audiences guessing. Not only that, it has something to say about the parents’ sins from the past and how they can affect future generations. This is a truly classic horror film that deserved several (although less satisfying) sequels.


Saving Face
[ 2 stars out of 4 ]

It’s refreshing to see a film that is written and directed by an Asian woman, with a cast that consists of predominantly Asians, in America that is not necessarily about assimilation of race. Instead, it’s more about an observation of Asian society (specifically Chinese): how they deal with what’s going on about other people, social hierarchy in a modern world, finding love, and revealing one’s sexuality to her loved ones, despite approval and cultural expectations. I also liked that the main character is a woman surgeon who doesn’t necessarily completely girly or completely manly. She lies somewhere in between, which is a good thing, because it is more common than the extremes. Although it’s a heartfelt movie and there are a few things to admire about it, sometimes I found myself wondering what the core of the movie is truly about. There are so many things that are going on, to the point where it’s distracting and digressing. The movie felt longer than it is due to unnecessary scenes that the plot could have done without. Also, some of my friends who are not Asian didn’t get some of the jokes. Although they are not the core audience, for a movie to be able to cross boundaries, everyone should be able to relate most of the time. I don’t think this picture was successful at it. Still, this is not a bad first directoral and writing debut from Alice Wu. With a sharper and leaner material, I think she will get stronger as a writer and director over time.

14
Aug

The Signal, American Beauty, One Missed Call


Signal, The
[ 1 star out of 4 ]

The beginning was engaging because it was actually terrifying: a city gone crazy because of some mysterious signal eminating from telephones, television, and radio without any means of escape. I felt like I was right there with the heroine when everyone started to kill each other. However, after thirty minutes, it quickly went downhill because it couldn’t find its footing regarding its tone. The middle portion was labyrinthine because of two things: the violence being used as a form of amusement and the way that the filmmakers would play with the audiences’ perception. Regarding the former, I’m a fan of dark humour but this film had gone too far. At first it was funny but it quickly became downright degrading and borderline torture porn. If they had stayed with minimal violence and blood just for laughs (about five to ten minutes), it would have been okay. As for the latter, I don’t think it’s a good idea to explicitly trick the audience again and again and again because they eventually feel cheated and give up trying to put everything together. This is completely different from twist endings because twist endings involve one complete pay-off. Tricks, on the other hand, is presenting something false as real and switching them around miltiple times until the audiences get sick of it because it’s so confusing. Unfortunately, this movie is a big example of the latter and it just fell apart. It’s too bad because it has such a great premise. Instead of going straight for the horror, it delved into comedy. Instead of making the whole apocalypse as a global issue, it chose to be more personal and claustrophobic. I cannot recommend this to anyone because it is incredibly frustrating to watch.


American Beauty
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I understand why some people could be a bit put off by this film. At first glance, it may seem like nothing much happens, but when one really looks into it, it’s like watching the inside mechanisms of a volcano about to erupt and causing unimaginable destruction. This definitely reminded me of “Desperate Housewives” in its finest dark humour. When characters are miserable, it’s so funny because of the way they react to the seemingly smallest disturbances of their perfect lives. Kevin Spacey is incendiary in this film because he’s able to capture a suburban father who is sick of his family and his own self-image. Annette Bening is so entertaining to watch, especially during her freak-outs (which ironically are her most human scenes) when things do not go the way she expects them to. Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, and Mena Suvari did exceptional work as teenagers on the borderline of rebellion; they hide behind physical beauty, art, or yearning for acceptance. I love the ongoing theme of outside appearances because it’s so applicable to our every day lives. The film takes note that point of view is crucial, especially if one sees or hears something on the outside, without fully examining the inner workings. This theme happens with the characters’ inner thoughts and observable actions… which could also be seen inside and outside the home. This film is extremely multi-layered and will definitely reward those who are willing to watch more than once.


One Missed Call (2008)
[ 1 star out of 4 ]

This was really hard to sit through because nothing made sense. I rarely say that about movies but this one felt like it was filmed for three days. I felt like the filmmakers didn’t even try to make a good movie. The visual effects were corny, the thrills were not present, and the characters were thick. The film immediately jumped to the scares, which was not an effective move because the audiences were not yet invested in the characters. In order words, it was hard to care. I usually like Shannyn Sossamon but even she couldn’t carry this picture. I keep picking my brain to come up with one good thing about the movie but I can’t recall one. I was bored from beginning to end; half-way through, I wanted to do something else (and I did while the movie was on). I just wish that Americans would stop remaking Japanese horror movies and come up with their own. This is really an embarrassment of the horror genre. I want to forget about it, but so darn bad. Stay away from this picture as far as you possibly can. It’s a waste of time.

12
Aug

Kung Fu Panda, Teeth, Be Kind Rewind


Kung Fu Panda
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

My friends did not really want to watch this animated flick but I forced them anyway because it got great reviews. As the movie went on, I heard them laughing their butts off and by the end of the film, they even clapped because they enjoyed it so much. This movie is definitely for kids but that does not mean that it does not have anything to offer for adults. There’s no fart jokes here–which is pretty darn great. Instead, there are references to other kung fu movies, bona fide sense of humour that doesn’t insult one’s intelligence, intense action sequences that doesn’t involve blood and limb-severing, and thoughtful life lessons. The all-star voice talent actually enchanced the film instead of making it distracting. As for the animation, it rivals those of Pixar’s best. I think this is one of those movies that will do well when it comes to DVD sales because there’s so many eye candy for children. Since it’s so energetic, kids won’t get tired of it after multiple viewings. For those who are hesitant on watching it, I’d say just jump right in. They might be in for a pleasant surprise because the story is cute, the script is smart but easy to digest, memorable lines are abound, and the characters are loveable. This is the first great animated film I’ve seen in 2008.


Teeth
[ 2 stars out of 4 ]

The idea was interesting but I’m afraid I can’t quite recommend it because there were too many empty moments where I thought, “Okay, just get on with the story already.” I’m talking about the shots when the camera would just stay fixed at one place or face. Usually, it works in more thoughtful movies but it did not work for this film because there wasn’t a deep enough story to merit such still shots designed to capture a character’s thoughts or genuine expression. Nonetheless, there were several highlights in this film–most often involves the main actress: Jess Weixler. I did enjoy scenes like the gynecologist’s office, the group date choosing which movie to watch, and the garage temptation. With a bit more material to work with, I think Weixler would’ve completely worked this film. Instead, she was stuck in some sort of a melancholy vortex, to the point where it was borderline hard to root for her. The satire and the feminist stance could have been much, much sharper. As for the horror, it was hardly any because it was more comedic than anything else. This film has indie written all over it–which can be taken as both good and bad. For me, this movie is just mediocre but with an interesting idea that was not realized in a brisk and witty manner.


Be Kind Rewind
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

Even though far from perfect in most respects, I’ve come to profusely adore this film. Not only is it funny because of the two leads (Jack Black and Mos Def), it’s a tribute to motion pictures, all the characters are likeable in their own way, and there’s a great message about the power of films which is directly related to the bond among communities. There’s an undeniable imagination that drives the picture which is then reflected in the home movies, which turn out to be pretty interesting, laugh-out-loud funny, or both. Nevertheless, I think that the writing could have been much sharper which could then have elevated the movie in a whole new level. For instance, I wanted to know more about Black and Def’s lives outside of the video rental place. How are their relationships with other people when things are not exactly light and fluffy? Those types of unanswered questions hindered this film a little bit. As for the critics saying that it was a wrong move referencing to “bad movies” like “Rush Hour 2,” I thought it was perfectly okay. For me, a movie is a movie regardless of its quality. I was surprised with the last twenty minutes of the film because it was really touching, especially the silent moments. Right then, I knew that “Be Kind Rewind” is not just a typical comedy of errors. It has many underlying messages that are worth looking at. In a nutshell, I strongly believe that the imperfections of this picture made it that much more brilliant. It’s not afraid to be silly because it has intelligence behind all of its ideas.

10
Aug

The Ice Storm, The Incredible Hulk, What Happens in Vegas


Ice Storm, The
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I saw this film back when I was in high school and I didn’t get the point of it. Upon viewing it with a lot more experience, I thought that it was a smart observation about surburban life. Although it was somber in various levels, it is also darkly comic while still being tragic. Thanks to Ang Lee’s ability to balance tones and characters, this turns out to be not just another look at suburban depression. It actually has something important to say, which should be apparent by the end of the film. I must give kudos to Sigourney Weaver for playing an unlikeable but hilarious character. Although her character says one thing, she completely thinks and does the opposite–which I think most people can relate to, including myself. Christina Ricci, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes were (or looked anyway) so young here to the point where it was kind of shocking. All of them delivered and proved to be interesting side characters. In a way, this is kind of like a classic novel that literature professors love to dissect. Motifs, contradiction, foreshadowing… all of those things that make up a rich novel can be found in this film. If one is into films about tragedy in suburbia, I recommend this one without hesitation.


Incredible Hulk, The (2008)
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]

I’m greatly surprised with this movie because “The Hulk” directed by Ang Lee was such a disappointment; that if a great director couldn’t make it work, there must be something wrong with where the material was based upon. “The Incredible Hulk,” directed by Zak Penn, is much more engaging because it was action-packed without having to result to mindless violence and Edward Norton can easily be digested as a man trying to change himself for the sake of others’ safety. Moreover, I loved that science was constantly used as an explanation and weapon: I loved the whole primer-DNA segment with the hilarious and sarcastic scientist, played by Tim Blake Nelson, because that’s one of the main ways to alter protein expression–and therefore phenotype–in real life). Liv Tyler is also pretty darn great here because she was both elegant and strong in her own way. I also like the CGI look of this Hulk a lot better than the other one. Lee’s Hulk is more light or flourescent green and it looked more cartoonish. Penn’s, on the other hand, is dark green and looks more sinister. Overall, this is without a doubt, the better film not just in comparison with the first, but as a stand-alone film. I rarely say this but this film deserves a sequel. I’m crossing my fingers for that Avengers film! …But I must say, I’m really curious about the longer version that Norton wants released (and since it wasn’t, he chose to not advertise for this film).


What Happens in Vegas
[ 2 stars out of 4 ]

It’s not as bad as critics and most audiences claim it is. I think this is one of those movies that became a victim of group think. Don’t get me wrong–it did have forced humour (that either worked or didn’t) and characters making stupid decisions right after another–but none of it is meant to be taken seriously. Since I saw this movie via Netflix, I think I would have been a lot less figiving if I had seen this in theaters because it is not worth the ten dollars. I did enjoy the way Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher’s characters would torture each other. As much as I would like to believe that people like them do not exist, they do. I learned to accept that fact and pretended that I was watching those kind of people interact with each other while watching this film. I thought Diaz and Kutcher did eventually had some sort chemistry, especially toward the end, so I somewhat bought the whole romantic notion… even if it was a bit too forced. The side characters made me laugh at times and I appreciated the movie’s energetic tone. It’s not the greatest movie in the world but it’s not the worst either. Compared to “The Heartbreak Kid,” “What Happens in Vegas” is a masterpiece.

8
Aug

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, Jumper, The Other Boleyn Girl


4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

This was an interesting move-going experience because I expected it to be like “Lake of Fire” only in a different language. The gritty tempo of it really worked for me because the situations the characters were in, the way they thought, talked and acted when faced with a dilemma could happen to anyone. This movie being in a different language did not bother me at all because the central issue is universal, especially in countries where it’s illegal or it’s looked down upon to get an abortion. The acting here is pretty believable and downright impressive thirty minutes into the film; each character is complex because all of them are flawed. Yet, it’s easy to connect with them, at least for me, because I saw a bit of myself in them. They deny the truth when reality is giving them the chance to be free, their actions don’t always match their beliefs, and they are both selfish and selfless in varying levels. I also liked the fact that this film did not attempt to sugarcoat anything. This is definitely not for everyone because there were some pretty graphic scenes here that only a select few can watch without wincing. Still, the graphic level did not match “Lake of Fire,” which I consider to be a better movie only by a little bit. This one is more fictional, a little bit more “accessible,” and shorter. Still, if one is interested in films that deal with abortion, such as “Lake of Fire” and “Vera Drake,” I enthusiastically recommend this one.


Jumper
[ 2 stars out of 4 ]

I thought the beginning was pretty fascinating–about how Hayden Christensen’s character discovered his power for the first time–but it went downhill pretty fast. The film lacks a good plot behind the interesting premise so it doesn’t hold up to anything. The latter two-thirds of the movie is basically about Samuel L. Jackson’s character hunting down Christensen without any sort of an explanation why. Jackson’s main quip is that no one should have the power to be everywhere at once. I can’t help but roll my eyes whenever that is said in the movie. If you’re going to have a villain who is both strong and smart, give him or her at least one driving force that justifies (at least in his or her mind, or even better ours as well) his actions. Jamie Bell is about the only great thing about this film. He actually outshines the lead character because he’s conflicted, funny, and charismatic all at the same time (and has nice accent!). Not only that, compared to Christensen’s character, he seems so much more agile and aware of everything. It’s just not good to root for the supporting actor when one is really should be rooting for the lead. As for other characters jumping in and out of the characters’ lives (pun intended–I couldn’t help it), especially Diane Lane’s, it’s distracting at best. The ending is a bit too frustrating as well because there were so many unanswered questions and open-ended stories. It really, really begs for a sequel to the point where it got pathetic. There’s pretty good visual effects here and there but this is far from solid. See it for Jamie Bell.


Other Boleyn Girl, The (2008)
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I didn’t know what to expect coming into this film. I heard from a friend that there were a lot of drama here so I decided to rent it. Plus, the trailers looked very promising. I’ve always wanted to see Scarlett Johansson go head-to-head with Natalie Portman because I see a lot of similarities with both actresses. Both of them delivered even though their characters are two polar opposites. I heard that the story is not necessarily accurate but I didn’t care because it was entertaining. It’s like watching a season finale of “One Tree Hill,” “The O.C.” or “Gossip Girl” when things are revealed in very dramatic ways and the characters (both good and bad) ultimately deserve what they get. I must commend Portman for being deliciously evil here because I’ve always seen her as a nice leading lady in movies. As for Johansson, I’ve always thought that she acts the same in every movie but she offers a different kind of tenderness here. I liked pretty much everything about this movie but I can’t quite give it four stars because the middle portion felt a little bit too long. Still, the supporting characters are interesting (such as Jim Sturgess), the costumes were grand, and I was constantly curious on what would happen next so I will recommend it to anyone who loves drama.

6
Aug

Flawless, Cassandra’s Dream, Dedication


Flawless (2007)
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I didn’t expect a lot coming into this film because I haven’t heard much about it so I was surprised that it held my interest from beginning to end. I was actually interested in the characters and their motivations, the actors’ portrayal of their roles, and the mysteries that the story had to offer. I thought Demi Moore was really good because she was able to play a smart, elegant woman who had a lot of things to hide behind her body movements and eyes. As for the caper aspect, it’s not as explosive fun as the “Ocean’s” saga; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Although different because of its observant attitude, it managed to find its own footing regarding its tone and pace. There was no slow moment, just constant build-ups–which I admired. I thought the explanation regarding the heist was smart and surprising. I’m definitely recommending this film to people who are already sick of summer flicks or to those that just want to watch something that is humble and rewarding.


Cassandra’s Dream
[ 2 stars out of 4 ]

I really wanted to like this film because everyone’s been saying that Woody Allen has lost his touch. I simply don’t believe such statements because once a great director is always a great director. Nonetheless, I think this is one of his weakest recent pictures because it was just so dull and the material felt recycled. With his masterful modern film “Match Point” that has the same premise and moral conundrums, there is absolutely no need to go that path again. Therefore, “Cassandra’s Dream” was unnecessary and felt more like a nightmare; for a film that’s about an hour and fifty-minutes, it felt much, much longer. I really like Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell but the characters they played made one stupid decision after another, not to mention they were difficult to empathize with because they claimed to “have to” do certain things when they really could have just walked away. The middle was bogged down with blase scenes to the point where it got distracting and almost glaringly frustrating. Overall, forty minutes into the film, I just wanted it to end and forget that Allen was directing the film. In fact, I don’t remember much about what happened in the movie and I just saw it about three hours ago. Here’s to hoping that Allen will stop the whole “morals and murder thing” and direct something fresh, something funny and insightful.


Dedication
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I really like this film because it’s a big jump from typical romantic comedies out there. Instead of being too sweet and “too indie” or having that devil-may-care tone, this one tries to be a little darker and edgier (which sometimes showed a bit too much). Usually, I don’t like movies that try too hard to impress but overall, this picture feels more organic than forced. I thoroughly enjoyed Billy Crudup and Mandy Moore’s multi-layered performances. They were funny in their own self-pitying way, snarky, intelligent, and quirky to a flaw. Whenever both characters were interacting, it’s like watching two damaged warriors battle: it was exciting as it was somewhat enriching. Moore is really good in this and I prefer her playing unlikeable women because she has that angelic look on the outside but could be conniving inside. As for the story, it does not follow a typical romantic comedy, which was a good move. But for me, its weakest point was the ending because it kind of surrendered all the deviance it accumulated. Still, there are a lot to recommend from this movie. It’s so much better (and more depressing in a good way) than the likes of “Garden State” and “The Last Kiss.”

5
Aug

Freeway, Outing Riley, Reservoir Dogs


Freeway (1996)
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

I don’t know exactly how to feel about this movie because it did contain both good and bad parts. One of the main reasons why I’m giving this a three stars out of four is due to Reese Witherspoon’s acting. She’s so over-the-top that it actually contributed to the film’s somewhat strong script. Her acting alone saved this movie from becoming tedious, especially the second half. Even though she doesn’t say anything ground-breaking in particular, she says her lines with such conviction and passion that it’s impossible to not be interested. Witherspoon created a character who is easy to sympthize with so the audience ultimately care about her fate. As for its story, I did like their interpretation of The Little Red Riding Hood fairytale. I also liked that the film is darkly comedic mixed with a little bit of violence. If only this film kept its first half’s momentum throughout the rest of the picture, it would’ve ended up much better. Instead, the saggy second half was full of random scenes that didn’t make sense, to the point where it ended up digressing and eventually racing toward the end. Overall, I am recommending this exploitation film because it has a gritty tone and strong acting. But if one is looking for a story that is worth dissecting, I don’t think this is a good choice.


Outing Riley
[ 1 star out of 4 ]

This is one of the weakest gay/lesbian films I’ve ever seen because it pretends to say something new about homosexual lifestyles and coming out of the closet. In reality, it’s a one-note joke gone bad because it ended up being condescending and downright insulting. Sophomoric jokes are effective in some films like “Superbad” because the characters who deliver those jokes are young. Here, we see thirty- or forty-something year olds delivering those jokes as if they were funny. Not to mention some of the jokes are completely mean-spirited. Twenty minutes into the film, I wanted the characters to grow up and act their age but they ultimately did not. They are annoying, close-minded people who need to take a real good look at the world. At times, I felt like that the writers and the directors are all straight men who have no idea how it’s like to keep homosexuality a secret and the overwhelming feeling of coming out of the closet. Those issues were dealt with in such a blase way, that it made me wonder why they made the movie in the first place. Regarding those scenes that are supposedly sad and sensitive, I just didn’t feel it because I wasn’t emotionally invested in the characters. This picture would’ve been a lot better if the adults acted more mature, made wiser choices both in action and words, and the script fresher and more sensitive to the issues that it tried to tackle. Skip this one because you’re not missing anything.


Reservoir Dogs
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]

This film is difficult not to admire because it’s spot-on in many levels. The acting is incendiary, the characters are interesting, there are a number of extremely memorable scenes, and the dialogue is brilliant. The only thing that hindered this film from becoming a personal favourite is that it did contain scenes that were a bit saggy, not to mention that abrupt ending. With a little more time to helm those problem scenes, I would be perfectly happy. My favourite character is hands down Mr. Blonde, played by Michael Madsen, because he’s that strong silent type that hides his monsterous personality and inclinations. Madsen completely embodied his character and he was a joy to watch. As for its script, it never ceased to entertain because references are all over the place. Often, the dialogue has double meanings, which are interesting to think about after the film. For Quentin Tarantino’s first feature film, it really is quite impressive and shows a lot of promise. His films are first-rate which is why I look forward to every film he directs even though it takes him years to complete his projects. “Reservoir Dogs” is a fun ride. Although it is a bit inferior to “Pulp Fiction” as a whole, “Reservoir Dogs” have more memorable individual sequences. I say definitely see this if one is even mildly interested.

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