Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Randomly chanced to see this on the television while waiting so I could go on my morning run (not so morning now though...)

Typical Kung Fu fare, methinks. When I first watched "Iron Monkey," I was super impressed (in a way I wasn't with "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), but my parents have seen it all their lives (they're from Taiwan), so they said it's just a typical Kung Fu movie lol...

I would say "Kung Fu Hustle" is a bit reminiscent of "Shaolin Soccer" except with a 40's noir/gangster film overtone.

Like "Shaolin Soccer", it's got some comedic moments (it's meant to be a comedy + Kung Fu).

There's a scene where they emulate Spiderman (the version I saw was dubbed) "With great power comes great responsibility" but it was with an Asian accent/mis-speak.

Like--"he is off his rocking chair" lol

I enjoyed it, though. Fun flicks with action peppered in (any Bruce Willis action flick and some Arnold Schwarzzenegger [although he tries a bit too hard] flick that's supposed to be comedic) are really the best. You don't have to be too invested, and it doesn't require too much deep thinking, so you can just enjoy it for the fluff and mediocrity that it is. And when you do (go in w/this mindset), you find that it's a quite enjoyable story.

[meanwhile, random Baby Bullet ads peppered in make me want one!! And the real thing, too...]

- - - - -

I'll make this more complete soon...

New Clive Owen/De Niro flick

Just want to say I am ÜBER anticipating this!!

Clive Owen's been away for TOO long!

And De Niro's always good.

Although Jason Statham is in it, I don't really think that makes it a generic "Action Thriller Flick" that's mindless.

He's been somewhat type-cast (and unselective in his roles!), but I have faith. And C'MON!! With Owen and De Niro? It oughta be good! (o;

Stay tuned.

killer elite

hrm looks to be a possible remake?? (original starring James Caan and Robert Duvall)

[uh oh I read the premise... lol maybe I'm a bit more cautious now... Trailer looks TIGHT, though!]

Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006)

I first saw and heard of this while in a French class. It was a beginning class and we were to choose a French film/book (or other media thereof) to watch and explain it/do a presentation on it for the class.

A woman taking the class showed a clip from this film to demonstrate the Canadian accent on French (versus French French - le français, n'est pas le joual). After that, I wanted to watch it. This was in 2008, I believe.

I finally had the chance to watch it (I tried to get my bf into it; he wasn't having any of it (o; ). I didn't realize there were so many famous Canadian personalities in it. Many comedians. Patrick Huard actually came up with the concept of the storyline for the film. And here is an interesting bit on anglo/francophone humour. Interestingly enough, they also list the actors in alphabetical order, so different from how most American films list (either in order of appearance or billed first).

ANYwho... I enjoyed this film because it demonstrates such a fresh perspective away from American "typicals" and relationships. Colm Feore, a Canadian actor who makes frequent appearances in American movies and television, co-stars in this film.

This film centers around Canadian Hockey, and displays the chasm between French-speaking Canada and English-speaking Canada. On first viewing, I thought the film was about an American fed and a Canadian cop having to work together, but it's actually a Quebecois and Ontarian forced to partner and work together--and their styles are different (reminded me of Mulder and Scully--don't ask me why): one's serious and one's not too afraid to bend the rules a bit (maybe 'Tango and Cash'?).

The movie starts with a murder happening and the murderer is masked and out-of-frame. The voice is manipulated so you can't tell who it is (it could be one of the good guys for all we know!)

The cops are introduced as they are starting their days--

Martin Ward, the Ontarian straitlaced, by-the-book police detective who is hoping to get a desk job soon, is a divorcé w/a teenage son and in close contact with his younger sister.

David Bouchard, the Quebecois who isn't afraid to bend the rules a bit, also a divorcé, but still in close contact and on seeming good relations with his ex-wife; he has a young daughter.

They are called on to the scene of a bizarre crime.

A man has seemingly fallen or been dropped onto a large (billboard) sign ("Welcome to Ontario!/Bienvenue à Quebec!"), with his torso/top half on the Quebec side, and his legs, bottom half on the Ontario side.

Bouchard states that it is Ontario's case b/c in soccer (I believe, or some other sports references he makes), it is where the foot crosses that matters.

Ward stops him, stating that in the dash (and other sports references), it is the head/top half that makes the difference.

Through a comical mishap, the body splits in half and one half is on each side of the border.

The relationship between Francophone and Anglophone Canadiens really reminded me of the Wallons/Flamands (Flemish versus French-speaking) characters in "Le Mur" (The Wall, reviewed in an earlier post).

I don't really want to ruin too much of the details that ensue, but overall I felt the film was artfully done and the characters were fleshed out enough that I cared about them.

I like Colm Feore (he's in 24: Season 7, actually), and he's one of those that's a bit underappreciated and hasn't really broken onto the scene (Gary Oldman's another). Patrick Huard is good as well.

They both portray the disdain that Anglo/Franco-Canadians have for each other well, and you feel that when Ward is on Quebecois "soil" and when Bouchard crosses onto Ontarian "soil."

Some parts were predictable, but the mishaps make the movie enjoyable.

Overall, the ending and villain and outerlying characters... well... you'll see. I would recommend you watch this, just to broaden your horizons.

For me, watching films from other countries is a peek into their lives and lifestyles and cultures.

It is, like I said, a fresh perspective away from American norms and expectations.

I would give this movie a B (B-/B/B+ I'm a bit torn lol).

GO WATCH IT!!

Payce.

(o;

addendum

Also, I finished "24: Season 8" (the last and final season) a while back.

I'll review that as well.

As a side note--sometimes I feel like they try too hard with the "surprise" factor that I don't know if the writers intentionally planned it from beginning to end to have certain characters be two-faced, even a "triple agent" of sorts. Like in the Jet Li/Jason Statham action flick, "War" (which I was expecting to be more action than acting/storyline, and they tried too hard on the latter that it was a bad movie overall for me--I had such high hopes lol), I felt the writers were like "Oh, here's a good place to turn it all around!" and it disappointed me a LOT.

Not ALL of the Seasons of "24" do this (disappoint me), but I want to say they all have this "surprise/twist" that occurs not once, but multiple times per season. Sometimes it works, and sometimes... it doesn't.

REVIEW TO COME!!

No Strings Attached (2011)

Ok, first off, I actually watched this a WHILE ago (before "Burlesque") and thought I had reviewed it, but I hadn't. I'll come back to it, but from the trailer of up and coming movie "Friends With Benefits" starring Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake (we'll have to wait till it comes out and I watch it to be sure), THAT is what "No Strings Attached" was trying to do.

After watching it, I felt as if I was watching a repeat of Ashton Kutcher's "A Lot Like Love" starring Amanda Peet in the Natalie Portman role (even though the understanding from the trailer is that they are already friends and decide to throw in sex--NOT the case at all).

[side note--after we watched it, my friends and I thought Amanda Peet and Ashton would make a lovely couple... because they seemed like two sides of the same coin. OH WELL]

That reminds me, I gotta review "How Do You Know" (another one with a surprise to it as well--NOT what you think from the Trailer either).

But I'm going to bed. I've had a long weekend. See you in the morning!

<3

[o yeah... how random is it that Mila Kunis and Natalie Portman are in almost the same movie (well, with a seemingly similar premise), almost competing ... lol "Black Swan" reference/real-life similarity?? (o; ] <- Ok, know that was dumb. WHATCHA GON' DO

Immortal Beloved (1994)

WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS. READ FORWARD AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.

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I wrote this review as part of my Music Appreciation class for the film, "Immortal Beloved," based upon Beethoven (Gary Oldman)'s life and who his "Immortal Beloved" could be.

Note: when you get to the part about the Sonata Pathétique, click the link and if you want to skip the intro (although I'd suggest listening to the whole first movement (o; ), go to 1:49 to hear the "famous portion" (utilized in an AT&T commercial!).

- - - - -

The film, “Immortal Beloved” is a fictionalized hypothesis on who Ludwig van Beethoven's Unsterbliche Geliebte (“Immortal Beloved”) could have been. The film runs about two hours and hints at three possible women: Johanna van Beethoven, his sister-in-law by marriage to his younger brother, Kaspar van Beethoven; Anna-Marie Erdödy, a Countess separated from her husband, raising three young children when Beethoven comes to live with her before Napoleon's army takes Austria; and Giulietta Guicciardi, a young woman he teaches piano lessons to, as well as proposes to (according to the film), but rejects her because of her father's (and her) inability to accept his deafness (it is not well-known; Ludwig seems to try to keep it hidden). Beethoven is portrayed as volatile but passionate, as well as blunt and seemingly tactless to a fault. If the story is true, then this movie has taught me more about Beethoven than I have ever learned in my music career—via Music History and theory courses.

The movie hints that he was loved greatly by all three women, but that his heart belonged to his brother's wife, Johanna (née Reiss). Historical theorists who speculate on the women in Beethoven's life who could have been his Unsterbliche Geliebte¹ seem to lean heavily on Antonie Brentano as the favorite. Thérèse von Brunswick is also a potential candidate, and she is seen fleetingly in the film, as she is Countess Giulietta Giucciardi's cousin. She is considered a likely candidate due to his dedicating one piece, the Diabelli Variations (Op. 120) to her and his Piano Sonata Op. 109 to her daughter. Critics of this view put forth that Beethoven had told a friend that he had met the love of his life in 1811 (this is likely to be his “Immortal Beloved”). A Beethoven biographer has quoted two sources showing that Antonie Brentano had met Beethoven prior to 1810. SPOILER!! An alternate case is made for Anna-Marie Erdödy², portrayed by Isabella Rossellini in the film. Gail S. Altman, who puts forth this theory, states that it “would have been against Beethoven's deepest precepts to betray a friend by carrying on an affair with his wife” (and this would be Franz and Antonie Brentano). If this is the case, this also refutes the film's claims of Johanna van Beethoven as his “Immortal Beloved.”

Anton Felix Schindler is portrayed as Beethoven's confidante, secretary, and seemingly best friend (assistant/“right-hand man”), but factually he was not this to Beethoven at all. The interpretation of Schindler as Beethoven's admirer and friend is based upon falsifications in his publications on Beethoven's life and his “exaggeration of his period of close association” with him³.

The music used in “Immortal Beloved” are all well-known Beethoven pieces, and “Für Elise” and the “Moonlight Sonata” (Piano Sonata No. 14 in C♯ minor "Quasi una fantasia", Mondscheinsonate in German), of course, make an appearance. The filmmaker made it seem as if Gary Oldman were playing the pieces because the camera shots would not shy from his fingers. I speculated that perhaps he was fingering random notes and a professional played over the scene. Gary Oldman did, in fact, learn how to play the piano for this film in order for those scenes to be authentic, but a few professionals⁴ actually played the pieces—Murray Perahia and Emanuel Ax—for the film.

Excerpts (movements or clips) from Beethoven's Symphonies #5, 3, 6, 8, 7, and 9 (which we have studied in class) are also used. My personal favorite is the “Pathetique” (Piano Sonata No. 8), with parts of the first and second movements. The music was clear and technically sound. However, I feel that vocal interpretations of the music were really up to the delivery of the actors—Beethoven's claiming that Count Wenzel Robert von Gallenberg's interpretation of his piece was staid and lacked any empathy or emotion (too staccato, implying he was only playing the notes, and not understanding the meaning behind the music). However, if we listen to the soundtrack only, then the pieces are all identical in form. Therefore, it is the performance of the players on screen that denote or emote what emotions we should be feeling from the music: Gary Oldman has so much emotion as Beethoven when he plays his pieces. In the scene where Giulietta Giucciardi meets Beethoven, she has just walked out of Count von Gallenberg's performance. Beethoven dedicated the “Moonlight” sonata to the Countess, however, and therein begins the speculation behind the identity of Beethoven's Unsterbliche Geliebte.

Overall, this will forever remain a mystery, unless new information comes to light. The movie was a surprise and delight, because I had been unaware of this film until this class. I enjoy Gary Oldman as an actor (I believe he is underappreciated), and he was brilliant as Ludwig. The other actors in the movie were great as well, but fleshing out the story between Ludwig and his sister-in-law, Johanna (as well as giving an explanation to their bitter relationship) by book-ending the beginning with the mystery and the ending with the unveiling made the film an artful piece of work. This movie did not feel its two hours. After having seen this and “Amadeus,” I may search for other movies based upon the lives of composers.

1Oakley Beahrs, Virginia. “The Immortal Beloved Riddle Reconsidered.” Musical Times, Vol. 129, No. 1740 (Feb., 1988), pp. 64-70

2Altman, Gail S. Beethoven: A Man of His Word - Undisclosed Evidence for his Immortal Beloved, Anubian Press 1996

3Peter Stadlen. “Schindler's Beethoven Forgeries.” The Musical Times, Vol. 118, No. 1613. (July 1977), pp. 549-552.

4“Immortal Beloved Soundtrack.” Amazon.com. 2001. Retrieved 15 Mar 2011. http://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Beloved-Georg-Solti-film/dp/B000002AQD/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1300225501&sr=8-2

Limitless (2011)

"Limitless" was a surprisingly entertaining film. I was already interested in the film from the trailer, but I can say the premise was NOT EVEN close to what I was expecting.

From the trailers, I understood that Robert De Niro was a devil (like) character who offers Bradley Cooper a shot at the world--lifelong success--via a clear pill, but at a price. I thought Bradley Cooper sold his soul or made a deal and the devil came to collect once Cooper reaped the benefits of the pill.

Boy, was I wrong.

Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) is a down-on-his-luck writer who happens to run into his ex-brother-in-law (via his marriage with his ex-wife, played by Anna Friel of "Pushing Daisies" fame), who used to be a drug dealer.

Well, in a way, he still was... (this actually reminded me a bit of the indie flick "Twelve" starring Chace Crawford)

He tells Eddie about this clear pill called NZT that is unlike anything that exists. It clears your mind--i.e. all your memories become accessible to you--you utilize 100% of your brain. The general belief is that we only utilize 20% of our brain, which leaves 80% locked (this has since been found out to be untrue). In the movie, Eddie takes NZT and immediately calculates, plans, scenarios... all functions of the brain at full capacity. He is the most productive he's been in a LONG while. When his juice runs out, well... of course he wants more. He's at his best when he's on NZT.

And therein lies the rub.

De Niro plays a fat cat, ahead-of-his-game, head-of-empire Carl Van Loon. He is reminiscent of Michael Douglas in "Wall Street" (1987)--cold, calculated, impersonal, shrewd businessman. He has had a lot of experience and a lot of success throughout the years. He is cautious and makes sure that only experts are trusted when it comes to his investments and time. Eddie's boss (after Eddie starts working for a stock company--I think it may be a brokerage firm) pushes him in to a meeting with Van Loon and from there, this "newb" starts playing with the 'big boys.' Van Loon's right-hand man, Pierce (played by Robert John Burke, of 'Thinner' [movie based upon Stephen King's horror novel of the same name] fame and most recently as Bart Bass on 'Gossip Girl'), scoffs at Morra and doesn't trust him because of his newfound fame and success--he came too quickly on to the scene.

When Morra finishes his first dosage of NZT, he goes back to his ex-brother-in-law, and to make a long story short--he ends up dying, and the movie begins to unravel the truth behind NZT.

A subplot involves a Russian loan shark who is constantly on Morra.

The movie revolves around NZT (for obvious reasons), and I would recommend you watch this film.

Abbie Cornish (who's also in newly released "Sucker Punch", which I sadly wanted to see, along with "Battle: LA", but may not have the $$ to spend--or willing to spend) plays Morra's girlfriend (from the beginning of the film--hearing of his 'ex-brother-in-law' confused me at first).

"Limitless" is based upon a novel by Irish writer Alan Glynn, called The Dark Fields, now being re-released under the Mass Market Paperback movie tie-in edition, Limitless. Hearing the title The Dark Fields makes me think of 'A Scanner Darkly' (and its novel). Ssssh... Not that I'm ruining anything (o; [b/c I'm not]

Get thee to the theatre (or download SSSHH!) now!! Enjoy!

Overall Grade: B+/A-

(maybe more like a B++ lol if that exists)

Burlesque (2010)

You are all probably used to this phrase by now: "It did what it was supposed to do."

However, that doesn't excuse that Christina Aguilera, in trying to break into acting, couldn't steer clear of singing. I believe that there should be a separation between the two when you are trying to succeed with one. If you're going to be a singer, then SING. But if you're going to be in a movie, people will only take you seriously if you are there AS AN ACTOR (see: Justin Timberlake).

I personally hate crossovers like that (see: every Disney child actor star EVER).

The acting seemed amateur and the storyline was most definitely predictable.

Ok.

So WHAT exactly were we expecting to see?

Well, the "Burlesque"-ness of it all! I believe this is what the PCD are all about. Singing, dancing, seduction, all in cute (but seductive) outfits (those of which you could see at any Halloween party or Burning Man).

[Long live )'( ]

I always feel sad when I see such potential in actors to break out of their slump or "B" (even "C" *gasp*) zone (see: James Franco, who's FINALLY DONE IT w/"127 hours" [WATCH!]). Cam Gigandet can really break into mainstream without being taken as a joke; same with Stanley Tucci (which I hear he did in "The Lovely Bones" -- a movie I have yet to see). [I'm in class and apparently I've missed the review for this class. Good thing we have "group tests." I just gotta make sure I show up on time. Ok more on the movie! SORRY FOR THE ASIDE] Burlesque gets a solid C from me.

Predictable.
Amateur acting.
Amateur storyline.

The movie seems to be there to just push forward Ms. Aguilera's ability to sing--which we're already aware of.

Unfortunately this doesn't help her current situation (drunk in public, DUI, AND she's found a new man so soon already after her baby daddy!! tsk tsk).

O, Christina, we already KNEW you could sing. Show us that you're more than your Dirrrty self.

Movies to come...

(They're really building up now!)

"Due Date"

"Hamlet 2"

"Invictus"

"Marie Antoinette"

"Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps"

more TBA...

(can't quite recall now, and like an idiot, deleted them off my hard drive already... Harumph)

"DARK CITY" TBW/R (to be watched and reviewed)

"Amadeus" 1984

“Amadeus” is a fictionalized take on the life and times of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is completely in English, even though it takes place in Austria and the characters are Austrian. Salieri is an Italian-born composer, but upon further research¹, he is discovered to have grown up and composed in Austria, hence his place in the Emperor's Court. The movie does well bringing in elements of drama, comedy, and especially Mozart's music. The characters are fleshed out, and as undesirable as some characters may seem, they are all sympathetic characters. Mozart is the almost anti-hero of his own tragedy, with Salieri as the conniving villain. Through it all he is appreciative of Mozart's talent, but because of his jealousy and moral superiority, he cannot reach out a hand in friendship to Mozart and in the end, destroys him.

The movie did not feel its three hours (I watched the Director's Cut), and the depth of Salieri's deception is so deep that at times you hope he will pull out at the last second in remorse. But he is too far into his own game, and the ruse continues. He at once despises and admires Mozart from afar, and by the end of the movie, F. Murray Abraham's Oscar for Best Actor seems well-deserved. Watching “Amadeus” very much made me interested in classical music and the music of Mozart again. I once played Sonatas on piano and clarinet, and my parents had bought me a set of “Classical Music for Kids,” of which “The Magic Flute” was one story. Hearing Mozart's music made me miss all of this, and the movie was filled with Mozart's music.

Mozart reminded me a lot of Michael Jackson, actually, in his sad state of remaining child-like and emotionally, mentally stunted due to his early fame because of his genius. People took advantage of his naivete, ingenuous nature and need for friends, and exploited it to their fullest advantage. The one thing that struck me was the very unique laugh that Tom Hulce learned and utilized for his portrayal of Wolfgang “Wolfie” Mozart, and perhaps this was artistic license, but his laugh was supposed to ludicrous and severe enough to catch the raised brows of those advisors at court closest to the Emperor. Mozart believed in his art and that it would prevail, so much so, that he offered to help a friend for no promise of money. He literally worked himself to death, or so the story of the movie would tell us.

Historically, it seems that Mozart and Salieri had more of a healthy competition and were friends and peers. Antonio Salieri even tutored Mozart's son in music (Brown). “Amadeus” is based upon a stage play written in 1979 by Peter Shaffer², inspired by the short play Mozart and Salieri by Aleksandr Pushkin³. The relationship is fictionalized to include an antipathy between Mozart of Salieri, scorn for Mozart's character from Salieri, and scorn for Salieri's abilities from Mozart. Some critics felt appalled that Mozart was portrayed as a fool, and that he was classier than his character is portrayed in the story. Mozart had to “retain a degree of dignity when working at court and therefore could not have acted as he did in Amadeus”⁴. Also, Mozart was actually well-paid for his compositions, but most likely still did spend beyond his means, as portrayed in the movie. The cause of his death is unknown, but what is agreed upon is that his final illness “came upon him suddenly and included fever and rashes” (Feo). Historically, many of the nobility died through lack of attention to hygiene and knowing how to maintain proper health; the life expectancy was much shorter.

Overall, “Amadeus” was an enjoyable film, and I was actually interested in investigating the truth behind Salieri's seeming hatred for Mozart and his role in Mozart's downfall, because prior to the film, I had never heard of Antonio Salieri. And apparently, due to the popularity of “Amadeus” (the 1984 film), many people started to seek out Salieri's works and his opuses became sought out again. If I had to give “Amadeus” a grade, I would give it a B+/A-. The acting was not the best it could have been, but it is also a film from 1984. The costuming, however, seemed very intricate and delicate, and it looks like the filmmakers did their homework. There was a contrast in to how the nobility dressed, and who bought wigs, and the extravagance of the royal court. The difference between a performance set for peasants and one set for the court and its noble class were also nice to see.

1Brown, A. Peter. “Amadeus and Mozart: Setting the Record Straight”. The American Scholar 61.1 (1992). Print

2“Amadeus.” The Internet Movie Database. February 2011. Internet Movie Database ltd. 14 Feb 2011

3 "Mozart and Salieri." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 14 Feb. 2011. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/395486/Mozart-and-Salieri>.

4Feo, Pamela. “Mozart Myths.” Boston Lyric Opera. 2006. Web. 14 Feb 2011.

Update!!

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"

(FINALLY!)

*Newsflash!* Transformers 3 is starring all the same players, minus Megan Fox, add in Victoria's Secret model.

"Amadeus."

REVIEWS

TBD

(o; <<> dunh, DUNH!!]

The Crazies (2010)

I had a review planned out in my head last night after I watched this movie.

It was going to be short and sweet.

I've completely forgotten it now.

So, here goes...

"I Am Legend" (movie) / "28 Days Later" (movie)

"Persons Unknown" (TV)

Just a few elements of that goin' on...

It's not really a ZoMBiE movie, but more about government interference, and the callousness of testing on human lives.

Ok, there are some zombie-LIKE characters.

They're all coherent humans, but they just become murderous (à la "28 Days Later", i.e. the "rage" virus).

Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell star.

It wasn't scary in the sense of its being scary, but there were tense moments.

Bumps and noises--and the music did the job building tension more than anything.

I like the underappreciated actors, and Timothy Olyphant (and to some extent, Radha Mitchell) is one of them.

I had wanted to see this when it came out, and I was not disappointed.

The ending of the movie sends the same message that the opening does, and I'm not gonna lie--realistic endings are my thing.

Whether or not it's happy is irrelevant.

With that cryptic outro, I'm OUT.

Enjoy!! (o;

Red (2010)

RED (2010) starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, and John Malkovich--also co-starring Julian McMahon and Brian Cox (and Richard Dreyfuss!) stands for "Retired, Extremely Deadly" and is a pretty funny movie.

John Malkovich's paranoid character reminds me SO MUCH of Walter Bishop of "Fringe" (on Fox, Friday nights--if you haven't started watching, GET THEE TO HULU or FOX.COM and WATCH IT!!).

Oh yeah, Mary-Louise Parker is also in it. Although I was slightly disappointed by her performance. She is so much Nancy Botwin from "Weeds"--which works for the show, but kinda annoying for the movie.

She's what we would call the "Kate" character of the movie--she gets the "Kate" (Austen, of "Lost") treatment--pretty, but useless in the sense of sympathy, empathy and point. (I personally liked Kate, but many other viewers of "Lost" found her annoying and pointless) <<>

RED is entertaining, action-packed, but long. There are moments where it is slightly slow.

With that said, the plot twists were believable, and the most important part was that every scene mattered. (i.e. when introducing a new plot element, or a particular scene, it is relevant, and you WILL remember it when they bring back reference to it)

This brings me to "Amadeus," which I had to watch for a Music Appreciation class, and I never actually completed the movie (I've started it a few times and seen middle sections). I'll review that later.

If you like old people kicking ass, and the youth who disrespect the elderly getting theirs, RED is for you.

The lines are pretty witty, and the characters all have their moments (except for Nancy Botwin--I mean, Sarah).

The premise of the story can be gotten from the trailer, found here.

The general gist of the story is that Bruce Willis, who plays Frank (Francis) Moses, a retired CIA Senior Analyst (as the story goes), who is suddenly under fire--someone wants to kill him. He goes to some old friends, does some digging, is courting/kidnaps Mary-Louise Parker (all this happens within the first 10-15 min., I promise!!), and the movie ensues.

Karl Urban is great as the upstanding, well-meaning, straight-laced, by-the-book young CIA man. (I forgot to mention he was in the film)

From the top of my head, I can grab that he is Eomer in "Lord of the Rings," the doctor in "Star Trek," and the main villain along w/Thandie Newton in "Chronicles of Riddick."

Overall, I'd give this movie a B. I know it seems I give middling grades--that's somewhat where all movies stand.

Oh yeah--it did what it was supposed to do. (o;

Enjoy!

More Movies...! (btw)

Just a few more movies...

"Takers"

"Little Fockers"

(I like to say they "Shrekked" it--give it the "SHREK" treatment--TOO MANY SEQUELS, and it's a play on the word "wreck") (o;

TO COME!!

And I PROMISE I'll review all the others soon!!!!

(and to come: "Amadeus")

TOODLES.

PAYCE.

Splice (2009)

Hello!!

Just finished "Splice," an indie sci-flick starring Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley. It's a sci-fi horror movie and it was actually pretty decent.

I haven't looked at reviews or plot summaries, so I went in with completely fresh eyes and POV, just off the trailer.

Hopefully it's not a disjointed experience, because I started this movie on a plane back to the States from Taiwan, and we landed halfway through. I just finished it today.

WOW.

Where to begin.

Well, it wasn't one of those jaw-dropping, eye-popping experiences, but there were edge-of-my-seat moments and a few heart palpitations.

[on a side note, that GUY! he's in "Knocked Up" and "Adventureland"--4 eyes? Jesus? lol he's in this movie as Clide's brother. Clide <<>

*ok maybe I was mistaken

BUT it did what it was supposed to.

I suppose you are all tired of hearing me say that about movies, but honestly--if you go in with an open mind and the ability to appreciate the movie for what it is, you'll never feel like you're wasting your money--or your time (theatre vs renting). And isn't life better when you can enjoy every movie you view??

So the premise of the movie is that two married scientists, played by Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley (Clide and Elsa), want to progress further in their genetic experiments than their science company, N.E.R.D., are willing to allow them (They have successfully spliced together a few animals to create "Ginger" and "Fred," a female and male of the same "species").

They progress to create an illicit experiment, but including human DNA. The experiments still lack a protein to be synthesized to make sure the new creature(s) would be stable, genetically.

The movie progresses well; every scene has a purpose (even when it seems like it does not--JUST WATCH!). I won't give away the good parts, but there are a few twists and turns (from beginning to end) that will keep you entertained.

Hopefully, you're not looking for some star quality, but I'd give the acting a B.

Overall, I would actually give the movie an A-/B+ rating, about ★★★★☆

[If you don't trust me, I use IMDB.com and RottenTomatoes.com as references--I used to read "Eye" section of San Jose Mercury News and "EW" regularly, but yeah...]

Happy Viewing!!

24: Season 7

Curse this season for its cliffhanger!!

And curse the internet for its many SPOILERS that exist. Harumph.

But I suppose it's my own fault.

In shopping around for "Season 8," I accidentally stumbled upon (well, not really... I should've just scrolled, but accidentally skimmed) the Wikipedia page, and found out some info I'd rather not have found out.

I was also trying to find a way to view it online.

Oh well.

ANYWAY.

Season 7... It's always the ENDS of these days (24 = 1 day = 1 season) that make me go through the eps like fire. The beginning/middle ones are sometimes a bit slow...

With that said, there is some major double-crossing(crossage?) and some plot twists in this story that make it pretty awesome.

Although I can see why David Palmer is the favorite prez of 24's world, Alison Taylor is JUST as ethical and JUST as willing to sacrifice her own personal issues/flaws (be it via her or extended) in the name of truth and justice.

Oh, how I wish America's REAL prez's were thus (instead of the conniving politicians MOST of them really are... but that's in an ideal world; someone who's willing to get their hands dirty? THAT gets results, unfortunately. Call me naïve, but I believe it thus).

24 starts off with the kidnapping of a scientist who knows how to arm a piece of machinery (software/hardware) that will aid some foreign terrorists in their plans.

The beauty of 24 is that, because it is given its 24-ep arc, and the eps range from a standard 42, 43-min to even 45-47 (in the longer range ones), MUCH of the story can be told because it is in real time. A lot of the time, a smaller conspiracy is unmasked by an even larger one by the day's end. Plot twists are always key in the 24 world, but I do feel like, with this particular season, the writers may have been trying a tad too much.

With that said, it was still an awesome season.

Again, the unfulfilling part is with the cliffhanger ending. But, I guess we should beg the question: When does "24" not end that way? An assassination attempt on the president? Jack's being abducted by foreign nationals? It leaves the viewer wanting more, no doubt. Unfortunately, what I hate about serials is the LONG WAIT in between.

So get thee to Netflix or Fox's website or a subscription service (if you must, download--iTunes offers ep's of TV serials at a fairly cheap price).

(Although I'd just RENT or borrow it from your local library--put it on hold! There's no rush. Save yourself some $$)

24: Season 7 - A-

With that, I'm signing off and out.

See you tomorrow with "Blue Valentine" 's review and some others that have been a long time coming. Meanwhile; I've got to figure a way to save up space on my hard drive for Season 8.

Much <3

Toodles.

BORAT (2006)

I'm almost done with 24: Season 7, so expect a review on that soon.

Idk what it is, but from season to season, I don't really remember too much. To tell you the truth, the season that I have the most vivid memories for is Day 1. It's somewhat like that for CSI (Las Vegas) as well. Season One stands out the most.

- - - - -

BORAT: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.

This movie was just as funny as, if not funnier, than when I first saw it.

There were moments I remembered, and there were some I did not. Overall, a super delightful, enjoyable experience.

It satirizes the American population (especially the conservative and at times, ignorant, right) to a tee, and the rapport Borat builds with his unsuspecting cohorts (audience) is truly a work of art.

(I commented at one point that hopefully Sacha Baron Cohen apologized to some people [NOT ALL] after the filming of this--especially to Pamela Anderson... or NOT) <- nod to the film (o;

JUST GO WATCH IT ALREADY.

Aside from the fact that it most likely very inaccurately portrays people from Kazakhstan--it is an accurate portrayal of an unsuspecting American public.

People would be more real than they would be in a Michael Moore documentary, because they believe this movie is for a foreign audience.

He does it again in "Bruno," but I know more people found that offensive. Mostly people uncomfortable with homosexuality and homosexual scenes will not be able to stomach some of "Bruno" 's more graphic scenes.

But I digress.

This review will be short and sweet, because IN SHORT-

WATCH "BORAT."

Grade: A

I actually want to liken it to "Shrek" (don't ask me why; I find they are in the same vein--and NOT the Shrek sequels--just the first one). It's satirical--pokes fun at itself, at the genre it's supposed to be in, and at its viewers, even. I like those types of movies. (On a side note, actors willing to portray themselves as a caricature of themselves are cool in my book, too.)

I forgot--I also had a chance to go watch the Indie film "Blue Valentine" with an old roommate (friend), and I must say. I was expecting it to be good the way I thought "500 Days of Summer" was (also with the same friend--she likes Indie films!), and it was. Satisfied me.

It told a human story about love, just as "500 Days" did, and honestly, in this day and age--a realistic story that is spun well and has good acting in it deserves an A.

Review to come.

(Also, Ken Davitian did an awesome job as well. You can also find him in "Get Smart," which I thoroughly enjoyed. Although it may have seemed farcical, the scenes in the trailer were nowhere near some of the funnier scenes in the movie--a fact I like about funny movies. You shouldn't have all your funniest bits in the trailer...)

CHEERS! (o;

Mirrors (2008)

How do I start?

I really wanted to see this when it came out, and then the reviews apparently weren't too fond of it, and generally when that happens, the tv spots and trailers drop out (frequency drops) after the movie opens.

I didn't give it a second thought till recently.

"Mirrors" does what it needs to do.

As a refresher, my boyfriend and I re-watched the Trailer, and we concurred that the ending may have been what killed the ratings for the movie (there's an explosion in the trailer, so I'm not SPOILing anything). Any time there's something like that, it kinda kills what could have otherwise been an AWESOME supernatural thriller/horror story...

As a general rule, I don't like too much gore, but I think after watching CSI, I've become deadened to it, because I watched the "Saw" movies (only I-III) and felt nothing--didn't need to look away, no stomach turning. Although, I've never had that feeling before; just an uncomfy unsettled feeling because I tend to feel every cut, bruise, break happens to me, physically. Can't really explain it. Probably why I never wanted to become a doctor.

But I digress.

My boyfriend made the comment that someone had to have made a movie about this concept already! But I'm pretty sure "Mirrors" is the first of its kind.

It stars Kiefer Sutherland and Paula Patton (I actually enjoyed her performance in "Idlewild"--a movie I'd recommend!), as well as a guest appearance by Amy Smart as Sutherland's sister.

The premise of the movie (if you don't already know) is that apparently another world exists beyond the mirrors--almost a parallel universe--or something beyond the mirrors looking in to our world--as if we saw it the way a 2-way mirror works--it can see in, but we only see our reflections.

(It's actually an evil spirit of some kind, but again, you could get that from the trailer.)

My understanding from the trailer was that, no matter what happened in the mirror, if it happened in there, then it didn't matter if YOU on this side weren't doing anything, it'd happen to you.

And that's about it.

Kiefer Sutherland plays a retired cop--or in-between because he's trying to get reinstated--who takes on a part-time job as the night watchman of an abandoned department store (don't ask me why--both my boyfriend and I came to the consensus that the owners should just install a security system if they're that worried about hooligans, riffraff, and looting--unless machinery doesn't work inside, but they never explain it; also--CREEPY AS HELL--why would you work there?? He suggested that the security guard just say he made his rounds, but not actually).

Overall, it was enjoyable. Gave me some scares (as my boyfriend tried to jolt me by inhaling suddenly at various points in the movie), and I did close my eyes at some of the gorier CGI scenes.

For a horror movie and for its entertainment value (as these stories SHOULD be), I give it a B-

It came to my attention that there was a sequel. I would say skip it. For the most part, sequels seem to falter and just be worse (when I found out "Butterfly Effect" had a sequel, I was shocked. I enjoyed the movie, but didn't really seeing its needing a sequel).

Enjoy!!

Toodles.

- - - - -

Upcoming Titles: "Marie Antoinette" ; "Dreamgirls" ; "Exit Through the Gift Shop" ; "Bon Cop, Bad Cop"

AND YES. I still need to review all those other past-mentioned films.

Not to mention, a hidden Kiefer Sutherland film, "Dark City" found its way into my 24: Season 7 download (ssshh!! jk), so I may or may not check that out.

Till then... Today will see a double feature. I recently re-watched "Borat" with my boyfriend because he said he hadn't seen it all the way before (only bits and pieces). He also told me (upon finishing) that he realized 3/4 of the way through that he'd seen the first 1/3 before.

REVIEWING NOW.

Clash of the Titans

This would be the new one. With the special effects.

As a movie, it was what it was to be expected.

Special Effects--good enough.

Plotline--all right.

Acting--as expected (no Oscar noms here!).

Screenwriting--not the best, but it's not like the lines were noticeably bad (i.e. fairly decent).

It's a retelling of the Andromeda of Argos (think Jason and the Argonauts) story, with Perseus the hero.

There are some other characters--such as djinn--which are a Middle Eastern construct (I rather like when mythos cross paths--read EverWorld series to get a gist of what I'm saying).

[side note: Might read American Gods by Neil Gaiman soon... to be seen on BOOK BLOG!]

Overall, an enjoyable movie with good action scenes. SOME of the CGI was a bit obvious, but I liked the characters enough to get attached.

No tears, though. Not that kind of movie.

It did what it was supposed to.

Maybe one day I'll watch the original. Until then--

I'm signing off

OVERALL: B-/C+

(average, maybe even a "B")

~

PEACE.

Oh--would I recommend it? Yeah. For a rainy day, or day in on the couch w/some snackies.

We also finished "Green Hornet" so I'll review that next.

Back to 24: Season 7!! (BTW sad to find out Season 8 was the FINAL season, *sniff*)

[On a funny side note, my boyfriend thought Liam Neeson was Ralph Fiennes when we watched "The A-Team." I told him, that, ironically enough, they play brothers in this film. Also, was so hopeful on behalf of Sam Worthington. Hopefully he doesn't go the James Franco route... even though said J.F. is coming back up, it seems. "127 hours" was a winner, I hear. More on that later... GOOD NIGHT!!]

- - - - -

On 2nd thought, I'm regrading "TRON" w/an A-. CHEERIO!

TOO MANY TO WRITE ...!!!

I know. I know. I've promised so many reviews and I've re-read some of my old blogs and realized that I have yet to WATCH some movies and definitely to review the "SLEW" I promised.

Sadly, I'm adding 2 more movies to the list...

"Salt" starring Angelina Jolie

"The A-Team" starring Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, "Rampage" (UFC Fighter--Mr. T's character on the original show), and Sharlot Copley (of "District 9" fame)

Did I mention that I'd already seen...

"Cop Out" starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan ?

(btw I am still obsessed with "TRON"! the soundtrack is AMAZING, even if it is slightly repetitive--maybe that's the point?)

I also have to add "Takers" and "Splice" (if I haven't already) to the list.

CHEERS!!

.: heart :. (b/c it's recognized as some sort of HTML coding)

BLACK SWAN

Ok. I know; I know. I promised a "G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra" review, but C'MON. Lol "Black Swan" 's been getting crazy buzz, so me and my boyfriend watched it.

Oh. My. Goodness.

Darren Aronofsky's outdone himself. Well, okay. Maybe just followed his typical line, but Jesus this movie was crazy.

Where to begin?

Umm--my question is, What drugs were the writers on when they crafted this piece?!

Honestly, the surreal element to the story really--excuse my Spanish--fucks--with your head. Half the events don't even make sense until you realize that Natalie Portman's Nina Sayers has started down a dark spiral into oblivion and she's lost herself in her schizoid microcosm of paranoia and cannot differentiate between that and the real world.

Enter corrupting forces Mila Kunis' Lily and artistic director (choreographer?) Tomas, played by Vincent Cassel, whom you may recognize from "Eastern Promises" and "Derailed" (or at least, I do). Even Winona Ryder gets a crack at it.

I think at about the halfway point, the movie makes a screeching, churning 180 from the direction it seems to start out from, and for the first time I felt a pang of fear--that chill that runs up and down your spine. I was sunk into my seat. I said to my bf, "Ok, now I'm scared."

Up until then it seems to just delineate Nina's life and her coming out of her über-protected shell...

Until something darker arises.

Take a look at the main poster for the movie. What's so chilling about it?

You can't really pinpoint it, but something seems off.

WELL--watch the film and you'll see what I see now.

Overall score: A/A-

★★★★ 1/2

- - - - -

REALLY want "Inception" Soundtrack (on a side note).

And I meant to give Tron 3.5 ★'s so that's what I'm amending right now.

For your viewing pleasure...

Also, as a side note--

I've been a ballet aficionado since birth. Well, it's actually been a while since I've been, but I've been having a hankering for "The Nutcracker" ever since I saw SF Ballet's "The Little Mermaid" with my friend. *le sigh* That's past now. However, I did get a chance to watch "The Swan Lake" and I even acquired a book (beautiful illustrations by Van Allsburg) that I recently re-read.

I do not really agree with the interpretation of the story as presented in the movie; however, it fits the plot line and the direction (SPOILER! foreshadowing) of the film.

Not to give too much credit to this adaptation, but go rent "The Swan Princess" (or download; whatever your pleasure) to get a general idea of the storyline.

And listen to Tchaikovsky's beautiful score!! (<- it's been haunting me since last night, and running through my mind)

PEACE!! Much <3

- - - - -

(from here on out, I will rate movies with "bites." since I am a food aficionado, I'll let you guys know just how much of these movies I'm willing to "take a bit out of" <- Cheese intended)

2081

I stumbled upon this when I was imdb-ing "The Social Network" (after having seen it). I found myself drawn to Armie Hammer and wondering why he looked familiar (I then found out it was from a stint on "Gossip Girl").

However...

It led me to a short film based upon the short story "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. I highly suggest you click on the link for "Harrison Bergeron" because I love-love-loved that short story. It actually turned me onto Kurt Vonnegut, Jr (but then I found his other stuff is just a tad overstretched and bizarre to me).

I actually have 4 short stories I can't go without...

But I digress. (I'll include the links at the end of this post)

ANYWAY.

So "2081" is the movie version of that. All 26 minutes of it.

Yes, they dragged it out with some backstory plot line and some extra dialogue, but overall I found it enjoyable. It stayed true to the spirit of the story, and even my bf admitted to enjoying it (he tends to shy away from stuff that he isn't aware of, or older films--"classics"). He said he didn't like characters that became "soapboxes" BUT what ya gonna do? (He likened it to "V for Vendetta" and how he disliked the character of "V," played by Hugo Weaving; I actually rather enjoyed that movie, SO...) <- I like the dystopian-future-type stories (hence "Brave New World" and "1984" being some of my faves of classic lit)

Just go watch it.

It's only 26 minutes!!

AND READ THE SHORT STORY.

In short, my bf gave it a B (B-), but I'll give it one grade up. I enjoyed "Harrison Bergeron" and I enjoyed "2081." Although it wasn't a tearjerker, it was worth it to me.

A- for "2081"

Much <3

- - - - -

Short stories Links (funnily enough, "Harrison" ain't here!) <- I'll copy and paste these to my book blog as well ... with some comments (o;

* A Sound of Thunder <- the movie of which I heard was awful (and it's a short story!! can't believe they made it into a full-length feature, adding elements that probably became more Hollywood than stayed true to the story; HATE when Hollywood bastardizes themes and stories)

* The Monkey's Paw <- of which my 8th grade English teacher showed us the Simpsons ep

* The Most Dangerous Game <- chilling. In a way I haven't been chilled the way And Then There Were None did

* The Landlady <- I didn't know children's author Roald Dahl had it in him!!

TRON

Oh my goodness.

So, first off-

Let me reiterate what I have said about past movies and adaptations: Please, please, PLEASE do not go to the movies expecting Grade-A acting and an awesome storyline when the movie is clearly advertising something other than that.

With that said, "TRON" was amazing.

It offered everything I wanted--visually stunning (we saw it in IMAX 3D) and the action sequences were exciting.

The acting was cheesy (or the lines were, at least), but what ya gonna do? And really, whaddya expect?

Given that, I just have to make the side comment that CGI Humanoid characters have come a LONG way, but for some reason, the mouth has never been quite right. (it gives it away)

I have never seen the original "Tron" (*gasp*) but watched the Trailer for it last night (amidst middle of the night cramming for my Midterm today), and I must say that the special effects are definitely NOT as good. HOWEVER--it has me intrigued. The posters are somewhat parallel (throwback, it seems)

which makes it kind of cool.

Anyway.

I give this movie a solid B.

Or in the 5-star rating, ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Get thee to the theater! (if you haven't seen it already)

IMAX 3D is the way to do it for this one, unfortunately.

I'll put my review for G.I. Joe up next...

Till then!

xoxo ~ Alicea