Gorgeous, radiant, inspiring piece that fills the feminine heart with warmth. Filmed in a lush countryside, it doubles as a travelogue.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
"Phone Booth"
Next to "The Recruit," "Phone Booth" deserves an honorable mention. Well-written, well-directed, well-acted, intense psychological thriller. A very focused filmmaking.
"The Recruit"
If anyone is enraptured with espionage, if you enjoyed the dynamic between the veteran and the protégé in "Spy Games," go see "The Recruit." It's a gripping thriller that will let you go behind the scene of the prodigious CIA training. And before you venture out to this world of perfidy and stratagem, remember that, "Nothing is as it seems." Friend or foe, the game is on.
"Runaway Jury"
Provocative courtroom thriller, compelling case, smart power-play with drastic twists and turns. Definitely enlightening in some ways; the process of jury selections and coming out with a verdict. Obviously, in real life, it's not nearly as dramatic as the Hollywood version, but you know something... I think I'd enjoy serving as a jury. More often than not, politics and laws are entertainment to me. :-)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
"Bruce Almighty:
Let get this straight first; I don't watch slapsticks (there's a difference between slapsticks and comedies), just like I don't watch slasher horror (there's a difference between horror and thriller).
So when there was a seemingly slapsticks, typical Jim Carrey (exceptional comedian, no doubt) movie came out, I didn't intend to see it. Until I heard about the premise. What would you do if you were God? What would you do if God gave you all the almighty power? Would you do a better job as God? Could you miraculously wipe out all the world's problems by answering "yes" to all the prayers? Could you just hand over miracles? No? Why not? Oooh... imagine the possibilities! Color me intrigued. I have a penchant to be intrigued by movies about life. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Sure, the slapsticks were there, but the movie was MUCH better than I thought. Down-on-his luck human-interest reporter vying for the coveted anchor position, Bruce, who blames everything on everyone else and God. "Why are you doing this to me, God?" So, one day, God decides that he's had enough. He pages Bruce and asks him to meet with him somewhere down at a warehouse on level 7. Don't let the dingy appearance fools you. Inside this sterile, all-white room, he is greeted by a Janitor (Morgan Freeman, whose versatile performances I loved from "Double Jeopardy," "High Crimes" and "Sum of All Fears") who keeps moping the floor (could you see the metaphor?). Later Bruce finds out that there is a cabinet just for him, containing all information about his life in an astounding volume. Every word, thought, action are in that cabinet. The Janitor decides to temporarily give Bruce a chance to be God while He is taking a vacation and see if he could do a better job. Bruce seems to think so. What ensues are a series of divine hilarities. The entire theater was roaring with laughter almost continuously. There was one hysterically funny scene *alone* that I thought was worth of the price of the ticket. I laughed SO hard till I cried. My stomach hurt and I had to *literally* wipe the tears from my eyes. If I were at home, I would have probably been rolling on the floor. The rest of the antics were also top-notch. If you've seen the movie, you'll know which scene that I was referring to. But it's not only the laughter. This movie is bright, witty *and* meaningful. It is very touching and carries a real message at the same time. You'd be hard pressed to find the last element in slapsticks. It also displays heavenly hilarious special effects. It lightheartedly takes on a serious, controversial topic in a non-offensive way. I can easily articulate the "lessons learned" from the movie, but I won't spoil it for you. It has something to do with free will, belief, choice, responsibility, accountability, empowerment, forgiveness and redemption. Fellow movie-goers tend to agree. This movie has become the highest grossing comedy ever in history. Go see it! You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll take away something from it. DVD: http://tinyurl.com/yhhrmsb
"The Italian Job"
An atypical heist blockbuster starring mini coopers that is swift, slick and sleek. Good, clean caper fun executed with precision and style.
"Finding Nemo"
"Finding Nemo" the highest grossing sales in the history of animated features to-date. And it was very well-deserved. I was thoroughly hooked.
It was truly a masterpiece. A bold, vivid, colorful underwater and overland adventure of exuberant creatures with vivacious personalities. It's a fantasy, yet it's dazzlingly real and alive. A visual feast, masterful animation, excellent score, impeccable voicework with heartfelt story and witty dialogues (Dori's become my most favorite animated character of all-time. I'm still tickled pink, or blue, in this case! ;-)). The story skillfully and subtly reveals the disabilities of the main characters; mental, emotional and physical and how these disabilities affect their ways in navigating the world and relationships with others. It's gentle, smart, funny, charming, exciting, and frightening at times. I won't articulate the morale of the story. But I will say this: it's an uplifting story about tragedy and triumph, self-realization and strength, fear and courage, challenge and success, learning and growing, love and friendship. Pretty deep stuffs for a kiddie movie without being preachy. You'll forget that this is a merely fish tale; the engaging story, dialogues, and humor are those of real humans and relevant to the world that we live in.
"Catch Me If You Can"
Brilliant, intricate, fascinating cat-and-mouse caper with psychological insights. Based on the real life story of Frank Abagnale; the most sought-after con-man in the 1960s sophisticatedly impersonated a teacher, pilot, lawyer, doctor. He jetset the globe and forged $2.5 million of checks. All in a mere three years before the age of 19.
"Femme Fatale"
Bold, gaudy, intriguing knit of reality and reverie with one of the most memorable heists ever pulled off.
"Equilibrium"
Forget about the "Matrix."
If you haven't seen "Equilibrium" already, you've missed out the coolest fighting style in the 21st century! I don't know how I forgot to include this movie in my movie-marathon e-mail last week. I saw it last November. It was devastatingly jaw-dropping. GUN-KATA is a sleek combo of martial arts and gun power. Masterfully performed with absolute precision and rapid speed, it is designed to instantly abolish the enemies at their weakest spot with no chance of survival. The premise of the movie is simple yet provocative. Set in the future of a totalitarian society, every human being is required by the government to take Prozium, an emotion-numbing drug, on a daily basis. Emotions are considered a crime. Any forms of individual expressions, such as arts, music and entertainment are banned. Everyone is breathing but living like a zombie. The "logic" is as follows: crimes are triggered by emotions. Jealousy, anger, outrage, impatience, heartache, and so on. If these feelings are numbed, then crimes will naturally disappear. Anyone who is discovered having feelings, or labeled as "Sense Offenders," will be hunted down by a special elite force. If they refuse to be taken in to the headquarters for punishment, walking into a burning chamber, they will be prosecuted on the spot. One day the head of the elite force, a "Cleric," highly trained in samurai and gunplay, accidentally misses his dose and begins to feel emotions and experience how amazing it is to feel. His senses are awakened. His transformation (starring Christian Bale) is very poignant and totally believable. You can guess how the rest of the story plays out. The final showdown between the two prominent clerics (classic good versus evil) left me speechless. While suspension of belief is a must, watching this stylishly innovative action sequence of GUN-KATA alone will be worth your price of admission. DVD: http://tinyurl.com/ylj35bv
Sunday, March 7, 2010
"Tuck Everlasting"
Once in a while, comes a movie so inspiring that it touches your heart and enlightens your mind to the next level.
"Tuck Everlasting" must be one of the few most powerful, thought-provoking, well-written "children" movies I've seen. It's a refreshing change from the last barrage of movies. Who would have thought that this seemingly sweet, innocent, delightful PG-movie could carry such deep message. Even if you're not partial to kids movies, I strongly encourage you to watch it.
If you've ever experienced and said to yourself, "I wish this moment would last to eternity" or "I wish I/we could stay like this forever" or "I'm scared of what the future would bring" or "I'm afraid of getting old" or "I don't want to die," "Life is so uncertain," you might be surprised to see the kind of perspective that this story would offer you.
It's a story about life and death, youth and aging, human and immortality. I cannot say more without giving it away, unfortunately, I'll have to stop right here.
Go see it. Although the answer may seem obvious, you can't help but ask yourself, given the choice... what would I do? What would I choose? And why?
"Sweet November"
An inspiring message is to live life to the fullest and savor every moment. Set in modern, liberal San Francisco, just a caution that this 'chick flick' may be offensive to some due to the very unconventional lifestyle. I personally loved it! Never had any problem with controversial choices. I may not agree with some of the things they've done, but I respect and believe in CHOICES. The FREEDOM to choose. No harm done, I *admire* people who dare to live their lives as freely as they wish - even if it means going into the extremes and against the norms.
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/y9qmyy7
"Spy Kids"
It was every little kid's fantasy - with a positive message in the end. MOST awesome, exhilarating, adventurous, riveting, hilarious kid movie I've *ever* seen. A must-see fun-filled spectacle that would swoosh you into this whimsy world and strapped you onto your seat. The special effects and visuals were staggering. The kids enjoyed it immensely, the adults were tickled throughout the duration of the film and the audience clapped their hands instantly when it's over. Yes, including this biggest baby in the bunch. And I hovered around the stand where there were informative papers about homemade gadgets for fun spies game. What I can I say - I'm a kid at heart! :-)
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/y9uksvc
Saturday, March 6, 2010
"X-Men"
Yooo Batman, scoot over! ... Superman who? You HAVE got TO watch X-Men!!! It was spell-binding, heart-stopping, astounding from start to finish! Suspense, superhero power, human emotions and humor rolled into one. The friendly rivalry between Logan (Wolverine) & Scott (Cyclops) cracked me up big time. The intense sacrifice, caring scene between Wolverine and little Mary (Rogue) tugged my heart out. They connected - pure and simple. The message ... the pain of being mutants ... feeling different and isolated ... there's a mutant in everyone of us.
And here I was practically dragging myself to the theater at the last minute - thinking that it would be just one of those dumb adaption of the real thing - WRONG! It turned out to be THE best, most thrilling projection of superhero comics onto the big screen. I clapped my hands along with the audience in the end. Professor X, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Jean Grey, Rogue, Mystique, Sabretooth ... aah, looks like I've found a new heroic obsession! Can't wait for the sequel! ;-)
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/y95shof
"Lara Croft: Tomb Raider"
I thought it was really COOL! It was as suspenseful or intriguing as I thought it would be, the "story" was hollow and the characters lacked any depths, but I didn't come there and expect to see any logic. It was what a summer blockbuster movie should be! A femme fatale with brawn and beauty, actions, adventure, zest, fun. I was enjoyed the ride! My favorite scene was not the Lara Croft in action with double guns or motorcycle - it's actually the bungee ballet! And the incredible icy view on the ride to Alaska. :-)
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/yemw57z
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/yemw57z
"Moulin Rouge"
Wow! I don't know where to begin or what to say to perfectly illustrate the richness of this elegant, musical-fantasy masterpiece. A truly extraordinary production - directing, editing, acting, sound, lighting, cinematography and choreography with glamorous sets and costumes.
Aside from the jarring opening, the tragic love story was ardently conveyed through extravagant onslaught of poetry, lyrics, songs (with real, mesmerizing voices of the actors - live) and dances in a surreal setting. Visually stunning, vivaciously colorful, lavishly enticing, musically daring, emotionally captivating. By and large, the movement from scene to scene was fast and ferocious, yet it still managed to move me fluidly from reverie to reality and vice versa. In short, it was vividly electrifying.
There were lots of spectacular scenes. One worth mentioning was the rooftop Elephant Medley scene when they sang with fervor under the moonlight, floated on the velvety air and through the stars with the striking backdrop of the night skyline of Paris. And many more.
But the one really took my breath away was the riveting tango; juxtaposing the one between the underworld performers of Moulan Rouge with the Duke and Satine. The parallel movement between two completely different scenes at different places, zapping back and forth, was ingenious. Brilliant. Just brilliant editing! It's one of those movies that I wish I had a remote control to pause or rewind.
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/y9sa3fy
"Pearl Harbor"
Don't listen to the critics! Every single ticket was SOLD OUT out everywhere in most times in advance. People were lined up in long lines in theater after theater. It's one ofthe most anticipated movie this year. I had to purchase next day's and came back. It was long (3 hours) and the war scenes could be a little cumbersome, but very realistic. It took the audience back to that fateful day on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese bombed the U.S. harbor in Hawaii. Spectacular, beautiful, sweet, charming, funny, threatening and touching. Simply sublime. It's a story about real war with human elements, friendships (indescribably strong and moving and transcended over death), love, camaraderie, humor, loyalty and patriotism.
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/yeb3lb6
"Blow"
I didn't expect much when I walked into the theater to see 'Blow.' I even expected to be bored, as I was with ‘Traffic,’ the supremely acclaimed film with a similar premise that won some of the Oscars.
I was wrong. Dead wrong. Alright, I maybe all fun with my choices in movies :::cough cough:::, but essentially, I'm an earnest person and I like watching solemn movies. Movies that draw me in with emotions and make me feel and relate to, movies that cause me to think and prompt me to analyze and be critical.
'Blow' is such movie. Johnny Depp infused the role with depth, heart, innocence, gentleness, humanity, sensitivity and vulnerability. It's even more poignant and heartbreaking because it's based on a true story.
"Based on the true story of George Jung, a man from the blue-collar suburbs who became a 35 billion-dollar a-year conduit to Colombian drug cartels, and how powder cocaine turned into America’s biggest drug problem. Along the way, Jung (Johnny Depp) meets, marries, and has a daughter with a beautiful, self-indulgent party-girl (Penelope Cruz), becomes mega-rich, and watches his life spiral out of control. Blow outlines with probing detail the lifestyle of a cocaine smuggler and, ultimately, the tragedy of blowing all of your dreams for greed."
It's much deeper than this synopsis. It tells a story of an evolving life; childhood, teenage life, adulthood and old age. It's a real story about childhood scars, ambitions, reality, choices, life, family and relationships. Here is this person - one of the biggest drug lords in history - and I heartily sympathize and cried out for him.
It reminds me of the time when I took an elective class by accident in social delinquencies several summers ago. The class with a gem of a book that taught me so much in three short weeks about self-worth, understanding, acceptance and respect. It was an eye-opener about a second chance in life. A better life.
It was also a very controversial course about people who were outcasts, such as juvenile delinquents, criminals, drug addicts, racial minorities (blacks, etc.), gays & lesbians, cross dressers. At the end, we personally met, shook hands and talked with three guests - first was a past armed robber who had been imprisoned for 17 years and done with his sentence, second was a former prostitute and third was an ex-cocaine addict. I found it surprising that I felt nothing but compassion and understanding towards them. They were SO human and achingly real. One of the main reasons why I absolutely can't stand people who are judgmental or bigot. It was undoubtedly the MOST valuable course I had ever taken in all my school years.
I highly recommend 'Blow' for serious viewing. 'Blow' definitely ranks as one of the best this year.
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/ydpu5m3
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"
With all the hypes surrounding "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," I went to see it last weekend. Yes, it was the opening weekend - you know that I am one of the crazed who's willing to stand in a long line or purchase the ticket hours in advance, when it comes to movies. I just *have to* be there when it's first playing. Millions of J.K. Rowlings' fans around the world had anticipated this transformation of the written words into moving pictures for a long time. Having no previous knowledge, I basically went to see what the fuss was all about and if it lived up to the hypes.
It did. And what a magical journey it was for me. I didn't know how often or how long my mouth was gaping open in fascination throughout the entire movie. I was totally swept away into a wondrous world of witchcraft and wizardry.
It reminded me of those times when I was a child and teenager - I was so absorbed in reading stories that I was surprised to look up and see the clock at 1 o'clock in the morning. I didn't realize that I had been clutching the book and sitting in pretty much the same position for 4 hours. I remember Mom used to scold me, for good reasons, that I wouldn't have known if there was a bomb exploded. :-P And, sometimes, the stories actually helped me study. When I was bored and tired of studying, I would alternate between reading a textbook and a storybook every 30 minutes or so. A peculiar way of studying, perhaps, but it helped me not giving up altogether.
Anyway, back to the movie. I thought it was a bit long; they could have cut it for 1/2 hour, but I realize how hard it must have been to condense a book that would probably run for 8 hours. Originally, the movie was running for 4 1/2 hours and it was edited down to 2 1/2 hours. So there were a couple of perplexing moments for those of us who didn't read the book; nonetheless, it has been dubbed as a brilliant adaptation from the book.
Fantasy at its best and pure escapism – “magific.” The lavish sets, landscapes, costumes, props, visual effects are absolutely astonishing. The venerated boarding school is truly a magnificent sight to behold - it's more like a grand gothic palace. The vivid intricacies of the splendid city alleys of witches and wizards that exists side by side with our modern society, the odd train platform where students have to penetrate a wall to get through, the bright express train that would take them to the mystical world, the expansive lush scenery, the elaborated school corridors and common dining hall, the delightful feast, the direction-changing staircases, the background pictures that are constantly moving like real people, the dangerous dungeon, the dark and misty forest, the unicorn tale, the flawless metamorphosis, the realistic invisibility cloak, the mysterious library manuscripts, the lessons on poisons and broomstick flying, the intense real-life chess game - everything. I was amazed with the concept itself (just for the fact there's a special school to educate witches and wizards), the rich design and ambiance, and every little detail. The exuberant, action-packed, soccer/hockey match with the players flying on broomsticks in the open-air field is an astounding treat.
The mixed of characters from the principle, the teachers, the guardians, the keepers and the students are distinctively engaging - the kind, the generous, the stern, the menacing, the devilish. The acting is top-notch. I couldn't think of a more perfect cast ensemble.
Particularly the three child actors and one child actress. Daniel Radcliffe IS Harry Potter - it's as if he was born to play that role - the shy, reserved, vulnerable orphan boy who discovers his true heritage and power as a wizard with the right doses of wonder, goodness, charm, wit and innocence. The boy who has lived under the tyrant rule of his uncle and aunt with a spoiled brat of a cousin, and never felt belonged until he found home in the school on the other side of the world. It is in the school where he finds two true friends, while different in personalities, but just as curious, determined and witty. It is also where he learned the importance of learning, friendships, self-belief, trust, fortitude, resolve and sacrifice. There are a few heartrending moments where he looks into the hidden mirror and see the reflection of his most desire - the presence of his parents, who were killed when he was a baby.
It is a classic good versus evil parable, where good, of course, triumphs over evil. I see the beloved character in an enchanting world that has captured the hearts of so many.
DVD: http://tinyurl.com/ykhykcs
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