Is this historically accurate? Hell no. Is this entertaining? Well, yes if you like slow burn drama. One massive complaint I have is the force diversity casting in this. Why are there Black people in the newly-formed Soviet Union in this time period? It's like putting a human in a dinosaurs movie set during their reign. It is unforgivable! I'm quite sure it will not be appropriate for a few white men is cast in a tribal Zulu depiction, right? I would suggest DEI and all those diversity people be more logic and historical accurate. We have come a long way from the days of black-faced white men in movies, can we please stop doing the exact same thing with DEI?
Reviews
75 Reviews
City Hunter
(2024)
Not quite the City Hunter I remember
27 April 2024
I first started with City Hunter in the form of manga, and that goes all the way back to the 80s. So in reading one review that says it is almost 30 years old, made me chuckle.
Now for the film.
Honestly, I much prefer the last French movie among all the adaptations. That movie catches the hilarity of City Hunter almost perfectly.
This one is a more faithful adaptation but something still feels off. I think with the Netflix budget this could have been a much better production. The casting is mostly on point but the materials need some contemporary updates. This movie catches the skill and abilities of Ryo perfectly though. Kaori needs to be more development.
I question the choice of picking the first chapters of the manga series for this movie though. There are better and more contemporary storylines in later chapters.
Good try but not perfect.
Just one complain from a very long time fan: WHY are the actresses of Nogami Saeko never up to par with the manga? She was always the most beautiful, sexiest and smartest woman in all the female lineups. But all the adaptations never do her justice.
Now for the film.
Honestly, I much prefer the last French movie among all the adaptations. That movie catches the hilarity of City Hunter almost perfectly.
This one is a more faithful adaptation but something still feels off. I think with the Netflix budget this could have been a much better production. The casting is mostly on point but the materials need some contemporary updates. This movie catches the skill and abilities of Ryo perfectly though. Kaori needs to be more development.
I question the choice of picking the first chapters of the manga series for this movie though. There are better and more contemporary storylines in later chapters.
Good try but not perfect.
Just one complain from a very long time fan: WHY are the actresses of Nogami Saeko never up to par with the manga? She was always the most beautiful, sexiest and smartest woman in all the female lineups. But all the adaptations never do her justice.
3 Body Problem
(2024)
Could have been better
8 April 2024
I never read the books, but I can already tell the amount of changes made to it to fit the taste of the western audience. I will say this though, the story is intriguing and the script well-adapted.
However, I have issues with this adaptation, mainly what Hollywood unnecessarily dictates these days:-
-1 star for the almost total replacement of the Chinese elements.
-1 star for the insistence of replacing all Chinese characters and replacing them with DEI people.
-1 star for putting an Indian and a Chinese as a couple; in real life that is highly improbable.
-1 star for not using better looking female lead.
However, I have issues with this adaptation, mainly what Hollywood unnecessarily dictates these days:-
-1 star for the almost total replacement of the Chinese elements.
-1 star for the insistence of replacing all Chinese characters and replacing them with DEI people.
-1 star for putting an Indian and a Chinese as a couple; in real life that is highly improbable.
-1 star for not using better looking female lead.
Entertaining enough, but forgettable
29 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Sadly this has to come after Minus One. If not, in itself, it would have been quite a lo more entertaining.
Personally, I do not like the new choice of color for Godzilla, it brings no added benefit that is memorable, and kinda looks metrosexual.
Kong's power gauntlet is just too convenient to be ready for him. Makes little sense.
And Mothra makes a surprise appearance... or is that a mosquito with butterfly wings? The team really needs to revise the look of Mothra.
Overall, the movie is entertaining enough, but easily forgettable. Not as good as the previous installment, and pales in comparison to the first.
Personally, I do not like the new choice of color for Godzilla, it brings no added benefit that is memorable, and kinda looks metrosexual.
Kong's power gauntlet is just too convenient to be ready for him. Makes little sense.
And Mothra makes a surprise appearance... or is that a mosquito with butterfly wings? The team really needs to revise the look of Mothra.
Overall, the movie is entertaining enough, but easily forgettable. Not as good as the previous installment, and pales in comparison to the first.
Argylle
(2024)
Re-titled: Delusion of a Fake Cat-Loving Writer
6 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Whoever wrote this must really be delusional, loves cat and believes in the Mary Sue. The action scenes are not bad. The best part of the movie was literally the first few minutes where Henry Cavill and Dua Lipa were. And then it all goes into a fairly run-of-the-mill rom-com action movie, with the girl getting her skills back out of little background stories. Edward Norton plays his part well,but I fail to see how Bryce Howard can ba convincing espionage agent. I also fail to see why there is a need to cast Samuel L Jackson as the CIA boss.
Sigh.
Just watch it as it is: a delusion of a cat-loving writer.
Sigh.
Just watch it as it is: a delusion of a cat-loving writer.
The Legend & Butterfly
(2023)
Rewriting history or another work of women empowerment?
11 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Is this another attempt at rewriting history, or just a work of the 21st women-empowerment fiction?
Make no mistake, the relationship between the 2 leads takes centerstage.
But in the way this is told, the Nobunaga is an idiot with a fairly low IQ, while Nohime takes charge of coming up with the plots and strategies. And oh, at the start she over-powered Nobunaga in his attempt at getting her to have their wedding night.
If you enjoy an alternative re-telling of history, like in Netflix's Cleopatra, or Lord of the Rings (yes, this is not story, but it is a legendary work), this is probably for you.
As fort me, I can't make up my mind.
Make no mistake, the relationship between the 2 leads takes centerstage.
But in the way this is told, the Nobunaga is an idiot with a fairly low IQ, while Nohime takes charge of coming up with the plots and strategies. And oh, at the start she over-powered Nobunaga in his attempt at getting her to have their wedding night.
If you enjoy an alternative re-telling of history, like in Netflix's Cleopatra, or Lord of the Rings (yes, this is not story, but it is a legendary work), this is probably for you.
As fort me, I can't make up my mind.
Black Adam
(2022)
2-cents from a lifelong DC fan (Beware! Some spoilers included)
23 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Cons (let's get these out of the way):
1. Shouldn't have killed Dr Fate.
2. Shouldn't include Cyclone and Atom Smasher.
3. Missed chance for a Hawkgirl appearance.
4. This story has many missed chances to be better.
5. CGI could definitely be improved.
6. Why the JSA, and not JLA, in Amanda Waller's era?
7. Stop using CGI villains. They absolutely suck!
8. The uprising scene in modern times suck.
9. Stop copying the launch of X-men's Blackbird ?
10. Comic reliefs are not really needed in this movie.
Pro: 1. Teth Adam's background is pieced together nicely.
2. Good to have a movie for Black Adam alone.
3. Teth Adam is not totally invulnerable or god-like.
4. Possible future conflict with Intergang and Waller.
5. Possible JSA storyline.
6. Movie was engaging enough to not be boring.
7. Makes most of those woke critics look stupid.
8. Black Adam's powers are not entirely flashed out.
9. Dawyne Johnson definitely fits the character.
10. The dark tone of the movie fits into the DCEU.
2. Shouldn't include Cyclone and Atom Smasher.
3. Missed chance for a Hawkgirl appearance.
4. This story has many missed chances to be better.
5. CGI could definitely be improved.
6. Why the JSA, and not JLA, in Amanda Waller's era?
7. Stop using CGI villains. They absolutely suck!
8. The uprising scene in modern times suck.
9. Stop copying the launch of X-men's Blackbird ?
10. Comic reliefs are not really needed in this movie.
Pro: 1. Teth Adam's background is pieced together nicely.
2. Good to have a movie for Black Adam alone.
3. Teth Adam is not totally invulnerable or god-like.
4. Possible future conflict with Intergang and Waller.
5. Possible JSA storyline.
6. Movie was engaging enough to not be boring.
7. Makes most of those woke critics look stupid.
8. Black Adam's powers are not entirely flashed out.
9. Dawyne Johnson definitely fits the character.
10. The dark tone of the movie fits into the DCEU.
Shin Ultraman
(2022)
The Ultraman tokusatsu meets arthouse
2 October 2022
There are those that dissed this movie because they do not understand the way it is done in. This is not the Ultraman series that aired in Japan on Sunday mornings in the days long gone. Neither is it for those who have no idea about its premise. This is Higuchi's homage to the original series in a more arthouse format. The dialogues are few and sometimes infer more than what is said. The way the some of the scenes are framed is a pure homage to the old series, especially the macronization of Ultraman.
One will also notice a few cast members who appeared in Shin Godzilla appearing in similar roles here. Is this some sort of connection between the two movies? We shall see.
One will also notice a few cast members who appeared in Shin Godzilla appearing in similar roles here. Is this some sort of connection between the two movies? We shall see.
Good Ending for the trilogy of 3 trilogies, but don't expect a great movie
19 December 2019
WHAT! REY DIED!!!... Oops! Spoiler alert! Too late?
Gotcha!
Yes, it is finally the end. This movie ties up most of the loose ends of the previous 8 movies and some. It brings into canon certain things that were once canonical in the expanded universe, but not all (which is the way I like it).
It is fairly fast-paced with certain important dialogues and scenes missing to make it a great ending movie. Hopefully this will turn up in some Director's Cut or such. The pace is good enough that you don't feel the passage of the entire 2+ hours, which is always a good thing. If you treat this as an entertainment, it will suffice. If you are a die-hard Star Wars fan, you might come out rather like your sexual partner... unsatisfied.
Not going to spoil this movie for everyone. Is it worth the price of the movie ticket, I would say yes. Is it worth more than you paid for, then the answer is a definite "no".
Just one question, did I miss a scene with Ashoka Tano in it, or was it just that little bit towards the end? This was one of the few movies I have watched beginning to end without a toilet break.
Gotcha!
Yes, it is finally the end. This movie ties up most of the loose ends of the previous 8 movies and some. It brings into canon certain things that were once canonical in the expanded universe, but not all (which is the way I like it).
It is fairly fast-paced with certain important dialogues and scenes missing to make it a great ending movie. Hopefully this will turn up in some Director's Cut or such. The pace is good enough that you don't feel the passage of the entire 2+ hours, which is always a good thing. If you treat this as an entertainment, it will suffice. If you are a die-hard Star Wars fan, you might come out rather like your sexual partner... unsatisfied.
Not going to spoil this movie for everyone. Is it worth the price of the movie ticket, I would say yes. Is it worth more than you paid for, then the answer is a definite "no".
Just one question, did I miss a scene with Ashoka Tano in it, or was it just that little bit towards the end? This was one of the few movies I have watched beginning to end without a toilet break.
Carnival Row
(2019–2023)
Not for the impatient
31 August 2019
To sum this series up:
1. Steam-punk with faeries
2. Real world issues and predicaments
3. Complex relationship issues
4. Season long plots and subplots, evenly paced
5. Believable acting and beautiful sets
6. No over-dramatic CGI
7. Well-written story
Almost perfect except for a few points...
13 December 2012
I had been in withdrawal since LOTR ended so many years back. I do miss the characters and the settings it transported some of us into.
This time round, the story is that of one that should be more cheerful and it did accomplished that without being what the original book's intended target audience was, children. And quite fairly, I would have walked out at the first hint of this being made for children only.
I shall not comment on the story in case it spoils it for everyone.
In my opinion, as I've watched the high frame rate 3D version, it should have been done in higher frame rate at all. It made it looked like a very good HD cam movie made for TV.
The effects, though are better, should not have been more realistic in the rendering of the backgrounds. It is so obvious most of the scenes looked like they were made in some colored screens.
But overall, this is a good holiday movie to entertain both adults and children of a suitable age.
This time round, the story is that of one that should be more cheerful and it did accomplished that without being what the original book's intended target audience was, children. And quite fairly, I would have walked out at the first hint of this being made for children only.
I shall not comment on the story in case it spoils it for everyone.
In my opinion, as I've watched the high frame rate 3D version, it should have been done in higher frame rate at all. It made it looked like a very good HD cam movie made for TV.
The effects, though are better, should not have been more realistic in the rendering of the backgrounds. It is so obvious most of the scenes looked like they were made in some colored screens.
But overall, this is a good holiday movie to entertain both adults and children of a suitable age.
The Dark Knight Rises
(2012)
The end of the best adaptations of Batman
19 July 2012
I don't and won't usually give 10 to any one movie. There are always flaws. but the last of the Dark Knight trilogy is as close to it as one can imagine.
Flow: The movie started slow, like a rolling stone gathering moss. It picks up speed and story almost every second you are watching it. You probably won't realize it until you have finished the entire film. What's relatively unusual is the fact that there is a good and smooth ending, where most movies rushed to end (like The Avengers, Iron Man, etc.).
Plot: As expected, Nolan and writers have given much thought to entirety of the trilogy, rather than the single movie itself. You can link the stories together, although the movie can be watched on its own. The screenplay is well written and directions and editing well done. The plot is easy to follow, but doesn't treat the audience like a bunch of sex-starved teenagers (... like Avengers)
Characters: Actors did a great job in giving an otherwise 2 dimensional comic personalities characters. Unlike what some are complaining about, I actually found the characters better than they were in the comics. One can relate to the characters in the movies, unlike Marvel movie-adaptations.
All in all, if you are going to be comparing this movie to The Avengers, it is safe to say that you are not very objective. Marvel has always aimed at the younger audience. The Dark Knight trilogy has always been for the adults and young adults.
Here I just want to thank Christopher Nolan for bringing this version of Batman to being, what the Dark Knight should always have been. during its time, the original Tim Burton version was great, but this is the best Batman yet.
Flow: The movie started slow, like a rolling stone gathering moss. It picks up speed and story almost every second you are watching it. You probably won't realize it until you have finished the entire film. What's relatively unusual is the fact that there is a good and smooth ending, where most movies rushed to end (like The Avengers, Iron Man, etc.).
Plot: As expected, Nolan and writers have given much thought to entirety of the trilogy, rather than the single movie itself. You can link the stories together, although the movie can be watched on its own. The screenplay is well written and directions and editing well done. The plot is easy to follow, but doesn't treat the audience like a bunch of sex-starved teenagers (... like Avengers)
Characters: Actors did a great job in giving an otherwise 2 dimensional comic personalities characters. Unlike what some are complaining about, I actually found the characters better than they were in the comics. One can relate to the characters in the movies, unlike Marvel movie-adaptations.
All in all, if you are going to be comparing this movie to The Avengers, it is safe to say that you are not very objective. Marvel has always aimed at the younger audience. The Dark Knight trilogy has always been for the adults and young adults.
Here I just want to thank Christopher Nolan for bringing this version of Batman to being, what the Dark Knight should always have been. during its time, the original Tim Burton version was great, but this is the best Batman yet.
Immortals
(2011)
Trying too hard to be stylish
17 November 2011
I wouldn't pay to watch this one again.
1. Frieda Pinto is pretty and all, but she is NOT European, Middle-Eastern or even African. Her striking Indian features make her stand out in the movie, and not in a good way.
2. Couldn't they have made some scenes with actual backgrounds? It was fake from the first second onwards. The film crew could have helped the Greek economy a little.
3. Immortal battle scenes could have been so much better, but all there is in the movie was a bunch of (boring) Matrix moments.
4. Who wrote this story? You suck.
5. Helios is a Titan, not a Greek Olympian god. That should have been Apollo.
6. Where are the rest of the Greek gods? Was Ares even there? And where is Hades, the other elder god beside Poseidon and Zeus? 7. Mickey Rourke is the only one in the movie with a credible acting ability.
1. Frieda Pinto is pretty and all, but she is NOT European, Middle-Eastern or even African. Her striking Indian features make her stand out in the movie, and not in a good way.
2. Couldn't they have made some scenes with actual backgrounds? It was fake from the first second onwards. The film crew could have helped the Greek economy a little.
3. Immortal battle scenes could have been so much better, but all there is in the movie was a bunch of (boring) Matrix moments.
4. Who wrote this story? You suck.
5. Helios is a Titan, not a Greek Olympian god. That should have been Apollo.
6. Where are the rest of the Greek gods? Was Ares even there? And where is Hades, the other elder god beside Poseidon and Zeus? 7. Mickey Rourke is the only one in the movie with a credible acting ability.
Thor
(2011)
One of the best comic adaptation
1 May 2011
Thor has always been one of my personal favorite among mythology. A warrior with a heart of gold, forever tormented by Loki the trickster and magician. Thus, Thor became one of the very first comics I've ever continually subscribed to, for an extended period of time. However, the stories in the series became kind of stale in the 90s, and so I stopped after much disappointment.
The recent revival was great but I'm already over my addiction.
This movie is very well made with plenty of strengths and little weaknesses found in so many comic adaptations. I watched the 2D version as I still can't stand 3D for all that hype about nothing.
1. The cast is a strong one with strong character-actors, even among those with less important roles.
2. CGI is realistic and not over the top. I just wish they would have made the Frost Giants' world less of a twilight zone.
3. Loki was a great character. Instead of portraying him as the standard evil villain, he was made into a sad and jealous antagonist.
4. Costumes and equipments were very well made, especially the armors and weapons. Will there be a life-size replica of Mjolnir? Why do they call it a hammer, when it is obviously a mallet? 5. Wasn't Sif supposed to have long golden locks?.....
The recent revival was great but I'm already over my addiction.
This movie is very well made with plenty of strengths and little weaknesses found in so many comic adaptations. I watched the 2D version as I still can't stand 3D for all that hype about nothing.
1. The cast is a strong one with strong character-actors, even among those with less important roles.
2. CGI is realistic and not over the top. I just wish they would have made the Frost Giants' world less of a twilight zone.
3. Loki was a great character. Instead of portraying him as the standard evil villain, he was made into a sad and jealous antagonist.
4. Costumes and equipments were very well made, especially the armors and weapons. Will there be a life-size replica of Mjolnir? Why do they call it a hammer, when it is obviously a mallet? 5. Wasn't Sif supposed to have long golden locks?.....
Space Battleship Yamato
(2010)
Relatively faithful to the original series
5 April 2011
Well, considering the length of the original series, the movie producers have done well cramming it all into a 2-hour long film.
There are a few flaws in the movie I thought needed a bit more work on.
1. There is little feelings of romance between Kodai Susumu and Mori Yuki. It just felt flat. This, I attributed, to the target audience of the original animated series.
2. The melodrama at the end, on the bridge, was very Japanese..... in the 1970s. It should have been shorter and more modernized. I guess one has to be a die-hard fan not to find that scene particularly long-winded.
3. There wasn't enough battle footage of the Yamato and her enemies. This I was seriously looking forward to, but was left disappointed.
4. I wish Mr Kimura would shed a few tears, that would have made his performance more believable.
That said, there were quite a few good points about the movie, 1. Realistic space-fighter maneuvers. The big turnarounds of spaceships and fighters in American sci-fi is just plain BS. The only other sci-fi that got it right was Babylon 5.
2. Up until the bridge scene right at the very end, I was actually not aware of the time passing.
3. This movie have some of the better Japanese actors in recent years. Overall, their performances are well delivered and their friendships believable.
4. Swearing and vulgarities are non-existent in the entirety of the movie (or none that I am aware of). This is a rarity these days, especially with all the filth coming out of American and European films.
5. The graphics and SFX are quite good. They are quite realistic. I have no problem with much of it except for those SFX sounds the lasers and beams made.... sound very arcade-like and very 70s.
This movie is worth the ticket you paid for.
There are a few flaws in the movie I thought needed a bit more work on.
1. There is little feelings of romance between Kodai Susumu and Mori Yuki. It just felt flat. This, I attributed, to the target audience of the original animated series.
2. The melodrama at the end, on the bridge, was very Japanese..... in the 1970s. It should have been shorter and more modernized. I guess one has to be a die-hard fan not to find that scene particularly long-winded.
3. There wasn't enough battle footage of the Yamato and her enemies. This I was seriously looking forward to, but was left disappointed.
4. I wish Mr Kimura would shed a few tears, that would have made his performance more believable.
That said, there were quite a few good points about the movie, 1. Realistic space-fighter maneuvers. The big turnarounds of spaceships and fighters in American sci-fi is just plain BS. The only other sci-fi that got it right was Babylon 5.
2. Up until the bridge scene right at the very end, I was actually not aware of the time passing.
3. This movie have some of the better Japanese actors in recent years. Overall, their performances are well delivered and their friendships believable.
4. Swearing and vulgarities are non-existent in the entirety of the movie (or none that I am aware of). This is a rarity these days, especially with all the filth coming out of American and European films.
5. The graphics and SFX are quite good. They are quite realistic. I have no problem with much of it except for those SFX sounds the lasers and beams made.... sound very arcade-like and very 70s.
This movie is worth the ticket you paid for.
The Green Hornet
(2011)
I was expecting a disaster
19 January 2011
Frankly, very few remakes are worth the time. I was expecting a disaster of a movie when I started watching, but was pleasantly surprised.
Seth Rogen is his usual self/character. He needs to learn more than one trick. I found his acting flat and his voice monotonous. So kudos to the screen and script writers for making it interesting enough that Mr Rogen's shortcomings are overcame.
Cameron Diaz.... Of the hundreds of actresses in the movie industry, why her? Is her character written in, in the last minute? Or is there some kind of compulsory need to add a female lead, so that the 2 male leads are not seen as homosexuals? She was refreshing a decade ago, now she is just.... boring and highly predictable.
Jay Chou. Being an Asian-Asian, I personally never like or dislike him. He has a zero-expression face, no matter what movie he is in. Putting him in the shoes of Bruce Lee is a tough order. Of all the characters in the movie, his is the most significant one. Ones with big expectations to fill, and I think he did alright. Do remember this is his first Hollywood movie. Other than that, I still say he can't really act.
Story/plot. The movie is fast pace enough that even the slow moments get by really fast. After a first 15 minutes or so, there is very little dull moments. One of the few things I disliked about this movie is the elevated level of gory deaths. Is it really necessary? As I said before the screen and script writers did a fantastic job in this adaptation.
For pure action entertainment, I'll give it 8 or 9 out of 10. However, overall it should only garner a 7, in my opinion.
Seth Rogen is his usual self/character. He needs to learn more than one trick. I found his acting flat and his voice monotonous. So kudos to the screen and script writers for making it interesting enough that Mr Rogen's shortcomings are overcame.
Cameron Diaz.... Of the hundreds of actresses in the movie industry, why her? Is her character written in, in the last minute? Or is there some kind of compulsory need to add a female lead, so that the 2 male leads are not seen as homosexuals? She was refreshing a decade ago, now she is just.... boring and highly predictable.
Jay Chou. Being an Asian-Asian, I personally never like or dislike him. He has a zero-expression face, no matter what movie he is in. Putting him in the shoes of Bruce Lee is a tough order. Of all the characters in the movie, his is the most significant one. Ones with big expectations to fill, and I think he did alright. Do remember this is his first Hollywood movie. Other than that, I still say he can't really act.
Story/plot. The movie is fast pace enough that even the slow moments get by really fast. After a first 15 minutes or so, there is very little dull moments. One of the few things I disliked about this movie is the elevated level of gory deaths. Is it really necessary? As I said before the screen and script writers did a fantastic job in this adaptation.
For pure action entertainment, I'll give it 8 or 9 out of 10. However, overall it should only garner a 7, in my opinion.
Jonah Hex
(2010)
Wow... What a waste of a comic character
2 October 2010
Sigh.... Is it me or Megan Fox can't seem to get any better movie than Transformers? It seems to me her movies are getting progressively worse as the count goes on.
Here's a short and simple conclusion: She cannot act even if her life depended on it. She'll probably be better off as a playboy girlfriend or playmate.
The story feels so linear and yet there are portions of it I felt were missing a whole chunk. Is it just me? Or have they chopped this one right up, so that it fits into the 100 minute mark? The effects were nothing fantastic. At some point towards the end of the movie, it wasn't even realistic.
Could have spend the money making better movies. Definitely not worth the ticket price.
Here's a short and simple conclusion: She cannot act even if her life depended on it. She'll probably be better off as a playboy girlfriend or playmate.
The story feels so linear and yet there are portions of it I felt were missing a whole chunk. Is it just me? Or have they chopped this one right up, so that it fits into the 100 minute mark? The effects were nothing fantastic. At some point towards the end of the movie, it wasn't even realistic.
Could have spend the money making better movies. Definitely not worth the ticket price.
Knight and Day
(2010)
Nice action-romance flick
28 September 2010
I would say that this is one of those movies that young hot-blooded males bring their girlfriends to, and they enjoy it.
Whoever said this film was non-formulaic Hollywood production, you have no idea what you are talking about.
The story was laid out from the very beginning. The ending was practically served to you from the very start. If you did not see it, you need to watch more movies.
Tom Cruise is acting like an insane spy believed to have gone rogue. He is performing as expected and not much else. Of course this character is like a variant of his Mission Impossible character (was it Ethan?). Nothing refreshing about it.
Cameron Diaz is looking distinctively older than her peers, but still acting in parts written for ladies 10 years younger than she is. But then again, she has her collection of fan-boys and girls. I think it is time for her to up her acting skills another level.
Story. Pretty standard, popcorn entertainment. No new stunts. No new idea. Pretty straight forward from the onset.
Is it worth the price of a movie ticket? Not unless you have a girl whom you can make out with in dark of the cinema.
Whoever said this film was non-formulaic Hollywood production, you have no idea what you are talking about.
The story was laid out from the very beginning. The ending was practically served to you from the very start. If you did not see it, you need to watch more movies.
Tom Cruise is acting like an insane spy believed to have gone rogue. He is performing as expected and not much else. Of course this character is like a variant of his Mission Impossible character (was it Ethan?). Nothing refreshing about it.
Cameron Diaz is looking distinctively older than her peers, but still acting in parts written for ladies 10 years younger than she is. But then again, she has her collection of fan-boys and girls. I think it is time for her to up her acting skills another level.
Story. Pretty standard, popcorn entertainment. No new stunts. No new idea. Pretty straight forward from the onset.
Is it worth the price of a movie ticket? Not unless you have a girl whom you can make out with in dark of the cinema.
The King of Fighters
(2009)
B-grade movie
6 September 2010
Maggie Q does not pass off well as an average Asian. She's got a very unique mix of her heritage. The character Mai should have been given to Francoise Yip, even though she is showing her age. Maggie Q simply does not fit the profile of Mai.
In fact that Japanese lady in DOA is more suitable, although immediately her acting ability comes into question.
The CGI movie effects are nominal but still unnaturally added into the film. The electricity effects at the start of the movie looks like the effects in the late 90s movies. Is it really that difficult? Incredibly, I find myself unable to write more on this movie. I shall conclude that the movie spend making it is better use else where.
Maggie Quibbley does not fit Asian roles! Not at all. she's unique, cast her that way.
In fact that Japanese lady in DOA is more suitable, although immediately her acting ability comes into question.
The CGI movie effects are nominal but still unnaturally added into the film. The electricity effects at the start of the movie looks like the effects in the late 90s movies. Is it really that difficult? Incredibly, I find myself unable to write more on this movie. I shall conclude that the movie spend making it is better use else where.
Maggie Quibbley does not fit Asian roles! Not at all. she's unique, cast her that way.
When in Rome
(2010)
if not for the silly dances ....
21 July 2010
Seriously, this would have been a average 6 if I had missed the dances at the end credits. It was a corny chick flick before the end credits, but it turned into a silly teen chick flick when the dances began.
Story is average. Do not expect something new, or unique. The locales could have easily been forged in a sound stage in Hollywood. The acting was average at best, even for the great Danny DeVito and Angelica Houston.
Overall, it should have taken more time developing the story. I have become so sick of Hollywood pushing insta-love to the new generations of women and men. How often in real life does instant love end well?
Story is average. Do not expect something new, or unique. The locales could have easily been forged in a sound stage in Hollywood. The acting was average at best, even for the great Danny DeVito and Angelica Houston.
Overall, it should have taken more time developing the story. I have become so sick of Hollywood pushing insta-love to the new generations of women and men. How often in real life does instant love end well?
The Invincible Iron Man
(2007 Video)
Who scored this animation above average?
9 June 2010
Gosh! I have to say that this is one of the worse animated movie I've spent more than 60 minutes watching. Who had this movie made? It was a major waste of time and money.
1. Story: It was so basic I slept through most of the show. Yes it is that bad.
2. Momentum: There is no sense of urgency or momentum in the movie. I thought the finale would finally bring some excitement..... Let's just say I was cursing and swearing.
3. Animation: The animated characters' actions were so wooden, a puppet would look more lively. I had hope the SFX was going to be better.... no such luck at all.
5. Production: This one felt as cheap as they come, and especially so since this is one of Marvel's most interesting superhero. Sad, just sad.
1. Story: It was so basic I slept through most of the show. Yes it is that bad.
2. Momentum: There is no sense of urgency or momentum in the movie. I thought the finale would finally bring some excitement..... Let's just say I was cursing and swearing.
3. Animation: The animated characters' actions were so wooden, a puppet would look more lively. I had hope the SFX was going to be better.... no such luck at all.
5. Production: This one felt as cheap as they come, and especially so since this is one of Marvel's most interesting superhero. Sad, just sad.
Iron Man 2
(2010)
A good sequel but stop a tad too short of being perfect
4 May 2010
For those of you who said there is little or no story in this movie, just what were you watching? The couple making out in front of you, or were you busy attending to your SMS or email messages? Now I just got to know that Sam Rockwell was a contender for the role of Iron Man/Tony Stark in the first film, I am so glad he didn't get the part and Robert Downey Jr did.
In the first movie we got to see a lot more of Iron Man, while Tony Stark stood quietly in the background. In the sequel it is Tony Stark that matters more than Iron Man. In fact Iron Man has become a mere tool for ego and fame and is beginning to become a liability to SI and tony. Unfortunately there isn't enough running time for the director to explore the deeper character of Tony Stark and his struggle with his alter ego and alcohol. Shame.
Pepper Pott should have had more anger, anguish and frustration, but the character was not explored.
I agree with some reviewers in saying that there is likely a spin-off in the Black Widow character. Although I must say, Scarlet Johannson's performance was a bit off. I always thought the character to be quite a bit colder, as in an ice queen.
Is it me or is Samuel L. Jackson putting on tens of pounds?! I could hardly recognize him in the café scene with Robert Downey Jr!!! Shame that Sam Rockwell is still playing villain. He is quite a versatile actor who is constantly under-utilized and under appreciated.
Notice how I am talking about characters and not story or the SFX? Well, for those of you watching this movie thinking there is a better story than the first, you do know that you are watching a sequel to a comic superhero screen adaptation. 30-40 years of history does not shrink well into a 2 hour movie... it won't even fit a 10 hour one.
As for special effects, what else can you not expect to be thrown into a modern blockbuster like this? Heck, even the kitchen sink can be entirely CG! What's new since Jurassic Park? Overall, there is perhaps a re-watch value somewhere, but it is definitely worth the price of the ticket you pay the first time round.
In the first movie we got to see a lot more of Iron Man, while Tony Stark stood quietly in the background. In the sequel it is Tony Stark that matters more than Iron Man. In fact Iron Man has become a mere tool for ego and fame and is beginning to become a liability to SI and tony. Unfortunately there isn't enough running time for the director to explore the deeper character of Tony Stark and his struggle with his alter ego and alcohol. Shame.
Pepper Pott should have had more anger, anguish and frustration, but the character was not explored.
I agree with some reviewers in saying that there is likely a spin-off in the Black Widow character. Although I must say, Scarlet Johannson's performance was a bit off. I always thought the character to be quite a bit colder, as in an ice queen.
Is it me or is Samuel L. Jackson putting on tens of pounds?! I could hardly recognize him in the café scene with Robert Downey Jr!!! Shame that Sam Rockwell is still playing villain. He is quite a versatile actor who is constantly under-utilized and under appreciated.
Notice how I am talking about characters and not story or the SFX? Well, for those of you watching this movie thinking there is a better story than the first, you do know that you are watching a sequel to a comic superhero screen adaptation. 30-40 years of history does not shrink well into a 2 hour movie... it won't even fit a 10 hour one.
As for special effects, what else can you not expect to be thrown into a modern blockbuster like this? Heck, even the kitchen sink can be entirely CG! What's new since Jurassic Park? Overall, there is perhaps a re-watch value somewhere, but it is definitely worth the price of the ticket you pay the first time round.
Typical Japanese sci-fi action adventure with good story
13 April 2010
Firstly, I love the way Tesla is honored in this movie. He gets too little credit for what he has done for our modern society, no thanks to Thomas Edison.
The story is, in my honest opinion, fairly simple. If you are a regular Japanese eiga fan, you would have realized who the villain is from the very beginning.
The CG in this movie is fair and not particularly impressive, but the movie uses it only as a secondary element. The only one I thought interesting was the way the faces/mask are removed.
The acting was as good as Japanese movies get. Most of the actors leading the movie are veterans after all. Only regret is that Matsu Takako didn't get enough screen time for being one of the pivotal characters.
I found myself comparing this movie to V for Vendetta. Alas, the similarities are quite striking in more than a few places. You can think of this as the making of the new titular hero.
The story is, in my honest opinion, fairly simple. If you are a regular Japanese eiga fan, you would have realized who the villain is from the very beginning.
The CG in this movie is fair and not particularly impressive, but the movie uses it only as a secondary element. The only one I thought interesting was the way the faces/mask are removed.
The acting was as good as Japanese movies get. Most of the actors leading the movie are veterans after all. Only regret is that Matsu Takako didn't get enough screen time for being one of the pivotal characters.
I found myself comparing this movie to V for Vendetta. Alas, the similarities are quite striking in more than a few places. You can think of this as the making of the new titular hero.
Clash of the Titans
(2010)
Should this be compared to the original?
1 April 2010
I am fortunate to have survived to see both movies on their launch day. Given that I was still a young lad when the original premiered.
I vaguely remember being awe-struck by the myriad of creatures and monsters in the movie. I was even covering my eyes when Medusa made her monstrous appearance in the original. This was the movie that led me on my life-long "quests" to discover European and Middle-eastern mythologies.
The cast, acting and sets were state of the art then (so was the stop motion capturing of various creatures). It was a blockbuster then and was much talked about in its time.
Forward to April 1st, 2010.
This movie struck me as a run-of-the-mill, CG-laden movie based on the original. This new one has a good cast, although most of the other Greek gods have little or no dialogue at all. they were just images that stand or sat there, like holograms. they have almost no interaction with each other or the mortals.
CG in movies have reached an extent where it is no longer a novelty, but a must-have. Even so-called rom-com usually comes with various CGI touch-ups that we never really pay attention to. The creatures and environments created by CG, are pretty standard, even though they are well-designed.
Acting is good all-round. The only person I detest in the movie was that doomsayer who coax people into giving in to Hades. I found the character to be over-acted and frankly, quite very annoying.
However, the action sequences are well-choreographed and nicely edited. they were exciting enough to keep me from getting too comfortable with the back of my seat.
However, I found the final fight to be some what disappointing. I was expecting sword-fighting sequences, but most of the time was dedicated to an aerial chase and the grand entrance of the Kraken.
Overall, if you are looking for a Troy or Lord of the Ring, look elsewhere. This one is purely an adventure set in the Greek mythos with thin plot and story.
I vaguely remember being awe-struck by the myriad of creatures and monsters in the movie. I was even covering my eyes when Medusa made her monstrous appearance in the original. This was the movie that led me on my life-long "quests" to discover European and Middle-eastern mythologies.
The cast, acting and sets were state of the art then (so was the stop motion capturing of various creatures). It was a blockbuster then and was much talked about in its time.
Forward to April 1st, 2010.
This movie struck me as a run-of-the-mill, CG-laden movie based on the original. This new one has a good cast, although most of the other Greek gods have little or no dialogue at all. they were just images that stand or sat there, like holograms. they have almost no interaction with each other or the mortals.
CG in movies have reached an extent where it is no longer a novelty, but a must-have. Even so-called rom-com usually comes with various CGI touch-ups that we never really pay attention to. The creatures and environments created by CG, are pretty standard, even though they are well-designed.
Acting is good all-round. The only person I detest in the movie was that doomsayer who coax people into giving in to Hades. I found the character to be over-acted and frankly, quite very annoying.
However, the action sequences are well-choreographed and nicely edited. they were exciting enough to keep me from getting too comfortable with the back of my seat.
However, I found the final fight to be some what disappointing. I was expecting sword-fighting sequences, but most of the time was dedicated to an aerial chase and the grand entrance of the Kraken.
Overall, if you are looking for a Troy or Lord of the Ring, look elsewhere. This one is purely an adventure set in the Greek mythos with thin plot and story.
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
(2010 Video)
By far the best DC superheroes animation
18 February 2010
Story/plot: Good. In fact better than some real life movies Voice Actors: Good. Professional quality.
Artwork/Animation: Good. This is the US standard without becoming CGI.
Length/Run-Time: Good. It isn't too short and isn't too long for my kid.
Comment: I wish there were more animations on the justice League. DC is doing much better than it was with its animations over the past decade. The story is simple with a touch of complexity and the moral is made clear enough that even my 5 year understood. The depiction of alternate Earths can lead to bigger expansion in the near future. Overall I would recommend this to other parents for their children
Artwork/Animation: Good. This is the US standard without becoming CGI.
Length/Run-Time: Good. It isn't too short and isn't too long for my kid.
Comment: I wish there were more animations on the justice League. DC is doing much better than it was with its animations over the past decade. The story is simple with a touch of complexity and the moral is made clear enough that even my 5 year understood. The depiction of alternate Earths can lead to bigger expansion in the near future. Overall I would recommend this to other parents for their children
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