7/23/12

This is, by far, one of the most (or rather the most) epic movie I have ever seen since Inception. Christopher Nolan is truly a genius. It's not just a typical super hero movie. Whilst it has the actions and thrills that a super hero movie thrives on, it doesn't stop there. It builds up the story with its depth and intricate subplots that involves a lot of characters who contribute to the wholeness of the entire movie. It develops the characters and the plot at the beginning of the film well enough and transforms into something so immense and so spectacular that it leaves you awe-struck and amaze not just with its visuals and sound effects, but the entirety of how the story progresses and twists itself quite remarkably into something that you could have never known. Batman and fairly Batman fans would definitely be enthralled by this closing film of the Batman Trilogy by Nolan. I can't say anything bad to it except the audio at the cinema I went to watch was bad. Tsk. Anyhow, it's definitely a masterpiece and a great work of art that does not just provide you with amazing visual and sound effects, but is well-written and well-thought of giving you a great overall experience of what a great super hero movie should be. Truly an epic conclusion.

On a side note, when I learned that Anne Hathaway was playing as a Catwoman, I was like "Huh? Anne Hathaway"? Will it really fit her? Coz I usually see her in chick flicks and comedies. Not really on movies that thrive on action. But she just proves how flexible she can be and makes a great and sneaky cat burglar. =3 Also, who would have thought that Tom Hardy from 'This Means War' and 'Inception' played Bane. That classy English gentleman with the accent. It was kinda hard associating him as Bane especially after the last movie I watched wherein he was casted was 'This Means War'. But he plays Bane really well and menacingly convincing.




8/13/10


"What is the most resilient parasite? An idea."

Brilliant! Very brilliant! The details of the whole plot is so intricately designed it made my nose bled. O.o I really have to watch this movie again (with subtitles) to fully grasp every word of the story to be able to completely understand it. I may be exaggerating but I can't help it. This film is really ingenious and the idea of the story itself is very original. It may have a little bit of references to The Matrix Movie (except inception is composed of dream scenes) but overall, it was a complete work of innovation and art. The effects were superb as well but one cannot fully comprehend and appreciate the whole movie without really knowing the idea rather 'ideas' behind it.

Inception is inspired by lucid dreaming and dream incubation (i gotta try this xD) and belongs to the heist genre with a cyberpunk plot wherein DiCaprio's role steals information from a person illegally through their subconscious mind. That pretty much is like an icing to the cake since the main plot was built in forming an idea in another person's mind by invading that person's dream making it seem real rather than stealing information. That is the main idea of inception. The thought of it was deemed impossible by the characters plotted in the story but the protagonist knew so well that it was possible since he was able to do it before (spoiler! :D). However, it will be pretty difficult for them to penetrate the person's mind since they have to know all the background regarding that person and they have to convince him as well in order for him to embrace the idea that they were trying to implant (am i making some sense O.o). They were able to wove dreams upon dreams that it was pretty hard for them to keep the stability of those dreams. The mission was even made more complicated prior to the 'defense mechanism' of the subject (the one they are trying to incept an idea) which composed of projections of the subject's mind who were trying to kill them within the dream. As well as the haunting presence of Dom Cobb's (DiCaprio) wife who keeps on sabotaging his work in the dream world.

In the end, Dom Cobb was able to reunite with his family, the main reason why he accepted the mission. However, it gives the audience speculations whether the reality of being able to see his family once again was a true reality or yet, just a dream upon a dream.

The 'Dream Team' as what they were called were composed of Dom Cobb--the Extractor, Arthur--the Point Man, Satio--the Tourist, Ariadne--the Architect, Eames--the Forger, and Yusuf--the Chemist. Each one of them holds a very significant role throughout the whole mission and without the presence of just one of them would make the whole mission collapse. Their teamwork in making the mission successful was magnanimous. The way they handled to come up with solutions prior to the problems that were not anticipated was impressive and courageous. One character that I liked was the young inquisitive architect, Ariadne. She was the only female in the team and I'm convinced the reason why it is so is because she was involved in the emotional aspect that has been troubling the protagist's mind. Generally, emotions and feelings are always associated with women while thoughts and rationalities are with men. So basically to keep the balance of the story, she was there to be able to help the protagonist to settle with his personal issues.

Anyway, to make the long story short, this movie is worth the watch (but really worth the ticket!! especially IMAX!! =D). It'll really keep your mind boggling and will delve you deeper into the subconscious mind.

Another interesting fact I found out regarding this movie was that Christopher Nolan, who is the director of this film, developed this whole script within 9 to 10 years (that does not even include the production of the film). O.O And his previous films Batman Begins, The Prestige and The Dark Knight were just stepping stones so that he can make this great masterpiece a reality. (Imagine?! The Dark Knight is just a stepping stone?! O.o) Okay, I'm done. xD I'm just overwhelmed with this movie. ^^

6/2/10

Honestly, I wasn't able to fully grasp the story of Prince of Persia so I just relied on Google to fill me in on some of the parts that I wasn't able to understand (I need subtitles) O.o.

Prince of Persia is based from a popular game with the same title. I can even trace it way back in the 90s where the first Prince of Persia game was not as amazing and as high-tech as the games nowadays. But I can say I'm fortunate to have played the first Prince of Persia game when family computers still rule the households. But even then, I wasn't able to grasp the story behind it.

Now about the movie, Prince of Persia is of course set in the mystical lands of Persia and revolves around the path the rogue prince is destined to have for his beloved country. Prince Dastan, the rogue prince of Persia sets foot on a journey together with Princess Tamina, a beautiful princess of a sacred city, as they race against the evil forces who wants to acquire an ancient dagger capable of releasing the sands of time---a gift from the gods that can reverse time and allow its possessor to rule the world.

The plot of the story is rather very sneaky and complicated that it would actually take me one whole day to summarize it. So it would be better that you watch and ride on with his adventures in Persia. This is what makes me admire the whole movie--the plot, the action, the adventure. I love how the plot is intricately designed that leaves you guessing and anticipating for the next scene. You can never predict what's going to happen next (for the most part) and can really give you that feeling as if you're falling from the edge of your seat (or maybe I'm just exaggerating) XD. But honestly though, I can say that it was a money well-spent (for movie addicts like me). I especially liked the part where Prince Dastan or whoever presses the end of the dagger and then the time turns back. It's obviously computerized but it still looks good and amazing.

Although one can say that the movie is very cliche (a typical 'sword and sandal' action flick), it's pretty much enjoyable and pretty to watch. The effects, choreography, over-all acting and performance are superb and contribute much to the Prince of Persia experience. However, if one was to compare the movie from the game itself, there sure are a lot of discrepancies and can disappoint a lot of Prince of Persia fanatics as it does not loyally follow to the true game itself. Nevertheless, it's a pretty epic movie. And what adds up to the experience I had when watching it was that the seat would shook whenever big bass sound effects were to roll in the scenes. It was kind of annoying and it was my first time. Hehe. I thought 2D was just the same as an ordinary cinema. The only difference was that they have shaker seats. And it was okay I guess. O.o

4/15/10


(WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!)

So I went to watch this movie together with my friend because I heard the feedback is good (from the people around me) and because I am fond of mythology. At first, we were in a dilemma of what movie to watch--this one or Book of Eli since both movies sound good. Since the former is more popular compared to Book of Eli (which my friend hardly knew), we decided to watch Clash of the Titans in 3D and I can say the movie totally blew me.

The movie Clash of the Titans is set in the Greek city of Argos where war is about to explode between men and gods. Perseus (Sam Worthington, who just so happens to be Jake Sully) was found by a humble fisherman while he was out on the sea. Little did he know that he was actually a demi-god, son of the mighty Zeus. Never did he acknowledge or took pride in it and led his life as a human. But soon he was imperiled were he not to accept his fate as a demi-god and he was destined to save an entire society from a powerful god, Hades, who was also the one who killed his human family.

As he journeys through the sands and hills of a mythical land along with a handful of armored men followed by a mysterious beautiful lady, he faces the dangers and adventures that only exist in one's mind. He faces the most outrageous, the most sneaky, and the most perilous feats that one could ever imagined. And as the story progresses, one by one, the people along his journey were slowly vanishing and thus he alone must face the ultimate darkness that arose to destroy the city of men.

Little did I know that the movie was actually a remake of a classic film way back before. My workmate commented that it'd probably be the same with the old film but the effects and cinematography would be more alluring and amazing. Since I was not able to see the old film (I probably wasn't even born yet at that time. O.o), I may not be able to make a comparison of the movies. But one thing's for sure---the visual effects will be far more captivating compared to the old one but the old one will always have a classic feel to it that the contemporary one can never grasp.

I have read a lot of negativities with the new remake---mainly from fans or viewers of the old version. It seems that the new movie is perceived as rather shallow and the story was not as paramount as the old one. There were a lot of discrepancies with the new movie and the choice of scenes were not carefully picked. It was mostly dubbed as something that can capture the audience prior to the visual effects and cinematography that technology now brings in but is poorly made when it comes to the substance and context of the plot. But for a movie-enthusiast like me who wasn't able to grasp the old movie and who can appreciate a movie as it is (both works are different but the same concept), I can say that the movie was ingeniously made and the CGI effects made it more appealing and thrilling. I found myself squealing out of surprise with some of the scenes which I can say that the movie is not a bore to watch and is visually appealing. The scene that I enjoyed the most was the battle between Perseus and his men and Medusa. It was rather a solemn encounter filled with Medusa's fiendish shrieks. Then the action sprang up as Medusa plays a hasty hide and seek with Perseus.



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Okay, I've probably said enough but overall the movie is a blast! But Alice in Wonderland is still #1 for me. :) Also even if it's in 3D, it doesn't have any difference at all. Or you can hardly feel its 3D-ness. Ugh. It's too bad that they're only offering it in 3D here which is kind of sneaky of the movie people there since non 3D movies are less expensive. >.<

3/7/10

At long last, the movie that I have greatly anticipated this 2010 finally came to cinemas. Once again the wild and quirky imagination of Tim Burton came to life along with his long time collaborator and friend Johnny Depp who played the eccentric character in the persona of the Mad Hatter. I can say that Tim Burton again has never failed my expectations of his surreal and wickedly created movies. I just love his works! Lol.

When Tim Burton is part of a movie, one can say that this movie will somehow be 'different', twisted, and has some dark atmosphere set up with it and Alice in Wonderland is no exception. It's not the typical Alice you see in movies, not the typical plot if you have read the book or the original story, and definitely not the typical Disney film you see most of the time.

The movie has that Tim Burton-esque feel to it---it's dark, creepy, weird, amusing, and full of surprises. That's what I like about his films. He always never fail to make a movie somewhat interesting, artistic and creative that cannot be found in other films. When you see his movies, you can always say that, this is definitely his movie.

In the film, Alice is now 19 years old and accidentally returns to Underland, a place she previously visited 13 years ago. She is told that she is the only one that can slay the Jabberwocky, a dragon controlled by the Red Queen. Burton said the original Wonderland story was always about a girl wandering around from one character to another and he never felt a connection emotionally, so he wanted to make it feel more like a story than a series of events. He doesn't see this as a sequel to previous films or a re-imagining.

For me, the movie was visually alluring. It's like you're being transported to another place; a place like no other. Seeing it in 3D makes it more interesting but somehow, there were parts that kind of made me a bit cross-eyed or dizzy. But nonetheless, it was no difference to seeing it in non-3D prior to it not fully an animated movie. The movie has a mixture of adventure, a little bit of comedy here and there and really cracks up your imagination. I can say the movie was really worth the watch. Especially in 3D. :)


The characters were really playful and were full of oddities. I love how Burton portrayed them and the animated figures were great. Tweedledee and Tweedledum were particularly funny and cute. The Cheshire Cat was as elusive as ever and the Red Queen was perfectly portrayed (by Helen Bonham Carter herself). And we shouldn't forget the Mad Hatter, played by Johhny Depp who never fails to portray eccentric and bizarre characters (really shows he is truly flexible! lol) And the main protagonist which is Alice who played the part seamlessly. Anne Hathaway was also in the movie playing the White Queen who as also eccentric and a little bit too dramatic. Overall, the characters make up the bizzare and magical world of Wonderland and helped to make it come alive.

Also at the end of the movie, I knew there was something in the singer's voice played afterwards. I was particularly captivated by it and I was shocked that was Avril Lavigne who was singing the song. Gosh. My favorite director, my favorite actor along with my one of my favorite artist all in one movie. That was surprising. And very satisfying. Overall, I give the movie a hundred thumbs up! Lol. I'm a bit biased coz I like Tim Burton's films so much and I love Johnny Depp. Lol.



8/4/09

I am really a big fan of Tim Burton's films and I can't wait to watch this new upcoming animated movie entitled '9' which he produced!


So what is 9 and what makes it interesting and a must-see for movie enthusiasts?

Well, it's a number! :D Well, seriously...


9 is an upcoming animated action/fantasy film directed by Shane Acker and produced by Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov (director of Wanted).

9 takes place in a post-apocalyptic and alternate version of our world, in which the very legacy of humanity is threatened by machines. The machines, built by a scientist to help the world recover from a previous war, rebelled and began to manufacture an army to wipe out humanity. So the same scientist creates a group of sentient rag dolls, or "stitch punks" as Shane Acker calls them, who lives among the ruins of the civilization. Named by numbers, each name represents their age, with 1 as the oldest. One day, they find 9 (voiced by Elijah Wood), another ragdoll and their creator's final project.

You can check out the trailer and see for yourself! :D



Also check out the 10-minute award-winning short film which this feature film was based on:



I first found this movie when I was searching about Tim Burton and I'm glad I came across this one. What really drew me to this film is that its animation is quite impressive, the plot and characters are uniquely created, and the overall feel of the movie is dark, grungy, and epic. I must say the imagination of the creator is really at work--molding life into rag dolls is something you don't see everyday. It's original, genuine, creative and full of action and adventure.

I can't wait to see this movie and I hope it will never fail my high expectations of it. Plus the music of the trailer is kick-ass! Watch this on 9/9/09 :D