Friday 14 September 2012

Movie Review: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

GAHH I REALLY FORGOT TO POST THIS!! =p it was sitting on my draft since like, months ago??? ANYWAYS here's ma review!!! (I really need to post this)

I know that this movie is such a great deal for some of you. It is for me too =) When they finally started screening the movie, I had to restrain myself from browsing through the internet about all of the negative/positive remarks regarding The Dark Knight Rises until I finally watch the movie myself. You see, I don't want to ruin the movie experience I could have on this movie. This epic conclusion of Christopher Nolan's Batman Saga means that much to me =)  So, I need to warn you guys that this review CONTAINS SPOILER. I repeat, CONTAINS SPOILER. Just so you clear, if you don't want me to spoil the whole movie experience then I suggest you click the X button at the top left corner of the screen or the right at once! ;)

8 years had passed since The Joker and Two Face incidents, since Gordon sets the dogs on him. 8 years without Batman. Gotham seemed to be just fine. Bruce Wayne found himself pondering in the dark of the mansion of his, excluding himself from the crowd of the city. If one looks at the state he was in, they won't believe their eyes because he looked pretty damn crappy. Technically, he was using some sort of a grandpa stick to support his walking and beards were all over his face. Little did he know that the storm is coming, as Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman had warned him of what might happen on the trailer. Bruce looked so devastatingly empty inside. He hasn't moved on. There's this great deal of pain in him that keeps gnawing inside, making him looked impossibly weak and old and withered.



I was really thrilled when I was informed that Bane would be the villain in TDKR. I was relieved that Nolan decided to choose this complex character. and the thrill intensify when I found out that Tom Hardy was up for the role. It was like a dream come true. I wonder what Nolan would do to this uncanny character. Nolan has always been so good in manipulating characters. I can't bloody wait.

Turns out that, Tom Hardy's Bane didn't manage to steal the screen as The Joker did in 2008. BUT. Tom was the perfect cast for Bane. Only 20% of his face was shown and he managed to capture all our attention with just the strong, piercing, unflinching look of his eyes. That's kind of remarkable. and Gosh his voice was creeping me out! I got chills whenever Bane comes around. Needless to say, he totally pull it off.

What I was disappointed about was that I was kind of hoping that Nolan won't use the character Bane as a pawn only. You see, he's not the main villain. I was a bit disappointed when I figured out that he's only helping Miranda Tate (Ras'al-ghul's--don't know how to spell it--daughter) to accomplish her mission. He would be as awesome as The Joker I think if his portion in the movie is a lot bigger. Another reason why Bane is awesome is because he actually gets into physical fight with Batman. No other villain had gotten into a muscle fight with Batman before. So, here's how I put it. Bane is a genius, terrorist, and ferocious man. Such a shame to let that character was put to waste, just being the so-called protector of Miranda Tate. But hey, don't get me wrong. I respect Nolan's decision because the movie itself really rises to its high point. Words can not describe how epic The Dark Knight Rises is.

Catwoman, oh was she lovely. At first I was a bit skeptical on Anne Hathaway. Turns out she really did a great job on depicting the sexy, bitchy, but also cunning and smart Catwoman. That is to say, Nolan's Catwoman. Alfred, I've always loved this character. He's the only one who seems to understand Bruce, and he's his only true friend. I was broken when Bruce told him to leave. Sir Michael Caine was brilliant, needless to say. his entire lines were epic. I even cried at the end. (yeah. I cried. on a Batman movie. Batman movie.). On the other hand, Commissioner Gordon surprisingly took a huge part on this movie which was great. With his apprentice also, played by Joe Gordon Levitt. There's huge surprise on him at the end. prepare to squeal! (I did). oh almost forgot. The lovely Marion Cotillard. Well, she's Marion after all. Need I say more? She can turn into this damsel in distress, and the next second she can be this evil, menacing person you've ever met. That is something isn't it?

There are some speculation on the ending. Many think that Batman is still alive, as you know he did appear in the last scene in Florence, where Alfred smiled to him at the restaurant. andd he was with Selina Kyle! For me personally, I think that was just Alfred's imagination. You see, no one can really survive a nuclear bomb. Even if he managed to get out of the vehicle, then he's still gonna get the impact of the nuclear gas. and that's kind of lethal. (right?) and I don't think Bruce would actually date Selina. They would make a great couple, but I just couldn't imagine them spend the rest of their life together! Ha-ha! That's only my opinion though ;)

In conclusion, Nolan you genius man!! all hail Nolan!! in Nolan we trust! this franchise is like the BEST EVER!! Thank you Christopher Nolan, thank you to the cast and crew involved! Ciao ;)


Saturday 24 March 2012

Movie Review: The Hunger Games (2012)

I don't know where to start! haha. here's the thing. I've waited for this film to come along for toooo long. and yesterday I finally watched it and I was so thrilled. here's the review.

Firstly, you need to know that I've already read the book so my opinion for this movie is both based on what I've read, and what I've watched yesterday. Because other people who haven't read the book yet might have a different opinion about the movie.

I was a bit skeptical at first about this entire movie. I don't want hollywood to ruin the whole book. I really enjoyed the book and It seems impossible to hate the heroine, Katniss Everdeen. her life is just so sad and she managed to stay alive along with her sister, Prim, and her mother. ever since her father died, her mother refused to take care of them so Katniss had to take the initiative to keep her family alive by hunting some animals in the woods for their food, though it was forbidden to cross the line between the woods and her place. but she had to take the risk, otherwise they would starve to death in the destructive land of district 12.

her life continues, she kept on doing her routine to hunt in the woods with her best friend, Gale, until the day of the 74th Hunger Games finally comes. Prim was so desperate and scared whether or not they will picked her name, and Katniss tried to convince her that this is the first day they put her name there so they're not gonna pick her. but the truth said otherwise. Prim's name was called during the gathering and Katniss frantically tried to reach her sister and then shout a volunteering request. everyone was shocked by her sudden outburst because it was the first volunteering request ever in the district 12. Katniss too was shocked but she soon recover. she knew she had to do it for the sake of her beloved little sister. the second tribute was announced and there stand beside her is Peeta Mellark. they exchanged wary, scared, sad looks for a second then they shook hands.

Before the hunger games begins, there were a lot of tests and things that needs to be done. they were each given a lesson to survive in the woods, for example, to defend themselves, to ties a knot, to camouflage, to use sword, etc. there were 24 of them and they'll only have one victor. Katniss's specialty is to use a bow, while Peeta doesn't really has special ability beside his strength. Peeta was so sure that he'll be as good as dead the minute he entered the game and he kept on saying that until it started to pissed Katniss. the two didn't get along very well ever since.



Each district got a mentor to tell them what to do and to discuss things concerning the hunger games. they got the drunk Haymitch. After that, each district got a costume designer too to make an impression for the crowd to love them. they got the best, Cinna. They each did an on air interview too and they must be really careful with the tricky questions. Peeta were good at handling the crowd, unlike Katniss. the interview didn't go well (at least according to Katniss) because Peeta had another plan in mind that he said to the interviewer that Katniss is the love of his life and he has always loved Katniss since he first set eyes on her. the outrageous Katniss lunged for him and sort of choke him and pinning him to the wall as if she wanted to kill him right there at that second. but then Peeta and Haymitch tried to convince her that they were doing that to save her life, to make her desirable and loved by the crowd so that they would give sponsors to somehow help her to survive in the woods in case she needs something. after several arguments, Katniss finally bought it and then started to apologize to Peeta.





the day for the 74th Hunger Games has finally come, and let the Hunger Games begin!

I love the book very much that it kills me if they ruin it on the movie adaptation. turns out that the movie itself was very good. at least they managed to stay loyal to the book and the director really did a pretty good job on creating the emotional atmosphere in the movie because that is all the book is about. It feels like I was a part of it. like I was in the movie myself I can feel their agony, their pain, their desperateness.  which means the movie was a pretty good one, no?
some says that the movie was lacked of feelings. Katniss's feeling especially. well, if you read the book, you'll know about what she's thinking about at the moment, while in the movie, she just so quiet and tries to reflect her feelings with her facial expression. looks like that wasn't enough. maybe the message wasn't delivered clear enough for the audience who haven't read the book yet. there are some moments that I need to explain to my sister about what was going on exactly. but this doesn't mean Jennifer Lawrence failed to portrayed Katniss. I still thinks that she was the perfect person to portrayed Katniss. she got this rebellious, tough, survivor looks on her that suits the role just fine. the rest of the cast did a very great job too for the character. I was a bit skeptical at first about Josh Hutcherson though. but it turns out that he's alright as Peeta. I started to like him. Liam Hemsworth as Gale, Alexander Ludwig as Cato, Lenny Kravitz as Cinna, Donald Sutherland as the President, Elizabeth Banks as Effie... the cast couldn't be more perfect!

now about the flaws.. I was very sad when I found out that they decided to left out the part in the woods when the district 11 (Rue's) gave some breads to Katniss as a 'thank you' sign for burying Rue. I think that part was very important because it was indeed very touching. and it's like some kind of a proof that the bond between district 11 and Katniss was a little bit stronger than usual. and they left out the part where Katniss dehydrates and starves. also the fact that Peeta is sort of like dying at the end of the games? and at the end they need to cut one of his leg off and give him a plastic leg. that just gonna add more dramatic scene because I think the ending was too abrupt. I haven't had the chance to piece together all of the informations and suddenly the credit rolled. and the scene where they fight with Cato was a bit 'dirty'(meaning the camera holding) and a bit rushed I think.

but overall, despite the flaws, I really think that this movie is one of the best movie adaptation out there. Hollywood usually ruins it, as you know. I'm very satisfied and can breathe a sigh of relief for the result. I'm soooooo looking forward for Catching Fire! =D

May the odds be ever in your favor!



President Snow: Welcome! We salute your courage and your sacrifice and we wish you Happy Hunger Games!

Thursday 5 January 2012

2011 Movie Recap (Part 1)

HAAAAHHHHHH finalyyy. what a year. let's look back at last year's movies. overall, I'd say, 2011 movies are quite varied from Harry Potter to Mission Impossible, and they had executed it rather well. I'm not saying I'm satisfied, but some of the movies are actually really good.

Here are some of the movies (in no particular order) that worth your every penny and I think it's a shame to miss it. (note: I still haven't watched so many movies like, Hugo, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Moneyball, 50/50,etc. but I'll write this one first).

1. X-Men First Class--This movie is almost perfect in every aspect. great visual effect, plot, actors. it's pretty much about the relationship between Prof Xavier and Eric Lensherr (Magneto). they were like brothers once, but because of their different opinions and different way on how they see things, they became rivals. such a shame really ='( Fassbender and McAvoy did such a great job on developing their character's relationship that it feels such a shame to let the relationship crumbles just like that.




2. Jane Eyre--Without a doubt, this movie is the best drama of the year. adapted from the famous british classic novel written by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre is a plain, obscured, and intelligent young woman that seems to catch her master's attention, the self-destructive, full of secrets, arrogant, intimidating and handsome Mr. Rochester. Cary Fukunaga succeeded on making the gloomy atmosphere that surrounds the entire movie. the dark version of Jane Eyre, it got a little taste of eeriness inside.



3. Mission: Impossible, The Ghost Protocol--I'm not a fan of the Mission Impossible franchise, but I have to admit, this one is really good. a non-stop action movie that is full of awesome stunts we haven't seen before that will leave the audience hold their breath. just WOW. Love the Dubai scene where Tom Cruise had to climb the tallest building in the world with just a glove for both hands. that's just, well... high.



4. Drive--Many of my friends don't like this movie, for me personally, I like this movie. a lot. maybe some of you find it boring. the movie isn't anywhere near the non-stop action Mission Impossible, it's the contrary. this is a slow-paced movie. some of the scenes are really quiet sometimes and it just feels right. the director really knows what he's doing. Ryan Gosling is perfect for the role too. we can't really predict when the driver's gonna make some violence. he has this soft side and this sadistic side of him. he looks freakin badass and gentle sometimes. Badass quote:

Driver: If I drive for you, you get your money. That's a guarantee. Tell me where we start, where we're going and where we're going afterwards, I give you five minutes when you get there. Anything happens in that five minutes and I'm yours, no matter what. Anything a minute either side of that and you're on your own. I don't sit in while you're running it down. I don't carry a gun. I drive.




5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2--well, this one is just. epic.




p.s: this scene made me cried my eyes out I don't know why.


well, I guess those are the top 5 movies in 2011 that are really such a shame if you guys miss it =) 

Nice to Finally Meet You, 2012 =)

Breathe in, breathe out... here I am. the oh-so-gloomy 2011 has finally ended. I'm not sure whether gloomy is the perfect word to describe my life in 2011. well, I think it pretty much sums it up. I sure as hell got a lot of test last year. And I've learned so much about life I have to thank God for the lessons and for helping me to go through those difficult times =) the thing going on in this world is just so much more than meets the eye.  I know this year won't be easy and God help me go through it. I just have to do my best in everything that lies ahead of me. hope I won't be afraid to take some risks and hope I'll be able to get out of my comfort zone. next, about resolution. do I make any? nope. I'll forget it as soon as I finish making it anyway. so just keep it simple and go with the flow. favorite words of the decades,huh? go with the flow~ =p

okay enough about life. let's talk about movies, shall we? =p