Late Summer

Quick reviews on three films from the summer, Ted, Savages and The Campaign. Like really brief and quick review. Bonus, two films from September.

Ted
The highest grossing R-rated comedy to date certainly has a unique premise, also a cute, irresistible teddy bear named Ted who happens to be alive because of John Bennett's wish. The movie is a nice one, although not that funny. I'd prefer The Hangover over Ted. However Ted's visual effects is quite good; better than Twilight or G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra. Seth McFarlane is truly a genius and Mila Kunis is difficult to resist. When you finished the movie, you might wonder, which one is cuter, Mila Kunis or Ted? The film has some good moments and funny moments, including an extended cameo by Flash Gordon himself. The ending is also touching. Ted: rated 2.5/4


Savages

Oliver Stone's new film marked his departure from the 'more serious' genre of movies, y'know, the political ones like his latest W. This is one is adapted from a book and has an ensemble cast which are led by John Carter, Kick-Ass and Serena Van Der Woodsen. The story is about a large cartel who wants to deal with independent weed growers but apparently failed in the negotiation. Therefore they kidnapped the growers' shared girlfriend and those growers tried to do anything to get her back. The one performance that was disturbingly good was Benicio Del Toro's. However, the rest of the cast did a great job too. The twist in the end was annoying because it doesn't improve the story at all (I can't talk much here to avoid spoilers). There's another thing that I was annoyed by which was the way Indonesia was associated with the words 'jungle' and 'savages'. You guys may be sadistic savages, but us in Indonesia, we are not savages who live in the jungle and doesn't have a Chanel shop. Thank you. Savages is worth a watch for the raw feel and the uniquely normal-but-strange story and its twist though. Savages: rated 2.5/4


The Campaign
For me this film is funnier than Ted because the jokes are more unpredictable and kinda random. While on Ted, you can expect dirty jokes from a teddy bear. The film's story is about two candidates Cam Brady and Marty Huggins who fights for the title congressman of North Carolina. While Cam Brady is always elected as congressman, Marty Huggins came out of nowhere because he's funded by businessmen who have a secret plan. Will Ferrell is playing in good comedy films, like Talladega Nights or Anchorman, and this one is another his of good ones too. Zach G is playing a different character albeit similar traits (dumb and stuff), he's already a typecast. One thing that the film lacks is bigger role on Jason Sudeikis bcos like in Horrible Bosses, he could be extremely funny too. While the jokes sometimes aren't that funny because it's already everywhere in the trailer, the film is smart in criticizing some of the politics routine and it makes the film interestingly funny. The Campaign: rated 3/4


End of Watch
A Chronicle-style buddy cop drama? With Jake Gyllenhaal? Count me in. The story is about two police officers who got tangled in cartel business while doing their daily job. The film makes use of the 'self-taping' thing and sometimes from the police cam while also infusing traditional cameraworks but mostly handheld. This method proves to be effective, not only because we get the gritty feel but also the dangerous and raw atmosphere of the film. Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena here is so good, their relationship is like very real. I enjoyed this film very very much. Although the one setback is that the opening is too slow to make way for the real conflict. Great film nonetheless. End of Watch: rated 3.5/4



Looper
My God I finally watched Looper. This film and Dredd are my most anticipated film of September. The story is about an assassin called Looper who have to kill his future version of himself. (please bear with me cos I'm about to have an outburst) JGL IS AMAZING. He doesn't look like JGL at all. I watched 50/50 trailer after I watched this and it's like I'm looking at a different person. Bruce Willis is also good here, which I didn't expect. The film is sooooo cooool, sooooo tense. I lost adjective to describe how cool this film is. The effects are just amazingly badass. Definitely the coolest film of the year. I also liked Paul Dano's brief appearance. But this film is Rian Johnson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's show. I can not complain about anything. Looper: rated 4/4.

See you December 2nd (or 3rd) for Skyfall.