I'll Show You The Future

Finally Tron Legacy's Joseph Kosinski's new film Oblivion lands in Japanese cinemas. Great job Internet for not having the torrent download for this film so that I can watch this in cinemas! It stars Tom Cruise in his sci-fi mode, Bond girl Olga Kurylenko and the rising star Andrea Riseborough, oh and Morgan Freeman too (his role is so little I almost forgot)! This film is the first of three major summer films that shows a destroyed post-apocalyptic Earth (followed by After Earth and Elysium). It looks great in the trailers, it looks better than After Earth, and it promises Kosinski's flair of visuals. For me, this is a must-watch in cinema. And the soundtrack is done by M83 damnnnnn.

The story is about the two humans stationed on Earth after a big war against an alien race called Scavs. The humans won the war but lost the planet. These two humans, Jack and Victoria are stationed to ensure the that the colony in Saturn's Titan gets water supply from Earth and also killing more Scavs who still remain. However, the truth isn't that simple as Scavs captured Jack and Jack also found a survivor from outer space.

Since it has been 6 weeks since its initial release, I guess it's fine to talk spoilers. I'd like to congratulate Joseph Kosinski on his level upgrade after Tron Legacy. He still has his great knack for visuals and also made his work better. Although mostly Tron Legacy suffers from script problems. But not for the case of Oblivion. This film didn't fall apart in the middle or approaching the end. It builds better thanks to the twists in this film. Tom Cruise is so good here. I like him better here than in his latest Jack Reacher. And don't forget Andrea Riseborough. Damn she's so great in her role. I like her already in Welcome to the Punch and her Hollywood debut is so amazing. She's such a scene stealer and add that with her Brit accent and add that again with her red hair. Looking forward to watching Shadow Dancer soon. Olga Kurylenko is just usual mostly because she got own'd by Riseborough. Morgan Freeman was stealing paycheck because he didn't show up much in this film. There's also the Kingslayer here!

I'd like to be an effective team with you

The story is so good, but maybe it's because I haven't seen proper sci-fi lately. While the first twist is so expected (wife, astronaut), the second twist is unexpected (the clone thing). However, when you think about the story elements, this film borrows so much from Duncan Jones' Moon and some parts of Independence Day (triangle-shaped door and alien base camp in space anyone?). If this film came out years before those sci-fi greats, this would definitely be a great, classic sci-fi. Albeit its story's little drawbacks, the film still manages to be awesome and jaw-dropping with its amazing visuals, set designs and MUSIC! Soundtrack is made by M83 and Joseph Trapanese, while it is somehow quite similar to Daft Punk's Tron Legacy and a little part of Hans Zimmer's TDKRises, it is still a magnificent piece of work. And did I mention the song featuring Susanne Sundfor? That's crazy good. The soundtrack is currently on my playlist. My favorite part of the film is the flashback part during Jack and crew's first mission to the Tet. I watched that part in awe and full of smiles. For me, this film is the third film in 2013 that I watched and I felt so happy and satisfied after watching it. The first two being Olympus Has Fallen and Stoker. Nice sci-fi, looking forward to Kosinski's next, but first of all, I can't wait to watch this amazing piece of work again! Oblivion: rated 3.5/4

[editor's note] in 24 hours, this post has surpassed my most popular post with a wide margin. This one gets 357 hits within 24 hours while my former most popular, Sherlock vs Holmes took one year and four months to get 242 hits. Also for my movie reviews, this tops the highest movie review post, Backstabbers & Schemers--a review on the Korean heist flick The Thieves which got 78 hits. And there I was thinking that this post wouldn't even get 10 hits because of my 6-week-late viewing of the film (June 1, 2013).

The upcoming weeks will be the boring posts, but I think I'll be back with movie reviews mid-June with, hopefully, The Great Gatsby and After Earth, scheduled in Japan June 14 and June 21 respectively. If you're asking why not Man of Steel or even FF6, please blame the Japanese. Until then, ciao.

Who Wants To Be A Billionaire?

With the ticket price inflation and 3D, movie theatre's tickets are really high nowadays. In USA, average ticket price is $8. IMAX 3D tickets could reach $18. That's a lot of money to spend only for 2 hours. However, for people like me I would definitely spend that money to escape the real world and enjoy the entertainment of the movie world. With all this high-priced tickets, a lot of films reached the $1 billion mark in the worldwide box-office, the latest one to reach this milestone is Iron Man 3. Up until the year 2008--or the year before Avatar, the films that reached this billionaire status is only four: Titanic, LOTR: Return of the King, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and The Dark Knight. It used to be a magnificent feat because they did it without 3D ticket price. Now, there's 16 films that belong to this billionaire club. Do most of them deserve to be in this exclusive club? Let's find out starting from the top. (data update May 27, 2013)

1. Avatar (2009) - $2.7b
Yes. James Cameron did it again. This groundbreaking film started the whole 3D craze and proved that CGI is truly movie magic. Or, you can consider this as a Pocahontas rip-off and the most expensive animated movie of all time. Still, this film belongs to this club.

2. Titanic (1997) - $2.1b
A massive production even at its own time. This James Cameron's ambitious film can only be beaten by none other than James Cameron's new ambitious film. This success was inimitable, it also launched Leonardo DiCaprio to stardom. Yes, billionaire club all the way.

3. The Avengers (2012) - $1.5b
A landmark film to have a superhero team-up in the big screen. Geeks and non-geeks and moviegoers flocked to the cinemas, especially in the US where it scored the biggest opening weekend gross ever. But billionaire club? Yes, but verging on no.

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011) - $1.3b
The series of a generation (my generation). The ending was well made, a more than decent adaptation to the great novel. This film started the whole two-part penultimate ending followed by Twilight and The Hunger Games. But I'm a bit torn because this wasn't a satisfying adaptation (I only said more than decent). So, no?

5. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) - $1.12b
While slightly better than Revenge of the Fallen, this film is a disappointment for me. Too much unnecessary human drama, not enough robot action, rushed ending and lame alien army. Plus, no Megan Fox! Sorry, but no to the billionaire club.

6. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003) - $1.11b
The last chapter to one of the best movie trilogy of all time and also to one of the best book adaptations of all time. Also a winner of 11 Oscars in 2004. Yes to the billionaire club.

7. Iron Man 3 (2013) - $1.11b (still in theaters)

The first 2013 film to be here. It's here because of The Avengers' success, but it is a mixed bag for an Iron Man film. It has cool moments but equally dumb moments too. A bit unsatisfying, hence, no the billionaire club.

8. Skyfall (2012) - $1.10b
James Bond, without 3D. Great film, new angle on the secret agent, a cunning villain. Yes please to the billionaire club.

9. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) - $1.08b
Last chapter to Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. While not that satisfying in logic, the film stays majestic and true to the tone of the trilogy. And Bane. Yes to the billionaire club.

10. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) - $1.06b
One of the biggest sequels in the last decade, definitely the most anticipated after the unique first film. I too was expecting this to be big. And I loved it. Yes to the billionaire club and also because it doesn't use 3D.

11. Toy Story 3 (2010) - $1.06b
Again, one of the best series ender for the trilogy. A trilogy so well-made it spanned for 15 years. A great film. The best animated film ever. Yes to the billionaire club.

12. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) - $1.04b
NO. Hate this film. When you see the definition of 'cash-grab', you'll see a still from this film. It's in 3D, it has no Will and Elizabeth, it has a crappy story, it abuses Jack Sparrow, and much more. NO.

13. Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) - $1.02b
This film isn't even in the billionaire club if it's not for the 3D re-release. Although it's one of the most anticipated sequels of all time, this film isn't that special other than to introduce Liam Neeson as a Jedi and also the iconic face-painted Sith Darth Maul. Sorry, but no thanks to the billionaire club.

14. Alice in Wonderland (2010) - $1.02b
This is the film that makes me write this post in the first place. Burton's Alice isn't exceptional at all. Like, at all. I don't recall anything special other than the strange Mad Hatter dance at the end. No to the billionaire club.

15. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) - $1.01b
How about An Unnecessary Prequel? I wouldn't talk bad about this if it was in the same quality with the trilogy. I applaud the scenes with Gollum, but other than that the film is repetitive, the CG looks bad because it relied to much on computer effects rather than practical effects. Sorry, but no thanks.

16. The Dark Knight (2008) - $1.00b
Now, where's the love for the best superhero film of all time? I won't say much. But yes to the billionaire club.


What other films that could reach $1 billion this year?
My picks are Man of Steel and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Also Fast and Furious 6 and possibly Thor: The Dark World could have a shot too. Whereas The Hunger Games: Catching Fire mostly will just eclipse its predecessor.

Coming up next week or early June: the super late review of Oblivion

Finalisissimo

Season finale week is here. I'm back to a boring night without my daily entertainment. And I would like to dedicate this post to those series that ended this season. And which one's great and which one's bad. Also some bonus! Without further ado, here goes!


How I Met Your Mother Season 8

Overall season: 7.5/10
Season finale: 7/10
They did finally show us who the mother is. But maybe it is just my expectation after eight long seasons, that girl isn't worth the wait. I HIMYM got sappier and they had less laughs. Hope the final season is still worthy of watching. I was expecting the likes of Scarlett Johansson to be the mother. However, Keegan Michael Key is in the season finale! This season, HIMYM got sappier and less laughs. I hope the final season is still worth watching.

New Girl Season 2

Overall season: 8/10
Season finale: 8/10
One of the nicest comedies on TV right now. It is fascinating to watch because of the quirky characters. During the last episodes we were introduced to Jess and Nick's romance which was already indicated in one of the first season's episodes, and it was never picked up then until this season. It was nice although the stories are predictable, like the ones with Cece's wedding. I'm still going to watch season three mainly thanks to super fun cast.

Supernatural Season 8

Overall season: 6/10

Season finale: 10/10

It would be unanimous to say that Supernatural peaked at its superior, I'd say hyperior-if such word exists, 5th season and it gradually loses direction. Last season was better because at least it has a big storyline on Leviathans. But this season, the storyline isn't clear and it lags in so many episodes. The 'fun' episode is only one in this season. Sam and Dean are still the best asset, but this season Castiel didn't show up much, which is a bummer. They actually saved the best for the season finale though, which still makes you want to watch Season 9!

The Big Bang Theory Season 6

Overall season: 8/10
Season finale: 7/10
Fun as ever. Adding Amy and Bernadette as series regular is also a great thing. However, the laughs are constant without trying to make something new. They did have interesting episodes though. The last episode with Leonard going abroad is like a repetition like Howard's departure to space. Still going to watch the next season because it's crazy fun to watch TBBT.

Elementary Season 1

Overall season: 8.5/10
Season finale: 9/10
[spoilers ahead] I didn't actually look forward to watch this, thanks to the brilliant Sherlock. It turned out to be a well-made series. Although it mainly works like your usual procedural crime drama, it has the unique factor of Sherlock Holmes and his companion Dr. Watson. Add that with the looming arch-nemesis Moriarty which is then revealed in the season finale. [spoiler!] In the 90 mins finale, the revelation that Irene Adler is actually Moriarty almost borders to ridiculous. It is creative yes, but it may be too much. I tolerate it because Natalie Dormer got to use her Brit accent. However, I think Moriarty might still be someone else. Let's see in the next season.

BONUS BONUS! 
Homeland Season 2

Overall season: 5/10
Season finale: 8/10
Season 1 was crazy great, I'd give a solid 9 out of 10. Season 2 was bad. The early episodes are quite okay. And then Carrie got crazy, disobey orders, fucks Brody (a lot). And then Abu Nazir got killed, easily. Thank God for newcomer Rupert Friend as Quinn who made things better. And thank the surprising season finale. Tip for season 3, get yourself the fuck together Carrie.

The Following Season 1

Overall season: 6.5/10
Season finale: 6.5/10
It never really hooked me. The story is pretty much the most interesting thing in The Following. The episodes are uneven, sometimes it could be great but sometimes it could be really bland and boring. So many people got killed but I only wish that Emma dies soon. The season finale was nothing special, and I think that Joe Carroll isn't dead yet. And of course although he got stabbed at the end of the season finale, Ryan Hardy survives the day. In all its twists, it is quite predictable to see its outcome. But kudos to these many twists and deaths.

BONUS BONUS BONUS! Spring TV series overview!
Hannibal Season 1

Pilot: 9/10
Following episodes: 7.5/10
The pilot was so good. So stylish. So intense. But then the next episodes can't match that kind of quality anymore. Also, I still cannot buy that Mads Mikkelsen is Hannibal Lecter. And that's a big problem here. Hugh Dancy is great, gone are those thoughts of him in Adam or Shopaholic. It lacks the style set by he pilot but the series keeps it interesting with its psychotic, creative killings.

Bates Motel Season 1

Pilot: 8/10
Following episodes: 8.5/10
Again, another TV series based on film. This one's quite strange because although it is a prequel to Psycho, it is set in modern times with cellphones, parties and all. The main cast Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga is superb. But the episodes are uneven. Sometimes it has a crazy story but sometimes it has nothing. Worth following just to see Norman Bates' transformation to a psycho killer.

Game of Thrones Season 3

Episode 1: 8/10
Following episodes: 9/10
This season is more of connecting the dots and introducing new characters. You haven't seen anything until episode four. That's all.

Next fall should be crazy with last part of Breaking Bad's final season and ABC's new Agents of SHIELD. And of course with the continuation of the shows I mentioned above. I also want to continue my addiction on the Hawaii Five-0 reboot but I'm already behind on the third season.


I'll be back early June for a four-week late review of Joseph Kosinki's Oblivion. Once again, blame the fucking Japanese theatre monopoly system.

Man-crushes

This post's title is going to be the one that would trigger questions in this blog. But I guess for my topic, you'll find it very normal. Ryan Gosling. Benedict Cumberbatch. Yeah. Every man wants to be cool like Gosling and strangely cool like Cumberbatch. This time I will review The Place Beyond the Pines and I will add a guest review of Star Trek Into Darkness.

The Place Beyond The Pines

From the trailers we could easily see this as a follow-up to Drive yet add it with more characters and story. But then you will find this very different. The film doesn't follow the usual story arc, but here we have three main characters, Ryan Gosling's Luke Glanton, Bradley Cooper's Avery Cross and Dane Dehaan's Jason. That's just the main characters, the cast includes Eva Mendes, Ray Liotta and Rose Byrne. The story starts with Luke Glanton, who doesn't know he has a baby. He starts using his excellent motorcycling skills to rob banks to provide for the family. And one day, he encounters police officer Avery Cross and the repercussion of this encounter change their lives forever.

The film is directed by Derek Cianfrance of Blue Valentine, which I find very hard to watch because it captured the story so much that it is very depressing, I never finished the film. But that was before Drive. After Drive or to be exact, after Crazy, Stupid, Love, I'd watch anything with Gosling in it. And this film doesn't disappoint. It is true that the first two story arcs are better than the last, but the last one with Dane Dehaan is also great although cannot equal the others. However I find this type of storytelling has its downsides, for example we never got into Eva Mendes' character or Rose Byrne's. But to include that, the film would have to be divided into three films. Cianfrance pretty much kept the pace of the film steady and it doesn't bore me at all to watch the whole 140 minutes. The three main leads are amazing. Gosling has proven himself since Blue Valentine. But Bradley Cooper here, he just keeps getting better. I could see him win an Oscar in the next five years. Also Dane Dehaan of Chronicle fame, he reminds me of young Leonardo DiCaprio in films like What's Eating Gilbert Grapes. Can't wait to see him in, despite will be loathed, The Amazing Spider-man 2. The Place Beyond the Pines: rated 3.5/4

Star Trek Into Darkness
This is my brother's report on his viewing of the latest J.J. Abrams' lens flare extravaganza, Star Trek Into Darkness. I would post my own review but I can only guarantee that I would do that by September 2013 (Blame the Japanese). I'm posting this to keep my blog relevant with the world. Sorry, but this would be really short. My brother said the film was great and Benedict Cumberbatch was uber-cool in his villain role. Hearing my brother said that relieved me because it means the film's really good. My brother is the guy who truly hated Iron Man 3 and hated The Hunger Games. And he didn't like Cumberbatch prior this because at home I used to talk much about how great Cumberbatch was in Sherlock. I guess Star Trek changed everything. And with my brother's quote it is certain that Benedict Cumberbatch stole the show from Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto. JJ Abrams remain one of the steadiest directors in Hollywood with his once-again satisfying product. If you're not planning on watching Into Darkness go watch Graham Norton's fun interview with Cumberbatch and Pine. My review would be posted on late August, hopefully with Man of Steel.



NOTE: within 24 hours this post has surpassed my this year's most viewed post with 42 hits. My post titled Holmes for the Holiday has gotten only 34 hits since February. Based on the stats, most hits came from the US, it could be the Americans just got the Cumber-craze. Although in second place are the Brits, probably here for their usual Cumber-stalking. My most viewed post of all time also has Cumberbatch in the topic where I compared BBC's Sherlock with Guy Ritchie's. That post remains unbeatable with 224 hits. (updated May 12, 2013)


Getting once again irrelevant with the whole world, I will post my review of Tom Cruise's Oblivion after it hits Japanese cinema on May 31. Sorry.