I don't actually do trailer reviews. Trailer breakdowns and reviews usually ruin the actual film. Well it's not a trailer review, I'm just posting The Dark Knight Rises trailer because it's a sin not to embrace this! Let's fast-forward to July 2012!
"After you watched this movie, you have my permission to die" - Bane
I'd like to say a few words about some trailers as well :)
- G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Solid crap. Returning cast: 3 - one is Channing Tatum, going to be killed off in the movie anyway, one we never see the face and the other is resurrected from the dead. What's a sequel without its returning cast? Instead we get to see Dwayne Johnson's crappy-ass smile and Bruce Willis perfect bald head. At least, I want to see Rachel Nichols and Sienna Miller in their tight suits.
- The Hobbit
Epic trailer, with the dwarves singing a song that makes your heart pound. Only complaint: too early for a trailer which makes us wait for a full year until December 2012.
- Wrath of the Titans
Yeah! a true action movie starring Sam Worthington now with longer hair fighting monsters with rock music. But no Gemma Arterton? damn.
- Snow White and the Huntsman
SUPER COOL TRAILER. nuff said.
- Mirror Mirror
Super crappy trailer. nuff said, direct-to-dvd material.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Mission Accomplished
Prior to seeing the fourth Mission: Impossible, I immersed myself to a Mission: Impossible marathon. The first one by Brian DePalma was fun and classic. John Woo's version took itself too far with all those slow-motion and strange story but still enjoyable. My personal best is the 2006 J.J. Abrams version, simply action film. Judging from the trailers, the fourth film looks cool but I see no Luther in the trailer so I was expecting a surprise in the film. This is a movie you can't refuse, although it is a choice should you choose to accept this.
Simply put the story is about Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) along with other three agents Benji Dunne (Simon Pegg from the third M:I), Jane Carter (Paula Patton) and the mysterious Brandt (Jeremy Renner). This group of agents is the last active part of the disavowed IMF. Disavowing IMF is only a small part of a bigger plan to put Russia and USA in a nuclear war (so old school). It is up to the four agents to stop the biggest mastermind of this crime before the world gets in World War 3.
The story is soooo flat :| I enjoyed the spectacular yet unclear story about the Rabbit's Foot in M:I 3 but this one's too easy. The only interesting bit about the story is (sadly) about Brandt. Initially, I don't like Jeremy Renner in this movie because after The Hurt Locker, he stars in too many films, such as Hansel & Gretel with Gemma Arterton, The Avengers as Hawkeye and the most irritating the Jason-Bourne-without-Jason-Bourne film, Bourne Legacy. And the rumors that Renner will take the franchise after Tom Cruise left is even more annoying. However, he seemed to be a great asset for the film. The best scene in this film is the Dubai scene and the world agrees with that so I'm not gonna discuss that. Despite the flat story, this film will kick James Bond's ass. The gadgets and globe-trotting story overwhelms James Bond's standards, especially with Bond's new direction after Casino Royale. Tom Cruise is as usual, is best when in action-mode. Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner (surprisingly) is funny and adds the humor to the film. Paula Patton is jaw-dropping. I think it's mandatory for female agents to have a superb eye-catching dress in a party. However, I like Lea Seydoux's character Moreau better. I have a thing for crazy women assassin, I think (let's forget this sentence). And where is Luther? Mission: Impossible is attached to Ving Rhames' face! The sub story with Julia (Ethan's wife, Michelle Monaghan) is quite good so I dismissed all my complaints about not having her in action anymore. Apart from the story, I'm more disappointed with the villain, played by Michael Nyqvist (Blomkvist in the original Millenium trilogy). The villain is easy for Mission: Impossible standard (reference: double-faced IMF agent, rogue IMF agent, sadistic black market arms-dealer. but a crazy war-lover activist? no). I thought Abduction was so bad that it wastes Nyqvist's quality, but this doesn't improve that. It's time for Nyqvist to have a decent Hollywood role. Maybe he should learn from Noomi Rapace who signed on to some good looking films and in good looking roles (Sherlock Holmes 2 and Prometheus, for a start). Bottom line, it's a fun film but it wouldn't hurt to include Luther Stickell and a better story. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol: rated B-
Simply put the story is about Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) along with other three agents Benji Dunne (Simon Pegg from the third M:I), Jane Carter (Paula Patton) and the mysterious Brandt (Jeremy Renner). This group of agents is the last active part of the disavowed IMF. Disavowing IMF is only a small part of a bigger plan to put Russia and USA in a nuclear war (so old school). It is up to the four agents to stop the biggest mastermind of this crime before the world gets in World War 3.
The story is soooo flat :| I enjoyed the spectacular yet unclear story about the Rabbit's Foot in M:I 3 but this one's too easy. The only interesting bit about the story is (sadly) about Brandt. Initially, I don't like Jeremy Renner in this movie because after The Hurt Locker, he stars in too many films, such as Hansel & Gretel with Gemma Arterton, The Avengers as Hawkeye and the most irritating the Jason-Bourne-without-Jason-Bourne film, Bourne Legacy. And the rumors that Renner will take the franchise after Tom Cruise left is even more annoying. However, he seemed to be a great asset for the film. The best scene in this film is the Dubai scene and the world agrees with that so I'm not gonna discuss that. Despite the flat story, this film will kick James Bond's ass. The gadgets and globe-trotting story overwhelms James Bond's standards, especially with Bond's new direction after Casino Royale. Tom Cruise is as usual, is best when in action-mode. Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner (surprisingly) is funny and adds the humor to the film. Paula Patton is jaw-dropping. I think it's mandatory for female agents to have a superb eye-catching dress in a party. However, I like Lea Seydoux's character Moreau better. I have a thing for crazy women assassin, I think (let's forget this sentence). And where is Luther? Mission: Impossible is attached to Ving Rhames' face! The sub story with Julia (Ethan's wife, Michelle Monaghan) is quite good so I dismissed all my complaints about not having her in action anymore. Apart from the story, I'm more disappointed with the villain, played by Michael Nyqvist (Blomkvist in the original Millenium trilogy). The villain is easy for Mission: Impossible standard (reference: double-faced IMF agent, rogue IMF agent, sadistic black market arms-dealer. but a crazy war-lover activist? no). I thought Abduction was so bad that it wastes Nyqvist's quality, but this doesn't improve that. It's time for Nyqvist to have a decent Hollywood role. Maybe he should learn from Noomi Rapace who signed on to some good looking films and in good looking roles (Sherlock Holmes 2 and Prometheus, for a start). Bottom line, it's a fun film but it wouldn't hurt to include Luther Stickell and a better story. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol: rated B-
Friday, December 16, 2011
Sorry! Introducing New Feature
I know no one's reading my blog, so for all those ghosts who read my blog daily, I apologize for not posting in such a long time (4 months! I thought I'm dead already!) But now I'm going to start again reviewing some of review-worthy films. Well, for a bit--here are two-sentence-review for 10 movies during my 4-month-vacuum:
10. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Seriously great action portrayed by CGI since Avatar. And yes, I think Andy Serkis is brilliant as Caesar. B
09. Abduction
You know it's a problem when you're rooting for the villain than the hero. Taylor Lautner is disgusting and he cannot act (I'm hearing Razzies--I'm putting this on review because I hate this so much). F
08. Crazy, Stupid, Love
Fun, heartfelt, and incredibly surprising. This is one of the best films of the year. All of the casts are adorable! A-
07. 50/50
Amazing story supported by talented casts, and Seth Rogen is not irritating here. A-
06. Real Steel
While the story seems to be rushed, it did give you a great feeling when you left the theater. Hugh Jackman is as usual, cool and Dakota Goyo is promising. B+
05. Johnny English Reborn
Not as funny and fun as the first one. Rowan Atkinson never fails to entertain you though. B-
04. The Smurfs
Great animation for the blue creatures and it's highly fascinating if you're under 5 years old. D+
03. Warrior
Amazing film. Great performance by all actors. Superb story. A-
02. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
Bloated and slow-paced, in order to split it into two parts. Better than New Moon though. C
01. The Adventures of Tintin
This is what I call great entertainment. It also brings back childhood memories :) However, not so faithful to the book particularly The Red Rackham's Treasure. B+
10. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Seriously great action portrayed by CGI since Avatar. And yes, I think Andy Serkis is brilliant as Caesar. B
09. Abduction
You know it's a problem when you're rooting for the villain than the hero. Taylor Lautner is disgusting and he cannot act (I'm hearing Razzies--I'm putting this on review because I hate this so much). F
08. Crazy, Stupid, Love
Fun, heartfelt, and incredibly surprising. This is one of the best films of the year. All of the casts are adorable! A-
07. 50/50
Amazing story supported by talented casts, and Seth Rogen is not irritating here. A-
06. Real Steel
While the story seems to be rushed, it did give you a great feeling when you left the theater. Hugh Jackman is as usual, cool and Dakota Goyo is promising. B+
05. Johnny English Reborn
Not as funny and fun as the first one. Rowan Atkinson never fails to entertain you though. B-
04. The Smurfs
Great animation for the blue creatures and it's highly fascinating if you're under 5 years old. D+
03. Warrior
Amazing film. Great performance by all actors. Superb story. A-
02. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
Bloated and slow-paced, in order to split it into two parts. Better than New Moon though. C
01. The Adventures of Tintin
This is what I call great entertainment. It also brings back childhood memories :) However, not so faithful to the book particularly The Red Rackham's Treasure. B+
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The Potter Line-up
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.
Since Harry Potter series have come to an end, it's fair to rate all eight movies. Starting from the least liked, until my ultimate favorite. Counting down!
8. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Definitely the worst of the series, I wonder why did the critics gave this one pretty good reviews. Story flow is a bit boring compared to the other seven, too much portion for romance. I was hoping more Snape and of course a small battle in Hogwarts. David Yates acted like a false God by changing and cutting important events from the book. rated C-
7. Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix (2007)
As a book adaptation, this sucks. But as a movie, it's quite amazing especially for a first-timer like Yates. His decision to focus on Harry's struggle is questionable. A conflict about Ron and Hermione being student prefects and Harry isn't can support his struggle. And also, no Quidditch! I'd like to see Malfoy beaten up by Fred (or is it George?) and Harry during Quidditch. Best thing in this film is the fight choreography. rated B
6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
The problem with the first two films is that they are too faithful to the book, that could make the movie interesting with small details but also boring with too many details. But this one deserves it all, this one started everything that lasted for 10 years. Wingardium Leviosa, not leviosar. rated B
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
More dangerous and darker, also it is the longest entry in the series. When I first watched it, it gives me the chill (Basilisk's voice is too scary for second graders). rated B+
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)
This one could either go down or make it to top 3, I need to watch it again. I was thinking that this one's better than Goblet of Fire, but due to sooooo much difference to the book, this could only make the top four. I was waiting for duels and more fights and others (look to the previous post). But it was one of the best 131 minutes of my life, and David Yates, I wouldn't mind if you give me 200 minutes of Deathly Hallows Part 2. Just like Order of Phoenix, as a movie this one's amazing. rated A-
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
This one's got it all. The action, the adventure, and Lord Voldemort kills Edward Cullen. It would be a sin to say that this is not one of the best cinematic experience you've ever had. rated A
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)
This film is just beautiful; the story, the score, the scenery, everything. rated A
1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
THE BEST. Thanks to Alfonso Cuaron, this one's is a game changer. It sets the tone for the rest of the series and also a scenery change for Hogwarts. Beautiful. rated A+
Since Harry Potter series have come to an end, it's fair to rate all eight movies. Starting from the least liked, until my ultimate favorite. Counting down!
8. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Definitely the worst of the series, I wonder why did the critics gave this one pretty good reviews. Story flow is a bit boring compared to the other seven, too much portion for romance. I was hoping more Snape and of course a small battle in Hogwarts. David Yates acted like a false God by changing and cutting important events from the book. rated C-
7. Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix (2007)
As a book adaptation, this sucks. But as a movie, it's quite amazing especially for a first-timer like Yates. His decision to focus on Harry's struggle is questionable. A conflict about Ron and Hermione being student prefects and Harry isn't can support his struggle. And also, no Quidditch! I'd like to see Malfoy beaten up by Fred (or is it George?) and Harry during Quidditch. Best thing in this film is the fight choreography. rated B
6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
The problem with the first two films is that they are too faithful to the book, that could make the movie interesting with small details but also boring with too many details. But this one deserves it all, this one started everything that lasted for 10 years. Wingardium Leviosa, not leviosar. rated B
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
More dangerous and darker, also it is the longest entry in the series. When I first watched it, it gives me the chill (Basilisk's voice is too scary for second graders). rated B+
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)
This one could either go down or make it to top 3, I need to watch it again. I was thinking that this one's better than Goblet of Fire, but due to sooooo much difference to the book, this could only make the top four. I was waiting for duels and more fights and others (look to the previous post). But it was one of the best 131 minutes of my life, and David Yates, I wouldn't mind if you give me 200 minutes of Deathly Hallows Part 2. Just like Order of Phoenix, as a movie this one's amazing. rated A-
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
This one's got it all. The action, the adventure, and Lord Voldemort kills Edward Cullen. It would be a sin to say that this is not one of the best cinematic experience you've ever had. rated A
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)
This film is just beautiful; the story, the score, the scenery, everything. rated A
1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
THE BEST. Thanks to Alfonso Cuaron, this one's is a game changer. It sets the tone for the rest of the series and also a scenery change for Hogwarts. Beautiful. rated A+
Mischief managed.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
End.
After half a year without major studios' film releases, ranging from Black Swan to Captain America, a spark of hope emerges with the release of the eighth, second-seventh part and finale of the Harry Potter adventure: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. It took a bit of effort to get the tickets since everyone in the country is crazy for seeing it. I bought tickets 2 days in advance, which I never done it before especially here in Indonesia. But I dont care as long as I get to see it. In 24 hours time, I saw the movie twice. The story continues where the beautiful Part 1 left off, Part 2 go straight to the action and story. Starting by breaking to Gringotts and sneaking to Hogwarts through a secret passage. Still continuing the quest from Half-Blood Prince which is to destroy all of Voldemort's Horcruxes, Harry Potter must also join the grand fight between the good and evil.
I learned that the seventh part of the Harry Potter saga, Part 1 and Part 2 are like wine. It grew better if you watch them more than once. Part 2 was a satisfying ending indeed. Everything falls perfectly in place and if you are not a book reader but you follow the films it will leave you satisfied. Best performance(s) in the films goes to Alan Rickman as Severus Snape. He has demonstrated the cold yet vulnerable double agent (oops spoiler) perfectly as shown in the Pensieve flashbacks and also the earlier seven films. Other best performances go to Helena Bonham Carter as (my favorite!) Bellatrix Lestrange and Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort/Tom Riddle. Helena B. Carter never fails to deliver Bellatrix in her total insanity from the fifth film but when Hermione Polyjuiced (i dont know if there is any term) as Bellatrix, Helena Bonham Carter truly embodies Hermione/Emma Watson. As for Ralph Fiennes he is the master of antagonist characters, starting from Amon Goeth to Hades of the new Clash of the Titans. There are some best moments of the films which I am going to spill out: the Gringotts' dragon scene, Snape vs. McGonagall (i wished it would be longer), shielding Hogwarts, Snape memories in the Pensieve, Harry Potter's death and of course 19 years later.
What left me incomplete is that the Steve Kloves chooses to leave many book elements off screen. In the film,the battle seemed to quick whereas the book pictured it to be highly epic (the film is already epic, so imagine the book version would look like). I once hoped for a Nearly-Headless Nick cameo when Harry went looking for The Grey Lady. Also I hoped for Mandrakes attack by Professor Sprout. And how about the duels, how about Grawp, about Buckbeak, about Firenze, about Invisibility Cloak oh and so many more! David Yates continues to irritates me since he helmed Order of Phoenix. I still thinks he is the wrong choice to direct Harry Potter films. I mean among other directors out there, why would Warner Bros. settle for Yates? But this last chapter actually serves as his apology to Potter fans (although I'm not still that satisfied). Oh and I need more Luna, more Aberforth, more Slughorn, more Malfoy, more Fenrir Greyback! and ultimately more Cho Chang. Skip to other things, thank you Alexandre Desplat for bringing back the real Harry Potter theme by John Williams. Despite all the book differences, I want to see it for the 3rd time and 4th time and more, so Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, rated A
I learned that the seventh part of the Harry Potter saga, Part 1 and Part 2 are like wine. It grew better if you watch them more than once. Part 2 was a satisfying ending indeed. Everything falls perfectly in place and if you are not a book reader but you follow the films it will leave you satisfied. Best performance(s) in the films goes to Alan Rickman as Severus Snape. He has demonstrated the cold yet vulnerable double agent (oops spoiler) perfectly as shown in the Pensieve flashbacks and also the earlier seven films. Other best performances go to Helena Bonham Carter as (my favorite!) Bellatrix Lestrange and Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort/Tom Riddle. Helena B. Carter never fails to deliver Bellatrix in her total insanity from the fifth film but when Hermione Polyjuiced (i dont know if there is any term) as Bellatrix, Helena Bonham Carter truly embodies Hermione/Emma Watson. As for Ralph Fiennes he is the master of antagonist characters, starting from Amon Goeth to Hades of the new Clash of the Titans. There are some best moments of the films which I am going to spill out: the Gringotts' dragon scene, Snape vs. McGonagall (i wished it would be longer), shielding Hogwarts, Snape memories in the Pensieve, Harry Potter's death and of course 19 years later.What left me incomplete is that the Steve Kloves chooses to leave many book elements off screen. In the film,the battle seemed to quick whereas the book pictured it to be highly epic (the film is already epic, so imagine the book version would look like). I once hoped for a Nearly-Headless Nick cameo when Harry went looking for The Grey Lady. Also I hoped for Mandrakes attack by Professor Sprout. And how about the duels, how about Grawp, about Buckbeak, about Firenze, about Invisibility Cloak oh and so many more! David Yates continues to irritates me since he helmed Order of Phoenix. I still thinks he is the wrong choice to direct Harry Potter films. I mean among other directors out there, why would Warner Bros. settle for Yates? But this last chapter actually serves as his apology to Potter fans (although I'm not still that satisfied). Oh and I need more Luna, more Aberforth, more Slughorn, more Malfoy, more Fenrir Greyback! and ultimately more Cho Chang. Skip to other things, thank you Alexandre Desplat for bringing back the real Harry Potter theme by John Williams. Despite all the book differences, I want to see it for the 3rd time and 4th time and more, so Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, rated A
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