Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

My Verdict: I don't care what the critics say, I had fun watching this movie, against my better judgment. Delightfully surprised. Would probably watch again with the right company. And purely from the experience of someone who's been a cynic on Star Trek all her life. The TV series doesn't count.

 

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Didn't watch any of the Star Trek previous installments so watching this one was purely on a whim. And because given the choice between The Great Gatsby (which I predicted to be depressing at best) and Star Trek Into Darkness (alien cum space war cum high-tech adventure), obviously adventure will always win. (Note: Both movies premiered at the same time.)

Besides, I'm a fan of Chris Pine and that baby blue eyes. He almost didn't pull it off as a gutsy unorthodox Captain, but then, that smooth charm could be deceptive. And my love-hate relationship with Zachary Quinto, well... high time for it to be tested. It's complicated, but if you follow Heroes, you'd understand. I am happy to announce I totally love him in this movie, pointy ears, expressionless face and all. All those tiny constant bickering between the two major characters are so witty, endearing and well... sweet. 

Google pic: Kirk and Spock... Like siblings rivalry 

So I'm a little outdated with this review and the casts. So what? Outerspace movies isn't my thing, as I've told you many times before (with the exception of AVATAR). But if there's a movie I'd recommend you to watch, it's this one. Just for the fun of it.

The last time I saw Karl Urban anywhere was in The Pathfinder, that moccasin clad bloody warrior. I almost didn't recognise him as Dr Bones or Leonard McCoy, all cleaned up and looking the part. He was, if you remember, that exiled Eomer, nephew of the King, in Lord of The Rings. I'm probably just used to seeing him in tattered clothes long hair unshaven face and all. Haha.

Google pic: Karl Urban as Dr Bones

The cast is great, with the addition of Alice Eve as Dr Carol Marcus. I wish they didn't censure that part where she stripped to change uniforms (the only small bit of indecency and hardly harmful part in this whole movie and they had to take it away. Sigh...) it would've been perfect.

The villain in this movie is this great Khan, a species who seems to be unbeaten, almost immortal, but not quite so. I never heard of Benedict Cumberbatch before, but he sure played his part well. I mean, with that pale face, tall lean warrior killing machine body, pale blue eyes, deep baritone voice, and mocking lips, he's like a psycho with a human heart. Well, for the part where he pleaded "Is there anything you would not do for your family?" and a tear ran down his face. Gawd... even I got sucked up into believing him! 

Google Pic: The lone villain... 

There was this short funny moment, when he revealed his real identity... "My name is Khan..." boyfriend and I both chorused "And I'm not a terorrist". And then we cracked up! With that image of Shah Rukh Khan in our heads.

Too bad Christopher Pike had to be eliminated too early in the movie. He's like the father figure the whole Starfleet needs but never had.

Storyline is adventure-simple and yet there's a twist or two. Like you know where it's going but you could be wrong and you don't want to second guess yourself because you might be right and you don't want it to happen that way because it would probably be wrong. Etc... I supposed you should watch it yourself to deliver your own verdict.

As Mr Spock said cooly in the face of death while accepting defeat "We cannot fire and we cannot flee..."... That means, hey you! Bring it on! What have you got to lose? Go get a ticket at GSC CityOne Kuching (highly recommended for that surround-sound experience so you'd feel like drifting in the milky way) or the cinema nearest to you. Playing now!

Good luck watching folks!

Movie Review: Pitch Perfect ... Aca-awesomeness

Had waited with hyped up anticipation for this movie since IMDB released the trailer last year. Anticipation fully justified. Haven't had this much fun since Sisters Act and Hairspray. I supposed it won't be fair to compare it with Glee, but then with the amount of voice matching, synchronised singing, and harmonious movement going on, it's inevitable not to.

"Making music with your mouth" aka A Cappella  is what Pitch Perfect is all about. Heyyyy!

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I bet you didn't know Anna Kendrick could sing, did you? She was actually nominated for Broadway's 1998 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role - Musical) for "High Society." She was the second youngest nominee in Tony history. Ok I Googled that part up, but the most important point is, she wasn't just a cute face who featured as Bella's first friendly-face classmate in Twilight. She is now in her best lead role ever and what better way to feature that vocal gift than to flaunt it on stage with one of the most colorful cast ensemble?

 

Google pic: Anna Kendrick now, a far cry from Twilight...

Here's how the story goes: Beca (Anna Kendrick), a seemingly rebellious but quiet teen, is forced to go to college where her father is the resident academician, despite her dream of becoming a radio DJ. By choice, her initial journey into college-hood wasn't smooth sailing, she didn't make any friends, in fact her roommate practically ignored her.

She accidentally joined an all-girls a capella group called The Bellas, after her vocal talent was discovered in the shower by senior Chloe (Brittany Snow). Coincidentally the song they were harmoniously singing to was Titanium by David Guetta, my all time one-hit favourite. Fire away fire away...

Anyway, The Bellas were determined to dethrone reigning champion all-boys The Treble Makers in an international competition, but first they have to win (or get at least second placing) the regional and the national to get to the international. With the juniors joining in as part of their college curricular activities, senior Bellas led by the controlling Aubrey and the supportive Chloe, quickly gather a group of unconventional but gifted bunch of girls (of all shapes and sizes and sexual orientation).

 

 Google pic: Signing up with the Bellas

Then there were the series of chemistry pull between Beca and the leading actor Jesse (Skylar Astin) which was seriously sweet to watch, and the series of unspoken anger aimed at her dad, and also the unhidden hostility between Beca and her Korean roomate. But then, this is Hollywood, you don't get pegged down for pulling a racist remark now and then.
 
Aside from Anna Kendrick who shines in her first few leading role, the other person to watch is Australian Rebel Wilson who plays Fat Amy, a confident alto singer who loathes cardio workouts. I didnt know she could sing too until I checked out her bio! She is both comical and natural, and carries a total couldnt-care-less attitude. Watch out for her witty one-liners, sugar coated sarcasm, and cute dramatic approach to everything. Ooo I love her!

Google pic: Fat Amy and Aubrey rehearsing the pout...

Remember her in Ghost Rider -- the gothic punk girl who witnessed the first soul-drenching drama and lived to tell the media?

 Google Pic: Remember this awkward pose? Ha ha ha.

The Treble Makers were actually the perfect match for the girls. There were some really good songs and hair-raising male pitch with the bass landing. At some point, I kept asking myself, did the High School Musical boys grew up and went to Barden University?

Google pic: The Treble Makers ... 

Check out the girls' version for rehearsal number, by Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are. It was perfect. But then again, what isn't? Gave me goose bumps.

Pitch Perfect may not have the best storyline ever -- in fact, you could conclude it as another rebel teen vs college drama -- but they definitely score the highest where music arrangement and voice pitch are concerned. And even though the plot sometimes might be a little predictable if not non-existent, I totally enjoyed the whole ride. Aca-Totally.

Go catch Pitch Perfect in cinemas closest to you today. Bring a date, you won't regret it.

Fire away! Fire away!

Movie Review: Hotel Transylvania

Ok now, for some easy digestion. No reading between the lines needed. I was going to write about this last week after I watched it but then stuffs get in the way. So anyway ... 

Note: Fans of animation shall not compare this with Ice Age or Madagascar because it is in a class of its own. And luckily it didn't premier at the same time either, so phew. 

My verdict: Ha ha ha! Good one there! Good one! Say what? Aha ha ha. Almost missed that. Damn, that was fast!

I haven't had a good laugh watching animated movie since well... Ice Age or Madagascar. The former two were amusing and fun in a straightforward way, but this is hilarious in a parody sort of way. The amount of sarcasm in this movie is just the right dose. You think you know your bloodsucking tall legends and myths? This movie effectively screwed Edward Cullen + Bella team double time over. No offense, but seriously, at some points, you do feel like you wanna slap the both of them, don't you?

Shall I give you a brief review? I shall spoil it for you! : Hotel Transylvania is about a kid she-vamp daughter of Dracula, being raised by a very protective single dad that he would go to any length to  keep her away from mankind. So he created this humongous mansion somewhere in the world called Hotel Transylvania -- well basically for a teenager, it's more of like a luxurious prison -- so he can keep an eye on her all the time. Her friends would be all kinds of monsters you read or watched in movies of the kind: Frankenstein, Big Foot, Werewolves, Critters, ... I even saw those cute ugly ones from Monsters Inc... ? You try watch see if you note any of them.

Get a load of this puppy-dog-eyed cuteness!

Over-protective you say? Well you know, sometimes I wonder if this vampire thing concept is similar to the Tarantula where the scientist will tell you that those deadly spiders are more afraid of you than you are of them and will only attack upon being threatened. I don't know for sure, I think perhaps my bat-instinct has been badly screwed up after watching Twilight, The Underworld, Cirque du Freak: The Vampire Assistant, True Blood, and Fright Night. I don't know who's more confused, everybody else or just me...

Anyway, one day an adventurous human-boy walked in on them in the middle of a party, lost and unsuspecting, and WHAM! Her whole life changed! And this is where you go to the nearest cinema and watch it yourself. Okay?

There's a whole lot of conspiracy in here, mainly to defunct the vampire theory. It's pretty much one good line after another and sometimes, if you don't listen hard enough, you'll miss it. Oh don't be  too hard on yourself, this movie is actually fun, if I say so myself. I was prepared to be bored sick and sleepy, but then, Dracula happened!

Moral of the story: Your zing will come, cherish it.

Oh, and my favourite line:

"A wooden stake to the heart? Who wouldn't die from that?" Aha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Resident Evil: Retribution

One word: HAIYA ...

 

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I'm not going to tell you what happened in the movie because you can very well Google it up yourself, besides, the directors were being sorely lazy, so why should I give them the satisfaction? Let me tell you how I really feel about this movie.

I waited TWO YEARS for this sequel to come out, and there I was sitting in the cinema hall  watching and waiting for another hour plus for the real action to unfold... and like a bad foreplay that went on unguided, unfeeling, without finesse and completely tasteless, I was left unsated and hanging in the balance.

Not to imply that that ever happened, but you get the drift...

I mean, COME ON! It's RESIDENT EVIL for goodness sake! It's what the first, second, third, and fourth sequel should be building up into, not broken down into. It's supposed to be zombified, grossly and more intelligently mutated, more cleverly designed without loopholes facility, and more brutal or violent superior human that runs it all. Instead, there wasn't many zombies at all, if there were, it was like watching a rerun of the previous shows, simply copy the zombie scenes from either Sequel 1 or 2 or 3 and paste it in Sequel 5 and rename it 'New York Simulation something or Moscow Simulation something. Dude... How stupid do you think I am to be forgetting something like that? Not enough zombies. Not enough scare factor. Not enough!

And the human characters, well, wasn't that spider necklace/tag on Jill Valentine's also seen in Sequel 2 (or was it 3) and Alice should know what it was capable of doing to the wearer, so why didn't she attempt to take it off Valentine in the first place? And why do you revive the previous characters but didn't give them any significance, like Carlos, and what's-her-name Michelle Rodriguez... AND where did Ada Wong come from? Simply sprung a new character on me hah, when you didn't give enough  credits to the ones you already have?

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Oh let me tell you about the fight scenes ... it's like kids playing video shooting games. Shoot shoot shoot aim straight at nothing stand tall exposed and not a bullet through. I think the video games sound more exciting and lively than the fight scenes in here. You hand me a gun I can also shoot like that. Duh.

Wait... did you watch the trailer of Resident Evil: Retribution before they released the movie? I think the trailer is misleading. It was more interesting than what actually happened. In fact I think Alice deserves more highlights in this movie, and she's not even getting a good storyline. Her fight outfit was horrible, I like the one in Apocalypse better. Even when she was wearing just a lingerie, she looked deadly.

Oh, the scene where she woke up half naked wearing only two pieces of clothes tied covering the front and back... I think the directors secretly loved making Milla Jovovich do that, in fact she does that quite a lot in other movies too. It was like watching Fifth Element all over again. Seriously, no creativity.

Just when you thought the real plot was about to begin when you saw hell with all the gates and walls and the spotlight and mutant bats flying ... It Ended. Making room for Sequel 6.

Have I been crapping enough? Oh go watch it yourself. But I warn you, if you're a fan of Resident Evil the movies, better brace for it man. You might enjoy sitting there with your date and eating popcorn and cuddles, but in the name of all that's good and creative... DONT BET ON IT!

Good luck watching!

The Expendables 2 ...

Opting to watch movies instead of Raya house visiting?

If you're looking for intelligent storyline, this isn't it. If you're looking for some ass-kicking scenes, this could be it. If you're looking for tough good looking guys, this also could be it only if you're into men past their primes. But if you're looking to watch your favorite action heroes from the preceding generation congregating for an hour plus working towards a common goal without killing each other, then oh yeah, this is it!

Google the plot yourself. What I can tell you is that watching THE EXPENDABLES 2 is like watching bits and pieces of Rambo, Die Hard, Delta Force, The Terminator, Universal Soldier, Masters of the Universe, The Transporter, and a little bit of Fist of Legend in there. The Expendable 1 had its moment of violence, gore, and dry jokes, but it was the first time some of these big time names got together and it was entertaining. But watching the sequel, I cannot help but feel as if it's the finale season of the heroes from that generation.

Like the character of Sylvester Stallone said "That plane belong in the museum"... to which Schwarzenegger replied "We all do..." Somehow that got me laughing like crazy. Oh the truth and the irony.  

 

Barney Ross, Lee Christmas and Hale Caesar...

Watch out for the famous one-liners -- I get a lot of points for spotting these! ha ha ha -- and some dry sarcasm that you wish you could use on your bosses or immediate supervisors on a daily basis.

A lot of blood, violence, and pretty hard to believe actions -- like running into the line of fire that came from all directions and not gotten hit even once, but wait, this is a movie la, no one dies but the bad guys--, and hard to decipher moments -- like if you're so tough and unpredictable, why didn't anyone do something brave and stupid to save one of their own but they could risk everyone's lives without even thinking? --- Hmm. 

All in all, it was very entertaining... for me at least. I bet there won't be anymore alumni movies like these -- we're not counting The Avengers or any of the comic book stuffs -- anymore because everyone's getting so old and wrinkly and slow. Although I can't say the same about Bruce Willis, and Statham is from a different era. I would've wanted to see more of Jet Li's part in this but oh well... Did I tell you Chuck Norris was there too, complete with that unmistakably hard to ignore music theme every time he appears? Too classic it was almost funny!

Imagine if they had Steven Seagal, Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh and Michael Dudikoff that dude from American Ninja, it would've been really challenging to direct without one hero overshadowing the other. In fact, I would've preferred to watch Datuk Michelle playing the role of Maggie in here but again.. oh well...

To tell you the truth, I'm biased. I only watch it because of ehem Jason Statham and his sexy bald head and short legs. And for the pure ecstasy of watching Van Damme getting his ass kicked real hard and sorry ... never did like that guy.

Statham ... aww...

Nothing grand here people, you would probably rather wait for the DVD version if you don't want to waste your money going to the cinema. But if you're looking for some cheap and straight entertainment, why not. THE EXPENDABLES 2 is more about heroes having fun for the last time.

Happy holidays!!

Step Up Revolution ...

I suggest that before you watch this movie, you should first (if you have not done so) watch Step Up, Step Up 2: The Streets, and Step Up 3D. Why? Because then you'd be able to compare the dance theme, the hot bodies, the brilliant choreographs, and new dance moves.

Not going to spoil the movie for you, so google the plot yourself. Lame storyline and weak chemistry aside, my overall verdict: WOW!  

The whole time I was watching this movie, I kept thinking about signing up for dance classes or getting that gym membership, or go see a personal trainer cum nutritionist about a weight loss program. Looking at all those flat tummies, lean bodies, toned muscles and healthy dispositions made me want to weep... or skip the next meal. Ha ha.

The finale moves ...

The Step Up Revolution theme is Flash Mob dancing, but it's unlike the usual flash mobs you see on TV where the steps are more or less the same like that of any line/group dancing. It's more complicated and very well rehearsed. Unlike the previous Step Up movies where the dancing were usually for competitions or bragging rights, this one is more about sending a message to the mass ... well at least towards the end, ie. after they messed up their chance at a contest initially.

New faces, new characters ... I was disappointed not to see any crew members from the previous movies except for Moose and Kido and that unnamed 'Cop' (from Step Up 2).You should see Moose... he has the Michael Jackson moves! Like I said, you should watch 2 and 3 before you watch this.

Moose, Kiddo and Cop...

What I probably don't get is, they are mob-dancing illegally and their faces are not exactly masked or hidden, so why can't the authority pinpoint them easily? Oh well, it is called a story... so I'll let that pass, and a lot more.

When it comes to watching a movie I enjoyed quite intensely in the end, I'm quite forgiving.  So not going to overanalyse anything. Just one: I still like Step Up 2: The Street way way better.

Baby, let's hit the gym!

The Dark Knight Rises ...

One word: INTENSE.
Two more words: MUST WATCH.

Always did like Christian Bale. And I'm a little biased when I say that He is THE Batman of the century. Try comparing him in that caped suit with the previous Batmans... and see who wears it better, both in stature and size, facial expression, and not forgetting the muscles. The rest of him and the whole storyline just fit like a glove.

The 3rd installment of the Dark Knight this time is hell-bent on being awesome compared to the previous two, but then again, it's expected because this is where the buildup is, the drawn conclusion of the first two in the trilogy. I swear I didn't even feel the 2 hours and 44 minutes runtime. Yes it was that long, and although I didnt watch it in 2D nor 3D, it didn't matter because the storyline and the twist was so brilliant. The part where the terrorist Bane began the revolution seemed so real I kept thinking what if the End of the World began in the same way, with ruthless lawlessness and unthinkable violence, would we even survive it? Where would we run for sanctuary? Who would protect us? That kind of mental images are hard to shake... Oo Tom Hardy makes a really mean terrorist... if you ignore the beautiful beguiling eyes behind the mask that is.

Google the storyline yourself, if you don't already know. But if you want to be able to follow the plot and some of the past characters that emerged, you better first watch Batman Begins and The Dark Knight to know how this became that and why he became thus or why they became that way.

I know that this is the epic so-called closure, but how it ended just gave some hope that there will be a spin-off or a 4th movie because there's the discovery of Robin. Which reminds me, hey, when did Joseph Gordon-Levitt got all deep-voiced and sexy? Last I saw him in 500th Day of Summer he was stuck between adolescent and adulthood! (sorry JGL fans...) Ohhhh there should be a Batman and Robin. And I hope Bale will still be the caped crusader. The two of them looked good teamed up together.

Officer Blake: Need a ride, Mr Wayne?

Playing NOW people! Catch it in the cinema closest to you! And no, I dont get get paid for this review... Hahaha. This is not even a review. 


P/s: Suddenly datang rajin update blog. Must be a lucky month this July... why aa?

Reviewing Prometheus...

I was disappointed with ...

 

Google pix

Sorely.

But then, that's my one-sentence review anyway, and I'm being purely biased because science-fiction thriller or anything to do with the outerspace (with the exception of AVATAR) has never really been my thing.

Want a review?  Go watch it yourself. Be prepared to be counter-biased because you might like it. If you get it, that is. I tried hard to, but somehow I got derailed between the sleek ugly creatures of the unknown that kind of were in the wrong setting and the man-like god-like being with no apparent objective other than to destroy earth. But then again ... the whole motive of the movie was unclear.

I only liked the ship. And the fact that I didn't fall asleep throughout the movie.

Maybe I should just stick with my romcom and adventure movies.

P/s: Busy... busy... busy... SEMPAT BLOGGING OI...
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Hart of Dixie ...

So.

I've been quite free since January, to be honest. Actually I've been quite free since months before that, but was only really free in the real sense of the word since the year began. I've been so free I don't quite know what to do with myself in my free time. Mostly in the evenings, that is, when the day concludes and me being the elusive loner, well... solitude is always welcome, although not always needed. Not an anti-social, just not that social. My spiritual life is improving a lot these days. I found myself talking to God every moment I feel I need someone to talk to.

Anyway.

I've been so free I have downloaded a whole Season 1 of a new drama series called the Hart of Dixie. Set in a Southern background with all its Southern charms and various country soundtracks (wohooo!), it's a lovely little story about a young lady doctor aka surgeon who moved all the way from New York City to a small town named Bluebell. You can read about the little synopsis here.

What I love about the series is the heroin, Dr Zoe Hart, played by Rachel Bilson. She's a feisty and stubborn little thing, strong headed, a little modern for the southern folks who seemed stuck in their little cowboyish era.When the whole town is set on hating her (hey I thought small town folks are usually so hospitable and friendly, but maybe not to Zoe), she up and faced them all in her quirky, assertive and I-hate-you-back little self. The belle of the ball, Ms Lemon Breeland, her antagonist, is her biggest enemy. I dont know why she hates the doctor so much when she would benefit so much more if they were friends. That's ok Zoe, I don't trust anybody named after a fruit either.

And there are the eye candies in the story... a good looking bad boy next door, a handsome attorney aka golden boy aka Lemon's fiance, the gorgeous soft spoken vet, and the young mayor of the town.

Stitching up Wade Kinsella

Legal advice from George Tucker

Street-smart 101 from the mayor Lavon Hayes

They're all a colourful bunch, not at all your typical teen aka gossip girl drama. I just love Rachel Bilson in this setup, she's such a small thing and how she walked in that 6inch heels in the clinic and while doing house calls, is beyond me. Remember her in 'Jumper'?

But sigh... Season 1 is up to 22 Episodes in all. I'm only down to 16 and I've watched them all! 17 will only premiered on 9th April in the US, which means I can start downloading them after the 10th. Which means... I need to download other new movies ... which means, I STILL HAVE A LOT OF FREE TIME!

Geography sucks.