ah-deng says

Green Zone

2010-03-14T16:46:00.006+08:00

Genre: Action / War

Language: English

Director: Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Ultimatum)

Cast: Matt Damon (Invictus), Greg Kinnear (Baby Mama), Amy Ryan (Changeling)

Runtime: 115 minutes

Plot:

During the U.S.-led occupation of Baghdad in 2003, Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller and his team of Army inspectors were dispatched to find weapons of mass destruction believed to be stockpiled in the Iraqi desert. Rocketing from one booby-trapped and treacherous site to the next, the men search for deadly chemical agents but stumble instead upon an elaborate cover-up that inverts the purpose of their mission. Spun by operatives with intersecting agendas, Miller must hunt through covert and faulty intelligence hidden on foreign soil for answers that will either clear a rogue regime or escalate a war in an unstable region. And at this blistering time and in this combustible place, he will find the most elusive weapon of all is the truth.

Watched the movie on 14 Mar afternoon @ AMK Hub with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 Matt Demon's acting has always been very convincing. From secret agent, commercial spy, rugby player to cheater, he never fails to display remarkable acting skills. This time round, he has promoted from Private Ryan to Chief Miller, someone who uncovers the truth behind the lies for the rebuilding of the new Iraq. I'm not sure about the story's authenticity, but it is definitely a movie not to be missed.

Alice In Wonderland 3D

2010-03-14T12:33:00.003+08:00

Genre: Fantasy Adventure

Language: English

Director: Tim Burton (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)

Cast: Mia Wasikowska (Amelia) ,Johnny Depp (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus), Anne Hathaway (Valentine's Day), Helena Bonham Carter (Terminator Salvation)

Runtime: 109 minutes

Plot:

Nineteen-year-old Alice is attending party at a lavish country estate when she sees a white rabbit with a pocket watch dart into the bushes. Curious, she follows the rabbit to an enormous tree, and tumbles down a hole that takes her to Underland, a strange world inhabited by anthropomorphic creatures in search of someone to save them from the dreaded Red Queen, who has assumed control of the kingdom by decapitating anyone who dares disagree with her. According to a scroll detailing a historical timeline of Underland -- including events that have not yet taken place -- it is Alice who will set the kingdom free by defeating the Jabberwocky, a powerful dragon-like creature under the control of the Red Queen. But is this Alice the same Alice who appears in the scroll? While some of the creatures of Underland have their doubts, the Mad Hatter and his friends are certain she's the same girl who previously visited them years ago. When the Red Queen kidnaps the Mad Hatter, Alice attempts to free her friend and locate the one weapon with the power to slay the Jabberwocky, thereby restoring the White Queen to the throne, and bringing peace back to Underland.

Watched the movie on 13 Mar night @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 2½ / 5 The movie is colourful - the 3D animation, the costumes, the make-up and the backdrop. The story wasn't captivating even though the cast was good. So I think only the 3D effect was worth watching for. Nevertheless, Abosolom the Caterpillar, voiced by Alan Rickman, left me impression. His lazy voice suited the Caterpillar very much.

82nd Annual Academy Awards

2010-03-08T09:26:00.032+08:00

The 82nd Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, honored the best films of 2009. The event took place March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

And the winners of the major awards are:

Best Picture
The Hurt Locker - Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro, Producers

Directing

The Hurt Locker - Kathryn Bigelow

Actor in a Leading Role
Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart

Actress in a Leading Role

Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side

Actor in a Supporting Role
Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

Actress in a Supporting Role

Mo’Nique - Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire

I'm extremely happy that Hurt Locker beat Avatar, claiming Best Picture & Director. This is even more special since the director is female and the day of the ceremony was the International Women's day.

Dear John

2010-02-28T10:33:00.005+08:00

Genre: Romance / Drama
Language: English

Director: Lasse Hallstrom (Hachiko: A Dog's Story)

Cast: Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra), Amanda Seyfried (Jennifer's Body), Richard Jenkins (Burn After Reading)
Run Time: 108 minutes

Plot:

Savannah Curtis was on spring break when she first met John Tyree while he was home on temporary leave. For the smitten soldier, it was practically love at first sight. Though the love letters that Savannah sent John were one of the only things that kept him going over the course of the next seven years, when each deployment seemed more treacherous than the last, those loving and heartfelt correspondences would ultimately yield consequences that neither the brave soldier nor his one true love could have ever foreseen.

Watched the movie on 27 Feb night @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 2½ / 5 Who would expect the ending of such a movie to end that way? All I could conclude is that the cast were good but story wasn't, or could be better. Not sure about the original novel but the movie is definitely a poor adaptation example. The only reason the movie was able to knock Avatar off is probably all movie-goers had watched it!

From Paris With Love

2010-02-25T23:44:00.003+08:00

Genre: Action

Language: English

Director: Pierre Morel (Taken)

Cast: John Travolta (The Taking of Pelham 123), Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (The Children of Huang Shi)

Runtime: 92 minutes

Plot:

A personal aide to the U.S. Ambassador in France, James Reese has an enviable life in Paris and a beautiful French girlfriend, but his real passion is his side job as a low-level operative for the CIA. All James wants is to become a bona fide agent and see some real action. So when he's offered his first senior-level assignment, he can't believe his good luck - until he meets his new partner, special agent Charlie Wax. A trigger-happy, wisecracking, loose cannon who's been sent to Paris to stop a terrorist attack, Wax leads James on a white-knuckle shooting spree through the Parisian underworld that has James praying for his desk job.

Watched the movie on 25 Feb night @ AMK hub with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 The 1st impression was, is this a copy of 20 years ago Hong Kong Blockbuster, whereby Chow Yuen Fatt always carried countless pistols and can predict where to shoot baddies. I started to wonder if the Hollywood has run out of better ideas. Then I realised the director directed Taken, all the more I was disappointed because Taken was definitely better compared to this. The plus point of the movie is probably the amount of action / bombing, the twist of the ending and the hottest topic in News these days.

2010 BATFA

2010-02-23T11:06:00.014+08:00

The 63rd British Academy Film Awards hosted by the British Academy of film and Television Arts, took place on 21 February 2010 and honored the best films of 2009. And the winners this year:

BEST FILM
THE HURT LOCKER - Karthryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier, Greg Shapiro

DIRECTOR

THE HURT LOCKER - Karthryn Bigelow

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
THE HURT LOCKER - Mark Boal

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
UP IN THE AIR - Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner

ANIMATED FILM
UP - Pete Docter

LEADING ACTOR

COLIN FIRTH - A Single Man

LEADING ACTRESS

CAREY MULLIGAN - An Education

SUPPORTING ACTOR
CHRISTOPH WALTZ - Inglourious Basterds

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
MO'NIQUE - Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

The Hurt Locker

2010-02-20T10:46:00.003+08:00

Genre: Action/Drama/ War
Language: English
Director: Kathryn Bigelow (K-19: The Widowmaker)
Cast: Jeremy Renner (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford), Anthony Mackie (Eagle Eye), Brian Geraghty (The Guardian)
Runtime: 131minutes

Plot: THE HURT LOCKER is an intense portrayal of elite soldiers who have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world: disarming bombs in the heat of combat. When a new sergeant, James takes over a highly trained bomb disposal team amidst violent conflict, he surprises his two subordinates, Sanborn and Eldridge by recklessly plunging them into a deadly game of urban combat. James behaves as if he’s indifferent to death. As the men struggle to control their wild new leader, the city explodes into chaos, and James’ true character reveals itself in a way that will change each man forever.

Watched the movie on 19 Feb @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia

ah-deng says: 4½ / 5 I missed the 1st run last year, was glad I managed to catch it again when it re-release again. Definitely a movie not to be missed by war movie lovers, as the movie took a different perspective of the modern war. And the fact that the movie is directed by a female director, I totally salute!

Little Big Soldier 大兵小将

2010-02-15T10:55:00.005+08:00

Genre:Action/ Comedy
Language: Mandarin
Director: Ding Sheng
Cast: Jackie Chan (The Spy Next Door), Wang Leehom (Lust, Caution), Steve Yoo
Runtime: 95 Minutes

Plot:

The battalions of warring states Liang and Wei collided in a bloodbath that lasted from dawn until dusk. Only two men were left standing - a foot soldier from Liang and the rival General from Wei. The Soldier survived because he is an expert in playing dead, with a device strapped on his body which protruded like an arrowhead for added realism.

The Soldier captured the wounded General, hoping to use the enemy as his ticket to freedom - by handing the General to the Liang warlord, the Soldier could be honorably discharged and return home to his peaceful life. The young General, though taken captive, was condescending towards the Soldier. The two men were often at loggerheads during the long and winding journey.

Watched the movie on 14 Feb night @ GV Vivo with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Nothing fancy about it. Just 2 men - one captive whose life is worth a plot of land and rewards, while the other just wished for a simple life after redeeming his reward. However both men were loyal to their country and family ties. 挺好的。。。

Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief

2010-02-14T02:46:00.004+08:00

Genre: Action/ Adventure
Language: English

Director: Chris Columbus (I Love You, Beth Cooper)

Cast: Logan Lerman (My One and Only), Brandon T. Jackson (Tooth Fairy), Alexandra Daddario (Bereavement)

Runtime: 119 minutes

Plot:

It's the 21st century, but the gods of Mount Olympus and assorted monsters have walked out of the pages of high school student Percy Jackson's Greek mythology texts and into his life. And they're not happy: Zeus' lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Even more troubling is the sudden disappearance of Percy's mother. As Percy finds himself caught between angry and battling gods, he and his friends embark on a cross-country adventure to catch the true lightning thief, save Percy's mom, and unravel a mystery more powerful than the gods themselves.

Watched the movie on 13 Feb night @ GV Vivo with Sylvia

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 Yet another novel adaption adventurous story after Harry Potter, LOTR and Narnia. Viewers just don't get tired of such huge productions yet predictable stories. Of course, I like such fantasy because I'm a fan of Harry Potter, and also I like the incorporation of Greek mythology to the plot. There are plenty of strong supporting casts and the plot wasn't draggy. Looking forward to the sequel.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-12T23:56:00.006+08:00

Genre: Comedy / Romance
Language: English
Director: Gary Marshall (Georgia Rule)
Cast: Julia Roberts (Duplicity), Jennifer Garner (Ghosts of Girlfriends Past), Ashton Kutcher (Spread), Anne Hathaway (Bride Wars)
Runtime: 125 minutes

Plot:

An all-star ensemble cast comes together in "Valentine's Day," which follows the intertwining storylines of a diverse group of Los Angelenos as they navigate their way through romance and heartbreak over the course of one Valentine's Day. Couples and singles experience the pinnacles and pitfalls of finding, keeping or ending relationships in a day in the life of love.

Watched the movie on 12 Feb night @ AMK Hub with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 The movie follows the lives of several couples during this day. Their stories are told through the interconnections they have with each other. Some will find romance in their relationship, and others will feel the heartbreak of ending a relationship. So why Valentine's Day isn't a holiday here since everyone celebrates it? Luckily it was a Sunday and Public Holiday this year!

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

2010-02-07T01:10:00.005+08:00

Genre: Fantasy/ Drama
Language: English

Director: Terry Gilliam (12 Monkeys)

Cast: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight), Johnny Depp (Public Enemies), Jude Law (Sherlock Holmes)

Runtime: 122min

Plot: The story of Dr Parnassus and his extraordinary 'Imaginarium', a traveling show where members of the audience get an irresistible opportunity to choose between light and joy or darkness and gloom. Blessed with the extraordinary gift of guiding the imaginations of others, Dr Parnassus is cursed with a dark secret.

Watched the movie on 27 Feb night @ GV Vivo with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 I would never have expect to see a movie by Heath Ledger 2 years after his departure. The moment I saw him, I knew I would miss his talented acting skills ever after. The message that was brought across was very clear, there is a choice in everything, 2 paths to choose from. It is a matter of making the right choice. Nothing is permanent, not even death.

The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards

2010-01-18T10:20:00.004+08:00

A year has passed, movie makers gathered once again to get recognised for their contribution in their work.

Here's the complete list of winners of The 2010 67th Golden Globe Awards (Motion Picture section only)

Cecil B. DeMille Award

Martin Scorsese

Best Motion Picture - Drama

Avatar

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama

Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart

Best Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy

The Hangover

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Meryl Streep

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy
Robert Downey Jr. - Sherlock Holmes

Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Mo'nique - Precious: Based On The Novel Push By Sapphire

Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Christoph Waltz - The Inglourious Basterds
Best Animated Feature Film

Up

Best Foreign Language Film
The White Ribbon (Germany)

Best Director - Motion Picture

James Cameron - Avatar

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner - Up In The Air

Best Original Score - Motion Picture
Michael Giacchino - Up

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
The Weary Kind - Crazy Heart

Credits to http://www.goldenglobes.org/

Coming up next should be BAFTA (21 Feb 2010) and Oscar Academy Award (7 Mar 2010)

It's Complicated

2010-01-14T17:50:00.005+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: English

Director: Nancy Meyers (The Holiday)

Cast: Meryl Streep (Julia & Julie), Steve Martin (The Pink Panther), Alec Baldwin (My Sister's Keeper)

Runtime: 120 minutes

Plot:

Jane is the mother of three grown kids, owns a thriving Santa Barbara bakery/restaurant and has after a decade of divorcean amicable relationship with her ex-husband, attorney Jake. But when Jane and Jake find themselves out of town for their sons college graduation, things start to get complicated. An innocent meal together turns into the unimaginable affair. With Jake remarried to the much younger Agnes, Jane is now, of all things, the other woman. Caught in the middle of their renewed romance is Adam, an architect hired to remodel Jane's kitchen. Healing from a divorce of his own, Adam starts to fall for Jane, but soon realizes hes become part of a love triangle. Should Jane and Jake move on with their lives, or is love truly lovelier the second time around? Its complicated.

Watched the movie on 14 Jan evening @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Despite having 3 veteran movie stars, the movie did not impressed me much. This is especially so when I saw Steve Martin, the strong Pink Panther image just convinced me he is probably forever stuck in that role. Meryl Streep is just definitely my all time favourite actress but the one person who attracted my attention was the to-be Son-in-law!

Avatar 3D

2010-01-09T01:54:00.008+08:00

Genre: Epic Adventure

Language: English
Director: James Cameron (Titanic)

Cast: Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation), Zoë Saldana (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl), Michelle Rodriguez (Fast and Furious), and Sigourney Weaver (Vantage Point)

Runtime: 161min

Plot:

When his brother is killed in battle, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora

Watched the movie on 8 Jan night @ GV Vivocity.

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 Definitely a bang to start the year with Avatar. Somehow or rather, I feel there is a hidden message about caring the environment. Must watch it in 3D else you would not be able enjoy the movie to the fullest.

About Heaven's Postman 천국의 우편배달부

2009-11-18T09:37:00.015+08:00

Movie - Heaven's Postman opened on 11 November 2009 in South Korea and ranked number 6 for its first week. I'm looking forward to watch it!
Genre: Romance, melodrama
Release date: 2009-Nov-11 (South Korea)
Cast: Hero JaeJoong, Han Hyo Joo
Plot:

A messenger that has the ability to travel between the present and the afterworld. Shin Jae Joon was involved in an accident that put him in a coma. Now, his spirit has the ability to travel back and forth to the afterworld and the real world. He meets Jo Ha Na as she is trying to send her boyfriend a letter. Ha Na, however, is the only person who can see Jae Joon.

Movie Trailer:

(Clip credit thanks to kcyise @ youtube)

Amelia

2009-11-12T22:36:00.006+08:00

Genre: Biopic
Language: English

Director: Mira Nair (Vanity Fair )

Cast: Hilary Swank (P.S. I Love You ), Richard Gere (Nights in Rodanthe ), Ewan McGregor (Angels & Demons)

Runtime: 111minutes

Plot:

After becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, Amelia was thrust into a new role as America's sweetheart - the legendary "goddess of light," known for her bold, larger-than-life charisma. Yet, even with her global fame solidified, her belief in flirting with danger and standing up as her own, outspoken woman never changed. She was an inspiration to people everywhere, from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to the men closest to her heart: her husband, promoter and publishing magnate George P. Putnam, and her long time friend and lover, pilot Gene Vidal. In the summer of 1937, Amelia set off on her most daunting mission yet: a solo flight around the world that she and George both anxiously foresaw as destined, whatever the outcome, to become one of the most talked-about journeys in history.

Watched the movie on 12 Nov night @ Shaw Lido with Sylvia

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 I first learned about Amelia Earhart is from watching Night at the Museum 2, Amy Adams version. Hence I find a great contrast between the 2 Amelias yet both found the same spirit of the Freedom-hungry Amelia.

46th Daejong Films Awards

2009-11-07T20:20:00.015+08:00

46th Daejong Film Awards
11/06/2009 - Olympic Hall

Seoul, South Korea

The 46th Annual Daejong Film Awards Nominees and Winners -

Best Movie: Take Off, Mother, The Divine Weapon, Sky and Sea, Haeundae

Winner: The Divine Weapon (신기전)

Best Director : Kim Yong-hwa (Take Off), Yoon Je Kyoon (Haeundae), Jeon Yoon-soo Portrait of a Beauty, Jeong Gi-hoon (Ae-ja), Bong Joon-ho (Mother)

Winner: Take Off (국가대표)

Best Actor : Kim Myeong-min (Closer to Heaven), kim Yoon-seok (Running Turtle), Seol Kyeong-gu (Haeundae), Jeong Jae-yeong (The Divine Weapon), Ha Jeong-woo (Take Off)

Winner: Kim Myeong-Min

Best Actress : Kim Min-seon (Portrait of a Beauty), Kim Hye-ja (Mother), Soo-ae (Sunny), Jang Nara (Sky and Sea), Choi Kang-hee (Ae-ja)

Winner: Soon-ae

Best Supporting Actor : Kim In-Kwon (Haeundae), Jin Goo (Mother), Jeong Kyeong-ho (Sunny), Jang Geun-seok (The Case of Itaewon Homicide), Kim Nam-gil (Modern Boy)

Winner: Jin Goo

Best Supporting Actress : Kim Bo-yeon (Living Death), Kim Hae-sook (Thrist), Kim Yeong-ae (Ae-ja), Choo Ja-hyeon (Portrait of a Beauty), Nam Neung-mi (Closer to Heaven), Uhm jung-hwa (Haeundae)

Winner: Kim Yeong-ae

Best New Director : Park Geon-yong (Bronze Medalist), Yang Ik-joon (Breathless), Lee Ho-jae(The Scam), Kim Eun-joo (Summer Whispers)), Jang Hoon (Rough Cut)

Winner: Lee Ho-jae (The Scam)

Best New Actor : Kang Ji-hwan (My Girlfriend is an Agent), Cha Seung-woo (Go Go 70s), Kim Nam-gil (Modern Boy), So Ji-sub (Rough Cut), Song Chang-ee (Once Upon a Time in Seoul)

Winner: Kang Ji-hwan (My Girlfriend is an Agent)

Best New Actress : Kim Kkot-bi (Breathless), Park Bo-yeong (Speedy Scandal), Lee Young-eun (Summer Whispers), Hyeon Junie (Sky and Sea), Seon Woo-seon (Running Turtle)

Winner: Kim Kkot-bi (Breathless)

Amalfi

2009-11-01T11:39:00.005+08:00

Genre: Thriller / Suspense
Language: Japanese /Italian
Director: Hiroshi Nishitani (Suspect X) Cast: Yuji Oda (Bayside Shakedown series), Yuki Amami (Ponyo on Cliff by the Sea), Erika Toda (L: Change the World), Koichi Sato (Nobody to watch over me)
Runtime: 125min

Plot:

A single mother is visiting Italy with her daughter as tourists during Christmas. Suddenly the daughter gets kidnapped and turning the mother into hysteria. Japanese diplomat Kuroda Yasushi is then assigned to the Japanese Embassy in Rome, to help the mother to search for her daughter.

Watched the movie on 31 Oct with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 4 ½ / 5 A Japanese version of Angels & Demons. Similiar backdrop, suspense and race against time. No doubt about it for the high intensity and transition from drama to thriller to romance.

Love Happens

2009-10-30T22:32:00.004+08:00

Genre: Drama/Romance

Language: English

Director: Brandon Camp

Cast: Jennifer Aniston (Marley & Me), Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight)

Plot:

Dr. Burke Ryan is on the precipice of a major multimedia deal, but the therapist who asks his patients to openly confront their pain is secretly unable to take his own advice. Eloise Chandler has sworn off men and decided to focus on her floral business. However, when she meets Burke at the hotel where he's speaking, there is an instant attraction. But will two people who have met the right person at exactly the wrong time be able to give love another chance? As each struggles with the hurt of love and loss, they realize that in order to move forward, they need to let go of the past. And if they can, they'll find that, sometimes, love happens when you least expect it.

Watched the movie on 30 Oct @ The Cathay with Sylvia

ah-deng says: ½ / 5 There was people snoring when I watched the movie, that was how boring the movie was. Both actors just doesn't click and for sure, no chemistry at all (Don't be fool by the movie poster!). Where did the romance portion go and did Love really happen? I bet HBO don't even think of showing.

Julia & Julie

2009-10-24T00:38:00.007+08:00

Genre: Biography/Drama
Language: English / French

Director: Nora Ephron (Bewitched)

Cast: Meryl Streep (Doubt), Amy Adams (Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian), Stanley Tucci (The Devil wears Prada), Chris Messina (Vicky Cristina Barcelona )

Runtime: 123 minutes

Plot:

In the years 2000 Julie Powell attempts to cook every recipe in Julia Child's cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which was written in the 1960s. She writes a blog about her experience. Woven into her story is the story of Julia Child's time in Paris, in the 1950s, in which she discovers the art of cooking. Both women get much support from their husbands, although at one point Powell's husband is fed up with her excessive devotion to her hobby.

Watched the movie on 25 Oct night @ Shaw Lido with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 The movie is cleverly based on two true stories, that intertwines the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, are both at loose ends... until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible. Meryl Streep never fails to surprise me with her fantastic acting skills. Looking forward for her next work.

My Sister's Keeper

2009-10-23T10:24:00.009+08:00

Genre: Drama
Language: English
Director: Nick Cassavetes (Alpha Dog)

Cast: Cameron Diaz (What Happens in Vegas), Abigail Breslin (Definitely, Maybe), Sofia Vassilieva, Alec Baldwin (Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa), Jason Patric , Evan Ellingson and Joan Cusack

Runtime: 109 minutes

Plot:

Sara, the domineering mother of Kate, a young girl with cancer. Sara’s other daughter, 11-year-old Anna, was conceived just to serve as a donor for her sick sister. On the outskirts of the family are father Brian, who feels unable to stand up to his wife’s strength, and son Jesse, who craves attention in the face of Kate’s illness. But the complicated situation gets more difficult when Anna hires a lawyer, so that she can control her own body and say "no" to giving a kidney to her sister.

Watched the movie on 22 Oct night with Sylvia

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 The illness and family elements again touched all the hearts of the audiences. However, Cameron Diaz's mother role is a little over so to speak. On the other hand, I liked one of the quotes Kate said - "I don't care my illness is killing me, but it is killing my family."

April Bride

2009-10-17T01:08:00.004+08:00

Genre: Romance Drama

Language: Japanese

Director: Ryuichi Hiroki

Cast: Eita (The Foreign Duck, the Native Duck and God), Nana Eikura (My Sister, My Love)

Runtime: 130 minutes

Plot:

Chie, a young woman hired to speak in a public-relations role at corporate events. One day, while at work, she mistakenly ends up in the wrong auditorium. Through this minor professional mishap, she encounters a young salary-man by the name of Taro and this is how it began... From this chance meeting, Chie & Taros relationship proceeds quickly, and soon Taro is talking of marriage. Chie, however, is hiding something she has just received the most devastating news of her life she has been diagnosed with early onset breast cancer.

Watched the movie on 16 Oct night @ GV Plaza with Sylvia.

ah-deng says - 3½ / 5 Tear jerkers never fail to earn my tears. I feel that my emotion will always goes out of control 100% with such plots, especially the deathbed moments. Be strong and face it!

500 Days of Summer

2009-10-17T01:02:00.005+08:00

Genre: Drama
Language: English
Director: Marc Webb
Cast: Zooey Deschanel (Yes Man), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra)
Runtime: 95 minutes

Plot:

After it looks as if she's left his life for good this time, Tom Hansen reflects back on the just over one year that he knew Summer Finn. Despite being physically average in almost every respect, Summer had always attracted the attention of men, Tom included. For Tom, it was love at first sight when she walked into the greeting card company where he worked, she the new administrative assistant. Soon, Tom knew that Summer was the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Although Summer did not believe in relationships or boyfriends - in her assertion, real life will always ultimately get in the way - Tom and Summer became more than just friends.

Watched the movie on 11 Oct afternoon @ AMK Hub with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 The typical "My girlfriend got married and I'm not the groom" story yet it was not the typical way of love story. Male Lead reminds me of Keanu Reeves. But I got a shock that he was that Cobra Commander in G.I. Joe. Whatever it is, he will be one of those I'm looking out for these days.

Haeundae: The Deadly Tsunami 해운대

2009-10-10T22:53:00.008+08:00

Genre: Disaster
Language: Korean

Director: JK Yoon

Cast: Sul Kyung-gu, Ha Ji-won, Park Joong-hoon

Runtime: 106 minutes

Plot:

Man-sik and Yeon-hee, are unsure as to whether they can overcome past wounds and continue being a couple. Dr. Kim, who cautions against a possible mega-tsunami at Haeundae, collapses in agony springing from an unexpected turn-up of his daughter and divorced wife. Hyoung-sik, after rescuing a woman from Seoul, rides out a ferocious storm to gladden her heart. A tsunami which destroys Haeundae symbolizes the establishment of a typical axis called provocation of conflicts, and later the inner spaces of the couples without anything left behind after all conflicts have ended.

Watched the movie on 10 Oct midnight @ GV Vivo with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 This movie released during the period of Typhoon and Earthquake season at our neighboring countries. As such, news of disasters flooded the TV and papers. Sometimes I wondered is it really going to be the end of the World soon?

Paris 36

2009-10-09T22:08:00.005+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: French

Director: Christophe Barratier

Cast: Gerard Jugnot, Clovis Cornillac, Nora Arnezeder, Kad Merad

Runtime: 120 minutes

Plot:

A man is charged with murder. He is Pigoil, the aging stage manager at Chansonia, a music hall in a Paris faubourg. His confession is a long flashback to New Year's Eve, 1935, when he discovers his wife is unfaithful and Galapiat, the local mobster, closes the music hall. Over the next few months, Pigoil loses custody of his beloved son, Jo-Jo, and must find work. Pigoil and his pals take over the Chansonia as a co-op; Galapiat is momentarily benign. Their star is the young Douce, a girl from near Lille for whom Galapiat lusts. She in turn falls in love with Milou, a local Red.

Watched the movie on 9 Oct evening @ The Cathay.

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 Warm, Touching, Simple, Old fashioned, Lively singing, Expected. Yet there is a feel good feeling as I stepped out of the theatre. The only flaws are probably the minor details the stars portrayed too modernly which back in 1936, such habits may not be common.

Taking Woodstock

2009-10-03T00:34:00.007+08:00

Genre: Comedy/Music
Language: English
Director: Ang Lee (Lust, Caution)
Cast: Demetri Martin, Emile Hirsch (Milk), Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), Liev Schreiber (X-Men Origins: Wolverine)
Runtime: 120 minutes

Plot:

It's 1969, and Elliot Tiber, a down-on-his-luck interior designer in Greenwich Village, New York, has to move back upstate to help his parents run their dilapidated Catskills motel, The El Monaco. The bank's about to foreclose; his father wants to burn the place down, but hasn't paid the insurance; and Elliot is still figuring how to come out to his parents.

When Elliot hears that a neighboring town has pulled the permit on a hippie music festival, he calls the producers, thinking he could drum up some much-needed business for the motel. Three weeks later, half a million people are on their way to his neighbor's farm in White Lake, NY, and Elliot finds himself swept up in a generation-defining experience that would change his life, and American culture, forever.

Watch the movie on 2 Oct night @ The Cathay with Sylvia

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 The year 1969, a year which I have not even exist but youths were already taking on their our charge. Hippies were definitely a colourful culture that our parents went through during that period. The contrast of the pro-hippies & antis, the grouchy mum & gentle dad. I especially like the 2 way scenes, which proves Ang Lee's professional directing once again.

Inglourious Basterds

2009-09-29T09:18:00.003+08:00

Genre: War Drama
Language: English, German, French, Italian
Director: Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill series)
Cast: Brad Pitt (The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button), Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz
Runtime: 152 minutes

Plot:

Shosanna Dreyfus witnesses the execution of her family at the hand of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa. She narrowly escapes and flees to Paris, where she forges a new identity as the owner and operator of a cinema.

Elsewhere in Europe, Lieutenant Aldo Raine organizes a group of Jewish soldiers to engage in targeted acts of retribution. Known to their enemy as "The Basterds," Raine's squad joins German actress and undercover agent Bridget Von Hammersmark on a mission to take down the leaders of The Third Reich. Fates converge under a cinema marquee, where Shosanna is poised to carry out a revenge plan of her own.

Watched the movie on 28 Sep @ Cathay AMK Hub

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 Brilliant dialogues and cast including those cameos. And of course, the scalp part was a shock too! However, based on History records, Hitler committed suicide instead of being killed thus I was a bit disappointed but parts of the plot. Other than that, it is an entertaining movie even towards the end!

Tokyo Sonata

2009-09-21T16:00:00.006+08:00

Genre: Drama

Language: Japanese

Director: Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Retribution)

Cast: Inowaki Kai, Teruyuki Kagawa (Tokyo!), Kyôko Koizumi (Gu-Gu the Cat)

Runtime: 119 minutes

Plot:

The story concerns a Japanese businessman, husband, and father of two, who unexpectedly loses his job. Unable to break the news to his devoted wife, he dresses up every morning and pretends to go to work, instead wasting the days away with a former classmate who is also unemployed. Although they aren't aware of his contradictory behavior, his family begins to disobey him nonetheless. His teenage son enlists in the Army in order to fight for the United States, while his adolescent son goes behind his back to take piano lessons. The longer his charade goes on, the less control he has as patriarch, creating an even deeper divide between him and his family.

Watched the movie on 21 Sep @ The Cathay Picturehouse

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 I believe that in Japan society, there is this invisible responsibility cap men are wearing. They felt they should be the ones protecting the family, and couldn't face the reality once they faced failure. When the male lead's former classmate committed suicide with his wife, it just showed that they are being coward, not willing to face reality. Should this happened to an American family, things may worked out differently.

The Ugly Truth

2009-09-21T15:27:00.005+08:00

Genre: Comedy/Romance

Language: English

Director: Robert Luketic (21)

Cast:Katherine Heigl (27 Dresses), Gerard Butler (P.S. I Love You)

Runtime: 96 minutes

Plot:

Abby Richter is a romantically challenged morning show producer whose search for Mr. Perfect has left her hopelessly single. She's in for a rude awakening when her bosses team her with Mike Chadway, a hardcore TV personality who promises to spill the ugly truth on what makes men and women tick.

Watched the movie on 21 Sep @ The Grand Cathay.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Come on, let's face it, truth isn't pretty most of the time. But we do like to be told with the honest truth. And Gerard, I seriously think you should have a shave.

The Time Traveller's Wife

2009-09-20T23:25:00.005+08:00

Genre: Drama, Romance
Language: English

Director:Robert Schwentke (Flightplan)

Cast: Eric Bana (Star Trek), Rachel McAdams (State of Play), Ron Livingston

Runtime: 110 minutes

Plot: Clare has been in love with Henry her entire life. She believes they are destined to be together, even though she never knows when they will be separated: Henry is a time traveler -- cursed with a rare genetic anomaly that causes him to live his life on a shifting timeline, skipping back and forth through his lifespan with no control. Despite the fact that Henry’s travels force them apart with no warning, Clare desperately tries to build a life with her one true love.

Watched the movie on 20 Sep evening @ Cathay Cineleisure

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 A passionate love affair endures across a sea of time and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap. Loved the concept of explaining sometimes the person you loved may not always be there at the same space as you are at.

Coco Before Chanel

2009-09-20T22:54:00.003+08:00

Genre: Biopic

Language: French

Director: Anne Fontaine (La fille de Monaco - The Girl from Monaco)

Cast: Audrey Tautou (Hunting & Gathering), Benoît Poelvoorde, Alessandro Nivola (The Eye)

Runtime: 105 minutes

Plot:

Coco Before Chanel is the story of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, who began her life as headstrong orphan, and through an extraordinary journey became the legendary couturier who embodied the modern woman and became a timeless symbol of success, freedom and style. The film portrays the formative years of Chanel's life, the years of Chanel spent discovering and inventing herself.

Watched the movie on 4 Sep @ GV Vivo with Vanessa & Peiling.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Wished the movie elaborated the love life of Coco & Arther and how it affected her work after.

The Proposal

2009-09-19T21:43:00.006+08:00

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Language: English

Director: Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses)

Cast: Ryan Reynolds (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Sandra Bullock (Premonition)

Runtime: 108 minutes

Plots:

Publishing powerhouse Margaret Tate is used to getting her way. She bullies her ambitious assistant, Andrew Paxton, earning the ire of all the underlings at Colden Books in New York City. But Margaret, a native Canadian, finds her career in jeopardy when she is denied a visa and learns she will be sent northward. She forces Andrew to become her fiancé, but she’ll have to take a trip home to Alaska with him to prove to U.S. Immigration that their impending union is genuine.

Watched the movie on 23 Aug with Sylvia

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Is it only me? The office environment seems familiar...

Scandal Makers 과속스캔들

2009-09-19T19:42:00.006+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: Korean

Director: Kang Hyeong-cheol

Cast: Cha Tae Hyun (Miracle of a Giving Fool - BABO), Park Bo Young Hwang Suk Hyun

Runtime: 108 minutes

Plot:

Mid 30's Nam Hyeon-su is a popular radio d.j. and entertainer (who was even more popular in his younger days as a teen idol). One day his apartment doorbell rings and a young lady named Hwang Jeong-nam appears and tells Hyeon-su that he is her father. Furthermore, she informs him that he is now a grandfather to her young son, Ki-dong. Hyeon-su would like nothing better than just close the door, but when Jeong-nam threatens to go to the media he allows the young lady and her son to stay in his apartment. Complications arise when they are spotted outside together and people assume they are romantically involved!

Watched the movie on 22 Aug night with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 There is this charm Cha Tae Hyun possessed that everyone finds it hard to resist from laughing at. The little grandson has huge potential too.

Up - 3D

2009-09-19T19:12:00.005+08:00

Genre: Animation

Language: English

Director: Pete Docter (Monsters, INC)

Cast: Edward Asner, Jordan Nagai

Runtime: 96 minutes

Plot:

A young Carl Fredrickson meets a young adventure spirited girl named Ellie. They both dream of going to a Lost Land in South America. 70 years later, Ellie has died. Carl remembers the promise he made to her. Then, when he inadvertently hits a construction worker, he is forced to go to a retirement home. But before they can take him, he and his house fly away. However he has a stowaway aboard. An 8 year old boy named Russell, whose trying to get an assisting the elderly badge. Together, they embark in an adventure, where they encounter talking dogs, an evil villain and a rare bird named Kevin.

Watched the movie on 15 Aug afternoon @ Cineleisure with Barbara and Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 3.5 / 5 If there even be a chance, I don't mind flying in a house too.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

2009-09-19T18:21:00.006+08:00

Genre: Action/ Adventure

Language: English

Director: Stephen Sommers (The Mummy Series)

Cast: Channing Tatum (Public Enemies), Marlon Wayans (Dance Flick), Lee Byung-hun (The Good, The Bad, the Weird), Dennis Quaid (Horsemen)

Runtime: 118 minutes

Plot:

From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite G.I. JOE team uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious Cobra organization to prevent them from plunging the world into chaos.

Watched the movie on 6 Aug with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 Somehow, these movies are a must in Summer. And this Summer, there are quite a number of them hence many will compare this with Transformer especially. No matter what, I must say that CGI plays an important in movies these days as they brought cartoons in my younger days to life.

The Hangover

2009-08-05T21:07:00.005+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: English

Director: Todd Philips (Starsky & Hutch)

Cast: Bradley Cooper (He's just Not That Into You), Ed Helms (Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian), Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha (National Treasure: Book of Secrets)

Runtime: 100 minutes

Plot:

Two days before his wedding, Doug and his three friends drive to Las Vegas for a blow-out bachelor party they'll never forget. But, in fact, when the three groomsmen wake up the next morning, they can't remember a thing. For some reason, they find a tiger in the bathroom and a six-month-old baby in the closet of their suite at Caesars Palace. The one thing they can't find is Doug. With no clue as to what transpired and little time to spare, the trio must retrace their hazy steps and all their bad decisions in order to figure out where things went wrong and hopefully get Doug back to L.A. in time to walk down the aisle.

Watched the movie on 2 Aug with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 Hillarious! Friends of different characters got into big trouble, see how they salvage the situations by back tracking. The mystery eventually solved till the very end of the movie.

Public Enemies

2009-07-31T19:37:00.006+08:00

Genre: Crime/Gangster and Adaptation

Language: English

Director: Michael Mann (Miami Vice)

Cast: Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street0 , Christian Bale (Terminator Salvation), Marion Cotillard (A Good Year)
Runtime: 140 minutes

Plot:

This is the story of the last few years of the notorious bank robber John Dillinger. He loved what he did and could imagine little else that would make him happier. Living openly in 1930s Chicago, he had the run of the city with little fear of reprisals from the authorities. It's there that he meets Billie Frechette with whom he falls deeply in love. In parallel we meet Melvin Purvis, the FBI agent who would eventually track Dillinger down. The FBI was is in its early days and Director J. Edgar Hoover was keen to promote the clean cut image that so dominated the organization through his lifetime. Purvis realizes that if he is going to get Dillinger, he will have to use street tactics and imports appropriate men with police training. Dillinger is eventually betrayed by an acquaintance who tells the authorities just where to find him on a given night.

Watched on 31 July night with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 3.5 / 5 It's been a long time I see Johnny Depp's clean shaved face. And Christian Bale is netiher wearing mask nor geared with metal suits too.

A Frozen Flower 쌍화점

2009-07-24T23:41:00.006+08:00

Genre: Epic Romance Drama

Language: Korean

Director: Ha Yu

Cast: Jo In-sung (A Dirty Carnival), Ju Jin-mo (200 Pound Beauty), Song Ji-hyo (Sex is Zero 2)

Runtime: 133 minutes

Plot:

Under the pressure of the Yuan Kingdom, the King of Goryeo is pressured to produce a successor to the throne. But the king is in love with his loyal general Hong-lim. After seriously pondering the issue, the king asks his lover Hong-lim to sleep with the Queen, with unexpected consequences.

Watched the movie on 24 July night @ Cineleisure with Sylvia

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 Man & man's love, man & woman's love. Nothing can comes between mutual and true love. Definitely another beautiful movie after The King and the Clown.

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince

2009-07-24T09:07:00.007+08:00

Genre: Action/ Adventure

Language: English

Director: David Yates (Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix)

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

Runtime: 154 minutes

Official Site: http://www.harrypotter.com/

Plot:

In Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, Harry finds a book marked mysteriously, "This book is the property of the Half Blood Prince," which helps him excel at Potions class and teaches him a few dark and dangerous ones along the way. Meanwhile, Harry is taking private lessons with Dumbledore in order to find out about Voldemort's past so they can find out what might his only weakness.

Watched the movie on 23 July night @ GV Vivo Gold Class with Sylvia & Vanessa.

ah-deng says: 3.5 / 5 This installment is a bridge between the previous and the upcoming last episode, hence it could be informative yet boring. Perhaps only the novel lovers understood whats exactly is going on.

The Brothers Bloom

2009-07-12T12:21:00.004+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: English

Director: Rian Johnson

Cast: Adrien Brody (The Darjeeling Limited), Mark Ruffalo (Reservation Road) , Rachel Weisz (Definitely, Maybe)

Runtime: 113 minutes

Official Site: http://www.brothersbloom.com/

Plot:

The Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they've decided to take on one last job - showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world.

Watched the movie on 11 July night @ GV Europa with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Lame storyline but good team of casts. Especially like the movie moves from Montenegro to Greece then to Prague and Mexico. How carefree to travel without any worries!

Duplicity

2009-07-09T17:53:00.004+08:00

Genre: Comedy
Language: English
Director: Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton)
Cast: Julia Roberts (Charlie Wilson's War), Clive Owen (The International), Tom Wilkinson (Valkyrie) and Paul Giamatti (Shoot 'Em Up)
Runtime: 110 minutes

Plot:

CIA officer Claire Stenwick (Roberts) and Ray Koval (Owen) are both racing to secure the formula for a product that will bring untold wealth to the company that lands the patent first as the stakes begin to rise, and their passions start to flare. Meanwhile, their mutual employers, industry giant Howerd Tully (Tom Wilkinson) and trailblazing CEO Dick Garsil (Paul Giamatti) start resorting to some seriously underhanded tactics in hope of gaining an advantage over the competition. Loners by definition of their own careers, Claire and Ray engage in a series of schemes and double-crosses while contending with the fact that their mutual attraction could ultimately jeopardize their entire missions.

Watched the movie on 9 July night with Sylvia.

ah-deng says: 2.5 / 5 Really didn't like the movie's arrangement, especially the cut over from period to period. I'm expecting more from a spy game theme movie.

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

2009-07-03T18:10:00.007+08:00

Genre: Animation
Language: English
Director: Carlos Saldanha (Ice Age: The Meltdown)
Cast: Denis Leary (Ice Age: The Meltdown), John Leguizamo (The Happening), Ray Romano (Ice Age: The Meltdown), Queen Latifah (What Happens in Vegas), Seann William Scott (Role Models)
Runtime: 94 minutes

Official site: http://www.iceagemovie.com/

Plot: Scrat is still trying to nab the ever-elusive nut (while, maybe, finding true love); Manny and Ellie await the birth of their mini-mammoth, Sid the sloth gets into trouble when he creates his own makeshift family by hijacking some dinosaur eggs; and Diego the saber-toothed tiger wonders if he's growing too "soft" hanging with his pals. On a mission to rescue the hapless Sid, the gang ventures into a mysterious underground world, where they have some close encounters with dinosaurs, battle flora and fauna run amuck - and meet a relentless, one-eyed, dino-hunting weasel named Buck.

Watched the movie on 3 July evening @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

I watched the movie in 3D and the effects was great. Well, with this experience, I probably will watch all the upcoming animation in 3D if possible.

In this 3rd installment of Ice Age, brings on Dinosaurs into the story. As Sid stole the dinosaur eggs and had himself landed in the land of Dinosaurs, his buddies went all out to rescue him. I just couldn't stop laughing at the part where he drew faces on the egg shells and talked to the eggs as if they understood him.

Also the joker of Ice Age, Scrat has a love interest and still chasing the stupid nut since Ice Age 1. Plus a new addition to the franchise is Buck, the guide who help the group to the rescue. The helium sniffing part was hilarious and clever. It is definitely a fun movie for both children and adults as there are adventure, love, friendship and family.

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 Watch it in 3D! The chases are more exciting, the locations more real, it works so well! And it doesn't give you a migraine!

Threads of Destiny

2009-07-02T23:18:00.008+08:00

Genre: Romance, Drama
Language: Japanese
Director: Shousuke Murakami (Train Man)
Cast: Nao Minamisawa, Junpei Mizobata (Dive!!), Ryo Kimura (Sugar & spice)
Runtime: 108 min

Official Site: http://www.akai-ito.jp/

Plot:

Mutually attracted Tokyo teens Mei and Atsushi share the rare birthday of Feb. 29. Their romance is about to blossom during a school trip to Nagasaki when Atsushi is called home to care for his alcoholic mom. Consequently, the abandoned Mei takes up with Atsushi's possessive rival, Riku, to disastrous effect.

Watched the movie on 2 July evening @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

A pure-love（纯爱）movie. Based on a Japanese mobile novel, I assumed it could be the author's true story since the lead female's name is the same as the author's.

The backdrop is a middle school, where teenagers are exploring their love. However, this young couple believed they are destined to be bond since they shared the same birthday, a date that comes only once in 4 years. They described their destiny as the red string of fate. Originating from Chinese legend, "the red string of fate" myth states that the gods tie an invisible string around the ankles of men and women who are destined to be soul mates and will one day marry each other.

The male lead, Junpei Mizobata, reminds me of a Korean actor - Lee Wan. Both shares the sad dopey look. He mentioned about a person will meet 30,000 person in his whole lifetime, 3000 in school and work, 300 become friends. Have I met my quota?

The pace of the movie seems swift but certain parts was not very clear. Another impression was a classmate who took her life by jumping off the roof, ended up losing her memories instead, seems quite unrealistic.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Yet to find another person who share the exact same birthday as me, although I know quite a few who have birthdays near me. Bonding...

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

2009-06-25T16:01:00.007+08:00

Genre: Action/ Adventure
Language: English

Director: Michael Bay (The Horsemen)

Cast: Shia LaBeouf (Eagle Eye), Megan Fox (Transformers), Josh Duhamel (Transformers)

Run Time: 149 minutes

Official site: http://www.transformersmovie.com/

Plot:

Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle.

Watched the movie on 25 June night @ GV Max with Sylvia and Vanessa.

Another childhood cartoon comes to life. This sequel definitely rocks me off my seat like the 1st episode with spectacular visual effects. The fight scenes were extravagant and fast-paced.

As usual, our heroes Optimus Prime and Bumblebee returned to save the day. There were also many new Autobots and Decepticons introduced in this sequel. The ones that caught my attention were definitely Jetfire and the Twins - Mudflap & Skids.

Jetfire was a Seeker and former Decepticon who transformed into a SR-71 Blackbird. However, his wounds and age had made him choose to become an Autobot, He creaked, could not transform well, and said to be running out of energon. Also, he walked with a cane, which doubled as a battle axe. A wise old teacher who helped the folks to translate the script.

The Twins on the other hand, were Autobot infiltrators transformed respectively into a red Chevrolet Trax and green Chevrolet Beat. Mudflap was very hyperactive, while Skids believed himself to be the smarter of the two and tried to come across as mature, but nevertheless appears unable to keep quiet.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie very much despite many said this sequel was not as good as the first one. And I very recommend it should be watch in cinema with big screen and good sound system to enjoy the best effect.

ah-deng says: 4½ / 5 The 3rd episode is coming out in 2012. Looking forward for more surprises.

The Taking of Pelham 123

2009-06-20T23:26:00.005+08:00

Genre: Thriller

Language: English

Director: Tony Scott (Déjà Vu)

Cast: Denzel Washington (American Gangster), John Travolta (Hairspray), John Turturro (You Don't Mess with the Zohan)

Run Time: 105 minutes

Plot:

In The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, Denzel Washington stars as New York City subway dispatcher Walter Garber, whose ordinary day is thrown into chaos by an audacious crime: the hijacking of a subway train. John Travolta stars as Ryder, the criminal mastermind who, as leader of a highly-armed gang of four, threatens to execute the train’s passengers unless a large ransom is paid within one hour. As the tension mounts beneath his feet, Garber employs his vast knowledge of the subway system in a battle to outwit Ryder and save the hostages.

Watched the movie on 20 June night @ GV Vivo with Sylvia.

Armed men hijack a New York City subway train, holding the passengers hostage in return for a ransom, and turning an ordinary day's work for dispatcher into a face-off with the mastermind behind the crime. From aeroplanes to ships (Pirates) to trains and subway, criminals can get more and more creative. So what's next?

Between the 2 lead roles, I preferred John's Ryder. He is very aggressive, demanding yet there was trace of kindness somewhere. He always has the wicked and mean essentials to his character. On the other hand, Denzel's role as Garber did not really impressed me. The only part worth discussing may be his dilemma to admit his bribe taking case. The toggling of the two men's argument brought the film to the climax.

This remake incorporated new technology such as Wireless network, Web Cam & live feed which 30 years back, people may not have even heard of what a Laptop is. And the boo-boo done by the NYPD brought some laughter out from the tied timeline.

However, the main objective of Ryder's scheme was to create mayhem in the stock market by creating havoc. The movie did not really explain enough of his whole motive. Although the hijackers planned a good hijack exercise, their escape plan could have been better.

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 One day if I receive a call, saying one of our shop is being hijacked, I will... Choy!

I Love You, Man

2009-06-19T19:28:00.009+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: English

Director: John Hamburg (Along Came Polly)

Cast: Paul Rudd (Role Models), Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist)

Runtime: 105 minutes

Official site: http://www.iloveyouman.com/

Plot:

Peter Klaven, a real estate agent with a blossoming career and an imminent marriage to Zooey. Basically, he's lucky in all things except male bonding. The narrative arc centers on his quest for platonic man-love--as opposed to, say, finding the girl of his dreams--and follows the boilerplate dictates of a standard rom-com with a subversive wink. In this case, boy meets boy, boys bond over their common love of Rush and Andre the Giant, boys break up and make up.

Watched the movie on 19 June night @ Cathay Cineleisure with Vanessa.

This is definitely, totally a male-chick movie. A man who has no male BFF, very in need to find one to be his best man. So gay and cheesy.

Somehow, I don't believe there is any man out there who needs to be hooked up to another man. Especially in Singapore, men serve military service, and the bonding existed and held them together where even their spouses couldn't understand the relationship unless they underwent the same stage. During the time of growing up, there bound to be a stage whereby true friends found each other.

Therefore, the word friendless is rather harsh. Maybe, a real confiding friend isn't easy to come by. But in like this movie, when Peter finally got to know Sydney, they practically bring each other into their life. Sydney recommended him good food while Peter shared his hobby. It is still their daily activities that bond the friends.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Real true friends are hard to come by in regardless of gender. Mine are definitely worth having.

Nobody To Watch Over Me

2009-06-13T22:23:00.005+08:00

Genre: Drama

Language: Japanese

Director: Ryoichi Kimizuka

Cast: Koichi Sato (The Climbers High), Mirai Shida (Kabei: Our Mother), Ryuhei Matsuda (Nightmare Detective)

Runtime: 118 minutes

Plot:

A 15-year-old middle school girl is picked up at school by the police when her elder 18-year-old brother is arrested on suspicion of randomly murdering two grade school girls. She is put under the protection of a dedicated yet conflicted police detective who has orders to shield the girl from the inevitable public outrage that is to follow. Through these two protagonists’ eyes, we get a glimpse into the vulnerability, the isolation and even the resilience of the individual when up against a volatile and often intolerant world.

Watched the movie on 13 June midnight @ The Picturehouse with Sylvia.

It is a perspective that the victim(s) and their families should be taken care of when tragedy happened. However, this movie brought out a strong message that the families of the suspect should be protected as well. As the culture differs among countries, the news-thirsty media finds all means of way to dig any kind of news in order to excel one other. And that leads to the more suicide cases for those stressful and pressured family member, especially in the Japanese society.

In this movie, the main story was a police detective protecting the younger sister of the suspect from the media over-exposure reporting of the incident. And the story leaded to another mishandling case by that police detective. I feel that this script could have expanded even further with so many characters involved. It may be better if it was made into a drama.

The teenager sister impressed the audiences with her matured acting skills. Given someone at this age and to go through such ordeal, it is unimaginable for a young actress like her to portray the role. Also the developed Internet network we have, worsen the situation.

ah-deng says - 4 / 5 Even if you are not the murderer, you will still be haunt forever since you are family, even if you changed your name.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

2009-06-12T17:36:00.006+08:00

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Language: English

Director: Mark Waters (The Spiderwick Chronicles)

Cast: Matthew McConaughey (Tropic Thunder), Jennifer Garner (Juno), Michael Douglas (You, Me and Dupre) , Emma Stone (The House Bunny)

Runtime: 101 minutes

Official Site: http://www.ghostsofgirlfriendspastmovie.com/

Plot:

When notorious womanizer Connor Mead attends his brother Paul's wedding, he is forced to re-evaluate his behavior as he comes face-to-face with the ghosts of girlfriends past, present, and future, along with his deceased uncle. The experience changes his attitude and allows him to reconnect with his first and only love, Jenny.

Watched the movie on 12 June evening @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

I always enjoy watching Matthew McConaughey's "Rom-Com" (Romantic Comedy). He has never failed to charm me over with his bad-boy seductive toxic from his previous works such as "How to lose a guy in 10 days", "Failure to launch" and this latest one.

One of the memorable part of this movie is the soundtracks played throughout, especially those when Connor was brought back to the past. They brought memories back to me, as those song were very popular when I was young. The different song that represents a different period, probably the songs may not be the best seller, but definitely the greatest hits.

Another attraction of this movie, the long-time-no-see Michael Douglas. Although his scenes were not much, he added substances to the movie. I must say all the dialogues were well-written and brilliantly delivered by all the casts. Overall, a well-proportion movie.

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 The bed seems too big and lame as a time-machine transportation. Any better and creative ideas out there?

State Of Play

2009-06-07T14:35:00.008+08:00

Genre: Drama

Language: English

Director: Kevin MacDonald (The Last King of Scotland)

Cast: Rachel McAdams (The Family Stone), Jason Bateman (Hancock), Helen Mirren (Inkheart) Ben Affleck (He's Just Not That into You), Russell Crowe (Body of Lies)

Runtime: 127 Minutes

Official site: http://www.stateofplaymovie.net/

Plot:

Cal McCaffrey, an old-school-style journalist working for the Washington Globe. He begins to investigate the death of a young woman who was the research assistant and mistress of his friend Stephen Collins, an ambitious congressman whose career is likely ruined when his affair is revealed. Joined by young political blogger Della Frye, Cal races against time and deadlines to solve the murder, which may be only a small part of a much larger crime.

Watched the movie on 7 June afternoon @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

Seen this movie trailer several months back and wasn't really expecting a lot from this movie. Thought Russell Crowe was a detective from the trailer. But not, he was a journalist, who covered homicides stories. Although I didn't really like his appearance - long hair and shabby outfit, he convinced me he was a real reporter, the brilliant dialog throughout the movie and his no-frills acting skills, a pro actor.

I like how the director handled the detail of telling the story to the audiences. Russell Crowe the veteran giving the newbie - Rachel McAdams, guidance to the bottom of the truth. On top of that, the bossy Dowager portrayed by Helen Mirren, added icing to the cake, loved these combination. True excellent performance.

Although the movie was more than 2 hours long, I do not feel draggy at all. There were thrills, tension and drama. I especially liked the ending part whereby the final truth was published and newspapers were printing in process together with the actors credits. I thought this part could have been at the beginning of the film but it was even better at the end of the movie.

ah-deng says: 4½ / 5 Behind politics, there are a lot of conspiracy. Behind every news report, is there truth?

Blood: The Last Vampire

2009-06-06T19:43:00.007+08:00

Genre: Action

Language: English & Japanese

Director: Chris Nahon (Kiss of the Dragon)

Cast: Gianna Jun Ji-Hyun (If I Were Superman), Allison Miller (17 Again), Liam Cunningham (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor), JJ Field, Koyuki Kato (The Last Samurai)

Runtime: 92 minutes

Official site: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/bloodthelastvampire/

Plot:

BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE, based on the cult hit series. Demons have infested the earth. And only one warrior stands between the dark and the light: Saya, a half-human, half-vampire samurai who preys on those who feast on human blood. Joining forces with the shadowy society known as the Council, Saya is dispatched to an American military base, where an intense series of swordfights leads her to the deadliest vampire of all. And now after 400 years, Saya's final hunt is about to begin.

Watched the movie on 6 June afternoon @ Cathay AMK Hub with Sylvia.

Recently I have been interested with film or drama featured with the theme of Vampire. Honestly, I've never been of a fan of any ghost flick, vampire, Dracula, zombie, anything scary... as i do have weak heart. However, when one day I heard over the radio about True Blood while I was driving, I got interested and started to watch the newly improvise version of Vampire story. And to my pleasant surprise, Vampires has transformed from something I most feared to someone I really like to meet in real life if i even have a chance!

Back to the movies, there was tons of news about this film from pre-production till the premiere. The main reason is because it is Gianna's first Hollywood movie attempt thus there were lots of anticipation from the Asia media. And after watching her performance, the first idea I had was: "Wow, another Michelle Yeoh in the making!"

The main character - Saya, a high-school looked vampire, portrayed by Gianna who is already 28 years of age, carried the sailor-moon type uniform well. She even looked younger compared to co-star Allison Miller who is 4 younger in real life. Although most fight scenes used shots cut and joined to convince audiences that Gianna can fight, it wasn't quite bad the idea as using so much of the stuntmen.

There were traces of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The fighting scene in the forest - sword fight with falling autumn leaves. No much dialogs but Gianna's English Conversation was audible. Only her Japanese sounded stiff.

Bottom line is, Blood: The Last Vampire is a straight forward action film. Although certain scenes could have been made better, maybe better CG superimposed Mt Fuji, it's still entertaining in it's way, hopefully it gets better for its sequel if there is plan to have one.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 One day if I find True Blood on sale at 7/11, I know Vampire is near me...

Terminator Salvation

2009-05-31T23:35:00.008+08:00

Genre: Action/ Sci-fic

Language: English

Director: McG (Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle)

Cast: Christian Bale (The Dark Knight), Sam Worthington (Rogue), Anton Yelchin (Star Trek)

Runtime: 116 minutes

Official Site: http://terminatorsalvation.warnerbros.com/

Plot:

Set in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor is the man fated to lead the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators. But the future that Connor was raised to believe in is altered in part by the appearance of Marcus Wright, a stranger whose last memory is of being on death row. Connor must decide whether Marcus has been sent from the future, or rescued from the past. As Skynet prepares its final onslaught, Connor and Marcus both embark on an odyssey that takes them into the heart of Skynet's operations, where they uncover the terrible secret behind the possible annihilation of mankind.

Watched the movie on 31 May afternoon @ The Grand Cathay with Sylvia.

I must confess... This review took me almost 2 weeks to start to write. I have been putting this on hold because I wanted to read up on Terminator 1, 2 & 3 before I write. Of course, the main reason is, I really cannot remember what were the plot and story about as the movie was 1st shown when I was only 6 years old. The only thing i could remember was the all-time classic line by Mr Arnold - "I'll be back!"

Despite of not remembering the plot of the 1st three episodes, this sequel still blast me away with tons of actions, CG and explosion. This is especially so because I watched the digital format and the effects were astonishing.

Christian Bale, casted to portray John Connor, who is the main target to be hunt down by Skynet since T1 till this latest addition. As this role grew up, Christian Bale who now is the Resistance Leader to-be, possessed the calm and leadership qualities. I couldn't remember how the other John Connors were thus I wasn't able to compare but Christian Bale sure did an impressive job.

The other lead, Sam Worthington, played a ½ man ½ machine cyborg who is a new character that never ever appeared in any episode of Terminator. That makes me wonder if there really is cyborg living around or near me. Because he could have been programmed to be even forgotten that he is a cyborg, only remembering things he was programmed to remember. Good creativity for those scriptwriters!

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 1984 We had Terminator, 1991 was Judgement Day, 2003 was Rise of the Machines then 6 years later is Terminator Salvation. Will I still be alive to watch the next episode?

The Conspiracy (Echelon Conspiracy)

2009-05-30T18:41:00.012+08:00

Genre: Action

Language: English

Director: Greg Marcks

Cast: Shane West (A Walk To Remember), Edward Burns (27 Dresses), Ving Rhames (I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry ), Tamara Feldman (Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay)

Runtime: 105

Plot:

A young American engineer acquires a mobile phone that promises him unknown wealth, unsuspecting the danger that comes upon him with the mobile phone. In the course of the film he tries to escape security agents, risking his life. Meanwhile a government official endangers the stability of the world.

Watched the movie on 30 May night @ The Cathay with Sylvia.

This movie is good if you have never watched Eagle eye. Really. I believe if this movie was produced and showed earlier, audiences will think Eagle eye is the clone!

Nevertheless, the plot and cast did quite a good job in delivering a decent performance. Except that i felt like watching a bit of Ocean Thirteen, The International, Eagle Eye, Fast & Furious, all in one place...

The movie brings me into thinking, are we modern people too rely on text messaging? A simple message may leads to something big and unimaginable. In the nutshell, should one believe a message sent by an unknown party?

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 What is the make and model of that cell phone? Quite cool...

Dance, Subaru! 昴　スバル

2009-05-29T18:21:00.006+08:00

Genre:Drama

Language: Japanese
Director: Lee Chi Ngai

Cast: Meisa Kuroki (Crows: Episode 0), Sano Miku , Ara, Yuta Hiraoka (My Sister, My Love)

Runtime: 114 minutes

Official Website: www.subaru-movie.com

Plot:

Subaru and her twin brother Kazuma share a dream in becoming ballet dancers, but their passion is discouraged by their father. After Kazuma's death from a hereditary illness, dancing became Subaru's only happiness and she yearns to lose herself in dance. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she runs into cabaret owner Isuzu, who recognizes the talent in Subaru and trains her in her nightspot. But to become a professional ballerina, Subaru has to overcome harsher challenges than merely satisfying the cabaret drunkards. Spurred on by her rivaling dance companions, Subaru enters an international dance competition, to vie for recognition and a scholarship to any top ballet company in the world. Subaru and her companions soon discover that there are more to compete than the championship, and tests of friendship, betrayal and self-worth come one after another. Gradually the youngsters learn about themselves as dancers, as persons and as friends.

Watched the movie on 28 May evening @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia and Barbara.

Honestly, the only drawing power for me to watch this movie is because of TVXQ. However, they were really just cameo for like 30 seconds.... Wished they could performed at least ½ the song. Of course, I also noticed that the turn-out of the audiences mostly got excited when TVXQ's appeared. I wondered if there were no TVXQ cameo, will these audiences even know about the movie?

Although the movie is about a young girl, sharing a dream with her twin brother who passed away without fulfilling the dream with her which was portrayed by Meisa Kuroki, I felt the other role - Liz Park, portrayed by Ara seem more natural and scene stealing. Then there's the cat fights and rivalry, sometimes amongst friends even, whether you are aware of the pettiness and envy openly, or become victims of the scheming ones.

This movie consists of Japaneses, Koreans and Chinese actors, the production team consists of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore crews. It is definitely a good Pan-Asia effort production afterall. Just felt a bit draggy from the middle onwards...

ah-deng says: 2½ / 5 The passing score given for the fact that TVXQ is in it. Else...

62th Festival de Cannes

2009-05-25T16:45:00.017+08:00

The Cannes Film Festival founded in 1946, is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious film festival. The private festival is held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres, in the resort town of Cannes, south of France.

The Cannes Film Festival is organised in various sections. One of the them, The Official Selection is the main event of the festival. There will be twenty films competing for the Palme d'Or and will be projected in the Théâtre Lumière.

Palme d'Or (Golden Palm):

Directed by Michael Haneke

Grand Prix (Grand Prize of the Festival):

Directed by Jacques Audiard

Lifetime achievement award for his work and exceptional contribution to the history of cinema:

Directed by Alain Resnais

Award for Best Director:

Brillante Mendoza

Award for Best Screenplay:

Lou Ye

Award for Best Actress:

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Award for Best Actor

Christoph Waltz

Jury Prize Ex-aequo:

Directed by Andrea Arnold

Directed by Park Chan-Wook

Good job Asian films!

Night At The Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

2009-05-23T18:35:00.006+08:00

Genre: Action

Language: English

Director: Shawn Levy (Night At The Museum)

Cast: Robin Williams (August Rush), Owen Wilson (Marley & Me), Amy Adams (Doubt), Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder)

Runtime: 105 minutes

Official Movie Site: http://www.nightatthemuseummovie.com/

Plot:

When the Museum of Natural History is closed for upgrades and renovations, the museum pieces are moved into federal storage at the famous Washington Museums. With a forwarded resume, Larry Daley becomes another caretaker at the Smithsonian, where Kahmunrah, an evil Pharaoh will come to life with the reestablishing of a tablet as a magical force in the museum bringing the old exhibits and new exhibits back to life, and in conflict with each other. Larry enlists the help of Amelia Earheart, who he develops a romantic interest in, and together they try to put everything back in order.

Watched the movie on 23 May night @ The Grand Cathay with Sylvia, Barbara and Kelvin.

This is probably the first time I did something like this. I saw the thriller of this movie a few months ago. And I knew I must watch this sequel. But I did not watch the prequel so I tried to find it and make sure I watch before I watch this hilarious movie.

I was glad I did that. The characters from the old and new Museums bring out so much fun and laughter throughout the movie. Where on Earth can you find so much characters from ancient Egypt to recent History in one single movie? Apart from the few main exhibits which flow throughout the movie, I especially like Albert Einstein Bobbleheads, the Great Lincoln statue, the romantic Thinker and the Jonas Brothers' Cherubs angels.

However, the whole drama took place only on one night which I felt it was a little not enough. Since there were so much exhibits at the huge Washington Museum, there should be more riots and messy moments that would probably caused more laughter. Nevertheless, it is a good movie for both young and old.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Entertaining! It is far from art, but there's plenty of art in it. Come on down to the Museum!!

The Young Victoria

2009-05-22T20:36:00.014+08:00

Genre: Drama, Romance, Biopic

Language: English

Director: Jean-Marc Vallee

Cast: Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) , Rupert Friend (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas), Jim Broadbent (Inkheart), Emily Blunt (The Jane Austen Book Club)

Runtime: 104 minutes

Official Movie Site: http://www.theyoungvictoria.co.uk/

Plot:

The movie will chronicle Victoria's early rise to power, focusing on the romantic courtship and her legendary marriage to Prince Albert. The film begins in 1836, the year before Victoria ascended the throne, and ends in 1840.

Watched the movie on 22 May night @ Cathay Cineleisure.

The whole story attracted me. As I was too used to the Chinese-styled Emperor dynasty stories, the Royal families stories of English drew my full attention.

The beginning of the movie, the narration by actress - Emily Blunt who portrayed Victoria, said “Even a palace can be a prison", and suddenly I realised, while commoners envied the Royal families glamorous life, the Royal families could be red-eyed the commoners' freedom.

The film was colourful in terms of costume and dialogues. It brought audiences back in time, 173 years ago and learned how the Royalties behaved and lived their life back then. I got interested and do some reading to learn more about the Victoria Era, also about the timeline of the British Monarchs.

ah-deng says: 4 /5 Surprisingly, it is not boring at all. Very recommended for those who likes romance with a touch of history flavour.

Henry Poole is here

2009-05-17T02:19:00.008+08:00

Genre: Drama

Language: English

Director: Mark Pellington

Cast: Luke Wilson (Vacancy), Radha Mitchell (Feast of Love), Morgan Lily (He's Just Not That into You)

Runtime: 99 minutes

Plot:

Changing his attitude will take a miracle. A disillusioned man goes hiding in placid suburbia only to discover he cannot escape the forces of hope. Returning to the middleclass neighborhood where he grew up, Henry chooses to live in indulgent isolation. Real life, however, refuses to cooperate with his plans. Nosy neighbors interrupt him with curious visits and prying questions. Then the situation escalates as a stain on Henry's stucco wall is seen to have miraculous powers. His last-ditch hideout becomes a shrine; his backyard turns into an arena for passionate debate about faith and destiny.

Watched the movie on 16 May night @ The Picturehouse with Sylvia.

Henry Poole moves in to a house in his old neighborhood, to spend what he believes are his remaining days alone. The discovery of a "miracle" by a nosy neighbor ruptures his solitude and restores his faith in life.

A simple, slow, brainless movie that has no drugs, sex, suicide or extreme amounts of cursing. The only discussion in the movie is religion. And whether you believe in the belief or not.

ah-deng says: 2½ / 5 Sometimes a weathering effect changes a life. Not really a must-watch movie.

Angels & Demons

2009-05-15T20:10:00.024+08:00

Genre: Thriller

Language: English, Italian, Latin
Director: Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon)

Cast: Tom Hanks (Charlie Wilson's War) , Ewan McGregor (Miss Potter), Ayelet Zurer (Vantage Point), Stellan Skarsgard (Mamma Mia!)

Runtime: 138min

Plot:

When Langdon discovers evidence of the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati - the most powerful underground organization in history - he also faces a deadly threat to the existence of the secret organization's most despised enemy: the Catholic Church. When Langdon learns that the clock is ticking on an unstoppable Illuminati time bomb, he jets to Rome, where he joins forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and enigmatic Italian scientist. Embarking on a nonstop, action-packed hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even to the heart of the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra will follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that mark the Vatican's only hope for survival.

Watched the movie on 15 May night @ The Grand Cathay with Sylvia and Vanessa.

I first read the novel in 2005, after I finished reading the Da Vinci Code novel that got so hot. It was also about the time when Pope John Paul II passed away as well thus I found the atmosphere was so coincidence. And in the end, I completed Angels & Demons faster than I took to complete The Da Vinci Code.

When the Da Vinci Code was made into movie, the news of making Angels & Demons was out too. I was thrilled because of the fact that I preferred A & D then DV Code. And after watching, I wasn't so disappointed too, since I last read the story 4 years back.

I have never been to Europe. Since young, I learned about Vatican as the smallest country in the world. I always loved movies that linked Vatican City in them. This time, although the movie couldn't film in location, I was glad that the production team built a scale replica of St. Peter's Square since Vatican officers banned the movie from being filmed in its grounds, so that I have got a chance to see the replica in my lifetime (as I'm unsure if I even have a chance to go to the real location.)

Although the novel upon which this film is based is set before the events of the novel The DV Code, the film has been written as a sequel instead of the prequel of The DV Code. The movie is probably also a great tourism promotional video with a nice showcase of the many prominent touristy landmarks that would entice many around the world to go pay a visit.

As usual, Tom Hanks the hero solved the mystery and saved the Pope. He did an expected performance which i couldn't pin-point. The only thing is probably that he wasn't the only focus of the film and was not given enough space to show how the infamous Symbolist analyses the clues and symbol that leaded to the rescue. On the other hand, I liked how Ewan McGregor who did a convincing performance as the quiet but knowledgeable Patrick McKenna, famous accent included.

Overall, a pretty impressive project for any everyday movie goer. But Dan Brown's fans may be disappointed.

ah-deng says: 4 / 5 I wondered if they are going to make Dan Brown's new novel - The Lost Symbol, the 3rd episode of Robert Langdon's expedition into movie? Tom Hanks may be too old for the role then.

Dive!!

2009-05-14T16:29:00.008+08:00

Genre: Drama, Comedy
Language: Japanese

Director: Naoto Kumazawa (Rainbow Song)

Cast:Kento Hayashi, Sosuke Ikematsu (Udon), Junpei Mizobata, AsakaSeto (Death Note)

Runtime: 120 minutes

Plot:

The Mizuki Diving Club (MDC) has suffered a continuous loss in sales and is on the verge of bankruptcy. To convince its parent company not to shut down the club, Kayoko, a newly appointed coach, pledges that a diver from MDC will make the Japanese team for the Olympics, to be held the following year. The book describes the days leading up to the final try-outs, focusing on three MDC divers and changing perspective from chapter to chapter as it chronicles the boys’ everyday lives and the pressures they face as aspiring athletes. Mori’s affection for the three characters comes through in her portrayal of a mere moment―the 1.4 seconds in which they dive a distance of ten meters at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour―of their unique performances.

Watched the movie on 14 May evening @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

Another refreshing teenage flick. This time, a group of young boys with dreams strive to represent their country and to compete in the Beijing Olympics game.

The boys, both rivals and friends, encouraged each another in their own way. They trained together, or alone but all their objectives are the same. Although not all could make it to the end, but the process of getting there, making them realize that winner may not win it all. It is the competition that makes them their bond stronger.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Bikini chicks buzz off! It is time for we the older sisters, to see boys in their trunks.

10th Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF)

2009-05-11T09:56:00.011+08:00

The Jeonju International Film Festival has been held annually since 2000 in Jeonju, South Korea, focusing on digital, independent and art films.

Jeonju fest honors Filipino director
'Imburnal' wins international award in S. Korea

JEONJU, South Korea -- The Jeonju Film Festival, South Korea's second largest fest after Pusan, wrapped its 10th edition on Friday, presenting the $10,000 prize in the international feature competition to Filipino director Sherad Anthony Sanchez's "Imburnal."

Algerian director Tariq Teguia's "Inland" won the special jury prize in the 13-pic competition.

In the Korean films competition, director Lee Seo's "Missing Person" won the JJ-Star award for best pic, while director Sim Sang-kook's "Where is Ronny" and director Min Hwan-ki's "Sogyumo Acacia Band's Story" received special mentions.

Director Shin Dong-il's "Bandhobi," a satire about migrant workers in Korea, won the audience award and the CJ CGV Korean film distribution support laurel, which means the cinema chain will screen the pic for two weeks.

Credits: www.variety.com

This year marks the 10th year of this annual event and it was held from 30 April to 8 May, featuring 200 films from 42 countries.

A summary of the Award winners:

Click the summary for bigger font. Anyway, I was very happy for the film "School Days with a Pig" which won the JIFF Audience Award! Well Done Bacon!

Kabei - Our Mother

2009-05-09T22:04:00.006+08:00

Genre: Drama

Language: Japanese

Director: Yoji Yamada (Love and Honor)

Cast: Sayuri Yoshinaga, Tadanobu Asano, Mitsugoro Bando

Runtime: 100 minutes

Plot:

Set in Tokyo in 1940, the peaceful life of the Nogami Family suddenly changes when the father, Shigeru, is arrested and accused of being a Communist. His wife Kayo works frantically from morning to night to maintain the household and bring up her two daughters with the support of Shigeru's sister Hisako and Shigeru's ex-student Yamazaki, but her husband does not return. WWII breaks out and casts dark shadows on the entire country, but Kayo still tries to keep her cheerful determination, and sustain the family with her love. This is an emotional drama of a mother and an eternal message for peace.

Watched the movie on 9 May late night @ GV Vivo.

Not all "mother" subjected movies are tears jerking. I thought I would be very emotional and be teary-eyed when I stepped out of the theatre but I did not. Although I was sad, but not to the extend of shedding my tears. In fact, I only feel tears filled up my eyes towards the ending part. Or maybe it is only for me?

I was expecting to watch a movie version of "Oshin or A-shin (阿信)", a drama that was very popular back in the 80s. The same backdrop, same theme, a mother going through pain and hardship to upbringing 2 young daughters. However, I was wrong. The movie wasn't made that sad at all.

It's structure took place during the WWII - a history most of us learned when we were young. From our point of view, the Japanese invaded our homeland, caused pain and misery to our ancestors. However, from their point of view, some of the Japanese might not be what we thought they were. To them, war was never a sacred fight, all they wished for was the same as everyone else - peace. Even though their thoughts or speech of freedom couldn't be accepted, they wished their family to be with them instead of fighting the war and not returning home. It was ultimately their loyalty towards the Royal Emperor that the war was inevitable.

The movie title is Our Mother, Kabei pronounced as Ka - bear. And the father is Tobei ( Toe - bear). The 2 girls, Hatsu Bei (Ha - seut- bear) and Teru bei ( Dei - Lu - Bear). They sounded like a bear family. The little touch of bringing the family ties is the whole idea of this movie. Although at the end, Kabei had the greatest regret, but as a mother, the sacrifices she made for her children made her worthwhile.

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 If Germany would to rule the whole of Europe and Japan, the whole of Asia, what has America left with?

Black And White (Bianco E Nero)

2009-05-08T19:34:00.008+08:00

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Language: Italian

Director: Cristina Comencini

Cast: Fabio Volo, Ambra Angiolini, Aissa Maga

Runtime: 104 minutes

Plot:

Carlo and Elena are a loving couple with a daughter they adore. Racial integration is Elenas passion, not only filling her working days as a cultural mediator assisting immigrants, but spilling over into her home life as well. All too often her daughter and her husband Carlo must attend evening charity events where they feel distinctly out of place. During one of these evenings, Carlo meets Nadine, a beautiful and sensuous African woman, wife of one of Elena's colleagues.

Watched the movie during The 19th European Union Film Festival @ GV Vivo on 8 May night.

I'm wondering how serious or bad the situation is, even now for those Caucasian countries to be racist. The stereotype mindset of a black woman with white apron is equal to a maid, or a whore if found talking to a white man.

Even in those American mainstream movies, Blacks are always drug-traffickers, Chineses or Koreans are always the laundromats, while Indians are always the convenience store owners. When will such mindset change?

Back to the movie, the racist issue ranged from the little kids' Barbie dolls to Grandfather's old memories. Is it really because of the different colour skin that differs one from the rest? All I know is that since the human race cannot change what skin colour is being given, the same skin colour somehow unite and protect themselves. But when 2 different races get together as one, why just can't we treat them like they are the same?

The message across all board is - no matter what colour you are, when there is love, you simply fall into it. Although you may be married, with children, sometimes love just can't be resist. At first, you may question if there is real love or is it just affection? It is only when you lost it then you will realise you truly love what is lost. But is it too late by then?

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 I don't mind a love affair with a charming white man too. Any takers?

Horsemen

2009-05-03T14:23:00.003+08:00

Genre: Violence and Disturbing Scenes

Language: English

Director: Jonas Akerlund

Cast: Dennis Quaid (Yours, Mine & Ours), Zhang Ziyi (Forever Enthralled),

Running Time: 90 minutes

Official Site: http://www.horsemenmovie.com/

Plot:

At home, hardened police detective Aidan Breslin has grown increasingly distant from his two young sons Alex and Sean since the death of his wife. At work, he finds himself thrust into an investigation of perverse serial killings rooted in the Biblical prophecy of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: The White Horsemen, a master of deception and the unexpected leader hell-bent on conquest; The Red Horsemen, a sharp-witted warrior intent on turning man against man, with an innocence that hides a burning rage within; The Black Horsemen, a manipulative and dark tyrant, unbalanced but always one step ahead; and The Pale Horsemen, an executioner with disarming strength, determined to spread death through surgical precision. As Breslin grapples with each new revelation in the case, he slowly discovers a shocking connection between himself and the four suspects.

Watched the movie on 2 May night @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

I never thought I would watch this movie. I was never a fan of horror that's why when I first saw the trailer, I meant to pass this one. However, I still give the movie a try after Vanessa told me about the story outline which attracted me.

With much preparation (for my weak heart), I watched the movie. Throughout the movie, there were many bloody scenes, frightening music backgrounds, all these factors got me all tensed up, in order not to be scared off my seat.

Every movie has a hidden story behind it, no exception for this. Somehow, it reminded me of the other movie - Seven, that was made many years ago. Same genre, same impact, same feeling. Is it always families you are neglecting when you have invested too much in your work?

This movie brought my attention to the topic of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death. I did a look up and understand a bit more. The "killers" in this movie perfectly deploy the concept into their scheme of torturing their victims, some even ended up dying to leave the impression deeper.

However, I was hoping for more intense investigation job, to reveal the truth, rather than one of them owing up giving hints and clues to the role Dennis Quaid was portraying. And the ending was kinda of sudden too.

ah-deng says: 4 /5 Come and see, especially if you are a workaholic parent.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

2009-04-30T20:19:00.006+08:00

Genre: Action/ Adventure

Language: English

Director: Gavin Hood (Rendition)

Cast: Hugh Jackman (Australia), Liev Schreiber (Defiance), Danny Huston, Ryan Reynolds(Definitely, Maybe)

Runtime: 108 min

Plot:

In this prequel to the successful X-Men franchise, Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) lives a mutant life, and struggles to unlock the secrets to his past. Set in the 1960s and 70s, the movie portrays Wolverine’s hunt for revenge against the villain responsible for the death of his girlfriend. Logan will ultimately take his search even further when he learns the full truth of his origin, while also heading in a bold, new direction.

Watched the movie on 30 April night @ GV Vivo with Sylvia.

I'm not a X-Men fan though, the is my 2nd X-men film. Thus as a general public point of view, the movie is full of actions and special effects. It tells how Wolverine became un-destroyable by going through the mutant Weapon X program, and the main man of all the mutants.

As this is supposed to be the prequel of X-Men, the story bring us all back to the last century, for which Wolverine and Sabertooth serve the country by fighting wars. As they don't die, they just keep fighting different wars, probably from American Civil War to World War I to World War II to maybe even the Vietnam War since I couldn't tell the timeline from the different uniforms they wore.

Good thing is, it has romance, betrayal, vengeance, action, a touch of immortality... All the good elements are there in the right doses. However, the only flaw I want to point out is, age is really catches up with all human. One day after I watched Wolverine, I saw an interview of Hugh Jackman on TV for his role as Wolverine in The Last Stand. He looked slightly younger, lesser wrinkles on his face. Thus the imperfectness occurs. Luckily Harry Porter is shot gradually as those kids grown up. Else the characters will probably be portrayed by different actors in order to be convincing.

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 I think I may have missed the 2nd post credits scenes... if I read correctly.

252 Signal of Life

2009-04-25T18:33:00.007+08:00

Genre: Action

Language: Japanese

Director: Nobuo Mizuta

Cast: Ito Hideaki (Umizaru), Uchino Masaaki, Takayuki Yamada (Crows: Episode 0), Yu Kashii (Death Note)

Runtime: 128 minutes

Plot:

A few weeks after a gigantic earthquake struck Tokyo, the temperature of the Pacific Ocean suddenly increased and caused a tremendous typhoon! The largest typhoon ever in Japan heads towards Tokyo with devastating force. The tidal wave generated by the typhoon covers the coastal city area with water. The Tokyo Fire Department dispatches its elite rescue unit, Hyper Rescue, and their sonar picks up a signal from underwater. Beneath the ground, in one devastated subway station, there is someone sending out a code which is known to rescuers only: 252 252 "We have survivors!In the extreme situation, a rescue party tries to save the survivors at the risk of their own lives. In the face of death, a daring rescue operation is to be carried out, intersecting with many dramas of family, love, pride, and human life.

Watched the movie on 25 April night @ GV Vivo with Sylvia.

The movie depicts the endeavors of humans in the extreme conditions in the aftermath of a disaster. For a country like Japan whose geographical location is pruned to the natural disasters, I can't helped but to feel relieved that I don't have to go through these turmoils.

The Tsunami scenes for the movie made huge impact. I could imagine what happened to Phuket a few years ago after seeing those scenes. For the Tokyo flood sequence, the tremendous amounts of water were poured onto the sets to create a flash flood, achieving the horror of a flood that can't be depicted with the CG. CG was used in the scenes of tidal waves swallowing up the Tokyo bay area to actualize the awesome force of nature. Impressive!

Ito Hideaki has became the spokesman for all uniform occupation, thus when he wore a suit and worked in a car showroom, it just didn't feel right. He looked extremely convincing in no matter what kind of uniform. Maybe he can try to be a postman, technician, mechanic, or even a plumber in his next project.

However, I felt the movie was too safe and draggy. I wasn't moved in terms of emotion, compared to Knowing, which 252 - Signal of life failed to do so. I thought if the main man was to sacrifice instead of him walking out steadily, carrying his ex-colleague, seem more realistic. It would probably earned more tears from the audience.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 It is fate that brings one disaster, it is destiny that bring one hero to rescue.

Gu Gu the Cat

2009-04-25T18:27:00.006+08:00

Genre: Drama/ Fantasy

Language: Japanese

Director: Inudo Isshin (Yellow Tears)

Cast: Koizumi Kyoko (Tokyo Sonata), Ueno Juri (Rainbow Song), Kase Ryo (10 Promises to my Dog)

Runtime: 116 minutes

Plot:

Asako, a comic book artist in her early forties, is devastated by the death of her precious cat, Saba, which kept her company for over 15 years, as her assistant Naomi watches on with concern. Naomi is a young woman in her early twenties, who has her set of worries about love and future. Then one day, Asako meets a new cat, Goo-goo, which brings new joy and vitality to her life. What is more, she finds potential for love in a man named Seiji. Like Asako, Naomi, too, embarks on a new life plan.

Watched the movie on 25 April evening @ GV Vivo with Sylvia.

After watching dogs, pig, now comes the cat. So what's next?

It is all about a woman, a gentle yet talented but lonely woman. Thus her pet made her life full. The little kitten truly is endearing. Although I'm not a cat lover, it did put a smile on my face.

The 4 assistants' performance helped a lot in the movie, without them, I bet I would have fall asleep. Thus I guess this story should be made into drama instead. Then the extension of each character could be developed and the story would be more detail.

From a manga to a movie, this is not the 1st one. But with a cat, it may not be simple. However, it failed to hook me towards the end, which i felt disappointed.

ah-deng says: 2½ / 5 What's with the long-haired narrator? So extra....

Magique!

2009-04-24T22:10:00.004+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: French

Director: Philippe Muyl (The Butterfly)

Cast: Marie Gillain, Louis Dussol, Holly O'Brien

Runtime: 91mins

Official Website: http://www.magique-lefilm.fr/

Plot:

On an isolated farm live Betty and her 10-year-old son Tommy. Tommy rarely sees his mother happy and he would love to see a smile light up her face, but how? One day he discovers that a circus is coming to town. But, due to legal technicalities, they are forbidden to set up their tent in the town. Certain that he has found the solution, Tommy seizes the opportunity and succeeds in convincing his mother to welcome the circus onto their property. The caravans come in and set up in the field next to the farm house. But another problem arises: Bingo, the man in charge of transporting the main tent got lost along the way, and without the tent, there cannot be a show. While all the performers are waiting for the tent to arrive, Tommy gets the opportunity to learn a little bit about the joyful life of transients. Slowly, love begins for two lonely hearts.

Watched the movie on 24 April evening @ The Picturehouse with Vanessa.

A french movie that has the bollywood factor without the dancing. Strong children musical presence. The songs in the movie are linked and the story is told by lots of singing.

The child actor left me good impression. He is matured yet he possessed curiosity like every child has. The bonding between the son and the single-mum, reminds me of someone... The crews of the circus taught young Tommy tricks and life.

Being friends is probably the most important thing for young Tommy who had no father and siblings. How many children could experience the fact that the whole circus crew staying at your house?

It has been a long time since I watched such a movie that does not require much thinking. But will I still remember it after 2 weeks?

ah-deng says: 2½ / 5 A french musical in the form of movie. Wanna try some fried cricket in honey?

28th Hong Kong Film Awards

2009-04-20T11:59:00.006+08:00

The HKFA is the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong and among the most respected in Mainland China and Taiwan. This year's HKFA was held on Sunday, 19 April. The winners are:

最佳電影 Best Film

葉問 Ip Man

最佳導演 Best Director

許鞍華（天水圍的日與夜）Ann Hui On Wah (The Way We Are)

最佳男主角 Best Actor

張家輝（証人）Nick Cheung Ka Fai (The Beast Stalker)

最佳女主角 Best Actress

鮑起靜（天水圍的日與夜）Paw Hee Ching (The Way We Are)

最佳男配角 Best Supporting Actor

廖啟智（証人）Liu Kai Chi (The Beast Stalker)

最佳女配角 Best Supporting Actress

陳麗雲（天水圍的日與夜）Chan Lai Wun (The Way We Are)

最佳新演員 Best New Performer
徐嬌（長江7號）Xu Jiao (CJ 7)

最佳亞洲電影 Best Asian Film

集結號 (Assembly)

终身成就奖 Lifetime Achievement Award

萧芳芳 Josephine Siao

Revolutionary Road

2009-04-19T15:32:00.005+08:00

Genre: Drama

Language: English

Director: Sam Mendes (Jarhead)

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Body of Lies), Kate Winslet (The Reader), Michael Shannon (World Trade Center)

Runtime: 119 min

Plot:

Set in 1955, Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet) are a young, thriving couple living with their two children in a Connecticut suburb. Their self-assured exterior masks a creeping frustration at their inability to feel fulfilled in their relationships or careers. Frank is mired in a well-paying but boring office job, and April is a housewife still mourning the demise of her hoped-for acting career. Determined to identify themselves as superior to the mediocre sprawl of suburbanites who surround them, they decide to move to France where they will be better able to develop their true artistic sensibilities, free of the consumerist demands of capitalist America. As their relationship deteriorates into an endless cycle of squabbling, jealousy and recriminations, their trip and their dreams of self-fulfillment are thrown into jeopardy.

Watched the movie on 19 April afternoon @ The Cathay with Sylvia.

Everyone thought that the Wheelers were the extraordinary, trendy and modern couple everyone wished to be. But behind their doors, they were unhappy. However, many issues contributed to the the unhappiness and they struggled to get out of it.

April Wheeler wanted to leave and changed her life, Frank Wheeler agreed but changed his mind. Weren't compromising and commitment factors in an marriage? Where did those gone to? If they were there, the ending probably will not be that dark. And one part where April told her husband: "No one forgets the truth, Frank, they just get better at lying." I got engraved with those words in my head.

One of their family friend, John Givings played by Michael Shannon, almost over-shadowed the couple. I had deep impression on him playing the role - a psychologically unstable son, who stole just about every scene he was in. And I believe that no matter he is mentally stable or not, he pointed out something interesting and I kind of agree -:

"You want to play house you got to have a job. You want to play nice house, very sweet house, you got to have a job you don't like. "

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 Definitely not the typical romance nor wholesome family movie, are you able to face reality?

17 Again

2009-04-19T15:31:00.020+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: English

Director: Burr Stears

Cast: Zac Efron (High School Musical 3: Senior Year), Leslie Mann (The 40-Year-Old Virgin), Thomas Lennon (Hancock), Matthew Perry (The Whole Ten Yards)

Runtime: 102mins

Plot:

Class of 1989, Mike ODonnell is a star on his high school basketball court with a college scout in the stands and a bright future in his grasp. But instead, he decides to throw it all away to share his life with his girlfriend Scarlett and the baby he just learned they are expecting. Almost 20 years later, Mikes glory days are decidedly behind him. His marriage to Scarlett has fallen apart, he has been passed over for a promotion at work, his teenage kids think he is a loser, and he has been reduced to crashing with his high school nerd-turned-techno-billionaire best friend Ned. But Mike is given another chance when he is miraculously transformed back to the age of 17.

Watched the movie on 18 April evening @ Cathay AMK Hub with Sylvia.

Doesn't everyone wish to be able to go back to the days where they were the happiest? For me, of course! ? However, when is the best age to go back?

What if you do not have a choice but could only go back to the time where you are suppose to make up for the regret moment or remake certain decision. But all these dreams could only happen if there is a fairy who could grant one this wish. And we all know that such fairies only appear in fictions or dreams.

I'm glad that the main lead realized that his return as a younger person was not for himself, it was for his family. He guided his children and rekindled his love with his ex-wife. It make him realized that the decision he made in the past was not regretted. But why did he only realize that when he could have did it with returning to his youth? The only way to explain is probably that one needs to pull oneself out of the situation to better judge the situation.

So why dream about going back to the past and reminisce it? We should keep it in our heart and move on with our life and work towards a better future as you may not know, the "golden" age will keep changing when we look back to our life.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Matthew Perry does not seem to be the right casting for Zac Efron's older version, what about Chris O'Donnell?

Crossing Over

2009-04-17T16:42:00.008+08:00

Genre:Drama

Language: English
Director: Wayne Kramer

Cast: Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta (Battle in Seattle)

Runtime: 113mins

Plot:

Crossing Over is a multi-character canvas about immigrants of different nationalities struggling to achieve legal status in Los Angeles. The film deals with the border, document fraud, the asylum and green card process, work-site enforcement, naturalization, the office of counter terrorism and the clash of cultures.

Watched the movie on 17 April night @ GV Vivo Europa with Sylvia, Dorris & Andy.

Will you give up anything and everything for a status for be an American Citizen? Will you betray yourself to remain in the free country? Will you risk your life even you know you will be deported whenever you are being caught?

Mexicans, Chinese, Palestinian, Australian, Persian, Koreans, all are desperate to leave their homeland and find means to stay in America, legal or illegal. These immigrants all have dreams, but not all the time, everyone can have their dreams come true. Especially when the situation involve human emotion and law enforcement.

While all the characters in the movie cross each other's path, it is all about family. No matter how hard one strives, to go or leave, to feel belonged or abandoned. When one feel lost, it is family that find you and brings you home.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Probably one of the most powerful, heart wrenching immigrant stories.

BATTLE IN SEATTLE

2009-04-12T00:07:00.007+08:00

Genre: Drama

Director: Stuart Townsend
Cast: Charlize Theron (Hancock), Woody Harrelson (Seven pounds), Michelle Rodriguez (Fast & Furious)

Runtime: 100mins

Plot:

Based on one of the most incendiary political uprisings in a generation, Battle in Seattle looks at the five days that rocked the world in 1999 as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in protest on the World Trade Organization. Activists arrive in Seattle, Washington to protest. Riots and chaos ensue as demonstrators successfully stop the WTO meetings.What began as a peaceful protest intended to stop the WTO talks quickly escalated into a full-scale riot and eventual State of Emergency that squared off peaceful and unarmed protesters against the Seattle Police Department and the National Guard.

Watched the movie on 11th April night @ The Cathay Picturehouse with Sylvia.

Protesting for rights to be addressed, protesting for personal interests, wanting their voices to be heard, stop the conference so that the rest of the World knows. This is what the whole movie is about.

The movie brings together a talented ensemble to tell the different points of view from protesters and police to delegates and doctors - each of whom intentionally or accidentally find themselves on the streets of Seattle in those last days of the millennium. The director also seamlessly merges footage of the real event with his fictional narrative. Ultimately, Battle in Seattle illustrates that even against incredible odds, ordinary people can change the world.

In the movie, the protesters kept chanting their believes - The World is watching. Although they knew that whatever they were doing may not achieve what they wanted to achieve, but they still wanted to be a part of it and believed that they can do it one day, not giving up. We all know that those commitments are hard to keep yet we still want to hold on to our believes.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Sacrifices have to be made in order to have your rights back.

Knowing

2009-04-10T18:32:00.005+08:00

Genre: Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller

Language: English

Director: Alex Proyas (I, Robot)

Cast: Nicolas Cage(National Treasure: Book of Secrets), Rose Byrne (Troy) & Chandler Canterbury (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)

Runtime: 122 min

Plot:

In 1958, as part of the dedication ceremony for a new elementary school, a group of students is asked to draw pictures to be stored in a time capsule. But one mysterious girl fills her sheet of paper with rows of apparently random numbers instead. Fifty years later, a new generation of students examines the capsule's contents and the girl's cryptic message ends up in the hands of young Caleb Koestler. But it is Caleb's father, professor John Koestler, who makes the startling discovery that the encoded message predicts with pinpoint accuracy the dates, death tolls and coordinates of every major disaster of the past 50 years.

Watched the movie on 10 April evening @ Filmgarde Bugis with Sylvia.

I was on alert during the whole movie. I am really not into any movies that scare me out. Although this movie is not a horror movie, the sound effects really freak me out!

I extremely like the 2 disasters scenes, which were so real that made me believe that the real thing happened. The aftershock after seeing these 2 tragedies made me realise that, Thank God I'm safe and sound till now! I couldn't imagine further...

Nicholas Cage did a reasonably good performance. His interaction with the kid actor was quite convincing. The fatherly touch towards his son, reminding him they will be forever together every now and then, no matter where or what happen, letting him go and assured him again. How many parents out there are willing to be apart with their children?

The ultimate message of this movie is probably the hot issue these days - Global Warming. If we were to continue wasting, the ending may probably happened to our Mother Earth. And our children of the future, what will happen to them? Although the movie lead to slight disappointment at the end, somehow we just couldn't blame the writers for making the ending that way as they probably already ran out of better ideas.

ah-deng says: 3½ /5 Would be good if the creativeness last till the end, but it was better than not "Knowing".

Handsome Suit

2009-04-09T22:57:00.007+08:00

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Language: Japanese

Director: Tsutomu Hanabusa

Cast: Muga Tsukaji (DRUNKDRAGON), Shosuke Tanihara (Boys over flowers), Keiko Kitagawa (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift)

Runtime: 115mins

Plot:

Diner owner Takuro (Tsukaji Muga) is the star in the kitchen with his fabulous cooking skills, but his below-average appearances make him a dud with the ladies. While renting a tux for his friend’s wedding, Takuro ends up with a “handsome suit” that magically transforms him into a tall and dashing hunk (Tanihara Shosuke)! Suddenly, the world’s at Takuro’s feet as he becomes the hottest male model on the scene and the apple of every woman’s eyes. But it’s not so easy juggling two lives, especially when his suit keeps threatening to malfunction and reveal his true face.

Watched the movie on 9 April late night @ GV Vivo with Sylvia.

A fairy tale-like story, but sad to admit that in the real world, appearance does play a great role in the name of judgement. Although the movie brings out the message not to judge a person by his appearance, it is very tough not to practice that in real life. We are always more attracted to better looking guys, prettier girls, beautiful scenery. Extra time is needed for those less attractive ones to get our attention.

Despite this fact, we are hopeful that one day we are able to hide behind a shield and become somebody else in disguise. However, no one should feel inferior of himself as no matter how he looks, as long as his conscious is clear and he is sincere to everyone who is sincere towards him. Everyone has got dream and they are entitled to dream, regardless how they look.

This comedy is good for relaxing your hard day of work. Always bear in mind that the essential success factor is never the looks. It is the heart...

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 I do not find the fat man ugly. He has his own charm, but probably needs a haircut and style his hair a bit.

The Sniper

2009-04-09T21:25:00.004+08:00

Genre: Action

Language: Mandarin

Director: Dante Lam(The Twins Effect)

Cast: Richie Jen(Seoul Raiders), Edison Chen (The Dark Knight), Huang Xiaoming (The Banquet)

Runtime: 87min

Plot:

Ming (Richie Ren) is renowned as the top shooter in the police force. But behind the legend lies a skeleton in the closet: his former teammate and superb marksman Ching (Huang Xiaoming), who was jailed for accidentally killing a hostage, has just been released. With only vengeance in his mind, Ching determines to take on Ming and the police, believing they are the real culprits for his downfall. When a high-security prisoner transfer is sabotaged by a mysterious sniper and a major convict has escaped, Ming and his team are dispatched to profile the suspect. O (Edison Chen), the hot-headed rookie on the team, surprises everyone by accurately replicating the suspect’s impossible shots.

Watched the movie on 9 April evening @ GV Vivo.

This was made and scheduled to release last May but was delayed for almost a year due to Edison's photo scandal. I bet the feeling then and now must be far different for Edison Chan as he was aiming for his role but now, he could be a target.

I have never seen any projects from Huang Xiaoming. I felt he was a bit too good looking for his role. How on earth could someone with his look got landed on the wanted list poster? Perhaps it may be more convincing if he portrayed the role in a more rogue way.

As for Edison Chan, he reminded me of his role in Infernal Affairs when he wore the policeman uniform. Too bad, his running posture gave him away, if only he is better-built.

There were lots of bullets scenes. One thing I liked about the movie is the theme - Sniper. Whenever i watched war films, I liked Sniper's job as they always the calm, disciplined solders. They are always preying their target and in this movie, I was shown to more of Sniper's shooting. They work with temperature, wind speed & Direction, and used decoy tactics to lure target.

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Should be made into drama version as there wasn't no much rooms for story development with only 87 minutes.

School Days With A Pig

2009-04-04T21:47:00.007+08:00

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Language: Japanese

Director: Tetsu Maeda

Cast: Satoshi Tsumabuki (Tears for you泪光闪闪) , Mieko Harada, Tomoko Tabata, Ren Osugi (Nightmare Detective) , Yumi Shimizu, Miu Naraki

Runtime: 109mins

Plot:

Elementary school teacher Mr. Hoshi (Satoshi Tsumabuki) comes to class at the start of term with an unexpected friend in tow: a pig, which he informs his students that they will be raising over the course of the year and then eating. Under the watchful eye of the kindly school principal (Mieko Harada) and her disapproving deputy (Ren Osugi), the kids take to the task with aplomb, christening their new charge “P-Chan” and building her a sty in the school playground. But as the year wears on, many start to have doubts about whether they can turn the class pet into pork chops.

Watched the movie on 4th April late night @ Cineleisure with Sylvia.

As always it is very interesting to watch children movie. Sometimes you thought they talk things ridiculously, sometimes they oppose maturely, sometimes their tears touch your heart, sometimes their laughter puts a smile on you. And there are 26 children in this movie to talk about, and most importantly, the main character - P chan, a class project and a pig.

There are many films featured about dogs, which are relatively easier animals to train and control for movie making. For pigs, all I know is Babe and CG did help a lot during Babe's filming. Not sure how they did it but I am for sure impressed with School Days as the Children in the movie aided alot for the making of the movie with this piggy.

The director gave his cast space to work with the material, and parts of the film have a loose, semi-improvised feel to them. The 4 class debates, 2 voting rounds, and numerous individuals confronting to decide the fate of the pig brings audiences into their project as well, by helping them to decide if P chan should be send to the meat centre or to let the juniors adopt her?

I feel that school play a big part of children's life when they are growing up. They spend most of the day time in school thus it is their sources for most of their knowledge and thoughts. They bring these back home and interact to their families. In the movie, I felt extremely pleasant when parents who initially refuse the idea of keeping P chan, slowly became interested and discussed the situations with their children by showing concerns.

I'm sure the teachers and the children learned a lot from this project, regardless the cast or the true class where this story was written from, as I believe I have learn a lot from this movie too. This experience definitely is going to be in their memories forever. I kind of regretted that I forgotten my box of tissue...

ah-deng says: 4½ /5 Highly recommended! Bring on the bacon… or not.

Fast And Furious 4

2009-04-04T21:13:00.008+08:00

Genre: Action-Thriller

Language: English
Director: Justin Lin (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift)

Cast: Vin Diesel (Babylon A.D.), Paul Walker (Flags of Our Fathers), Michelle Rodriguez (S.W.A.T.), Jordana Brewster

Runtime: 106 min

Plot:

Heading back to the streets where it all began, two men rejoin two women to blast muscle, tuner and exotic cars across Los Angeles and floor through the Mexican desert. When a crime brings them back to L.A., fugitive ex-con Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel reignites his feud with agent Brian O'Connor. But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, Dom and Brian must give in to an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmaneuver him. And from convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of what's possible behind the wheel.

Watched the movie on 4th April evening @ The Cathay with Sylvia.

My 1st time being late for the movie. I was late for about 15 - 20 min.... missed the part whereby Letty was killed...

I was hoping for more racing but felt not enough, not sure was it because i have missed the front part. Still prefer the 1st few episode whereby there were many racing scenes, the ones in this sequel was more of the tunnel chase...

Paul Walker and Vin Diesel were still cool, portraying the racer roles. The cars used this time round not too fantastic.... Was quite disappointed that it was a more revenge approach.

ah-deng says: 2 / 5 I heard from Sylvia that TVXQ's song was played in the beginning, too bad i missed it, will catch it again on TV soon.

Shinjuku Incident

2009-04-04T01:03:00.005+08:00

Genre: Action, Drama

Language: Mandarin

Director: Derek Yee

Cast: Jackie Chan (Rush Hour 3), Daniel Wu (Protégé 門徒), Naoto Takenaka(Twentieth Century Boys: Chapter One), Xu Jinglei (The Warlords 投名状)

Runtime: 120 min

Website / Trailer: http://shinjukuincident.emp.hk/en_main.html　

Plot:

In the early 1990s, a tractor mechanic from China nicknamed Steelhead (Jackie Chan) enters Japan illegally, in search of his girlfriend Xiu Xiu (Xu Jinglei). Steelhead and his friend, Jie (Daniel Wu) meet in the busy Shinjuku district of Tokyo and take manual labouring jobs to earn money. When Steelhead finds out that Xiu Xiu has married a Japanese Yakuza leader named Eguchi (Kato Masaya), he decides to remain in Japan. To obtain citizenship, he agrees to work for Eguchi as a killer, but quickly becomes used to the power. Soon he has become embroiled so deeply in the ways of the yakuza that there is no turning back.

Watched the movie on 3 April night @ The Grand Cathay with Sylvia & Vanessa.

The title of the movie misled me. I thought the incident was going to be or will be showing a huge gang fight at Shinjuku. Although there was the action, but not what I have expected.

Finally a movie which Jackie Chan does not fight that much. I felt that he can't always be the best fighter in a movie, as if not one will even win him. This movie seems more realistic in this aspect. Sometimes, brotherhood stuff needs more than fist and exchanging blows here and there.

There was a scene, when Daniel Wu's role as Ah Jie brought Jackie Chan (who had walked 2 days before reaching their home) to a bath at the bath-house. Both men were naked from the back and audience could see the great difference between the 2 men. One has smooth, clear skin while the other, spotted, tan skin.... Even men got give away the age through their skin.

The movie tells a story whereby immigrant struggle to survive in an unfamiliar country and got involve with the local ruffians. In fact, other than in Japanese movies, not many other language movies covers the topic of Yakuza which was quite sensitive.

ah-deng says: 4 /5 It has been a long time to see Jackie Chan in a non-Hollywood Movie, and he is not required to fight that much, what else to watch? Go find out.

3rd Asian Film Awards

2009-04-02T17:10:00.008+08:00

The Asian Film Awards are presented annually by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society to recognize excellence of film professionals in the film industries of Asian Cinema.

This year the Awards Presentation Ceremony was on March 23, 2009 and the winners are:

Best Film

Tokyo Sonata (The Netherlands / Japan / Hong Kong)

Best Director

KORE-EDA Hirokazu - Still Walking (Japan)

Best Actor

MOTOKI Masahiro - Departures (Japan)

Best Actress

ZHOU Xun - The Equation of Love and Death (The Chinese Mainland)

Best Newcomer

YU Shao-qun - Forever Enthralled (The Chinese Mainland)

Best Supporting Actor

JUNG Woo-sung - The Good, the Bad, the Weird (South Korea)

Best Supporting Actress

Gina PARENO - Service (The Philippines)

Climber's High

2009-03-28T16:50:00.008+08:00

Genre: Drama
Language: Japanese
Director: Masato Harada (The Last Samurai)
Cast: Shinichi Tsutsumi (Suspect X), Masato Sakai, Machiko Ono
Runtime: 145

Plot:

On August 12, 1985, Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashed into the ridge of Mt Takamagahara, on Osutaka Ridge in Gunma Prefecture. 524 passengers turned to 4 survivors and 520 fatalities, making the accident the biggest single-plane accident in the world. Kazumasa Yuki (Shinichi Tsutsumi), a roving reporter working for the North Kanto newspaper was preparing to climb Mt. Tanigawa with a colleague when the news of the crash got out. In the ensuing excitement and chaos in the newsroom, Yuki is given the go-ahead to cover the story and receives tremendous pressure to beat out competing news organizations to be the first with the scoop. Much of the film revolves around Yuki's difficulty in balancing his duty as a reporter against the backdrop of such a staggering human tragedy and the subsequent conflicts with colleagues as he tries to deal with the event in the most journalistically responsible way possible.

Watched the movie on 28 Mar evening @ GV Vivo Europa with Sylvia.

Before I watch the movie, I thought I was about to watch a disastrous movie on how the plane was to crash and how to revive of the tragedy. And thought the main lead could be the pilot or hero who rescued the survivals.

I only found out I was mistaken almost immediately when the movie begin. The male lead was the appointed chief to cover the crash of the airplane that happened in a relatively small and quiet town where only sports news would made headlines. The movie took the approach at the impact the country's worst airplane disaster had on a local newspaper as shock, excitement and chaos swirled around.

As this happened back in the 80s, I feel like travelling back in time as the fashion and props used brought back memories. There were no computers, laptops, mobile phones, blackberries... Journalism was all about pen, pencil, paper and photographs. The reporters went out all their life to get the scoop and find means of way to have the scoop reported back to the publisher.Sweat, blood, life, all bet into it. Kudos to these people!

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 The duration was a bit too long I felt.

Confessions Of A Shopaholic

2009-03-28T00:30:00.005+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: English

Director: P.J. Hogan (My Best Friend's Wedding)

Cast: Isla Fisher (Wedding Daze), Hugh Dancy (Black Hawk Down)

Runtime: 104mins

Official Website: http://www.ShopaholicMovie.com

Plot:

Struggling with her debilitating obsession with shopping and the sudden collapse of her income source, Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) unintentionally lands a job writing for a financial magazine after a drunken letter-mailing mix-up. Ironically writing about the very consumer caution of which she herself has not abide, Rebecca's innovative comparisons and unconventional metaphors for economics grants her critical acclaim, public success, and the admiration of her supportive boss Luke (Hugh Dancy). But as she draws closer to her ultimate goal of writing for renowned fashion magazine Alette, she questions her true ambitions and must determine if overcoming her "shopaholic" condition will bring her real happiness.

Watched the movie on 27 Mar night @ The Cathay Grand with Sylvia.

There was definitely more female audiences than male audiences when I watched the movie. Think the theme "Shopping" really draws the female crowd. However, the amount of shopping items are not as much compared with The Devil who wears Prada and Sex & The City.

I like how Rebecca always gets away from her debt collectors, her mistakes, her lies. Everything seems deliberate yet falls in place nicely, her luck never runs out of it. Although she could speak Prada, Finnish, but the best part is she speaks to mannequins whenever she walks pass the windows...

Should we start to practise to ask ourselves "Do I really need this" before buying the next pair of shoes, bag, or dress?

ah-deng says: 3 / 5 Everyone has got the Shopaholic illness in them, it is a matter of the art of control

Taken

2009-03-26T13:27:00.008+08:00

Genre: Action, Thriller
Language: English, French Albanian and Arabic
Director: Pierre Morel
Cast: Liam Neeson (Batman Begins), Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen (X-Men: The Last Stand), Xander Berkeley
Runtime: 94mins

Plot:

The seventeen year-old Kim (Maggie Grace) is the pride and joy of her father, the retired agent Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) that left the secret service to stay near Kim in California. Kim lives with her mother Lenore (Famke Janssen) and her wealthy stepfather Stuart (Xander Berkeley); she convinces the reluctant Bryan to sign an authorization to travel to Paris with her friend Amanda. When they arrive, they share a cab with the stranger Peter and Amanda tells to him that they are alone in Paris. When Bryan succeeds in contacting his daughter, she tells that criminals have just break in the spot and they are kidnapped by an Albanese gang of human trafficking. Bryan promises in the phone to kill the kidnapper of his daughter and immediately travels to Paris to find Kim and chase the criminals.

Watched the movie on 24 Mar late night @ KL Berjaya Time Square with Vanessa.

A father who wanted to make up his relationship with his daughter who lived with her mother since the parents were separated. Upon knowing that his precious daughter was kidnapped by baddies, he used his occupational knowledge to rescue her. The most memorable part that he said to the kidnapper was: "I don't know who you are, I don't know what you want, but if you don't let my daughter go, I will find you, I will kill you."

Another impression was that the action part reminds me of someone similiar. Just like Jackie Chan's Police story, whereby he also know where the baddies will comeby, how to detect danger, cause damage to his opponent but need not kill them...

Overall, a good action movie to watch since there isn't much good ones these few weeks. Again, this movie focused a lot on Paris, France that drew my attention. Of course, the wits of getting to the baddies and action-pack movie does keep me glued to the chair. Thumbs up for Liam Neeson's good performance.

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 Lesson learned - do not share cab with anyone.

The International

2009-03-26T13:02:00.016+08:00

Genre: Thriller

Language: English

Director: Tom Tykwer (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer)

Cast: Clive Owen (Elizabeth: The Golden Age), Naomi Watts (King Kong), Armin Mueller-Stahl, Brian F. O’Byrne

Runtime: 118

Plot:

Interpol agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) and Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) are determined to bring to justice one of the world's most powerful banks, the International Bank of Business and Credit (IBBC). Uncovering illegal activities including money laundering, arms trading, and the destabilization of governments, Salinger and Whitman's investigation takes them from Berlin to Milan to Istanbul. Finding themselves in a high-stakes chase across the globe, their relentless tenacity puts their own lives at risk as the bank will stop at nothing - even murder - to continue financing terror and war.

Watched the movie on 23 Mar late night @ Genting First World Cineplex with Vanessa.

Spend 2 hours and you can visit Berlin, Milan, New York, Luxembourg, Istanbul all at one go. And guess what, after watching this, I though I was watching Bourne the 4th episode.

Imagine that whenever you thought you were able to solve the case with someone willing to witness, the someone got missing or killed. The movie was unexpectedly very conversational, many dialogues. A slight distraction may leads to not able to understand the flow of the intense action. Although certain parts of the movie surprised and amused me, but when the movie got to the 2nd half, I began to check my watch to see the time and wished the movie could just quickly end.

Clive Owen did a just pass job in this movie I felt. A pity is that the lead actress - Naomi Watts, who looked exactly like Nicole Kidman, did not really deliver much in the movie. I felt her being extra in the movie. The movie could do without her involvement.

Maybe I have expected too much before watching the movie, thus was quite disappointed after watching. Probably because such topics are sensitive and the movie may fail to capture the audiences.

ah-deng says: 1½ / 5 Credits only to the Europe and Art Museum tour.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop

2009-03-21T23:44:00.006+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: English

Director: Steve Carr (Daddy Day Care)

Cast: Kevin James (I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry), Jayma Mays, Keir O’Donnell, Bobby Cannavale, Stephen Rannazzisi, Shirley Knight

Runtime: 92mins

Plot:

Paul Blart is a mild-mannered, dutiful family man who works as a security guard in a New Jersey mall. For years, he has applied to become a cop, but he always fails the physical exam because he is overweight. One day, a gang of organized criminals put the mall under siege and take hostages. Blart becomes trapped inside, and because of his sense of duty, refuses to leave. He thus becomes the police department's eyes on the inside and attempts to stop the criminals on his own.

Watched the movie on 21 March night @ GV Max Vivo with Sylvia.

Very typical heroic comedy, just that the hero is an oversize security officer who is very devoted to become a cop one day. But I was not too convinced with this oversize man being that able though. But no matter how fat you are, when your love ones are in danger, you just have to push your limit to save the day.

The other main character is the "electric-scooter". I hope the sales of this scooter will increase after seeing how it helps the heavy officer to nab all the baddies.

There wasn't much surprises, except for the 2 villain roles. The main attraction was in fact using youngsters tricks such as skate-boards, extreme cycling, stunts to rob the shopping mall. I can't help by wondering if I ever own a shopping mall of mine and I could just use everything in the mall. (Only in my dream)

ah-deng says: 2½ / 5 Another family-get-together-and-watch type of movie.

Dragonball Evolution

2009-03-21T08:25:00.010+08:00

Genre: Epic Fantasy Family Movie

Language: English

Director: James Wong (Final Destination)

Cast: Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds), James Marsters (P.S. I Love You), Jamie Chung (I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry), Emmy Rossum (The Phantom of the Opera), Park Joon-Hyung (Speed Racer), and Chow Yun-Fat (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End)

Runtime: 86 min

Plot:

Goku (Justin Chatwin) goes on a journey to find Master Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat) and gather the seven mystical Dragon Balls before the evil Lord Piccolo (James Marsters). Along his way, he meets Bulma (Emmy Rossum) who then joins him to help him in his mission. When arriving at Roshi's place, he is not welcomed with an embrace but has to fight Roshi. Roshi soon learns that Goku is the grandson of Gohan (Randall Duk Kim) and thus trains him to prepare him for the ultimate battle with Lord Piccolo to prevent him from collecting the powerful Dragon Balls.

Watched the movie 20 Mar evening @ Cathay Cineleisure with Sylvia.

I read the Dragonball manga when I was young. However, the movie version was a total different aspect from the original manga. The missing of Goku's Travelling Cloud and the lusty-ever Roshi disappointed me the most.

Although the story was off the manga, the main idea was still there, to locate the 7 dragonballs and be granted a wish. And this will be cycled again after the particular wish is granted. I must say the CG effect is good and the movie was entertaining and colourful. However, it was not up to standard for fans of Dragonball manga I'm afraid.

ah-deng says: 2/5 Fans of Dragonball should not watch. Don't leave the cinema yet when credits out, there is a preview of Part 2.

Detroit Metal City

2009-03-19T12:01:00.010+08:00

Genre: Comedy

Language: Japanese

Director: Toshio Lee

Cast: Kenichi Matsuyama (L: Change the World), Rosa Kato, Yoshihiko Hosoda, Yasuko Matsuyuki (Hula Girls), Gene Simmons

Runtime: 104 Min

Plot:

Soichi Negishi moved to Tokyo to chase his dream of becoming a musician playing stylish, Swedish-style pop. Instead, he finds himself leading the death metal band Detroit Metal City, or DMC, as the costumed and grotesquely made-up "demon emperor" Johannes Krauser II. Although he hates the role and the things he has to do as a member of the band, he has a definite talent for it. Adapted from the hit Japanese comic book by Kiminori Wakasugi, the movie follows Negishi's antics as he tries to reconcile the two very different sides of his life and find out what it really means to achieve his dream.

Watched the movie on 19 March evening @ GV Plaza Sg with Sylvia.

From a pale, crouching, goofy, intelligent and mysterious to a cheery, pure, innocent, loved singing and always on the run, Kenichi successfully transform himself the clever ever L to the down-to-earth Negishi, a young but bear hopes of becoming a pop ballad singer.

Being optimistic and hopeful, Negishi remained as the lead singer of the death metal band, doing something which he did not like. It brings me into thinking that how many people out there is able to get to work on a job you really like. These days, you should be thanking God for having a job.

Even so, Negishi taught us something. If you are unable, not suitable, not required, to do something you really like, then do it the way you like. Since you can't change it, then change yourself. One day you might just like the job you never like.

A good movie if you need to laugh your heart out.And do wait till the last scene before leaving the cinema once the credits are out...

ah-deng says: 3½ / 5 Don't go around if you have your face painted like these death metal band members or you may just scare kids around.

ah-deng says

Green Zone

Alice In Wonderland 3D

82nd Annual Academy Awards

Dear John

From Paris With Love

2010 BATFA

The Hurt Locker

Little Big Soldier 大兵小将

Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief

Valentine's Day

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards

It's Complicated

Avatar 3D

About Heaven's Postman 천국의 우편배달부

Amelia

46th Daejong Films Awards

Amalfi

Love Happens

Julia & Julie

My Sister's Keeper

April Bride

500 Days of Summer

Haeundae: The Deadly Tsunami 해운대

Paris 36

Taking Woodstock

Inglourious Basterds

Tokyo Sonata

The Ugly Truth

The Time Traveller's Wife

Coco Before Chanel

The Proposal

Scandal Makers 과속스캔들

Up - 3D

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

The Hangover

Public Enemies

A Frozen Flower 쌍화점

Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince

The Brothers Bloom

Duplicity

Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Threads of Destiny

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

The Taking of Pelham 123

I Love You, Man

Nobody To Watch Over Me

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

State Of Play

Blood: The Last Vampire

Terminator Salvation

The Conspiracy (Echelon Conspiracy)

Dance, Subaru! 昴 スバル

62th Festival de Cannes

Night At The Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

The Young Victoria

Henry Poole is here

Angels & Demons

Dive!!

10th Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF)

Kabei - Our Mother

Black And White (Bianco E Nero)

Horsemen

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

252 Signal of Life

Gu Gu the Cat

Magique!

28th Hong Kong Film Awards

Revolutionary Road

17 Again

Crossing Over

BATTLE IN SEATTLE

Knowing

Handsome Suit

The Sniper

School Days With A Pig

Fast And Furious 4

Shinjuku Incident

3rd Asian Film Awards

Dance, Subaru! 昴　スバル