Terminator Salvation

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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)

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

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)

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

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.