The battle of the Red Cliff (part 1) 80% B+ (U)

I think this is one of the better blockbuster chinese movies that I have seen. Very heroic, very historical and shows off the tactical battle strategies of the infamous Three Kingdoms battle.

I am not familiar with Chinese history but this movie brings about patriotism, so much so it inspires one to do great things, be it for the country, for the people, for the brotherhood of men, for women or even for yourself. It gives a new meaning to heroism. "Some people are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them." This Shakespeare quote best describe the characters in this movie. There are quite a number of heros in this movie so it's useful to know them first before watching this movie as John Woo (director) doesn't really introduce the characters, assuming that they are so famous in Chinese history that everyone should know them.

Cao Cao (Zhang FengYi) - Strong warlord/ruler who have conquered North China/Kingdom Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei - sworn brothers who are loyal Generals devoted to serving the emperor and people of the Han Dinasty.
Zhou Zhi Long - skillful general, loyal to Liu Bei
Zhu Ge Liang (Takeshi Kaneshiro) - intelligent and learned military strategist for Liu Bei

Sun Quan (Chang Chen)- Ruler of South China (Wu Kingdom)
Sun Shangxiang (Zhao Wei) - Sister to Sun Quan
Zhou Yu (Tony Leong) and Zhang Zhou - Military advisors loyal to Sun Quan

*note: Although Liu Bei technically doesn't own any land but is an influential general, and is part of the 3 Kingdoms with borrowed land (Qing Jou) from the South.

This is one movie you must catch in theaters to absorb the greatness and be inspired.

Storyboard: 22 of 25
Cinematography: 20 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 18 of 25
Casting: 20 of 25

Total Score : 80 B+

Source: http://www.imdb.com, Wikipedia

Journey to the centre of the earth 74% B (PG)

Tagline: Same Planet. Different World.

Ratings: PG for intense adventure action and some scary scenes

Extremely good movie for the young school going children as it is a refreshing and fun way for them to learn science. Highly recommended for it's fun, adventure and scientific knowledge content (I think not only children but adults would benefit from some scientific knowledge too!!). Director, Eric Brevig and his crew has done a good job in bringing the characters and the centre of the earth to life with the 2D version and I think the 3D version would add even more excitement to the whole adventure experience.

Note that part of the movie was made into a 3D Motion Master Ride (a roller coaster simulation game). I personally have been on that motion master ride in Singapore, and I still think it's good in both 2D and 3D!

Storyboard: 22 of 25
Cinematography: 22 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 15 of 25
Casting: 15 of 25

Total Score : 74 B


Source: http://www.imdb.com

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army 79% B+ (PG13)

Tagline: Saving the world is a hell of a job

Rated PG13 for violence, sci-fi action and language

There's so much magical and mythical characters in this yet another comic book adaptation that I can barely catch up. Just the CGI and the various amusing characters alone have won me over. The humour and non-stop action plus a slight tinge of love turmoils which gives the characters some life is a total bonus.

It doesnt matter whether you are familiar with the characters, because director Guillermo del Toro (of Pan's Labrynth (2006), Blade II (2002) and Mimic (1997) fame) will develop the important characters accordingly, giving the story a nice and seamless flow. Somehow, I can't help but associate the fighting moves of the wayward villian Prince Nuada (Luke Goss of the once famous pop group Bros) with Chinese Kung Fu, much akin to the movements of the Monkey God in the The Forbidden Kingdoms.

Recommended for watching in the theaters even if it's just for the hi-tech CGI that brings the multitude of characters alive, the special audio and visual effects and the facinating fighting scenes.

Storyboard: 22 of 25
Cinematography: 22 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 15 of 25
Casting: 20 of 25

Total Score : 79 B+

Source: http://www.imdb.com

The Happening 20% E (R rated)

Tagline: - We've Sensed It. We've Seen The Signs. Now... It's Happening.

Rated R for violent scenes and disturbing images.

I really dont know how to review this movie. It's totally NOT HAPPENING. When I went into the theaters, I didn't have much expectation, knowing that director M. Night Shyamalan has disappointed me time and time again ever since Signs in 2002. To be fair, his Unbreakable (2000) and Sixth Sense (1999) were commendable.

However, this one man show (Mark Wahlberg) really is too much. Yes, it does have a few other casts but the only one worth mentioning is Mark, and maybe the trees. I can perfectly accept movies with no logic, but this one is totally bizarre whereby the story builds up the all the suspense only to leave you high and dry with an ending that has neither logic nor explanation.

A real disappointment.

Storyboard: 5 of 25
Cinematography: 5 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 5 of 25
Casting: 5 of 25

Total Score :- 20 E

Source: http://www.imdb.com

Wanted 78% B+ (R)

Tagline: Choose your destiny.

Rated R (18SX) for blood, violence, pervasive language and sexuality.

Watch this if you like action-packed, adrenalin-pumping, fast-paced car chase scenes, bloody fist fights, modern bullet flying-dodging drama with lots of body count. I find this comic book adaptation very entertaining especially with all the non-stop action scenes, seamless CGI coupled with a simple story line that delivers a very basic message.

The message: Everyone is special in their own way, even though you think you are a nobody now. It's up to you to realise your own special ability and take control of your own destiny. Also, try to think out-of-the-box as everything has its flaws even though it that has been practised for thousands of years. Also watch who you choose to believe in as there will always be a "fox under a sheepskin".

And having the beautiful Angelina Jolie in the movie is a bonus. Just don't add moral and logic into the equation and you'll enjoy this Russian-directed (Timur Bekmambetov) American movie.

Storyboard: 20 of 25
Cinematography: 20 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 18 of 25
Casting: 20 of 25

Total Score :- 78 B+

Source: http://www.imdb.com

Hancock - 71% B (PG13)

Tagline: There are heroes. There are superheroes. And then there's...Hancock

Rated PG 13 for intense sci-fi action, violence and language

Hmmm ... how do I categorise this movie? If I classify it as an action pack superhero movie, then it doesn't really stand out from the current blockbusters such as Iron Man and Incredible Hulk. The Marvel superheroes have so much history that their storyline will definitely win any wannabes hands down.

But if I categorise it under love story.... well, I give 2 thumbs up as it's a refreshing watch compared to the normal run-in-the-mill cheezy love story. I have to give the credits to the cast. Will Smith and Charlize Theron gave an extremely good performance in bringing out the feelings in this movie. They didn't need to talk, but their facial expression could tell me what they were feeling at that time. And I could actually feel for their characters. I won't give spoilers to the movie.. but I have to say that I could feel how the humiliated, unappreciated, lost, dejected, lonely Hancock feel throughout the show. I feel so sad for him because he practically had the whole world in his grash (being an immortal and invincible superhero) but yet he feels he have nothing (because he can't remember who he is and he feels like he's missing something in his life).

I am no fan of Will Smith. Never liked him, but I have to give due credits to his well done silverscreen performance. Good Job! And Charlize Theron was equally good when she expressed with her eyes, how much she is suffering from suppressed love. Also how much she wants to lead a normal life and yet protect the ones she love.

If you just exclude logic and just sit back and enjoy the silly antics and superb CGI. Not a movie that can win awards but definitely entertaining where it gives you a hearty laugh, and a good tug at your heartstrings.

Good job!

Storyboard: 15 of 25
Cinematography: 18 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 15 of 25
Casting: 23 of 25
Total Score :- 71 B

Source: http://www.imdb.com