2012 - You have been warned.

This is a 2 hour 4o minute movie. This is very significant especially when you bring a 7 year old kid to this movie. After around 1.5 hours, little b was already asking, ironically as the storms were brewing and the human race on the brink of extinction, "What's taking so long?" The director manage to carry out the story well, in the sense that it didn't make us fall asleep, but, really if it was shorter, the impact would've been greater.

This is basically a feel-good family movie and it feels like a Sunday Matinee due to the over indulgence of family issues.

It is true that a movie depends greatly on your company. And my company made it more of a comedy than a serious tear jerker for me. Right from the start, when the year 2009 flashed on the screen, indicating the timeframe of the story, little b already made a silly remark, "We came to see 2012, not 2009.... Is this the right movie?"

There are plenty of humanitarian issues and some political issues and of course family ties discussed, but basically, the moral of the story is that life is short, so treasure your love ones before it's too late. However, today I was putting on a more logical cap than an emotional one, thus, I found that some of the scenes a little naive or impractical to apply in real-life. Parental guidance is highly recommended for children as little b indicated that he was very worried about the earth after watching (or experiencing) the full fledge natural disaster.

Anyway, this is one of the bigger action blockbusters for this year, and irregardless of my advice, you will just HAVE to get a glimpse of the special effects or CGIs or to experience the sound system.

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

Total Score : 65% B-

Michael Jackson - This is it..

Hmm.. first of all, this is not a movie but a documentary about his This is it concert. Fans around the world will declare otherwise, saying this is the epitome of fine arts and music from the Legendary King of Pop, but I just want to be honest. I am a big fan of his. Whenever people asked me who my favourite singer was, I have always told people that he was my favourite, and he is the best performer of the century. In my humble opinion, He still is the best as I dont find anyone who can match his whole package in terms of showmanship, entertainment and talent). I enjoyed this documentary a lot especially when the company I went with knows how to appreciate MJ as well, but still I felt that it didn't deliver the "Boom Boom Pow" or the "Wow" effect!

And after watching this movie, I felt really pity that he didn't get to perform even one complete concert. The concert would've been magnificent with all the latest CGI technologies and the superb new hip hop dancers that he personally auditioned and handpicked. And with MJ, you know that he always wanted the best for the audience thus he was very detailed and tries to be perfect with all his costumes, singing and dance cheoreography. You know you will get the best from MJ as you know he's always pushing the limits and setting new standards. That's what MJ is all about, setting new boundaries". Yet, you can see that age (he was 50) is slowly catching up on him with his slowing down in dancemoves and inability to hit some of the notes. Yet you cannot help but feel that he's the best. Yes, that's the feeling you get when you watch this documentary. It's an awesome feeling... overwhelming but not the touching kind.

Well, guess if you want to watch the touching documentaries, you'd have to catch the memorial dvd. As for this movie, it's all about his "This is it!" concert. This movie reminds us of all his spectacular hits and his dance moves and he is still able to throw some new spice into these legendary songs.

Btw, if you do not have good sound system at home, perhaps you can consider watching this in the movies as it will serve your memory as MJ's last concert on earth. And remember to stay past the credits to look out for that special interesting CGI clip. I missed that part myself because I had such a full tank after sitting at the comfortable seat sipping large cold coke for 2 straight hours. Yep, just couldn't wait any longer! Guess I'd just have to catch it on DVD. :)

Picture source: CNN.com, imdb.com

Confession of a shopaholic

This is a typical chick flick love story but it has a nice twist and I can't help liking this. I suppose mainly because it revolves around a writer and it kinda hits home, thus I am a little biased.

Give this movie a try. Will upload more stuffs once I find the time..

From the girl with the pink scarf.. :)

Slumdog Millionaire 85% (R rated) B+

I thought this was another one of those boring arty-farty type of award winning movies... but boy was I wrong. The storyboarding is really good and the director David Boyle did a good job in bringing out interesting parts of the Indian people, life, culture, love, religion, etc... A feel good movie that gives hope for all those who feels that they are stuck in the rut.... A rags to riches tale nicely told in a very unique way where it blends in knowledge, culture, religion, life, love etc...

This 8-Oscar winner does not in my introduction. Watch it to understand our neighbours more... ;) Watch it to appreciate all the little things that we're already blessed with. Watch it before you listen to the soundtrack to appreciate Indian music more.


Storyboard: 20 of 25
Cinematography: 20 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 21 of 25
Casting: 20 of 25

Total Score : 81% B+

Revolutionary Road 71% B (R)

This movie gives hope to people who thinks that their lives are hopeless, dreamless, sad and unexciting. A very simple story which address the very complexity of human lives. 2 person who loves each other very much and devoted to making each other happy only to neglet their own needs and feeling totally miserable about it. And the bottled up misery turned into depression and irrationale thinking, all hell breaks lose.

Recommended watch for young couples and those who are planning to start a family as it shows how stressful and self-sacrificial having and raising a family is... when you're not ready or when your heart is not totally focused on having one.....


Storyboard: 15 of 25
Cinematography: 16 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 20 of 25
Casting: 20 of 25

Total Score : 71% B

Twilight 66% B (PG13)

This is a teenage love story with a twist of horror in the background. A little change from those typical teeny booper chick flick but the underlying storyboard is still the same where boy meets girl, fall in love, but have to go though some obstacles in between their relationship, goes to a prom and live happily ever after.

The bonus with this one is, the cute guys and girls to go with the popcorns and cola. The up and coming promising star, Robert Pattinson does well with his pale edition of the modern dracula, Edward Cullen. If you think he's familiar, yeah, he was Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter. His father in the movie, Peter Facinelli as Dr. Carlisle Cullen, although not popular in the big screen, is another piece of eye candy. Kristen Steward, the female mortal who stole the dracula's heart, is voted as one of the hottest new stars. Her last big hit was Jumper.

All these casts are getting busy for next year's 2nd edition of the Twilight saga, so you'll be seeing more of them soon.

Storyboard: 15 of 25
Cinematography: 16 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 15 of 25
Casting: 20 of 25


Total Score : 66% B

Body of Lies 70% B (R)

This is one of those anti-war movies which is trying to bring a message that there's just no end to terrorism war no matter how much espionage intelligence you place into the war-ridden Middle East.

This movie talks about the different war startegies used by different countries or cultures to achieve a common target, which is to stop terrorism. There are those who research from the comfort of their homes, via high tech gadgets, i.e. computers and satelite, and there are those who are on the field, gathering hard evidence with the price of their lives. According to this movie, the Jordanian intelligence preferes a more subtle and patient way by using "trust" and carefully placing people into the right communities to gather information or to perform certain duties. Also, the terrorists use the fundamental and almost untrackable word-of-mouth, religion and fear strategies.

However, the underlying message is "trust" has to be established for any partnership to work. You will notice how the terrorists "trust" their leaders with their lives and thus being able to cause so much damage to the world. (Well, those "missionary men" don't have a choice really, because if they stop believing the terrorists' agenda, they will be eliminated too.) Also, the movie reminds us that if you are in a "life-and-death" mission, please don't involve innocence such as a love one. You know how easily people can get you to do whatever they want you to do when they hit your "dead spot", i.e. by getting to your loved one first...

Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe brings life to this movie but somehow it lacks some ummpph... I would think Kingdom is a better "terrorist movie".


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

Total Score : 70% B

Ip Man (Cantonese) 86% A (18SG)

One of the best cantonese action flick I have seen this year. Possible one of the best kungfu movie I have ever seen. The storyboard is well planned, the pace of the movie is just right and there's lots and lots of fist fights, and the casts and the action directors works very well with the camera, bringing out what I like to see in a kungfu movie.. the fast paced but dance-like movements and strength of chinese martial art. Watching Donnie Yen move is like an art itself.

Highly recommended for action lovers. However, dont bring the kids as it's extremely violent. Not that it has a lot of bloodspill but the overall usage of kungfu to fight, kill or cripple is not something you want to instill into our younger generation.

This movie is a biography of Ip Man (pronounced as Yip Mun and Not I.P. Man.... nope, he's definitely not a superhero in IT nor anywhere close to it!). Ip Man is the Kungfu master of the legendary Bruce Lee. With the settings in Foh San, China, the story talks about his life as a modest, kind and highly skillful chinese martial art practisioner of Wing Chun. Being a wealthy man, he doesn't take in any students, even though at that time, everyone with kungfu skill would try to set up a martial art school in Foh San. The Japanese occupation changes everything and he knows that he needs to use his martial art to help keep his family alive. Having seen how Ip Man lived through the hardship of Japanese occupation, I now understand why Bruce Lee's movies always have some elements of fighting off the Japanese.

A good pratriotic movie that touches the heart with friendship and family bonds. The subliminal message that Ip Man wants to bring out is that everyone is in charge of his own destiny. The road ahead may be hard, but it's your own choice on how you want to thread it.

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

Total Score : 86% A

The day the earth stood still 68% B (PG13)

I didnt hear the rumour about Keanu Reeves being a gay until recently, but that doesn't matter because his expressionless "no feeling" face is ample for this alien movie. Maybe my fatigue is the main cause for me dozing off while watching this movie.

One moral that stands out in this movie is, "violence begets violence." Somehow, I feel the director, Scott Derrickson, seems to want to tell the US government and people not to use violence to solve our "world" problems or it will lead to further destruction (which may be of an unthinkable magnitude, i.e. apocalyptic).

The story, a remake of a 1951 movie of the same name, is fine and simple. Alien who comes visit earth, but was accidentally "attacked" by a jittery foot soldier. The alien's gigantic robot, built as a defence mechanism, came to the rescue and started the counter attack by easily shutting down all the "earth" weapons; i.e. Tanks, guns, bazookas, etc, are considered toys by the highly evolved aliens. And earthlings, being the insecure and power crazy that we are, think of ways to counter the "counter attack". And thus, starts the war that will end the world. Unless, Keanu Reeves can do something about it!

Typical alien story. However, not enough effects to "wow" the audience. Since lately there are not much movies to look forward to, you may still want to give it a chance.

Storyboard: 20 of 25
Cinematography: 16 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 16 of 25
Casting: 16 of 25

Total Score : 68% B

James Bond 007- Quantum of Solace B- (62%) (PG13)

I cannot understand this movie to truly enjoy it. Despite the fact that I watched it in GOLD Class, with front row seats and plenty of snacks to keep me awake (A word of appreciation to my sponsor - thank you very much), I really do not know how to enjoy this movie. The director doesn't project what Bond is thinking and why he's doing what he's doing. His mission is not clear, so I couldn't quite relate to him, thus being lost the whole time. I couldn't find solace in this movie. haha.


And what happened to those beautiful, sophisticated, stylish, sexy, "to-die-for" Bond girls.... IMHO (In my humble opinion), none of the girls in this movie fitted the above description. No wonder Bond didn't give them another look... The wardrobe for the ladies was not good at all... I can't understand why they make Camille (Olga Kurylenko) wear that ugly chunky "rapper style" chain over an equally horrifying orange top and stiff black skirt. She probably had better attires in Max Payne. And I am sure they could've done better with the hair. Agent Fields' (Gemma Arterton) hair was awful! (actually Camille's too - see pics).

On the other hand, James Bond (Daniel Craig) is still stylo milo (stylish, suave, sexy and smart) despite getting all dirty (hmmm come to think of it, he had no sweat even after all those chasing, fist-fighting, roof-jumping, explosion, desert scaling, etc etc... but I forgive that because Bond is supposed to be the ultimate style, sex and slayer machine. Well he's a well-trained special agent and supposed to be the best of the best.)

Why am I talking about wardrobe and hairstyle in an action movie review? Because that's the only thing that registered in my head after the show (besides the aching neck from front row seats). Yeah, there were good action scenes in the beginning. The fist-fighting performances were good but it was all too fast, and thus seemed like a daze. I suppose it's Director Marc Forster's fault for trying to make it too real... (real fights are hazy to look at I suppose...). Moreover, the director doesn't show off Bond's wit at all. No fast thinking to get out of a sticky situation, no witty one-liner (well, there's probably one or 2 but hardly worth mentioning), heck, not even a clever pick-up line to show off his charms.

Also, there are no "sparks" between Bond and the leading Bond girl, which is quite contradictory of the typical Bond movies; whereby Bond, being the sexy, irresistable, suave guy, can "kill" any girl by just holding a stare.

Oh, and where are those hi-tech, clever, state-of-the-art gadgets that only a special agent is priviledged to use on his highly dangerous adventures? Except for some touch screen computer screen (which was already introduced in "Mission Impossible 2" long ago), there weren't any introduction to new gadgets which could wow the audience.

Anyway, die-hard 007 fans will still have to watch this much talked about 22nd edition of James Bond movie no matter what critics say. There are bound to be some censored parts in the movies due to the violence so you may want to consider watching it again on DVD when it is finally released.

Storyboard: 10 of 25
Cinematography: 20 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 10 of 25
Casting: 22 of 25

Total Score : 62% B-

Painted Skin (Cantonese) 72% B (PG13)

Rated: PG13 for slight violence, fantasy and supernatural elements

Painted Skin or Hua Pi is supposed to be an epic adaption of the Pu Song Ling's classic mysterious, supernatural-themed, horror literature "The Strange Tales of Liao Zai" but Gordon Chan (director) simplified things to bring about a movie that basically revolves around an extended twisted web of love story spun with elements of horror/thriller in connection to the spiritual world.

Gordon Chan tries to project the different aspects of love, human nature and morality with a dab of supernatural elements i.e.
1) Friendship love and how it's put to a test for the love of a woman
2) Husband-wife love and how trust is tested by an imergence of a devilishly beautiful 3rd party.
3) The undying love of an old flame and the burden they carry inside them for the rest of their lives
4) The love between demons and the possessive and selfish sides of love
5) The love of a spiritual being towards human and the lengths that anyone go through (including dirty tricks) to get/protect their loved ones.
6) The love build between 2 strangers on a same mission which typically starts with hatred and ends in love.

A recommended watch as it is one of the bigger Chinese production this year. However, fans of kung fu expert, Donnie Yen, should expect some disappointment as he did not get as much action screen time, and is projected as a joker/jilted lover rather than a hero. (Note: Actually, I was expecting much more from Action Director, Stephen Tung). Maybe the 3 beauties, Vicky Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun, and Betty Sun Li can make up for the mediocre storyboarding and distract you with their stunning eyes and demonic charm.

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

Total Score : 72% B

Mamma Mia! 68% (PG13)

Tagline: A mother. A daughter. Three possible fathers. Take a trip down the aisle you'll never forget

Rated PG-13 for some sex-related comments.

This is a musical based on love and family told using ABBA's songs. And this is one of the biggest musical movies ever with it being a big global grossing hit especially in UK and Asia (Singapore and Korea).

Hmmm, I was quite worried when I could identify with all the ABBA songs they belted out in this movie. Before you think you can tell my age, let me justify that I was introduced to ABBA thru my elder siblings. Anyhow, you don't have to be shy if you liked this movie because ABBA has pretty much touched many people's life with them being so popular worldwide over the decades. I remember Thank You for the Music as being one of the first commercial songs I learnt at the tender age of 6! (To illustrate their global popularity, at the height of their careers, they were Sweden's biggest export, exceeding even Volvo cars!)

A recommended watch especially for those who likes musicals. Many would argue that they could use younger or better looking casts but I beg to defer. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård (of Pirates of the Caribbean fame), and Colin Firth (of Bridget Jones fame) was of the correct age as parents of a 20 year old girl. Umm... whether or not they are acting their age is another matter but hey, who wouldn't want to watch James Bond singing SOS! Such irony hahaha. However, I wont comment on their singing... as all of them are not professional singers in the first place... so be forgiving...

Storyline is pretty simple but I think you will like this light weight British ncomedy if you go with an open mind and good company. At least you'd be entertained by ABBA's songs. Just let ABBA's music magic seep into your soul to enjoy this movie...

Take a chance on this movie!

Note: Incidentally, Mamma Mia the live musical is coming to Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur this Chrstmas (Dec 17, 08 - Jan 1, '09), so watch out for it.

Storyboard: 16 of 25
Cinematography: 16 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 16 of 25
Casting: 20 of 25

Total Score : 68% B

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

Babylon AD 40% D (PG13)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, language and some sexuality.

After watching this movie, it's like I havent watched it at all. I have no idea how the title ties to the content of this movie. Even if you are an action movie buff, you'd get the "been there, done that" feeling as most of the actions scenes seems to have been used by some other movies before.

Most would go to this movie due the the mega casts featured, such as Michelle Yeoh and Vin Diesel who usually promise lots of action. However, the weak storyline or the bad script does not leave an impressive impact on the viewers. All the extensive CGI does not distract the fact that there's no proper flow or charater development or explanation.

Just wait for the DVD...


Storyboard: 10 of 25
Cinematography: 10 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 10 of 25
Casting: 10 of 25

Total Score : 40 D

Sex and the City, the movie 80% (R)

Tagline: Get Carried Away.

Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language.

I have never watched the series but that isn't a deterence for watching this movie. It gives ample explanation so that you wont get lost in following the life and lifestyles of these 4 wonderful New York ladies.

This is essentially a love story but what really touched me is the friendship ties shared among these 4 friends. You can actually feel the tight friendship when Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) fed Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) at her lowest point in her life, a point where she played very well as a jilted, scorned, failed, embarassed, confused bride-to-be (or bride-she-never-became). Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), the sex-pot, still looks good with her botox obsession (addressing beauty and sex issues which most women endure) and Miranda Hobbes (Chyntia Nixon) really plays her role well as a self-inflicted stressful working mother (due to her perfectionist personality).

This movie gives some insights to what love and friendship is all about. To be able to love so deep and be hurt so badly and yet you still dare to love some more.... these are feelings that everyone aspire to experience but don't always have the chance. It gives some insights to love and the mad things that it makes you do, marriage, counseling and divorce, singlehood/loneliness and the fear of it, friendship and betrayal, anger and forgiveness, temptation and loyalty, botox and the consequences - all the ups and downs of big city lifestyle. Also touches the issues of aging, like being single and 50! (These girls are in their 40s and 50s). I like a line which Carrie impart to her young apprentice, Louise (Jennifer Hudson), "Enjoy yourself. That's what your 20s are for. Your 30s are to learn the lessons; your 40s are to pay for the drinks."

A movie about girl power and survival in New York in search of Love and Labels. Not only does it address women issues, it does gives some insights to men's feelings towards love and marriage. A very good movie, highly recommended.

Danger alert: After watching this movie, you may develope the urge to splurge on "Labels" as you fear you might get old and not having worn anything nice. Yours truly went out to buy 5 pairs of shoes!

Storyboard: 20 of 25
Cinematography: 19 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 20 of 25
Casting: 21 of 25

Total Score : 80% A

Source: http://imdb.com

Batman: The Dark Knight 84% (PG13)

Tagline: Welcome to a world without rules.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and some menace.

The best Batman movie I have come across thus far. (Batman Forever@Batman 3 (1995) comes in at a close second, but only because of Nicole Kidman). I don't think this adaptation of Bab Kane's DC comic superhero needs my recommendation, thanks to the infamous late Heath Ledger who plays the supervillian, Joker. (Ledger died of an accidental prescription-drug overdose in January, 2008). The box office records* speaks for itself too.

(*Dark Knight opens with USD$155.3 to beat opening weekend record of $151.1 million held by Spiderman 3.)

Christopher Nolan's (also director for the predecessor "Batman Begins") has given the casts in his 2.5 hour movie an equal chance in winning an oscar by carefully developing each character and giving a lot of close-up screen time. A lot of heros and villians are introduced/further developed in this episode, namely, Joker (Heath Ledger), Two-Face/Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), Rachel Dawes (ex-girlfriend of Batman played by Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman).

This explosive action packed movie lives up to its promises, keeping you at the edge of your seat most of the time, and with the superb sound and visual effects, you won't leave the theater thinking this is just another comic-adaptation of a mad crime duel flick.

Storyboard: 21 of 25
Cinematography: 20 of 25
Issues Discussed (connection with viewers): 21 of 25
Casting: 22 of 25

Total Score : 84 A

Source: http://www.imdb.com/, CNN News, 20 July 2008
8

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