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/