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Reviews
The Golden Compass (2007)
Pretty good
Whilst the movie didn't really hold suspense or recapture the book to its full potential, I thought they did a fair job. To my great relief, the script writers didn't change the story into something quite different (poor Harry Potter) but stuck close to the original plot line although some events were left out. I presume this is because the movie was already lengthy.
One of the biggest point scorers here was that the movie actually made sense. Much of the vital information was recounted at the beginning of the film. Whilst this removes some suspense and development, the movie can be viewed by all, not only people who have read the book (although that would be recommended anyway) I was surprised how well the casting actually fit into their characters. Nicole Kidman's performance was amazing and she really went into character. Eva Green was also an excellent choice. Her appearance and voice give a more exotic feel. Dark hair, pale skin and big eyes really helped her to fit into the role of the witch queen.
Dakota Blue Richards did a fair job. I didn't feel she really brought the character of Lyra to life but she did have some good moments too. Daniel Craig as Lord Asriel does not seem like the right fit to me, not exactly giving off the feel of intellect. However he seems to hold some of the commanding feel of Lord Asriel, which helped.
For those who are worried about religious undertones, never fear! It is only hinted at several times, very subtly. For those who have never read the book, those undertones will probably slip by without notice.
Definitely a recommended watch for lovers of fantasy!
Minyeo-neun goerowo (2006)
Funny, sweet, romantic, all-time awesome movie ever!
This is a movie that follows a typical happy romantic comedy.. starts off happy, goes down.. back up.. and it hits the top and stays there. But then again, 200 pounds beauty is SO much more! On the surface it is already a great movie. The fat girl protagonist Hanna is very cute and kind, later she turns into beautiful and thin but still kind and innocent Jenny. So there's a bit of eyecandy, both cute and sexy throughout the whole movie. But then there's the funny bits, the movie has hilarious little kicks throughout the whole movie, making you laugh at all the right movies.
But then there's a deeper side. This movie talks about themes such as the superficial view of the world, how beauty becomes an obsession, how the most beautiful heart can hide inside a bigger girl, how people will give everything to a girl with beautiful face-- superficiality yet again.
The sad parts that touched deep to the heart of the film are very well scripted and acted.. I cried so many times watching it to see an 'ugly' girl turned beautiful, but having to give so much up and yet not quite happy with the shallow joys that this new body and face have given her.
A small disappointment however was that the story's villain did not do much and disappeared for the majority of the movie and out of the viewer's mind, rendering the character pretty useless and taking away a little something more the movie could have had.
Overall, a feel-good movie that is a definite must watch! It goes above all my initial expectations and is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, love and think!
Bring It On (2000)
Not too bad, but not very good either.
I first saw this movie when I was a preteen and I absolutely loved it. Years later I rewatched it and realised, it was a quite poor movie.
The storyline itself is quite good but the script and acting felt fake. It was as if the script writers were trying very hard to emulate a teen society and at many points the characters were too exaggerated in the attempt to be a 'real teen'.
All right, it wasn't all that bad but with all the unnecessary swearing and the main character falling for the love interest based on nothing but a few smirks and flirty exchanges overall destroyed the entire movie.
The majority of this movie felt bland and fake. The only part that was REALLY worth watching were the cheerleading performances at the end of the movie. But the rest? Bleurgh. Don't waste your money on watching this movie, watch Bring it On 3 instead.
Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006)
An Excellent Movie
Unlike the first Bring It On movie, this one blew my socks off.
This movie had a real storyline, believable acting and situations, attractive characters, excellent music and stunningly choreographed cheerleading routines.
The movie looked at themes such as racial conflict and discrimination, the pressure to be too thin to be healthy and the contrasting difference between schooling environments in different areas of a city while not fully focusing on them but integrating them into the story.
The characters felt real and while some of it was a little stereotypical (e.g. cheerleader with 'hot' jock boyfriend) the storyline's key events like the main character falling for her love interest and vice versa were gradual, believable and had reason to occur.
Overall, the script was complete, believable and interesting. The routines were very enjoyable to watch.
If you only buy one DVD this year, buy this!
Man cheng jin dai huang jin jia (2006)
A beautifully woven tale
Wow... I watched the movie recently and was totally swept away by it. The story is well-told, events occurring in sequence and actually making sense! Unlike some movies... hehe. Each new scene reveals a bit more of the story and dark underlying secrets.
There are many hidden relationships and secrets which threaten to overturn plots and lives. Each new scene changes the circumstances for each character.
This film is very colourful, literally. The palace and all the main royals are decorated in golden clothes and jewels. So it is quite stunning to the eye.
This movie is quite sad and depressing throughout the movie but the mood interests the viewer more, rather than making them wanting to just leave and try to get rid of the unhappy mood. It finishes with a dramatic ending.
A downside of this movie was the editing was poor in a few places, such as music would suddenly cut off when scenes changed.
I thought the actors did a wonderful job of portraying their role. The way they spoke, facial expressions, stance, etc. all were suitable for their character's position and made the movie feel more real.
Overall, a riveting if not depressing movie. Worth a viewing!
Casino Royale (2006)
One of the better James Bond movies for sure!
One of the better James Bond movies. This time they've ditched the unbelievable gadgets and the car shoot-up scenes (which always seemed tedious to watch). Without the handy unrealistic toys and the boring "bang bang shoot keep driving car blows up" scenes, the movie had a real plot line with believable turns and surprises.
The action scenes were also more interesting and believable as James Bond defeated his enemies through skill and quick fingers instead of "just the stand there and bash your enemies up for the next fifteen minutes of this movie".
Daniel Craig was an excellent James Bond and at delivering his lines and it was nice to see that for once James didn't sleep with every attractive female in the movie and actually had some real romance and character development.
Overall, one of the better ever James Bond movies -- a great storyline with some new and improving features, polished with a beautiful ending that brings back some of the notable "flavours" of all the James Bond movies.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Heartwrenchingly Wonderful
One of the most beautiful and heart wrenching stories I've ever seen. Johnny Depp is amazing, portraying his character to the fullest potential. He really brings out how sweet, innocent and pure Edward is. Dianne Wiest also did a great job, using a soft voice and sweet smile to illustrate her loving character. Winona Ryder really shone in the ending scenes, as the romantic heroine who finally realises the feelings of Edward and her own for him.
This story really explores some important themes about the dark side of human nature, prejudice and well.. the angry mob. It really casts a harsh view on the shadiest untouched corners of what human nature is and can be.
This movie is a must watch, although very sad and will reduce most people to tears. Each scene is done wonderfully, and the ending is dramatic and heartbreaking...
A truly captivating film, that pulls the audience into Edward's world.
The Prestige (2006)
Riveting
I saw this movie today, and it was AMAZING. Throughout the entire thing, I was thrilled and absolutely absorbed in the story.
It has a very interesting plot line and explores how far people are willing to go to achieve their ultimate goal. The lengths to which the main characters go to are shocking and unbelievable.
Overall it is a very complex and riveting dark story but unsuitable for those who are easily frightened as there are some very frightening (and in one scene, disgusting) scenes. I remember, in the cinema, the man in front of me used his asthma puffer multiple times during the film.
But if you can handle a bit of a scare and some dark themes, this is a GREAT movie, a must watch!!!!
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Must watch!
This TV series was an excellent portrayal of the book. It followed the storyline without warping it like many movies and TV series that are based on a classic text tend to do.
The acting was amazing. The lead female character of Elizabeth Bennet, for all her beauty, wit and intelligence was captured by Jennifer Ehle. Colin Firth was the perfect dark, proud yet sensitive, sweet lead male of Mr. Darcy.
Every single character, and I mean EVERY one of them, was excellently played. They really brought out their character from the novel and were very enjoyable to watch. Mr. Collins (David Bamber) was particularly amusing.
All in all, it was a beautiful TV series. Watching the romance develop between Elizabeth and Darcy was adorable!! Especially seeing how their feelings change. Watching the two rays of sunshine, Jane and Bingley fall in love was also very sweet.
This TV series is an absolute MUST for all romance and Jane Austen lovers.
Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
Quite good but not very realistic sometimes
I thought this movie was rather amusing to watch. It was fun to watch the angels hang out, wear nice outfits, kick some bad guy ass and all. While others may find this makes the movie stupid, it can be a good show just for some light viewing.
However, most of the fight scenes were overly unrealistic. In quite impossible situations, the angels manage to survive while battling in 4-inch heels and miniskirts. Of course, they never get the slightest bit injured until the end of the entire film. This total lack of realism and suspense was a bit annoying, even when I was just watching the DVD to keep me busy while I waited for the water to boil to cook some noodles.
Still, I thought the lighthearted parts of the movie were very fun. If you can get over the lack of realism, its a great movie!
Two and a Half Men (2003)
Best ever!
I love this show! It's an amazing mix of dirty humour and amusing 'real life' situations. It's very enjoyable for a laugh and some fun!
The entire show appears to be dedicated to making the audience laugh at the character's dilemmas and it is very amusing to see how everyone's situation entwines and makes into a large but hilarious plot!
The entire cast is very amusing and their voices, attitudes, appearances and body language portray their characters to their full potential.
I DEFINITELY recommend that you watch this show. At least watch several episodes to get a taste of it. I can almost definitely guarantee you'll be hooked!