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Reviews
J. Edgar (2011)
Dark and slow... literally
This is an interesting film for me, mostly because I take interest in both history and forensic investigation (i.e. CSI). I'm also a fan of DiCaprio's more recent films, and I had high hopes in this one. However, the actor who stole the show was, surprisingly, Armie Hammer. DiCaprio's fake accent and old makeup weren't believable at all to me, which was distracting... and I ended up feeling that he's DiCaprio instead of J. Edgar. Hammer on the other hand, was magnificent. It was mostly his scenes that saved this film for me - his scenes were the only ones that made me FEEL something.
The rest of the film was just there - it just went on, telling one story after another, as flat as DiCaprio's narration tone. And most of the time, I found myself wondering: why is this film so freaking dark? Why do the characters do everything in unnaturally dark environment? I understand that maybe it's some kind of symbolism, but whose office is ever that poorly-lit during working hours? What family eats their dinner in the dark - even with unlit candles on the table? I found myself thinking, why won't you guys just light up those candles already?
It was Armie Hammer who managed to bring some soul amidst this history-book-ish storytelling. It was shocking to see his emotions in the hotel scene - I felt truly touched by his performance. It felt like a burst of colours in a monochromatic film. Even in other scenes, he manages to tell a huge part of Tolson's stories, feelings and emotions merely through his eyes. I understood more from his eyes than from the long train of heavy words in DiCaprio's fake-accented narration.
In the end, it did keep my attention although it might be because I have a higher tolerance for historical documentaries than most people (as evident by how my friends were already rolling around doing other things a few minutes into the film). And it IS a good story, even though it's being told slowly, heavily, and in darkness... literally.
Hotaru no haka (1988)
Tragically Heartbreaking
This is not a fairytale-ish melancholic tearjerker. Oh yes, this film could make you cry, and it *is* beautiful - but most of all, it's desperately tragic. It's a combination of beautiful imagery, strong storytelling and soul in the characters that really pulls you into the film.
I rarely watch anime and it took some time to adjust to it in the beginning. However, as soon as the story was rolling, I was hooked and I didn't care about it anymore. Although I'd like to see this as a live action film, there's undoubtedly a beauty in these drawn scenes. What I love the most are the scenes with the fireflies...
The relationship between Seita and Setsuko is also one of the most touching parts of this film. Despite their hardships, they stick together, creating little happy moments and stealing little smiles here and there. This film, ultimately, reminded me to be grateful about my own life and try to enjoy little pleasures in this world.
Rear Window (1954)
Captivating!
I'm fairly new to Alfred Hitchcock's work - Rear Window being only his third film I've seen after Psycho and The Birds - but I'm a fan already.
Rear Window raised my interest due to the topic it carried: the lives behind individual windows of a packed community. And, this theme was executed brilliantly. The main character is wheelchair-bound due to an accident, leaving him with not much else to do but watch his neighbours through his apartment window. The character of each neighbour is unique, interesting, and realistic. They are being portrayed as what they truly are when they think nobody's watching. I guess we all have to admit that we do behave differently in public and in private - and this film puts a spotlight on this issue.
However, despite that, it's not a depressing film at all. Even with the major plot line of the main character suspecting a neighbour of killing his wife, I don't find this film dark nor depressing. It's simply captivating. The main characters are charming with warm interactions and funny dialogues between them. The neighbours are interesting to watch and you'd actually care about what happens to them. There are nail-biting thrilling moments which build up slowly to the climax, bringing you along for an unforgettable ride - I found myself on the edge of my seat without even realising it. Overall, it's one of the must-see masterpieces of the cinematic history.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Not the rude, mindless comedy I thought it was
I don't know why I thought that this film would be one of those dumb in-your-face explicit comedies that seem to be the trend lately. Maybe it was the title, which made me think it'd be about a bunch of drunken bridesmaids having sex left and right. Maybe it was because the person who recommended it hasn't had the best taste in films. Either way, I watched it with low expectation - and I was pleasantly surprised.
It's darker and deeper, with well-developed characters. All the bridesmaids have different backgrounds which result in their having different characteristics. The protagonist's character is well told and it's played really well by Kristen Wiig. We can sympathise with her 'going down the drain' life, even when she's being weird and crazy.
The main event of the film is of course the rivalry between our protagonist and her best friend's NEW best friend, which are funny at times and frustrating at others. There's a good mix of drama and comedy in the whole storyline, but as the consequence, there are some awkward moments there as well - some funny parts are not realistic enough compared to the more serious dramatic parts. But hey, that's how life is - sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry. It's still a refreshing comedy compared to what Hollywood is dishing out these days.
Casshern (2004)
Different
I'm astounded to see this film. The art direction breaks all barriers - one scene would look like a Mandarin love song video clip, another would look like a dark sci-fi flick, another would look like a television drama, and some others would look like an anime. The stretch is so far wide that you might not suspect that it's the same film if you glance once or twice while passing by. My personal favourite is the scene where they were taking a picture in the garden among a shower of sakura petals - magnificent.
The storyline is interesting enough, and I like how it builds up to a conclusion subtly. Sure it's carrying blatant political messages but what do you expect from this sort of futuristic films? What doesn't impress me is that in some places the special effects are a bit rough and not believable. I remember thinking that with this much 3d going on (which blatantly look like a 3d animated world) they might just as well make all the characters digital like Final Fantasy. It would make much more sense rather than seeing all these humans running around fighting anime-style in an animated world.
Another bad point is that I don't really sympathise with this Casshern character - although the actor is quite attractive. He's not *that* invincible to impress us enough - he seems to be struggling to beat his enemies. This might be an effort to make him more human, but it doesn't work for me. First of all, he's *supposed* to be unbeatable, and I expected him to have a stronger screen presence - more persona, more power, more personality. His character doesn't really live up to being the title character of this elaborate sci-fi flick.
All in all it's an interesting watch, and it's quite different from other films I've seen. See it if only to marvel at the art direction, or to enjoy a good futuristic action sci-fi 'anime'.
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
Simply gorgeous
This is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. It is so visually dramatic that some frames look like paintings in glorious colours. I don't know much about Japanese culture, and I agree it's a shame that the language used is slightly-Chinese-accented-English, but the Chinese actresses did their performances brilliantly. I don't think their nationality really matters - it happens a lot that western actors have to play parts from other nationalities, but no one makes a fuss out of it! Another thing I like, that hasn't been mentioned much by others, is the love story. I've heard some people deem it unlikely, but I can totally understand how she feels. I'm a hopeless romantic myself and I always love films that celebrate the power of true love, something most people don't believe in anymore nowadays. It's sad to see how disposable 'love' is these days - you see people changing partners more often than they change hairstyles. You see people 'falling in love' with different people in a matter of months or weeks, and think it's perfectly natural. I wish there are more people who'd take love more seriously; I wish they'd understand how powerful love can be. Yes, a love like Chiyo's feeling is possible and yes, there are still people who'd do anything for that one true love.
Ultraviolet (2006)
Best for preteen boys
From the film's poster, I could fathom what kind of film this is. But being the only girl in my gang of cinema-goer friends, I tagged along anyway. And indeed it was exactly what I thought it would be: a 'nifty' prolonged intro of an action video-game.
The story line is no more complicated than those of video games, and somehow the characters and emotional bonds between them are just as flat. I'm not saying the acting is bad, especially Jovovich's, but there's just so much to act on - practically nothing. The film-makers imagination of this logic-defying futuristic world is childishly 'cool', but it's nothing at all scientific or believable for anyone over 12. And 'realistic' would be the last word I use to describe this film, so I won't even go into that. As I sat there through the mind numbing action sequences, one following another, I kept thinking: what a male fantasy flick this is...
And sadly that's the best part of the film. Ultraviolet is exemplary hot and sexy, and she blatantly exploits that with midriff-baring tight outfits. Jovovich did the action sequences very good too, and looked very good all through the film. This would work better as a visual leaf of her modelling portfolio than it does as a film.
And, although this created world is pretty cool for what it is, some visual effects look a bit rough, making it even less believable than it already is. In every sci-fi film it's necessary to make a 'believable' world albeit very different than our own, with its own logic and all, but this film can't even do that. At least, I wasn't convinced; I wasn't taken into the world for the duration of the film.
But hey, it was everything I expected. And it's not that bad for being what it is. Preteen boys would enjoy this most, I reckon.
Plots with a View (2002)
hilarious
I accidentally bumped into this film on Cinemax while channel surfing. I must admit that what attracted me was Christopher Walken. And the setting was the kind I would like, so I started to watch it. At first I expected a serious drama film, and it seemed like so for a while... until I started to giggle here and there, and before I know it I was laughing so hard all through the film. I really like how subtle and light-hearted it is, but still has a huge impact on the audience. The plot is very simple, and it's far from trying too hard to be funny like many Hollywood "comedies" are, yet it almost had me rolling on the floor. A must see for a nice evening rest, or any time in that case.
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
heartbreaking
I was so much drawn into this film. It's very emotional and realistic. What I love most is the epic feeling to it, where Jesus deserves no less than that. It depicts Jesus' final 12 hours of life beautifully. Tragic, but beautiful, and we know it ended gloriously so it was heartbreaking in a more moving/touching way than crushing.
The scenes were shot beautifully and the cast were doing a very fine job on it. I love Caviezel's performance as Jesus, as well as Morgenstern's and Belucci's.
This film will surely be an everlasting classic about the greatest event in human history.
Big Fish (2003)
excellent fairy tale that makes you think
I knew this film was brilliant just from the trailer. OK, so I'm an Ewan McGregor huge fan, but had the lead actor been someone else, I'd still love this film nonetheless.
I've watched this several times and it made me choke with tears every time towards the end of the film. I don't cry over films, but this one made me have to sink down my seat and swallow my tears. Apart from touching, another strong point is how the visuals are much like those of a fairy tale. Edward Bloom's world looks surreal but warmly believable. You'd want to believe his world. You'd wish your world is like that. You'd fall in love with Edward Bloom.
His relationship with his wife is very romantic as well. It's far from the usual shallow Hollywood-romance-type of love. Their love is very dreamy and daring, but is that not how love is? Their romance might be one of the greatest on-screen romances of all time, although it's not the main plot of the story.
And, this film makes the audience contemplate of whether or not they have lived their lives to the fullest, like Bloom has.
Pootie Tang (2001)
so daft it's hilarious
This is a rare case where we can say the film is so bad that it's good. The jokes and slapstick are outrageously insane. It reminds me of embarrassing yet hilarious inside jokes among my family that I would never share with anyone else, only this time blatantly displayed in public.
The best thing about this film is that it's not pretentious, like many comedies are these days. Nor does it try hard to be funny, nor political, nor witty. It's just naïvely shameless, generating pure comedy, and that's why it's hilarious. The character itself, Pootie Tang, is also far from pretentious, and likable. I couldn't stop laughing from the beginning to the end, although I am usually more into serious films.
CHiPs (1977)
love to see it again now
This was hands down my favourite TV series as a child. It was probably the first time I've ever been a fan of anything. I can still recall bits and pieces of some episodes even now!
I didn't have any problems comprehending the story lines, as far as I remember, so the other comments saying it's dead simple must be right. But while the series might seem dire for grown-ups, it was pretty impressive for children.
I would love to see this again just to see it from an adult's point of view, but I won't retract my comment that it's a very enjoyable series in its simplicity, and is a beloved personal memento of my childhood.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Not for Shakespeare beginners... or anyone else for that matter
It's dangerous to expose someone who has never read Shakespeare to this film - so if you haven't, but you're crazy about Leonardo DiCaprio, try to read the book first before watching this piece of bizarre rendition - or, after you watch it, immediately read the book with open mind.
It may not be fair coming from me because I'm not a DiCaprio fan, but I think he's not the right lead actor. He's just *not* Romeo. Danes on the other hand is doing brilliantly as Juliet, and she's the only one close to making her Shakespearean lines believable in this weird MTV-style chaos of 'modern Verona'. The whole combination is just too absurd - I can't imagine how they decided on which parts of the amazing love story to destroy and revamp, and which parts to preserve - but it just doesn't work.
Think someone destroying parts of Colosseum and replacing those random parts with steel, glass, and colourful paints. You just don't do such thing!
If you love sparkling visuals like this, see Moulin Rouge instead - there, Luhrmann successfully mixed all his eccentric elements into one stunning musical. If you love Shakespeare, try 1968's Romeo and Juliet instead - it makes much more sense and is less of an insult to this great work of Shakespeare. And... if you love DiCaprio, you might as well watch Titanic instead.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Get ready for a spectacular journey...
If you're in love, this is the ultimate film for you. This is an emotional ride, not the kind you should watch with frowned foreheads trying to analyse it; but the kind you should watch with a light heart and an open mind. The whole film feels exactly like how the world looks when you're in love - everything's so dream-like, fabulous, spectacular, emotional.
It's just utterly entertaining! It's touching at one time, funny at another....
Firstly, the music is GREAT - there are the likes of David Bowie, Rufus Wainwright, Beck, Alka Yagnik... even just listening to the soundtrack CD alone is an ultimate emotional ride enough. Visually, the cinematography, costumes, sets, and choreography are just stunning. They work great as a whole and resulting in a dramatic eye candy. The plot, although simple, WORKS.
So sit back, dim your lights, unplug your phones - and get ready for a fantastical, romantic 'dream' that is Moulin Rouge.
Quicksand (2003)
No chemistry...
It's not that good, but not too bad either. It's nice if you love France but are not there. If you're looking for a thriller, look elsewhere. The characters are rather flat, like cardboard cut outs. The plot is predictable and surreal, if not totally unreal. And, the chemistry between the characters are dry. Like between Keaton's character and the lead actress - you almost hope there's nothing going on between them because it'd be too predictable, but at the same time, you don't have the chance to hope so because it seems like there's no spark at all between them. It's rather hard too to tell who's who for each other unless you listen to their dialogue. Just too bad I missed the blinking corpse part - I didn't watch from the beginning! To be fair, it kept me watching until the end, and it's rather amusing to watch the predictable flow.