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Reviews
The Equalizer (2014)
basically a reboot of a classic, with bad-ass attitude
I Went to watch the movie tonight. Most of my expectations were met. From the trailer of the movie it was clear the movie was out to exploit the theme of Man on Fire with the same actor... Off course the masses must be attracted to go watch the movie to make money, and not rather entertain the audience??!!
This is not a classic Equalizer as we remember, rather a reboot of the original TV Series, a more R-rated bad-ass theme which basically do not justice to the original character.
However, the little interaction between Denzil & Chloe is definitely stand-out scenes, funnily with way toned down violence. The theme of redemption rather than revenge do help the film. As well as a little pathos and empathy between the the 2 main characters hardly hurt the film. The movie is brutal, some might say realistic, but the normal expected action with gory violence and some cleverness infused from the main character. Action, thriller fans will like the movie, which might rather have been called another title.
A Bad-ass reboot of a classic, yeah, but not for the intellectual. It could have been refined more, with the same storyline but with much more intellect to the viewers. Go watch it if you'd like to leave your senses at the door.
3 Days to Kill (2014)
Good movie
Went to watch this movie today. It was a good movie with a very familiar premise. It bring nothing new to this genre and is obviously full of clichés, However I actually did enjoy the movie which certainly is the aim of this film.
I like Kevin Costner, his charm is always working in this genre. His timing of some punchlines were sometimes out of sync, and here it's definitely not Costners fault. The director do not know how the punctuate these moments.
I'd rather would like a french director had a hand in this movie. Why Luc Besson turn to Hollywood is an enigma.
Plus points is definitely the acting of Costner(not his best- at times looked a bit bored), his daugther, Hailee Stanfield is superb(definitely the highlight and centre)as well as a good turn by Connie Nielsen.
Amber Heard's character is too over the top and a stereo type that hurt the credibility of the film, although the movie is not supposed to be too serious.. Too glitzy. Come one, CIA agents is not supposed to stand out in the crowd and behave so over the top!!
So in closing nice touches of drama, comedy and action. just a preposterous end that somehow make no sense. Go see it, if only for good popcorn fun and seeing Costner and Stanfield interacting with some nice action included.
The Last Stand (2013)
Arnie still hot with good support
I'm a fan of Arnie ever since. i enjoyed this movie. Even though Arnie is ageing very obviously he hold his own in this movie with some good acting(for this type of movie)and certainly lived up to his action-fans needs. it's certainly worth watching Arnie in this role and you can see that the action scenes was tough to do for Arnie age-wise. I love the climax. Go see it!
Director Kim jee-Woon has done a great job with the story(Straight forward story) creating an interesting cast for each character. Admittedly, i don't like Johnny Knoxville, however the director used him well in each comic scene. As usual Luiz Guzman is very memorable. You will certainly enjoy his presence. The Villain played by Eduardo Noriega, is coming through as tough as nails.
The action scenes are each on its own merits extremely and underscore the atmosphere brilliantly. The movie would be a bit gruesome for some theatre goers, but the director tone it down very nicely.
Check this movie and be sure. Jim Jee-Woon is a director to watch, in the US circuit. He is well known in the Asia market.
A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)
John Moore shouldn't direct Die Hard
John Moore has not changed his directing style since Behind Enemy Lines! will he ever evolve!
I'm a huge Die Hard fan. I went with some expectation to the theatre last night. A Good day to Die Hard lived up to some of its usual expectation, HOWEVER the use of shaky Camera almost lost most of the action to see for the viewer, and the music score, loud music not even supporting the scenes and most of all, it almost mute the dialogues between Willis and other actors! funny dialogs, witty exchanges between characters etc. is a part of Die Hard Series. Unfortunately, Willis comic timing was a bit out of sync with the scenes.
PLUS points, were the use of the original music score in some scenes and i must say the action got better as the movie moved along. Thus, the popcorn movie goer would have enjoyed the movie, despite the above distractions. i just about give this movie a 6. still a bit disappointed.
Premium Rush (2012)
Interesting premise, very good action choreography
just came from watching Premium Rush. the story use an unusual subject to that work in this movie, and carry us into a world of bike messengers.
No sweat for Gordon-Levitt in the acting department as this movies centers around the exhilarating cycling scenes. Action Photography is excellent, and almost non-stop. And Gordon\-Levit live up to the expectations of the scenes.
Koepp and his team deliver good action scenes, great choreography and milieu(that's the 7th star of this rating) complimented with NY(or is it Manhattan?) setting that fits the story. The city and traffic enhance the action scenes.
Michael Shannon really turn out a creepy performance and give substance to the routine nature of story and action.
The movie come to a satisfying conclusion in my opinion. Not too corny and is to be expected.
The Grey (2011)
excellent - extremely well even though not factually correct
critics of this movie are missing a big point of the movie. it's not necessay to be purely accurate with respect to wolve life and nature. the story convey a couple important points, expression of life itself. a lot of truth in it.
The movies is done extremely well and the point is illustrated extremely in the actions, reactions of the men. the message are brought in a fashionable way, intriguing, action packed even.
Joe Carnahan score points for an excellent screenplay. Liam Neeson is still a formidable actor with explosive and emotional action scenes. Interesting additional characters as well with different views and opinions make for interesting themes to think about...
Survival of the fittest!!! Go see it, it'll touch a lot of heart.... ti could be watched again.
Casting Me... (2012)
Well executed movie for your black humor enthusiasts
I am impressed with this movie. Went to watch it last night at Film festival. I must give you guys credit for a job well done.
First things first, the casting of actors has been absolutely a plus-point of the movie. From my viewpoint none of the actors were out of sync with their characters. Paul Snodgrass did a decent job as well as the lady lead. Snodgrass' comic timing was from time to time a bit slow, but overall i don't think anyone could've done a better job than him. Lead lady(Roxanne Prentice) did an excellent job(especially the fight scene outside the tax) The supporting cast was actually terrific, the gay guy(Jonathan Hearst), the big guy (Ralph Kossew) was well cast. I don't know if you cast him on purpose but the striking resemblance with Ron Jeremy is uncanny, especially with his crude attitude towards sexual themes. Also excellent move to cast Colin Moss for various reasons. Enough of this.
All right it's a black comedy(romantic)which is supposed to be crude, however overuse of crude language in general conversations is a bit stressed.(I guess you are implying more and more of today's generations talk like that). However, there was also excellent functional use of crude language at various stages with comic results. The slapstick was fortunately restraint and well executed. Out of the 4 sex scenes, only 2 of them were really functional. Those 2 were excellently conveying today's male take on sex as well as women. Very funny! Great use of quicker frames especially the Casting day events were done well.
Using the narrative was a good function as well as shooting it in Black and White(brilliant move!, especially from a low budget perspective. it works beautifully to the movie's overall impact. Although a female narrator could've been used with the girlfriends letter to main character.
The music was good, although in the first 15 minutes it felt like watching a Pop video. Good songs though and quite functional. The guitar guy scenes was a gem! I'd definitely recommend it to people with a like in black comedy as well your average American Pie type of moviegoer who like some gross scenes. Also a bit of Kevin Smith'is at times Again, congratulations on a well produced, well shot, cast and executed movie. Hope we'll see more of these guys. Certainly worth supporting in the future. Go watch it on film festival.
Drive (2011)
superb drama interspersed with violence and suspense
This is definitely on of my best movies of 2011. Realistically, believable drawn characters a suspensive and inquisitive insight into the human condition and its consequence of decisions. The main character can live next door to you at any rate. The absolute example of solitude and rigid principles.
Gosling positively portray the dilemma of balancing moral issues with the deprived surrounding of circumstances. Grotesque and powerful moments are created with excellent visualization of each scene. Carey Mulligan could be your neighbour as well. Superb acting by all create the tension needed. Although the violence are extreme at times, it does explain the explosive and complicated nature of human beings. The driving action scene remind one of the exhilarating car chase scenes in "Bullet". well done and would satisfy action buffs as well.
Last but, least the excellent music score underscore and almost "narrates" the scenes. the film does have a 70's feel with relevant issues of today.
Extremely well directed. a fine job by all, thought provoking with great music score. Well done. go see it.
Johnny English Reborn (2011)
very British spoof
For a highly anticipated sequel to the original, i was definitely not disappointed. this film build on the original quality of a quite British parody on the James Bond franchise continue here with valor.
the introduction take an interesting perspective with our unlike hero in a milieu not very British, hence the call back into action. this inventive intro make for laugh out loud humor. Atkinson acquit himself very well in a role destined for him to break away the Mr Bean-mania. Subtle James Bond references and in-jokes are at time hilarious. It take something to parody the British class system in one hilarious scene. The so-called cleverness of the spy genre is well used in various funny scenes.
although the story is at least well drawn, the support cast are interesting. especially Daniel Kaluuya as Agent Tucker is an excellent parody on the colonialism of yesteryear. He does well in his role as does the excellent Gillian Anderson with a real British Accent together with a typical dry British humor is stand-out. The Villains are not developed enough. This one is well worth the wait and the watch. Enjoy it with anyone who like to laugh. Well done Rowan.in one or 2 scene Mr Bean can be recalled as well, however Atkinson does a good job of not stereo typing his role. another Sequel will be welcome if the subtle jokes keep coming. MI7 might just replace MI6!!