Review Of : The Dark Knight Rises

Just watched the Premiere Screening of

 "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES"

yesterday. 

Directed By Christopher Nolan

Starring Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Josh Pence, Nestor Carbonell, Diego Klattenhoff

Synopsis: 

Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' "The Dark Knight Rises" is the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar® winner Christian Bale ("The Fighter") again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose"), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake.Returning to the main cast, Oscar® winner Michael Caine ("The Cider House Rules") plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby") reprises the role of Lucius Fox.

(Source: WARNER BROS. PICTURES)

One word; epic. 

The very much anticipated conclusion to The Dark Knight trilogy is finally in the silver screens. 

First & foremost, The Dark Knight Rises is a direct continuation from The Dark Knight and Batman Begins.This third installment depicts the after-events from The Dark Knight & of course the ever famous quote said by Commissioner Gordon at the end of the movie;"Because he's the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So, we'll hunt him, because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A Dark Knight." This line was a piece of the puzzle that got many of viewers' questioning the fate of Gotham & Batman...until now.

Therefore, I highly suggest you to first watch 'The Dark Knight' & 'Batman Begins' before watching The Dark Knight Rises . 

SO, as many of us, viewers are super pumped-up when the first teaser trailer was released plus a few other theatrical trailer of this film, does the film live up to the expectations? Yes. Like I said, The Dark Knight Rises was epic, as epic as the trailer itself. Chris Nolan did a great job on this film as well as he did with The Dark Knight. 

The Dark Knight Rises consists of a well-written story.

The story as a whole including the previous films in the trilogy, was really well-written.

While in Batman Begins, the villain was Ra's Al Ghul & the psychotic Scarecrow, The manipulative Joker in The Dark Knight, Bane in this movie proves to be quite the challenge to Bruce, as Bane is not just a terrorist but also holds some dark secrets along with other characters, even characters from previous films which forces the Batman to rise once again. 

As I said earlier, the story  was written in a way that Nolan actually brought back a few characters from Batman Begins & The Dark Knight which holds a few secrets in the past. 

Plot-wise, The Dark Knight Rises was really well-written as there were multi-layered plot filled with conflicts & twists. (that I will not tell to avoid potential spoilers ;) This third installment consists many action sequences as well. 

Acting was good. Bale did a good job with his character as Batman & Bruce Wayne despite his last Batman role was in 2008 (The Dark Knight). There are a number of new casts which did a good job such as Tom Hardy as Bane. Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake. 

Visually, stunningly epic. The cinematography of the movie & everything was really good. One thing I  want to say is, if you have the chance to watch a movie in IMAX, please watch The Dark Knight Rises. 

The Music & score, was really brilliant. Hams Zimmer once again did a great job on the film's score. He made the film much more intense & epic with the music. You can listen to some them here. 

All in all, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES is a must watch, and not to be missed especially if you loved the previous films. 

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Characters*:4/5 

Effects** : 4.5/5

OVERALL : 8.75/10.

Trailer: 

Review Of : The Amazing Spider-man

I've just watched "THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN" in 3D! :)

Directed by Marc Webb

Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Sally Field, Martin Sheen

Synopsis: 

The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker, an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance - leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

(Source: SONY PICTURES RELEASING INTERNATIONAL)

Surprisingly, The Amazing Spider-man was above my expectations. 

Although many people said the story was nothing new & just a reinvention of the previous Spider-man or very predictable story. Maybe many people either expected more from this movie or just preferred the previous one. But what I will say, is that how far can one go to remake a movie without running from its original story. 

In my opinion, Marc Webb did a great job in developing the characters & bringing them to the modern & realistic world. He reinvented the plot to fit a modern world with teenage conflicts without changing much of the original story line. 

Comparing to the previous Spider-man, this newly remake of the film wasn't a breath of fresh air but a re-innovation, a successful one though. (:

The characters in the movies are depicted in a more realistic and believable way.

With a number of debate between Andrew Garfield or Tobey Maguire is a better Peter Parker & Spider-man, many opinions have came out. In my opinion, Andrew did a more teenage and "action-ny" Peter Parker. Who is a better one, solely depends on one's preference. 

And also with Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy instead of Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane. Gwen was portrayed as a tougher heroine instead of a typical "damsel-in-distress" as portrayed by Mary Jane. Ona side note, many films these days love re-creating their female protagonist as a much stronger & tougher character. 

So back to the movie, plot-wise, The Amazing Spider-Man is a successful re-innovation. With a number of humourous scenes and action sequences. 

I also loved the that it as a sort of multi-layered plot (e.g. Peter Parker's life on trying to find about his parents' disappearances , Dr. Curtis' obsession in trying to get his right arm back using cross-species genetics, Gwen & her dad in pursuit to get Spider-man) 

Visual effects, was great. The cinematography & all. If you are planning to watch The Amazing Spider-man, which I'm sure you would, please watch it in 3D. The flyover scenes of the city, the web-swinging scenes, and of course the first-person perspective are all amazing in Digital 3D. 

In a nutshell, The Amazing Spider-Man was an awesome movie. Do watch it especially if you've watched the previous Spider-Man.

P.S - there will be a short scene during the end credits. So, please stay on when the main casts' names start to appear. (: 

My Rating?

Plot : 3.75/5

Storyline : 3/5

Characters*:4/5 

Effects** : 5/5

OVERALL : 8.25/10.

Trailer: 

Review Of : Ice Age 4 : Continental Drift

Just watched the Premiere Screening of" ICE AGE 4 : CONTINENTAL DRIFT " a few days ago.

Directed By Steve Martino and Mike Thurmeier

Voiced By  Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Peter Dinklage, Jennifer Lopez, Josh Gad, Queen Latifah 

Synopsis: 

Scrat's nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he's been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences - a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid. In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

(Source: 20TH CENTURY FOX)

Surprisingly entertaining movie. 

Despite this being the fourth installment of the Ice Age movies, I was not expecting it to be really great. But turns out, it was quite good and also the directors added a little creativity in the story as in the Teaser Trailer here. (which is also a short film interdependently) 

The story of Ice Age 4 is depicted as another potential end-of-the-world for the Ice Age as the earth begins to split apart. Which is somehow because of Scrat's fault..again. Manny & his family got separated as the land breaks apart. Manny, Diego, Sid & Sid's Granny embarked on a journey to get back home as they face storms, sea monster & pirates. 

The movie actually tells a good story about friendship & father-daughter relationship.

The film contains a number of comedic moments as it did in previous Ice Age installments. 

The characters are well played & the script are written quite good as it have both funny moments & also touching moments. Despite the two new directors, the characters in Ice Age are still lovable & fun as always. 

There are also new characters in the movie antagonist as well as protagonist. Such as Captain Gutt (the main antagonist voiced by Peter Dinklage), Shira (a sabre-tooth cat voiced by J.Lo) and a few other characters especially the lovable hyraxes (hamster-chipmunk looking animal) And not-forgetting the acorn-loving creature that indirectly causes all the event in Ice Age;Scrat.

Story & Plot as I said is good. Well-written script & story.

Effects, I would recommend for you to watch the film in 3D. As there're scenes that gives a little more effect in 3D. 

Music & Score are quite good. Scores composed by John Powell. And there's one song "Chasing the Sun" performed by The Wanted. Click here to listen. 

All in all, Ice Age 4 : Continental Drift is worth a watch. Recommended in 3D.

If you love previous Ice Age movies, this fourth installment is a must watch.  

 P.S. - Do come early as there will be a short film right before the movie starring The Simpson's Maggie.  

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Characters*:4/5 

Effects** : 4.25/5

OVERALL : 8/10.

Trailer: 

Review Of : Brave

Just watched "BRAVE" yesterday. (: 

Directed By Mark Andrews

Starring Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters

Synopsis: 

In rugged and mythic Scotland, the impetuous, tangle-haired Merida, though a daughter of royalty, would rather make her mark as an archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father's kingdom and her mother's life. Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark ancient curse.

(Source: WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES)

Overall, Brave was a good movie but it has potential to be much better. 

Disney's Pixar Brave tells the story in the rugged, mystical time in the land of Scotland. Princess Merida, the daughter of Queen Elinor & King Fergus, dreams to have her own freedom as an archer but traditions forbids her as she is strictly tutored to be a courtly lady. As she escapes from being wed to either one of the three heirs of the three lords, she journeys to an unexpected incidences that could change her & her family's fate forever.

If you ask me, I think they re-invented the concept of a female hunter from Mulan & also a certain idea (that I do not want to expose as it could be a spoiler) from Brother Bear. 

According to sources, BRAVE was made as a new direction for Pixar as a predecessor to braver, stronger female characters such as in Tangled and Princess & The Frog.  

Which, why many people was expecting more "action" in the movie as it was thought to have.

The story depicted in the movie was good but the plot could have been better written.

Although the film did not much hit the benchmark level of favorable meaningful effect pulled off by Disney movies such as  "Toy Story 3" , "Finding Nemo", "Wall-e", "Up", Brave did manage to create a nice moral at the end of the day. 

Story & Plot as stated; have potential to be brought to greater heights.

Visually, Brave is truly an eye candy from the scenic views of ancient Scotland lands & waterfalls. 

The Music & Score composed by Patrick Doyle is really good. It brought many Scottish instruments to add to the 'feel' to the film. You can listen to some of them here.  

Although many expected more from the film, Brave is worth the mention. (:

I recommend you to watch it on the big screens. I did watched it in 3D, but 3D is Not a must though. 

All in all, BRAVE is worth the watch. It tells a good story with a good moral at the end and visually & musically beautiful. (:

P.S. - Do come early to watch Disney's Short Film :"La Luna" and also there's a short  after-credit scene at the end of the movie. 

My Rating?

Plot : 3.75/5

Storyline : 4/5

Characters*:4.25/5 

Effects** : 4.5/5

OVERALL : 8/10.

Trailer: