Review Of : The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty

Just watched " THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY" yesterday! :')

Directed By Ben Stiller

Starring Ben Stiller, Kristin Wiig and Shirley MacLaine

Synopsis:

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY is an adventure-comedy celebrating the true potential in everyone. Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) who also directs) leads a life filled with adventure and romance… but only in his serial daydreaming. In reality, he is a timid photo processor at Life magazine too afraid to even ask out his pretty co-worker. But when his job is put on the line, Walter must at last spring into action and he soon finds himself on a global adventure, living a life more extraordinary than he could have ever dreamed.

Truly a subtle inspiring film yet humorous and heartwarming.

Ben Stiller pulled this movie off! The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is well written and contains a rather simple yet strong message. It tells how sometimes we live mediocre lives but we tend to slip of into dreaming of the "what ifs", both realistic and unrealistic hahah. :P 

The minimalistic cinematography and creative editing makes the film really beautiful. 

Beautiful sceneries, beautiful music, beautiful story. Great for the holidays and for the upcoming New Year! (:

With a rather simple story and concept, Ben Stiller and the writers did a great job on adding humour into the film with funny scenes and some parodies hahaha, making it memorable and funny. 

There really are many quotable lines from the movie like "Beautiful things don't ask for attention." and "To see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls & within rooms, things dangerous to come to, to draw closer, to see and be amazed.”

Although some of the character's traits may not be fully realistically played out in the movie, but hey, the message was well said through the film and each character was given fair screen time and they delivered good acting. 

There are a number of scenes that is truly a picturesque moment that made me want to get out of my seats and go travel! Visually breathtaking. Great cinematography and editing. Kudos to them for truly bringing the movie to life!

The movie's cinematography and story is made better with the beautiful score by Jose Gonzales especially the end credits; "Stay Alive". It reminds me of the OST from "We Bought A Zoo" and a little of Radical Face's songs. 

If you like movies about life, or enjoy spectacular cinematography or just want a great movie to end the year, look no further. It's worth it! "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty" is one amazing film. I really don't mind watching it again, really. (: 

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 4/5

Characters*: 3.5/5 

Effects** : 4.75/5

OVERALL : 8.5/10.

Trailer:

Review Of : Captain Phillips

Finally I got the time to write the review of "CAPTAIN PHILLIPS".  (:

Directed By Paul Greengrass

Starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Catherine Keener

Synopsis:

Captain Phillips is director Paul Greengrass’s multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates.  It is—through Greengrass’s distinctive lens—simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller and a complex portrait of the myriad effects of globalization.  The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama’s commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips (two time Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks), and his Somali counterpart, Muse (Barkhad Abdi).  Set on an incontrovertible collision course off the coast of Somalia, both men will find themselves paying the human toll for economic forces outside of their control.  The film is directed by Academy Award nominee Paul Greengrass, from a screenplay by Billy Ray and based upon the book, A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty.  The film is produced by Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, and Michael De Luca.

(Source: GSC Cinemas)

Chair-gripping plot and great acting.

Captain Phillips tells about the struggles & sacrifices man have to make to overcome obstacles and also people's beliefs  . An emotional story of the protagonists and his crew and also the antagonists. It's a well written and well shot film which really kept me holding my seat as the movie progresses, this movie in my opinion serves well as a thriller and also a documentary at the same time I'd say. The amazing acting from the actors really brought out emotional aspects from the story. 

Interesting story which not just tells the emotional story of Captain Phillips and his crew but also from the perspective of the Somalian pirates. Hence, giving more depth into the story.  

Well paced & structured plot. From the moment the ship was invaded, my eyes was glued onto the screen, wondering what would happen in the following scene. 

Accompanied with amazing actors, the story is much more believable and engaging as the characters traits and emotions are well "brought up" by the actors.

Overall, Captain Phillips is one good captivating movie that is definitely worth watching & highly recommended if you love those kind of "Amazing true stories" kind of story or want a getaway from typical "boom-boom-bang" action movies. (:

My Rating?

Plot : 4.5/5

Storyline : 4/5

Characters*: 5/5 

Effects** : 3.75/5

OVERALL : 8.75/10.

Trailer:

Review Of : FROZEN (3D)

I've just watched "FROZEN" in 3D! 

Directed by Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk, Ciarán Hinds

Synopsis:

Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), 
whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.
 Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. 

(Source: GSC Cinemas)

Truly a Disney magical, unique animated movie. 

At first impression, it really does look like "Tangled" with a different setting, but I assure you, this movie still retains the uniqueness of Tangled with a good story, memorable characters, impressive visuals & basically a beautifully done animated movie. 

The story is really simple yet intriguing. Disney did it once, again!  A story of sibling love and conflict in life. Great story and great movie. 

The beginning of the movie somehow reminded me of "Les Miserables" a little hahah. Yes, there are musical scenes and some funny scenes heh. :P

Plot was emotionally engaging for an animated film, accompanied with beautiful songs and amazing visuals, the story really engages the audience.

Although the characters' physique very much resemble from previous Disney movies but nonetheless, their characters were voiced well and well scripted for this animated film.

Visually, amazing. The scenes of snow, snowflakes, mountainscapes & all are just beautiful. 

P.S. - Do remember to arrive on time as there'll be a short Disney animation right before the movie starts! (:

In a nutshell, "FROZEN" is a good Disney animated film, especially when Christmad is just around the corner.  I highly recommend to watch it at least once in 3D. (:

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 3.5/5

Characters*: 3.75/5 

Effects** :4/5

OVERALL : 7.5/10.

Trailer:

Review Of : Gravity [IMAX 3D]

 

I've watched "GRAVITY" a few days ago, in glorious IMAX 3D! 

Directed By Alfonso Cuarón

Starring Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

Synopsis:
Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone--tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth, and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.

(Cinema Online) 

 

First of all, I've to say that the movie is visually breathtaking.

From  the minute the film starts, audience would be lightheartedly awed by the view of Earth from space. Also, maybe a little "bewildered" by the silence of space for a few minutes. :P 

Gravity is unique & "different" and since it revolves around these 2 characters; Dr. Ryan & Matt, it gives focus on the story at the same time balancing the amount of eye-candy for the viewers. If you enjoyed movies like "127 Hours", which focuses on a particular character's struggle & internal conflict in fighting to save one's own life, you'll find "Gravity" captivating.

 

The overall story of the movie is simple enough to understand yet just enough to engage the viewer's attention from the calmness & beauty of space and suddenly throwing the viewer into the catastrophic dangers of space. Although there wasn't much exposition & introduction to the character's back story, but the story went fine.

Plot-wise, emotionally engaging as it had audience questioning on the character's survival. Yes, this is where the genre-wise similarity as with "127 Hours". Although some may find the style of constant silence suddenly broken with a suspense scene, I find it interesting. In fact, the whole setting of the story taking place in space, is just unique. I also find it rather different but interesting on how the movie let the audience immerse into the silence of space for most scenes.

Acting-wise, good casts. Although the lead male character was supposedly casted for Robert Downey Jr, lead to some questions on who would've been better. Hmm. But for me I'd say that Sandra Bullock did a job well done but I wished that they would've given George Clooney more screen time & character built-up though. :/

Visually captivating, the view of earth from space is utterly amazing. Breathtaking in IMAX 3D, I must say! Also there were some first-person view of Dr. Ryan which some may like or some may dislike though. But still, the graphics & visual effects of the film deserves applause.

All in all, GRAVITY is one unique movie which is definitely a must-watch if you're into character-driven story, amazing visuals or just want something different to watch from the mainstream market. If you're planning to watch this film, I highly recommend you to invest in an IMAX 3D ticket. You wouldn't regret. (:

My Rating?

Plot : 4.5/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Characters*: 4.25/5 

Effects** :5/5

OVERALL : 8.75/10.

Trailer:

"The Art Of Vikingdom" Forum

"The Art of Vikingdom" Forum 

on the 27th August 2013 @ TGV 1 Utama.

KRU Studios & TGV Cinemas organised a forum titled above in conjuction with the soon to be release Malaysian film; "Vikingdom". The movie will be released in local cinemas on the 12th of August 2013.

"Vikingdom" is a 100% local made fantasy, action/adventure movie about Eirick, a forgotten kingwho was tasked with the impossible odds to defeat Thor, the god of thunder.  (Yes, it's about Vikings, as the title states) Shocking isn't it? A Malaysian film about vikings? Quite a major inception for a local production house isn't it? Yes, it is.

"Vikingdom" is by far KRU Studios' biggest production to-date and with a budget of RM20 million. But the good news is that this local film will be expecting a US release in early October this year. Besides that, Universal Pictures has too acquired the international release of Vikingdom for UK, Australia?New Zealand, the Nordics, and additional territories. 

The forum consisted from the behind-the-scenes look into the film from storyboards, productions designs, costumes, visual effects & etc.

The key people involved in the movie was present on that day to present their experience & outlook in the process of making the film. The speakers included are:-

• Yusry Abdul Halim (Director), 
• Norman Abdul Halim (Executive Producer),
• Tommy Mansur (Production Designer)
• Monica Lee (Special EFX Make-up Designer)
• Rosada Abdul Hamid (Costume Designer)
• Paul Hasham (Art Director)
• David Tang (Art Director)
• Sherwin Nunis (Art Director)

I feel that although Vikingdom is a rather ambitious & somewhat "high-stakes" film from the local film industry, it might not be as great as those Hollywood blockbusters, but I feel that this movie might actually open up doors to the expansion of the Malaysian film industry. 

Review Of : The Wolverine

Just watched "The Wolverine" today. 

Directed By James Mangold

Starring Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Will Yun Lee, Brian Tee, Svetlana Khodchenkova

Synopsis:

Based on the celebrated comic book arc, this epic action-adventure takes Wolverine, the most iconic character of the X-Men universe, to modern day Japan. Out of his depth in an unknown world he faces his ultimate nemesis in a life-or-death battle that will leave him forever changed. Vulnerable for the first time and pushed to his physical and emotional limits, he confronts not only lethal samurai steel but also his inner struggle against his own immortality, emerging more powerful than we have ever seen him before.

Chair-gripping, non-linear plot but lack emotional chemistry on certain characters.

The Wolverine is the continuation after 'X-Men : The Last Stand' in which Logan suffers nightmares after Jean Grey's death as well as a past event he experienced long ago. I recommend that you watch 'X-Men : The Last Stand' and 'X-Men Origins : Wolverine' to get a better grasp on Wolverine's story. I like the fact that this revolves around Logan's life & his past and also how the story made Wolverine seem so vulnerable as the story progresses. Despite that, I did expect more from the emotional parts as well as there are some scenes which I'd say might seem odd. 

Story-line, well written as they did a good job on  bringing up Logan's past (exceptional to the comics) and placed it nicely like a jigsaw. Although it lacks some emotional aspect on Logan when he fell for the main female character in the movie. (If you watch it, you might feel that it was 'forced' upon) 

Plot-wise, really good. It offered really intense action scenes, from train fights to ninja-samurai-swords fights to one-on-one combats.Besides that, the plot I'd say is rather non-linear, in  a way it isn't so predictable as you will keep on wondering what will happen next. Although there are some scenes which I still don't get it. Plot hole perhaps? Hmm.

Acting, despite the lack of screen-time given to some characters, therefore causing lack in chemistry in some character (watch it and you'll notice) the overall acting was good. Overall, a good character-driven story which many other reviewer's said that it can be compared to Nolan's 'Dark Knight Trilogy' in terms of character-driven story, which I agree.

Visually, interesting. As the story takes place in Japan, it gives a breath of fresh air as it gives the movie a different 'tone'.Fight scenes and cinematography was well done. Got the suspense scenes right.

All in all, The Wolverine is a really interesting movie, despite some minor flaws. If you've watched previous X-Men films or just love Wolverine, you got to watch this. 

P.S. - Remember to stay on until the credits for a scene that might be connected to the next X-Men movie "X-Men : Days Of Future Past".

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 3.5/5

Characters*: 3.5/5 

Effects** :3.75/5

OVERALL : 7.25/10.

Trailer: 

Review Of : Pacific Rim

I know I'm late in writing this review but I think "PACIFIC RIM' deserves a review. (: 

Directed By Guillermo Del Toro 

Starring Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman

Synopsis:

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenceless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes - a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) - who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

With multiple interesting sci-fi concepts and amazing visuals that'll definitely grab your attention. 

Pacific Rim is one massive big-budget robot/apocalypse/epic movie. Despite it's generic end-of-the-world storyline which humans in the end have to cooperate to save the world, I'd say this is one unique film. Pacific Rim really reminded me of multiple movies' concepts combined together in one action-packed sci-fi film. It crosses Transformers/Gundum+Real Steel with Godzilla and Avatar's neural mind link concept. The multiple concept mash-up isn't a downside I'd say as the moviewill defintely please you visually with fantastic graphics, designs of the Jaegers (mechas) and concepts (overall movie). Not forgetting the OST! 

Story-line is rather simple and generic with aliens coming to Earth and mankind struggles to protect Earth. Nothing amazing for the story but it fits well overall. Not forgetting, I really love the concept & idea of neural bridge and all. (wouldn't want to mention it all, just watch it :) 

Plot-wise isn't unpredictable and lacks deep emotional scenes but it has lots of one-on-one fights (like Real Steel with multiple kinds of cool robots fighting out battle, but fighting monsters this time). It is a simple, linear plot but I suggest you to just enjoy Pacific Rim as it is and not complain on some minor illogicality as it is still, an action sci-fi film.

Acting, good acting with some interesting characters put together, but like I said, there was emotional aspect in the film but isn't much for the audience to "feel" it. But considering it is an action packed film, I'd let this pass. 

Visually, amazing. If you love movies like Transformers, TRON :Legacy, or Real Steel for their graphics or visuals, you'll enjoy this eye candy. The concept & design of the Jaegers and really good and overall visuals & cinematography of the film will keep your eyes wanting to see more in the next scene. I think Pacific Rim would look great if watched in 3D or if you want to bring the level up, IMAX 3D. 

Music, kudos to Ramin Djawadi for a great OST. I've been listening to it ever since! (click here to listen to Pacific Rim's main theme) 

All in all, Pacific Rim is sci-fi film with thrilling action packed scenes well delivered. I recommend you to at least watch Pacific Rim once if you're a sci-fi movie lover or just loves to watch action-packed movies. I did not watch it in 3D, but if you do, do tell me how was it. (: 

My Rating?

Plot : 3.5/5

Storyline : 3/5

Characters*: 4/5 

Effects** :4.5/5

OVERALL : 7.5/10.

Trailer: 

Review Of : Man Of Steel (3D)

Just watched "MAN OF STEEL" in 3D yesterday! 

Directed By Zack Snyder

Starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner

Synopsis: 

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

(Warner Bros. Pictures)

Not amazing but worth the watch. Visually good but story & plot-wise, average in comparison to films with the similar genre. 

I'm sure most of you would've watched the previous 'Superman'.

As for this re-conceptualized and 'remade' version; Man Of Steel, I like how they opened up the movie with the birth of Kal-El and the life and story of planet Kryton. This gives more depth into the story of charcters. Also, how they unfold the story with constant flashback of Superman's (Clark Kent's) life with his Earth parents as they story progresses.  

It is very 'action-y' and filled with one-on-one fights and buildings being destroyed. The action isn't those like in 'The Avengers', but it's fighting (just so you all know). Although, you can notice some hint of Chris Nolan in it with his notable way of story-telling and creating depth in characters. 

Most movie-buff would consciously or sub-consciously compare Man Of Steel with The Dark Knight Rises. I would say that this is bad idea to compare these two films. Although this is quite unfair, but comparing this to the previous Superman, Man Of Steel will serve well to the modern crowd.

Like I said, even though you could notice a tinge of Nolan in it, it still can't match the depth and complexity of the latter. So, I would suggest you watch Man Of Steel as it is and enjoy it as a whole. 

Story wise, great re-conceptualization of the story and interesting story build up that I'll say a nice 'prequel' of some sort to Superman as it brings you to a little brief stor yof Clark Kent like in 'Smallville'. 

Plot wise, I would say it is somehow predictable and average. I'm not saying it is bad, I'm just saying it is a simple plot and don't expect yourself to go "I'm mindblown." or something. Haha. Some scenes reminded me of Transformers 3, Thor and Avatar. Hmm. 

Acting, is great! The casts were well casted and they fit well into each character especially Henry Cavill, Michael Shannon, and Russell Crowe creating a strong feeling of 'maturity', although I feel some characters played such a minor and unnecessary role in some scenes. 

Visually, the landscape and production design of the prologue and beginning of the movie at Krypton was amazing. The cinematography overall, was well done and captivating. AS for the need of watching in 3D, is your choice. (:

Music by Hans Zimmer, always is great. 

All in all, Man Of Steel is basically a must watch (at least worth a watch) especially if you're a Superman fan. Don't over-expect but just enjoy the film. If you want to compare this to other 'superhero' movie, I'd say this is quite a good one, not the best, but good. (:

My Rating?

Plot : 3.5/5

Storyline : 4/5

Characters*: 4/5 

Effects** :4/5

OVERALL : 7.75/10.

Trailer:

Review Of: The Great Gatsby (3D)

Just watched "THE GREAT GATSBY" a few days ago in 3D. 

Directed By: Baz Luhrmann

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, Elizabeth Debicki, Amitabh Bachchan

Synopsis:

"The Great Gatsby" follows the journey of Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Nick arrives with the hope of achieving the American Dream, and the great fortune of a place next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo Dicaprio). It happens that he is also across the bay from his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan), and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton), and Nick is thus drawn into the captivating world of the super-rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. However, as guileless Nick bears witness within and without the world he inhabits, he soon realises a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, all the while weaving it into a novel that holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

(cinema.com.my)

One sentence description? A beautifully done; tragic love story movie.

Well, first of all, if you are not a 'love story' kind of person, you might not be your cup of tea. This is a pure love story, a really tragic one. I bet most people would already know. 

That is unless you want to enjoy the amazing eye & ear candy featured in the film. The stunning visuals, cinematography and interesting music mix really immersed the audience into the movie itself. 

How the story is as I said 'a tragic love story' but it unfolds really interestingly as it somehow grab the audience curiosity and emotions.

The acting was real good. All the casts played their characters really well. Bringing out the emotions and feelings of each character in the film.

The visuals are amazing. Cinematography and production design was really good. If you are looking to enjoy the visuals, you should definitely watch in 3D. 

The music was quite interesting. They used some modern music mix in a movie setting of 1920s. Odd but somehow, it surprisingly accompanied the movie well.

All in all, The Great Gatsby is a beautifully made film. If you long for a 'Romeo and Juliet' kind of story, look no further. If you wish for a change, and want to enjoy a good movie, you should watch this. Once again, sad story but good movie. (:

My Rating?

Plot : 3.75/5

Storyline : 3.5/5

Characters*: 4/5 

Effects** :4/5

OVERALL : 7.75/10.

Trailer: 

Design For The New Youth Credit Card.

"Rise & Fulfill."  

Youth. A generation that is so capable of so many things, so many changes, and yet we, as youth still doubt ourselves. 

Youth. A generation that dreams, BIG dreams, and yet we, as youth think that the dreams are unreachable.

We think we're not good enough. We have doubts. 

This is all normal, but sometimes we have to just stop dreaming, and start taking actions; to fulfill our dreams. To turn the dreams to reality.

It is time for us to RISE and FULFILL our DREAMS.

~

The main concept and message of my card named; "Rise & Fulfill" is to send a message to all the youths of the nation that we should stop daydreaming of the 'What ifs" of life, instead we should start focusing on how we could make those dreams to reality. 

Once we got a great idea, we should start by taking a productive step by just taking a leap of faith and start working on the idea, even though how seemingly small an idea may seem then, we do not know how much the idea is capable of creating and changing lives. 

"A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on." 

 - John F. Kennedy 

I hope this brief post got my message over. I hope that this message will get through all the youths that will use this card and remember that; there are a lot ahead of them; a lot of opportunities and goals that have yet to be accomplished. 

We, as YOUTHS, should stop taking our DREAMS merely as just 'dreams', but we should RISE and take ACTION to those 'dreams and turn them to REALITY.