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: