Review of : Interstellar

I've just watched “INTERSTELLAR” at TGV 1U, courtesy of Cinema Online. (:

Directed By Christopher Nolan

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Bill Irwin, Casey Affleck

Synopsis: 

In the near future Earth has been devastated by drought and famine, causing a scarcity in food and extreme changes in climate. When humanity is facing extinction, a mysterious rip in the space-time continuum is discovered, giving mankind the opportunity to widen their lifespan. A group of explorers must travel beyond our solar system in search of a planet that can sustain life. The crew of the Endurance are required to think bigger and go further than any human in history as they embark on an interstellar voyage, into the unknown. However, through the wormhole, one hour is the equivalent of seven years back on Earth, so the mission won't work if the people on Earth are dead by the time they pull it off. And Coop, the pilot of the Endurance, must decide between seeing his children again and the future of the human race.

Interstellar is one of the most mind-bending Christopher Nolan film I've ever watched hahah. You might not be able to comprehend what is actually going on a third into the film, but once you let the film sink into your mind, it is actually a really thought-provoking. It revolves around the themes of human selfishness, love, faith & fragility of life. In my opinion, I think there are much subtext and symbolism inserted throughout the film (typical of Chris Nolan :b) 

It was quite draggy at the beginning towards the middle though, but I think it was meant to make us feel the slow exploration & desolation of space travel, hence putting us in the characters' shoes. Although rather different from “Gravity”. I like how the film focuses on relativity of time-space, giving a little more conflict and suspense as it shows character conflict in space and also in the meantime characters on Earth, increasing the tension, especially at the climax of the film. 

Although did not watch it in IMAX (noo... :/ ), but there are still some visual spectacle in the film which really pushes the barrier of CGI. The music & score by Hans Zimmer is as usual awesome yet subtle throughout the film, as there are scenes in the film that utilises the absence of sound as it is in space.

I can see many people came out of the cinema halls, looking bewildered, confused, mindblown, and also checking their watches. Most probably checking the time (due to the long duration of the film) and maybe checking the date and year hahaha. :b 

My Rating?

Plot : 3.75/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Characters*: 4/5 

Effects** : 3.75/5 

OVERALL : 8/10.

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Review Of: “The Purge: Anarchy”

Directed By : James DeMonaco

Starring : Frank Grillo, Zach Gilford, Michael K. Williams, Carmen Ejogo, Kiele Sanchez

Synopsis :

In the near future, US has almost zero rate of crime, this is due to the fact that every year, for one night,  all crime are legal, including murder. This is called "The Purge".  Those who wish to purge, goes on the streets to do it, the rest hide in their homes. A young couple, a mother & daughter  and a man band together unexpectedly to survive the night. But, things get a little odd when not just the civilians are out purging but when they realised that the government are using The Purge as population control and a major conspiracy.

“The Purge: Anarchy” was unexpectedly better than the first film. This sequel focuses more on the society & the sick minds of the people who believe in The Purge and has a better non-linear plot & better character development rather than a linear plot & mindless "running here & there" in the previous film. 

The story intertwines with different characters' lives and it shows the glimpses of the different social classes such as the middle class, the rich and so on towards The Purge event. It does remind me of a similar concept from films such as Hunger Games & Snowpiercer; social hierarchies in which the poor suffers, the middle class pals along, the rich ignorantly loath in luxuries and the conspiracy of the authorities total control. Although the story was quite expectable as you carry on, the pacing really keep you to the edge of your seat. 

Although the title was “The Purge: Anarchy”, but the film focuses on the society and only in the end it reveals the rise of anarchy. Maybe they should change the title hahah. Nevertheless, bloodshed is seen throughout the film. At least, you don't need to watch the first film to understand this one. Well, I'm expecting the next installment to be better, with the Resistance's intervention and more social conflict.  (:

My Rating?

Plot : 3.75/5

Storyline : 3.25/5

Characters*: 3.5/5 

Effects** : 3.5/5 

OVERALL : 7/10.

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Review Of: TRANSFORMERS : AGE OF EXTINCTION [IMAX 3D]

Finally, I've watched TRANSFORMERS : AGE OF EXTINCTION...in IMAX 3D! 

Directed by Michael Bay

Starring Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Li Bing Bing

Storyline: 

Set 4 years after the events of Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, the Transformers, both Autobots and Decepticons are hunted down by an elite CIA force; Cemetery Wind. A minority of powerful men attempts to use and control the Transformers technology and genome to their own advantage, but twisted repercussions occur which might lead to the extinction of humanity. 

TRANSFORMERS : AGE OF EXTINCTION was visually epic, especially in IMAX 3D!
The best Transformers film so far, since the first Transformers film. And you don't really need to follow so closely to the previous films to understand this one, just a gist of them should be fine. 

Despite the film runs for a long 2 hours 45 minutes, and with the story and plot aside for now, it was really indeed an eye candy with stunning shots, cool cars and epic action sequences.

In my opinion, if you're planning to watch this movie, don't settle for less, just save up and watch it in IMAX 3D, it'll be worth every cent! 

Story-wise, well, it is an action film with fighting robots, so in my opinion, it is like the second and third instalment, so don't expect much difference from the kind of storyline with "human-wants-Transformers-out-humans-are-selfish-greedy-people-then-something-happen-which-leads-to-Decepticons-intervention-and-new-Autobots-intervention-bang-bang-boom-pew-pew-pew". Yeah. But like I said, just watch it and enjoy the film, I mean c'mon, it's a TRANSFORMERS movie! :D 

Plot, was alright, with some good expositions and epic Transformers action, although the film feels like it was two films in one. Maybe because it was rather a long runtime and certain parts feel unnecessary and could've better paced and edited.

I think this film is better than the previous two because there were less characters in it, so it is easier to focus and understand who is who and what's happening than trying in Revenge of The Fallen and Dark of The Moon which featured quite a number of characters. Or maybe this fourth instalment was just much longer, which leaves more time for the audience to digest. Also, I think it's a little odd seeing Mark Wahlberg playing the character as a father, hmm. 

Visually, I cannot express how epic it was. I mean, it is a Michael Bay film, story aside, you can be sure it will not be visually disappointing in my opinion. From the graphics, the cinematography and action scenes, utterly epic in IMAX 3D! (I'm not sponsored to say this, but you should really watch in in IMAX!) Oh, and instead of the typical mass destruction of New York and Chicago kind, this film has some major scenes in China. So yeah, a little different! 

All in all, TRANSFORMERS : AGE OF EXTINCTION is a really visually epic film. (I think I used the word 'epic' many times, hahah :P) So, if you loved the first Transformers film, but was quite disappointed by the two sequels, I don't think this fourth one would be disappoint, because it didn't disappoint me. So yeah, if you're planning on watching it, especially to enjoy the visuals, go IMAX. 

My Rating?

Plot : 3.75/5

Storyline : 3.25/5

Characters*: 3.25/5 

Effects** : 4.75/5 

OVERALL : 7.75/10.

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Review Of : X-Men: Days of Future Past

I've just watched "X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST"  yesterday! (: 

Directed By Bryan Singer

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Peter Dinklage, Michael Fassbender, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Ellen Page, Anna Paquin, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Patrick Stewart, Evan Peters, Shawn Ashmore, Booboo Stewart, Daniel Cudmore, Bingbing Fan & Omar Sy

Synopsis:

The X-Men send Wolverine to the past from a time in the future in which the world is coming to an end due to the presence of Sentinels. In a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants, Wolverine must find and work together with young Charles Xavier and Magneto to change the past and the future. 

First of, I'd like to say that X-Men: Days of Future Past is one cool X-Men movie, in terms of plot and visuals. 

Oh, and a heads up, you might want to watch "X-Men: First Class" if you haven't watched it yet, because if you haven't you might be a little confused on who is who. 

But if you're a die-hard X-Men fan or you have watched the previous X-Men movies, then good for you! Although this movie involves time-travelling, but it isn't as confusing as I expected, because the plot was told in a linear form so easier understanding. Also, for some X-Men fans you might spot some plot-holes in the film especially if you've watched "The Wolverine" and "First Class", but still, it's an awesome X-Men movie, so I can forgive that. 

With that aside, let's get on to the review! :D 

The story is rather interesting and not as confusing as I thought it would be. With the intervention of Sentinels and political issues, the story gives the film a rather serious and realistic tone which revolves around themes such as equality, acceptance and faith. 

Plot-wise is really good, with the ratio of action to story evened out. Although as I said earlier, there are some plot holes in this film with relation to the previous X-Men movies. But with that said again, the flow of the story is really engaging and driven. 

There were quite a number of new X-Men characters introduced and some from the previous films who've made a come back but I was a little disappointed when some of the X-Men characters were not given enough screen-time action or even dialogue, but oh well.  

Visually, really cool! Enough said. Hahaha. Well, the showcase of the character's abilities and the power of the Sentinels are really good, and some are spectacularly memorably cool (I shall not disclose for it may be spoilers!) It's interesting how the story takes place simultaneously in a dark, dystopian future and contrasting it with the "colourful" 70s. 

All in all, Bryan Singer did a fabulous job with this film, although some questions still linger in my mind, but maybe hopefully they'll be answered in the next X-Men installment; "X-Men: Apocalypse" set to be out in 2016. 

In a nutshell, I'd say "X-Men: Days of Future Past" is a cool X-Men film for fans of the film and fans of X-Men alike! And I have a feeling that there'll be a whole new story set out for future X-Men films. 

P.S. - There'll be an after-credit scene, so be sure to stay back in the cinema!

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 4/5

Characters*: 4/5 

Effects** : 4.75/5

OVERALL : 8.25/10.

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Review Of: Transcendence

I've watched "TRANSCENDENCE", 

and I've got to say that this movie is like a cool mix of Inception, TRON & Matrix!

Directed By Wally Pfister 

Starring Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Paul Bettany, Cillian Murphy, Morgan Freeman 

Synopsis:

Three scientists - Max and the husband and wife team, Will and Evelyn - have been developing a programming code for the world's first fully self-aware computer. When a group of anti-technology terrorists assassinate Will, Evelyn uploads his brain into a prototype supercomputer. Although she at first finds the experiment seems to have gone wrong, before too long Evelyn finds Will responding in computer form. She goes on to connect Will to the Internet so he can help make further scientific breakthroughs. Will asks Evelyn to connect a microphone and a camera up to the computer so he can see and speak to her as well. When the anti-technology organisation finds out, they try to steal the supercomputer and destroy it, but Will no longer needs the computer to survive.

(Source: Cinema Online) 

Even though the main idea of the film has been used by many sci-fi films, but the execution and story that revolves around the idea is mind-blowing. 

The film revolves around the near-future where A.I is going into it's advancement, but instead of some typical epic sci-fi "bang bang boom" film, I feel that Transcendence made the story more believable as it shows the social effect of the A.I technology and the effects of the Internet. (I shall refrain from any spoilers haha)

Like I mentioned, I'm really amazed with the overall screenplay and story of the film, well thought out and written. The concept is simple yet powerful. Reminds me of "TRON", "Inception", and "The Matrix". Although I have not watched "Her" yet what the idea is quite similar too. 

The plot was really engaging, to a certain point it made me think that this story could be possible in the near future. I like how they made this movie quite realistic. 

The acting was good, although I expected more screen time from certain actors. Also, I feel that Morgan Freeman's character was underused hahah. :P 

Visuals was amazing, the graphics and all. Also, the director of this film, Wally Pfister was actually the Director of Photography in the film "Inception", that explains some cool visuals similar to "Inception". 

To sum it up, TRANSCENDENCE is one cool film dedicated to this digital and modern era. Somewhat believable and epic. I highly recommend you to watch this film. (: 

My Rating?

Plot : 4.5/5

Storyline : 4.25/5

Characters*: 4/5 

Effects** : 4/5

OVERALL : 8.5/10.

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Review Of: Captain America : The Winter Soldier [IMAX 3D]

I've just watched "CAPTAIN AMERICA : THE WINTER SOLDIER" and I have got to say that this sequel is much more intense and interesting.

Directed By:Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L. Jackson

Synopsis:

The second instalment of "Captain America", "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" picks up where "Marvel's The Avengers" leaves off, as Steve Rogers continues his affiliation with Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. and struggles to embrace his role in the modern world. Chris Evans will reprise his role as the titular Captain America while Anthony Mackie will star as the Falcon. Fans of the comic book series will know that Steve Rogers' best friend, James "Bucky" Barnes (Sebastian Stan) will rise to become the eponymous Winter Soldier.

Better than its predecessor. Intense plot. Great acting. 

Captain America : The Winter Soldier has a rather interesting story. I love how they made this sequel inter-related to the previous Captain America and also some references to The Avengers. This film really pushed Captain America and also touches on S.H.I.E.L.D's conspiracies. My advice, if you've forgotten at least the brief story of Captain America : The First Avenger, you should consider watching it again, although in this sequel they do bring back some idea of the previous. 

As I said, the story is interesting as it makes this film relate to its predecessor.

The plot is rather intense, both in action and emotional aspects. Although, since it's a Marvel superhero movie, you'd guess some of the minor "plot twists" this film really brings the deep past of Captain America & S.H.I.E.L.D. The story isn't too dark/deep like The Dark Knight but it's believable enough.

Acting was really good, with fair amount of screen time for each of the main cast. 

The visuals was really good, nothing too flashy or too mundane, maybe they were taking it more realistic and it was good. Although some scenes looked incredibly epic in IMAX. (Well, actually almost everything looks epic in IMAX hahah :P)

All in all, "CAPTAIN AMERICA : THE WINTER SOLDIER" is a great film for Marvel fans and followers of superhero films. As you all know, stay back for the after-credit scene! (: 

My Rating?

Plot : 4.25/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Characters*: 4/5 

Effects** : 4/5

OVERALL : 8.25/10.

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Review Of : The Journey

Finally found the time to review "The Journey". (:

Directed By Chiu Keng Guan

Starring Ben Andrew Pfeiffer, Lee Sai Peng, Joanne Yew Hong Im

Synopsis:

Uncle Chuan is an old-fashioned and conservative man staying alone in Cameron Highlands leading a lonely retired life. His only hope is to reunite with his only daughter Ah Bee who will be returning from overseas after graduation and stay together as a traditional family. Finally Ah Bee came back after graduation but she brought back her foreign boyfriend Benji with her and they planned to get married. Uncle Chuan vigorously opposed to the marriage due to Ben’s frivolous behaviour but he failed to change his daughter’s mind. At the end, Uncle Chuan agreed to their marriage reluctantly, with a condition to be fulfilled- their wedding ceremony must be a Chinese ceremony. According to the Chinese culture, son-in-law Benji is obliged to deliver the wedding invitations together with the father-in-law. To realise a promise of young age, Uncle Chuan decided to invite all his 11 ex-primary classmates that are now located all over Malaysia to attend the daughter’s wedding. He has planned a route map to visit all these ex-classmates in order to hand them the invitation card in person. Benji has agreed with the task but insisted to travel in his motorcycle. Without much choice, the journey of a long distance road travel of Uncle Chuan accompanied by Benji kicked started unwillingly.

By far, the best local film I've watched! 

I was initially shocked that this film beaten "Robocop" in the local box office but then again, it was indeed a really good film. The Journey is an amazing story that is more than your average typical CNY movie. It has a funny yet touching story accompanied with breathtaking visuals. Although I've not watched Chiu's previous films like "Great Day", I'm sure if you've watched (which by now, you should) The Journey, you'll agree that this is one of the few local films which I'd say "has standard" and really make us proud. 

The story is simple but funny yet meaningful that revolves around the themes of culture, unity, love  & family values. Although the themes were not firmly conveyed, but you can feel the connection (especially if you're a local Malaysian) through the various culture explored in the film. I like how Chiu & his screenwriter used the point of view of a British guy to explore the story.

The plot is well thought out, which gives each character enough screen-time and enough depth in their character in a realistic way by exploring conflicts, history and etc. Despite that some scenes in my opinion feels a little rushed into, but overall a job well done!

The acting was good, especially coming from a new batch of actors. The characters as I said, was well thought of, from their school history, how they connect to one another and how it affect one another. This kind of story with depth is what really caught my attention, because it is kind of uncommon in some local films.

The visuals, was breathtaking (only if it's in IMAX hahhaha:P ) The cinematography and production design of the movie was well taken care of. Many scenes just look like it's taken for a postcard or a photograph. The cinematography really shows the beauty of Malaysia's diversity from the geographical aspect to the cultural. 

In a nutshell, if you haven't watched "The Journey", you MUST, at least once. Amazing, enough said. (:

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 3.5/5

Characters*: 4.5/5 

Effects** : 4.5/5

OVERALL : 8.5/10.

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Review Of: The Lego Movie

I've just watched "THE LEGO MOVIE" yesterday! :D 

Directed By Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Chris McKay

Starring Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Channing Tatum, Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Alison Brie, Will Ferrell

Synopsis:
The LEGO® Movie,” the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO® adventure, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures, opens in theaters beginning February 7, 2014. Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (“21 Jump Street,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”), it stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman. The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

(Source: GSC Cinemas)

An interesting, weird and yet unique animated film.

Because of Lego having the license to make toys based on famous people  and famous movies, this gives the advantage of making the movie a creative and hilarious twist because of the various characters in the film based of other notable films such as Batman, Superman, Gandalf, characters from Star Wars and etc. Therefore this film is somewhat like "Epic Movie" or "Scary Movie" but with a Lego twist to it. 

Although you shouldn't expect a Disney animated feel kind of animated film, but son't get me wrong, "The Lego Movie" is a fun, unique animated film and brings the wonder of CGI with stop-motion animation.

The storyline at first was rather cliché as a typical you-are-the-chosen-one-and-you-must-save-the-world kind of story, but with that aside, there's a weird twist at the end that may get your attention. (no spoilers here hahah :P)

The plot contains numerous funny puns in the movie and also parody of other notable movie characters that will leave you laughing. I really admire the people you did the stop-motion animation for the film. It is really amazing, as I've watched many Lego stop-motion videos online, but a full-feature movie...got a salute from me. 

The characters are really interesting to watch especially Good Cop/Bad Cop voiced by Liam Neeson, Vitruvius (Initially I mistaken him as Gandalf hahah) voiced by Morgan Freeman, Batman voiced by Will Arnett  and many other characters. They did a wonderful job on creating the characters and the screenplay that gives the characters funny moments that's worth laughing.

Amazing work to the team behind the movie as they literally made a whole Lego world and animating it brick-by-brick.

All in all, "The Lego Movie" is an interesting and unique movie that's worth a watch. Maybe in 3D too! :P But, like I said, don't expect a Disney feel to this movie. "The Lego Movie" is a hilarious animated movie and if you love Lego & stop motion or just want to watch a cool animated film, look no further. (: 

My Rating?

Plot : 4/5

Storyline : 3.5/5

Characters*: 3.75/5 

Effects** : 4/5

OVERALL : 7.75/10.

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Review Of: ILO ILO

I've just watched "ILO ILO" (:

Directed by Anthony Chen

Starring Chen Tianwen, Yeo Yann Yann, Angeli Bayani, Koh Jia Ler

Synopsis:

Set in Singapore, Ilo Ilo chronicles the relationship between the Lim family and their newly arrived maid, Teresa. Like many other Filipino women, she has come to this city in search of a better life. Her presence in the family worsens their already strained relationship. Jiale, the young and troublesome son, starts to form a unique bond with Teresa, who soon becomes an unspoken part of the family. This is 1997 and the Asian Financial Crisis is beginning to be felt in the region

(Source: GSC Cinemas)

A "down-to-earth" story that really shows the hardships of a Singaporean family during the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997.

Anthony Chen took a serious and realistic way of diving into the life of Singaporean families during the crisis through the eyes of a Pilipino maid and also giving a serious tone to the film but also adding a tinge of some comedic moments in the film. But I was expecting a bit more from the movie as the ending was quite abrupt, in my opinion.

The story was in a way "genuine" as I said, it dives quite deeply into the family's life and habits, without missing on the small details. The story flow quite well and it was rather relatable to most families in different societies, especially during hardships.

The plot was good, although I expected much more due to the rather abrupt ending. But that can be forgiven considering the genre and theme this movie was going for. Many scenes were well written to show each and every character's troubles and conflict, but still I felt that those scenes could've escalated to something more hmm.

Acting was great. The actors portrayed the characters really good and realistic. For some moments, it really felt like a documentary of the family's real life. Fyi, Yeo Yann Yann was really pregnant in the movie. 

The cinematography was good, simple and not too flashy. The tone of the film make it really seem like a film made in the 90s. 

In a nutshell, "ILO ILO" is a genuine, realistic movie which touches on many family and individual values. If you enjoy those real-life stories about people and society, or enjoy "International screens/Foreign films", you should give this a go. 

My Rating?

Plot : 3.75/5

Storyline : 4/5

Characters*: 5/5 

Effects** : 3.5/5

OVERALL : 8/10.

Trailer:

Review Of: Delivery Man

I've just watched "DELIVERY MAN" a few days ago thinking I just 

wanted a couple of giggles, instead I was presented buckets of laughters. :P

Directed By Ken Scott

Starring Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt, Cobie Smulders

Synopsis:

From DreamWorks Pictures comes “Delivery Man”, the story of affable underachiever David Wozniak, whose mundane life is turned upside down when he finds out that he fathered 533 children through sperm donations he made twenty years earlier. In debt to the mob, rejected by his pregnant girlfriend, things couldn’t look worse for David when he is hit with a lawsuit from 142 of the 533 twenty-somethings who want to know the identity of the donor. As David struggles to decide whether or not he should reveal his true identity, he embarks on a journey that leads him to discover not only his true self but the father he could become as well.

A hilarious and somewhat bizarre/unique movie. :P

The already bizarre storyline makes this comedy film stand out from some other movies of similar genre. The movie is not some slap-stick comedy but it have a rather good story & message in dealing with choices and responsibility, although not delivered strongly but the message is there, and hey, it's a comedy, just go in and laugh your hearts out! :P 

For a comedy, a somewhat interesting undertaking in terms of story-line. To think of such a scenario for a character to undergo, is just interesting to watch. Something different I'd say. (:

The plot is filled with a fair amount of laughters for audiences' enjoyment! Both slapstick and funny scenes. It's a comedy film, so don't expect such a solid and strong plot though hahah.

Vince Vaughn, a great comedy actor, most of his comedy films he starred in are real "laugh-out-loud"sI remembered "The Internship" was hilarious! And "Delivery Man" will not disappoint.

There's no use going all technical for movies this genre I think. As comedy goes about, "Delivery Man" is one of those rather good comedy film to start off the year! (Unless, you prefer CNY movies hahaha :P) 

My Rating?

Plot : 3.5/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Characters*: 3.75/5 

Effects** : 3.5/5

OVERALL : 7.25/10.

Trailer: