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. 

Review Of : The Call

Just watched ' THE CALL' last night.

Directed By Brad Anderson

Starring Halle Berry, Evie Thompson, Abigail Breslin, Morris Chestnut

Synopsis: 

When veteran 911 operator Jordan Turner receives a call from a girl who has just been abducted, she soon realizes that she must confront a killer from her past in order to save the girl's life.

Chair-gripping psychological thriller.

When I first entered the cinema to watch this movie, I entered with great interest but I did not expect a lot from it, due to it's generic kidnapping storyline. Reminds me of some episodes of Criminal Minds & the movieTaken, but what caught my attention was the approach and perspective of the film, it's a kidnapping movie but from the POV of a 911 call center operator. 

So, what I have to say is that once the suspense part comes in, you'll never lift your hand up from the seat. It's really chair-gripping and keeps your eyes glued to the silver screen. The Call will definitely be one of the few good thrillers. 

The story is merely simple but the plot is well-structured. Intense, creepy, somewhat frightening & twisted.

As I previously mentioned, the interesting approach towards the story brought the whole movie to live. With heart-pumping scenes that involves emotional dialogues that keeps the audience hooked. Applause to the writers Richard D'Ovidio, Nicole D'Ovidio, Jon Bokenkamp.

As for the plot, well structured and a little 'twisted' I'll say. I won't give a way spoilers to you all, but the plot is what really got me holding to edge of my seat. Suspense from start til finish. Also, the story might actually teach you a thing or two about what you should do if you're in the kidnapped's situation.

Acting, well done. All the characters from Jordan, the kidnapped girl, and the psychotic serial killer. Their acting really made the whole movie intense and also creepy.

Visually, the cinematography was good as it brought the audience closer to the action and emotional aspects of the characters. Not forgetting, amplifying the creepy disturbing , heart-pumping scenes in the film which I will not tell. :P 

All in all, The Call is a must-watch movie, especially if you love psychological thrillers. I'll honestly say that movies like this is definitely worth a watch! 

My Rating?

Plot : 4.5/5

Storyline : 3.5/5

Characters*: 4/5 

Effects** :4/5

OVERALL : 8.75/10.

Trailer: 

Review Of: FLIGHT

Just watched 'FLIGHT' yesterday.

Directed By Robert Zemeckis

Starring Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Kelly Reilly, John Goodman

Synopsis: 

In this action-packed mystery thriller, Academy Award winner, Denzel Washington stars as Whip Whitaker, a seasoned airline pilot, who miraculously crash lands his plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving nearly every soul on board. After the crash, Whip is hailed as a hero, but as more is learned, more questions than answers arise as to who or what was really at fault and what really happened on that plane?

(UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES)

Great acting, compelling story & characters.

When I first saw the trailer, my reaction was "Its a Denzel Washington movie! A Robert Zemeckis' movie. It's Acedemy nominated too! " Which, means it has got to be a good movie, and it did not disappoint me much (: 

Yes, I expected more, maybe a more complex plot or more intense moments? Hmm. Anyway, it's a good movie, I was even convinced that it was based on a true story.

Basically, the story revolves around Captain Whip as he pilots the plane. and he faces a situation that forces him to take action which causes the plane to crash land, killing 6 lives out of the 106. Although some people call him a hero as he managed to save the other lives, there are many prosecutions & allegations against him. 

I'll keep this short & simple.

The story, is shocking but believable. Sort of like "Amazing true stories" kind of story. Also, I believe it serves well as an awareness movie too. I shall not give any spoilers, so that is all I'll say. :P 

Plot-wise, although expected more, but the plot is pretty concrete & structured. From the flow & scenes, quite well done. There are certain scenes which got me at the edge of my seats. 

Those scenes was well done especially with the aid of good cinematography. 

Acting, I need not say, but I will. All the casts did a great job. Especially, the scriptwriters on creating the characters, making them interesting & captivating. 

Visually, the cinematography is good. Some scenes as I said, was well done with the cinematography as it evokes suspense & focus.

Music, I like the film's score. It matches the scenes well. (:

So, I'll recommend for you to watch this movie. All in all, simple story, compelling characters. 

Although there isn't much scenes which is a must watch in the cinemas, should give it a go at the silver screens.

My Rating?

Plot : 3.75/5

Storyline : 3.75/5

Characters*: 4.5/5 

Effects** :3.5/5

OVERALL : 7.75/10.

Trailer: