Sunday, May 26, 2013

Review Of: The Great Gatsby (3D)

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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: 





Thursday, March 14, 2013

Design For The New Youth Credit Card.

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"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

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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: 



Thursday, February 21, 2013

Review Of: FLIGHT

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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: 




Friday, January 18, 2013

Review Of : The Impossible

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Just watched "THE IMPOSSIBLE" a few days ago. 

Directed By Juan Antonio Bayona

Starring Naomi Watts. Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergast

Synopsis:
The real-life account of a family's horrific ordeal, vacationing at a beach resort in Thailand when the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 hit. 


Tear-jerking & heart-wrenching. 

The Impossible is truly an amazing film. Firstly, this is not a movie which shows epic apocalyptic scenes to show off the graphics. (*ahem* 2012 *ahem*) This is the true story of Maria (Naomi), Henry (Ewan) , Lucas, Thomas, & Simon. In fact, the script is written by Maria herself assisted by Sergio G. Sánche. 

I would say that this movie will be one of the good movies that will & have already touched people emotionally and possibly change their perspective on life. 


I'm really impressed & amazed on the overall flow of the story. 
The story was, I would call it "down to earth" as it focuses on the emotional aspects of the movie and the after effects of the tsunami on people. What makes it more impact-ful, is that this is a true story. 

Plot, there are scenes that will deeply "hit" the audience emotionally. Actually, almost all the scenes will "hit" the audience emotionally. 
Also, there are some scenes which are kind of 'bloody' with with bloody wounds. So, if you're bringing really young kids, beware. :P But on the good side, this makes the movie more realistic and brings the audience closer to the emotions of the characters. (Watch, and you'll get what I mean :) Although a little more in depth at the beginning of the film would suffice, but it's already good enough to make audience tear up. 

Acting, amazing. The actors/actresses did a job well done with bringing out the characters & their relationships to a deep emotional level. Not forgetting the makeup department for the great job on the wounds & etc. 

Visually, they did a job well-done. The scene where the tsunami wiped out the coastal area was so realistic as if it was shot on the day itself. 

So, if you plan on watching this movie, prepare to get tissues or something. 
All in all, it's indeed a must-watch. (:


My Rating?

Plot : 4.5/5
Storyline : 4/5
Characters*: 4.75/5 
Effects** :4.5/5
OVERALL : 8.75/10.


Trailer: 





Thursday, December 27, 2012

Review Of : Upside Down

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Just watched the Premiere Screening of "UPSIDE DOWN".

Directed By Juan Diego Solanas

Starring Kirsten Dunst, Jim Sturgess, Timothy Spall 

Synopsis: 
In an alternate universe, there are two worlds; "Up Above" and "Down Below". The two worlds are separated. While Up is rich and prosperous, Down is poor. Going Up is strictly forbidden and the only connection between the worlds is through the company "TransWorld".The movie tells the story of Adam(Jim) who lives Down Below but he falls in love with Eden(Kirsten) who lives Up Above. Then, as they were about to meet, the law enforcers took Eden away & Adam is thrown back to live back in Down Below. As years pass, Adam saw Eve on TV, and with this, his pursuit to find Eden begins and he will let nothing get into his way, not even the law enforcers and the forces of nature. 


So, when I first saw the trailer in the cinemas, I was literally amazed & stunned at the whole concept of the movie. I mean, two worlds living simultaneously but they can't meet each other because the laws of nature/gravity forbids them. 

With a great idea & concept that almost blew my mind like how Inception did, I was hoping for a great story too. But the story was below expectations. The story was not all that bad but the script & plot can be improved a whole lot. I was expecting the genre of sci-fi/romance to be as interesting as The Adjustment Bureau.

So the up side of the movie is the concept & visuals but the down side is they could've written a better script. (Haha puns! Get it? Up side & Down side. :P ) 



Anyway, back to the movie, it was visually stunning & the concept as I said, blew my mind. 

The story was really good. Overall concept & idea. But keep in mind, you have to listen & understand the movie well, so pay attention. 

Just a head's up, here's some info about the movie's story you might want to know. 
The two worlds; Up Above & Down Below live opposite to each other, but they cannot meet each other, one of the main cause is the gravity of each world. The gravity has 3 rules:
1) Everything is pulled only by the gravity of its own planet
2) One thing can pass to the other gravity field by touching something belonging there
3) The thing that passes to the other gravity field starts to burn in time

Plot wise, could've been a lot better. I was hoping for a little twist or something, but instead the ending was a little hurried & left me "What? Ended like that? There could've been more." 
Acting, quite good. 
Visually, amazing. Great designs of the two worlds. Nice cinematography. 

So, all in all, UPSIDE DOWN is somewhat an interesting movie, it could've been better but it was okay. Worth a watch. Once, again, pay attention to the concept of the idea. 


My Rating?

Plot : 3.25/5
Storyline : 4/5
Characters*: 3.75/5 
Effects** :4.5/5
OVERALL : 7.5/10.


Trailer: 


(^ the movie is in English, but the only trailer I found online is this French version. So yeah.) 


Movie Rating Guide. :)

Lately, I've changed my movie ratings a little. (:


Plot :

is the flow & structural plot of the movie itself.

Storyline :

the overall idea & the concept of the movie.

Characters:

The character's overall acting & character built-up in the movie. Or for animation, the voices & character built-up too.

Effects* :

The visual effects, 3D effects, movie scores/music, graphics, animation of a movie respective to it's genre.


SO, there it is. Thanks! :)