REVIEW: STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

The voyage of the Star Trek movie franchise continues on the big screen in its 12th installment. Based on the popular science fiction 1-hour TV series in the 1960s and 1970s, the Star Trek films have grown bigger and better over the years. Lately, director J.J.Abrams did a reboot of the franchise by casting new actors and added in a new look with a film simply in entitled Star Trek in 2009.

J.J.Abrams returns to the hot seat directing the same ensemble cast of actors; Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana, John Cho and Anton Yelchin. This time around, Star Trek Into Darkness adds Benedict Cumberbatch, Peter Weller, and Alice Eve to the supporting cast.

Movie Poster

SYNOPSIS:
The crew of the Starship Enterprise is sent on a secret mission but returns home punished for violating certain directives. As Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto) are reassigned, a secret plot to destory Earth is developing. To their surprise, the evil intentions come from within the Starfleet organization. Together with their crew, they set out to hunt the villain responsible and bring him to justice.

SCRIPT:
Star Trek Into Darkness reunites the same writers from the previous film. Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Damon Lindelof designed a story that was full of adventure to satistfy moviegoers and die-hard fans. There were not much confusing terminology (words) to begin with, as most science-fiction films are associated with doing so. The dialogue is snappy and easy to understand. It is not a direct sequel from the previous film Star Trek (2009) and can function as a stand-alone film. I liked how there were some lines that paid tribute to the original Star Trek franchise.

Alice Eve sits in between Chris Pine (left) and Zachary Quinto is the new addition to the cast.

ACTING:
The ensemble cast did not disappoint. All were equally good. As usual, the prominence is given to the Kirk and Spock roles. However, I would like to point out that Benedict Cumberbatch gave a rousing and awesome performance as the villain. He played one of those villains you would just love to hate. His performance reminds me of Tom Hiddleston when he played Loki in both Thor and The Avengers. Benedict Cumberbatch is a star to watch. Also loved that veteran actor Peter Weller, of Robocop fame, returns to the big screen.

Principal cast members and director J.J.Abrams (seated) in the cover of Empire magazine.

FILMING:
J.J.Abrams has a unique style of approach to film-making. He doesn't unravel too much in the beginning and middle of the film, but more towards the end. He is like the master of finding climactic moments in film. Star Trek Into Darkness has this and was well crafted by him. The visual effects was done by Industrial Light & Magic which adds top-notch value to the film.


PACING:
One of the most NOT boring action movies I have seen. It was intense from scene to scene. The dialogue conversation scenes were not too long. It felt like there was all-out action from start to finish. Simon Pegg as Scotty adds the comic flair to the film as usual.

Simon Pegg as Scotty

TONE (MOOD):
The theme of the film is darkness and the characters are fueled with vengeance. Despite such negativity, the film does give a pleasant feel of heroism from time to time.

Zachary Quinto as Spock

DOWNSIDE:
If you are not a Star Trek fan or a science fiction film fan, skip it. But I do recommend watching it for it might take you on an unexpected adventure.

UPSIDE:
The pacing of the film. The fast-paced editing. Both combined makes it one of the movies to watch this summer. The performance of Benedict Cumberbatch who was brilliant in his role as the villain.

Benedict Cumberbatch

OVERALL:
The Star Trek films is really about the concept of teamwork. Such qualities is good for many to watch although some scenes may not be suitable for children under 13 years old.

RATING:
8 out of 10

REVIEW: THE GREAT GATSBY

The much anticipated film from Australian director Baz Luhrmann (William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge) comes to theaters, this time adapting F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby. For those who are unfamiliar with the novel, The Great Gatsby is widely used as reading material for English classes in universities around the world. I had the priviledge to read it many years ago. The novel has been adapted four times for the big screen. The only other version I saw was the 1974 adaptation starring Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Sam Waterston.

This 2013 adaptation stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, and Amitabh Bachchan. Distributed by Warner Bros.

 

SYNOPSIS:
The film follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious wealthy New York millionaire in 1920s America. He is filthy rich and admired by many yet he seems to be very secluded. He befriends neigbour Nick Carraway, who recently arrived in New York from the Midwest. The film is told from Carraway's viewpoint in occassional flashbacks.

(L-R): Amitabh Bachchan, Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio
 

SCRIPT:
It is adapted from a novel so there is only so little that can be criticized. However, I find the dialogue short and sharp compared to the 1974 adaptation. The scriptwriters took some liberty in changing the lines a little but did not loose the essence of the novel. Credit goes to Baz Luhrmann who co-wrote with his long-time collaborator Craig Pearce.

 Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role as Jay Gatsby
 

ACTING:
The casting of the film was perfect. DiCaprio (his second collaboration with Luhrmann) was ideal for the role and so was Maguire. Carey Mulligan is a star to watch out for the future. Joel Edgerton, last seen in Zero Dark Thirty, gave an awesome performance. Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan also appears in the film in critical role. Would have loved to see more of him.

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachachan

FILMING:
Fantastic. Fantastic. Fantastic. The production value on this film is tremendous. As with all Baz Luhrmann films, he likes to keep his shots filled with colours. His trademark camera angles and movements are there though I felt there should be more of it. The art direction is eye-candy, from wardrobe to the sets for the film.

Director Baz Luhrmann at work with DiCaprio and Mulligan

PACING:
Not too slow. Not too fast. Just right. It doesn't make the audience bored. They some few injections of comedy to lighten the pace which was good.

TONE (MOOD):
It is a period piece. It takes place in 1920s America. Expect the atmosphere to reflect that era, full of jazz music. HOWEVER, knowing Baz Luhrmann particular attention to his films soundtracks, the music for the film was filled with modern day R&B and Hip-Hop which is a brilliant decision on the writers part. The music in the film was produced by Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter (yes, the rapper). Musical score is by Craig Armstrong.

DOWNSIDE:
Film's length might be a turn off for some as it runs for 142 minutes.

UPSIDE:
Stylistic film-making and some fine acting from ensemble cast.

OVERALL:
The film has some under-lying themes of what defines success, from a positive and negative level. If you can figure it out, it could be a valuable lesson to many.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10

REVIEW: KIL - Malaysia. [UPDATED]

Here I am again, reviewing a local Malaysian film. This time, it is a film which has been anticipated by many in the local entertainment industry. Two years to be exact. The film was reportedly produced on a small budget and filmed in an astonishing 11 days! I had the privilege of attending the gala premiere last night courtesy of the film's distributor, Grand Brilliance.

Small budget + 11 days = A pretty good film.

The movie is titled... KIL

Kil marks the debut of Nik Amir Mustapha as the director. The film stars Redza Minhat and Cristina Suzzane. Supported by Harun Salim Bachik, Hasnul Rahmat and many more.

SYNOPSIS:
The film tells the story of Akil (or Kil for short, hence the film title), who is depressed with his life and wants to commit suicide. After several failed attempts he decides to seek help. However it is not to convince him to live, but to assist him to die. However, along the way a mysterious girl comes into his life and touches his heart. Is it too late for him to change his mind to die?

 

SCRIPT:
First of all, I have to applaud the premise of the film. Suicide. It is very rare that a Malaysian film will take on a sensitive subject which some in the public might frown upon it. I feel Grand Brilliance took a big risk in distributing KIL but I think it will pay off.

The film is told via a non-linear storyline. A non-linear storyline is when a film doesn't start with the 'beginning' and finishes with the 'end' but could start with the 'end' or any parts of the film. This is rarely seen locally and always in Hollywood films. Thumbs up for this script structure.

For a film that has a 'dramatic' premise, I like the fact that it was not too heavy and does not bore the audience.

ACTING:
KIL is anchored by the two leads Redza Minhat (Akil) and Cristina Suzanne (Zara). Their performances when beyond my expectations as both actors are not household names yet in Malaysia. However, after this film, I see them getting there. Harun Salim Bachik, who plays the person who will assist in Akil's suicide, was a welcomed supporting role to bring balance to the cast.

FILMING:
The shots in this film were tremendously gorgeous. And too know that KIL was shot on a low budget makes it even sweeter. The camera movements were great and the colour tone is fabulous.

PACING:
It is a drama. It is slow. But it engages the audience. When parts of the film felt draggy, there's the insertion of comedy to keep audience focused. This film did not make me bored.

TONE:
As the synopsis says, it is about suicide. Expect to feel depressed and sad but you will enjoy how the film was shot.

DOWNSIDE:
Slow and lots of talk. However, a movie fan should able to absorb this and appreciate the crescendo as it reaches the finale.

UPSIDE:
Production value! For a film that was produced on a low budget and filmed in eleven (11) days, it doesn't look like one. Roles were well portrayed by the actors. Beyond expectations.

UPDATE:
You can check their Facebook page by clicking KIL here. Show your support by clicking Like. You can also watch the trailer below.

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Here is a link to an article from New Straits Times which gives the film positive and glowing reviews. Click this link.

 

OVERALL:
A Malaysian film that Malaysians can be proud of. As I write this blog posting, the director Nik Amir Mustapha is heading to the Cannes Film Festival to showcase KIL.
 

The film arrives in Malaysian cinemas 30th May 2013.

RATING:
8 out of 10 (my rating is based/compared among local films)

REVIEW: BISIKAN SYAITAN - Malaysia

This would be my first review for a local Malaysian movie. The film is titled Bisikan Syaitan, which translated the Malay language to English means 'The Devil's Whisper'.

Bisikan Syaitan is a horror film directed by Faizul A. Rashid. It stars Fizz Fairuz, Nabila Huda, Wan Sharmila and Azam Pitt. The film is distributed by Grand Brilliance Sdn. Bhd.

Horror films are always 'tricky' to produce. The difficult task is to 'push the right button' that would scare the audience. Then, comes the question of how the audience would react. This film has its own devilish tricks.

SYNOPSIS:
After being caught by the police for murder, Soraya (Nabila Huda) is brought to justice by the courts. Her husband Kamil (Fizz Fairuz) must find a way to proof her innocence. The reasons for her crimes are slowly unraveled and their extended family is jeopardized by them.

SCRIPT:
The movie has a good premise but it is structured pretty sporadic. It starts off with a mystery then it goes awkwardly astray. Plotholes after plotholes. The only good thing to come out of it was the ending revelation of the whole plot.

ACTING:
Only the female actress shone in this film, Nabila Huda who plays Soraya and Wan Sharmila who is making her feature film debut. I liked Nabila Huda's intense potrayal of her role but the rest of the cast seems not up-to-par.

FILMING:
Some camera movements did give the suspense feel but most of the shots lacked the horror ambience type of lighting. When ghostly figures appeared, some were scary and some were not. I do have very high praises for the use of sound effects and editing. A few shots did scare but too few. Need more scare moments.

PACING:
Slow from the very beginning. It continues to be slow in the middle. The film escalates on the ending (last 20 minutes) where all the mystery and secrets are revealed to the audience.

DOWNSIDE:
A horror film that is really slow. There's too much for the audience to digest in terms of plot. To few scary moments to wet the appetite of fans of horror films.

UPSIDE:
A good performance by Nabila Huda in what essentially is an 'okay' storyline. Good utilization of sound effects to represent the ghostly presence in the film.

OVERALL:
Not for kids as it involves scenes of gruesome murders and ghostly images. Good premise but execution is poor.

RATING:
6 out of 10