REVIEW: I, FRANKENSTEIN

Before I begin my review, a little background introduction to the character Frankenstein. The character is created by author Mary Shelley for a novel. On film, the character Frankenstein has been portrayed by the legendary Boris Karloff, Peter Boyle, and Robert DeNiro among others.

The latest film adaptation of Frankenstein is titled I, Frankenstein. The film is directed by Stuart Beattie who wrote Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Collateral, and Australia among others. I, Frankenstein stars Aaron Eckhart in the title role, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Jai Courtney, and Kevin Grevioux. The film is based on an original screenplay written by Grevioux and adapted by Beattie. The film is brought to you by the producers to the Underworld film franchise.

Will this film to justice to the movie monster genre? Do read on..

Aaron Eckhart as the 200 year old monster Frankenstein

SYNOPSIS:

Adam Frankenstein is a 200 year-old soulless monster created by mad scientist Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Walking the Earth in the present time, Adam is pursued by the demons from hell who want to harness the technology of his invention. Fortunately, Adam has allies in the form of the gargoyles. Soon after, he is thrust into a battle between the gargoyles and the demons.

SCRIPT:

Scattered and weak. Though I applaud its originality a little, I find the plots mildly fascinating. It  doesn’t hold any attention and there were too many loopholes. The lines were cheesy and it didn’t work with the seriousness that the story tried to portray. The romance story of the two leads were strongly under-developed.

Aaron Eckhart and lead actress Yvonne Strahovski sharing a scene

ACTING:

Poor and impassionate. Not even established actor like Aaron Eckhart could have saved this film. The only exception is Bill Nighy who always excels when given a villainous role. Other than that, the whole cast performances were quite bad.

FILMING:

Glorified crap is a nice way to put it. Despite its spectacular stunts and immense amount of visual effects, it still amounted to a boring film. Some sequences were nice and some sets were nice but it didn’t excite me at all. The visual effects is not B-grade type of work but pretty high quality. I understand that the look of the film is meant to be dark but it still did not excite me.

The talented Bill Nighy as the main villain

PACING:

Too short and felt slow. Signs of a bad film to come.

TONE (MOOD):

A dark revenge story involving two mythical factions of the spiritual underworld.

Jai Courtney as a gargoyle ally

DOWNSIDE:

Everything is wrong with the movie except (read below)

UPSIDE:

(Read above) Bill Nighy’s great performance of the villain.

Aaron Eckhart as Frankenstein ready to do battle with some demons

OVERALL:

Skip it. Watch another movie.

RATING:

3 out of 10.

REVIEW: HER

After watching the trailer for this film sometime last year, I had a feeling it could be something good. First of all, there’s the director whom I am a big fan of. His name is Spike Jonze. He started doing music videos early in his career and made an impact in the film industry with his first feature film Being John Malkovich. This was followed by Adaptation and Where The Wild Things Are. All those films received positive feedback. His fourth feature that I am about to review is nothing short of extraordinary.

The title of the film is called Her and it is also written by Jonze himself, Her stars Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde, Rooney Mara, Chris Pratt, and Scarlett Johansson. As of this blog posting, Her has won the Golden Globe for Best Original Screenplay. The film is also nominated in the Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay categories for the 86^th Academy Awards due to be announced March 2^nd, 2013.

Will his fourth feature film be a hit? Do read on…

Joaquin Phoenix as writer Theodore

SYNOPSIS:

In the not too distant future, a lonely writer named Theodore (Phoenix) befriends an Operating System (OS) which he recently purchased for himself. This OS (voiced by Scarlett Johansson) is a new technology for its time and brings new assistance to Theodore. Together, both Theodore and the OS go on an adventure of self-discovery resulting in them falling in love.

Theodore at work

SCRIPT:

Creative, sweet, and original. The storyline brings a freshness to the world of cinema, something we haven’t seen before on film. First and foremost, it is original. Taking a story of how a human will fall in love with something original. After laying the groundwork of the premise being about love, it goes into various plots of the many things one would expect to deal with in a relationship. It is well-thought of and the plot is something audience can relate to. Good balance between drama and comedy.

Theodore enjoying time with his OS in his earpiece (hidden from view)

ACTING:

Great performance from Joaquin Phoenix in the lead. The rest of the cast did well, though I would have loved to see more of Amy Adams and Olivia Wilde. Really great work from Scarlett Johannson. Despite only hearing Johansson’s voice throughout the film, we can certainly feel for the character.

The amazing Amy Adams as Amy

FILMING:

Jonze brought his usual filming techniques to the big screen. He usually goes with pastel colours to set the mood and it is very effective. Despite its far-fetched subject matter, the look of the film does lend some romanticism to the storyline. Minimal use of visual effects to provide comic relief and give it a modern futuristic look. It feels believable that it could be set in the not too distant future.

Director Spike Jonze (right with headphones) on set with Amy Adams and Joaquin Phoenix

PACING:

Good start, great ending, but a little slow in the middle.

TONE (MOOD):

A journey of self-discovery in the world of romantic relationship for both human and non-human.

Spike Jonze on set with Rooney Mara

DOWNSIDE:

A little slow when the plot tries to tie-up some loose end.

UPSIDE:

Sweet and stunning storyline that will make you go home to ponder the meaning of love.

Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) enjoying his time with his OS on the beach.

OVERALL:

Despite its slightly excessive sexual innuendos and profanity, this film is a heart-warming tale that could teach the audience a lesson or two about the powers of love. Definitely a must-watch.

RATING:

9 out of 10.

REVIEW: LONE SURVIVOR

I am a fan of war-themed movies. I try not to miss it in cinemas. Recently, I watched a really good one and it was based on a true story. The film takes place during the United States and Taliban war in Afghanistan a few years ago and is based on the book written by United States Navy SEALS officer Marcus Luttrell.

The film is titled Lone Survivor and based on the book of the same name. It is directed by Peter Berg (Battleship, Hancock, The Kingdom) and features a star-studded cast. The cast includes Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, and Eric Bana. The screenplay is written by Berg and distributed by Universal Pictures.

Will writer and director Peter Berg do justice to true story? Do read on...

L-R: Taylor Kitsch, Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, and Emile Hirsch

SYNOPSIS:
Four highly trained Navy SEALS based in Afghanistan are given a secret mission to assassinate a top Taliban senior official. During their mission, the group is constantly troubled by communication problems with their headquarters. By chance, the group encounter some Taliban residents and things turn for the worst.

SCRIPT:
Pretty good and straight forward. Well structured. The film could have been better off a little bit without too much technical military jargon. High praises for small comedy moments to break the tension of its serios subject.

Taylor Kitsch's character radioing for help.

ACTING:
Wahlberg, Kitsch, Hirsch, and Foster played their roles well. They gave intense and solid performance as military men. The focus is more on Wahlberg since he is portraying Marcus Luttrell, the individual who wrote the book in which the film is based upon. The four actors functioned well as a team.
FILMING:
Director Peter Berg brings his usual 'shaky-cam' and 'hand-held' camera style to this. A little overdone at some moments but does not take away from the focus of the story. Good editing with fast cuts that made it exciting. As of this posting, the film has been nominated for two Oscars; Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing for the 86th Academy Awards. High praises to the stunts where most of the action look realistic. Lots of audience reaction in the cinema. Kudos also to the make-up on the film which brought authenticity and made the audience cringed.

Navy SEALs under seige from the enemy.

PACING:

Reasonably well. Not too fast and not too draggy. For a movie that is almost two hours, the pacing is good.
TONE (MOOD):
Survival and battle in a situation where death is almost imminent.
DOWNSIDE:
Military style film may not suit some people. The violence and blood might scare some too.
UPSIDE:

Action and drama with lots of almost realistic gun battles.

L-R: Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch, and Mark Wahlberg in a scene from the film.

OVERALL:

It is a pretty good film. It is not among the best war-themed films but certainly worth a watch.

RATING:

8 out 10

REVIEW: MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

Another critically-acclaimed film comes to Malaysian cinemas. Released in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2013, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom has garnered widespread for the performance of its actors and storyline depicting former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a British production written William Nicholson and adapted from the biography Long Walk to Freedom written by Nelson Mandela himself. The film is directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) which stars Idris Elba (Thor, Pacific Rim) in the title role and Naomie Harris (Skyfall) as Winnie Mandela.

How will this ‘based on a true story’ film fare up with other films? Do read on…

Idris Elba as Mandela doing his trademark fist in the air punch.

SYNOPSIS:

This is the true story of former South African President Nelson Mandela’s early beginnings, his resistance towards the apartheid treatment in his country, his relationships, his love life, his time in prison, and his determination to unite his beloved South Africa.

SCRIPT:

Quite good. The film had a well-structured 3 act storyline. It starts of with his reasons for struggles, his prison time as price for his rebellion, and his continuing ambition to unite South Africa as an old man. However, the story tends to sway off-topic from time to time which makes it annoying to follow but eventually, It pulls you back in, The dialogue was quite simplified. It does feel historically accurate.

Mandela fighting for freedom

ACTING:

Powerful performance from both the leads Idris Elba and Naomie Harris. You can feel the sympathy from the characters they are portraying. Even some of the supporting cast gave a stellar performance. Both Elba and Harris gave award worthy performances.

FILMING:

Pretty well done. Director Justin Chadwick manages to capture the atrocities of the apartheid movement in South Africa. Nice camera angles and good editing in making it fast-paced and interesting. Although the movie tends to sway in many direction, Chadwick managed to construct a powerful half an hour of the film. There are some nice shots portraying the scenic beauty of South Africa.

Idris Elba as Mandela being locked in jail

PACING:

A little slow in the beginning and middle but powerful towards the end.

TONE (MOOD):

Going against authority in order to seek independence and equality.

Mandela after being freed.

DOWNSIDE:

Slow drama, slightly messy plot, and lacked the uplifting spirit I was hoping for.

UPSIDE:

Good lessons in learning the history of Nelson Mandela and the apartheid movement in South Africa.

Halfway through the film, Mandela returns to his home in the Africa countryside

OVERALL:

Decent drama with strong performance from the lead actors. Worth a watch

RATING:

8 out of 10.

REVIEW: 12 YEARS A SLAVE

Firstly, I would like to wish my blog readers a Happy New Year 2014. Thank you for reading my movie reviews on this blog since I started it in April 2013.

Kick-starting my first review of 2014 is a film that has garnered praises from critics for the past few months. Released in the United States in October 2013, the historical drama 12 Years A Slave finally comes to Malaysian shores. As of this posting, the film has been nominated for 7 Golden Globe Awards and has also received many other accolades.

12 Years A Slave is directed by British director Steve McQueen. The film’s star-studded cast consists of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Sarah Paulson, Alfre Woodard, Paul Giamatti, Lupita Nyong’o, and Brad Pitt. The film is written by John Ridley, who adapted it from the memoirs of Solomon Northup titled Twelve Years A Slave.

Will the filmmakers honour the true story this film is based upon? Do read on…

 

Chiwetel Ejiofor (3rd from right) as Solomon Northup

 

SYNOPSIS:
In the middle of the 18^th century, slavery of African-Americans in the United States was still widespread. White slave owners employ black African-Americans to work in their plantation which harvests cotton, corn, and many more. These slaves are often mistreated and held captive by their owners. However, not all African-Americans are subjugated to slavery and they are some who are free men, such as Solomon Northup. Northup is a family man with a wife and two kids, He makes his living as a carpenter and fiddle (violin) player. One day, Northup was enticed by two individuals to partake in musical exhibition. He was drugged and sold into slavery against his will. This is the story of his 12 years as a slave.

Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) reluctantly being force into slavery

SCRIPT:
For a movie that is based on a true story, the script is pretty solid and strong. The plot outline is clear and does not stray away too much from the main character as it is adapted from his memoirs. Good chronological structure from start to finish, though I would have liked some time indications on screen. The film could have done without flashbacks but still did not disrupt the story. Some of the dialogue maybe difficult to understand as it focuses specifically on a country’s history. Despite this, eventually you will get the gist of the story. I like how the story always touches on the many discriminations a slave receives. There were some parts where the gruesomeness of slavery was showcased and this could be a good lesson for the global audience.

Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) talks to a slave merchant played by Paul Giamatti

ACTING:
The performance by the ensemble cast were extremely superb. The actors carried their roles well and I could feel the tension and despair of the protagonist. I found myself hating the antagonist (villain) of the film which translates to good performance by the actors. Chiwetel Ejiofor (2012, American Gangster) gave his best performance yet as the lead Solomon Northup. Michael Fassbender (Inglorious Basterds, X-Men: First Class) as one of the plantation owners was ruthless in his role. Special mention should be given to newcomer Lupita Nyong’o as Patsey who gave a sterling performance. This film has some of the best acting I have seen in awhile.

Top notch performance from Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, and Chiwetel Ejiofor

FILMING:
I don’t know much of the history of slavery in the United States but judging my this film, you can feel that the filmmakers tried to bring authenticity whenever possible on screen. And the filmmakers managed to do an excellent job doing so. From the plantations to the slave quarters, and from the wardrobe to the make-up, the production design really excelled in this ‘period’ film. I also liked the music score which was composed by the maestro Hans Zimmer.

Director Steve McQueen (standing) briefing Lupita Nyong'o and Chiwetel Ejiofor

PACING:
Good start to the film and then it comes slow throughout the movie with a good escalation towards the end. It is a heavy drama and the pace is slow. However, it is not draggy as the story is engaging from scene to scene.

TONE (MOOD):
Overcoming multiple obstacles and seemingly small odds but clinging on to hope as a means of survival.

Left to right: Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, Benedict Cumberbatch as William Ford, and Paul Dano as Tibeats

DOWNSIDE:
The subject matter might not be a universal subject, therefore not many people might fancy it. The heavy drama and slow pacing could be a turn-off to some.

UPSIDE:
Extremely great acting performances from the cast. The film could be a lesson for those unfamiliar with the history of slavery in the United States.

An intense scene from the film between Michael Fassbender as Epps and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Northup

OVERALL:
The story might not be for all but this film has some of the best acting I have seen in awhile. Be warned that the movie moves slow but well-worth the ending.

RATING:

8.5 out of 10

 

 

REVIEW: THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

When I first heard about this film, it was in the late 1990s. I was a university student back then in the United States. Famous directors attached to the project were Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard. Jim Carrey was long rumoured to play the title role of Walter Mitty. I didn't realize that the project received a revival as I was really intrigued by the storyline.

The revival is directed by Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, Reality Bites). The film stars Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Kathryn Hahn, Shirley MacLaine, Patton Oswalt, and Sean Penn. It is written by Steve Conrad (The Pursuit of Happyness) and adapted from a short story in 1939 written by James Thurber. The story has already once being adapted into a film in 1947.

How will this second movie remake fair up? Do read on...

Ben Stiller as the title character Walter Mitty

SYNOPSIS:
A day-dreamer named Walter Mitty has a liking for an office colleague named Cheryl. When the company he works for is being bought over, he struggles to cope with the new 'boss' and constantly gets bullied. Then comes a time where he has to face a monumental task to save his company. This is his adventure.

Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty and Kristen Wiig as Cheryl Melhoff, the love interest.

SCRIPT:
Not too bad though could have been slightly better. There was good characterization for all roles. Dialogue was a quite funny and hit the right notes with the audience. The constant back and forth between drama and comedy could have been worked on a little better because I felt it was a little overdone. I liked the ending though I felt it could be better otherwise.

One of Walter Mitty's daydream scenes in the film

ACTING:
Nice performance by Ben Stiller as Walter Mitty and Kristen Wiig as Cheryl Melhoff. A particular praise to Adam Scott as the 'quintessential' a-hole in the film. Great to see film legend Shirley MacLaine on film.

Great performance by Ben Stiller in the title role

FILMING:
Kudos to Ben Stiller for making the movie vibrant and exciting enough. It could easily be a boring material to adapt from. Stiller made it adventurous and likable. Another particular praise is to the cinematography which showcased exotic locations and magnificent shots. At times, it could have been like a feature-length film for National Geographic. Look for the graphic 'text' in the shots.

Ben Stiller wearing three hats as director, producer, and actor

PACING:
Good start, a little slow in the middle, but picked up well towards the end. Decent pacing.

TONE (MOOD):
It is an 'underdog' movie where someone who thinks is incapable tries to achieve the impossible.

Actor Sean Penn 'invites' you to watch the film

DOWNSIDE:
Melancholy and sweet type of movie. May not fit the 'macho' people.

UPSIDE:
One of those sweet and heart-warming movies. A popcorn movie for the family.

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) in one of his adventures

OVERALL:
Nice and easy film. Recommended by me.

RATING:
7.5 out of 10

REVIEW: THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

Sorry I am a little late on this review. I've been a bit busy with work. However, it is going to be a fun review because I watched an enjoyable film which I think you would like it.

Around this time last year, New Line Cinema and Metro Goldwyn Mayer presented us with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey to big screens. It is the beginning of a series of three films adapted from a book written by J.R.R.Tolkien titled The Hobbit. Tolkien is known for writing the three novels Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and Return of the King which is part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This trilogy of books was also adapted into a trilogy of films from 2001 to 2003.

Returning to the helm is director Peter Jackson, who was responsible for the Lord of the Rings trilogy films and the first Hobbit film. The second film in The Hobbit film series is titled The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The film reunites Jackson with actors Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lee Pace, and many more. Orlando Bloom joins the cast by reprising his role as Legolas from the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Also adding to the cast is the beautiful Evangeline Lilly and actor Luke Evans. Jackson co-wrote the film with his real-life wife Fran Walsh, Jackson regular Philippa Boyens, and established director Guillermo Del Toro.

How adventurous is this film and will it disappoint? Do read on...

Bilbo, the 13 dwarves, and Gandalf reach a climactic point of the film.

SYNOPSIS:
The adventures of Bilbo Baggins, the 13 dwarves led by Thorin, and the wizard Gandalf continues as they journey to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim what rightfully belongs to the dwarves. Along the way, this band of misfits encounter various obstacles that would challenge their courage and spirit. As a group, they will face the greatest villain of all, Smaug the dragon.

Martin Freeman as the hobbit named Bilbo Baggins

SCRIPT:
Strong and solid. Enough to garner attention towards the storyline. Good character development. Multiple plot lines were well outlined and enough to sustain interest. Please do note that the inclusion of Legolas and Tauriel, portrayed in the film by Orlando Bloom and Evangeline Lilly respectively, were added by the writers and was not in the book it was adapted from. Just like the previous Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit films explores the themes of brotherhood, teamwork, courage, and determination. Good insertions of comedy.

Benedict Cumberbatch voices the villainous dragon Smaug.

ACTING:
Despite the majority of actors being under heavy make-up and prosthetics, I find their acting to be reasonable good. A good blend of nice performances from an ensemble cast where no one actor tries to outdo another.

Actor Luke Evans (left) brings more acting credibility to the film

FILMING:
Excellent. Director Peter Jackson manages to incorporate new angles and creative action sequences to make the film interesting. The amount of dramatic moments and action are well balanced. Visual effects was awesome. He did all this while still retaining some of his trademark shots (45 degree angles moving constantly) and still is interesting. Stay for the song at the end by Ed Sheeran who sings "I See Fire".

Orlando Bloom reprises his role as Legolas from the previous Lord of the Rings trilogy films

PACING:
For a film that runs for 161 minutes, it was not boring at all. Though there were some scenes that require a lot of talk and explanation, it did not feel boring.

TONE (MOOD):
An adventure on an epic scale told from the eyes of those considered  a 'minority' in a fantasy world.

Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins enjoying a moment in the film

DOWNSIDE:
Non-fans of adventure film might not find this suitable. Quite a long film.

UPSIDE:
Great adventure film. Strong underlying themes of the human spirit is clearly evident. Good for kids.

Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel and Orlando Bloom as Legolas in a scene from the film

OVERALL:
A must-watch for film-goers. Good popcorn film. Please note that you HAVE to watch the previous film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, before watching this film in order to understand key points of the plot.

RATING:
8.5 out of 10.