Movie Buff Malaysia

This blog is not dead~!!

2007-11-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Terribly sorry for the serious lack of updates for the past months. But we have been really busy for a seriously bloody long time. But surely this blog is not dead....nor have we given up updating. The fact is that we seem to not have the time to watch a movie at the local cinemas. We have however contemplated that we will include reviews of DVDs but yet it seems to be a bit contradicting to the actual purpose of this blog.

So, we the authors have a new found vigor come December. This blog will go for a makeover and a slight change of direction. No worries...we are still going to review movies but from more than just cinemas. So be on the look out for this blog...as the reviews here will be sizzling, off beat and not your normal newspaper or magazine review of movies. Plus we are trying to include lots of reviews of classic movies that we think everyone should have in their collection.

Keep those fingers tapping~ we seriously can hear your annoyance. The curtains shall rise again~! Muuahahah~!

The Simpsons Movie (Review)

2007-08-07T23:25:00.000-07:00

Now this is one cartoon in the cinemas which our censors has severely passed as for General rating. Now how can The Simpsons be a general movie? Parents beware...Bart Simpson does really show his member in this one. But above all else everything is pretty ok as long as the kids do not understand what are the political references are.

Everything is pretty much what are The Simpsons is like on TV, it's just that the plot is stretched and added to give it more mileage for a movie. So nothing new from this production. They can't use new animation bangs and whistles simply because than it wont just be simply The Simpsons.

The humour is mostly for mature audiences. Those who know can quickly refer it to pop culture as well as recent issues concerning the environment, politics and world society in general.

No point telling the plot because it is purely simply Simpsons trademark amusement. So just sit back, turn off your cell phones and start choking in your popcorn. Because it is surely a bundle of laughter. Purely a 4 out of 5 chokes of popcorn and soda.

Duh~!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix (Review)

2007-07-21T23:41:00.000-07:00

This is truly a movie franchise for all ages. So I shall not go much into the script and other technical details of the movie. But what I can say....adults and kids alike will absolutely love it~!

I have never seen so much magic used in one scene in my life. To those who do not know what is Harry Potter is all about I'll give you a short run through...

It is about Harry Potter who lost his parents in a terrible wizard war against Voldemort. Now he lives with his relatives who are Muggles (normal humans)on holidays and the rest of his time he is enroled in a wizardry school called Hogwarts. Order of the Pheonix is largely based on the fact that Voldermort has indeed come back and a special task force has been re-instated into place to combat the dark wizards bid for power. Harry and his many friends are caught in the thick of things and at the same time the Ministry of Magic is going into denial and paranoia of Voldemort's come back.

The adventure mostly revolves around Hogwarts. Story details aside the movie is good enough to be watched without the need to catch the earlier ones. But essentially if you are indeed a fan of the book and the movie the earlier movies should not be missed in sequence.

The ending is not entirely happy as the dark wizard still roams free to plot for power. But the children of Hogwarts this time entirely is immersed with a series of adventures and take a very active role in the storyline. Its funny, mysterious and definitely magical. Just a note....personally I think the battle of a bunch of wizards and witches is far more breath taking than a bunch of Jedis and Siths. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Die Hard 4.0 (Review)

2007-07-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

What usually happens when the action hero is a 52 year old? You could possibly see him looking like cold sausage about to get a stroke. But not this man...Bruce Willis. Some how he seems to pull it off. Can we rank him in the likes of Danny Glover and Mel Gibson? I bet you can. Die Hard for certainly makes look good.

John McClane a senior detective is tasked top bring in a Hacker to the FBI. Naturally nothing goes smoothly when he McClane gets an assignment. So some Cyber terrorist is finding for the Hacker, Farrel to end his life after he unknowingly did a code for him. McClane's job? Keep Farrel alive and saves the country from a complete cyber attack. Typically Die Hard franchise McClanes Daughter this time gets captured as a bargaining chip. But hey...this would only piss McClane even more and you know the famous cursing script that signals that the bad guy is gonna die.

This has got to be the best action movie this summer release. Forget the CGI laden superhero movies and shit....this is traditional Bang-bang-kablaammm-boom movie. The pace was nice...no draggy scenes and not too much mayhem to cause distraction form the story. Who says an old man cant rock, fly a helicopter and use a squad car as a missile? John McClane can do it day in and day out. Owh...did I mention that Maggie Q is hot~! My rating is a cool 5 over 5~!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix (Preview)

2007-07-05T00:54:00.000-07:00

Kids and Adults who are into magic...this is the most anticipated movie of the year for you~! Harry and his lot are back on the silver screen this month~! Same goes for the Final book which should bring the end of this fantastic tale of wizard, magic and mystical things. Just to tease you a little these are some of the scenes sourced from IMDb.

Transformers (Review)

2007-07-02T06:26:00.000-07:00

Our favourite cartoon is brought to life on the silver screen. As how I used my imagination when I was a kid playing with the toys mocking a battle the scenes are well above that. But all has been said and done in other reviews of this movie....I have to say it fell way short in terms of depth of story line. I would rather watch the original animated movie when Hotrod became the new leader of the Autobots in the end.

Nothing can be said against the super animation and attention to detail is beyond words. You have to watch it for yourself. Although not true to the original cartoon the characters robots did show some character that sets them apart. Just one thing...Allspark?? What happen to Energon? I am a purist when it comes to classic cartoons of the 80's and 90's. Why did they have to change a lot from the original?

In my judgment, if Transformers did not exist in the eighties and the movie premiers this year I would say it will be totally mind blowing. But what I think the producers wanted is simply to cash in on a classic. Which is simply ripping off.

Let me warn you...those who watched the cartoon and is very loyal to it you will be disappointed. To those who loves the marvel of CGI and see your childhood Hasbro toys come to life this is your cup of oil or tea. As for me I did enjoy it very much but only to an extant. Sound effects is top notch...storyline and plot...the build was good the pace was good but it is a bit shallow with the S7 or some shit like that.

I figure there well be a sequel...I hope when it does come out it would have a more compelling storyline and a better script. Rating?? 3/5....Decepticons rule~!

Review: Fantastic 4: Rise of the silver surfer

2007-06-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

Sequel of the fantastic 4. Same lame adaptation of marvel comic series. Nothing special about this movie. Same storyline, heroes save the world from the evil. These time the rival does not come from earth, more likely from space. Galactus, the world eating alien who have the lust of eating thermal power from planet. From here also born Dr. Von Doom a.k.a the asshole who join forces with fantastic 4 with his own evil agenda. LoL. Making it a little bit exciting, the silver surfer, he acts cool all the time. Well the reason i came to watch this movie all because of Mr. Silver Surfer.

The reason the silver surfer help galactus in sucking the life planet is because silver surfer came into deal with galactus to spare his planet from being destroyed and subsequently saving his love, Shalla Bal. Enough story telling and move on the movie. Like other comic adaptation movie, its a dissappointment. They try to cramp a whole lot of plot in one line of story. There's a several missing links but still acceptable since the main story line is there. Haih another plot think on your own or go read the comic.

The special effects is nice except for the opening where they try to show silver surfer travels to the earth. Its looks fake...note to director "try to work harder and make it look like real wouldn't hurt". Jessica Alba acting are still...how should i say...unnatural. She doesn't really know the character. Another disappointment. The ending are left hanging...a hint there would be another sequel and it suppose to be better? I doubt it.

My verdict : 3 1/2 out of 5

Ocean 13 (Review)

2007-06-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

These is the 3rd installment to the famous Ocean. Now it's done I hope. The Highlight to making it huge seems to be solely on Al Pacino as in the last Ocean 12 with Julia Roberts. But guess what...it's not the big Al's finest. Actually it was no ones finest but all done so effortlessly. So those who have watched the first two would love it. Why? It sticks to the concept. In terms of storyline...basically it's a revenge plot with a bit of attitude and class with lots of smart play and planning. It's not bad but it's nothing great in that respect.

But lets just put it a such that the soundtrack is classic. Full of swagger and taste. The actors are all accomplished. But it gels so well and everyone has equal amounts of importance. Take Brad Pitt he simply sails through the scenes...with hardly any lines. Clooney has this trademark smirk and rolling eyes. Well...basically every did such a good job that perhaps the movie will still be understood without the script. Owh and the reference through Oprah was a classic moment between 2 good actors. Might it be said that emotions and the play of wits scores high in this one. Caution....do watch the first 2 movies to truly enjoy this third installment. Coz when I went most of the good jokes went unnoticed by the majority of the viewers. Perhaps we Malaysians are more to slapstick and dumb jokes.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At world's End

2007-06-03T18:06:00.000-07:00

Sailing the seven seas was never this cool. After the previous 2 installments the story get even better in the 3rd. But is it the last for Captian Jack Sparrow and his odd lot of crew and friends? That I have no idea. But what is for certain the story is so full of sub plots that even a seasoned movie buff may find it a bit cunfusing. Well it is a movie about pirates you know so double crossing is most likely expected 5 minutes into the movie.

By far I have to say that Orlando Bloom does the his character justice this time around compared to the likes of other movies he has played in. Jhonny Depp is how should I say...simply the best once he has found the character. Besides to have that much alter Ego and twisted personality should be easy for pirates and actors alike.

Now the Chinese pirate acted by Mr. Chow Yun-Fat is simply not that much important apart from having the Map and key to the puzzle to find Jack. But his character added more colour to the bunch of bumbling goons. Children will love it simply because Jack is such a cluts and the adults should pretty much love all the plots and sub plots. It is by far the best Disney Production to date and that is the way it should have always been. My rating will be a 5 over 5 stars.

DVD Review: Xenosaga The Animation Episode 1

2007-05-31T23:54:00.000-07:00

I finished watching this anime few weeks ago. Yep finally have the time to finish it. This animation based on famous PS2 video game Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht. The whole story is about 3 main organization having the same enemy-genosis. A ghost like alien in which can transmit the alien virus through contact and infected human and turn them into genosis. It all started with all 3 organization chase the same relic called "Zohar emulator".

The main focus is not on the simulator nor the war between human and genosis but a artificial human called Kirschwasser was impersonating a 100-series (artificial human) while on the Woglinde in order to escape Albedo(the antagonist), but was recaptured and set to work against Shion(main character), who had befriended her earlier in the story. There is a lot of plot in this story and it intertwined with each other making it very complicated to understand with only 1 watch.

It took me 2 times of seeing this series to understand the basic story and what it is all about. Like many other anime, there will be one character that have the characteristic in which very caring and have excessive humanitarian value. Its depressing for goodness sake if too much of it. My verdict is 3 out of 5.

Spiderman3 (Review)

2007-05-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

I know it is a bit late for this one but hey up keeping a movie blog take a lot of money and effort ok. So now there is the 3rd Installment thus making it a web trilogy. So since where the last Spidey movie left off this should be a fine sequel. But what else is to expect from a superhero 3rd sequel? Well, one is Spidey do still stick onto walls. But is there really something new?

This time it gets to be even more emotional. There is actually lesser Spidey swinging and more Peter Parker. Yes, of course I know they are the same person. But character wise it is certainly a darker side of Spidey. Villains aside we know Venom and that sand dude is in. The new Goblin decides to actually help Parker in the end. But what is the biggest villain of all? It's Spidey himself. Funny how just a dumb lookng icky gook could make a pretty boring thing becomes interesting. But nothing much is said about it let alone it's origin. Still it is the darkest Spidey movie to date. Because of that I love it...I'll give it a 3 1/2 star rating.

Review: Blades of Glory

2007-05-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

This is a simple movie. Its about 2 guys rivaling in figure ice skating. Both of them is in the single. Their rivalry are to the extend even out from the ice ring. What happened is, in one competition both of them got tied for the 1st place. They got into a fight and disgraced the sportsmanship. Hence the federation that governed the ice skating banned them from competing ever again. But there is a loophole in the laws.

They are banned from the single, but not in paired ice skating. So what happens is, it is a heresy of paired ice skating. Usually it would be between a girl and a guy. But never between a guy with a guy. So the story starts from there. How they build the teamwork and others. Its a simple comedy movie. But the what you have to look for is the actions that hold innuendos. Well...most of it with homosexual meanings...so u can find a bucket to puke on...but funny like hell.

A good movie just to have a good laugh. 4 out of 5.

Riview:Sumolah!

2007-05-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

A production of Afdlin Shauki and the gang. Whatever comes from Afdlin, it will be good. The storyline is about a young man who is really fat and vulgar. He has no discipline nor the strive to make his life better before he met Mr. Honda of "Boleh Sushi". His started life started to change when he work under Mr. Honda. Mr. Honda was a sumo wrestler married with a local girl. Hence come "Siti" the daughter of Mr. Honda in which the young man falls in love with. When there's a hero, there's the villain. Gurmit as Akira carried the part efficiently. He knows how the act as an asshole yet still funny... The rest of the story...go watch la~!

Now about the movie itself, it comedy by genre. Beneath the story, embedded a lot of good morals and values. So it is good for kids. The humor is natural as expected from Afdlin. Your gums will not dry by seeing this movie...heh...i wish the words is true, if you laugh a lot, your gums definitely will dry la~ Go figure why la...

Minor disappointment is since the movie is partially sponsored hugely by celcom and ogawa, the "ads" is bit too much...you can see celcom and ogawa everywhere in the storyline. Thanks to afdlin creativity, it looks natural and yet still funny as it is. The best part of the script is it is a daily conversation and it is not some "Bahasa baku/beku" shit like that. He knows how to put the "vulgar" words in the right slot. Not like "Remp-it" script...the dialog are way too much and exaggerated...and i know even the rempits does not talk like that in the movie...

My verdict for sumolah
4/5

Hannibal Rising

2007-04-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Psycho, Gore, Psycho, Gore and more Psycho~! That is what I would say if I need to sum the movie up super quick. For those who has watched the previous 2 installments of Hannibal, the third one is very much a step back in time...and I mean way back in time. A bit of disappointment when Anthony Hopkins is not featured not even a cameo. But I guess that's not the let down.

What is the let down seems to be the acting by Gong Li. Its too 2 dimensional. She seems to frigid and lacking depth. Mind you that the character she holds is pivotal on how Hannibal becomes a darker person to seek revenge on his sister and later on becoming a serial killer.

On a local note I am glad the Finas is finally knowing what to cut and what not to cut. I figure the scissor happy snippers of past have been let off or perhaps died of old age. So the local cinemas goer may enjoy tastefully censored movies without taking away the feel of it.

Should I not spare you people on what does the movie actually reveals? Well we all know that the title it self reveals half the story. Its about how this psycho hannibal became what he is. So the case notes from the previous 2 movies are re-enacted but somehow the way he gets to each of the war criminal is simply too simple. The lead were only dog tags and a log of sorts. And after finding the goons all he did was extort the information out on the rest of the team one by one before killing them anyways.

But what I would celebrate is the gore and way the murders hannibal committed took place. It really depicts someone who is ultimately bent on revenge and at the same time it developed into the liking for human flesh.

As far as cinematography is concerned there is not much to shout about. The acting is only so-so. It certainly wont win anything on the red carpet as far as I could see it. But I love it for everything else it has. That would certainly gore, gore and more gore~! My rating?? 3 and a half human cheeks~! Heheheheh~!

Tumpang dot com offers lower movie ticket prices~!

2007-04-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry my dear readers. Our career is taking it's toll on our time to watch movies and place the reviews within these pages but rest assured that it's not the end of this blog. We do love movies really but we have jobs to keep~ Ngeeheheheh~!

So just for your information Tumpang dot com has this portal set-up specifically for lower priced movie tickets. Seats will range from RM4 to RM8 each. Recently launched on the 4th of April Jeff the owner mailed us to spread the word. Hey discounts are discounts...so the 1st movie to premier with this offer is Spiderman 3 @ Cineleisure.

Mukhsin (Review)

2007-03-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

Why it does not surprise me that Yasmin manages to get her audience to sing, laugh and cry in her movies with utter ease? Simply because she uses the simplest of things that we simply ignore the beauty of it everyday.

I can relate to the movie for most parts of it. Everything is simply super real. The scene when "Bujang" was sent away reminded me of a cat I had when I was 8. The keroncong reminded me of watching TV pendidikan. The old bicycle reminded me of the time when I carried around my own first girlfriend.

As always there are issues that Yasmin brings up in her movies. But this time around it's not that serious. The tampons issues was pretty loud... but the inter-racial affair (to me the lady looked like an indian) of the neighbour's husband was really an eye opener.

The thing that got me to the end of my wits is the neighbour mother daughter thing. Very busy body but they were oblivious to the fact that their father/ husband was worse. More like tak reti jaga tepi kain sendiri.

There plenty of cameos from the cast of her past movies but the main characters played well. Not brilliant but well. It seems to me that Yasmin is running out of issues to put in her movies. Perhaps she would need a break and get some fresh concept. Mukhsin is a good light movie....it's a 4 out of 5 effort. It's a movie that makes you feel that you want to get married if you have not and would want to make you want to be in a relationship if you are not.

300 (Review)

2007-03-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

What can I say about it? There is so much celebration and many claims it as a really good war movie in ages. But this is an adaptation of Frank Miller and thus so apart from the gore and good cinematic I have to say everything else was just so.

I am not down writing this movie, in fact there are many lines from the script that no doubt will be re-used and quoted for many years to come. But again it is not a perfect movie. One has to enter the cinema with the correct perception and not take things seriously. Because from history the Persian army is great but not that freaky.

There is so much fantasy that the story line simply evolves around perfect war strategies and lacks the human touch in some ways. For instance if they can explain the whole feeling when the young Leonidas was about to kill the wolf why not also include his linage of family? Tell who was his father and mother and explain a bit about the role of woman in Spartan Society. Now that would be interesting.

For what the movie is suppose to stand for, it is good. But as I text my friend immediately after the movie "Its Good but not Great" pretty much says it all. My rating would be 4 over 5 just for the lack of script and the over use of one liners.

Persuit of Happyness (Review)

2007-02-26T23:26:00.000-08:00

The title is really a pun. You have to really watch the movie to notice where exactly it is. Still it is not a comedy by a long shot. What it is is a real life drama about a man's struggle for happiness. Here is Will Smith's best acting yet... it seems he has reached a new level in his acting career and this movie portrays him in such an emotionally gripping drama.

So the setting is the 80's New York and Chris Gardner essentially made a bad investment by getting into the direct selling business of some bone density scanner. Thandie Newton plays Linda, a wife and waitress who does double shifts just to make ends meet. The kid is played by Jaden Smith....son of Will Smith naturally.

This movie is sad and I bet some fathers out there can relate to the scenario pretty well. What happens is men tend too promise a bit too much and the waiting of something great to happen proves to be too much for the wife...so....she leaves. From there onwards it's a really touching tale of a father and son relationship. Jaden seems so well adapt to the acting thing and the connection between father and son does not get any better than this.

The movie itself does not break new ground but it is a very realistic portrayal of a single parent. If you are a Will Smith fan....you might be a bit disappointed. He is hardly funny....but he is damn good in this one. Life does evolve around money somewhat and this movie is a good example. Somehow the movie does manage to put across the message that money can never buy happiness. Only love can.

For what the movie stands for it is rally touching and good. Jaden is really cute and I bet the little brat will act alongside great actors in the future. And perhaps even surpass his dad's skill when it come to the silver screen. It's a 4 and a half out of 5 for Jaden Smith.

Dreamgirls (Review)

2007-02-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

If any of you hate the history of music please stop reading now. Even with Beyonce if you have no passion for the music highlighted it will truly be a waste of your money. For me I enjoyed every bit of it. From Broadway to the silver screen this is a magnificent effort~!

The actors are mighty accomplished and the music directing is...astonishingly good. Imagine four fifths of the movie is singing and music all the way. If you have not already known this here movie is about the struggle to stardom for a girl group of the 70's and how they evolve together to be at the top. Jamie Foxx is really a good actor...he plays his real to absolute perfection. Eddie Murphy as we all know is a funny goof in his own movies but in this one he is a mix of laughter, bitterness and sadness.

Now I can't deny that the star of it all is Beyonce but above all else the movie really stands out for the way it is delivered is something so out of fashion 20 years ago. And for once being out of fashion this time is a bloody hell good thing. The story is tight....the pace is near perfect and the soundtrack is stuff that makes history comes alive and in living colour too.

Watching it makes us understand the music industry then and how it is now. It has not changed much I bet. And the evil greed that consumes everything, including love takes centre stage here courtesy of Jamie Foxx. Each and every other actors that are involved besides the ultimate stars here gave their best ever...Danny Glover, Jennifer Hudson, Keith Robinson bloody hell all were good. But the best performance has to be Jennifer Hudson.....she will win the silverware no doubt.

My ultimate movie rating and I think first ever...5 over 5 plus a must have movie soundtrack the the RnB ans soul fans out there~~!

Dreamgirls Official Website

Music and Lyrics (Review)

2007-02-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

We are a bunch of sad romantics aren't we? How many times are we bombarded with kids singing to the tune of High School musical? Or some other Disney teeny bopper series or movie? Well I can tell you honestly this is not much different but thank god it's not Disney who did it. Or else it would be too....Disney.

Hugh Grant (yes ladies swoon all you want) and Drew Barrymore (I know some guys go for her too) in this movie is not that bad an effort. But I keep having this vision of it being in a London setting rather than in New York. Must be Hugh's stark British accent that got me. It's an entertaining movie nonetheless. I love the intro.....it will make you squirm with the garish 80's pop MTV-ish feel.

The story line? Well...Hugh plays a has been pop idol and Berrymore is a ...urm....the one that waters his plants. I wonder what would they come up with next. The British dry sense of humor does wonders in what could have become a really terrible movie. Still I'll rate it so and so and is a good laugh to watch with all the puns that Hugh has for his part. A must watch for couples in love....too bad it just missed Valentines. A 2 out of 5...and Hugh saved the day on this one.

Ghost Rider (Review)

2007-02-17T05:39:00.000-08:00

Chopper bikes are cool again~! A Marvel comic adaptation...what else right? Well for those who don't know what is this skull on fire is all about here is a 60 seconds low down. Every 150 years or so the devil comes and makes a deal with a mortal to sell their soul to him in return he does a favour (never trust devils). So yes the devil did what a devil does well.... and this dude becomes a hit man for the devil anyways.

So obviously there is the villain which is the son of the devil who wants to take Daddy devil for retirement prematurely. So this skull on fire dude is tasked to get rid of devil junior. Pretty simple storyline and very straight forward. Nicholas Cage is so-so and Eve is well.....phew hot~!

But the show stealer is the bike that the hero rides....damn cool~ I mean hot~! It is a normal custom chopper by day and a hellbent fire snorting bike by night. The effects are nothing really new but it got the job done.

One thing.....they have to get the translation of titles right man. "Penunggang Motor Hantu" i mean...what is that? It might as well be "Pelesit~". It's a good movie for the family....to comic lovers just stick to your comics on this one. Its pretty much a no brainer. I give it a 3 out of 5 just because the bike is a cool thing.

Ghost Rider Official Website

*p/s:Sorry no image captures because I didn't have snagit frm where I wrote this.

The Holiday (Review)

2007-02-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

I think this is a light comedy romance drama. Lacking romance is more like it. But it's what you get when you have American and English cast.... I still love the British accents from British actors. Yes ladies.....Jude Law is a hottie....thanks to my shoulder the girlfriend managed to wipe her drool with.

As the title already suggest it's a holiday kinda movie....Christmas and New Year. Not that I don't fancy it but I think we have seen too many movies with this setting. Anyhow, take the holiday thing out of the equation and you have a good movie for the whole family to enjoy.

2 women living in 2 separate countries and very different lives between them. With the help of the Yaaa-haaaa-hooo Internet they thought why not swap houses for the holidays for very depressing reasons. So one goes here and the other goes there....simple.

The story is not that complex....but it's a bit too easy for my liking. Kate does the British woman reporter some justice while Diaz acts her best as some rich, American workaholic. Disappointing to you Jack Black fans out there...he is not that funny here. Well, he is after all not the main character of this movie. Compared to Jude Law....well....I can say hit the road Jack.

There are moral stories and there are moral stories.....and the warm moments are well...warm moments. If for some reason you might think of bringing out someone for a date and maybe ice-cream afterwards this is certainly the movie. Owh...and guys....do wear something that you won't care much if it stains. And slight shoulder cramps after is a normal side effect. This is a so-so 2 out of 5.

Syaitan (Rebiu)

2007-01-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

Cerita ini bukan untuk semua. Yang otak cetek-cetak bleh pi main jejauh.... tengok Kuntilanak ker haper ker. Jalan cerita memang putar belit dan teramat ler slow nak mampus. Ader ler awal-awal tu nak terlelap pasal slow giler. Tetapi separuh masa kedua citer nie memang best. Arahan Bade memang mantap... Que Haidar sekali lagi memegang watak dengan amat handal sekali. Dah ler muka dia horror sesuai dengan watak psycho dia dalam cerita ini. Sayang sekali dia bukan watak utama. Lisdawati ternyata lakonan nya biasa-biasa jer. Harap jer muka cun....script sepatah dua jer.

Heh...Rosyam macam...hmmm....macam kurang menyerlah. Tak tau ler aper yang kurang tapi watak yang dia pegang tue macam orang kurang siuman...kurang siuman yang psycho. Jangan ambil tajuk cerita ini secara bulat-bulat. Jalan cerita dia bukan direct tapi banyak pusing-pusing.

Kalau diceritakan kat sini plot nya simple...si isteri nak bunuh si suami pasal si suami bukan yang dicintai. Kira kes kahwin paksa ler nih.... tapi cara dia cerita amat lain dari yang menjadi kebiasaan filem Melayu. Kalau nak kata best ker idak...hmmm....aku tau aku suka jenis filem belit-belit. So kapada penggemar cerita belit-belit confirm korang suke lah....nak kata horror tak jugak. Tapi ader ler terlompat sekali sekala. Tapi yang confirm cerita nih amat psycho~! Rating aku? Dari 5 bintang aku bagi 3.... semua pasal citer nie amat psycho. Owh dan aku dah mual perasan yang sekarang nih adalah musim filem horror tempatan. Macam buah pulak ader musim-musim.

Pathfinder (Review)

2007-01-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

Karl Urban....remember him? The dude in LOTR : 2 Towers which insulted a dwarf. Ok so...not all of us watched the movie or is an avid fan. But LOTR Trilogy was really good. Pathfinder? Hmmm..... The tag line goes "Two Worlds, One War. The Ultimate Battle Begins." And it is a battle alright....a battle in my mind with the nagging question "Why have a movie with Red Indians and Vikings?". That does not make sense....unless I might have missed something in my lifetime thus far.

It is rated as 18SG....well....to me the censorship board here is always a bit off when it comes to rating. But....violent it is. But not really 18SG violent. Like I mentioned....It's Red Indians against Vikings. And the story is so called a legend. Where from I have no bloody idea. The script must have been like only 10 pages thick because there is no decent dialogue at all. It's slash, whack, groans and shrieks and galloping horses....urmm.....slash, whack, groans...baah~! You get the idea don't you?

I was expecting something like Braveheart. Or at least The Patriot. But it was really low man....even my girlfriend slept right thru a whole scene while I nearly dozed off if not for some dumb girls as king stupid questions about the movie to each other.

Anything good about the movie? Well it makes you feel bloody cold....as it only rains and snows and rains and snows....like duh~! Ok so fine that was not so good...let me find another...urmmm. Slashing vikings? Well ok.....perhaps not that, how about Karl Urban's acting....errr....not much on that except for the exceptional sword skills.

Really...I don't really have anything good to say about it. It's practically a blind no holds barred slasher movie of Red Indians and Vikings. Which again like I have mentioned....where is the sense in that? Need a rating? Half a star...bad cast...no story...effects are only just so.

http://www.pathfinderthemovie.com/

Berbagi Suami (Review)

2007-01-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

Before you people read on....remember this movie is rated 18PL in Malaysia. So don't tell me that I didn't tell you. Let me tell you what this movie is not in the first place. It's not littered with cute chicks or guys or it is the normal teen flicks we get from "seberang". This is purely an adult movie and is best watched with open minds and heart.

Directed by Nia Di Nata (producer of Janji Joni and other highly acclaimed movies), she has a knack to direct or produce movies that touches stark reality. When Janji Joni is a story about a day as a film delivery man, this movie is about 3 women's predicament and polygamy. Naturally this movie too has won the 26th Hawaii International Film Festival. Feminist out there will undoubtedly shout about the so called mistreatment that women in Indonesia go through but reality check, it's their culture.

Honestly I find this movie quiet entertaining as in littered with punch lines and sarcasm not forgetting the nuances of family living in polygamy (iMDB lists this one as Comedy/Drama). Its sad too and women out there will surely want to bring their husband to watch this. This is not a family movie but more for married couples as well as those who are still doing the dating game.

Warning to the guys...get ready to be pinched a lot for no particular reason just because you are the male of the species. I certainly got that and my left arm is full of bruises after. The actors and actresses are not probably well known outside of Indonesia but I have to tell you this, damn they are good~! Owh and each story (there are 3) is intertwined by these 3 women are connected or crossed each other's lives at one point or the other. A good case of very different people but with a common situation (some how this technique is catching on somehow).

A good thing is that this movie really takes the audience into the lives of of the 3 women's lives and tackles social and political issues to the hilt. I was really smacked literally by the girlfriend...if we were not watching this at the movies I would be man-handled~! Women activist can give a good cheer for this movie because all three women won their right and ambition at the end.

Cinematography is no revelation....the script is good....characters are very strong and believable. Its a 4 3/4 and believe me I can't find any reason to give it any less a rating.

Night At The Museum (Review)

2007-01-07T19:46:00.001-08:00

Dex~! Quit peeing on me~! I need to do this review here...

Now I would really love to visit our National Museum after watching this one. Its a super cool effort...A few tiny stories, a bit of history, throw in a fair amount of animals, some broken family politics...Ben sure made the museum seem cool again. And it is~!

Yes Dex? Yes...yes, you are cool too...now go pass this here gum-gum to that Dumb-dumb at the end of the hallway...Thanks.

Where were we? Owh yeah...This movie tells a story of Larry wanting to keep his son. The ex-wife is not the mean sort and everything is very civilised. He just can't seem to hold a permanant stable job....which is stipulated in the joint custody thing. Anyhow yadda-yadda-yadda....Ben's character got this job as a night guard at the local museum. Boring....but it pays the bills.

Gimme...a sec....Jed~!!!...stop looking under Octavious's skirt~

Sheeshh...minatures....so...but there is a plot to rob him from keeping his son. Well, at least the old guards want to ruin Larry and make away with the loot but more importantly this ancient egyptian tablet which is actually the cause for everything in the museum to come to life everynight.

Nothing comes to a tragic end but how he get about into saving his job and the museum at the same time is classic a Disney plot with Ben's funny bones. It's not new but its a whole lotta fun. Ben Stiller makes really good comedies...and this is a classic family friendly one. How it seamlessly blends history into the equation is a big plus too...now if only our museums here puts a bit more marketing effort.

Now would you excuse me please...apparently the Neanderthals are stealing Rexy's bones for tools.

Curse of the Golden Flower (Review)

2007-01-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought crysenthemums could be a symbol of rebellion. Well most have mentioned the obvious about this movie...it had really many jiggly bits. I can't doubt or rebut their claim but lets not get side tracked here. For one it's really a good movie....even without the jiggly bits.

Its royal life in the utmost deciet and full colour. This is truely one hell of a colourful production...no disney cartoon can even match it let alone exceed the colourful extravagence. The synopsis? Well it's on the movie website...I could tell you people here but that would spoil it all. Matter of fact...go and watch it with a clear jiggly mind...Hahahah~! Seriously....Gong Li is very-very hard to miss.

Chow Yun Fatt is a classic. He has done some really bad movies prior to this one but this instills him as a great Hong Kong actor. I say he should stick to movies in Hong Kong and try not to venture to Hollywood. That was a really bad idea. The "chicks love to die for" Jay Chou could actually take on an epic production. Well there was not like that much lines that he uttered in this movie but effective acting. The other characters were not much....mostly just to add more twist to the plot.

Honestly the story line carries just about enough weight but the visual effects a really stunning. I would give the visual effects team and costume designers a perfect 10 for execution. The story somewhat reflects upon that a family is always a family with it's tribulations...no exceptions to royalty either. All have deep dark secrets and a bad past. It's just how it is dealt is very different given the status of individuals involved. Boy....I would certainly love to have an army of my own to command~!

It takes a son with really big balls to go againts his father....worse if its a crown prince againts his father the Emperor. he knows he will loose but he did it anyway...now thats the spirit. The end? Well lets say it was really cruel for the way it all ended. Owh...just for the guys....if The Blues Brothers has the highest amount of car crashes in a movie this one will ultimately seal the records for the highest amout of jiggling stuff.

http://www.sonyclassics.com/curseofthegoldenflower/

Cicak Man (Preview)

2006-12-21T02:36:00.000-08:00

Life is all about choices. 1st let me remind you that I am not paid to write reviews in this here blog...thus I at least am not forced to watch movies which I personally think would not arouse my mind. The truth is I have not watched this movie because for one I cant bare going alone watching it and second the audience appeal are to those I can never see eye to eye with.

After watching the trailer I am mighty impressed with the CG and effects used for this Super Hero effort. What I dare to say is technology wise it shows that we Malaysians are able to produce movies with special effects with good proficiency.

One of my friends happens to be one of the extras in this movie said on set the shooting is like any other movies he has had a brief appearence in (he was not involved in any of the "Green Screen" scenes). But he managed to watch the primier and I have to believe him for an effort in this movie genre it is a huge difference from XX Ray. Well, it should be mighty good then.

In my opinion the characters are typical parodies of famous American Comic adaptation movies we have seen. As to actually go to the movies and watch it... I know I won't be doint that. What I will do to justify myself is I would surely promise to get the original VCD. One sure thing is I bet Saiful Apek is super funny as ever....I was bursting with laughter while watching him "testing" the character's powers in the trailer.

What will sell is Saiful Apek and perhaps Yusry. As for the rest of the cast they were just following the directors orders. Everyone has to pay the bills right? As for me I am honestly looking forward to the next Afdlin Film "Sumolah" and Tentang Bulan some fairy tale of sorts whose main casts are all kids.

http://www.cicakman.com

Eragon (Review)

2006-12-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is really a highly anticipated movie. Cineleisure is going all out to promote it...there is this whole magic, sci-fi, games and comics fare and the mainstage has to be...Yup, Eragon. Very good marketing effort. But seriously let get on with the movie shall we? (Groan~!)

Extremely good movie. I give it a 5 star rating.....if I was an 8 year old. But what a pity that I am not. As far as dragons go in movies its a good depiction of one. Dragon Heart had a male dragon with Sir Sean Connery's voice. Lots of character that one. This dragon in this here movie...Eragon("Era Gone" if I were to rename it)...has a female dragon. Cool....Saphira (thats the dragon's name voiced by Rachel Weisz) has a motherly touch and surely doesn't scare the wits out of babies.

Getting on now...John Malkovich is King Galbatorix, which in my personal opinion is fathomed by the writer of the novel who loves Asterix the comic does a pathetic job. C'mon...a highly accomplished actor with a movie named after himself surely he could have sensed of how completely wrong that he should be in a Childrens Television Workshop type of production.

The rest of the cast is not worth mentioning much since the most accomplished of actors failed as a Villain King. What really saved this movie is not the Peter and Jane script, or the sorceror that can conjour an evil equivalant of a dragon, nor the battle of Lego Land proportions....its yes the motherly mighty dragon herself. I can live with that.

If you are a parent and your kids are still in post diapers blues, this is a perfect movie to spend quality family time. The computer graphics animation will not astound you but catching the reaction of your kids reacting to the magical allure of a mystical creature will be priceless. Too bad my dad is nearing sixty and I could no longer fit in my kindergarten uniform because I bet I would have loved it.

http://www.eragonmovie.com/

Online Reservation.

2006-12-13T22:11:00.000-08:00

We somehow realize that having a net connection enriches movie our experience. So to our readers, we feel it is only appropriate for us to provide links to the online reservation service that the local cinemas is offering. It just makes sense doesn't it?

Cineleisure Damansara
http://www.cathayholdings.com.my/cineplexes/cp_nowshowing.html

Golden Screen Cinemas
http://www.gsc.com.my/version2/default3.asp

Tanjong Golden Village
http://www.tgv.com.my/

Reminder:

These links you out of this blog thus the service is hosted by the respective management of the cinemas. We will not be responsible of the reservation service and users are bound to the terms and conditions of the ticket reservation portal of their respective owners.

Thank you...

Deja Vu (Review)

2006-12-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

I could understand sometimes the same things keep happening. I could understand sometime we come across an incident that we think we might have experienced before. Deja Vu? I have a bout of flu and I decided to extend my medical leave and catch a movie. Honestly from the start its all about stuff repeating itself but in a slightly different way.

Danzel acts his usual authority outfit. But this here is a movie not about the acting or some hot and sexy upcoming star. Here is a movie where the storyline reigns in to you and grips you by the scuff and gets you thinking about what ifs. Its an action drama with a bit of sci-fi thrown in. Its not like Time-Cop or Total Recall its more down to earth... human behavior comes across ethics and faith. There are grey areas in the movie of course but its not to discuss about the consequences of time travelling. Its just a simple answer to what if you had the chance to change the past to make it better.

I loved it no doubt. From the beginning right till the end the scenes are riddled with clues to challenge a movie buff to figure out the ending. Humor? Its full of sarcasm in the most discreet way. I bet you not many will laugh watching it cause only those you have been payng attention will understand. You want a good movie to think about? Or you think that the term break is slowing down your brains? Go ahead and watch this....it wont win awards but it will get you to think how God works in mysterious ways.

http://dejavu.movies.go.com/

Cinta = Love Actually

2006-12-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

Aku kena tipu~!!! Its a spin off~! Piracy~! Baik Punya Cilok~! Ok, ok, ok....I am not really pissed but its a great sad and touching local version of British movie Love Actually. Cinematography was good and the locations are around Kuala Lumpur which I can certainly relate to. The story really inter twine between the different kinds of love with happy and dramatically sad storylines. But hey....its not an original~! So that is that.

Que Haidar is a great young actor, Eizlan Yusoff makes a comeback but only so-so, Pierre Andre is certainly overrated, Rahim Razali as usual is simply magnificent, the other Kahar sister Baizura plays her role really well, there is this child actress but I cant get her name....she is certainly the brightest cutest star and Sharifah Amani can suddenly speak Malay~!

The movie is good no doubt... good direction, pace of story is almost perfect with emotions. If I didn't watch Love Actually I would have really dug deep into it. Although a spin off but to say its a step backward in the local movie industry it is not. Script was really good, real life depictions of love and more love...dah nama cerita pun Cinta kan?

I'll give it 4 stars for great cenimatography and script....acting, accept for a tiny few was beyond my expectations so that recieves a 4 as well. But because it hit me that its a local drama of Love Actually I am forced to give it a 3 and a half (lagi setengah tue kesian).
Next time, originality please~!

http://www.cintathemovie.com/

Red Kebaya

2006-11-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

As planned I mentioned yesterday I went to watch Red Kebaya. Directed by Oliver Knott... some notable actors like Varnida Imran, Ramli Hassan and Samantha Schubert... even Patrick Teoh has a few scenes. I shall not say anything on their acting. There is not much to be said anyway.

The story line is interesting...how the story unfolds from the present and seeps slowly back to the past is really fresh in the local scene. The beginning was a bit dragging though...and at some parts it felt like a horror movie. I will not tell anything about the storyline in direct but instead make my point of references of how the expatriates and locals seem to live at the time.

Mat Sallehs are were really an awful lot of people. Well I bet not the whole lot of them but it gives us such an impression that we dispise them and their actions in that era. I dont blame the generations before me. But come to think of it we are not any less from their kind. Still there was something that hit me in the movie that opened my eyes to what Malays actually really-really own.
We dont have any culture of our own so to speak. All is borrowed from others...the Kebaya is from Baba Nyonya not really malay so to speak. The malay wedding takes a lot of cues from Indian traditions. Dont talk about our food...it a whole Asian mismatched buffet table. But what I can really-really say to my opinion to be truely a Malay heritage or culture is "Budi Bahasa"...

Its a shame today its not that much an emphasis. Not unlike the public campaigns during the 80's where I bet every pre-80's Malaysian can recall..."Orang berbudi kita berbahasa, Org memberi kita merasa". Its a sad thing these days really... only we are to blame of the young generation today being so foul mouthed to elders and peers. I admit I am very vulgar at times... victim of the new media and slew of foriegn cultures.

We have museums to preserve historical artifacts, we have the archives to keep records of legal and economic progress...but how are we going to preserve "Budi dan Adab"? Its practice....only thru practice. Its either that way or forever loose the only thing we Malays have.....and by then, we can no longer say we have anything.

Casino Royale

2006-11-21T21:20:00.000-08:00

For some of us we just love exaggerated effects laden movies. Past Bond films are no exception... but finally the latest one is a real shocker for Bond fans. The famous Double O is certainly all suave, macho and very english. But let me state here that its the best and most human potrayals of Bond by Daniel Craig.

To appreciate this Craig's acting, one has to watch Layer Cake. A simple but thick enough action versus plot English gangster movie. And its critically acclaimed mind you....hugely successful at his "Kampung". Anyways, this particular Bond by Craig is a different animal compared to the double O's of yore. It has depth and darkness....all hero, villain and vigilante as well. Owh...and you dont even get to see the watch~! Still an Omega Duh~! No surprise when its more realistic the evergreen character Q has to go. But M~! Owh now the Dame should just change her name...she plays it flawlessly but this time with a touch of ironnails over Bond.

To those who loved Bond as it were "Shame on you".....this is how Bond should have been from the beginning. Realistic, human, sensitive and all hate with rage too. Fullmarks goes to the 1964 Aston Martin and the totalled DBS. I could be writing non stop about the new Bond...but lets get real shall we? As a Bond movie againts the older Bond its a 5 over 5. For a movie all on its own its a 3.... why? Coz other movies has beaten it to the realism game a long long time ago.

For Craig as Bond...super...better than the sissy Dalton and Brosnan. Bond Chicks? Beautiful as usual and the best part is that they all die~! Muuahahaha~! I left the cinema with me girl with slight cramps....it was 2 hours 15 minutes~! Still its money well spent if and only if you have watched the old Bond movies 1st. Hail to Craig as THE Bond of the new age~!