This is a blog for old movie reviews, new movie reviews, film reviews, dvd reviews, book reviews. We watch, we read, and we'll share it with you!

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Cloverfield

Wow! It's been a while since the last time I posted any review. Forgive me, friends. Things have been a bit hectic this past years, I almost don't have time to sit down and write anymore. Good things, though. Happy things :)

Don't get me wrong. I do watch movies. But not as often I would like to. To tell you the truth, I moved to a place where they don't even have a cinema. *Gasp! Yep, believe it, people. The nearest one is 1 and half hour drive. Anyway, I'm a bit rusty. I just thought I want to continue updating my reviews again but there are so many movies that has been released since my last post! Where do I start?

I guess I'll start with one movie from back from the year 2008, from our own and only director, JJ Abrams, Cloverfield. I have to admit, I worship this guy. I think it's safe to say that no one can come up with a super suspense teaser like this guy. He's evil that way, isn't he? Just to refresh our memories, let me show you the trailer that got most of us waiting for a year just to watch this movie. That's another evil thing about him. On the trailer, never a date. Just the year of when the movie's going to come out.

By the way, JJ have a gift when it comes to movies about monsters, aliens, crazy scientist from the 14th century.. you know, unexplainable stuff like those. He's simply a genius when it comes to portraying morbid and scary things. I could only imagine how the inside of his brain looks like. The guy is sick, in a good way. Which shows in this movie. When watching it, plenty of time my reaction was pretty much the same like that guy was when the head of the statue of liberty fell in the middle of the road.. "oh my god! oh my god! oh my god!"

Another thing about JJ is, he loves.. I mean, really really really loves doing a reverse story-telling kind of movie. You know, like, the minute the movie start the whole city is burning then they will proceed to.. "24 hours earlier". It works when he does it. It makes us curious, managing us to stay in our seat, enduring the whole 90 minutes of shaky and spinning picture. Which reminds me that, that's the only minus in this movie, I suppose. The eye sore of it I would call it, or the blair-witch-project like. But then, if you think of it, the minus point is also what makes the movie so believable. You're able to connect with those characters and can almost feel the terror that they were experiencing. Which is exactly the reason I went, "oh my god! oh my god! oh my god!"

Long story short, although I was in a desperate need for a pair of sunglasses and some aspirin afterwards, it was all well worth the money and the torture. I had the chance to discuss the movie with some friends and most of them pretty much have the same opinion. Which is, as pissed as they were at the way the story were told (through the shaky and bad skills of recording a video) it was an awesome movie. Folks, I think Cloverfield deserves a 4 stars. Well done yet again, JJ!

American Gangster

Before this movie got out, I never even heard about Frank Lucas. Honestly, I never thought that a black guy could become so efficient in crime. Most of them are too busy shooting at each other just because they live in a different street name. Can’t seem to kill people for a proper reason let alone running an organized crime. So, when I saw the American Gangster movie trailer, I was so surprise. I thought, “For real? A black mafia?”

But then when you hear the word mafia the things that come to mind will be the Italians or the Russians, right? I suppose, that’s why the word ‘gangster’ is more appropriate for Frank Lucas and this movie. A super cool gangster, I might add. And this is what the movie is about, a black guy name Frank Lucas, the American Gangster.

I liked the way this movie showed how Frank Lucas changed his life from being a driver to a very successful dope supplier. They showed us what kind of man Frank Lucas is and what he did in order to be on top. How he doesn’t take any bullshit from anybody and how strict he is. The best part is when he stressed the importance of dressing right and not to be too showy so that people won’t start to raise an eyebrow and wonder who you are. That’s just the best advice there is!

American Gangster is a cool movie and did a great job teleporting the audiences to the 70’s. Plus, from this movie you could almost see how the real Frank Lucas is especially when he’s mad or when he started with that “My man…” tone. The thing is, he’s like a lose cannon. One minute he’s all warm and loving, and another minute he turns to be this cold blooded soul that no one would ever dare to mess with. My point is Denzel Washington without a doubt conquered his character very well.

So, if you’re looking for the Harlem version of Godfather, this is it. Hundred percent quality gangster movie showing you the rise and fall of a powerful mob leader. Lots of bribery, dirty cops, dopes, shooting and… ah yes, nude chicks! Therefore, my man… I give American Gangster 4 stars out of 5.

Rendition

Rendition is about an Egyptian-born chemical engineer, Anwar El-Ibrahimi who suddenly became a suspect to a suicide bombing incident. From the point of view of everyone else, he simply disappeared from the airport which doesn’t make sense because the record has shown that he boarded the plane but he never landed. When the truth is, he was escorted to a room and after some interrogation he was taken to a secret location which is where the United State government brings all the suspected terrorists for ‘questioning’.

This movie’s adjective is quite simple actually. To tell us all about ‘Rendition’ which is a real thing. I personally think that this movie was inspired by the Maher Arar’s case, a Syrian-born Canadian citizen and a father of two whom has to endure almost a year of solitary confinement and torture in a prison in Syria. This is where the United States government took him after he was accused of being a member of the Al-Qaeda. They portrayed how desperate the government is after the 9/11 tragedy. Everyone is a suspect, especially when you’re an Arab and by the way, happens to work as a chemical engineer. That pretty much screamed ‘TERRORIST’ in their eyes. Never mind that he’s happily married to a beautiful American wife and have an adorable looking son. Whatever happens to the profile that said ‘bombers are loners’?

My point is, this movie did a spectacular job showing the ugly truth of these people’s paranoia and how it affects those innocent souls out there. Their ‘interrogation’ technique is nothing to be surprise about, although seeing it in the movie really broke my heart. The humiliation, fear of not knowing what is going to happen next, and the confusion... they showed it all. I could only imagine how scared one would be in that condition especially when they don’t even know why or what they did to deserve such treatment. Omar Metwally really did a wonderful job playing the Anwar El-Ibrahimi’s character.

And I must say, seeing Reese Witherspoon whom played the pregnant Isabella Fields El-Ibrahimi trying to locate her husband’s whereabout, she without a doubt managed to grab my sympathy on how helpless and desperate she was when every door is being shut to her face the minute she got to close.

I realized that this movie was slammed by a lot of people out there, saying that it’s being melodramatic and many more. But to me, I think that Rendition is a strong movie and very close to the real truth that most people prefer to deny about. And I applaud those who decided to produce this one no matter what their reasons may be. I know it’s easier to shut your eyes and turn the other way round and not caring, but just think for one second, what if it happens to the person you love? Could you choose to be as ignorant then?

I’m deeply impressed by this movie. A strong one and it certainly left an impact in me. 4 stars, guys!

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Remember the Indiana Jones? With the cave, cowboy hat, and the monkey brain…etc Boy, it was a classic! Not to mention the stiff acts and the one tone voice during the movie like they’re all reading the news. And the very thing that I remember the most is the hanging bridge. Oh, they always have the hanging bridge in treasure hunting movies back then, don’t they? I love those bridges. No one could ever cross those bridges without a hitch. Something bad will always happen.

Treasure hunting was among my favorite childhood fantasies back then, which is why I decided to watch the National Treasure. I didn’t get the chance to watch the first one though, so I have no idea whether it’s a good movie or not and how close it would be to the classic ones that we used to love so much. But then I correctly assumed that there won’t be any scene showing Nicolas Cage or Diane Kruger eating any monkey brains what so ever.

There’s no question that the acting skills have long improved compare to the classic movies, although I do think that those stiff acts are part of the old movie's charm. Nicolas Cage carries his part well and the same goes for the rest of the cast. So, I won’t waste time talking about them.

What I want to talk about is the story itself. For instance, could someone please explain to me, why must you slam someone else’s ancestor publicly just to get his great great great grandson to find the treasure for you? Couldn’t you just approach him peacefully and say, “Hey, let’s find this treasure together.” After all, they way I heard it, they are treasure hunter freaks on the first place, so getting them interested won't be a hard work, right? To me, it's a lame plot to introduce the villain of when he doesn't have to be a villain, but since they need a villain in every movie, they simply threw one desperately. The result, a very confusing individual called Mitch Wilkinson played by Ed Harris. Are you following me so far?

And after watching the whole movie, I still can’t understand the fact that what does finding the buried treasure got anything to do with clearing your ancestor’s name on the first place. So, the treasure exists. That doesn't proved that your ancestor didn’t kill anyone or planned on to? I simply don’t get the logic. Just because you ancestor discovered that there was a treasure hidden somewhere doesn't mean he's not a bad guy.

I was also tickled by the choice of where the treasure was hidden. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t watched it, but let me just say this… “Are you freaking kidding me?” It was there and no one ever stumble upon it? Come on!” Maybe it’s just me, but the fact that you could get to the front door of the cave by walking on a nice build track without so much of breaking a sweat is just ridiculous. Might as well they just write that the treasure was buried on Nicolas Cage’s backyard!

Overall, I would say that this movie is petty. I’m not sure how else can I call it. It’s just what it is…Petty. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good either. It feels like they don’t spend that much effort in writing the story. But it was fun to watch nonetheless. The humor and the mischief while looking for clues are entertaining. Oh, and one more thing that I was disappointed about, there was no hanging bridge! How could that be?!

Anyway, for the 10 bucks that I’ve spent on National Treasure: Book of Secrets and the 2 and a half hours of my life I spent watching it, I’m giving it 2.5 stars out of 5.

Alien vs. Predator 2

When a friend of mine heard that I went to this movie he responded by questioning my sanity which is rather appropriate to say the least and I don't blame him a bit. In fact, I kinda expected it. Let me tell you why…

Hmm.. Where do I begin. Let’s start with the fact that this movie has a new creature, a mixture of an alien and predator which I call the Predalien. The thing is, they didn’t even bother to explain how the alien got inside the predator’s body. Out of sudden, the predator became a new hybrid and crashed their spaceship on earth. And this Predalien went aroud town doing what they do best, procreating.

What disappoint me the most is that there was only one Predator chasing the aliens through the entire movie. His friend called out for help by signaling their headquarters before he died and only one guy showed up. What’s up with the Rambo wanna be attitude, huh? I wanted to watch some cool Predator's actions instead I was stucked with one Predator running around trying to kill the Aliens while the human screaming their heads off. It was so freaking annoying!

And I don’t remember the first Alien vs. Predator being filled with clichés. But this one is like the mother of all cliché movies! It was like the Strause Brothers pulled out the Cliché encyclopedia or something and make the movie based on that. Incase you’re wondering, here, some points from the Cliché encyclopedia that they practice in the movie:

#1 Always have the token black kid. This kid shall join the jocks and will be the first among the jocks to die.

#2 All dangerous looking guys must always be seen wearing a black leather jacket.

#3 The movie hero must be a former black sheep of the town. Now that he’s reformed, he must be the sheriff’s buddy and well trusted by all towns’ folks.

#4 Young Blondie must die a horrible death while screaming hysterically down the hall.

#5 Machine guns can’t kill Alien. But a 9mm will.

#6 Someone from the army will know everything, down right from firing a gun, driving a tank and flying a chopper.

#7 The hero will have no problem operating a gun from outer space without a manual.

#8 The hero will always flirts with the nearest middle aged woman, never mind that her husband was just being eaten by an alien.

#9 The middle aged woman will flirts back, never mind that her husband was just being eaten by the alien.

#10 They will survive the chopper crash without so much of a scratch.

Personally, I think Alien vs. Predator 2 came out as nothing more than just a pathetic slasher-like movie with guns. If anything, it looked like a low budget movie.

Therefore, I want you to repeat after me. Tha…moo…vee…is…bad! And I here by give Alien vs. Predator 2 only 1 star.

I Am Legend

The trailer captured my heart and I just couldn’t wait for this movie to come out, which is why the very day I Am Legend was showing in town, I wasted no time and went to watch it. I just couldn’t wait to find out about what actually happened and why is Will Smith a legend… I mean, Dr Robert Naville, played by Will Smith.

It started with the scene of a strangely quite and abandoned looking New York. With cars lining up on the road as if there was a silent traffic jam going on. You know, without horns or people swearing and cursing urging everybody to move on. And I thought, cool! And they got my attention. For a while, at least…

30 minutes through the movie it hit me. It was like watching the Cast Away! Except that I like Will Smith better than Tom Hanks. The only thing that made this movie a little bit more bearable compare to the Cast Away is the fact that Will Smith’s companions was a lively and adorable dog name Samantha which is way more interesting to watch compare to Wilson the volleyball.

Will Smith is a great actor, I always think that and in this movie he was no less. I applaud the way he played his character. However, I must say that the best actor in this movie is Sam the dog. More than once I kept thinking, this dog is good! Seriously, she can act! She almost made me cry.

Let’s talk about the reason why New York was deserted in I Am Legend. This actually reminds me of the Resident Evil. Human were infected by some deadly virus and turned into zombies resulting to the extinctions of mankind. I was disappointed though by the fact that their zombies were to computerized and they are not spooky at all.

To top that disappointment, the ending was too abrupt leaving me asking “Why? Why? Why must they end it that way?” again and again. The whole movie was going in a snail pace and when things got a little exciting, they ended the movie! Now, that was just mean!

I can’t say this movie is bad, because I don’t think that it was that bad. It was slow, I give you that. Still, I was touched by Dr Robert Naville and Sam’s loneliness and will to survive. But I do think that it could be better especially the ending. So, although I was greatly disappointed, I won’t tell you not to watch this movie at all. Just don’t expect a masterpiece because the movie is no where near as exciting as the trailer.

I hereby give I Am Legend 2.5 stars out of 5.

Enchanted

Enchanted is one unique fairytale, a combination of Disney’s classic that we knew so well and the modern time. Beautifully done, I just love the way they started the movie with the female character called Giselle singing merrily simply bringing back memories of the old times Disney’s movies. So there she was singing with birds, squirrels, rats and deer helping around her waiting for her prince. And of course, there must be a monster trying to eat her up like some kind of gummy bear. And the prince comes to the rescue, saving the day. And their eyes met, they ride to the sunset and live happily ever after...

Nope, that’s not all! And this is where the adventure begun. An evil stepmother (of course the stepmother got to be evil, or else it won’t be a fairytale right?) is not happy with the fact that the prince wants to marry someone which in turn will be queen, by all means forcing her to be dethrone. Now, she can’t let that happen, obviously. So, she must do something which she did, resulting Giselle to be thrown into the human world and landed on New York.

And the best part is, you thought her charm doesn’t work on the real world… I mean like singing with the animals and all. But it does! She actually gets to make the cockroaches and the rats to help her doing house chores. I know, it sounded disgusting, but as soon you get pass that, you might actually laugh your heart out.

This movie is silly, to be honest. But silly in a good way, a funny way! They made the simplest thing become so funny and you just can’t stop laughing. Giselle innocence is adorable, paired with Patrick Dempsey negativities, it was just a match made in heaven.

I can’t point of anything bad or wrong about Enchanted. It simply is a fairytale and I love it. I hereby give this movie 4.5 stars!

The Kingdom

This war and terrorist issues in the Middle East is starting to get old for a movie, at least that’s what I think. You shoot them, they shoot you back… it’s an endless exhausting cycle and it will PROBABLY stop when some super villain from outer space come over for their yearly match and start to shoot at every human being in sight.

Long story short, The Kingdom was about a bunch of FBI agents trying to look for a man that was responsible for killing a group of American along with one of their agent in a mass shooting and bombing at the Saudi Arabia. The guy was an Osama wanna-be and this movie is pretty much about their experience being in the Kingdom trying to solve a crime.

The fact that the movie started with a 2 minutes lesson about why the terrorist do what they did was enough to turn me off. I get it, you want to tell people why they bomb other people, but can’t you make it in a movie-ish way? Must you make me sit through a history class to do that?

Watching the Kingdom, I did not connect with any of the FBI agents at all which is disappointing because I’m a huge fan of Jennifer Garner. They were just there in the movie, running around shooting at people or talking to each other, but for some reason none of them made any impression on me. I don’t know them at all, I have no idea why they do what they did and I have no idea what kind of person they are. They made no effort introducing these agents to the audience, except one which is the character played by Jamie Foxx but that is not enough because he wasn’t the only one in the field, Duh!

I must say that this movie is an action movie and nothing more. Even the actions aren’t that impressive either. Some bombing, some shooting, some car being blew up, some guys being punch here and there, and that’s about it. You don’t really have to go Saudi Arabia just to get that kind of action. My point is it wasn’t good enough. It was a weak attempt to make a grand action movie and as a result, it came out as a yawn. Despite the fact that there’s blood everywhere, it still made me yawn.

However, I love it that they showed the honest truth about both side’s promises to kill during the ending. No lame statement such as “We will fight for justice” what so ever. Just a simple “Don’t worry, we will kill them all.”

All and all, the movie is a 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Beowulf

I remembered a long time ago, I was watching Ellen DeGeneres talking about expectations. She said that by having expectations, you’ll easily get disappointed. Without having any however, if something goes well, you’ll be surprise and delighted. Typical Ellen, she made me laugh before she proceeds to dancing around with her audience. I didn’t think much of what she said until after I watched Beowulf.

Buying the ticket to watch Beowulf, I have no expectation what so ever. Not for a second that it crossed my mind if the movie will be good or not. I wasn’t curious about the movie at all. Sitting comfortably in my seat, all that I could think was, what on earth does ‘Beowulf’ mean? And then, the movie starts…

Beowulf was actually a hero. His name, Beowulf actually meant, be wolf. More like Achilles, legendary and well known all over the world. He was obnoxious, arrogant and confident with his ability and reputation. And he came to aid a country that was in terror for being constantly visited by a vicious and ruthless monster called Grendel. Beowulf proudly announced that he will kill the monster, and the story went on…

This movie is different compare to most animated movie that’s out there. It was like a bed time story that you read for your kids with dragons, mermaids and monsters in it but also with a touch of extreme violence and a little ‘adult’ish. I suppose that’s why they even put a warning sign at the ticket counter saying that Beowulf is not a suitable movie for kids!

Trough the entire movie, I was in awe. The story was entertaining and it got my undivided attention. I was interested to know what will happen next and not for a single second that I was bored.

I love the computer animation. It was terrific and almost real. Amazing what they could do now a day with technology, huh? Combined with the sound’s effect, the movie became almost hypnotizing, especially when Grendel’s mother made her appearance. It was breathtaking.

From having no expectation at all about the movie, I came out very pleased and excited. Beowulf was extremely fun and satisfying, not to mention adrenaline pumping! For a magical tale, Beowulf managed to stay away from any cliché and cheesiness. I couldn’t find any flaw in it. What can I say? It was a good movie.

Ellen was right after all. Without expectations, you won’t get disappointed. If you’re lucky, you might even feel amaze! So, I hereby award Beowulf 5 stars!