Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

I didn't expect that there will be another sequel to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Maybe I didn't know that there many series to the book or maybe I didn't read it because its a children's book.

However, after watching the first two, the show can be quite enjoying. It's very much like Malcolm in the Middle, less weirdness yet enjoyable and easy to relate.

Same kind of story just a different scenario, it's just relatable for the a family movie.


Ratings:

Frankenweenie

Another stop motion film for the year and this is by Tim Burton. Still with his gothic genre and still I grew bored.

Visually, the goth scene is typically Burton but the story is slightly interesting the others, it's funnier. Closely related to the original Frankenstein, Frankenweenie is a bit of a spoof.

I can't recall the name but one of the girl character is freakily funny. Igor, the hunchback is around and irritating.

Frankenweenie is really a freak show gone wrong with many known spoof but it's just a giggle and nothing of the ROFL.

Ratings:

Resident Evil: Retribution

Somehow it is a must to catch this many sequel of the beloved gaming franchise. Recently, I've watched the animation but it has no direct connection to the RE: Retribution. Then again, the movie has no direct connection to the game.

Retribution takes off directly after Apocalypse. The opening credit was uniquely amazing (even though it has been commonly used) but after the credit is over, whatever that you've watched seems to quick. Back again is Milla Jovovich as Alice, Michelle Rodrigues character (Rain) and Jill Valentine. There are other known characters from the game franchise but they seem like a smaller role,

This time round, the action sequences are better but like most sequel, the storyline is very bland. I've stopped playing at RE:4 hence a bit unfamiliar with the characters. The line-up of enemies are quite vast with seekers, zombified soldiers and the thing-with-the-axe (featured in Apocalypse which look similar like the boss from Silent Hill). The fight sequence with the thing-with-axe got interesting when there's 2 of them and the seeker seems to huge than the game (or is there a huge seeker in the game that I'm not aware of).

Overall, expect a great sequence and the lovely kick-ass Alice. Storyline line is typically bland. Stick to the action and the game references for satisfaction.

Ratings:

Life of Pi

I've been yearning to read the book for the longest time but sadly I still have not managed before the movie releases. I took my chances and went without reading.

Directed by Ang Lee, the novel adapted movie was a visual magnificent. The beauty of life and survival, and most notably Richard Parker. Even in the bare vast ocean, Ang Lee managed to captivate me with beautiful visual of the ocean and the chemistry of Pi Patel and Richard Parker.

For those who've read the book, the scene of plankton and jelly fish is truly beautiful. No to forget the calm sea reflecting the fluffy clouds of day and the million stars of nights. Even though I wished to experience such scenery, being shipwrecked is not one of them.

The story is captivating too. The film is great and I would expect the book would be better or as similar to the movie. If it's similar, Ang Lee did a perfectly good job. Some point it's humorous, some beautiful and some remarkable. Though what I love is the twist at the end, there were 2 stories being told of the life of Pi after the shipwrecked and both are similarly gelled. You'll wonder which is the true one, the exuberant tale of Pi with Richard Parker or the other.

Ratings:

Ted

When I was little, I do remember having toys that I love (I wasn't the bookworm kind of kid back then - it was only recent). I don't really have a soft toy but I have tons of action figures like MASK, Ghostbusters, Starcom etc (every adult guys dream now). Thank god they didn't sprung into life like Ted.

After a fateful wish, Ted came to life and became bestfriend to owner John (Walberg). The world was astound by the miracle and Ted became a star but still faithful to John. As John and Ted grew older, think of it as the rise and fall of Macauley Culkin.

It's quite surprising how a cuddly teddy bear became obnoxious and crude. For godsake, how could a dickless teddy bear able to have sex. Even humping can turn into a lustrous experience. Really?

Overall, the show started fine but as the show progresses, it was foretelling.

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Step Up Revolution

The fourth installment to the Step Up series, Step Up Revolution didn't bring much hype as the last Step Up 3D.

The plot is almost the throughout the who Step Up series - new member to the crew, new member is related to the villain/rival, members felt betrayed, crew in the verge of disbanding, someone talked things out and group performed in finale with the new member performing together. Typical Step Up.

The difference is the dance. Every series is different and this time is on Flash Mob which is the current craze. The dance numbers are truly mesmerizing (it should be) but somehow lacks the umph. It's still enjoyable to watch but some scene is similarly espionage-like.

The characters are still weak but the main actor does look closely like Channing Tatum and the actress is luke warm no where near hot. Keep your ears and eyes out for returning characters such as Moose and Robot-Man. Their numbers are visually stunning.

Step Up Revolution had featured in 3D but even normal view does not captivates 3D movements unlike SU3D, boastful with numerous 3D visual even in normal view.

Step Up Revolution is just another Step Up movie with a cool Flash Mob routines.

Ratings:

ParaNorman

The trailer to ParaNorman was quite intriguing but this stop-motion film can be a bit of a let down.

Not really sure why I picked this stop motion film instead of other movies in my library. Most lightly for the short run as I have tons of things to do but could use a break for 1.5hrs.

Paranorman is a bit ala Tim Burton Corpse Wife/Nightmare before Christmas but less goth. The plot is slightly misleading, if you can call that a plot but in all it's just a so-so movie.

There isn't much of great actors or even remarkable scene. Just going on with the flow of the movie. Thinks I felt like killing myself at some point.

Ratings:

Total Recall

A remake of a show I watched earlier in my life. It's similar yet different in many aspect. Cinematography is surely different but great nonetheless.

Substitute Schwarzenegger with Colin Farrell has mixed vibe. Farrell can do better stunts but the graphics spoils his toughness against Schwarzenegger. Add in Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel, it evens out the odds.

The story is almost similar, substituting Mars to colonized British, and the famous custom scene - you'll expect the unexpected. The action sequence however is way better than the predecessor thanks to the latest graphic design though it feels a bit like I Robots.

Overall, an enjoyable remake of the original with few fresh differences. To me, this remake doesn't s*ck!

Ratings:

Brave

Disney movies are very entertaining for family movies and I don't doubt it. I was puzzled with the plot for Brave after watching the trailer. It's a typical princess movie but I don't really see the plot to the whole movie.

The intense Scottish accent however drew me to watching Brave. I have to say, it is a good movie. Something different. This time the curse is not on the princess and there's no prince charming. It's all out focus on the princess.

Every animation has it's adorably cute character but be surprised that its not something small and cuddly. She's huge and proper, something not suited for the character but still adorable to watch.

Brave is nothing much of falling in love but more on family relationships. Like other fairy tales, be warned of happy endings.

Ratings:

Skyfall

I became a Bond fan ever since Daniel Craig took helm for his ruggedness and toughness. Every other bonds are sly but Craig's is just a bad@$$ Bond.

Every since Daniel Craig took helm, his been relying on basic items but in Skyfall, he is strip off any gadgetry exception a radio receiver and a encrypted handgun. Don't get your hopes up for the any latest modern cars because it went, as some would say "shaggedellic". The old school Aston is still classy and packs the horsepower but eventually get wrecked.

The villain was a double 0, twisted and seeks revenge on MI6. The introduction was simple and less the villainy but Raoul Silva is a demented SOB.

The latest Bond girl is foxy but have little airtime. The show concentrates on the latest secretary of M, Moneypenny. She's not as foxy but packs quite the punch. Another key personnel of MI6 featured is the newly appointed and younger Q. He looks similarly to BBC Sherlock inclusive of the wittiness. It was nice to see a new steadfast Q.

Overall action is so-so, not much of a memorable action set but the visualization of the action in the dark was quite fluid especially the assassination scene in Shanghai. Overall, I'm still happy with Skyfall as it was more in depth in storyline than the actions.

Ratings:

Resident Evil: Damnation

The sequel to RE: Degeneration, follows the return of Leon S Kennedy. I loved the Resident Evil franchise from games to movies but I've stopped the game at Outbreak as 4 was too darn hard. I still love the movie just due to Milla Jovovich.

Gone were the days where people turn to simple mindless zombie. Now, they are plagued and wield weapons, and can even do communicate with no another. No wonder I stopped at 4, the introduction of the "intelligent" zombies.

Damnation is about a terrorist using Bio-Organic Weapons to fight against the country's civil war. With the BOW, the infected can command Lickers.

The story is very intense and only gunfights are near the end which is still massively awesome. A tank to fight the boss, how awesome is that!

Ratings:

Hantu Gangster

The festive period where my relatives come over for a feast and some good movies together. I had to search the movie list and wondered if they could understand Namewee's work. To my surprise, they've heard of him and his latest show, Hantu Gangster.

Like Nasi Lemak 2.0, the show digs into the multiracial society of Malaysia and not fond to stick to one language but I really wonder whether they understand each other, conversing in Hokkien, Malay and Tamil to each other.

We had a great time laughing to quirky and cheesy gags and the racial disputes portrayed in the show yet still educates on racial cohesiveness. Back in the yester-years when everyone lives in harmony, now everyone working on their own to achieve financial needs.

I can't say that it's a great show but it's something different for a Malaysian movie. For once (or a few times), it's by a chinese directorial. Good Job.

Ratings:

Dream House

Next on the horror list is Dream House. I had it for quite a while and finally get to catch it.

Loved Daniel Craig in James Bond and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. He did fairly great in Dream House. The plot is different from other horror movies but could have revealed it later in the show and not halfway. At least there's another plot that unfolds near the end but it was weaker.

I can't classify Dream House as a horror but more on thriller. There wasn't any scare factor at all.

Ratings:

The Cabin In the Woods

I was running through the list of unwatched movies that I have and was feeling for some horror/thriller. I do have some long overdue movies but decided on something more recent before dwelling in the older ones.

First on the list was The Cabin in the Wood. At the start I was wondering what does a scientist in a high security location has to do with a scary cabin in the woods but as the show progresses on, we'll get the answer.

I thought it would be some experimental program for fear but there were killings involved which the scientist were expecting. That is a twisted experiment but its more of sacrifice. So next, I was wondering what the sacrifice is for and I got disappointed by a Buffy-esque plot.

This movie played with all my expectations. It kept changing my expectations which was different from other movies. Good job there.

Ratings:

The Expendables 2

My last stay home movie for a Saturday and it has to end with a bang, loads of it and the best movie for it was The Expendables 2. Not quite a great movie at night due to the LOUD explosions and gun play.

Back for more but not all have a long airtime like before. I was hoping to see more action from Jet Li but he left after the first mission. They boasted Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Chuck Norris action which was mostly in the end yet it's still great.

I loved the first Expendables due to the stereotypical humor off all the actors past movies from Terminator, Die Hard, Rambo and sorts. If you get the jokes, you'll loved it. I for once love the Chuck Norris rumors based on his Factoids. Funny!

Of course, the actions were loud. A hell lot of gunplay with different sounds of different weapons. It was just wow! Jean-Claude Van Damme struggled being a villain but sure is one hella fighter. Sadly, most of them are a relic. Their words. It'll be great if they come up with the third installment.

Ratings:

Madagascar 3: European Most Wanted

My movie watching comeback takes on another animation comeback, the animals of Madagascar. I had another dose of animals but thank god this was better than the previous show.

From the title, it sounded like the show took on an espionage plot but it didn't last long. However, the show did managed to pull through all the way to the end. For once, it had a better visual that is great on 3D.

Characters are still great and funny, though I still find Alex the most irritating one. King Julius is another irritating yet tolerable character. The one that got me is none but the relation of all the animals are heartfelt. A great show for the family.

Ratings:

Ice Age 4: Continental Drift

My next movie watching continuation should be something lighthearted and the best in the list is Ice Age 4: Continental Drift.

The gang of Mammoth, Sloth, Sabertooth and of course squirrel (I think) are back for the forth installment. Typical start with Scratch with his acorn and causing trouble to the world. Then the story concentrate on the trio with Manny's family.

There wasn't much change but additional famous name added to the characters such as Wanda Sykes, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez. Wanda Sykes character Granny stole almost the whole show.

Same old same old adventure with a different storyline.

Ratings:

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Slayer

Oh Wow! It's been a while since I watched a movie anywhere. There's so many shows to catch up with, so many comics and books to complete, how to watch all the back dated movies that I have. Just have to do it one at a time.

Getting back into the movie watching, I have to watch something interesting. How better than to watch a history with a twist. Like I've been stating that I'm very bad with history, this could be a start to liking them.

Abraham Lincoln, the nth president of the United State (really I don't know) came up to power not due to slavery but due to the dark forces that lurks behind. Our dear president is a vampire hunter, trained at an early age after a family incident. Strangely, this version of vampires can walk in daylight and our human has the agility and strength similar of the foe.

I believe the show touches on certain aspect of the actual life of president Lincoln and added in the fictional hunter aspect too. The action is good with great sequences. I would recommend to watch for only the action and nothing else. Really!

Ratings:

Moonrise Kingdom

The Moonrise Kingdom trailer was unique weird but filled with great known actors such Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton and Edward Norton. I didn't really quite catch the plot till I watched the show.

Basically, it's about a Khaki Scout orphan Sam who met Suzy during a church play and decides to be together the followin summer. They ran away from camp/home and met for a journey together. They explored the island they're on and named a secluded cove Moonrise Kingdom where they fell in love. For a 12 year old, that is kinda young. Ahem, I did the same too. Hehehe...

The show is weird and quirky with the visualization and the character conversations and relations. It is a fresh show for me and quite slow but engaging.

Ratings:

Prometheus

I'm not really a huge fan of the Alien franchise and I didn't really hear a great review of the movie but I would love to know how the Aliens come about. Plus, they have Charlize Theron in it.

The show revolved around the possible creation of human on Earth and the truth is extraterrestrial, and not God. Then again the Creator of Human could be God still. A group of explorers set out on journey towards the planet where the Engineers (as what they called them) originates by the multiple sightings of the planetary signs left by past civilization.The journey took 2 years where everyone was placed in stasis.

So where does Charlize Theron fit in all of this? Is she the Sigourney Weavor's Ripley of Alien? Sadly no, she was very much underutilized with not much action except running near the ending. The main heroine is Noomi Rapace from the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, kinda stoic but still gory with the Alien in your tummy kinda events.

The engineer is very much humanoid which you can actually noticed at the very beginning. But are this Engineers hostile or friendly, that is the question. At the very end of the show, we'll get to know how the original 1979 Aliens came about.

Ratings:

The Big Year

August was a slow movie month and September is no different, all thanks to my uncompleted games and new TV series. I will slip in any movies that I can especially those that have been sitting in my disk drive.

I have no idea what made me to pick The Big Year but lucky it wasn't a bad choice. With the likes of Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson, viewers would be expecting great laugh but I ended with a great smile. The show concentrate more on accomplishment rather than laughter.

So what exactly is a Big Year? It's an informal competition for birders to see the most number of bird species within a specific geographical location and within a year period. Sounds lame but they way this birders go about is weirdly amazing. Think of all the expenses for travel within the year period.

3 different characters went on the competition to succeed and each went on with personal setbacks. It's heartwarming to see how the characters ended the competition with all the experiences and friendship gained or lost.

Ratings:

Cowboys And Aliens

Another show that has been sitting on the shelf for ages, took some time to watch them. I'm not a great fan of western genre so I had to struggle with Cowboys and Aliens first.

It's kinda unique to be mixing western and sci-fi together and I had my doubts. Daniel Craig as a hero is the best choice and he ain't that far-off western. He's chill and less cranky than most cowboys.

Story build up wasn't that much but the action for the movie was great, fighting aliens with olden weapons. Except for the alien bracelet that Craigs woke up with. That's a fine weapon.

Good cast, fantastic action and good direction by Jon Favreau of Iron Man's fame.

Rating:

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1

DCU's animation never fails for a great story, well except for Superman. It's the best when they showcases Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Return.

Sets in the time where Batman's retired for almost 10 years and the last Robin was Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne grown old and slightly fragile unlike that of the futuristic Batman Beyond. With Gotham City crime rate increasing due to the Mutants organized crime, Bruce had to done the cowl one more time to put order in the city.

Instead of Tim Drake Batman got a new Robin, Carrie Kelly, the first female Robin. Still agile like the predecessors, the new Robin did not have a great character progress.

Oh! Did I mentioned that this is only the first part to the animation. Part 2 will be coming in 2013 with better story and better villain. Expect Superman and Joker for part 2. Part 1 villain is nothing much but beating the old Batman was gruesome.

Rating:

Burke and Hare

Some long list of shows that I've got but not watched, September is quite a busy month. Maybe it's just that I've got a series of shows that I wished to complete before I move on to other things.

Feeling for a British show, I picked up Burke and Hare not fully knowing what the show was about. All I know is that it had Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis. I've always been a fan of Simon Pegg since Shaun of the Dead and still amazes with this show.

The most interesting fact is that the show is based on a real life story of the Burke and Hare murders. Got to know that at the end of the show where they showcased the life after the murders.

Pegg and Serkis did a great Scottish accent too. I find the accent very interesting likewise for Cantonese (which I still can't understand).  The show also filled with other known actors such as Christopher Lee, Tim Curry and Stephen Merchant (An Idiot Abroad).

Somehow with the recent British movies that I've caught throughout 2012, I'm beginning to enjoy many British movie. Heck, I'm even starting to watch British show like Miranda.

Ratings:

Men In Black 3

It is pretty slow month on movies for me. I've been very busy at work and to tired at the end so going out for movies would be a drag. I did somehow pulled in a home movie, something that I've missed in the cinema.

The Men in Black returned for the third time and everyone seems aged even for Will Smith. Well, he is a senior agent now. Tommy Lee's K is old and should be retired but with a bad@ss did him a favor by erasing him off. J remembered K where no ones didn't and soon found out that K has killed on duty fighting the same alien, Boris the Animal.

J went back in history to prevent the murder with a precautionary measures of not to be in contact of the younger K. Things went sideways and both are working together.

MIB3 still have it's craziness where Andy Warhol is a disguised agent W, and past alien reference during the Lunar Launch. The ending also tells the story of J's past. In all, it's an OK show with some laugh.

Rating: