2012

Okay, it actually took me ages to finally sit through the whole movie. I had many opportunities to catch it but just to stubborn to sit through. I ended watching the televised 2012 since I had nothing better to do.

Initially I wanted to watch this with my kids (once I have them) and influenced them that I survived this, making look like a documentary but the the way of the show is too fictional. A documentary like would be better to lie to them in the future.

It's actually scary if the world end in such a way. Thank god I didn't catch it and anticipating the day that the world supposedly ends. That would be one freaky event with the earths splitting and high tsunami higher than the Alps. Surviving the end of the show is too far-fetched with the Ark. Do they really have such things in-build this very moment. What would be cooler is when the ark transformed ala Omega Supreme.

Ratings:

Premium Rush

I've been wanting to catch this for the longest time because 2 of my friends were gawking over it, one for cycling and the other for the streets of New York. I just want to know what they're actually gawking about.

Once I started watching, I was drawn to both of them the cycling and the streets. I do wish to go New York before any commitments. Yeah, I'm selfish that way. Anyways, Premium Rush is a great adrenaline flick based on the bike courier service in New York. It is a dangerous profession with occasional doutch lurking around the streets.

The streets of New York truly captivates me and the bikes are just so-so. What I enjoy most is the navigation and the precognition to counter the road junction. It's like Matrix on 2 wheel which they had actually.

Joseph Gordon-Hewitt is growing into a big star ever since Batman, Inception and so forth. I do have to salute him in taking such road and he does grow into me as a hero being born. Too bad I didn't catch much of him as Cobra Commander in G.I. Joe.

Great sequences of cycling around New York. Okay, mainly New York.

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Safe

I'm finding whatever time I have to catch some back dated shows and I would like to start with some action flick. I remembered having Jason Stathams's flick in my collection, Safe.

Like all his other flicks, he is the rugged hero or more kike an anti-hero. The badass whom doesn't hold back in killing the baddies. Just shoot them and that's that.

Story-line is mostly on territorial dispute between the Chinese, Russian and the cops. Action sequences are a letdown for this flick where they didn't fully showcases great fighting scenes nor gunplay.

Overall disappointment for a Statham flick or he is going down as he ages.

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Paranormal Activity 4

The last for my Saturday Movie Marathon, the latest Paranormal Activity. I've been following the show and quite drawn to the development.

The forth installment is about a family in Nevada where they experience strange encounters when their new neighbors moved in. As the years gone by, the videos were captured using current devices such as laptop and smartphone cameras.

Sadly, PA4 isn't as shocking as the first 3 and was rather expected. However, they captured an entity by using the Kinect sensor.

The story ended in a standstill and I could foresee another sequel. Upon reading, there was a post credit scene which I missed out which foretold of another spin-off similar to PA2: Tokyo Nights.

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Bourne Legacy

I wanted to catch this at the cinema but failed due to being busy which I do not know what. I heard much reviews that this suck big time than the original 3 with Matt Damon. Reviews said that Jeremy Renner is no Matt Damon. Of course he's not because he's not Jason Bourne.

Legacy run simultaneously with Supremacy but follows the life of Aaron Cross. There are several references to Jason Bourne but no signs of Matt Damon himself in the movie.

Jeremy Renner slowly grew into me after watching Avengers and MI4. He is a great character for rugged action characters. Who knows he can make a cut to be next Bond.

The action is definitely as good as the other Bourne and Renner can execute. The story isn't as complex so that could be the main reason for disappointment but it still great nonetheless.

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Dredd

"I'ram duh Law!" was the phrase I remembered of watching Sylvester Stallone's Judge Dredd. It's time for another remake of old classics.

I didn't really get the story for the original Judge Dredd and the latest Dredd has no relation to the original. Throughout the whole movie, you won't be able to glance at the face behind the helmet.

The 3 main characters of Dredd are MaMa, Judge Anderson and Judge Dredd himself, all played by actors whom I can't place the previous role, while watching the show. Upon writing this, I read that they were from Games of Thrones, The Darkest Hour and LOTR respectively.

Dredd sets in a post-apocalyptic era where Judge are the law-enforcers and executioners. While checking the crimescene at a slum tower Peach Tree, both judges were locked in the 200-storey tower facility where they uncovered a gang and narcotic facility. The main villain is a calm yet psychotic MaMa who flushes out the whole tower of separate gangs. Now she's in control of the Peach Tree.

Great actions and gun fights but the story went on mediocre. Can't really say it's great and I enjoyed it but it is a great action movie to start my a home-movie marathon.

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Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

The second part of Frank Miller's run of the Dark Knight Returns is as gruesome as the first but packs better characters over 2 stories that is still connected.

Firstly, the return of Joker. Still as gruesome as the comics but lesser the finesse. Heath Ledger did an epic characterization of Joker that is hard to compete. Both Batman and Joker grew older, the fight grown slower and Batman finally came to his senses to finally rid the clown prince of crime.

With the increasing concern of the safety of Gotham, US president decides to put a stop to the vigilante and got assistance by Superman. Expect great battle between the 2 friends.

The story progresses as how the comics did but there were parts that I don't recall reading. The animation were less edgier than Frank Miller's sketches but the show did kept to the storyline nonetheless. A great watch to catch.

Ratings:

11 Flowers

I haven't had the chance to catch up on foreign films and the best time to catch them was in the in-flight entertainment. With the major list, I've selected a China-based theme (actually based on my oriental trip) and chose 11 Flowers after watching its trailer.

The show is a coming of age movie during the cultural revolution. I believe the movie was filmed in a way that it should not disclosed about the revolution as China is being restrictive of it. So, it showcases through the innocent life and eyes of an 11 year old boy.

Life then was quite simple and very routine based. The main center of the show is actually a shirt which gelled up many events. The plot may be slow but it's quite charming how the story progresses.

My curiosity grew more about China after the show. Plus, I've just returned from Beijing and my interest grew more. Kept me wanting to unfold more of its country. I should have paid attention during history class.

Ratings:

The Watch

I'm quite uncertain why I'm still drawn to Ben Stiller's movie. I have other movies to catch up on so I guess it's best to clear those I'm not fully in favor of.

Likewise for his other movie, his character is still the uptight and controlling freak. Freak is the best word to describe all his characters. Even with Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill, The Watch still isn't that fantastic but I do have to say that Jonah Hill looks mean when his slimmer.

Somehow, it's partially a sci-fi flick, the action sequences and animation is still tolerable. The shooting to confirm the alien demise was funny. And that's all, no other notable jokes.

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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.

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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.

Ratings:

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!

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