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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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