Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Flew back to Singapore on 30 June and had been busy sorting photos over the past few days.

Went to watch Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with my jc friends on Sat. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle.

To put it plainly, Transformers 1 was much better. Transformers 1 had the novelty factor, some story, more character development and more intense action. Revenge of the Fallen is utterly predictable, and contains a contrived and full of clichés story.

Granted that Revenge of the Fallen has more action in general comparatively, the increased action sequences was not able to compensate for the lack of intelligent storytelling. Without substance in the story, the filmmakers deliberately lengthened the headache inducing action for dramatic effect by making the characters in the movie run a long distance instead of taking the readily available transformers vehicles.

The dearth of character development also meant a lack of connection to the characters, resulting in mind blowing action which is already desensitized and lacking the oomph factor. If there were no entertaining snippets of comedy and the special effects were not in top form, this show is nothing but a heap of rubbish.

**1/2

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Terminator Salvation

Watched Terminator Salvation with Edwin and Yiling just now. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Set in 2018, the film focuses on the original war between the human race and the Terminator computer network, Skynet. After destroying almost the entire human race on Earth in a nuclear holocaust, a group of survivors led by John Connor stands up to the war and together they struggle to keep those machines at bay and from completely wiping away the human race.

Critics mainly slammed this movie but I enjoyed Terminator Salvation quite a bit. The movie is highly engrossing from start to finish and it has incredibly high octane action sequences. The cast with the likes of Christian Bale and Sam Worthington did quite a good job, with the latter doing a better job. The story is better than the average action movie, with character development of Marcus Wright from start to end. He was the crux to this movie as this story exemplifies the strength of the human heart and its limitless boundaries.

However, there are some portions of the story which does not explain clearly to audiences how they happened, for example the time travel part which was not shown. Still, this futuristic action film deserves props for the intense action sequences, awesome special effects, good cast, and better than expected storyline.

****

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Ktv and Movie

Met up for ktv with my jc friends and Mb's friends going Europe together.

Ktv

Gs and Terence joined us for dinner at Sushi Tei after the ktv session and we had 2 games of bowling at Safra Mt Faber before going to Vivocity to watch The Baader Meinhof Complex. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Germany in the 1970s: Murderous bomb attacks, the threat of terrorism and the fear of the enemy inside are rocking the very foundations of the yet fragile German democracy. The radicalised children of the Nazi generation lead by Andreas Baader (Moritz Bleibtreu), Ulrike Meinhof (Martina Gedeck) and Gudrun Ensslin (Johanna Wokalek) are fighting a violent war against what they perceive as the new face of fascism: American imperialism supported by the German establishment, many of whom have a Nazi past. Their aim is to create a more human society but by employing inhuman means they not only spread terror and bloodshed, they also lose their own humanity. The man who understands them is also their hunter: the head of the German police force Horst Herold (Bruno Ganz). And while he succeeds in his relentless pursuit of the young terrorists, he knows he's only dealing with the tip of the iceberg.

This movie has such a brilliant storyline. What movie is able to combine terrorism, Vietnam war, Nazism, political activism, American imperialism and freedom of speech into one single movie? The Baader Meinhof Complex does have such a storyline which infuses all these elements together, although it can be way too ambitious.

The acting from the talented cast is top notch and Martina Gedeck as Ulrike Meinhof and Johanna Wokalek as Gudrun Ensslin are particularly impressive. The story spans over a number of years and we get the full picture from the RAF group's initiation and motivation to the implementation phase and the final captive phase.

The initiation and implementation phase were really engrossing from the sheer passion and fervour some of the individuals exhibited and their way of grabbing attention. These people would rather die than be apathetic towards events like Vietnam war, Isreali-Palestinian conflict, etc. They would not want to live their lives under fascism or a police state and they started their rebellion from throwing stones to building bombs.

This movie is a really fascinating outlook at the formation of terrorism and the drive which motivates them. The second half of the movie felt less compelling after the members of the RAF were captured. The trials and the numerous attempts by the new RAF members to free the group masterminds were exhausting and somewhat draining. The film editing could also be better if minute events that did not contribute to the overall quality of the script were removed, e.g. the squabbling over Springer's attack by Meinhof and Ensslin.

Nominated for Academy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTA Best Foreign Film category, this German film on terrorism and political activism based on a true story is definitely quite an interesting and thought provoking movie which questions how far people should go to do greater good. Too bad about the meandering second half of the movie. Will you go against morality to save morality?

***1/2

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Angels & Demons

Watched Angels & Demons with my jc friends at Balestier on Sat. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Adapted from the novel "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown, the film follows the story of Robert Langdon, a well-known Harvard symbologist investigating a murder victim, branded with the Illuminati ambigram. Following his investigation, he soon discovers that a cult group is on a trail to murder four cardinals and destroy the St. Peter's Basilica during a papal gathering.

Angels and Demons is a mystery thriller with infused religious elements and it is in parts exciting, thrilling and engaging. However, there are parts of the movie which i found to be dreary and dull as well especially in the first half of the movie. This movie is also partly a travelogue of Rome and Vatican City with the showcase of numerous picturesque churches and cathedrals like St Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant' Angelo, Pantheon, etc.

Angels and Demons is a competent thriller with many twists and turns, and it delivers the goods while maintaining the suspense and intrigue. Pity the excessive focus on twists and turns results in the lack of depth and some credibility.

***

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Taken

Watched Taken with Edwin at The Cathay earlier. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Bryan (Liam Neeson), a former secret agent living in the US, reluctantly lets his 17-year-old daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) go on holiday to Paris with a friend. Upon arrival in Paris, the two girls meet a seemingly nice young man who turns out to be a member of an Albanian crime syndicate, promptly kidnapping and forcing them into prostitution. Bryan must rely on his old skills in order to rescue his daughter from the slave trade.

Taken is a straightforward, wham-jam and humorless action thriller that boosts quite a strong performance from Liam Neeson as the over-controlling father who overcomes insurmountable odds to defeat his opponents. Sounds incredible? Yes, it is definitely unbelievable but the quick action tries to compensate for the incredulity.

The action and numerous pursuits keep the adrenaline pumping but it is ultimately a shallow exercise in moviemaking. What is lacking is the emotional core which derives from the rapport audiences build with the characters. However, this movie is rather compelling and exciting and there is one lesson to be learnt; attractive young females should not let their guards down in foreign countries.

***

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Star Trek

Went to Sim Lim Square to help Ys pick out a camera today while Qy helped him choose the computer desktop. The both of us were treated to a movie for our help and we watched Star Trek at Iluma. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Star Trek tells the incredible journey filled with action, comedy, and cosmic peril where the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil which threatens all of mankind. The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals; James Kirk (Chris Pine), a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy, and Spock (Zachary Quinto) who was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before.

This science fiction action film by J.J. Abrams boosts many space warps, galactic torpedoes, space pursuits, and time travel. The special effects as well as the action is top-notch and we get intense space battles that are highly compelling and entertaining due to the strong cast and intelligent script. James Kirk and Spock have great character development and the leads fulfill their roles with good conviction. The storyline does not treat audiences like kids and we get a full fledged revitalized introduction to the Star Trek series.

Final verdict: Loads of action and great special effects propel the movie but what distinguishes it from other blockbusters are the strong character development and its emotional depth. 'Live long and prosper', i will be awaiting the sequels to Star Trek in the years to come.

****

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The Alps

Watched the IMAX documentary The Alps at Omni-theatre sponsored by NTU in the evening today. It is an inspirational and sentimental documentary that depicts the unstoppable human willpower against the forces of nature.

The incredibly sharp film resolution makes the Alps particularly stunning and jaw-droppingly beautiful. The rugged mountain range with its snow covered peaks and glaciers are really a treat to the eyes. Too bad the documentary duration is rather short at less than an hour. The documentary trailer is below.

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Dinner and Movie

Went out with my jc friends for dinner at Billy Bombers in town yesterday and watched X-Men Origins: Wolverine after that. The roast chicken i had was quite awful albeit the large portion and the movie failed to impress as well. Review and synopsis of the movie are as follows.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine goes back to the time before the X-Men trilogy to tell the story of Wolverine's epically violent and romantic past, including his complex relationship with Victor Creed and the ominous Weapon X programme. Along the way, he encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends in the X-Men universe.

Wolverine is a wannabe action fantasy film that tries to emulate its predecessors' success of the X-Men trilogy. A lack of strong directorial style, a simple storyline, an obvious lack of character development, and the lack of strong believable performances stalled the show. It is just not impressive enough for a good summer blockbuster and it falls into the term i would classify it as a 'typical Hollywood action movie'. It does not distinct itself from the rest and it stays put in the tried and tested familiar territory with the half baked dialogue and direction.

I enjoyed the ending climatic fight though. Where is Bryan Singer when Wolverine needs him?

**1/2

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Gran Torino

Went Vivocity to watch Gran Torino with Qy and Ys just now. I must say that Gran Torino is one of the best movies that I have ever watched. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski becomes increasingly unhappy with the arrival of some Hmong people into his neighbourhood. When neighbour Tao was caught trying to steal Walt's vintage 1972 Gran Torino, the boy is forced to work for Kowalski. Isolated from his own family members and having just lost his wife, Kowalski gradually becomes friendly with Tao and his family. Eventually he learns about Hmong culture even. Soon, Walt loses his racist side and becomes protective to Tao and his sister from gang harassment.

Gran Torino revolves around Walt, his distant family, his neighbours, his pastor, his hairdresser, and the people harassing his neighbours. Sounds boring? Not one bit in my opinion. Clint Eastwood absolutely nails his character as the stern, nationalistic and foul-mouthed war veteran who basically pisses many people off with his standoffish attitude. Deep inside, the guilt of his past memories still haunt him. The themes of this movie are quite ambitious as well, spanning from immigration and racial issues, the psychology of post-war soldiers, violence in general, to the theme of death and loneliness. This movie encapsulates all these themes and issues and they translate perfectly onto the big screen.

Sounds too serious? Nah, there is plenty of humour in the show as well. Sarcasm, comical snide remarks, blunt humour, digs, hilarious name callings, etc provide much entertainment for this show. The character development is really commendable with the sharp, acid yet personable screenplay, the impeccable acting, and the brilliant plot. Clint Eastwood does an amazing job as an actor as well as a director and in this show, we get the best of both worlds. Gran Torino is an immensely engaging, touching and endearing film that will be etched in many audiences' minds for a long time. Highly recommended.

*****

Gran Torino Trailer

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Departures

Watched Departures at with Sf, Sam and Calvin at JP just now. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Daigo Kobayashi's life takes a turn when the orchestra he played in is disbanded. Left with no job, Daigo, a cellist decides to move back to his hometown. At his hometown, he gets a job working as an funeral professional, where he sees himself as the gatekeeper between the living and the dead. Through his job, he discovers the meaning of life and what it is all about.

Departures is a dignified and respectful film that showcases the traditional Japanese ritual of sending the deceased off. The show starts off as a comedy of sorts, entertaining audiences with a hilarious tv recording and Daigo's first task which involved much puking. The show gradually moves from comedy to sombre mood with the emotional sending off everytime when someone passes. Everyone will be affected by the immense grief that the relatives go through including the undertakers. No one will be spared from the onslaught of sorrow that audiences will be able to relate to.

Asian conservative values that despise the people who earn money from the dead are discussed as well, bringing forth conflicts within Daigo's family. The cast does quite a good job with the decent character development of the main characters. Departures is an intimate study of death, life, redemption and forgiveness and it is richly layered with emotions.

****

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Race To Witch Mountain

Watched Race to Witch Mountain in the evening just now with Ys and Qy. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Disney restarts their beloved Witch Mountain franchise with this family-friendly adventure. Dwayne Johnson stars as a taxi driver who gets more than get bargained for when he picks up two teen runaways (AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig). Not only does the pair possess supernatural powers, but they're also trying desperately to escape people who have made them their targets.

Race to Witch Mountain is a rather entertaining and exciting show that tries to cover up the nutty story by using lots of action and some special effects. Unfortunately, I was not able to get past the stigma of watching a show with a storyline that is quite preposterous. Fortunately, there is quite a lot of action, albeit tamer and less violent, to offer with the numerous chase scenes.

Also, the cast is quite likable with Dwayne Johnson and the two affable kids who sometimes tend to sputter out technical gibberish. This Disney live action show about alien invasion is not just kiddy crap as it is quite heartwarming at times but it is strictly family film fare.

For its kid-geared genre, the movie does quite a decent job but myself as an adult audience, I seek more than just safe, heartwarming, family friendly stuff.

***

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Watchmen

Went to IT Show and watched Watchmen with Qy and Ys after school today. The synopsis and review are as follows.

In a gritty and alternate 1985 America, the glory days of costumed vigilantes have been brought to a close by a government crackdown. However, after one of the masked veterans is brutally murdered, an investigation is initiated. The retired superheroes reunite and set out to prevent their own destruction with an extra mission to watch over humanity. In the course of doing so, they unwittingly discover a deeper and far more diabolical plot.

Watchmen is undoubtedly one of the most stylish and the darkest superhero film that I have ever watched. The superheroes are far from perfect; some of them commit crimes, make errors in judgement, fight amongst themselves, and even exact justice to the wrongdoers themselves. They however stand united on saving humanity due to the impending nuclear disaster.

Zack Synder has done a brilliant job in transferring the vision of Watchmen successfully onto the big screen. The cinematography is outstanding, the visual effects are simply awesome and the action sequences are stunning. The running time of the movie stands at approximately 2 hrs 45 min but i was enraptured by the enthralling world of darkness and fear that i didn't really felt its length. The story is definitely engaging and multilayered with themes of vengeance, romance and ultimately optimism for the human race.

This movie also presents a very interesting question to audiences. Will you sacrifice ten people to save a thousand people?

***1/2

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Let The Right One In

Watched Let The Right One In after school on wed with Stephen. The review and synopsis are as follows.

Let The Right One In is not really a horror show and is actually a vampire love story. Don't mistake this movie with Twilight because the two movies are miles apart. Oskar is a 12-year-old outcast who is frequently picked on by his classmates. He dreams of getting his revenge, but he never stands up to the boys. With the arrival of his new next-door neighbor, 12-year-old Eli, Oskar may finally have found a friend, ally, and first love. But Eli is no ordinary girl: she must keep her pale skin out of the sunlight, she can perform inhuman physical feats, and she has a thirst for blood. The bodies begin to pile up, but Oskar can't stay away from the girl who has finally given him courage.

The plot might sound a little ludicrous to some people but the storytelling is very matured and the movie never shies away from the dark themes. Mortality, love, vengeance and loneliness are the main themes of this movie and the director does quite a good job with them. The character development is great and the romance is well crafted as well. This movie is a poignant, unsettling and haunting story that will make you wonder the boundaries of love.

***1/2

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White Palms

Watched White Palms with Qy after attending the Spring Singapore recruitment talk. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Having suffered as a boy under a brutal Communist-era coach, world class gymnast Miklos, moves to Canada years later in search of a new start - only to find himself unwittingly perpetuating the very same cycle of abuse among his own pupils. Redemption appears in the unlikely form of Kyle, a troubled, young Canadian teen with the potential to become a world champion. The friendship and rivalry between teacher and student forms the basis of this gripping sports drama.

This drama on the psychological effects of childhood abuse is based on the true story of the director's brother and it is compelling and realistic. The story is brutally honest and it does not hold back on the fear of the coach, the hopes dashed, and the emotional scars. The cast does an impressive job with the abusive coach, the young gymnastics coach with his hidden past, and the aloof and promising student.

White Palms is an interesting and dark film with great character development despite it being a little underwhelming at times.

***1/2

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81st Academy Awards Winners

Complete list of winners at the 81st annual Academy Awards, presented Sunday night at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles:

- Motion Picture: "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Actor: Sean Penn, "Milk"

- Actress: Kate Winslet, "The Reader"

- Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight"

- Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"

- Director: Danny Boyle, "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Foreign Film: "Departures," Japan

- Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy, "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, "Milk"

- Animated Feature Film: "WALL-E"

- Art Direction: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

- Cinematography: "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Sound Mixing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Sound Editing: "The Dark Knight"

- Original Score: "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman

- Original Song: "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire," A.R. Rahman and Gulzar

- Costume: "The Duchess"

- Documentary Feature: "Man on Wire"

- Documentary (short subject): "Smile Pinki"

- Film Editing: "Slumdog Millionaire"

- Makeup: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

- Animated Short Film: "La Maison en Petits Cubes"

- Live Action Short Film: "Spielzeugland (Toyland)"

- Visual Effects: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

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O... Saya

O... Saya from Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack

I am hooked to some of the songs in Slumdog Millionaire and this song is my favourite. Those who watched the movie will appreciate the song even more. A R Rahman is nominated for 3 Oscars including Best Score and 2 nominations for Best Song (O Saya and Jai Ho).

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He's Just Not That Into You

Watched He's Just Not That Into You with my jc friends yesterday. I'll never watch movie when i'm sitting front row seats at Causeway point ever again. I had sore neck when the movie ended which resulted in a bit of a headache. Anyway, back to the synopsis and review of the movie.

Based on a self-help book written by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo concerning the ever-widening gap between genders and the misunderstandings that often arise between couples. In one of stories, Gigi who can't seem to get a firm grip on the men in her life pursues an advice columnist who never quite knew what he wanted in a relationship.

I expected this movie to be more of a comedy than romance movie judging from the trailer but i received more of the latter instead. I am not saying that this movie is not funny but the best moments of this movie are already in the 2 trailers (Trailer 1, Trailer 2). This movie is entertaining and comical to a certain extent.

It professes to be a romance guru movie but i do doubt some of the advices given due to the numerous stereotypical roles in the movie. My eyes rolled when an actor in the movie proclaimed that "a girl doesn't love you if she doesn't sleep with you after she has gone out with you for a month". And I wonder why teenage promiscuity is on the rise considering the type of media they are exposed to.

Besides some cliched dialogue, the cast generally is quite likable comprising of Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly and Ben Affleck, etc. The love stories are light on depth and saccharine on taste. They are like an assortment of desserts, appealing and nice to look at, draws people in due to the romantic factor, but is ultimately forgettable.

**1/2

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Valkyrie

Watched Valkyrie with Qy and Ys in the evening today. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Based on a true story, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg is a loyal officer who serves his country all the while hoping that someone will find a way to stop Hitler before Europe and Germany are destroyed. Realizing that time is running out, he decides that he must take action himself and joins the German resistance. Armed with a cunning strategy to use Hitler's own emergency plan - known as Operation Valkyrie - these men plot to assassinate the dictator and overthrow his Nazi government from the inside.

Valkyrie tells the story of an assassination attempt that is compelling and nailbiting from the 2nd hour. The 1st hour comprises of discussions of the details of the assassination as well as the preferred method to take over the country. The story works due to the historical accuracies and the cast does a relatively good job as the colonels and generals who were willing to sacrifice their lives for justice to be done.

Valkyrie celebrates the valiant effort of a group of distinguished and honourable colonels and generals who tried to save their country from all the mindless killings and occupation. The movie is a respectful attempt to glorify the brave men that had the guts to go against Hitler.

***1/2

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The Wrestler

Watched The Wrestler with Daryl on sun. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a 1980s-era pro wrestler, has become a burnt-out shell of his former self. After he has a heart attack during a small-time match, a doctor tells him he could die if he fights again. In an effort to build a new life, Robinson takes a job at a deli, tries to build a romance with a stripper and attempts to mend the broken relationship with his estranged daughter. But the prospect of a rematch with his old nemesis, the Ayatollah, proves too tempting to resist, even if it means risking his life.

The Wrestler is a character driven film and it does a fantastic job with Ram as the imperfect but highly motivated and driven pro wrestler with a gentle soul. Mickey Rourke gives a soul rendering performance that is not only physically demanding, but also emotionally draining. We wince and grimace at every cut and bruise that Ram gets, we hope for the best outcome in the romantic relationship between Ram and Pam/Cassidy, and we pray that Ram comes out safe and sound from every setback.

This movie is pitch perfect in the casting from the amazing Mickey Rourke to Marisa Tomei as the stripper as Ram's love interest, and also Evan Rachel Wood as Ram's estranged daughter. The Wrestler is a gripping, highly realistic, and emotional movie that is sincere and genuine in its storytelling. Highly recommended.

****

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Slumdog Millionaire

Watched Slumdog Millionaire with Derrick on sat. The synopsis and review are as follows.

The story of Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating. Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika, the girl he loved and lost. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show's questions.

Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal, his brother and Latika living in poverty but happily playing with other kids, searching through rubbish for useful items, and even stealing from other people. Things started to change when they get older but not Jamal's feelings for Latika. Danny Boyle has created a fascinating tale of finding happiness even in poverty and i particularly enjoyed the policeman chasing scene in the slums of Mumbai.

The story about a rags to riches slumdog is visually entertaining and absorbing. Slumdog Millionaire is an upbeat, mesmorizing film with unique storyline and cinematography although I still have some reservations on the rather far-fetched plot. Brilliant direction from director Danny Boyle though.

***1/2

Had a drinking session at Selegie pub with Gs and Terence after the movie. The four of us consumed a total of around 6.2 litres of beer that day.

Heineken beer tower

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