Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones is in search of the crystal skull with his son (Shia LaBeouf), and Cate Blanchett's soviet team is hot on their tail.
What's good: None.
What's bad: Harrison Ford is definitely wearing out as an explorer. And I am never a fan for Shia LaBeouf - don't know why Steven Spielberg chooses him to be his next big star.
Bottom line: This Indiana Jones bring no fresh air and no good action. Everything is predictable and there is no secret wonders that we haven't seen before. If you are a history/archeology buff, you are better off watching Nicholas Cage's National Treasure 1 or 2.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Feast II: Sloppy Seconds
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 1
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: Another group of people got trapped in a remote town facing fierce monsters.
What's good: The beginning has some continuity from the first installation.
What's bad: If the first 5 minutes is good because you choose to watch the 2nd Feast because you think the first one is not too bad, the rest of this movie is horrible, stupid and total waste of time.
Bottom line: This movie is probably the most stupid movie I have ever seen, and I have seen quite a lot of B and C movies. The title is actually quite a good match - sloppy. The movie is indeed sloppy, incohesive, with bad acting, no story, no rationale, bringing new meaning to stupidity in films.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: Another group of people got trapped in a remote town facing fierce monsters.
What's good: The beginning has some continuity from the first installation.
What's bad: If the first 5 minutes is good because you choose to watch the 2nd Feast because you think the first one is not too bad, the rest of this movie is horrible, stupid and total waste of time.
Bottom line: This movie is probably the most stupid movie I have ever seen, and I have seen quite a lot of B and C movies. The title is actually quite a good match - sloppy. The movie is indeed sloppy, incohesive, with bad acting, no story, no rationale, bringing new meaning to stupidity in films.
Feast
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: A bunch of people got trapped in a bar in a remote area facing some fierce monsters.
What's good: The monsters are at least fierce.
What's bad: No acting. Not scary.
Bottom line: It's a pretty low budget movie. It's not going to be a classic horror movie. The director tries to insert some comic moments in the movie. At least I don't regret seeing it. (But never ever watch Feast II).
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: A bunch of people got trapped in a bar in a remote area facing some fierce monsters.
What's good: The monsters are at least fierce.
What's bad: No acting. Not scary.
Bottom line: It's a pretty low budget movie. It's not going to be a classic horror movie. The director tries to insert some comic moments in the movie. At least I don't regret seeing it. (But never ever watch Feast II).
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Impact Point
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 2
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: Melissa Keller as a beach volleyball player facing a killer who promises to kill her during the championship game.
What's good: Nothing.
What's bad: Bad story, bad actors and actresses and boring movie. If you are looking for a skin flick, this movie only offers a couple butt shots of Melissa Keller. And I also think she is only good looking when she has her sunglasses on.
Bottom line: This movie is sponsored by the beach volleyball association? Can't they find better actresses and better movie makers? This is a cheap C level movie offering nothing.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: Melissa Keller as a beach volleyball player facing a killer who promises to kill her during the championship game.
What's good: Nothing.
What's bad: Bad story, bad actors and actresses and boring movie. If you are looking for a skin flick, this movie only offers a couple butt shots of Melissa Keller. And I also think she is only good looking when she has her sunglasses on.
Bottom line: This movie is sponsored by the beach volleyball association? Can't they find better actresses and better movie makers? This is a cheap C level movie offering nothing.
Puzzle
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 1
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: A group of bank robbers found themselves stranded after their sole organizer was killed.
What's good: Nothing.
What's bad: No action. Bad actors. Horrible storyline. No logic and I felt in sleep after 10 minutes.
Bottom line: Why do they import this movie? I like some Korean movies, but this one is a horror.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: A group of bank robbers found themselves stranded after their sole organizer was killed.
What's good: Nothing.
What's bad: No action. Bad actors. Horrible storyline. No logic and I felt in sleep after 10 minutes.
Bottom line: Why do they import this movie? I like some Korean movies, but this one is a horror.
Highwaymen
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 7
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: James Caviezel drives a muscle car to chase down the killer who mowed down his wife and who was also chasing down Rhona Mitra.
What's good: James Caviezel is really sharp. I wonder why he is not making movies these days. I rented this movie actually because Rhona Mitra was in it, after watching Doomsday, and I wasn't disppointed. Both actors gave solid performance in this movie. The movie is actually pretty good.
What's bad: None noted, maybe low in horror/gore and PG13.
Bottom line: Overall it is a good guy/bad guy car action movie. I enjoyed it.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: James Caviezel drives a muscle car to chase down the killer who mowed down his wife and who was also chasing down Rhona Mitra.
What's good: James Caviezel is really sharp. I wonder why he is not making movies these days. I rented this movie actually because Rhona Mitra was in it, after watching Doomsday, and I wasn't disppointed. Both actors gave solid performance in this movie. The movie is actually pretty good.
What's bad: None noted, maybe low in horror/gore and PG13.
Bottom line: Overall it is a good guy/bad guy car action movie. I enjoyed it.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Doomsday
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 7
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Rhona Mitra leads a team of British soldiers into virus striken and deserted land of Ireland to find a cure.
What's good: Rhona Mitra is a knock-out. I am a fan of Rhona Mitra after this movie. Actually for a typical guy, she was first seen as that sexy shower neighbor of Kevin Bacon in Hollow Man. I think she is a natural for any sexy heroine movie.
What's bad: The storyline peters out or becomes ridiculous or absurd after an impressive start.
Bottom line: Overall it is a good action movie. Rhona Mitra definitely carries this movie. Rate a good typical guy's movie.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Rhona Mitra leads a team of British soldiers into virus striken and deserted land of Ireland to find a cure.
What's good: Rhona Mitra is a knock-out. I am a fan of Rhona Mitra after this movie. Actually for a typical guy, she was first seen as that sexy shower neighbor of Kevin Bacon in Hollow Man. I think she is a natural for any sexy heroine movie.
What's bad: The storyline peters out or becomes ridiculous or absurd after an impressive start.
Bottom line: Overall it is a good action movie. Rhona Mitra definitely carries this movie. Rate a good typical guy's movie.
The Ruins
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 6
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Two young american vacation couples joining a German guy to explore an ancient Mexican Mayan pyramid ruins and found themselves entangled with creepy killer plants.
What's good: Creepy killer plants is a novelty in horror movies. The movies does succeed in grabbing your attention.
What's bad: The couple guys (Shawn Ashmore, Jonathan Tucker, Joe Anderson) give better performance than the two girls (Jena Malone, Laura Ramsey). PG-14.
Bottom line: A must see for any horror movie genre fans.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Two young american vacation couples joining a German guy to explore an ancient Mexican Mayan pyramid ruins and found themselves entangled with creepy killer plants.
What's good: Creepy killer plants is a novelty in horror movies. The movies does succeed in grabbing your attention.
What's bad: The couple guys (Shawn Ashmore, Jonathan Tucker, Joe Anderson) give better performance than the two girls (Jena Malone, Laura Ramsey). PG-14.
Bottom line: A must see for any horror movie genre fans.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
21
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Kevin Spacey as an MIT professor leads a team of bright students (Jim Sturgess as the leading actor and Kate Bosworth as his team member) counting cards and making money on blackjack tables in Las Vegas with Laurence Fishburne hot on their trail.
What's good: Cinematography was good. Kate Bosworth was very attractive, and definitely adds much needed flavor to this movie.
What's bad: Other than the above mentioned good points, it's hard to mention any other good points. The stand-out weakness of this movie is its lack of story development and climax. I feel a monotone from the beginning to the end.
Bottom line: The movie had little to offer. It's not a bad movie but just mediocre.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Kevin Spacey as an MIT professor leads a team of bright students (Jim Sturgess as the leading actor and Kate Bosworth as his team member) counting cards and making money on blackjack tables in Las Vegas with Laurence Fishburne hot on their trail.
What's good: Cinematography was good. Kate Bosworth was very attractive, and definitely adds much needed flavor to this movie.
What's bad: Other than the above mentioned good points, it's hard to mention any other good points. The stand-out weakness of this movie is its lack of story development and climax. I feel a monotone from the beginning to the end.
Bottom line: The movie had little to offer. It's not a bad movie but just mediocre.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
We Own the Night
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix as sons of Police Chief (Robert Duvall), Mark as the police captain and Joaquin on the other side. But events brought Joaquin to the same side of the Law to go against the drug dealers.
What's good: Joaquin is the leading actor of this movie and he depicts the character well.
What's bad: The movie, filmed under a rather typical gloomy overtone trying to depict 70/80s era, is rather dark. Action is minimum. If you want to see Mark Wahlberg kick some ass, there is not much, or at all to see.
Bottom line: If you are Joaquin Phoenix or Eva Mendez (as his girlfriend) fan, you need to watch this movie. Otherwise, if you want to see some police/drug bust movie from the same era, I think Denzel Washington's American Gangster is a better choice.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix as sons of Police Chief (Robert Duvall), Mark as the police captain and Joaquin on the other side. But events brought Joaquin to the same side of the Law to go against the drug dealers.
What's good: Joaquin is the leading actor of this movie and he depicts the character well.
What's bad: The movie, filmed under a rather typical gloomy overtone trying to depict 70/80s era, is rather dark. Action is minimum. If you want to see Mark Wahlberg kick some ass, there is not much, or at all to see.
Bottom line: If you are Joaquin Phoenix or Eva Mendez (as his girlfriend) fan, you need to watch this movie. Otherwise, if you want to see some police/drug bust movie from the same era, I think Denzel Washington's American Gangster is a better choice.
The Bank Job
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Jason Statham again gets involved in a bank heist, this time digging a tunnel into a London bank's safe deposit box vault.
What's good: The movie is based on a true story in Britain in the 70s. As a typical Jason Statham bank/money heist movie, the heist is the easy part, it is all the parties get involved afterwards make the story interesting. So the storyline is the strong part of the movie.
What's bad: Minimal action. Maybe we can call it the British version of Ocean's 11, only the American version is more lavish and more star filled.
Bottom line: I thought Jason Statham did not shine in this movie. Good storyline, but not much entertainment or excitement.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Jason Statham again gets involved in a bank heist, this time digging a tunnel into a London bank's safe deposit box vault.
What's good: The movie is based on a true story in Britain in the 70s. As a typical Jason Statham bank/money heist movie, the heist is the easy part, it is all the parties get involved afterwards make the story interesting. So the storyline is the strong part of the movie.
What's bad: Minimal action. Maybe we can call it the British version of Ocean's 11, only the American version is more lavish and more star filled.
Bottom line: I thought Jason Statham did not shine in this movie. Good storyline, but not much entertainment or excitement.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates, this time finds his way to Buckinham Palace and White House, tracing clues that will lead to a stash of treasure and proof that his great grandfather is a patriot instead of plotter of Lincoln's assassination.
What's good: The movie continues the cleverness of the first installment, as Cage explores famous landmarks.
What's bad: The movie is clever, but it is not intense or dramatic enough. Indiana Jones series is a better treasure hunt series.
Bottom line: Overall a good pop-corn movie. Not much action but if you like the first National Treasure, this one will not disappoint by too much.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Nicolas Cage as Ben Gates, this time finds his way to Buckinham Palace and White House, tracing clues that will lead to a stash of treasure and proof that his great grandfather is a patriot instead of plotter of Lincoln's assassination.
What's good: The movie continues the cleverness of the first installment, as Cage explores famous landmarks.
What's bad: The movie is clever, but it is not intense or dramatic enough. Indiana Jones series is a better treasure hunt series.
Bottom line: Overall a good pop-corn movie. Not much action but if you like the first National Treasure, this one will not disappoint by too much.
Timber Falls
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A young couple hikes in where else, West Virginia, and got kidnapped by a maniac family, actually under the wrap of God's ardent servants.
What's good: The bad guys are actually not tooth loosing, eye popping, ugly back country in-breds. They want to kidnap and torture the victims for religious reasons. So that is fresh. The lead actress Beth Broderick is pretty and show a little skin.
What's bad: The movie falls short in intensity, scaricity, or gority.
Bottom line:
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A young couple hikes in where else, West Virginia, and got kidnapped by a maniac family, actually under the wrap of God's ardent servants.
What's good: The bad guys are actually not tooth loosing, eye popping, ugly back country in-breds. They want to kidnap and torture the victims for religious reasons. So that is fresh. The lead actress Beth Broderick is pretty and show a little skin.
What's bad: The movie falls short in intensity, scaricity, or gority.
Bottom line:
Vantage Point
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 6
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Dennis Quaid as a secret service agent on hot trail against terrorists who just assassinated and kidnapped the US president.
What's good: The movie has good car chase sequence. Storyline is not bad with some good twisting plots. Honorable mention: Forest Whitaker, as a tourist with a latest model of Sony HD video camera.
What's bad: To satisfy the "Vantage Point" title, the movie goes back and forth of the assassination from different people's vatange points. It makes you feel yet another Ground Hog Day, and the back and forth do get a little old after a couple ones already.
Bottom line: Overall a good action movie. A typical pop-corn weekend movie.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Dennis Quaid as a secret service agent on hot trail against terrorists who just assassinated and kidnapped the US president.
What's good: The movie has good car chase sequence. Storyline is not bad with some good twisting plots. Honorable mention: Forest Whitaker, as a tourist with a latest model of Sony HD video camera.
What's bad: To satisfy the "Vantage Point" title, the movie goes back and forth of the assassination from different people's vatange points. It makes you feel yet another Ground Hog Day, and the back and forth do get a little old after a couple ones already.
Bottom line: Overall a good action movie. A typical pop-corn weekend movie.
Invasion
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Nicole Kidman is a psychologist and finds her fighting her own life and her son's while everyone is getting infected with an alien virus, not a deadly virus, but a virus making everyone a robotic emotionless former self.
What's good: Nicole Kidman is a good looking and fine actress, and she again carries the movie.
What's bad: Other than Nicole Kidman, nothing is good in this movie, including Daniel Craig (as Nicole Kidman's new boy friend).
Bottom line: If you are a Nicole Kidman fan, watch this movie. Invasion is a good title, but the movie should be renamed "Yet Another Lame Zombie movie."
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Nicole Kidman is a psychologist and finds her fighting her own life and her son's while everyone is getting infected with an alien virus, not a deadly virus, but a virus making everyone a robotic emotionless former self.
What's good: Nicole Kidman is a good looking and fine actress, and she again carries the movie.
What's bad: Other than Nicole Kidman, nothing is good in this movie, including Daniel Craig (as Nicole Kidman's new boy friend).
Bottom line: If you are a Nicole Kidman fan, watch this movie. Invasion is a good title, but the movie should be renamed "Yet Another Lame Zombie movie."
Stop-Loss
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 6
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Three army veterans coming back to Texas from Iraq to face life back home, and their unit leader (Ryan Phillippe) tries to escape his new "stop-loss" call back to duty.
What's good: I was expecting yet another Iraq veteran coming back to home and facing difficulties story. However, this movie was directed well (by Kimberly Peirce) into a good story-telling movie, as you watch Ryan Phillipe's character fights on against the US government.
What's bad: Action is limited - the only shooting action is in the beginning of the movie, when they are in Iraq.
Bottom line: A good story telling movie. Not your big gun war action movie - falls more on the drama genre. Real not much action, from any angle after the open scene, but if you are looking for some good movie drama, this is your choice.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Three army veterans coming back to Texas from Iraq to face life back home, and their unit leader (Ryan Phillippe) tries to escape his new "stop-loss" call back to duty.
What's good: I was expecting yet another Iraq veteran coming back to home and facing difficulties story. However, this movie was directed well (by Kimberly Peirce) into a good story-telling movie, as you watch Ryan Phillipe's character fights on against the US government.
What's bad: Action is limited - the only shooting action is in the beginning of the movie, when they are in Iraq.
Bottom line: A good story telling movie. Not your big gun war action movie - falls more on the drama genre. Real not much action, from any angle after the open scene, but if you are looking for some good movie drama, this is your choice.
10,000 BC
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: A young hunter (Steven Strait) in a tribe sets out to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend (Camilla Belle) and villagers and unite other tribes rise against a mighty enemy.
What's good: An early scene of big elephant stampede.
What's bad: The story is an old and tired story, which you have probably seen in many other movies, Mel Gibson's Apocalypto coming to mind first. The movie wants to rise to prehistoric level, only to fail to a historical proportion. The main hunter group is dressed like Jamaican with long hair braids - come on, give me a break.
Bottom line: The movie does have a couple big scenes that make it big screen worthwhile, but overall, a tired story with no climax, no acting, so so cinematography and very few action, which is a death spell for a typical guy.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: A young hunter (Steven Strait) in a tribe sets out to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend (Camilla Belle) and villagers and unite other tribes rise against a mighty enemy.
What's good: An early scene of big elephant stampede.
What's bad: The story is an old and tired story, which you have probably seen in many other movies, Mel Gibson's Apocalypto coming to mind first. The movie wants to rise to prehistoric level, only to fail to a historical proportion. The main hunter group is dressed like Jamaican with long hair braids - come on, give me a break.
Bottom line: The movie does have a couple big scenes that make it big screen worthwhile, but overall, a tired story with no climax, no acting, so so cinematography and very few action, which is a death spell for a typical guy.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Jumper
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 2
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Hayden Christensen as someone who can teleport to any place on earth, while Samuel L Jackson leads a group trying to capture/kill him.
What's good: Not much, actually nothing is good, maybe a couple good scenery shots.
What's bad: The jumping/teleporting gets old/boring very fast. The storyline is almost non-existent and incohesive. There is not much action. Only thing you hear/see is a loud thump each time he teleports, and they just keep thumping. Diane Lane lends her name to the movie with only a couple shots.
Bottom line: One of the worst action movies I have seen. Samuel L Jackson's white hair does not help either. Very bad movie - I fell asleep mid-way.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Hayden Christensen as someone who can teleport to any place on earth, while Samuel L Jackson leads a group trying to capture/kill him.
What's good: Not much, actually nothing is good, maybe a couple good scenery shots.
What's bad: The jumping/teleporting gets old/boring very fast. The storyline is almost non-existent and incohesive. There is not much action. Only thing you hear/see is a loud thump each time he teleports, and they just keep thumping. Diane Lane lends her name to the movie with only a couple shots.
Bottom line: One of the worst action movies I have seen. Samuel L Jackson's white hair does not help either. Very bad movie - I fell asleep mid-way.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Hero Wanted
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Cuba Gooding Jr as a small town trash collector faces a group of villains who robbed a bank and shot a girl he is in love with.
What's good: The movie has a clever plot. It may be a little confusing in the beginning but soon you will see the picture. The action is good. Cuba Gooding Jr. gives a good performance. Ray Liotta as the detective supports well also.
What's bad: Storyline not tight enough.
Bottom line: A good action movie to spend your weekend night on. Not top notch, but good enough.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Cuba Gooding Jr as a small town trash collector faces a group of villains who robbed a bank and shot a girl he is in love with.
What's good: The movie has a clever plot. It may be a little confusing in the beginning but soon you will see the picture. The action is good. Cuba Gooding Jr. gives a good performance. Ray Liotta as the detective supports well also.
What's bad: Storyline not tight enough.
Bottom line: A good action movie to spend your weekend night on. Not top notch, but good enough.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Cate Blanchett again as Queen Elizabeth this time facing the formidable Spanish Catholic King's naval attack, while going through elusive romance with Sir Raleigh (Clive Owen).
What's good: Cate Blanchette continues to bring credible performance as the Virgin Queen.
What's bad: It is a historical moment in 1588 when British fights the epic naval battle with Spanish, but the film fails to render such greatness. It probably focuses too much on the romance side.
Bottom line: While the previous Elizabeth (probably the first one mostly) are good movies, this one is average and is forgetable.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Cate Blanchett again as Queen Elizabeth this time facing the formidable Spanish Catholic King's naval attack, while going through elusive romance with Sir Raleigh (Clive Owen).
What's good: Cate Blanchette continues to bring credible performance as the Virgin Queen.
What's bad: It is a historical moment in 1588 when British fights the epic naval battle with Spanish, but the film fails to render such greatness. It probably focuses too much on the romance side.
Bottom line: While the previous Elizabeth (probably the first one mostly) are good movies, this one is average and is forgetable.
American Pie Presents: Beta House
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Party goer Beta House fraternity goes against Geek House fraternity.
What's good: The rounds of "Greek Olympics" competition towards the end are refreshing.
What's bad: Another American Pie. It has been a downward spiral ever since the first one.
Bottom line: A typical guys sometimes just wants to waste time and watch a skin flick. American Pie gives plenty though fails to bring any impact. The no-name actors in American Pie has gone even more obscure, even as they keep bringing back Eugene Levy (the dad). Watch when you are out of better skin flicks.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Party goer Beta House fraternity goes against Geek House fraternity.
What's good: The rounds of "Greek Olympics" competition towards the end are refreshing.
What's bad: Another American Pie. It has been a downward spiral ever since the first one.
Bottom line: A typical guys sometimes just wants to waste time and watch a skin flick. American Pie gives plenty though fails to bring any impact. The no-name actors in American Pie has gone even more obscure, even as they keep bringing back Eugene Levy (the dad). Watch when you are out of better skin flicks.
The Brave One
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 6.5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Erica (Jodie Foster) sets out to revenge villains and the criminals who attacked her and killed her fiancee.
What's good: Kudos to Jodie Foster, who puts up a brilliant performance and exudes youth and vitality as well as gloom and desparity in the movie. Terrance Howard (as the detective) is always a fine actor to watch with his unique facial character.
What's bad: Not much action? Storyline predictable.
Bottom line: A very good movie with fine actors and actresses. Story telling is good and does bring resounding impact towards the end. One of the few good movies out there.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Erica (Jodie Foster) sets out to revenge villains and the criminals who attacked her and killed her fiancee.
What's good: Kudos to Jodie Foster, who puts up a brilliant performance and exudes youth and vitality as well as gloom and desparity in the movie. Terrance Howard (as the detective) is always a fine actor to watch with his unique facial character.
What's bad: Not much action? Storyline predictable.
Bottom line: A very good movie with fine actors and actresses. Story telling is good and does bring resounding impact towards the end. One of the few good movies out there.
The Cellar Door
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 2
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A freak (James Dumont) kidnaps girls and locks them in a wood cage in his home's basement.
What's good: The lead actress Michelle Tomlinson, though not top tier actress, gives a credible performance. The storyline is not so so but does let you stay on watch to see what's going to happen though you can pretty much predict the result.
What's bad: James Dumont is not scary and the movie is not scary.
Bottom line: Yet another film school student level low budget horror movie. The DVD cover has 3 claimed awards, but they are from freakfest? Don't let the awards fool you, and with a PG-13 level, this is not your true horror movie must-see.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A freak (James Dumont) kidnaps girls and locks them in a wood cage in his home's basement.
What's good: The lead actress Michelle Tomlinson, though not top tier actress, gives a credible performance. The storyline is not so so but does let you stay on watch to see what's going to happen though you can pretty much predict the result.
What's bad: James Dumont is not scary and the movie is not scary.
Bottom line: Yet another film school student level low budget horror movie. The DVD cover has 3 claimed awards, but they are from freakfest? Don't let the awards fool you, and with a PG-13 level, this is not your true horror movie must-see.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Rambo
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Rambo (Sylvester Stallon) is at war again, this time against a Burma battalion.
What's good: A lot of guns, firepower and blood. The setting in the southeast jungle zone is always appealing for a typical guy. The insertion of a mercenary team is an added bonus.
What's bad: The whole reason Rambo sets out to rescue because of a woman is weak - there is no romance or appeal at all.
Bottom line: A typical guy wanting to see some war action will not be disappointed. The storyline is weak and culmination of war or ending is also weak.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Rambo (Sylvester Stallon) is at war again, this time against a Burma battalion.
What's good: A lot of guns, firepower and blood. The setting in the southeast jungle zone is always appealing for a typical guy. The insertion of a mercenary team is an added bonus.
What's bad: The whole reason Rambo sets out to rescue because of a woman is weak - there is no romance or appeal at all.
Bottom line: A typical guy wanting to see some war action will not be disappointed. The storyline is weak and culmination of war or ending is also weak.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Right at Your Door
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: A guy (Brian Bloom) faces a tough choice when LA is under chemical bomb attack and his wife (Rory Cochrane), contaminated, comes back right at the door of his sealed-off home.
What's good: The story resounds with people, in a world full of terrorism. It brings up people's conscience when facing life/death and loved ones. Storyline is good.
What's bad: As an independent and low budget movie, you don't see special effects or big production scenes. You see more flash lights than actual soldiers in camaflouge or quarantine suits.
Bottom line: The movie has a good storyline, and it keeps you want to keep watching to see what happens in the end.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: A guy (Brian Bloom) faces a tough choice when LA is under chemical bomb attack and his wife (Rory Cochrane), contaminated, comes back right at the door of his sealed-off home.
What's good: The story resounds with people, in a world full of terrorism. It brings up people's conscience when facing life/death and loved ones. Storyline is good.
What's bad: As an independent and low budget movie, you don't see special effects or big production scenes. You see more flash lights than actual soldiers in camaflouge or quarantine suits.
Bottom line: The movie has a good storyline, and it keeps you want to keep watching to see what happens in the end.
Trigger Man
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 0
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Three New York City guys went hunting in Pennsylvania and became hunted.
What's good: Nothing.
What's bad: Your own home video is probably better shot than this film. The shots are very very shaky, probably shot by a cheap video camera, hand held. You probably will get a head-ache within 5 minutes. But actually you will probably fast forward within 2 minutes. This is not a movie. It is a home video by an amateur.
Bottom line: Don't let the DVD cover fool you. I very rarely give a 0 rating, but this movie (if you can even call it) is definitely the worst movie I have ever seen in my life (in fact, I saw it for a couple minutes, fast forwarded, watched another few minutes, fast forward to the scene when they got shot, knew it is not going to get any better, and turned off, with a motion-sickness headache).
I am not going to put a link to Amazon on this junk!
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Three New York City guys went hunting in Pennsylvania and became hunted.
What's good: Nothing.
What's bad: Your own home video is probably better shot than this film. The shots are very very shaky, probably shot by a cheap video camera, hand held. You probably will get a head-ache within 5 minutes. But actually you will probably fast forward within 2 minutes. This is not a movie. It is a home video by an amateur.
Bottom line: Don't let the DVD cover fool you. I very rarely give a 0 rating, but this movie (if you can even call it) is definitely the worst movie I have ever seen in my life (in fact, I saw it for a couple minutes, fast forwarded, watched another few minutes, fast forward to the scene when they got shot, knew it is not going to get any better, and turned off, with a motion-sickness headache).
I am not going to put a link to Amazon on this junk!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Death Sentence
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 7
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: A white-collar father (Kevin Bacon) who lost his son to a street gang (Garrett Hedlund) decides to take justice in his own hands and eventually led to an all-out-war with the gang.
What's good: Action packed, the movie flows well. Kevin Bacon did a good job, portraying a desk executive evolving into a gang-buster.
What's bad: The director might have shot a couple too many shots romanticizing gangsters (i.e. slow motion shots as the gang members march forward - typical Hongkong style).
Bottom line: The director, James Wan, who did Saw, continues his good work in this movie. For a typical guy, this action movie will not disappoint.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: A white-collar father (Kevin Bacon) who lost his son to a street gang (Garrett Hedlund) decides to take justice in his own hands and eventually led to an all-out-war with the gang.
What's good: Action packed, the movie flows well. Kevin Bacon did a good job, portraying a desk executive evolving into a gang-buster.
What's bad: The director might have shot a couple too many shots romanticizing gangsters (i.e. slow motion shots as the gang members march forward - typical Hongkong style).
Bottom line: The director, James Wan, who did Saw, continues his good work in this movie. For a typical guy, this action movie will not disappoint.
The Hunting Party
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Three journalists (Richard Gere, Terrance Howard) waded into Bosnia backcountry attempting to capture an infamous Bosnia war criminal "The Fox" (Ljubomir Kerekes).
What's good: The plot starts promising.
What's bad: What can three journalists with no gun can do?
Bottom line: The story is novel. Richard Gere and Terrance Howard are good actors. However, as the movie goes on, the story wears thin. The action is very little.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Three journalists (Richard Gere, Terrance Howard) waded into Bosnia backcountry attempting to capture an infamous Bosnia war criminal "The Fox" (Ljubomir Kerekes).
What's good: The plot starts promising.
What's bad: What can three journalists with no gun can do?
Bottom line: The story is novel. Richard Gere and Terrance Howard are good actors. However, as the movie goes on, the story wears thin. The action is very little.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Aliens vs. Predator - Requiem
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 2
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Alien and Predator are at it again. This time another Predator comes to earth to track down Aliens, which populates quite fast.
What's good: Nothing.
What's bad: The movie scenes are mostly shot dark and both predator and aliens are all black, so basically you are literally watching a dark movie. On top of that, there is not much action and no plot at all. The cast are all no names and give very mediocre performances.
Bottom line: While I like the first Alien vs Predator, this second installment is a total failure.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Alien and Predator are at it again. This time another Predator comes to earth to track down Aliens, which populates quite fast.
What's good: Nothing.
What's bad: The movie scenes are mostly shot dark and both predator and aliens are all black, so basically you are literally watching a dark movie. On top of that, there is not much action and no plot at all. The cast are all no names and give very mediocre performances.
Bottom line: While I like the first Alien vs Predator, this second installment is a total failure.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Storm Warning
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Australian version of a couple took a "wrong turn" (this time boating in a remote bay) and bumped into West Virginian type hillbillies.
What's good: Even though the plot is nothing new, I kind of enjoyed the movie. There are enough suspense, blood and gore. Nadia Farès as the lead female character at least make you want to find out what happens next, instead some stupid dumb chicks you find in a lot of horror movies.
What's bad: Plot is nothing new.
Bottom line: Not a bad horror movie. If you are in a horror movie mood and has nothing else to choose, this movie serves the purpose.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Australian version of a couple took a "wrong turn" (this time boating in a remote bay) and bumped into West Virginian type hillbillies.
What's good: Even though the plot is nothing new, I kind of enjoyed the movie. There are enough suspense, blood and gore. Nadia Farès as the lead female character at least make you want to find out what happens next, instead some stupid dumb chicks you find in a lot of horror movies.
What's bad: Plot is nothing new.
Bottom line: Not a bad horror movie. If you are in a horror movie mood and has nothing else to choose, this movie serves the purpose.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Reservation Road
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4.5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A father (Joaquin Phoenix) who lost his son in an hit-and-run accident deals with aftermath and tries to find the killer (Mark Ruffalo), who happens to be a father also and struggles with the aftermath also.
What's good: Good depiction of how parents try to cope with the tragedy of losing their child.
What's bad: Not much suspense - pretty straight forward story. Jennifer Connelly as the mother has limited role.
Bottom line: The movie does have its touching moments - I recommend you watch it if you are a parent. Otherwise, it feels almost like a TV drama.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A father (Joaquin Phoenix) who lost his son in an hit-and-run accident deals with aftermath and tries to find the killer (Mark Ruffalo), who happens to be a father also and struggles with the aftermath also.
What's good: Good depiction of how parents try to cope with the tragedy of losing their child.
What's bad: Not much suspense - pretty straight forward story. Jennifer Connelly as the mother has limited role.
Bottom line: The movie does have its touching moments - I recommend you watch it if you are a parent. Otherwise, it feels almost like a TV drama.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Feast of Love
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A couple love and affair stories. Coffee shop owner Bradley (Greg Kinnear) has tough luck finding love. Two young fellows fell in love at the first sight even facing difficulties in fate. A professor (Morgan Freeman) observes but struggles to find meanings in life after losing his own son.
What's good: Not much. Maybe the ending brings some meaning to the whole film.
What's bad: The stories are so so and cast do not stand out including Greg Kinnear. I found the two young lovers (Toby Hemingway and Alexa Davalos) are doing a better job.
Bottom line: There are better love stories to watch - skip this one..
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A couple love and affair stories. Coffee shop owner Bradley (Greg Kinnear) has tough luck finding love. Two young fellows fell in love at the first sight even facing difficulties in fate. A professor (Morgan Freeman) observes but struggles to find meanings in life after losing his own son.
What's good: Not much. Maybe the ending brings some meaning to the whole film.
What's bad: The stories are so so and cast do not stand out including Greg Kinnear. I found the two young lovers (Toby Hemingway and Alexa Davalos) are doing a better job.
Bottom line: There are better love stories to watch - skip this one..
P2
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A young lady working late on Christmas Eve found herself trapped in the parking garage below the building.
What's good: Angela (Rachel Nichols) is pretty and sexy. Horror in the underground garage is a pretty novel concept.
What's bad: Tom (Wes Bentley) is pretty also but not creepy, which makes the film less horrifying, though some other people may think this is new kind of freakness, but I don't think so. Only a couple gore scenes.
Bottom line: Not very scary. Was able to watch till the end. Not too bad but an average horror/slasher movie. Should be PG-13 at most - don't let the dvd cover fool you. Skip it.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A young lady working late on Christmas Eve found herself trapped in the parking garage below the building.
What's good: Angela (Rachel Nichols) is pretty and sexy. Horror in the underground garage is a pretty novel concept.
What's bad: Tom (Wes Bentley) is pretty also but not creepy, which makes the film less horrifying, though some other people may think this is new kind of freakness, but I don't think so. Only a couple gore scenes.
Bottom line: Not very scary. Was able to watch till the end. Not too bad but an average horror/slasher movie. Should be PG-13 at most - don't let the dvd cover fool you. Skip it.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Outpost
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 2.5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A mercenaries team was sent to retrieve something mysterious from a former Nazi underground bunker.
What's good: The beginning 15 minutes build some pretty good suspense. Ray Stevenson looks a little like Sean Connery, which lends some credibility.
What's bad: Once contact has been made with the Nazi soldier zombies, the $1 million low budget movie really shows its constraint in action, special effects or horror/gore. You will mostly see the guys keep shooting to nowhere and some zombie shadows in the distance.
Bottom line: Not really a good horror or action movie. Skip it.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A mercenaries team was sent to retrieve something mysterious from a former Nazi underground bunker.
What's good: The beginning 15 minutes build some pretty good suspense. Ray Stevenson looks a little like Sean Connery, which lends some credibility.
What's bad: Once contact has been made with the Nazi soldier zombies, the $1 million low budget movie really shows its constraint in action, special effects or horror/gore. You will mostly see the guys keep shooting to nowhere and some zombie shadows in the distance.
Bottom line: Not really a good horror or action movie. Skip it.
Monday, April 7, 2008
American Gangster
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) is a new prosperous drug lord in Harlem and Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) is one of the rare uncorrupted cops who is determined to bring him down.
What's good: Denzel Washington again does a great job portraiting Frank Lucas' rise and his way handling business. Russell Crowe is more a supporting role.
What's bad: The movie should be rather named The Life of American Gangster. It portrays the drug lord's life and business dealing, but no action or tense moments in this movie. Movie is rather long too, almost 3 hours.
Bottom line: The movie comes a little short of Godfather, and lacks action or intensity as a good gangster movie. If you want to watch Denzel or Russell or big name movie, then go ahead, otherwise, find a better movie.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) is a new prosperous drug lord in Harlem and Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) is one of the rare uncorrupted cops who is determined to bring him down.
What's good: Denzel Washington again does a great job portraiting Frank Lucas' rise and his way handling business. Russell Crowe is more a supporting role.
What's bad: The movie should be rather named The Life of American Gangster. It portrays the drug lord's life and business dealing, but no action or tense moments in this movie. Movie is rather long too, almost 3 hours.
Bottom line: The movie comes a little short of Godfather, and lacks action or intensity as a good gangster movie. If you want to watch Denzel or Russell or big name movie, then go ahead, otherwise, find a better movie.
Into the Wild
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 7
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) as a young college graduate but denounces his parents and society and treks across the country with final stop in the wilderness of Alaska.
What's good: Almost immediately you become liking this young man and you are accompanying him on his journey to find out about life, love, freedom and happiness. Emile Hirsh did a good job portraying this real life story. Supporting actors are all doing a good job.
What's bad: The going back and forth is mostly good but I wonder if a straight forward story-telling will be better as we go on the life exploring journey with Alex Supertramp (the new name the main character adopts).
Bottom line: At first the movie may not provoke a big impact or sleepless night, but it retains its place in your mind, as you are subtly thinking about this philosophical or social study of a man. It makes you want to read some more about Alex and his venture, especially his days in Alaska and what really happens at the end. I recommend watching it if you are a parent, a serious movie watcher, or a young adult who is a little confused with life or hates everyone. But if you are a typical guy who doesn't give a damn, then this movie is a skip.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch
Story Line: Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) as a young college graduate but denounces his parents and society and treks across the country with final stop in the wilderness of Alaska.
What's good: Almost immediately you become liking this young man and you are accompanying him on his journey to find out about life, love, freedom and happiness. Emile Hirsh did a good job portraying this real life story. Supporting actors are all doing a good job.
What's bad: The going back and forth is mostly good but I wonder if a straight forward story-telling will be better as we go on the life exploring journey with Alex Supertramp (the new name the main character adopts).
Bottom line: At first the movie may not provoke a big impact or sleepless night, but it retains its place in your mind, as you are subtly thinking about this philosophical or social study of a man. It makes you want to read some more about Alex and his venture, especially his days in Alaska and what really happens at the end. I recommend watching it if you are a parent, a serious movie watcher, or a young adult who is a little confused with life or hates everyone. But if you are a typical guy who doesn't give a damn, then this movie is a skip.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Ballistic Kiss
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 2
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Donnie Yen as a cop goes out as a cop and fights Hongkong gangs.
What's good: N/A.
What's bad: What a big difference 10 years makes. This movie, made in 1999, might be good action movie when it came out, but now well into 21st century, the movie's actions are so out-dated. The movie studio wrapped this old movie in DVD format, so the sound was horrible too.
Bottom line: I turned off within 3 minutes. As much as I like Donnie Yen's recent movies, this old movie is too out-dated..
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Donnie Yen as a cop goes out as a cop and fights Hongkong gangs.
What's good: N/A.
What's bad: What a big difference 10 years makes. This movie, made in 1999, might be good action movie when it came out, but now well into 21st century, the movie's actions are so out-dated. The movie studio wrapped this old movie in DVD format, so the sound was horrible too.
Bottom line: I turned off within 3 minutes. As much as I like Donnie Yen's recent movies, this old movie is too out-dated..
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Shepherd: Border Patrol
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A tough cop (Jean-Claude Van Damme) joins border patrol to hunt down a drug trafficker group, who were ex-US marines.
What's good: The beginning 3 minutes.
What's bad: Nothing new. Typical van damme movie. Fight scenes are boring too.
Bottom line: I was hoaxed by the high review stars on Amazon, and this movie is not any better than any old Van Damme movies. The movie is not at all intense and fighting is not at all interesting. Don't waste your time on this one.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: A tough cop (Jean-Claude Van Damme) joins border patrol to hunt down a drug trafficker group, who were ex-US marines.
What's good: The beginning 3 minutes.
What's bad: Nothing new. Typical van damme movie. Fight scenes are boring too.
Bottom line: I was hoaxed by the high review stars on Amazon, and this movie is not any better than any old Van Damme movies. The movie is not at all intense and fighting is not at all interesting. Don't waste your time on this one.
Atonement
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Two lovers (Keira Knightley, James Mcavoy) were separated because of wrongful accusement by Keira Knightley's little sister (Saoirse Ronan) who also had a crush on Robbie (James Mcavoy).
What's good: The three main actors have done a good job portraying their characters.
What's bad: Although the movie is set in the war time environment and trailer/advertisement is heavy with war scenes, there was no gun fights, as a matter of fact, you don't see a single German soldier in this movie, hence any encounter.
Bottom line: A typical romance/love story in a historical/war environment. Nothing new. Maybe good as a date movie but nothing to sing home about.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip
Story Line: Two lovers (Keira Knightley, James Mcavoy) were separated because of wrongful accusement by Keira Knightley's little sister (Saoirse Ronan) who also had a crush on Robbie (James Mcavoy).
What's good: The three main actors have done a good job portraying their characters.
What's bad: Although the movie is set in the war time environment and trailer/advertisement is heavy with war scenes, there was no gun fights, as a matter of fact, you don't see a single German soldier in this movie, hence any encounter.
Bottom line: A typical romance/love story in a historical/war environment. Nothing new. Maybe good as a date movie but nothing to sing home about.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
30 Days of Night
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 6
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Vampires descend on the Northern most town in Alaska and the local Sheriff (Josh Hartnett) tries to save the remaing few folks.
What's good: A refreshing concept of vampires take advantage of an arctic town when the sun does not rise for a month.
What's bad: The movie is light on actions. For Vampire movies, the best comes to mind as the Blade series. This one is more of an average vampire movie.
Bottom line: Like I Am Legend, Josh Hartnett carries the movie like Will Smith does for that film. But overall it is a so so movie, watchable but not enjoyable.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Vampires descend on the Northern most town in Alaska and the local Sheriff (Josh Hartnett) tries to save the remaing few folks.
What's good: A refreshing concept of vampires take advantage of an arctic town when the sun does not rise for a month.
What's bad: The movie is light on actions. For Vampire movies, the best comes to mind as the Blade series. This one is more of an average vampire movie.
Bottom line: Like I Am Legend, Josh Hartnett carries the movie like Will Smith does for that film. But overall it is a so so movie, watchable but not enjoyable.
I Am Legend
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: American version of 28 Weeks Later. Will Smith as the only survivor of a virus that wiped out New York City. He strives for living a SINGLE life while finding the cure.
What's good: It is interesting to see New York City as a deserted place. Will Smith definitely makes the movie less boring.
What's bad: The movie is light on the zombies and action sequences.
Bottom line: Having watched 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, I have to say I Am Legend is nothing new and the movie comes short in terms action, horror, and storyline. But being a big budget movie with a big star, a typical guy will watch it so you can say I watched it, but you won't end up satisfied.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: American version of 28 Weeks Later. Will Smith as the only survivor of a virus that wiped out New York City. He strives for living a SINGLE life while finding the cure.
What's good: It is interesting to see New York City as a deserted place. Will Smith definitely makes the movie less boring.
What's bad: The movie is light on the zombies and action sequences.
Bottom line: Having watched 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, I have to say I Am Legend is nothing new and the movie comes short in terms action, horror, and storyline. But being a big budget movie with a big star, a typical guy will watch it so you can say I watched it, but you won't end up satisfied.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Hitman
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 6
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: A professional hitman was sent to assassinate the Russian president and gets complicated with the situation and a woman he was sent to kill also.
What's good: The movie has some sleek moments in terms of killing and gun violence.
What's bad: The movie is rather shallow in terms of character development and emotion. Maybe the director purposedly was trying to keep the main hitman character cool and aloof. The bar code thing at the back of their heads or their upbringing as a professional hitman was non-relevant in this movie, so don't think you are going to see some cool concept.
Bottom line: For a typical guy, this movie is another good action movie for some brainless eye-candy moments, but it comes short in terms of storyline or characters. Nothing comparable to Bourne series.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: A professional hitman was sent to assassinate the Russian president and gets complicated with the situation and a woman he was sent to kill also.
What's good: The movie has some sleek moments in terms of killing and gun violence.
What's bad: The movie is rather shallow in terms of character development and emotion. Maybe the director purposedly was trying to keep the main hitman character cool and aloof. The bar code thing at the back of their heads or their upbringing as a professional hitman was non-relevant in this movie, so don't think you are going to see some cool concept.
Bottom line: For a typical guy, this movie is another good action movie for some brainless eye-candy moments, but it comes short in terms of storyline or characters. Nothing comparable to Bourne series.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
No Country For Old Men
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 8
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: An able veteran coincidentally picked up a suitcase of $2 million from a drug deal gone bad and tries hard to get away from his chasers, especially the maniac killer (Javier Bardem, best supporting actor).
What's good: The movie is very intense. Javier Bardem did a great job acting out a crazy and cold hearted killer.
What's bad: The movie is a little dark and gloomy, but I guess it suits the theme.
Bottom line: You are holding your breath till the end ever since Josh Brodin picked up that suitcase. The movie falls into somewhat a horror/chase/action movie, so it is definitely a typical guy's movie. I think Javiar Bardem really made the movie special.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: An able veteran coincidentally picked up a suitcase of $2 million from a drug deal gone bad and tries hard to get away from his chasers, especially the maniac killer (Javier Bardem, best supporting actor).
What's good: The movie is very intense. Javier Bardem did a great job acting out a crazy and cold hearted killer.
What's bad: The movie is a little dark and gloomy, but I guess it suits the theme.
Bottom line: You are holding your breath till the end ever since Josh Brodin picked up that suitcase. The movie falls into somewhat a horror/chase/action movie, so it is definitely a typical guy's movie. I think Javiar Bardem really made the movie special.
Dan in Real Life
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 9
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: Steve Carell as a widowed father of 3 teenage daughters bumped into an inconvenient love during an extended family reunion.
What's good: The movie is a love story. Steve Carell did a good job - you will really feel for him. Juliette Binoche is lovely.
What's bad: The movie was very good in the first half and development of 2nd half kind of falls into usual love/comedy storyline.
Bottom line: I have to say I was very touched and moved by the movie. Rather than a comedy, I think this is a good love and family story that every adult can feel associated to. Even for a typical guy, this movie is good. I even think this movie is much better than The 40 Year Old Virgin.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: Steve Carell as a widowed father of 3 teenage daughters bumped into an inconvenient love during an extended family reunion.
What's good: The movie is a love story. Steve Carell did a good job - you will really feel for him. Juliette Binoche is lovely.
What's bad: The movie was very good in the first half and development of 2nd half kind of falls into usual love/comedy storyline.
Bottom line: I have to say I was very touched and moved by the movie. Rather than a comedy, I think this is a good love and family story that every adult can feel associated to. Even for a typical guy, this movie is good. I even think this movie is much better than The 40 Year Old Virgin.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Saw IV
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 7
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: Yet another Jigsaw's game as he manipulates the swot team captain as he tries to rescue his colleagues.
What's good: Saw franchise continues on and this fourth installment is not disappointing though starting to show its age. The opening scenes of coronary officer opening up of Jigsaw's corpse were very gory - I've never seen such scenes in all the horror movies I've seen
What's bad: The games or plots continue to be clever though not new. I am expecting to see some new twists or scenery, but this installment did not break out. It did provide explanations of why Jigsaw has turned to a serial killer monster.
Bottom line: If you are a Saw fan, watch this movie.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: Yet another Jigsaw's game as he manipulates the swot team captain as he tries to rescue his colleagues.
What's good: Saw franchise continues on and this fourth installment is not disappointing though starting to show its age. The opening scenes of coronary officer opening up of Jigsaw's corpse were very gory - I've never seen such scenes in all the horror movies I've seen
What's bad: The games or plots continue to be clever though not new. I am expecting to see some new twists or scenery, but this installment did not break out. It did provide explanations of why Jigsaw has turned to a serial killer monster.
Bottom line: If you are a Saw fan, watch this movie.
Lust, Caution
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip It
Story Line: A young lady hooks up with enemy's top official to set up for his assassination and gets entangled in the relationship.
What's good: The leading actress, Tang Wei, is a pretty and budding fine actress and did a good job in this film.
What's bad: No action, no plot, no intense moment, no character. The sex scenes are a turn off than a turn on. Ang Lee is a very good director, and this movie is his continued exploration or depiction on human sexuality or relationship. I can tell he spends his camera shots on close up on the characters feeling or emotion, maybe the original story was written this way, which I don't like the story at all.
Bottom line: The movie does provoke a couple thoughts, but more or less on the ground of disgust or piss-off after watching this movie. If it is a movie for the artsy or for the thoughtful, this is at least not a typical guy's cup of tea. I gave a big thumb down upon watching this movie. The movie drags on and is very long, at least Ang Lee did a good job not making me turning the movie off or dosing off.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip It
Story Line: A young lady hooks up with enemy's top official to set up for his assassination and gets entangled in the relationship.
What's good: The leading actress, Tang Wei, is a pretty and budding fine actress and did a good job in this film.
What's bad: No action, no plot, no intense moment, no character. The sex scenes are a turn off than a turn on. Ang Lee is a very good director, and this movie is his continued exploration or depiction on human sexuality or relationship. I can tell he spends his camera shots on close up on the characters feeling or emotion, maybe the original story was written this way, which I don't like the story at all.
Bottom line: The movie does provoke a couple thoughts, but more or less on the ground of disgust or piss-off after watching this movie. If it is a movie for the artsy or for the thoughtful, this is at least not a typical guy's cup of tea. I gave a big thumb down upon watching this movie. The movie drags on and is very long, at least Ang Lee did a good job not making me turning the movie off or dosing off.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Beowulf
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip It
Story Line: A warrior fights a monster and then faces the monster's mother, who is Angelina Jolie.
What's good: Angelina Jolie makes the movie watchable. The dragon fighting scene towards the end was good.
What's bad: I almost wanted to turn the movie off within 5 minutes. It is very much cartoon like. The movie is made through a few actors wearing computer nodes all over their face and body and acting on a blank set, then computer graphics does the rest of the work. The actual people look cartoonish in the movie.
Bottom line: Don't think you are going to see something similar to Lord of Rings. If you are into watching cartoons, this is good. It took me a long while trying to get used to this cartoonish movie watching.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip It
Story Line: A warrior fights a monster and then faces the monster's mother, who is Angelina Jolie.
What's good: Angelina Jolie makes the movie watchable. The dragon fighting scene towards the end was good.
What's bad: I almost wanted to turn the movie off within 5 minutes. It is very much cartoon like. The movie is made through a few actors wearing computer nodes all over their face and body and acting on a blank set, then computer graphics does the rest of the work. The actual people look cartoonish in the movie.
Bottom line: Don't think you are going to see something similar to Lord of Rings. If you are into watching cartoons, this is good. It took me a long while trying to get used to this cartoonish movie watching.
Legend of Black Scorpion (The Banquet)
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip It
Story Line: Zhang Ziyi as the emporess in this fight to gain the emperor position among different relatives.
What's good: The movie boasts a very strong cast, director, music score, singer, and even Lang Lang as piano, and the supergirl as singer. All are very famous in China.
What's bad: This movie has the flu of typical modern mainland Chinese blockbuster movie, which is too much emphasis on art, looks and styling. Kung Fu fighting scenes are few. Maybe the director purposedly wanted to make it an opera like than movie like.
Bottom line: The movie is very much like another movie "Curse of the Golden Flower" with Chow Yun-fat in it. Both movies are more focused on styling than essence. Not for a typical wanting to see some action.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip It
Story Line: Zhang Ziyi as the emporess in this fight to gain the emperor position among different relatives.
What's good: The movie boasts a very strong cast, director, music score, singer, and even Lang Lang as piano, and the supergirl as singer. All are very famous in China.
What's bad: This movie has the flu of typical modern mainland Chinese blockbuster movie, which is too much emphasis on art, looks and styling. Kung Fu fighting scenes are few. Maybe the director purposedly wanted to make it an opera like than movie like.
Bottom line: The movie is very much like another movie "Curse of the Golden Flower" with Chow Yun-fat in it. Both movies are more focused on styling than essence. Not for a typical wanting to see some action.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Chaos
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip It
Story Line: Jason Statham leads a small team to deal with a bank robbery case.
What's good: Nothing stands out.
What's bad: You would thought with Jason Straham and Wesley Snipes there will be a lot of fighting and fast action - wrong.
Bottom line: Not much action, plot has its twist but nothing new, not worth your time.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip It
Story Line: Jason Statham leads a small team to deal with a bank robbery case.
What's good: Nothing stands out.
What's bad: You would thought with Jason Straham and Wesley Snipes there will be a lot of fighting and fast action - wrong.
Bottom line: Not much action, plot has its twist but nothing new, not worth your time.
Gone Baby Gone
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 7.5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: A private detective working with police to investigate a missing child case in the Boston hood.
What's good: Good storyline and story-telling. Movie develops tensely and gives you something to think about even after it ends.
What's bad: Nothing to pick from. Gun shooting scenes are minimal, but there is no boring moment.
Bottom line: A very good story telling movie, depicts well the misfortune of unfortunate children growing up in poor neighborhood.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: A private detective working with police to investigate a missing child case in the Boston hood.
What's good: Good storyline and story-telling. Movie develops tensely and gives you something to think about even after it ends.
What's bad: Nothing to pick from. Gun shooting scenes are minimal, but there is no boring moment.
Bottom line: A very good story telling movie, depicts well the misfortune of unfortunate children growing up in poor neighborhood.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Eastern Promises
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 7.5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: A "God Father" type movie about Russian mafia in London.
What's good: Viggo Mortensen is very good as the main character. The movie has a good storyline and suspense plays out well. The bath house fight was the climax and very good.
What's bad: It does not have a lot of fighting scenes (but the killings are graphic).
Bottom line: A very good mafia/ganster/god father type movie.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch It
Story Line: A "God Father" type movie about Russian mafia in London.
What's good: Viggo Mortensen is very good as the main character. The movie has a good storyline and suspense plays out well. The bath house fight was the climax and very good.
What's bad: It does not have a lot of fighting scenes (but the killings are graphic).
Bottom line: A very good mafia/ganster/god father type movie.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
So Close
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 5.5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: A sister band vs bad guys vs a tough woman cop - Hongkong movie.
What's good: Shu Qi as the elder sister as well as Mo Wen Wei as the cop are really good. The action sequence is stylish but not fast or intense enough. The storyline is typical but worthwhile - has touchy moments.
What's bad: The movie is made years ago so does not have the best action sequence.
Bottom line: I will say it is an above average hongkong action movie with gun shots, car chase and marshal arts. If you are a Shu Qi fan, it is then a must watch.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: A sister band vs bad guys vs a tough woman cop - Hongkong movie.
What's good: Shu Qi as the elder sister as well as Mo Wen Wei as the cop are really good. The action sequence is stylish but not fast or intense enough. The storyline is typical but worthwhile - has touchy moments.
What's bad: The movie is made years ago so does not have the best action sequence.
Bottom line: I will say it is an above average hongkong action movie with gun shots, car chase and marshal arts. If you are a Shu Qi fan, it is then a must watch.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Resident Evil: Extinction
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 8
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Milla Jovovich unites with her friends and fight against zombies and the Umbrella Corp in this 3rd installment of Resident Evil.
What's good: Milla Jovovich.
What's bad: Other characters are kind of lame ducks.
Bottom line: Milla Jovovich carries this movie. She is really good in this episode, pretty and tough. Fighting and shooting sequences are good too. A great guy movie!
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Milla Jovovich unites with her friends and fight against zombies and the Umbrella Corp in this 3rd installment of Resident Evil.
What's good: Milla Jovovich.
What's bad: Other characters are kind of lame ducks.
Bottom line: Milla Jovovich carries this movie. She is really good in this episode, pretty and tough. Fighting and shooting sequences are good too. A great guy movie!
Shoot 'Em Up
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4.5
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Clyde Owen shoot up at least 100 hundred other people.
What's good: Shooting from begin to the end.
What's bad: Shooting from begin to the end.
Bottom line: Watching this movie is like playing a gun shooting game in the arcade, pretty much just keep shooting. Yes, it's more an arcade experience than a movie. Don't expect storyline or acting. If you are in the mood for tough guy with lots of gun shooting, watch this movie; otherwise skip it.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch when no other choice
Story Line: Clyde Owen shoot up at least 100 hundred other people.
What's good: Shooting from begin to the end.
What's bad: Shooting from begin to the end.
Bottom line: Watching this movie is like playing a gun shooting game in the arcade, pretty much just keep shooting. Yes, it's more an arcade experience than a movie. Don't expect storyline or acting. If you are in the mood for tough guy with lots of gun shooting, watch this movie; otherwise skip it.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Ball of Fury
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 7
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: A failed pingpong champ seeks redemption and helps FBI to track down a triad boss (Christopher Walken) by getting into his pingpong tournament of the champions.
What's good: Very funny movie. It is a comedy rather than an action or pingpong movie. I seldom laugh on most comedy movies, but this movie gets quite some laughs from the beginning to the end.
What's bad: It's more a comedy than anything else.
Bottom line: It's a very funny comedy and the actors are doing a good job. Normally I don't like comedies, as a typical action movie kind of guy, but this movie I enjoyed it.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: A failed pingpong champ seeks redemption and helps FBI to track down a triad boss (Christopher Walken) by getting into his pingpong tournament of the champions.
What's good: Very funny movie. It is a comedy rather than an action or pingpong movie. I seldom laugh on most comedy movies, but this movie gets quite some laughs from the beginning to the end.
What's bad: It's more a comedy than anything else.
Bottom line: It's a very funny comedy and the actors are doing a good job. Normally I don't like comedies, as a typical action movie kind of guy, but this movie I enjoyed it.
Exiled
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 4
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: A band of brothers go against a powerful triad boss.
What's good: Nothing stands out. Some gun fighting sequence but not impressive.
What's bad: Storyline is flat. Action is flat.
Bottom line: Don't why people praise this movie, even if it is a Jonnie To movie. There are better hongkong or action movie to watch than this one.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: A band of brothers go against a powerful triad boss.
What's good: Nothing stands out. Some gun fighting sequence but not impressive.
What's bad: Storyline is flat. Action is flat.
Bottom line: Don't why people praise this movie, even if it is a Jonnie To movie. There are better hongkong or action movie to watch than this one.
Monday, January 21, 2008
War
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 7
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Jet Li is the mythical assassin working for the asian gangs against Jason Strahan as the rogue FBI agent in pursuit.
What's good: Overall a good action and gang movie.
What's bad: Action sequence is weak compared to a good action or gang movie. Jet Li is not as stylish enough to be the cool assassin.
Bottom line: Overall good action movie.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Jet Li is the mythical assassin working for the asian gangs against Jason Strahan as the rogue FBI agent in pursuit.
What's good: Overall a good action and gang movie.
What's bad: Action sequence is weak compared to a good action or gang movie. Jet Li is not as stylish enough to be the cool assassin.
Bottom line: Overall good action movie.
Severance
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 3
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: A group of corporate staffers going to a retreat in Eastern Europe and fall prey to local militia men gone wild. (It's a UK movie).
What's good: As bad the film is, it does have quite a few funny moments, funnier than some films labeled as comedy.
What's bad: Low budget, not intense, no horror, no gore, no nudity.
Bottom line: Pretty bad movie. Not the worst movie though.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Skip it
Story Line: A group of corporate staffers going to a retreat in Eastern Europe and fall prey to local militia men gone wild. (It's a UK movie).
What's good: As bad the film is, it does have quite a few funny moments, funnier than some films labeled as comedy.
What's bad: Low budget, not intense, no horror, no gore, no nudity.
Bottom line: Pretty bad movie. Not the worst movie though.
3:10 to Yuma
Rating (1-10, 10 being highest): 8
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Russell Crowe is Ben Wade the notorious outlaw. He was captured and struggling rancher Dan Evans (Christian Bale) joined the party to escort him to the 3:10 prisoner train to Yuma jail. Story develops on the resolve and reasoning why Evans wants to do this job and Wade is not your typical ruthless outlaw.
What's good: Film gets more intense as it goes along.
What's bad: Action and western shooting is a little soft, but the storyline and acting made up for it.
Bottom line: Both Russell Crowe and Christian Bale did a good job, especially Bale. Very good story telling. A very good movie.
Quick Rating: (skip, watch, watch when no other choice): Watch it
Story Line: Russell Crowe is Ben Wade the notorious outlaw. He was captured and struggling rancher Dan Evans (Christian Bale) joined the party to escort him to the 3:10 prisoner train to Yuma jail. Story develops on the resolve and reasoning why Evans wants to do this job and Wade is not your typical ruthless outlaw.
What's good: Film gets more intense as it goes along.
What's bad: Action and western shooting is a little soft, but the storyline and acting made up for it.
Bottom line: Both Russell Crowe and Christian Bale did a good job, especially Bale. Very good story telling. A very good movie.
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