V3 finally after 7-8 years...

This thread is a continuation from My Movie Review Thread V2 : https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1708926

V1 : https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/545132

Please follow format below when posting movie review. Thank you.

Movie tittle and year

Review

Rating

example,

The Dark Knight (2008)

I love the dark knight movie.

8/10

---

edit poll question : Veteran director Martin Scorsese recently criticised review aggregator websites for pushing the idea that "every image is there to be instantly judged and dismissed without giving audiences time to see it." Do you think instant reviews online reduce the value of cinema?

This post has been edited by Calvin871989: Apr 20 2019, 12:34 PM

Dumbo (2019)

Cannot remember the last time I watched a Tim Burton movie.

Also cannot remember the last time I watched a Colin Farrell movie.

I cannot believe Disney allowed this movie to be made and I am getting ahead of myself.

Disney is releasing THREE live action movies, based on this animation feature, this, The Lion King and Aladdin... Will wonders never cease.

Back to Dumbo.

The script is wonderful. Note that it is NOT verbatim to the animation feature script and have to add, I much prefer this live action feature script. Hands down. (I still missed the talking rat though... )

There has always be a whimsical element to Tim Burton's films and this movie is very enhanced by this.

Tim Burton is also a very loyal director.

What do I mean?

Just look at the cast, Michael Keaton, Danny Devito and I believe if Michelle Pfiefer is a tad younger, he would have also cast her and here is where I segway to Eva Green.

I have never liked her work. Here, I absolutely love her!!! Just the right tad of.... Eva Green!!

And the C.G.I. Dumbo, all I can say is awwwwwww.....

Going back to the comment of "I cannot believe Disney" above, let's just say Michael Keaton reminds me of Walt Disney. Enuff said...

I give this movie, an 8/10

My Two Sen.

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: May 9 2019, 10:47 PM

Haha looks like only Disney can make remake great again

Arctic (2019)
Writers -Joe Penna, Ryan Morrison.
Director - Joe Penna
Stars - Mads Mikkelsen, Maria Thelma Smáradóttir

Overgard(Mads Mikkelsen), alone in the
arctic wilderness after a plane crash
some time ago. We learn very little of
character There is no back story or
how the plane crash.

We have seen this survival story many
times before or recently.

This one captures the viewer’s mind. As we
watch him go through his day. Maintaining
a huge SOS sign in the ice, times for
fishing, transmit an electronic beacon via
hand-crank and a pilgrimage to a burial site.
He lost someone there.
He has a wristwatch, informing him every time
he needs to change tasks.

When a helicopter attempts to rescue him goes
down in a wind storm.
The crash kills the pilot and badly wounding
a young woman (Maria Thelma Smaradottir)

Overgard's internal struggle is whether or not
to leave the woman behind.
This is the heart of the film and the source
of its emotional climax.
And we asks whether he is better off
alone or with someone else.

Mikkelsen’s performance is superb even though
he does not speak often.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Well, the hottest cinema ticket in town is... THIS!!

How is it?

Good!

I give is an 8/10.

If you are still interest to read on, so be it.

This is a good movie.

This is a BIG movie

Almost every characters that had appeared in any of the previous Marvel movie, appears here.

Mind boggling, I know.



There is a danger here though.

Anyone who expect that this movie, is going to be action pack from start to finish, will be very disappointed.

The reason?

Character development

Which means, expositions from many a character.

Having said that, anyone who has a problem with Captain Marvel, I can assure you, she is as "MEH" here, as she was in Captain Marvel.

There are a few surprising characters that pop up in this one, that develop their characters more in this movie, and they are very well done.



Yes alot has been made above main characters dropping like flies (Er... they have obliterate half the number of living beings n the last one, right?)

Let me just answer this by saying, 3 main characters have their status permanently changed.

You have been waiting to watch this one.

It really does not matter what I say here.

Just an old fart meandering thoughts/nonsense.

On THAT note, the above is just, My Two Sen.

P.S. there are NO mini slips at the end of end credits.

Please note, NONE.

Haha without credits movie just 2 hr 50 only

I watched and it starts at 4.40 and ended 7.30

This post has been edited by skylinelover: Apr 25 2019, 08:50 PM

tomorrow i watch endgame, so what is the sound at the end of Avengers: Endgame?.. any clues of that....

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/avengers-...-/1100-6466420/

On post credit sound

I think I'll wait until the end....

Avengers: Endgame

I prefer Infinity War, which I too thought was structured very well, had clear and visible stakes, and an excellent villain. And possibly the best Marvel action set pieces. 

I guess I enjoyed Endgame, but it's a film of three parts that individually never quite succeed -- the first rather downbeat, reflexive hour is quite good and maintains the stakes from IW, but you always know it's a build up to something else...



Overall I enjoyed the movie, but IW was better.

3/5

Fighting with my family - Talent and heart won over the "sport" movie cliche.

Stephen Merchant is the main reason for me to take a chance on this rather heart-warming wrestling dramedy cum autobiography of a supposed WWE star. Initially thought this gonna be a silly comedy but the character arc drama took center stage. I have zero inclination in the world of WWE, couldn't be bother with the Rock is in it. On the other hand Nick Frost and Cersei pretty much enough to keep me watching. Dysfunctional family dynamics provide a steady streams of comedy nugget that mirrors the struggling and triumphant messaging. Given, it's your cliche sport movie genre. MVP is Florence Pugh and Jack Lowden able to sell convincingly as the brother and sister. If this pop up on netflix, no harm taking a look at it or you are a fan of the wrestler she's playing. Florence Pugh could be the next big thing as she does have a charismatic screen presence and can be a feisty firecracker. Next she is to appear on Ari Aster's Midsommar and MCU Black Widow.

Awww sad 2 hear your low grading

Rewatched IW 2 days back. It was well-structured & intense from start till end. Like....the film started with distress signal & ended with distress signal as well...it was THAT much well-structured & essentially a villain's tale. Just as Dark Knight (2008) was abt Joker, IW (2018) was all about Thanos and his quest. Kudos to Russo Brothers

Avengers: Endgame was an emotional farewell & fanservice to Marvel's long-time fans. At least it was the way I see it. I'll never understand contrived arguement on how EndGame Thanos was stronger...when he is essentially just same guy. Maybe cuz he had Infinity Blades (no spoilers, it was shown in trailers man). I viewed both IW & Endgame as 2 major story arcs within Avengers series. From Avengers 2012~Age of Ultron~IW~Endgame, its a huge Infinity Saga lol.

I agree that 2014-Thanos was the same as then-current Thanos, because they were the same person. Then-current Thanos at EG beginning was weakened by snapping the IG twice, and previously the only person who managed to land a scratch on him after all the heroes used their extravagant abilities on Titan was Iron Man. When he arrived in Wakanda and just put on the Mind Stone, he could still be reeling from the effect and thus Thor with Stormbreaker used the opportunity to hurt him.

2014-Thanos had similar strength, but with much more fury and determination to wipe out the Avengers and destroy earth because of what he learned was incurred to his future self, which he said himself this time was personal. We didn't get to see that fury in IW because he was living the moment for the first time.

To me I don't view IW and EG as two separate movies, but a two parter movie.

POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU (2019)

Review:


Rating: 3 / 5

This post has been edited by tonYe: May 8 2019, 04:38 PM

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (2019)

Well, shockingly, some scenes from this movie, actually reminds me of... Blade Runner (1982) (the original ones). The night scene in Ryme City...

Back to the story I have only seen Justice Smith in one movie, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) movie... His acting style, compliments this movie

Ryan Reynold's voice for Pikachu, works.

So does his sense of humor.

My one complain is that I am not sure why Ken Watanabe takes on these nothing roles... And I just remembered Chow Yuan Fatt was in Dragonball: Evolution (2009)....

Overall production is actually good

And the movie is enjoyable.

I am speaking from a point of view of a non Pokémon game player, and I found this enjoyable

Are there elements of the game, from a lay person point of view, yes, and have to add it blends into the movie very naturally.

Great family movie

Actually, just great movie to chill with

Does not take itself too seriously

Treat yourself

Go watch this

My Two Sen

BRIGHTBURN (2019)

Review:


Rating: 3 / 5

The Wandering Earth - The corniest, jingoistic and goofiest movie on Netflix.

This one has the same scientific inaccuracy as Armageddon. Loud and stupid to the max with over the top shenanigans. The only good thing I can say is this movie quite possibly the first legit sci-fi effort ever done by China. The production design and certain cgi on par with hollywood. Watch this to have a good laugh at the ridiculous premise and how it progress...

Yeah they effing "Dragon Ball" the ending.

This post has been edited by 6so: May 10 2019, 02:03 PM

Dogman - Great character actor with modest narrative payoff.

Matteo Garrone, the premier Italian director follow-up since Tale of Tales. A kindhearted weakling succumbed to attraction of a brute bully. The toxic relationship pretty much gonna ends on a miserable note. The script divert our empathy towards Marcello who runs a modest pet grooming store. And yet Simone the town's deplorable gangster bully kept using him as doormat. It slowly simmer into a tale of vengeance.

From storyline viewpoint, it's wishy washy as the payoff doesn't remotely felt cathartic enough. For performance, Marcello Fonte is amazing as the weakling protagonist. His earnest interaction with his surroundings is a joy to watch.

This post has been edited by 6so: May 11 2019, 06:59 PM

Me too, I think IW was little bit better...

Haha oh well

4 me EG will get oscar nod next

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)

Just so everyone is on the same page, Parabellum is Latin for be prepared for war.

The movie is aptly named, if you asked me.

Director Chad Stahelski, what can I say about him?

He was a stunt man in The Matirc (1999) and learnt the art of movie story telling from The Wachowski Brothers.

Not only the art of storytelling (which, based on their last few works, the The Wachowski Brothers/Sisters themsleves had forgotten how to...) also the art of movie universe creation.

Which leads me to John Wick.

The first movie is the hardest.

Why?

You had to create the universe, the characters, the rules and whether the general viewing audience to take to your concepts.

Once that is established, in John Wick 2, they had to expended the movie universe.

Most of you know that sequels rarely work.

If you give the audience what they want (more of part one) they will accuse you of pandering to the masses.

If you change things on they, they will yell sacrilege.

So, as I had said, not easy.

You have to find a middle ground and Chad Stahelski found the middle path for the John Wick 1 & 2.

So how did he fare in the third movie?

In a nutshell, good.

The movie universe is expended yet again.

If you like violence in your movie, boy do I have a movie for you.

Most characters from the previous movies return (except for the beagle.... poor puppy)

Everything here works.

The downside is, to make the action bigger, more explosion etc, the action was not "consistent" from the previous movies (I am talking about the fight style of Keanu), until the third act, and the evolution of John Wick fight style returned, and it was... spectacular.

I have to talk a little about Mark Dacascos here.

I believe he is one of the most underrated martial arts action star out there. He has got the moves, just unfortunately, he had not had luck with movie projects and audience.

Based on skill alone, he should have had a much larger audience base... c'est la vie.

So... did I like this

Yes

Will it be the movie to knock Avenger Endgame out of the No 1 pedestal?

We shall see.

Will they make another John Wick?

My concern would be would Keanu be up to it (he is 56 yo... )?

Everybody grows older.... not younger..

On the special note, My Two Sen

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM (2019)

Review:


Rating: 4.5 / 5

John Wick: Chapter 3 is awesome... non stop fighting scene....

Yeah it's awesome! Best trilogy in recent memory for sure

Haha best since die hard trilogy

4th one not my cuppa tea

By the way gore still cannot beat the torture scene in mads mikkelsen POLAR

That one when i on with my family around they feel like want 2 switch off my TV and asked why you like violence 4 the past 30 years

Brightburn (2019)

There is an interesting turn of event...

We are getting frighten of kids.

Just look at the recent Twilight Zone's episode The Wunderkind (though an argument can be made, the original Twilight Zone did explore this in Season 3 Episode 8 It's a Good Life.

Alot of minor all over the world has done terrible things, so much so that there is a push to prosecute them as adults...

Superman was first published in 1938.

Idealistically, his creators imagine him as a Super Being from outer space.

He is good, kind and has nothing but good intention for other peoples' well being.

When Steven Spielberg did E.T. (1982), he idealistically imagine a friendly visitor from out space that wants nothing but to call home.

Steven Spielberg has since re-make War Of The Worlds (2005) and had given interviews that he is no longer naive enough to believe that if we received visitors from outer space their intentions would be... good.

Well, at least good from our point of view...

Now to this movie.

It is a what-if we are visited by a space baby

What if this space baby has special powers and his world of origins does not have good intention towards this planet.

What if this space baby grows up and discover that he is sent her to take over this world with his special gifts.

Will nature or nurture prevail.

Basically, imagine the Superman Origins and give it a horror twist.

This movie may have begin as an interesting writing exercise and ended up as a script.

I... like it.

It is a BRUTAL movie and is NOT meant for the faint hearted.

You have been warn kiddies

YOU HAVE BEEN WARN.

My Two Sen.

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: May 17 2019, 09:30 AM

The Hustle (2019)

As... uncouth-ed as Rebel Wilson is, it is THAT very quality of hers, that the movie producers/directors bank on, to attract audiences to see her movies.

Best known for her role in Pitch Perfect's Fat Amy, she is team-upped here with Anne Hathaway who is the stylish and sophisticated one in the team.

Both of them plays con artists, who prey on men. Reliving them of their... well, money really. They started as enemies and ended up as frienemies.

Just when they are about to kill each other, Thomas comes into their lives.

Critics have been harsh to the movie.

I kind of like it.

They chemistry between Anne and Wilson is pretty good.

The surprising wild card here is Alex Sharp as Thomas Westerburg.

If you want a fun, funny and woman will be woman movie, well, look no further...

3/5 star

My Two Sen

Gloria Bell ( 2019)
Director-Sebastián Lelio
Writer-Sebastián Lelio
Stars-Julianne Moore, John Turturro.

A remake of Lelio's 2013 own Spanish-language
comedy-drama film "Gloria".

Gloria (Julianne Moore) a free-spirited divorcee,
lives alone in a Los Angeles apartment.
A crappy job at a car insurance company just to pays
her bills. She always sings along in her car on the
way to work. Frequently likes to lose herself on the
dance floor. Spends her lonely nights in bars and
looking for guys to dance with.

Her son, Peter (Michael Cera) who has recently become
a father and her daughter, Anne (Caren Pistorius)
whose boyfriend is an extreme surfer.

One night on the singles bar she meets recently divorced
Arnold (John Turturro) an ex-marine who owns a
paintball gun amusement park. He comes at her hard.
She responds, and they soon become a couple.
The two begin a faltering relationship.
Even though he divorced a year ago, remains in thrall
to his ex-wife and demanding daughters.

Julianne Moore gives a brilliant performance.

It is a film about a woman too young to give up
and too old to start over.

ALADDIN (2019)

Review:


Rating: 2 / 5

This post has been edited by tonYe: May 23 2019, 11:29 AM

Haha disney quick cash out sucks yoh

This post has been edited by skylinelover: May 23 2019, 05:08 PM

Yeah. Wrong director and cast. Probably shouldn't even try to remake it at all. Instead, just do a whole new version. But yeah, cash-grab.

Aladdin (2019)

I missed the first 10 minutes

Darn traffic!!!!

I went to 1Utama, TGV Imax, because I believe, image wise, this would be a spectacle.

And I was correct.

It is breathtaking!!!

Thank you Disney, for NOT whitewashing this!!

Let's introduced the two main leads Mena Massoud (age 27) is Aladdin and he is also all eyes and dimples and Naomi Grace Scott (age 26) does Jasmine justice (Is it me or does she remind anyone else of Sarah Michelle Gellar, I mean a young Sarah Michelle Gellar!!).

If there is any powerful movie producer reading this, please please please make another Prince of Persia and cast Mena Massoud. He will make a GREAT Prince of Persia (if one is to believe he did half the stunts in this movie).

Okay, back to this movie. Okay, I caught the tail-end of Arabian Nights songs, so that would give you an idea of where I made it to the Imax Theatre.

Then the One Jump Ahead song happened, and you are immediately sold on Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Grace Scott as Jasmine.

I was originally concern that Marwan Kenzari as Jafar lack the gravitas of Jonathan Freeman (voice wise). What he lack in term if vocal capabilities, he more than make up for in his actions.

My main concern is the Genie role. How is ANYONE going to replace Robin Williams. I know he only the voiced the role of Genie, but come on, he MADE that role. And if you watch it back he made it enjoyable for the kids and there were alot of hidden jokes for the parents as well (with a nod and wink). Under Guy Ritchie direction, Will Smith did a decent job of the role.

I really don't believe that Mena Massoud was 1yo and Naomi Grace Scott was not even born with the animated feature was first release...

Another observation is that Disney for the pass 10 years, is quietly making this females roles, more independent. And in this, the actually made Jasmine an equal to Aladdin street smarts. Good for you Disney.

I have to say the ending as a little awkward... You will know what I mean when you watch this.

To farther show how diverse this movie it, what better way than to end on a... Bollywood note???

In short, I did enjoy this movie.

There in something for everyone in this family oriented movie.

I give to you, ladies and gentlemen, my two sen.

GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (2019)

Review:


Rating: 3.5 / 5

SPOILER TALK:


This post has been edited by tonYe: Jun 2 2019, 01:01 PM

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

Despite the Ratings, “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” Is A Glorious Spectacle of the Titans That Completely Delivers

The gods have listened and the Titans are here. Since it’s announcement back in July 2018, we have been anxiously waiting for the sequel to this Kaiju-filled battle to hit the big screens and as of this week, the Titans are finally free. Godzilla: King of the Monsters sits on its rightful throne dominating the box office grossing over $50 million and will most like reign supreme by the end of the weekend. Directed by Michael Dougherty, whose previous works include Trick R’ Treat and Krampus; the movie is an epic clash between the monsters with a “save the Earth” PSA thrown in there.

THE PROS
Godzilla: King of the Monsters stars Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga and making her feature film debut, Millie Bobby Brown. Last week, we posted an article about what we wanted to see from this new Godzilla movie and in case you missed it, you can check that out here. Based on our expectations, I’m pretty happy to announce that the film does indeed deliver. King of the Monsters is a rare feat in mainstream franchise films where the studios actually listened to its fans. The film is an absolute love letter to the kids at heart that grew up with these kaiju titans and works in service of the fans. There are shots of these massive beasts that look oh-so majestic that would make for an impressive wallpaper collection. And that is a testament to the incredible work that this film has done to give us an experience unlike any other.



The film boasts a masterful sound design by having it open up with Godzilla’s thunderous roar that literally shakes the entire auditorium. These sounds don’t only stop there as throughout it’s runtime, the film constantly reminds us of it’s impressive work — and it most certainly deserves props for that. Unlike it’s predecessor, King of the Monsters puts the titans on full display from the get-go making them have a lot more screen time compared to 2014’s Godzilla. This gave the film a chance to further explore Godzilla’s mythos and expand on his backstory, though not in complete detail, we definitely appreciate the acknowledgement.



Because this film is directed by a filmmaker with a horror background, there are a lot of scenes present within it where you see Dougherty exercising that muscle. The first scene when we’re introduced to the King felt like something straight out of a Jaws film filled with jump scares and rising tension. Generously sprinkled throughout the movie, these cheap but effective scares work in a film like this as there’s really no way to hide these enormous creatures. Apart from the monsters, the human actors were great in this film, Ken Watanabe is particular was brilliant. His performance in King of the Monsters was a vast improvement from the first film as here, Watanabe does indeed get more screen time as opposed from the previous one. And even in this film, he still has the coolest lines.

THE CONS
However like a lot of movies these days, Godzilla: King of the Monsters isn’t perfect. The film does suffer with a few problems that we’re going to have to address — most of it, is in it’s writing. King of the Monsters presented itself as the definitive monster showdown and in all fairness, it does give you that and sadly, only that. The film features 3 new monsters battling with Godzilla and they weren’t properly developed. We see Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah in a scene by scene introduction and suddenly, they’re fighting for dominance. Writing them off to be mere animals then introducing a new mythology that would later regard them as gods don’t really cut it when the film doesn’t show us anything that would make them these original dominant species as it wants us to believe. It would have been great if the film gave us a little backstory to each monster during the introductions so we would understand the motive behind each titan, they’re strengths and weaknesses and so on. This film gives you none of that and when it tries, it essentially breezes through it making it feel as if they were making it up as they go.



The story involving the human characters in this film were also rather convenient. Characters in this film seem to do things that would otherwise be really dumb and the movie just goes with it. This would’ve been fine if the film didn’t centre the entire movie around the humans but they did. There’s also a scene in this film where one of the main characters betrays the team and joins the antagonist’s side to “restore balance” while not being entirely sure if that was even possible. Admittedly this plot is what drive the entire film but one must stop to think for a moment that for someone that is as smart as the person in context, wouldn’t you NOT be doing this? Besides that, the film does feature comic reliefs that overstay their welcome. These characters were literally put into the movie just to blurt random jokes in a scene that one would think twice to even open their mouths. These moments happen quite a bit in the film and does take you out of what would have otherwise been a pretty intense experience.



The final showdown between Godzilla and the titans were dragged on for too long that it was reminiscent of the Transformers movies directed by Michael Bay. The fight scenes were unimaginative, bland and overall just sloppily done. While entertaining for what it’s worth, a majority of the titan battles in this film were essentially style over substance. Plus, the unnecessary use of shaky cam added in digitally did not make the experience any more enjoyable. It would’ve been awesome if the film gave us wide shots of these fight scenes as that at least would’ve made it a little better but given the realistic tone that the film has, I can understand why they did what they did. Either that or they probably ran out of budget.

FINAL VERDICT
Overall, I think Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a great popcorn flick that I recommend you check out at a cinema to witness this incredible spectacle. The film is a celebration of the monsters and one you definitely would not want to miss out on. The movie is a one of a kind fan-drive film that speaks to the people that grew up with these beasts. With this film’s conclusion, we get a glimpse of Skull Island and only hypes us up for the next big showdown in 2020 that is Kong vs. Godzilla.

Rating: 6/10

Hey, just checked out your review and really liked it! Subbed as well!

Hey bro! Thanks so much!
Really appreciate it!

How could you like this? There were scenes in this so bad that it deserves to be flushed out of everyone's memory immediately via a lobotomy. Those long-winded sketch scenes about the fat, mentally challenged second sister? Can't remember watching a scene as bad as there in ages.

Maybe I am in a weird state of mind at this point in time.

Maybe I had always been in a weird state of mind...

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Jun 2 2019, 08:00 PM

The Perfection - The most WTF movie you can watch now on Netflix.

Okay, if you want to melt your brain and curse like a sailor at your TV....this is the perfect movie for you. It harkens back to the early career of Takashi Miike or Sono Sion of bat-shit crazy storytelling. Essentially it's a three mini movies roll into one, first act is a jealousy cum horror bits, then the big twist drop midway to reset what you have just watched as a reasonable explanation to what the hell is going on. Then another twist in the final act where you just lose your shit at what you are watching. For better or worse it's a minimum one time watch for the outrageous plotline.

This post has been edited by 6so: Jun 3 2019, 02:58 PM

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

Honestly... I fell asleep...

I think I fell asleep in the middle of the second act

The story-line is SO convoluted...

Or lack thereof story...

My complain for the first movie (2014) was, Ken Watanabe was in THAT for what?

Well, at least here, he has something to do

The last and inevitable fight between Godzilla and his... nemesis, King Ghidorah was actually worth watching.

And Warner paid homage to the Japaneses culture, by making Godzilla, walking in like a sumo wrestle at the end battle....

Not sure what else I can add this this...

Oh yes, I can think of something to add. All the leads here at super resistant to radio active.... Can stare straight into nuclear blast and not go blind!!!

My Two Sen

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Jun 4 2019, 07:26 PM

The First King -2019 (Il Primo Re)
Director and Producer- Matteo Rovere
Language-Latin –subtitles in English.
Stars-Alessandro Borghi, Alessio Lapice.

The film opens with a phrase.
"A God who can be understood is not a God," wrote
William Somerset Maugham.

Based on the legend of orphan twins, Romulus and Remus.
The twin brothers and shepherds who lived near the
Tiber river. Both embarked on an incredible journey to found
Rome. Romulus is said to have founded Rome in 753 B. C.
after killing his brother.

The difference between Remus and Romulus is that
Remus comes to deny the existence of the gods,
believing it is simply human fear that creates them.
And it is Remus who in the end is alone.

A tragedy to arrive at this terrible choice to lose a brother.
Both were of one body. Destiny is already written.

X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX (2019)

Review:


Rating: 3.5 / 5

Dark Phoenix (2019)

Not sure why the took away the "X-Men" from the title.

Maybe something to do with the purchase of Fox by Disney. Please note that this is only my guessing.

Director Simon Kinberg usually produces movies and I believe this is he first feature film as a director.

And to direct something so complex, I am not sure that is the best idea...

I am getting ahead of myself.

If memory serves, they had done a "Dark Phoenix" saga already in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).

Not quite sure why they think revisiting it here is necessary...

I have to say, as a "prequel" to the X-Men (2000), it really throws many-a-thing out of loop.

I think Apocalypse started it, and have to add, this really throws a monkey wrench into everything...

I am not sure if it is the script, the editing or something I cannot fathom, James McAvoy's Professor Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender's Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto are so...emotionally unattached to the audience, it is NOT funny.

I am sure they are both professionals to their art, and have to add, one has a feeling they had phoned this one in.

With all the drama, this movie rarely, and I mean RARELY tugs at the audiences' heart string...

So as a "sci-fiction" based movie, alot of the science in this movie makes absolutely NO SENSE.
I still cannot get over how detach the whole ensemble is to their roles and audience... it is flabbergasting...

I really cannot thing of anything else to write...

My Two Sen...

Maybe becoz the director compared his Dark Phoenix to Nolan's The Dark Knight (the first Batman movie without the name in title?) ... which I guess from the reviews so far, isn't even close? (I haven't watch yet)

https://www.lowyat.net/2019/187461/x-men-da...phoenix-review/

But that's only in USA, right? Internationally, still marketed as X-Men: Dark Phoenix ... scared people dunno it's X-Men movie.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) - too many monsters.....
Dark Phoenix (2019) - very good, maybe i'm X Men fans...
Survivor (2015) - not bad after all....

I haz sad DP was the mother of all stinker

I Am Mother - It's OK, not your typical stinker from Netflix.

Watch this to burn up some free time. It's your usual evil robot vs humanity but elevated with good production design and performance. Some attempt to give it a little twist to the formula.

Men in Black: International (2019)



Not quite sure if Sony is putting alot of faith in this movie to make their shareholder happy (in terms of return).

I hope not, because it is... in a word, terrible.

Since Thor 3, Chris Hemworth thinks himself a jokester and I am not sure I agree.

The first MIB was fun, and this movie... is not.

The main characters are not engaging or have depth.

The big baddie here is not... surprising.

Nothing "new" is introduce

Everything is predictable...

Why do a "sequel"/reboot movie if you have absolutely nothing new is offer to the audience...

Shame on you Steven Spielberq for doing this

Just because you can get Chinese investment into it (based of past success with the MIB branding), does not mean you should do it.

Really shame on you...

My Two Sen...

Captive State - An incomplete movie.

This movie is like a nice packaging with crappy content. Interesting world building, nice production design and even good actors in it. The pacing and structure very problematic. They completely ignore the first act set-up and pivot to a group of characters that you are not invested on. Then the disappointing ending that leaves everything unresolved. You still know nothing about the alien.

Good for you... I wouldn't dare spend money watching in cinema something with that kind of reception though.

I'll watch later and see how good is good.

This post has been edited by defaultname365: Jun 17 2019, 02:41 PM

Haha,,, well for me Sophie Turner played Phoenix is not quite good, compared with Famke Janssen.....


Nightcrawler (2014) - A good night's work... solid performance...
6 Days (2017) - Really worth your time (defaultname365), good movie, realistic.... .... haha...

She also the great Bond girl in Goldeneye

TOY STORY 4 (2019)

Review:


Rating: 4.5 / 5

Parasite - Frontrunner of my best movie of the year.

It's the quirky dark comedy that does a sharp tonal shift in the last act. The brilliance is how crafty when the twist happened and the ending gave a great context to the argument of class disparity that prevalent in our society. You simply couldn't predict how it went with the terrifying final act. Song Kang Ho again draw you in with his douchebag/goofy performance. You will laugh at the shenanigans and deeply ingrained by the ending messaging. Bong Joon Ho is at top form and this movie harkens back to The Host of depicting amazing family dynamic. Not sure is this out yet in KL but do not miss out this amazing film.

Agree...

Not bad 4 the new director

Yeah man. Pixar knows who to place their trust on well

Rocketman

Truly a spectacle to one of the best based on a true story (or fantasy since Elton prefers that) of a rockstar capturing the highest of highs and the lowest of lows movies I have seen. Ever.

Taron Egerton plays brilliantly as Elton John. And if Rami Malek can get an Oscar, so can Taron. Nuff said.

Probably more amazing is how Elton's songs blends in seamlessly to tell his life story. That's probably the best treat. Also, all the songs are performed by Taron instead with some lyrical changes to suit the story. Which totally works since the man can sing as well.

It's my best movie of 2019, so far.

PS: Had to run to Singapore to watch it last week. Definitely saw some scenes that confirm cannot lepas in Malaysia. XD

The Truth Beneath - It's as demented as Oldboy.

It's a few years old movie. The main selling point is the script co-written by Park Chan Wook. As expected the story is full of twist and turn. Everything is not as it seems on the surface, each passing moment the mystery unravel itself to keep sucking you in. Each red herring deepen the complexity of the puzzle. The conclusion had your brain melted when you find out who is behind all the suffering. The protagonist mother perfectly portrayed by Son Ye Jin who has that crazy range of emotions. It's the closest thing you can find next to Park Chan Wook's Vengeance Trilogy. Also, the graphic scenes pretty much up there.

This post has been edited by 6so: Jun 26 2019, 04:49 PM

Child's Play (2019)

Orion... That is one logo one has not seen for a long time at the cinemas...

I love this movie

I have said all the long, if you want to reboot something, have something new to say about it.

Honest;y, I don't think I have ever watch the original Child's Play (1988).

Why? I felt it was.... to tacky. Yes, I understand tacky...

This movie plays on mad science, rather than paranormal.

Chucky is a faulty A.I. robot companion that went cuckoo.

And the way it "learnt" how to be violent, is because it's owner made it watch, horror/slasher movies (behind the owner's mom's back). Anyone here remember the point in time they watched movies they know their parents do not want them to watch??!

I was surprise to find Mark Hamill voicing Chucky (he did great)

So did all the cast member.

Chucky's owner, Andy (played by Gabriel Bateman) (not sure if they are punking Disney) is really good.

You may remember him from Lights Out (2016)

For the completist reading this please do note I notice 2 cuts in this movie (censorship)

Do note that they were neatly done and not the kind that goes... guy is going to kiss the girl, and the next scene, the guys is putting on his shirt, turns his head to see girl sleep on the bed, and than stands up and walk out of the room, kinda horrible cut...

Do also not that this movie is rather... gore. SO be warned.

So, what is the take away for this movie?

Well, ladies and gentleman, I think this is a great horror movie and you should watch it, if it is your cup of tea.

I humbly submit for your light ready...

My Two Sen

Annabelle Comes Home (2019)

I watched two psychotic dolls today... Hmmmm...

First thing first, James Wan did not direct this.

Another surprise for me was to discover the real Lorraine Warren passed away this year... R.I.P.

First time director, Gary Dauberman, did a decent job (he co wrote the story too).

He did not fall into the trap of jump scares or make horror movie with the usually scare beats...

I think he work really hard with James Wan and manages to scares the audience though... suspense... and when the audience does not suspect it, the scares happen.

Judy Warren (played by Mckenna Grace) shoulders most of the weight for the movie, and I am not sure she got is down peg..

She did a decent job. Not an excellent job. Hope you understand what I mean.

And surprisingly, this movie actually has several funny bits, that was intentional.

I think what they did not do too well, was this timing.

Too little things happened at the beginning, so it felt a little draggy

And when thinks started to happen, it seem endless...

Not the weakest in the series (I'm looking at you number one)

If you liked the second, you would like this one too.

My Two Sen.

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Jun 29 2019, 07:46 PM

ANNABELLE COMES HOME (2019)

Review:


Rating: 3 / 5

Sauvage (2019)
Director-Camille Vidal-Naquet
Stars-Félix Maritaud, Eric Bernard
Release Date- April (Available)
Language-French, with English subtitles.

Leo (Félix Maritaud) is a 22-year-old gay prostitute.
with deteriorating health.Fragile, sensitive, and
lost but generous. Living hand-to-mouth and sells his
body for cash on the outskirts of Strasbourg, Paris
to pay for his addiction. Use crack, coke, meth and
rarely heroine. Leo barely knows how to read.

He doesn’t make his clients shower before sex, and
he’ll kiss on the mouth. Other co-workers are healthier
and better off. Because they have limitations.
With no regular access to washing facilities, he doesn’t shower.
If he’s lucky, a warm place to sleep at night.

Yearning for love, he can’t help but hug the woman doctor who
tends to his wounds.
But he doesn’t seek to be kept and protected when it’s offered
by an attractive older man who hires his services.

Found love with fellow street-savvy bisexual Ahd (Eric Bernard).
Working life on the streets can be dangerous and Ahd is there to
protects him. But he wants him off the streets.
Leo is better off away from him.

A mesmerizing performance from Félix Maritaud.

He just wants to be free to be loved.





This post has been edited by lleihuan: Jun 27 2019, 09:23 AM

Ya surprise for me too.....

BTW, no post credit for this movie.... hahah...

YESTERDAY (2019)

Review: Don't remember the last time I'm this pissed off at a movie!



Rating: 1.5 / 5

Wow, that bad? I was looking forward after watching the trailer.

Yeah I was attracted by the trailer too. The idea is great but it is gone too waste. Turned out to be a super typical, lazy rom-com.

Toy Story 4.0 - Ini Kali La!

Loved it! And definitely better than I anticipated

If you haven’t watched, and don’t want to be spoiled- read no further ok?

Pet Sematary (2019)

Lack of horror scares, relying mostly on jump scares with a somewhat predictable story. There were just a couple of truly horrifying scenes. Execution/direction wise is pretty decent. The acting performances from the main cast was convincing as well. Heard it is better than the 1989 film, so that's a good thing I guess.

Overall a decent horror flick but nothing too memorable. Worth a watch if you're aching for a horror fix.

At best this is a 6/10.

One of the best movie I've watched this year, 9/10

Spider-man Far From Home (2019)

I vote henceforth to stop using the term, Spider-Senses.

Instead, it will now be known as.... Pete-Tingle...

My Two Sen

Spider man, good entertainment. Well the first actions scene in this movie and the Avengers Endgame Re Released Post Credit scene is exactly the same... correct me if i was wrong.....

Happy Death Day and Happy Death Day 2

Watched the two movies last night back to back. Originally, I thought it was going to be just another teenage horror slasher movie.

Basically, they took the concept of Groundhog Day and added in elements of horror slasher movie. The sequel explained the reasons for why it is happening by adding more comedy and sci-fi element.

The first movie was a better movie as the concept works better without explaining the reasons why it is happening. The comedic portion are also more natural and more towards darker humor. The second movie was still entertaining in a way but the plot got lost towards the end. There were more comedic portion but less successful compared to the first one. However, the best part was the way the lead actress killed herself repeatedly.

For the first movie I give a rating of 7 out of 10 while the second movie I give a rating of 6 out of 10.

Overall, not a bad way to kill about 3 hours of your time.

Haha thks

Decide not 2 go 4 the rerelases then

Already watched the original 4x

This post has been edited by skylinelover: Jul 6 2019, 07:01 AM

Crawl - A great B-horror flick.

Was surprised how tight and fun of this under marketed gem. Granted it doesn't have the smartest plot line but intense pacing throughout a very lean 90-mins runtime. Like Dredd, you thought it's a stinker but actually all balls out edge of your seat material. Give this sleeper movie of the year a shot.

Polar - Bloody with lotsa skins to show.

Was a fan of Jonas Ackerlund back when he was one of the hotshot MV director. He is head and shoulder with the likes of Tarsem Singh, David Fincher, Mark Romanek, etc.. Would have not watched this if it wasn't directed by him.

As expected, his kinetic visual flair and colourful character design still as commanding as before. Mads Mikkelsen playing the alpha assassin on his last assignment. Without skipping the usual assassin movie trope, a dramatic betrayal is in play and going soft on a girl he met recently. Not the worst Netflix offering with enough action to keep you energized and plentiful of nudity plus violence. Overall this reminded me of Joe Carnahan's Smoking Aces that laced with early 2000s action flavor. Not as cheesy as the 80s era but full on "grunginess" of a decade ago.

Crawl (2019)

I absolutely, positively & categorically LOVE this movie.

It has thrills.

It has spills.

It has gore.

Some scenes will make you apprehensive.

Some scenes will leave you at awe, abhor, dread, disgusted, dismayed, panic, loath and terrified.

This is what is odd, you WILL love it too.

In the vein of The Shallows (2016), so if you love that, you will love this here.

Fun Fact (I googled):

Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are estimated to swim at speeds of up to 15 kilometers. The french swimmer Frédérick Bousquet set world record in the 50 m freestyle with a time of 20.94 seconds (Average of 8.6km)

So, no, humans cannot swim faster than a crocodile.

Even with this boo boo, this movie is one heck of an entertaining movie.

Haley (played by Kaya Scodelario [last seen in Maze Runner]) is really good here.

Dave (played by Barry Pepper [I don't believe I did not get famous from Battlefield Earth (2000)]) is believable too.

I think the only this I would criticize about this movie for is... every character seems to be dealt from... a loaf of white bread??? Please do note that I am joking...

On THAT note, this is only my two sen

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Jul 15 2019, 11:53 AM

Point Blank- A bygone era of action thriller.

A remake of a french action movie. Remember back in the days when Bruce Willis still putting out decent action flicks, this movie echoes a lot of 16 Blocks. The chemistry between the two leads is tight and the main drive for you to keep watching. As usual high degree of belief suspension requires when comes to this type of movie. It's a lot better than I expected. It has no reason to be decent but it does.

Lion King (2019)

Gosh, this is tough for me to write.

I spent lavishly on myself today.

I got myself an Imax 3D ticket to watch this.

Imagely speaking it is spectacular.

Right down to the hair of Simba's chinny chin chin!

Apart from the spectacular imagery, the movie is rather.... Meh!

Seriously, the movie is meh...

When the animation feature was product, the B team was put to work on it?

Why you may ask?

Because A Team was working on their big animation movie Pochahantus....

Lion King shone, because B Team wanted to show the world, what they can do.

This version, from a storyline point of view, had absolutely nothing new to say

Nothing!

So.... Is this an example of remake for the sake of remaking?

Really disappointed by this...

My Two Sen

THE LION KING (2019)

Review:


Rating: 3 / 5

Very generous rating man. Imma fan of cartoon version, found being bored da heck outta this film

Everyone's entitled to their opinion. But this is my share of thoughts.

Felt like watchin natgeo/discovery channel documentary. And wouldnt fault the film...its live-action of frickin LION....whatdya expect? Moving their face muscles, jaws up, down, sideways as in cartoon?

Which raises nothet question. Why bother makin this film? Seriously?.... thank god I watched it online...5 mins max (intro, Mufasa's death, Simba vs Scar climax fight) and felt I've wasted my time....god bless poor souls that endured this film😂😂😂

There was no point of remaking it this way. I would 100% fault the film. They are talking sentient lions with drama and comedy. Of course they have to have unrealistic facial expression otherwise we are better off watching straight faced animals on NatGeo. It's not live action, it's still animated just not hand drawn. However I did not hate the film as much as Aladdin, BnB and Cinderella so I gave it a slightly higher rating than them 😅