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.

Was rewatching TFA and TLJ the other two nights, so that coming weekend, might go and watch TRoS for 2nd time.

Watched TFA 3 times in cinema before, and 2 times on TV ... still exciting for me.
Watched TLJ 1 time in cinema and 2 times on TV ... fell asleep the 2nd time.
Hopefully watching TRoS in cinema another time, I won't fell asleep also.

My point is, each SW fans will love or loath different episodes.
Ya, TLJ felt fresh the first time I watched it, many picturesque scenes....but now the plot also seems stupid e.g. why didn't Vice-Admiral Holdo just inform Poe about her plan.

Watched the original trilogy in cinema also during its 20th anniversary special edition release.
Watched the prequel trilogy also in cinemas ... TPM at TGV KLCC early screening, the fans, fuh ...

Maybe becoz I seldom read/play/watch other expanded SW universe stories, that's why I'm more gullible, easier to be tricked into following the simple but uneven sequel trilogy?

The Gentlemen (2019)

Guy Ritchie returning to form ... to his British gangster genre that made him well-known, starting with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.



Please disregard what those critics were saying, apparently non-critics (majority, us) think the film is a hoot.

Can't remember when a mainstream movie got one of the main characters swearing in Hokkien ...

(The character supposed to be a Cantonese, but I guess Henry Golding couldn't help but to infuse a bit of his Malaysian influence)

Hugh Grant is good ... he should be cast more in grey/villainous roles like this (Cloud Atlas, and Paddington also came to mind).
Matthew McConaughey, smooth as always.
Charlie Hunnam, good sidekick (now with guns, not sword).
Jeremy Strong ... strong from his Succession TV series performance, a bit underplayed here, the character didn't get crazy enuf, but still okay.
Colin Farrell ... didn't get too crazy, just nice.
Michelle Dockery ... the rose among the thorns. IMDB trivia said Kate Beckinsale originally was cast, but couldn't make it.

All in all, a great ensemble of cast, wouldn't be surprised they might be nominated for SAG.

I like the way the film is narrated, with some cinema/filmmaking lingo included ... , although the plots are not too unpredictable.
This time the characters are more refined and less crass, maybe hence the title.

I hope Guy Ritchie will continue to do this kind of England/London-grounded films with quick-witted dialogues (his Sherlock Holmes films did have his style) ....
Thinking back of his previous similar films ... didn't really like Snatch (2000) the first time I watched it ... rewatching it after few years, I see what the raves were about.
Although RocknRolla (2008) was panned, I quite like it too. Even the short from BMW films, his directed segment called Star (starring his ex-wife, and Clive Owen), was hilarious.

So, ladies and gentlemen, do give the film a shot, and you might find your evening entertained.

Looks like cinema-going is very slow until a really must watch film in theater will make cinephiles risked it, like Tenet maybe.

In the meantime, most studios are releasing their films on streaming services ... wonder how Mulan would do with the extra USD30 on Disney+

Anyway, just wanna post a short review of a film on HBO Max recently ... An American Pickle starring Seth Rogen.



Imho, one of Seth Rogen's best personal films ... I thought he written it himself (due to Jewish, a side mentioned of Canada, etc.), but no, the screenplay and story is by another person.

What I like is it's unpredictable storyline ... didn't go the typical fish-out-of-water way ... unpredictable also becoz never know what the old guy played by Seth Rogen will say ... I was wondering who will play the old guy's great grandson ... it's Seth Rogen again, which is good ... and not just a casting decision but a plot/story device.

For me, it's a bit like Forrest Gump in some parts ... a simple guy who unintentionally get support for something he did/said without really meaning it (audience hear what they wanna hear) ... then suddenly became a not-so-subtle dig at American Trump, with his social media Twitter/news 'directness' and his 'outdated/redneck' speeches still getting unusual support. 😅

Dunno why the IMDb rating is average only ... maybe most are expecting the usual Seth Rogen style of getting high comedy. It's a bit slow in the beginning, but many plots/happenings in the middle act ... but the ending a bit too short for me.

Henry Golding's character shouting, "C*b** motherf**ker" .... that's gold.

This post has been edited by r2t2: Jan 11 2021, 07:02 PM

I find Reacher TV series (binge watchable) more memorable than Tom Cruise's Jack Reacher 1 & 2.

The detective deduction angle was emphasized more (almost Sherlock Holmes level ), and the fighting skills seem more 'threatening' since TV Jack Reacher physical body size matches his claim of can finish an ordinary man in 10 seconds. His 'anti-social' personality is brought forward more than Tom Cruise's portrayal.

I watched so many of the cast & directors interviews before watching the movie ... don't do that, kinda 'spoilt' the expectation a bit; but I thought I wasn't watching any reviews with spoilers (or even non-spoiler reviews); what to do, was so eager

Too bad so limited shows in local cinemas ... and not much support. I was the only one in the hall (around 1 week after release) ... but it's okay, I could ugly-sob as much as I want.

Here's one interview that's a bit more informative about Ke Huy Quan (which he didn't really touch in other cast interviews)