Clash Of The Titans

oops.. i knew i forgot something.. haha ... watched the movie recently but forgot to post a review. So here it is.

I was always going to compare this with the original, no way u couldn't compare it.

But this time, it was awesome too. I watched the 2D version, cos i had heard loads of poor reviews about a post-production 3d edit, and it had turned out crappy.

So, with flavour of the month Sam Worthington heading an interesting ensemble, i was pleasantly surprised about how much they stuck to the original storyline. And with the updated effects (woah Pegasus looks damn superb!!) and the supporting cast was superb as well (except for Liam Neeson who i thought was a little over-indulgent).

verdict: awesome!!

Solomon Kane

James Purefoy, most fondly remembered as the Prince who gave Heath Ledger a second chance to joust in Knights Tale and as Marc Anthony in HBO's Rome, takes on a lead role here inspired by the Wierd Tales series of stories by Robert E Howard.

Basically the tale follows the life of a former mercenary of the Queen, who once realises his soul is damned, turns to a life of a puritan. But where would be the fun in that? Evil befalls a family who had taken him into their fold, and he now uses his 'killer skill' to battle Satan's forces himself to save the young child of that family , hoping to be absolved of his sins and be saved from Hell (i know i'm rambling here , but sounds familiar to anyone? Constantine? no? well maybe just me).

While the story is predictable to much of an extent, but Purefoy's acting is what saves this from being purely a mystical action ride. He gives much credibility to the role, and with solid assistance from Max Von Sydow(The Exorcist, Dune, Minority Report etc), Pete Postlethwaite (Last of The Mohicans, Usual Suspects*, The Constant Gardener etc) and Mackenzie Crook(Pirates Trilogy - yeah, the one with the wooden ball for an eye), manages to pull it off.

I liked it, even though it was predictable. I wonder if it will go ahead as planed to finish of as a trilogy. Who knows? Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 87%.

* - as Mr Kobayashi, Keyzer Soze's right hand man. AWESOME!

verdict : coin well spent, but hope if it is indeed a trilogy, the second and third part better not be as predictable

Captain America casting announced!

(thanks nim for the update!)

Heat Vision has just released the following:

Chris Evans accepts 'Captain America' mantle (exclusive)

Chris Evans will play Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America.

Sources tell us the actor has not only accepted Marvel's offer, first detailed on Friday, but that the dealmaking moved so fast it's now all about dotting the i's and crossing the t's.

Marvel would not comment on the development, and CAA, which reps the actor, declined comment.

Evans was offered the role in Marvel Studios' production last week, but there was some question of whether he would accept. Factoring in to the choice was the fact that Evans played Johnny Storm, the flame-covered superhero known as the Human Torch in Fox's "Fantastic Four" movies. Was he ready to play another superhero and take on the trappings that come with such a high-profile part?

From Coming Soon :

Chris Evans ("Fantastic Four" films) has accepted Marvel Studios' offer for him to play Steve Rogers/Captain America in the Joe Johnston-directed The First Avenger: Captain America. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely wrote the script.

Marvel would not comment on the development, but we expect the official announcement will be made soon.

The deal calls for Evans to star in at least three "Captain America" movies, with the first hitting theaters on July 22, 2011.

He would reprise the role in The Avengers, which will united Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and the Incredible Hulk (Edward Norton) in one film. That film is scheduled for May 4, 2012. The character also will likely make cameo appearances in Marvel's other films.

Hugo Weaving will play the villain Red Skull in The First Avenger: Captain America.

New Series

over the last week , two series premiered in the US, and thanks to the wonders of the internet, and the ingenious technology of file sharing and online streaming, i had the opportunity to watch em! so here goes.
HBO's new 10-part miniseries is The Pacific. Brought to by Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg and the same team who brought you Band of Brothers, this time the docu-feature covers the US Marine Corps action during the 2nd World War. First episode takes place on Guadalcanal and starts off with a lot of promise. Simple story telling, with live action scenes and similar interview format at the beginning, I can say that if first episodes anything to go by, then i'd say it'll be awesome, and of similar impact as Band of Brothers.

Verdict : Highly recommended, and eagerly anticipating the remaining episodes


FX premiered it's latest drama about a southern-bred, tough but soft-spoken (i'd say slow speaking) lawman with a "If i draw, it'll be to put you down" attitude played interestingly enough by Timothy Olyphant. Based on writer Elmore Leonards novels on the character Marshall Raylan Givens, i was pulled into the story line of a gunman with olden day style and values in a modern life. Strong opening episode, and the ratings don't disagree with me. Second highest ratings for this network only to The Sheild, means this one is gonna be one to watch for.

Olyphant suits the role, i'd say a bit too well... and damn he's fast!

Verdict : Got me a new favourite. Hopefully doesn't get cancelled after a season (See Trauma, Jericho, Life, Life on Mars, etc)

RIP Peter Graves

Actor Peter Graves, has passed away at the age of 83 of natural causes. After a long career, from which he was most famously known for his roles as Jim Phelps (Mission Impossible 1967-73 & 1988-1990) and Cpt Clarence Oveur (Airplane!), Peter was also a long-running host of the Biography series. His last big-screen role was in Men in Black II (2002).

He won a Golden Globe in 1971 for his role as Jim Phelps and a Primetime Emmy as host of A&E's Biography in 1997. He was also honoured in 2009 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Rest in Peace.

Double Header Sunday

Zoomed off to catch a couple of action movies yesterday, and was rather looking forward to see how a new gen action flick would do against one from a waning (in more ways then one) stars'.

Here goes.

Green Zone, the latest offering from director Paul Greengrass who teams up yet again with Matt Damon (they worked together on the last 2 Bourne movies), is credited to be inspired by "Inspired Life in the Emerald City" by journalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran. Telling the story of how Chief Miller (Damon) leads his team on the search for WMDs after the initial landing of US and other forces in Iraq in 2003, Greengrass serves up quite the similar effects and style of visualisation that he's come to be famous for. Quick hand held camera action and staccato editing makes a very intense action film seem to race by at a pulsating rate.

I was impressed with the action scenes, although at times it was kinda too shaky for me, but seemingly realistic gun fights, and chases (There has been some info from interviews Damon made that the team accompanying him are played by actual soldiers!), combined with a hollywood-ised 'real' story made for very good entertainment, while trying to portray the truth as far possible as it could.

Damon doesn't do much wrong in this flick, and judging from recent performances (Invictus, Informant, etc), i can only predict him to go on to be a bigger star. Kudos!

Verdict: worth every popcorn bite!

Edge of Darkness, however, portrays aging action man Mel Gibson in a role we've seen him do all too many times (Ransom, Payback, Patriot anybody?) but still manage to pull off a believable performance.

The story here is all too predictable, with some reference to corporate America trying to hide some unpatriotic research which is uncovered by a tree-hugging outfit, which of course involves Mel's daughter. Story begins there, with patches of detective work and then some expected action scenes. Overall we know where the story is heading, and director Martin Campbell fails to build any anticipation towards the end.

Only bright spark is character David Jedburgh, played rather mysteriously by Ray Winstone(Departed, Indiana Jones, Beowulf) as an agency man(not disclosed which one though) who played judge and jury behind closed doors.

Well after an absence since Signs and We Were Soldiers, maybe looking upon this outing, Mel should probably start to play less action, and concentrating on directing them instead. (The man can direct u know). He can act, but maybe lay off the action mate.

Verdict : watch it if you're a Mel G fan or if you're bored.





oh on a side note, caught this one over breakfast. Hugh Grant plays himself in other movies, and SJP seems to be caught up in her Carrie role, this fare is almost enjoyable for small parts (very small parts).

Loved Mary Steelenburgen and Sam Elliot's roles as the Sheriff's who take in the Morgans under witness protection. But that's about it.

Verdict : watch it at home over breakfast, downloaded or borrowed.

Brothers

Tobey MaGuire, Jake Gyllenhaal and Natalie Portman turn in very very strong performances in this 2009 movie about a family that goes through a torrid time when Sam(Maguire) who is on his 4th Tour in Afghanistan goes missing and is presumed dead. Grace(Portman) tries to hold her family together and gets help from Tommy(Gyllenhaal), Sam's brother who is just out of jail.

When Sam is found alive and is brought back into their lives, but no one is the same again. Uncomfortable wouldn't start to describe it.

It was a strong story, with emotional performances by the 3 leads. One of the better movies of 2009 i'd say.

Verdict : very impressed

Invictus

a simple tale about a complicated phase of a nations history, wrapped around a global sporting event, in this case the IRB Rugby World Cup 2005. Clint Eastwood displays his usual strengths in portraying both Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in the roles which portrayed the two protagonists of this journey.

A steady pace to the movie, very real feel to the occurrences on screen and stellar performances by the two leads (well worth the Academy Award nominations) give this vehicle enough mileage to keep you enthralled for the whole 2 hours. I found the dialogues simple yet meaningful, and in keep with the situation (meaning it wasn't too hollywood-ish). I also enjoyed the South African accents... a welcome from the basic LA fare.

One downside would be the finale game, which could have been more heightened in suspense, but it was good enough an attempt to keep you rooting for South Africa!.

Verdict : strong themed movie i'd probably enjoy again

and the winners are:

The full list of the 2010 Oscar winners from Oscar.com, the official site of the 82nd Academy Awards

Best Picture


The Hurt Locker

Directing

• 

  Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker

Actor in a Leading Role

• 

  Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart

Actor in a Supporting Role

• 

  Christoph Waltz -Inglourious Basterds

Actress in a Leading Role

• 

  Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side

Actress in a Supporting Role

• 

  Mo'Nique -Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

Animated Feature Film

• 

  Up -Pete Docter

Art Direction

• 

  Avatar

Cinematography

• 

  Avatar

Costume Design

• 

  The Young Victoria

Documentary Feature

• 

  The Cove

Documentary Short

• 

  Music by Prudence

Film Editing

• 

  The Hurt Locker

Foreign Language Film

• 

  The Secret in Their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos)

  Argentina
  

Makeup

• 

  Star Trek

Music (Original Score)

• 

  Up -Michael Giacchino

Music (Original Song)

• 

  Crazy Heart -"The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)"
  

  Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett

Short Film (Animated)

• 

  Logorama

Short Film (Live Action)

• 

  The New Tenants

Sound Editing

• 

  The Hurt Locker

Sound Mixing

• 

  The Hurt Locker

Visual Effects

• 

  Avatar

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

• 

  Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire

Writing (Original Screenplay)

• 

  The Hurt Locker

  
  

Oscar fever is upon us!

It's tonight (if u're in the US) and tomorrow morning (here in Asia). So who'll it be? who are your favs? Will it be Cameron or Bigelow? Bullock or Streep? would the rumoured runaways winners be halted in mid-stride? who knows? Would Avatar take all 9 (non-acting) awards they're nominated for? Or Hurt Locker in their 10 categories? Precious (6) , Up(5), Up In The Air(6) all look to spoil the party for the earlier mentioned two.

You can use the ballot page above (obtained from the official Oscar.com page) to keep track!

For a full list of nominees : > see here.

Alice in 3D Wonderland

Well everyone knows the original story. Little gal falls down a rabbit hole, meets an odd assortment of personalities, has a grand adventure and so on so forth. Now take that story, and give it a master twist of a sequel, and you have Tim Burton's 2010 Alice in Wonderland!

Set 13 years after the original adventure, Alice goes back and boy what a journey. Only in Burton's imagination captured on screen gives this tale a colourful and wacky setting, and add to this mixture talents like Johhny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Crispin Glover, Anna Hathaway with the voices of Alan Rickman, Michael Sheen, and Stephen Fry to name a few, it worked superbly with newcomer Mia Wasikowska a good chance to shine.

Oh yes, Depp does an excellent job as he always does when he's with Burton.

Now GSC Gurney Plaza's 3D does give much concern for grief, what with the tiny hall and limited seating, i couldn't really enjoy the whole experience. But , i guess we beggars can't be choosers. In comparison to the other 3D experience, yes yes the all time biggest grossing hit so far, this one had more things flying at you (could be Disney's effort to ensure the kids stay entertained) and is a tad bit dark (mood, not lighting in the cinema). Would it be more fun in 2D? I suppose so, but i thoroughly enjoyed the 3D version. Now i can't wait to finish sampling the compilation soundtrack inspired by this tale (Almost Alice).

Verdict : Loved it!

Double header viewing

In view of the recent excitement of the Winter Olympics and the Hockey matches shown, I was in the mood for one of my more favorite hockey movies! So, as it was another off day, what better to do then to pop in the DVD !

This movie has loads of plus points. From the Aussie playing a sheriff of an Alaskan town, to the huge ensemble cast, to the build-up leading to the arrival of the NY Giants to play pond hockey, to a wonderful ending. This story of an underdog town is well made, with a good flow and injected at the right moments with comedy and drama, and ends up being a really good feel good movie.

From the director of the Austin Powers movies, this tale is sure to entertain.



This recent fare from Nicholas Cage had some rave reviews about his role, and it didn't disappoint.

Loosely (very) based on the 1992 Harvey Keitel starer, this one has Cage in the title role as a cop who end up injuring his back while saving a convict post-hurricane in New Orleans. He ends up with an addiction to the pain killers, and soon starts to spiral out of control, moving onto recreation drugs. Add to this mix, his gambling problem, his link to a prostitute (Eva Mendes) and a multiple homicide involving a local drug lord (Xzibit).

i was impressed, and have got to agree that this is surely one of Cage's best work. and upon checking, there are a lot of critics out there who have this movie listed in their top 10 of 09. Which makes me wonder, how did Cage not get nominated for the Oscars?

Verdict : good flick. very worthwhile!

From Paris With Love

a Luc Besson movie.. hhmm all action right? well it's pretty hilarious as well! a goody goody embassy staffer wants to get into the 'real'action, but when it comes calling in the form of maniacally impulsive secret agent Charlie Wax (Travolta) , well lets say the fun starts and hits the ground running at 100 miles per hour!

it's not that strong a story, predictable (nowadays which one isn't) but Travolta steals all the spotlight with his wacky antics and superb one-liners (Miyagi would be proud)!

thoroughly enjoyed it! action packed, good comedy, and scenic paris. good fun!

Verdict : enjoy it if your in the mood for fast action