You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling...

Apparently, Christopher Nolan isn't just dreaming big...but he's making it into the big screen. INCEPTION might be the most ambitious movie for the past decade (well, apart from the Lord of the Rings series), but on the other hand, it is also one of the most kept secret movie, since I believe not many people (unless they are serious moviegoers) actually know about this project. Since last year, I have been telling people that Inception will the be hottest movie of 2010, but they just gave me a weird look and said, "What the hell is that?". Well, in the end I came up in the same answer for everyone: it is written and directed by Christopher Nolan (remember Batman Begins and Dark Knight?), starring Leo Di Caprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe, Tom Hardy, Michael Caine....(damn, it's a long list), and the story is about....dream. (Weirder look mode: ON)

In the year 2000, Nolan made a small movie with huge influence, called MEMENTO (again, you might haven't heard it...but try to watch it, twice, or 10 times). Back then, I was totally blown away by it. Memento is easily the cleverest and smartest movie with its unique story telling and plot twist. Fast forward 10 years, Nolan similarly creates a more spectacular mind blowing experience in INCEPTION. With big budgets and A-list actors, practically he can do whatever he wants to transform his dream into reality.

Watching Inception is like experiencing Philip K. Dick previous movie adaptation (remember Blade Runner or Minority Report?), since it has all the sci-fi noir elements. To date, this maybe the best of its genre, simply because INCEPTION has the best of both worlds, quality and money making, which something that sci-fi noir movies have failed to achieve.

I'm not going to write any synopsis, not just because I don't want to spoil the fun, it is just that its storyline is somehow 'difficult' to be translated it into clear and understandable writing. Mind you, even Nolan always uses the same wording to explain the plot storyline. Beware though, you must have prepared your brain into full concentration in order to grasp the whole 'dream inside dream 'thing, because you will eventually have some headache, or worst, fall to sleep halfway through (it has 150 minutes running time). Not like any other brainless action movies (a.k.a Iron Man or A-Team), this one you may experience where the movie dictates you and ask you to turn your mind upside down.

As far as the acting goes, Inception offers one the best ensemble cast, with Leo DiCaprio is solid rock as the star of the show. After this performance, no one will have any doubts that he is one of the best actors around (ask Scorsese himself). He's just damn good to portray Cobb, the group leader with his nightmarish occurrences of his late wife. He has so many materials to play with, tortured soul, endless guilty nightmares, love of the family, the longing of seeing his children again, and many others. I can't think any other actor can play this great role other than Leo himself.

The rest of the supporting cast are also brilliant. We have the great Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Arthur, Cobb's longtime partner and most trusted friend, and he gets the best action scene in the movie, the fighting in rotating hallways which you've seen over and over in the trailers. And thankfully we have the gorgeous and magnificent Ellen Page, which has made a big jump on characterization of playing Ariadne, the architect. She finally manages to escape from typecasting of teenage girl character, since this role has made her into a more mature figure (still remember Juno?). The good thing about having her the in the movie is that she's the one who appears so naively and look so 'ordinary' compared with the rest. Therefore, we always have a proper explanation from her about the whole extractor and inception thing. Another plus thing, ain't it cool to see how the role of an architect is highly glorified in this movie? Tom Hardy as Eames, the forger, steals the scenes later on near the end of the show, by having his own action scenes. Man, this guy has all the criteria to be the next action hero star, he may even that good to replace Daniel Craig for the 007 role in the future. The late wife of Cobb, Mol is beautifully and elegantly played by Marion Cotillard (she's getting hotter and better recently), we can really feel sympathetic toward her disillusion and broken spirit throughout the movie, which is the root of all Cobb's problems.

The rest just completes the round-up, Tom Berrenger, Michael Caine, and Pete Postlethwaite, whose given small but significant roles, it's kinda like you have a great main course with excellent side dish also. My only real concern is Ken Watanabe, as Saito the client, which I think he has some issues with his lines, since most of the time, I really can't hear what he's saying. Nevertheless, he gave a convincing performance also, but still, it's better for all of us to watch it with subtitles.

INCEPTION is so rich in materials and conceptual ideas, which I think requires several viewings to really understand the whole dreaming saga. I might even buy the original DVD or Blu-Ray to hear Nolan's audio commentary or anything behind the scene process. I remember watching like 2001 : Space Odyssey, Memento, or Blade Runner for multiple times, and it's been a while since Hollywood presents us 'confusing' movies, but still great ones. INCEPTION is truly a remarkable movie, it makes you play with your brain, it's entertaining, and it makes you think and continues even after you leave your the theater (the ending will make you say, WHATTTT?). It's Hollywood's smartest example on spending the big budget so far.

My Rating : 10/10

We are going to steal the MOON!!!

After an emotionally moments with Toy Story 3 (surprisingly, I read some kids found it scary and dark), DESPICABLE ME has all the right ingredients to conjure certain antidotes for bringing out laughters, I mean a lots of laughters. Clearly, it's a very obvious carbon copy from Pixar blueprint and Looney Tunes' 'violence' jokes, but it was made in a smart and positive approach.

In a world where super villains make the headlines, Gru (Steve Carrell) is one of them, and he has just been challenged by another villain, Vector (Jason Segel) who had just stole, literally, the Pyramid. Fear of future popularity decline is imminent, along with his assistant, Dr. Nefario (voiced by UN-recognizable Russell Brand) and a bunch of Minions (the source of all your laughters), Gru is planning to overtake Vector by with, steal the Moon (yes, literally, by shrinking it and put it his hand). However, Vector is always one step ahead of him, and along the way, Gru discovers what might be Vector weakness. To exploit it, Gru has to manipulate some orphan girls, Agnes, Edith, and Margo, into Vector HQ and obtain a secret weapon to shrink the Moon. After spending lots of time with the girls, the 'white side' of Gru has little by little becomes to change his point of view. He has to choose whether to chase his ultimate ambition, or not to horribly disappoint the kids.

Nonetheless, the brief synopsis reminds me of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole the Christmas, since it shares the same plot. Like most of cartoon antagonist characters, Gru's arrogant accent and comic villain attitude has made him a unique main character in an animation movie. It's quite rare that this kind of movie picks up a baddie to be the main character, but we'll end up liking him even more. What makes me love it is that Despicable Me is simply hilarious! It's simply a kind of movie that all can enjoy, a terrifically smart film which balances the clever jokes and visual slapstick which won't harm anyone.

If you check out the cast, it has all the brand house names, ranging from Steve Carrell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig, Will Arnett, and the veteran Julie Andrews. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the voice-over of the characters, especially Carrell and Brand, which I think they've done a terrific job on putting a different characterization that they used to bring on live movies. But the most fun element from Despicable Me comes in the tiny form of Gru's Minions. You can't argue that they are the main show, since the cute irresistible yellowish mini size creatures will end up maximizing your laugh-o-meter to the max. From the moment they show up onto the screen, you'll want them for more.

Despicable Me appears to follow the tried and true formula, a good story decent animation = entertaining family film. It hasn't quite up to Pixar quality, but if this something that Universal and Illumination Studio can offer, they are surely on the promising track. For the first timer directors, Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, they did a splendid job on delivering Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio script. Just like How to Train Your Dragon and Cloudy in the Chance of Meatballs, this is one of the better CG movie efforts in a while, where it is also a reminder that no single studio has a monopoly on thoughtful animated features. Despicable Me is good enough for you animation lovers, perhaps until the next Pixar's smashes the theaters.

My Rating: 8/10

To Infinity and Beyonddddddd.....

Toy Story 3, in my opinion has just completed one of the best trilogies ever made...and it's suitable for all ages and families. I'm pretty sure all Toy Story movies will be put on my kids' must-see watch list. I never thought that PIXAR is able to pull a 2nd sequel as good as the previous releases. I mean, the 3rd movie is really damn good. Storyline, check....Graphic, check....Cast check....Entertainment, check....Plot Twist, check....Surprises, check....Tear-jearking moment, check, hix hix hix.....They just have 'em all. For a zillion times already, never ever ever EVER underestimate PIXAR. They just keep on making remarkable movies, when all other studios should really LEARN from them, especially in this era of commercialism, zero creativity, and nonsense ideas.

It took 11 hours just to render this frame.

The whole storyline for Toy Story 3 has actually already pre-described from the Toy Story 2, with the notion that every boy/girl will eventually abandon their old toys once they are grown up. Andy is 17 now, and he's preparing to move out for college time. He still kept some of his beloved old toys, from Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, Jessie, Bullseye, Hamm, Rex, and Slinky Dog. However, what a pity that they are craving to be played again. Andy finally chooses Woody to keep him company, while others will be kept in the attic. Unfortunately, after some misunderstanding, the toys are mistakenly carried out from Andy's house, and they end up at some child day care. The toys think that this maybe a good start of a better new life, while Woody is trying hard to convince them to return to Andy. Apparently, the other toys at the child care, led by head honcho Lotso, are able to convince the Buzz and co. to stay back and enjoy to be played by the children. What they don't know that the place has become a prison, and they are trapped with the brutality of the children. Again, Woody jumps into the adventure of rescuing his friends, in the nick of time before Andy is checking out.

Apart from being the funniest of the series, this one also appears to be the darkest. The child daycare condition as a prison in disguise is a clever and bold move from PIXAR to freshen up the story. Suddenly it reminds me of the Shawshank Redemption which put Buzz and friends in Tim Robbins position, and Lotso as the mean warden. This new approach is just not making the movie more mature, but it adds up the emotional depth of the characters, and their friendship values. I was a bit concerned regarding the big number of the characters, but PIXAR (again) brilliantly put them all on the screen, and it works smoothly, and no one gets left behind. Most importantly, they are able to give 'heart' into each of toys. Once you go out from the cinema, all the toys left me a good remarks and impressions.

While all the old faces are given their equal portion (and each of them have their own 'best' moment). the new toys are not disappointing, even some of them are quite strong and influential for the story. By putting Lotso as the main villain, it gives a darker aura beneath the cuddly purple toy. Barbie and Ken (voiced over by brilliant Michael Keaton), as cheesy as you may think, are having their glorious moments on screen, compared to their direct-to-DVD craps. The rest are just too many to be covered, but rest assured, the have enriched the whole Toy Story Universe.

In some points, it is scary, even for kids, and on the ending, it is both sad and joyful (I'm not shy to admit that I had tears right in the end, but I guessed, I'm not alone who cried behind the 3D goggles). Overall, PIXAR has done it again, they crafted not just a very nice movie, but also closed up the perfect ending for the series. 10 years in the making shows the seriousness on not just making big bucks, but how to make a movie with appropriate script, animation, and character development. It is not an overstatement that this might be the best 3rd installment on board with Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, and perhaps best sequel if we compare it with Godfather Part II or Empire Strikes Back.

It's amazing that a movie based on toys can have so much drama and family values, and even real-life situation. It has underline the notion that we cannot go forward, solve problems, make choices, or even grow up without the help of friends. It has been the same concept and blueprint for most of the PIXAR movies, but somehow they can always adjust it well into different script.

Look closely, and you'll see a cameo from a famous Studio Ghibli character.

It has been a 15 years epic, and PIXAR is not slowing down a bit. After a dull and ludicrous summer, Toy Story 3 has lighten up the mood, by bringing a fresh air for the audiences, for us to enjoy what a movie should have been doing, to entertain us, and put the experience in our hearts and mind. It's a rare thing to say a movie with number '3' in it is a very very GOOD one.

My Rating : 10/10

The Agent Who Drugged Me...

Frankly, I have lost appetite with Tom Cruise’s movies recently. His last decent movie as far as I could recall was probably The Last Samurai, plus he made a pretty good cameo on ‘Tropic Thunder’. We all may blame his antics on Oprah, Sciencetology, or teenage love story with Katie. I didn't even catch Valkyrie at all. But there is something with Knight and Day which makes me interested. I think this is a perfect movie where Tom Cruise plays as...Tom Cruise himself. Actually, when the trailer was premiered last year before Avatar, I didn't get the idea, what the hell is this movie? A Super Secret Agent running around with Cameron Diaz, chased by bad guys? Not to bright, huh?

Overall, the movie is a total nonsense, over the top, and ridiculously fun in some parts. In a way, this popcorn flick delivers something fresh, out of the line action scenes, and no one gets hurt badly (thanks PG-13). I didn’t even see Cruise get scratched or wounded (at least until the end) most of the time. Yeah, he still has that ‘look’ and ‘charismatic’, I guess it’s better for him to use and explore it while it lasts. I really enjoyed the opening 30 minutes, the scenes were changing rapidly, from one spot to another spot, and bang bang bang everywhere. Afterwards, the movie was just going downward, it became too repetitive, and the only thing differs is the locations (we see airplane, tropical island, Switzerland, Spain, etc). As far as the story goes, the audience will be assured that no matter what happens, Cruise and Diaz won’t get into too much trouble.

The plus point of Knight and Day is the perfect chemistry of the main duo. I kinda enjoy how Roy Miller and June Havens start building their relationship on screen, right from the flirting moments at the airport, they fight among themselves, and right into the end when Diaz' character suddenly steals the show. Remember Mr. & Mrs. Smith? Just like that, but without 'Brangelina' hype. They prove to be a much better pair than Heigl – Kutcher on The Killers. Diaz still has her and sweet cute attitude. If only this movie is made 5 years ago, damn she must be a one damn hottie. Although I don’t buy the ending, the chemistry becomes a bit awkward and Diaz’ transformation is just ludicrous and bizarre.

Thanks to the domination from the main stars, the rest is just like puppets, even the villain, Fitzgerald (Peter Sarsgaard), looks like a douche, one of the lamest bad guy in 2010, making him on board with Jason Patric (The Losers) and Patrick Wilson (A-Team). He doesn’t look intimidating, the threat is so weak and dumb, and most of all, he doesn’t have that ‘bad guy’ face at all. Paul Dano plays very few screen as the inventor Simon Peck, who creates the mini super battery that can run a small city, which happens to be the center of all problems. It's a shame since I thought he will add the colors of the whole cast, he's pretty much underused and ignored (man, he's brilliant in Little Miss Sunshine and There Will Be Blood).

This may not the best Tom Cruise movie after all, and frankly, I’m still surprised he wants to jump into the wagon for this one. But, only Tom Cruise who can still add the flavor and additional gimmicks to this kind of flick. He can shoot, jump, play lasso to grab person by person, go from A to B in 18 hours, acting ridiculously, and still...audience will not blast him, we may even like him more. That's the power of Cruise. From technical aspect, the action scenes were unreasonably and ridiculously thrilling. Most of the jokes work well (I like the ‘with me, without me, with me, without me’), and Diaz can be really cute in some scenes (she can also play dumb, though). Again, just like when I reviewed the A-Team, leave your brain at the door, and ‘try’ to enjoy the movie. In the end, Knight and Day may entertains some audiences, kinda love storyish in a way....but if you’re looking for some seriousness, you’re in the wrong section, dude.

My Rating : 7/10