Super 8 is Superbly Good...

Plot:

Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney) and his sci-fi gang freak are making an amateur zombie movie. Since they need a female character for the movie love interest, they recruited Alice (Elle Fanning), whose father was involved in a freak accident costing the life of Joe’s mother. Thus, this band of kids were shooting a scene in a railway station, when a train had suddenly derailed and causing havoc in the neighbourhood. Apparently, there is ‘something’ in the cargo which belongs to the military, and it was set loose in Joe’s small town. Accidentally recorded the whole train crash thing, these kids notice strange happenings going around, and begin to investigate it. Local deputy, Jackson who happens to be Joe’s father (Kyle Chandler) has to deal with the town anxiety and uncover the creepy truth behind all this catastrophe, after people starting to went missing.

Review:

It’s been a full year since that incredible train-crash trailer hit up the screens, left many people with imaginations on the new J.J. Abram’s project. Fear no more sci-fi and movie geeks! Super 8 is here, the waiting time is over! And believe me, it’s totally worth every damn penny and your time. Go to the cinema and catch it!

Foreword, J.J. Abrams is a truly gifted director and writer. I happen to follow some of his previous works, from TV (Alias and Lost), and his big screen flicks (M:I 3, Cloverfield – as producer, and most notably, Star Trek reboot), and I must say, he has a bright future ahead. Abrams seems like creates this thing from the heart, as if it’s a personal project from his childhood dream. Backed up by the maestro Spielberg, Super 8 is an emotional movie about friendship and characters dealt with love and loss, all wrapped up with the secretive creature as the backdrop story. Master of story-teller and quite comfortable with big special effects, Abrams is also capable of displaying the heart and arousing the audience with his ‘wow’ factor.

Watching Super 8 brings out the sci-fi memories of 80’s flick such as E.T, Close Encounter of the Third Kind, and the Goonies (one of Spielberg’s triumphant period). Using the children (unknown stars except Fanning) as the main character reminds me of the classic Stand By Me. The whole monster/alien character and the train crash is the engine for a greater emotional plot. There are many relationships between characters which are explored by Abrams, 2 single fathers with their children, a circle of besties, and not to mention a triangle crush affair between the kids. If you watched the incredible Korean The Host, I can probably say Super 8 got some influences from it, since The Host also focusing on the family issues, and even the monster didn’t show up early.

Abrams and Spielberg are people who are able to maintain the secrecy surrounding the whole movie. Even we don’t have a clear picture of what’s really happening on the trailer. I guess their objective is to gain people interest not just by showing off the monster/creature, but also they try to sell the story simultaneously. In the end, I got more than what I’ve expected, and trust me, Abrams still has lots of thing hidden in this flick to throw into your amazement.

One of his great skill is to bring out the unknown actors. Courtney, the lead kid, truly shines in all scenes (mind you, this kid has all the burden in order this movie to be successful). What even makes it better, the chemistry of Courtney and the so talented (and gorgeous) Elle Fanning is so spot on and astounding. I mean, after watching this, who does not love Elle Fanning? The scene when she faked the zombie thing toward Courtney was so cute. Who’s Dakota again? Another great cast must be the Joe friends of amateur movie maker team. The hilarious Riley Griffiths as the director and not to mention Ryan Lee as the pyromaniac/fake zombie kicks me out for lots of laughter. Probably the best kids’ movie since Stand By Me, I really amazed on how these kids acting look so real, natural, and so bound together despite the insanity of the situation they are trapped within. All I can say, it’s been rare since Hollywood is able to produce a mature movie with a bunch of kids with it.

On the technical side, I gave my thumbs up on how a $50 million movie can come up with a fantastic, net, and efficient CGI usage. The train crash is probably one of the craziest scenes due to its level of insanity. And Abrams’ trademark is back with his signature lens flare and shaky camera techniques. He uses them a lot, but don’t worry, you won’t be left nauseating or having glare issues. They worked perfectly and adequately well.

However, I mentioned above that Super 8 is kind of homage of 80’s flick. The lowdown, there’s nothing new from Abrams here, feels like he’s making a some kind of tribute (a proper one, of course) for Spielberg’s magnificent movies back on that 80’s era. All those emotions and experience of watching Jaws, E.T, or Close Encounters are brought back by Abrams. Suffice to say, if there’s anyone who is capable to fit in Spielberg’s shoes, look no more, Abrams is the perfect guy for it.

Super 8 perhaps is not a movie for all viewers, the first half-hour may bore some, and the weak ending may leave you a bit disappointed (like me for one). Abrams successfully builds up the tension and suspense, but pity the paying off doesn’t go well. But for me who have lived through 80’s movies, reminiscing the old era in this modern flick brings some excitement which I haven’t felt in recent Hollywood movies. It’s fresh, something different, and not your ordinary monster movie. Last but not least (not trying to be paedophile), I gotta say, I have a crush on Elle Fanning.

My Review: 8.5/10

Peace was never an option...

Plot:

X-Men First Class takes place around the 60's, set in the middle of Cold War and where racism was common. As both Jew and Holocaust survivor, Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) held a nasty grudge, and tirelessly chasing Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), a former Nazi officer who exploited his mutant power. On the other side, Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) just made a breakthrough in mutant study, and FBI made an approach to him in order to stop mutant-alike threats. Charles found Erik accidentally, and by mutual consent, together they formed a band of mutant people to team up against Shaw and his gang. The cold war culmination toward WW III is in the horizon, and only they can put an end to it.

Review:

X-Men was considered as gambling project back in early 2000, where comic and superhero movies were not money making business. 1st movie was received quife well, while 2nd one was, I must say, one of the best superhero/comic book adaptation. X2 has propelled the notion that superheroes are good for business (after $214 million US box-office). Unfortunately, the legacy was ruined by the disastrous X-Men: The Last Stand and the failure of Wolverine, first of many X-Men: Origins series (and the last one, indeed).

Then, X-Men: First Class came up as the solution on how to fix the whole mutant series. As in Star Trek, Batman, James Bond, and other remake projects, continuation was written off, a fresh new start began. Hopefully, this can clean up the tarnished image and open up new story line.

After 132 minutes (pretty long for this genre), I can only say, WOW!

Amazed, First Class is truly incredible, a top notch execution from Matthew Vaughn, who also did a pretty good job transferring Kick-Ass into the big screen. With Bryan Singer, now as producer, and Sheldon Turner (Up in The Air) developing the story, backed up with scripts from Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz (both did Thor), Jane Goldman (Kick-Ass) and Vaughn himself, X-Men: First Class has a great reboot story line, and magnificent start of something fresh.

As a summer flick, it rocks, and it delivers all the good ingredients: great action, humor, effects and a strong connection between heroes, villains and those developing in between. On the production side, the retro design is suave and making this a period piece gives it a cool and unique flavor, reminds me of Mad Men. Another good plot is that the way it seamlessly integrated with actual Cuban Missile Crisis back in the 60's (using Kennedy's memorable speech was awesome).

But, the true gems is the performance of both Fassbender and McAvoy. Each played his own part brilliantly, Fassbender who always looks menacing and ambitious, while Charles is the naive, light hearted, and the calmer persona (not to mention flirty also). Most of the movie reveals their relationship which started as friends, partners, and mutual coalition, until they explored each other vision, thus opens up the rift and in the end starts the eternal war of soon-to-be Professor X and Magneto. Xavier may not have shown exaggerating power on-screen, but he's cool enough every time he's touching the forehead, while Magneto really shows what he's capable of with all the metals. Not as exquisite as the previous movies, but one particular scene involving a knife was stuck in my mind.

No Wolverine (not yet), Cyclops, Jean Grey on the good side, but we get Raven a.k.a Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), Angel (Zoe Kravitz), Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Banshee (Caleb Landry Jones), Darwin (Armando Munoz), and Havok (Lucas Till). Each mutant possesses raw mutant ability, until Xavier trains them to control it. While on the dark side, we have Emma Frost (January Jones), Azazel (Jason Flemyng) and Riptide (Alex Gonzales). A decent supporting cast, where Lawrence, Hoult, and Jones who gets more screen time and lines. Thanks to the latest CGI technology and the proper and smart use of it, the mutant power is much more better exploited in this flick. Raven's changing shapes and Azazel teleportation is as good as the previous one, while Havok and Basnhee provides something new and cooler.

X-Men: First Class is not just a dazzling flick, but the serious tone and moral message is still relevant. To compile it into a whole package of superhero/comicbook translation shows that the team behind this movie are showing intention that they are not only making big budget crap. An effective reboot, strong script, backed up with powerful performances of the cast, the whole production was first class.

My Review: 9/10

We're in Bangkok?!

The Hangover was truly a game changer in comedy business recently. It was hilarious, a great script complemented with fresh ideas, and of course, those R-rated scenes. A rare film which kept us thinking what is happening in that 'blank timeline', without losing its funny and unpredictable plot. The power of Hangover lies in the trio of Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), and Alan (Zach Galifianakis). Each person comes out its own distinctive character, always come together, and separating it's not an option. $400 million in box-office, a sequel is highly anticipated. 2 years later, the same creator and director, Todd Phillips answers our summer movie wish, but does the new adventure live up the hype?

Unfortunately, Hangover 2 in my opinion is not as great as I have expected before. The same creative team seems like just re-uses and recycles the whole concept from the first one, and put it in Bangkok. To call it lazy sequel perhaps an understatement, but somehow it surely can't escape the repetition fact. But again, if the story changes, they might as well can't keep the 'Hangover' title, could they?

Storyline is the almost remain the same, no further introduction to the characters, since most of them are back.Heather Graham is a big loss, but Jamie Chung is a proper replacement though. Our lovely dentist, Stu is going down to the aisle with his hot girlfriend, Lauren (Chung), and he tries his best to avoid the same disaster couple of years. Wedding party held in Thailand, Alan's utter jealousy toward Teddy, Lauren's brother, father in-law is totally a jerk, all combined as pre-disaster ingredients for havoc. As stupid as it is, the night before the big day just turns out to be another un-recalled memories. (Smart enough, Doug, the missing guy from the first movie, managed to avoid it).

Actually, I kinda like that they move setting into Thailand, and Bangkok in particular. Things of course are less glamourous and messier, including the culture clash (which is heavily exploited). Drugs, monkey courier, Mr. Chow's John Thomas a.k.a dick, transvertite stripper, even monks are put into the mix of this catastrophy R-rated journey. When I mention R-rated, I'm telling you Hangover 2 is pretty close to the limit boundary. Some of Alan's antics and treatment to the old monk is pretty daring, or even insulting. And for those who haven't heard or seen Thai she-male thingy, well, it's learning and knowing time, folks!

Overall, I still enjoy the funny and hilarious moments, which is the main menu. The surprising elements perhaps are a bit predictable, but they still bring out laughters. Chow gets bigger role, and the inclusive of Paul Giamatti as Kingsley, the mob, was spot on. Too bad, the over hyped tattoo artist cameo did not amuse me (from Mel Gibson, Liam Neeson, to Nick Cassavetes, who is he??). Mason Lee is a good addition as the missing Teddy. Again, there's another wasteful cameo in the end, which I won't spoil it here (He should be banned from the next sequel!).

In conclusion, Todd Phillips is basically creating the same thing, except what was fresh and surprising in Las Vegas turns out to be a bit dull and predictable in Bangkok. I don't blame him though, since I think the same recipe proves to be working (it garnered $138 million in first week). Bottom line, did I laugh? Yes surely, although I was hoping a smarter and inspired storyline. In the end, you might still enjoy rewatching previous Hangover over and over again, but that's not the case with the second one.

My Review: 7.0/10

The Return of AWESOMENESS...

Po (Jack Black) is back, with his same old gang, the Furious Five. This time, he has to face not just a much powerful enemy, Shen (Gary Oldman), but also his recurring nightmare and painful memory of his childhood. Nevertheless, he still got the awesomeness and big tummy to fight the any evil kind. It's amazing how such short and simple plot can be developed further into a 90-minutes action animated complete with all those kung fu fighting scenes. The first movie garnered $215 million in box-office, which propelled the studio to release the sequel. Basically it's the same old cast, with many more villains added.

Po is the heart of both movies, full with his antics, 'awesomeness', kinda brainless, but determined to achieve greatness. Frankly, the role is perfectly scripted for Jack Black, who sadly couldn't turn up in other decent roles recently. From the Furious Five, only Tigress (Angelina Jolie) which I felt has been given a much bigger role, as she's involved in many pivotal moments in the movie, while the rest of the entourage are probably good enough with their one liners (I'm looking at you Jackie Chan!). There's some hints here and there showing that the relationship between Po and Tigress may evolve later on. Additional cast such as Danny McBride, Michelle Yeoh, Dennis Haysbert, and even Van Damme provide fresh faces, although I felt the latter didn't add much value (too bad).

The opening sequence was pretty much spot on, revealing the new villain, and the script was quite smart by connecting Po's past and Shen's ambition without us being told blatantly. Well, for all those who are still curious how Po's dad is a damn goose....rest assured, this sequel is the answer for it. And surprisingly the flashback scene is quite touchy in spite the whole movie was made not even close into any kind of serious thing.

On technical side, the animation is superb, a much better improvement, more detail on the fur and lighting rendering. Almost in every scene we are being spoiled with the amazing Chinese landscape renderings and its lush green grass and trees. The whole fantasy ancient China is gorgeously designed. A lot of Chinese tradition and symbolic story telling have been infused altogether, and I like particularly how the 2D scenes are combined to enhance the flashback scenes.

Kung Fu Panda 2 is full action packed which won't leave you too much wandering around, the plot is as simple as an open book, fighting scenes are done well, many of the jokes are hilarious, although I must say, most of them are quite predictable. The final act where the major big brawl happens is a crazy scene, where Shen put all his armies to fight our heroes (I'm kinda wish Oldman would say, "SEND EVERYOOOONEEEE", remember 'Leon'?)

The downside is that the sequel is mere a 'safe project', and I still felt it lacks a bit of originality and fresh ideas compared to the first one. However, I was quite satisfied since the overall quality is close enough with the previous one (I must say the first one was damn awesome!). In a harsher tone, thanks to the 3D animation, this movie perhaps will go directly to DVD without it. It's pretty exciting to see there will be more Po movies in the future, but I really wish they can do a much better sequel with better story line, since I don't think 3rd time is the charm if they are keep using old stuff (remember 'Shrek'?). Nevertheless, it has excellent voice acting, still has the charm. Not top of the notch, but Kung Fu Panda 2 surely won't waste your time.

My Rating: 7.5/10