We are talking about a missile the size of the Chrysler building!

Unstoppable is probably a good example that you don't always have to use guns and shooting scenes with cars blow up or buildings explode to make an action flick. While watching Unstoppable, I can't escape Speed from my head. Well, instead of using bus, it uses a unmanned train. Inspired by a true event back in 2001, a huge train has been loose without any conductor at the speed of 70 miles per hour, carrying explosive liquid, and it is heading to populated area. Meet our heroes of the day, a veteran train conductor, Frank (Denzel Washington) and a rookie under his supervision, Will (Chris Pine). They have to put aside their own differences and family issues, and crazy enough, start to chase the loose train suicidally in order to stop it. Meanwhile, Connie (Rosario Dawson), the yardmaster, has to push lots of ideas (and yell a lot) to help these guys and save the company ass.

Tony Scott is back at his best, perhaps after the revenge vendetta Man on Fire back couple of years ago. I have been admiring some of his works (which mostly action movies) back in the 90's and the last decade, with True Romance, Crimson Tide, Enemy of the State, and Spy Game. But somehow, his recent flicks were kinda boring and so-so. Truthfully, when I saw Denzel's and Scott's names on the poster, I thought...hey, you guys again? Gosh, I'm so bored (remember the mediocre Deja vu and Taking Pelham 1,2,3?). Turns out, Unstoppable proved me wrong, this is an enjoyable adrenaline thrilling ride with good 'not-involving any guns' actions scenes. I always like how Scott handles the camera and his editing works, truly a master class for this kind of genre, something like old school combined with MTV video style. He's very good in building the story and the tension slowly, bit by bit, and by the time it's all loose end, the tension never drops.

Another reason which makes Unstoppable is even much better, is the great chemistry between Denzel and Chris. Denzel has always been Denzel, he can almost fit in to any role, while Chris Pine has been benefited from his previous Captain Kirk role. I guess he's mature enough not to maintain his boyish look and choose lousy rom-com flicks. Rosario Dawson is a also a good addition for the supporting cast (well, you gotta have ONE female character at least). But, again, the main star of this flick is has to be 'the Beast', the huge loose red train. Somehow I think this thing has more screen time than the main actors, and boy oh boy, every time it passes on your screen with that loud noise, it just gave me a chill. Special mention goes to the sound design of the film, which in a proper theatre with good sound system will set the hall rumbling with the sound of the locomotive.

Unstoppable is not just an action flick without heart. It is nice that Tony Scott tries to show that our heroes are just normal human beings, with their own problems. Frank has just lost his wife, with his daughters are working at Hooters, while Will is in the 'separate' period with his wife, and is on the verge on losing the grip of the family. It's nice to see that these ordinary working-class background people are playing down the typical action heroes script, and rose to the occasion to save thousands lives, even their loved ones. Then, after the opening 20 minutes drama built up, 'the Beast' took over the whole scenes. Scott increases the height of intensity by showing the failure attempts of stopping the train over and over again, as an indication that this unmanned train is able to create a big catastrophic disaster unless someone can be a Superman to stop it.

This is a feature work of Scott's brilliancy: good camera work, low ground shots, blur in movement, close-up action, and a very imaginative use of sound and music (this film can be really loud in parts) – are things that really emphasizes the feeling of locomotive power, speed and imminent destruction. I could swear that my seat was shaking as the train speed increased. The near of total no-CGI scenes adds the gritty realism and adrenaline rush, especially with convincing stunts (Chris Pine did all his action scenes, while Denzel has 7 stuntmen). Some people may not enjoy Scott's trademark of shaky cam, but in my opinion, it's an impressive approach, doesn't feel monotonous and stagnant.

It's a good feeling to enjoy this movie, and what a money well spent. In a world where CGI is too overrated and overused, Tony Scott decides to go back to old school with real stunts and real action scenes. No villain, no terrorist, no drugs, no murder, no torture, no naked girls...it's a safe movie for all. Finally, a first worthy successor for Speed.

My Rating: 8.5/10

You call THIS predictable?

I have to say YES for that question...well, at least up till first half of the movie. Megamind is Dreamworks' latest animated movie, and since the Shrek series have been totally running out of ideas, they have been trying to establish new ideas (Kungfu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon were the successful ones, while the rest either they are mediocre, or just decent). Enter Megamind (Will Ferrell), which follows the story of a blue big headed alien, who has been destined to be evil minded since he was a kid, a contradiction with its fellow alien, Metroman (Brad Pitt), who happens to be the famous superhero, guardian of Metro City. Thanks to his genius and determination, the rivalry between good and evil has been the headlines for some time, with the blue side always be the loser one. But then, things change dramatically, when finally he defeats Metroman in the early part of the film, he realizes that without any 'good side', his life has become....meaningless.

The positive thing about Megamind, is that they are trying to be better than Pixar, since I've seen Dreamworks has been trying that. In short, Megamind is a good family movie, brings out positive message to kids, and it's fun, that's all. Sometimes, a good and fun kids' movie, is just a good and fun kids' move, and that's all it needs to be. It's a good thing they don't try to over-complicate things, and with just a plot twist in the middle, it has already delivered some refreshing story afterwards.

Actually, the 1st half of the movie has been summarized just by watching the trailer. In short, it was kinda lame, bit boring, and the lines were not that funny (kinda crispy). 1st half of the movie just justified my opinion, that I dislike Will Ferrell even more. I slept in some parts, and usually, it means the movie was very bad (reminds me of Monster and Aliens). Thankfully, the 2nd half of the movie was able to rescue the earlier horrendous plot (which I won't spoil anything). In my opinion, with a little rewrite, and perhaps some better lines, Megamind can still go far ahead compared to the current version. What I felt is that it has too few characters to show, the city is a bit lifeless, and some of the scenes are quite predictable, but hey, it's a kid's movie after all.

Most of the time, I always feel quite skeptical toward animation movie which uses lots of A-list actors, and this one doesn't escape from that treatment. But luckily, they are the reason what is stopping Megamind from crashing. They are funny, and they deliver their jokes and one-liners convincingly. While Ferrel is already used to this kind of role, Brad Pitt is a surprise addition (he did a pretty good job though), Tina Fey as Roxanne, the journalist and love interest, has the best performance, while Jonah Hill, is being...well...Jonah Hill. It's quite rare to see these A-list actors can somehow bring all their characters with their own textures without the need to let us know something like, "Hey, this is the voice of a famous actor" or whatsoever. The funniest moment comes when Ferrell tried to impersonate a very famous 'Godfather', damn, it he did it smoothly.

The animation was okay, perhaps not a top notch quality, but the final battle scene really pushed up the 3D and make use of it extensively. Somehow the 3D can blend it to the story line without making any distraction. My only complaint is that it takes time for us to get used to see Megamind as a likeable character, since I felt his animation is a bit underwhelming (well, I can't imagine kids want to buy the doll and give him a hug)

In the end, Megamind has the humor, heart, story, some originality and awesomeness. It delivers what it has to deliver, which is entertaining. Although I was very annoyed in the beginning, the end result pays well. I thought it's just another superhero movie, but turns out it's more than that. When it's funny, it's brings lots of laughters, but when it's serious, it shows the heart, so I guess it's a good balance after all. It may have some similarities with Despicable Me, which centers on an arch-villain who sees the error of his ways. Overall, Megamind is snappy good fun.

My Rating : 7.5/10

Drop the "the". Just "Facebook". It's cleaner.

The Social Network, in short, is a scarily good flick, compelling story line, supported by great young actors, and well-directed by David Fincher. Whoever has the idea to make a film about Facebook founders and to reveal all the drama behind in it, really has some guts to do it. Not just because the whole facebook thing is a recent thing, but also will it be painstakingly boring or overlong? I know that Fincher is able to make as good as 'Se7en', or the other way around, boring as 'Zodiac' or 'Benjamin Button'. But turns out he did a nice job for this one, and as far as I can recall, this is his first 'youth' movie, where all the main cast are mostly young people, and the story is something pretty sensitive to be put into the big screen. Nevertheless, in the end I can add 'The Social Network' into my favorite Fincher's movies.

The plot is simple enough, Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius, formulated an idea (not a fresh one, of course) from his dorm room in 2003 and ended up six years later as a global social network which revolutionizes the way we communicate. With Facebook, he has 500 million friends, and becomes the youngest billionaire....but, success apparently comes with a ruined friendship and both personal and legal complications.

The story is being told in in flash back, and since I missed the first 5 minutes, I'm guessing the opening was started in the office room, where all the Mark (Jesse Eisenberg) is being sued by 2 sides, one is his best friend and co-founder, Eduardo (Andrew Garfield), and the other side are the Winklevoss twins (played brilliantly by one guy, Armie Hammer). Each accompanied by their own lawyers, and from there, the story begins on how the Facebook came up as an idea, and ends up being both hits and huge mess among these guys. The opening scene when Mark hacks all the other Harvard houses just to get the chics pics is damn mesmerizing, it's one of the scene that you don't need to understand the narration but it looks damn cool. Computer hacking is always cool when it is translated into the big screen.

One of many reasons why I like Social Network is that there's no 'white guy', everybody is both protagonist and antagonist, everybody is just normal human being, with all the greed and competitive hormone runs in the blood (especially guys). Up to certain time, everyone is guilty, and everyone is right, and in some cases, you really can't pick sides. It's quite scary to see how these kids are put to be in position to where they can pay their own bills and starting to gain huge amount of profit. Again, the long road to success (in their story) requires sacrifices on other parts, such as your friendship.

It's no easy to make this real life story into a movie, but Fincher is genius on putting all those ingredients altogether, and kudos to Aaron Sorkin to create such good script from the book by Ben Mezrich (The Accidental Billionaires), it's not too overlong with boring lines, in fact I enjoy the quick editing of the storyline, especially with its back and forth scenes. Music score by Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails also adds the 'teenage' ambiance, with its techno and quick beat catchy tunes.

From the cast department, Jesse Eisenberg did a nice work on portraying the cold, calculated and determined genius. Mark, I guess this is his best performance so far, after he did similar roles in Adventureland and Zombieland. At least he's very serious in this role, and he's able to land some difficult lines along the way. The rest are mostly newcomers, but the scene stealer is Armie Hammer who plays both twins. He put an amazing performance by playing this two similar face but distinctive character. Don't ask me how Fincher did the CGI thing, but it looks so seamless (Benjamin Button, ring a bell?). Also, the Justin Timberlake addition also provides some interesting scenes (well, he can act, for sure). The film is also a rare showcase of pure acting prowess, and features a very interesting and eclectic cast of young actors stepping out of their comfort zones and delivering some truly phenomenal work. The casting of the film is quite a departure for Fincher, who has enough clout to gather the biggest names working in the business. Instead, he opted to go for a cast of relative unknowns or up-and-comers, and really make stars out of them.

Perhaps it's too literal, but like many people said, this is the movie that defines 'our generation era', or bravely enough, 'the product of our time'. It was, while haunting, truly refreshing and ultimately a triumph in many aspects, whether it be considering the acting, script, or directing. 'The Social Network' is a timeless story of friendship, loyalty, greed and betrayal. But again, it's Hollywood, I'm sure their dramatization of certain scenes is too much, but again, it managed to keep people in their seats.

My Rating : 9/10

I'll see you again. This side or the other...

Whoa, it's been how many months since I watched a good movie (I believe 'Inception' was the last one). The Town is something like a cure and relief potion after all those shitty movies released for the last 2-3 months. It has a unique and good story telling, stellar cast, magnificent sound effect, and great directorial work from Ben Affleck. Watching this flick again reminds me (again) of one of the best heist crime movie 'Heat', back in 1995, which featured Pacino and De Niro.

The story takes place at Charlestown, Boston neighbor town, which is known for producing and generating robbers for many years. Meet Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner from 'Hurt Locker'), Albert 'Gloansy' Magloan (Slain) and Desmond Elden (Owen Burke), 4 young local robbers from blue-collar neighborhood, who just made a big hit on a bank, and took one of the manager, Claire as a hostage momentarily, then released her in a remote place. Afraid of what she would tell the police and FBI, Doug tries to tie up the loose ends, just to make ensure the gang's safety. Eventually, Doug grows feelings for Claire, and she does also, although he already had a relationship with James' sister, Krista (Blake Lively, from 'Gossip Girl'). Ultimately, Doug dreams that he could go away from the town with Claire, and starts a new life. However, the FBI led by Adam Frawley (Joe Hamm from 'Mad Men'), is getting closer and closer to break up the team and eventually caught them red handed. Things are getting more difficult when the head honcho, Fergie (Pete Postlethwaite) insists Doug to take the last job, by threatening him on hurting Claire. In the end, Doug has to make a choice and risking everything, including his dream.

This is Affleck 2nd movie, and man he's showing the world that he's no joke. C'mon, I have to admit that after 'Good Will Hunting', I saw him as a failed actor, and again, imagining him as a director has never crossed my mind, and I believe all of you would think the same way. 'Gone Baby Gone' has acclaimed praises from critics and viewers, and proved to be a nice portfolio for newbie director. 'The Town' is both a Boston-based crime dramas which is touching on most parts yet thrilling at others. It is as if Affleck is able to create a blockbuster action movie or even an Oscar winning drama for his next project, since he's showing both sides in this one. Based on the novel 'Prince of Thieves', by Chuck Hogan, Affleck really focuses on all the details, from the city and its cultures, the Irish imigrants and their backgrounds, even the accents. And most importantly, he's not trying to make a WOW heist movie, where you won't high end technology or gadgets. He makes a 'down to earth feel' crime movie, with lots of heart and emotional aspects. The team may not be as pro as De Niro's team at 'Heat', but you can feel the same essence, how the gang members are close to each other, how Doug try to be a good and tolerant leader and shows some passion, and how each of them has to endure life of being a bank-robber.

The movie starts with a bang, and from the first 15 minutes opening, you'll know this is hard R-rated and serious flick, not cheesy like A-Team or whatsoever. The story is nothing fresh but what keeps it feeling fresh is the brilliant performances that go along with it. All the cast got their own moment to shine, with Affleck is easily the best one, while Lively managed to throw away her stereotype cast from 'Gossip Girl', and Joe Hamm...what can I say, he's the man.

Action scenes wise, are top notch. The chasing scene on the narrow alleys reminds me of 'French Connection', they are perfectly choreographed. While most of the films nowadays glorify action and mindless explosions, 'The Town' shows the tough and gritty realism, especially the ending shootouts. You won't feel excited, you won't say 'whoa cool', but you'll feel the horror and realize that it is a tragedy to be in that kind of position (yeah imagine you're being cornered and shot from all directions). The sound of gun barrels is deafening, and the grenade explosion scene was very very good, I even felt the tension right on that moment. Kudos for the sound editor, they truly brings out the realism in the action scenes.

Memorable scene (spoiler alert): the phone conversation between Doug and Claire where she stands at the window with all police waiting and she gives him the 'sign' that she's under surveillance and he should split. (But i felt this is ripped off from 'Heat', where Val Kilmer's character showed up and try to meet up with Ashley Judd, and she swept her hand to tell him to move away).

I still can't believe Ben Affleck can pull off everything (story, screenplay, direction, starring in a lead role) with such an ease, even he has a six-pack body! 'The Town' is richly rewarding and should be devoured by adult cinemagoers in a sea of mediocre titles at the multiplex. You can laugh, but I had a hunch that Ben Affleck has gone from being the butt of jokes to being the next Clint Eastwood.

My Rating : 9/10

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