I love it when a plan comes together...

Remakes of 80's TV series are the current trend in Hollywood. You may think that the idea stinks, or even lacks of creativity, but it has potentials to get lots of bucks. And apart from it, it's kinda guilty pleasure thing to see a fresh and updated TV series remade into the big screen. In short, the remakes are the reminder of things past.

This year, the A-Team maybe the biggest TV remake you can get. With big stars like Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, and Jessica Biel, it's a mouth watering prospect that this can work well altogether. Joe Carnahan sits at the director seat, and I really like his previous work, 'Narc' back in 2002, and although it looked all around stupid, 'Smoking Aces' had delivered something fresh.

If you were young enough to remember, the A-Team is a story about a band of outlaw mercenaries, ex-Rangers, who were branded as war criminals of a crime they didn't commit. Afterwards, they become soldiers of fortune, acted on the side of good and those who are helpless. The group comprises 4 members, with each has distinguished outlook, skills, ability, and not to mention silly attitude. No plan B and they get the job done.... ridiculously.

Without altering the main concept, the 2010 version is expected to be a big hit, with over the top action scenes (or I can say, brainless) packed within 120 minutes running time. Meet Hannibal (Neeson), Facepack (Cooper), Murdock (Copley), and B.A (UFC winner, 'Rampage' Jackson). After disastrous mission at Iraq to recover money plate, the whole A-Team member was put into trial and ends up in prison. Realizing the whole mission was a setup sprung by other mercenaries, they got helped from FBI agent, Lynch (Patrick Wilson), to escape from prison, and to retrieve back the money plates, before they are going to be used by terrorist countries. A DOD agent, Charisa (Jessica Biel), who has history with Facepack, is given task to track all the A-Team members. Unfortunately, things don't go as smooth as predicted, since they end up with unexpected encounter which reminds them why the were back stabbed in the beginning.

I'm always a big fan of action movies, no matter how brainless it can be sometimes. Most of the times, good action movies tend to follow the era. This fun action reboot brings the quartet of soldier for hire into the digital era, and in a way, Carnahan did a pretty good job since he didn't let technology overcomes personality. To be frank, the story line was predictable, and the only thing that sells is the brainless and sometimes meaningless action scenes. You won't find anything serious, since the Carnahan put the fun tone in every scene. Watching this flick is kinda Ocean's Eleven with big guns and a tank falls down from the sky and shooting airplanes.

'A' is for action, not for acting though. From all the cast, I enjoy every time Murdock comes out, since his lines are pretty funny and laughable. On the other hand, I feel new B.A is kinda like sissy and 'laughable' also (in a wrong way), compared with its predecessor Mr. T. Big body with lesser attitude, doesn't work at all. Neeson is a perfect cast for the team leader, and Cooper is a bit lousy and noisy altogether. And for the hottie, I must say Jessica Biel was cast only for screen refresher (FYI, she's the only female cast), since she didn't do much, where her character most of the time only catch wind and smooch Facepack.

But really, for this kind of movie, the whole package is enough. Although I smell lots of commercialism, the movie turns out to be enjoyable for most part. After watching so many remakes and reboots, the lesson learned is not to take it seriously, and lower down your expectations. Not to be harsh, I see this whole macho fantasia as a disposable fun, a great summer action-comedy, where the Action is the Comedy. Finally, after a dull summer period, the A-Team just ignite the fire with its first action packed thrills of the year. But keep in mind though, it's dumb, noisy and relentlessly violent ... did you expect anything different?

My Rating : 7/10

Put Your Jacket On....

The 1984 Karate Kid has become a cultural icon, and the story line has been used for million times. A kid, bullied, helped by an old guy happened to be karate expert, the kid learn to be tough, entered the tournament, fought his nemesis, and won it...It's like the fairy tales in a modern way, and for teenagers indeed. Back then, it is hard not to like the classic version, where it glorified courage, honor, and of course, getting a hot chick in the most stylish way, showing off the crane kick. Pat Morita, with his role as the notorious Mr. Miyagi, since then has been a iconic figure in Hollywood.

Now, the 2010 Karate Kid basically is using the same old recipe, but instead of karate, they change the setting into China, where the kid learns Kung-Fu. I still find it silly that the movie title was not changed into Kung Fu Kid, since the title and the whole story was totally irrelevant, but this is Hollywood, and I guess this is the way to attract the old 80's generation to watch it. The producers made a bold move to choose Jaden Smith (Will Smith's kid) as the new karate, ups...kung fu kid, not just because he's BLACK (believe me, commonly it's kinda hard for Hollywood to promote black people as an action figure), but also the new character will become much YOUNGER than Ralph Macchio. Another interesting cast selection was Jackie Chan as the kung fu master, since he has been very very poor on choosing the script in Hollywood these days. So, will the new Karate Kid will actually be that good for the new generation? Oh hell yeah...(believe, I didn't even see this coming).

Dre (Jaden Smith), is moving out to China with his mum (Taraji P. Henson). Apparently, cultural shock and a couple of jet lag has made things from bad to worst for Dre's first day in Beijing. His show off attitude toward a cute girl, Mei Ying (Wenwen Han) doesn't make Cheng happy, who happens to be very good in kung fu. Beaten up like a sack, Dre has just started his nightmarish days. Until one day, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) an old mechanic guy, helps him out from being cornered by Cheng's group. Desperately, Dre begs Mr. Han to teach him not just to fight, but importantly, to defend himself. He declined at first, but after failing to make peace with Cheng's master, Han decides make Dre his apprentice, since the kid is challenged to join a kung fu tournament. From there, the story embarks not just on teaching martial arts, but also on how the mentor and the apprentice shares and learns about family and how to move on with life (halfway in the movie, Mr. Han will eventually share his sad story, a bit tear jerker actually). Afterwards, the movie will roll up until the climatic tournament fight...one thing for sure, no crane kick in the end....

Before I went to see this, I believe this must be the worst of summer movies. After How to Train Your Dragon, every movie which came out looked decent, or even worse, and I ended up miss some of them. What a relief to say that this one finally comes out to be different. The positive thing about this one is that The Karate Kid seems to detach itself from the original. Since this remake is so damn good, it feels like a stand-alone title. All the original components are still there, which we rarely see in the past few years.

The cast also gave an a good show, especially Jackie Chan, because I think this is the first time he acts according to his age (read: OLD). His character taps into true emotion and I got to see another side of Chris Tucker‘s Rush Hour sidekick. Jaden Smith still lives under his dad's big name, but by looking his preparation for this flick, I say he does a pretty good job (I mean, learning martial arts isn't supposed to be easy rite?). Some of the his lines were dreadful, some of the jokes were crispy, but for some scenes, he can also show the emotional side. Dre's love interest, played by Wenwen Han also steals some scenes with her cuteness, but still, seeing a black and Chinese kid get along each other (once again) is a brave portrayal by the director.

Another good thing about The Karate Kid is the China scenery, which is portrayed well on showing how Beijing looks like, and also the people activities. I just came back from China couple of weeks ago, and seeing the Beijing landmarks just made me think, "Man, I've been there !". So, for the common viewers, it is also a good chance to see what kind of a city Beijing is.

My only concern is the fighting scenes. The Karate Kid, in my opinion is quite a bit of violence for kids. All the hits and kicks received by the kids made me cringe...Dude, landing on concrete, hard blows to the limbs, and even harsher blows to the face, man...that will make you bleed and won't wake up easily....But then again, this is fictional, so these little actors are taking a licking and keep on ticking. Mums and Dads, be careful not to let your kids do those things at home.

Overall, 2010 Karate Kid is a very satisfying update of the original, a little slow in the middle but the ending has people standing up and clapping. As far as remakes go, it's not the best, but it's definitely a worthy effort and a fine display of Chan and Smith's skills, both as dramatic actors and action ones.

My Rating : 8/10

Happy Father's Day

I was hearing Will Smith's Just The Two of Us yesterday, and just realized that the lyrics are so touching and meaningful...coincides with the Father's Day celebration...to all the great dads...GBU always....

From the first time the doctor placed you in my arms
I knew I'd meet death before I'd let you meet harm
Although questions arose in my mind, would I be man enough?
Against wrong, choose right and be standin up
From the hospital that first night
Took a hour just ta get the carseat in right
People drivin all fast, got me kinda upset
Got you home safe, placed you in your basonette
That night I don't think one wink I slept
As I slipped out my bed, to your crib I crept
Touched your head gently, felt my heart melt
Cause I know I loved you more than life itself
Then to my knees, and I begged the Lord please
Let me be a good daddy, all he needs
Love, knowledge, discipline too
I pledge my life to you

Just the two of us, we can make it if we try
Just the two of us, (Just the two of us)
Just the two of us, building castles in the sky
Just the two of us, you and I

Five years old, bringin comedy
Everytime I look at you I think man, a little me
Just like me
Wait an see gonna be tall
Makes me laugh cause you got your dads ears an all
Sometimes I wonder, what you gonna be
A General, a Doctor, maybe a MC
Haha, I wanna kiss you all the time
But I will test that butt when you cut outta line, trudat
Uh-uh-uh why you do dat?
I try to be a tough dad, but you be makin me laugh
Crazy joy, when I see the eyes of my baby boy
I pledge to you, I will always do
Everything I can
Show you how to be a man
Dignity, integrity, honor an
An I don't mind if you lose, long as you came with it
An you can cry, ain't no shame it it
It didn't work out with me an your mom
But yo, push come to shove
You was conceived in love
So if the world attacks, and you slide off track
Remember one fact, I got your back

It's a full-time job to be a good dad
You got so much more stuff than I had
I gotta study just to keep with the changin times
101 Dalmations on your CD-ROM
See me-I'm
Tryin to pretend I know
On my PC where that CD go
But yo, ain't nuthin promised, one day I'll be gone
Feel the strife, but trust life does go wrong
But just in case
It's my place
To impart
One day some girl's gonna break your heart
And ooh ain't no pain like from the opposite sex
Gonna hurt bad, but don't take it out on the next, son
Throughout life people will make you mad
Disrespect you and treat you bad
Let God deal with the things they do
Cause hate in your heart will consume you too
Always tell the truth, say your prayers
Hold doors, pull out chairs, easy on the swears
You're living proof that dreams do come true
I love you and I'm here for you

Prince of Persia

Let's do some counting...how many good movies were made from video game adaptation? NONE...even titles such as Tomb Raider and Mortal Kombat can only be considered as decent quality. Most of the time, these genres came up with bad and even terrible script, so-so production cost, lame actors, and last but not least, it just doesn't work somehow....remember Super Mario Bros, Wing Commander, Street Fighter, etc....Perhaps, maybe only Final Fantasy VII : Advent Children which i thought the best of them all, followed by the Resident Evil series (although they really should stop making it!). It brings us to the question, what does make Prince of Persia different from the others?

First of all, this is the first time that this genre has a big budget support for the production. The super mega producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, apparently did a gambling when he decided to put his money for funding this movie. Frankly, Prince of Persia : Sands of Time story line is good enough to be translated into big picture, and when I saw the production team behind it....I crossed my fingers that this might be the best adaptation ever. With big names attached such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Kingsley, Gemma Artenton, and even Alfred Molina, I may believe that this one could work.

Once upon a time in the Persian kingdom, a poor little boy from the slum, Dastan, made a good impression in front of the King Sharaman who happened to cross by a city of Nassaf, by running and jumping acrobatically across streets, roofs, and corridor, after he helped another kid being abused by soldiers. Afterwards, Dastan was adopted and became one the princes of the Persia. Fast forward several years, Dastan's grows up amongst royalties and quickly earns his place as mighty warrior and a prince. One day, his step brothers, Garvis and Tus plan to invade a holy city of Alamut, based on accusation that has been supplying weapons to enemies. Taking matter in his own hand, Dastan eventually helped the troops to overtake the city, accidentally retrieves a strange looking dagger, and encounters the beautiful Alamut princess, Tamina. The King was angry with the decision, but nevertheless, he promises to rule the city with generosity. All of sudden, the King dies under strange circumstances, and all evidence leads to Dastan as the murderer. Managed to escape with Tamina, he has to find a way to clear up his name. After a while, he learns many facts from Tamina why Alamut was invaded, and one of them is the dagger in his hand who holds a special power to control time. Together, they embark a journey to stop the evil mind's master plan to seize the ultimate power.

So, was this movie do any good? I must say...both YES and NO....

YES, it works, because it appears with sufficient amount of money, a video game adaptation can receive extra treatments in the art production department. The desert settings in this movie were rendered nicely, and cities, street markets, temple, and palaces, all were made with good production values. Even costumes and weaponry were nicely design, with details and authentic Persian style. The sword fighting scenes are nicely choreographed, and the acrobat jumping and running is kinda rip-off from 'parkour' style, but still entertaining though. Gyllenhaal made a good impression as Dastan, with his beefed up body and English accent, I have to say, he truly has that kind of charisma of action icon.

On the other hand, I can also say....NO, it doesn't work, because once again, the script was lousy and in some parts, the lines were so ridiculous, especially Tamina's part, they are incredibly unconvincing and flat. It appears they put Gemma Arterton just for eye catcher (no offense there, I still found she's also incredibly hot). The sword fighting scenes were cool enough for starters, but after so many numerous repetitions, the fighting scenes became dull. Lucky enough, the Hassasins jumped into the scenes with their unique, cool, but over the top weaponry, replacing swords.

Overall, Prince of Persia is no more than a video game rip-off with better cast and adequate entertainment value. Storyline was so-so, but the ending was quite satisfying. I must say, this maybe the best of all previous video game adaptations. But I can't help to compare this flick with Pirates of Caribbean, just without the eccentric Jack Sparrow. This shows that with enough budget and good cast, a video game translated into a big screen doesn't have to be disastrous. Now, bring it on MASS EFFECT or GOD OF WAR !

My Rating : 6.5/10