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July, 2012
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2012-07-08 22:58
A very Scottish movie... OK, I could have something more substantial to say. The visuals are spectacular, and oh, I love redheads.
0.3 June, 2012
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2012-06-10 20:59
Now I generally shy away from splatter gore movies, but Alien has a unique sense of horror and mystique about it. Prometheus is not dissimilar. It raises ambitious questions, but it falls short on answering them. If anything it only causes more wonder. Perhaps this is deliberate. Either way, I was inexorably absorbed into this film, and I'm still thinking about it now, which is rare as movies go for me.
0.3 April, 2012
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2012-04-28 22:48
A portrayal of the enduring love between Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband, Michael Aris. There's a lot that I didn't know about their relationship and their family, so this was fascinating to explore. Still baffles me a tad that Luc Besson would direct a movie that seems so grounded, though this is still a story of incredible resilience and human spirit.
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2012-04-26 22:42
Why can't all the superhero movies be this fun and fantastic, and just that bit nuanced?
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2012-04-22 22:37
A simple plot really, based on a play. Rachel Weisz completely engaged me with her earnest and vulnerable character, Hester, married but deeply in love with another man, but finding that love isn't enough. Tom Hiddleston is quite the vapid charmer. Just wasn't sure what the film was meant to say, if anything.
0.3 March, 2012
January, 2012
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2012-01-25 00:53
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
A very satisfying sequel to the first Sherlock Holmes film. Fantastic cast, moody cinematography with a real saucy punch and a formidable villain make the movie an irresistible treat for Victoriana and detective buffs like me.
0.3 -
2012-01-05 23:26
Loved the manga, loved the anime, did not like the movie. Except for Isabella.
0.3 December, 2011
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2011-12-31 21:18
Yet another pretentious pseudo-intellectual arthouse concoction stuffed with A-list actors? Or a visceral fantastical story about the end of the world and the collapse of all feeling and sense? I still don't know. But what a way to end the 2011 year in film. Also who in their right mind would reject Alexander Skarsgard's advances? SERIOUSLY. End of the world indeed.
0.3 -
2011-12-28 21:44
Saw this in Shanghai Grand Cinema. It's a stunning historical epic about "two brothers contending for supremacy during the fall of the Qin Dynasty". I have virtually no fore-knowledge about this history so it was hard for me to stay focussed when the dialogue was often laced with ancient idioms and philosophy. But it sure is pretty.
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2011-12-26 12:56
At uni for a film elective I watched about ten minutes of this (the coronation scene) for its sumptuous set and costume design. That was like three years ago, and I've now finished it. And it is indeed epic and gloriously wonderful to look at. More amazingly this was actually filmed in China's Forbidden City, the first Western production allowed in since the founding of the People's Republic of China, so no fake sets here. This was arguably China's lowest period in history – the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, and the introduction to Communism, not to mention a number of foreign invasions; it's humiliating to reflect on now. The political intrigue was both painful and fascinating. What's most interesting is seeing the transformation of a spoilt, self-indulgent deluded little boy growing up to eventually be crushed into serving the new order. The man couldn't even tie his shoelaces when he finally went to detention for correction. He ended up living a humble life in Beijing as a gardener. A worthwhile viewing experience, even if it's just once in your life.
0.3 November, 2011
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2011-11-23 21:42
Was real shit... Nah, OK, Hugh Jackman's hotness compensated a bit but not much. I can't believe the original source (the novel) was that simplistic! A good mindless popcorn movie nonetheless.
0.3 October, 2011
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2011-10-21 21:13
Beautifully shot film about the gut-wrenching and tumultuous consequences of lives left to grieve and endure a loss that cannot be explained. I have not read the book so I found a lot of the scenes to be abrupt, but riddled with visual symbolism.
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2011-10-19 14:09
This deceptive narrative seemed to progress slowly but I was hooked by the subtle performances from all—every player at full attention. Some questions still need answering but they were tantalisingly teased out that you still get the picture, and what a murky, cold and sinister one it is. Also, I swear, Ewan McGregor is almost always nude in his films...
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2011-10-18 23:23
A very fun and enjoyable comedy/thriller romp, starring the delectable Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren – a very interesting pairing I have to say.
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2011-10-12 16:13
It's a pretty sad sign of the times that this film is still so relevant to contemporary society. Bright Victory is years ahead of itself in self-awareness, and tackling those touchy issues of race and inequality, as well as the devastating effects of war on soldiers. Sergeant Larry Nevins' blindness is obviously a metaphor for his narrow views, and it's just so nice to see him transform into a less cocky, more confident and more open-minded person.
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2011-10-12 01:19
One of the best noir thrillers I've seen, starring the absolutely gorgeous Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews. I just wish there'd been more of them.
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2011-10-09 23:24
A brilliant, ambitious piece of cinema by the mystifying director, Terence Malick. It's visceral and disjointed, self-indulgent to the brim, and let's face it, bloody confusing, but it's just so damn beautiful that I cannot keep my eyes off it. Some kind of metaphor for the wonders of life, perhaps. The soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat, is a key highlight.
0.3 September, 2011
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2011-09-17 19:21Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)
Enjoyable flick, with some beautiful action sequences and great voicework from the DCU legends. Batman provides some curiously bright comic relief.
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2011-09-14 20:46
Saw this as part of the 2011 Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) which for the first time was also hosted in Melbourne. The synopsis reads: "the movie is about a dysfunctional family, each and every member with mental problems of his own. On top of that some old skeletons from the closet come back to haunt them." That's putting it mildly, but the antics of Shim and her bizarre yet somehow familiar family members are hilarious, with the objects and music soundtrack becoming quirky characters themselves. Thoroughly enjoyable.
0.3 August, 2011
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2011-08-23 20:57
Jane Eyre is one of my favourite stories, despite my not actually liking the character in particular. I thought the last BBC adaptation was near perfect so how could yet another adaptation add anything better? What I find curious is what the screenwriter chooses to include, change and omit from the origin. I have to say this film did quite well, given the limited screen time. Michael Fassbender's doing extremely well for himself now, so it's marvellous to see him in such varied roles. At least he can now boast of the privilege of playing an emotionally tortured man, dressed in breeches and cravat. He and Mia Wasikowska while initially a little awkward at the beginning, start to assume great chemistry by the second act which is absolutely essential, and what makes for such compelling viewing. The cinematography is lush, subdued and vivid, with a haunting score by Dario Marianelli, who is no stranger to the English pastoral landscape (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement).
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2011-08-06 14:00
I've been having an Alexandre Desplat movie marathon. Birth is his Hollywood debut, and you can already see the impact he will have on Tinseltown. It's one of my favourite soundtracks. Pity I couldn't say the same of the movie itself. Though Nicole Kidman is in her element as a widow struggling to deal with the idea of a boy claiming to be her reincarnated husband. There's a mesmerising take where the camera unrelentingly focuses on her face as she confronts said revelation in a theatre with her fiancé – clearly the highlight of the entire film.
0.3 July, 2011
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2011-07-19 23:24
"A French actress filming an anti-war film in Hiroshima has an affair with a married Japanese architect as they share their differing perspectives on war." It's beautifully shot. Emmanuelle Riva and Eiji Okada have mesmerising stage presence, their turmoil and intensity palpable. The entire film is made up of conversations which lends deeper intimacy, terror and nuance to the narrative.
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2011-07-13 09:00Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two (2011)
I had immense expectations after seeing the teaser trailer for Part Two. I just could not help it, knowing full well I'd likely be disappointed. The thing is, I couldn't be disappointed. "It all ends." I don't think I can articulate how much I've loved growing up with the Harry Potter books and movies. The closing chapter of the film series signifies the end of an era for many fans. Of course, as JK Rowling so fondly said, "Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."
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2011-07-06 22:54Ghost: In Your Arms Again (2010)
0.3
The most loltastic adaptation of a Hollywood film I have ever seen. It's a Japanese remake but features the delectable Korean actor, Song Seung-heon as the sensitive potter left behind in the mortal world. The film follows the original plot to the nth degree. They even chucked in a mediocre cover of Unchained Melody and the cheesy sensual pottery scene. I still got some good laughs out of this – whether intentionally or not. The psychic is priceless here, more so than Whoopi Goldberg ever could be.
June, 2011
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2011-06-12 22:44
0.3
I've not read the comic arc so I came into this with objective eyes, not that I'm much of a fan of Jason Todd, but it's always fascinating to explore the moral complexes of Bruce and his proteges. -
2011-06-12 19:00Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008)
0.3
I only watched the first twenty minutes or so a couple of years ago (and never the English dub, though North America tends to be getting better at it), but I got the DVD recently and knew I'd better sit down and watch this properly. The story isn't quite deep (pun not intended), but it's so gorgeously visualised that it simply takes on a life of its own, with all its strange and exuberant twists and turns, in true Miyazaki form. Joe Hisaishi has also outdone himself with the music score. It's breathtaking, magical stuff, quite a feat considering how amazing his previous scores have been. I think it's my favourite one now. -
2011-06-10 21:00
0.3
First heard about this film last year at the agIdeas international design forum when the co-director/designer, Javier Mariscal, spoke about Chico y Rita. It looked so atmospheric and sensual and the emphasis on the Cuban/Anglo-American jazz scene called to me like a smoky voiced siren. The reality of the film experience was less seductive – visually and aurally Chico y Rita is a delight, but the love story of purportedly star-crossed lovers was unconvincing. Maybe it's just a Latin thing? The political climate of Cuba is only superficially touched upon, so the weak love story didn't really give the film much substance. -
2011-06-07 14:19
0.3
The success of the X-Men film franchise dissipated with every passing sequel, but it's been revitalised in this prequel, with an entirely too stellar a cast for something like this. That said, it had all the ingredients of an enjoyable, engaging popcorn movie. Some fantastic chemistry between the leads James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender (which frankly is the only thing that matters, all things considered). -
2011-06-04 19:30
0.3
I saw this on the big screen at the Astor which was pretty damn cool. Everyone should see this classic on the big one!
April, 2011
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2011-04-30 13:44
0.3
The moment I saw those teaser posters I was apprehensive. Scott Snyder excels at intense action-packed spectacles, and certainly the anachronistic aesthetic and (some of) the cast appealed to me, but ultimately I was less disappointed than I was appalled by the silly message in this film, and the blatant objectification of the girls who, for all their empowerment in dreams, are still helpless in reality. I have a longer rant on my Tumblr.
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2011-04-19 13:41
0.3
Earlier this month I saw Nick Frost and Simon Pegg at Supanova Expo – they were promoting their new comedy film, "Paul". And it really is a geeky, absurd, hilarious little gem. One for the sci-fi geeks, whipped up with classic eccentrically British charm. March, 2011
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2011-03-09 20:50
0.3
A flight of fantasy! Starring the very "sassy" Gianna Jun and dopey Hyuk Jang this film is a bright romantic film with Shakespearean tragedy and comedy. It started to drag by the end but I still enjoyed the magical quality of it. I guess you can say it's a superior and far less insipid version of "P.S. I Love You". Also, the soundtrack is FANTASTIC. I love it to bits
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2011-03-02 20:43
0.3
Don't really know what to make of this film at all. There seemed to be no purpose. The year is 2080, and humans and cyborgs can now merge souls. A disillusioned army officer tries to save his cyborg girlfriend's life, while trying to find and destroy an even deadlier cyborg foe. The premise seemed intriguing enough but I failed to emotionally connect with the characters. Natural City makes blatant references to Blade Runner and other dystopian film but there are some beautiful visual backdrops and designs, if anything.
February, 2011
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2011-02-25 18:02
0.3
I didn't exactly know what to expect coming into this film. The two protagonists' back stories seemed too disjointed to somehow make a connection (she is a part time uni lecturer booted out because she gets found out having an affair with her colleague, and he is a train driver/conductor taking time off owing to a tragic circumstance beyond his control), but a connection they made at the last stop of the train line, and two bitterly lonely souls find some comfort in each other. I don't particularly like using the word bittersweet to describe things but it just fits into this context. The time they actually spend with each other is so short, but it sends a nice message of finding solace in even the coldest and most isolated places. -
2011-02-21 13:41
0.3
This is a difficult film to watch, not because it's terrible (it's brilliant) but it emanates a palpable sense of time and grief that is at once familiar and jarring. Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart portray the married suburban couple, struggling to handle the aftermath of their four year old son's accidental death, with confronting and painful realism. And it's not just their relationship that's affected but everything and everyone they know by association. Held together with a strong supporting cast, subtle photography and an intelligent script, this is a worthwhile film if you like a raw, emotionally investing story. -
2011-02-12 17:42Temptation of Eve: Angel (2007)
0.3
This is the first of four films, under the title "Temptation/Seduction of Eve". All the plots follow a similar erotic noir thriller line, in the same wavelength as "Fatal Attraction" or "Basic Instinct", but unfortunately, there is really little of that genuine urgency and intrigue in Angel. A plastic surgeon returns from her rendezvous with her lover to find her husband dead on their bed. A detective is put to the case, and he finds himself intrigued by and attracted to the seemingly cold woman. Once she's off the hook in the list of suspects, their relationship can flourish. Or can it? The murder plot becomes incredulous, though I was a bit surprised at how far it went, but as "erotic" and "thrills" go, this is actually pretty tame, even for Korean standards. -
2011-02-11 17:10
0.3
This is supposedly one of those stories where there's a grounding sense of realism. No happy endings, but no horrific climaxes either. In short, Hee-su is penniless and jobless and approaches her ex-boyfriend, Byeon-woon to collect money he owes her. What ensues is a journey (mainly by car) in which Byeon-woon wins over acquaintances, ex-lovers and friends to get back some money from each of them. I loved watching the awkwardness between all the characters Hee-su and Byeon-woon encounter on their road trip (that actually only lasts a day) and seeing them reveal a little more of themselves. Hee-su I found really hard to sympathise with though, but the turnaround by the end of the film makes up for her stoic coldness. Overall I couldn't say that I was fully engaged with this film, but it's certainly different and has that melancholic and bittersweet tone to it that appeals to me. January, 2011
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2011-01-24 17:23Angélique, marquise des anges (1964)
I guess I'm a sucker for those Beauty and the Beast stories, and this film doesn't disappoint in the romance department, but for all of that it was quite excruciating to watch sometimes, for the sheer helplessness and insipidity that is Angelique. Poor thing.
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2011-01-18 11:40
0.3
Disney returns to the enchanted world of kingdoms and evil villainesses in this charming re-spun tale (hey, I had to use a pun, okay) of the original Rapunzel story by the Brothers Grimm. With less grimness and more girlishness, of course. And plenty of smouldering. Mandy Moore has really improved her vocals! And pretty much like every other 5 year old, or perhaps every other human with dominant x-chromosomes, I was taken by the swashbuckling Errol Flynn inspired hero, Flynn Rider (Disney wins at originality). The lush animation and designs are beautiful—I got a glimpse of this at the ACMI exhibition— and the songs, while unspectacular, are well performed and sweet. (Clearly I am not the target audience.) -
2011-01-14 01:00
0.3
I've owned the popular books for a while (which I still haven't read, incidentally), but I stumbled upon this film perchance, and thought I'd watch it. Imagining it to be a frivolous French romp, I was surprised and impressed with the scope of the production. Story-wise I really can't judge, but it seems much of the novel's richness is lost. Set in the time of King Louis XIV in the Court of Versailles, visually this period piece is a delight.
Michèle Mercier is quite the siren as Angélique, pining after her (first) dead husband who was killed in the war. She acts as the King's ambassador to Persia (and is pursued by the Prince there) while waylaying Louis XIV's advances. But jealous eyes are watching, and Angélique finds herself in constant mortal peril!
This is a continuation of the first two Angélique films, so it's best to watch them in order. I'll have to back track now, though I hear the latter two films aren't worth much. December, 2010
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2010-12-27 00:00
0.3
A great friendship is forged between the unlikeliest of people. Colin Firth radiates as the Duke of Windsor, "Bertie", (later superceding his scandalous brother to become King George VI) who has a debilitating stammer. Geoffrey Rush is Firth's perfect complement as outlandish larrakin Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue. Co-stars Helena Bonham-Carter, Guy Pearce and Jennifer Ehle. Thoroughly enjoyable.
List generated by WP Movie Ratings.