Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows: Exclusive Movie Review

Guy Ritchie's take on the super sleuth is one to be amazed at. Sure, its not what purists were expecting (Go for your BBC UK's Sherlock please. That's a WHOLE LOT MORE AWESOME), but it still delivered. So a sequel was greenlit, but sadly, it does not give the awe inspiring awesomeness seen in the first.

Sherlock is back again investigating a case, that does not seem slightly related. As he escorts Dr. Watson to his wedding, he finally gets to confront Professor James Moriarty, arch nemesis and also as brilliant as Sherlock. But what Sherlock has not discovered yet, is he is about to play a very dangerous game, that Moriarty has already seemed to have won. Will he crack the case?

Its not surprising how the actor's were doing, especially Jared Harris this time. RDJ and Jude Law were their usual selves, but the big inclusion is obviously Moriarty. Now, some may love Jared's rendition, but I have a hunch that some may hate, due to lack of clarity in his stance and motives. But I personally would say that Jared nailed Moriarty as an amoral character who's aim are a lot more devious than one would expect.

The setpieces and scenes were okay, but closer to ho hum. Even the mental prediction fights were actually tamed (SPOILER: Except for the final one of course) and the action a little less milder. Sure, it felt that Guy Ritchie was doing things bigger. But I'd say that it lacks the flare that was present in the first.

Dialogue and score delivers. But there's just nothing to be vowed from. Its purely just simple popcorn entertainment that you have free time to spare.

Should you watch? If you like the first, sure. But don't come expecting to be wowed like before. If you haven't watch it, the good news is that you don't need the first to watch it. You already know who Sherlock is and how he is as told by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Kyo's Score: 7/10. MI 4 was more breath taking, even though I love Sherlock dearly.

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol: IMAX Review

There is something wonderful in this poster. For most, they know its classic fuse being lighten up and is a tradition in Mission Impossible. For some, they'll notice its the Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the World currently. And I think it pays off. And it pays off well.

Ethan Hunt is back, on a mission that went totally haywire. Without giving too much away, after a mission that went wrong in the Kremlin, the US President initiated Ghost Protocol, with the IMF being disavowed. Without choice, the Secretary of Defense provides them with a potentially final mission to save the world again. With no back up, no extraction, no other support, they have no choice but to end some insane lunatic from ending the world.

Remember how it felt watching Rambo 2? By all accounts, everyone can agree its a fantastic Rambo movie. The making of an icon. Ethan Hunt is in the same league, although a little scrawnier. But of all the MI movies, this is what basically the Rambo 2 is to the whole series. Well, that is if God willing, there's another one coming up that can best this one.

The cast selection was good. You've got usual Tom Cruise. But the main stars now seem to be Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner (Who I now have absolute faith he can pull off Hawkeye). Paula Patton provides eye candy, but sadly has so little powerful moments. Anil Kapoor is a huge waste and his character shouldn't have been so. He may be a playboy, but he really needs some suave. Michael Nyqvist is a good antagonist on my account. I can understand the motivation of his character (even though the world would say his development is unnecessary). Such few lines and I can understand what he meant.

But the real winner is actually Brad Bird's direction. Class, style and finesse is truly delivered in every shot and every scene. He knew MI was getting too serious (Philip Seymour Hoffman was a big serious problem), and then came Simon Pegg being goofy, with Jeremy Renner complimenting his funny side further (that's not saying Jeremy doesn't have his moments, because his worked as well). We're thrown into Russia, Dubai (Burj Khalifa scene being the best), and Mumbai in the end.

Each set piece is well executed. And enhanced even better in IMAX. There's no doubt this should be watched in IMAX. The sound, the scenes (FULL WIDESCREEN AWESOMENESS!!!), the feel really gets you jumping. I kept cursing Brad Bird because of the scenes he took in IMAX for the Kremlin, Burj Khalifa, and even in the last scene in Mumbai.

Script is a winning formula with Simon Pegg helping deliver the laughs. The score is classic and wonderful (I would've preferred the one used in the trailer, due to its slower nature). And I have nothing else to tell you except to GO AND WATCH THE DAMN FILM IN IMAX!!!!

Kyo's Score: 9.5/10. If only I saw The A-Team in IMAX. :p

The IMAX Hall at TGV Sunway: Special Review

Since I wrote a nice piece on this and Blogger decided to become a bitch, here's how I felt in Short.

Con (The only one)
Its the smallest IMAX theatre TGV could afford. You're not getting the 5 storey screen treatment, but its still IMAX in every way possible.

THE PROS!!!!
Screen
-You may be able to notice the cropping when its in 35mm and in IMAX. But since the hall was small, the adjustment was barely notable.

Sound System
-TRULY AMAZING. My heart is pounding at every single IMAX scene that MI4 had. The sound delivers!!!

The seating
-Comfy and very spacious in terms of leg room.

The price
-Not bad at RM 22. Was expecting it to be RM 25 to 30. But the price makes it feel affordable and worth it.

My verdict
-The hall is an affordable Gold Class at GSC, and much better too. You're getting good value still as the screen is really in your face.

Recommendations
-BIGGER HALL PLEASE! And GSC, you know now what to do. So BRING IT!!!!

50/50: Movie Review

Besi Sebenar: Movie Reviews

Fun fun fun. If you're reminded of Rebecca Black, stop it. But if you want some real fun, Real Steel. Of course, its not a perfect movie, but it does the job of taking 127 minutes of your life for a fun filled ride.

Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) is close a title shot in boxing. Too bad however, that the people felt boxing wasn't made for humans anymore. So they invented robot boxing. It left Charlie looking like a horrible gambler. Enter Max Kenton (Dakota Goyo), Charlie's illegitimate son that he has to take care after the mother passed away. A chance encounter Max's very own robot, Atom and these two begin a journey of not only cool hard cash, but cheesy fatherly hood bonding.

Lets get the weak out. We have a cheesy and corny script. We have an imbalance in pacing. And we have textbook rip offs of other movies like Rocky. And some of the actors are just not meant to be there.

The good part however, is pretty awesome. You're rewarded with good performances by Hugh and Dakota. The action is top notch, but ends at a sour note when the audience would've expected a more wonderful ending (This you must bear in mind, is coming from the Boxing Consultant, Sugar Ray Leonard). The soundtrack is blasting in your ears and fits. The script while cheesy, is intentionally done so. You can't look away but still laugh at what was being mentioned. Also, nice touches to the sets, the costumes, and even the robot animations too. This I give kudos to.

This is a movie where you can just lay down and have fun with. Nothing would spoil your mood out of it. And we love a good boxing match really. This serves well. 127 minutes of good fun that you can really enjoy.

Kyo's Score: 7/10. Some fun movies don't need high scores or mindbending scenes for it to be successful. It just has to be fun. :D

Warrior: Movie Review

In life, we're cast on simple facts of surviving. We go to work daily, try to eat balanced meals, and live for another day again and again. But there are some of us who resort to fighting the demons kept within ourselves and the demons that we face with. That is how Warrior sets itself. And the fights, literally and figuratively, is damn good to boot.

Warrior centers on 3 people, Paddy Conlon (Nick Nolte), Tommy Rheardon/Conlon (Tom Hardy) and Brandon Conlon (Joel Edgerton). They were all from a broken family with Paddy being drunk most of the time and never really the dad that Tommy and Brandon needed. Fast forward to the future, Brandon seems most successful when he had ran way from the broken family and made on his own as a Physics teacher. Tommy ran away with his mother and ended up as a Marines officer while Paddy sought to stop his drinking problems. But they all had something to fight for.

Brandon was quickly losing his house, Paddy repented and wanted his sons back, and Tommy's intentions of joining Sparta, a winner takes all fighting tournament remains a mystery (that is until closer to the middle of the story). As Brandon knew fighting was the only to keep things afloat, even he joined Sparta to end his debts. The question is, who emerges as the real winner?

The story is truly magnificent. I have never seen a fight movie so good since...Fearless. And that was damn good in its action setpiece (but weak in story telling). The story does not make you root for 1 character, because everyone has their good and bads, so you had to choose in a way or just let the wonders of the story unfold. The script benefits a whole lot and helps convey the emotion much more precise.

But the real winners were the actors. All 3 were spectacular and there was no doubt that they truly can move you. They may not win any Oscars, but damn this movie deserves a nomination for best picture.

Soundtrack does its job but sincerely you can't care much. There's quite a number of references to certain people in UFC and also the MMA circuits that they all do their jobs in striking fear.

You may think you're getting a typical ending, but I can say its perfect. Just enough and answers the questions you need and the loose ends wonderfully.

While this movie may only be available at Mid Valley and Sabah, please do not waste any moments and just watch it. You'll be thrilled, unless you hate long winded dramas like one guy I know who snored at theater. have fun!

X-Men: First Class: Movie Review

The world greeted a live action movie of the X-Men in the year 2000. Done by Bryan Singer, it was a great start to a franchise, which slowly diverted and became more Hollywood eccentric rather than Comic Lore eccentric (Wolverine having more spotlight than Cyclops. Cyclops is the leader dammit, not some deranged emo idiot). Then came news of the Origin series, and was to be about Wolverine and Magneto, much to fanboy's delight. The Wolverine part did well, although it was not rightly done. The Magneto one, never came to light, but it came in this one done beautifully by Matthew Vaughn of Kick-Ass fame. I choose this poster specifically because I wanted the cast in. Its definitely not all, but a lot of them.

And clearly, they and the movie do not disappoint.

First Class is basically the origins of Magneto and Professor X. In fact, to do these 2 justice, would be to call them Erik Lensherr and Charles Francis Xavier. Wonderfully done and executed by Michael Fassbender (His proficiency in language is FANTASTIC) and James McAvoy (Who knew this talented young chap of Wanted fame can pull of a super charming Xavier?), the two met under circumstances of knowing that a new evolution in human mutation has begun. One is capable of manipulation of magnetism while the other a telepath, began their friendship hunting for one common enemy, Sebastian Shaw (Its Kevin Bacon. KEVIN BACON), who intends to ignite World War III. And who knew that Raven Darkholme /Mystique was actually the adopted sister to Charles? Together, Erik and Charles recruit the earliest of mutants in the world and began a war that will be ensued between mutants, forever.

So I made my points clear, James McAvoy, Erik Lensherr, Kevin Bacon, the cast are all good and wonderfully done, except for January Jones. Then again, I can live with her since she's mainly there for eye candy. The script is brilliantly written and you'll know its Matthew Vaughn's writing when you get to the scenes (he loves to make you question yourself, A WHOLE LOT). The shots were even nicely done. Amazed that its not Bill Pope doing it (my fave Director of Photography). The score is wonderfully matched. Perhaps the only minor gripe I have in seeking this movie's perfection is that it should have ended with the X-men cartoon theme song. haha.

But the most surprising part, was actually the story itself. We all know where this is going. We all knew what would happen and we all knew what would be the start of the first X-Men story. And still its good. It is still wonderfully told. But perhaps the real highlight is how fun it is to see Charles and Erik come together as friends. And they are truly friends who stood by each other's side. But as we all know, the choice that both of them made, will be bitter to each other. In fact, it is actually to place pain in one another. Both were in actuality seeking to unite the mutant faction, and to be capable of living in peace, Neandarthals (The only reason I'm calling us humans this is only because we are incapable of accepting Mutants living among us) and humans. But Magneto realizes that humans will never be capable of accepting mutants alike, thus a new war is waged.

Perhaps what we have loved so much is to see our beloved X-men come into action, but the morality questions eludes us. Magneto doesn't want this war. He just wants to be accepted as another person, even if he's a mutant, while Xavier has always sought for mutants to accept humanity, a mistake which he could not teach Magneto soon enough.

The real weakest point I believe, in this whole movie, is that it will be made into sequels, whether or not Matt Vaughn will be apart of it. How I see it, it should just stay as it is. But I may be proven wrong, as how The Dark Knight was made.

You'll laugh, and maybe cry, but truly you would be leaving the cinema smiling. Having Hugh and Rebecca even gives an extra edge to the whole movie. Truly, this was a delight.

Kyo's Score: 9.5/10.

Rango: Movie Review

This is one awesome little lizard. When wanting to die he cheated death. When trying to be an actor, he ends up being something bigger and larger than life. That's the story of the lizard who calls himself... Rango...

Rango is a pet lizard who, sadly, after a car had ran over a tenggiling (i can't remember the english name. :P) was cast out in the dessert which the location I shall not name. After the tenggiling asked it to go to Dirt, a town for animals. Ok correction, a Western town, he ends up being the local sheriff, not knowing any clue whatsoever to be one. He is however, an actor, and believes he can be anything. But there is a conspiracy going on, and our hero is about to get more than he just bargained for.

Being voiced by Johnny Depp, Rango hits the right places everywhere. Not too cocky and not too shabby either, Depp does wonders for Rango. Sadly though, there are just moments when I think Depp isn't doing enough. The rest cast however did just ok though.

But the real charm is not the VAs. Rather, its the direction and the story that was beautifully told. Perhaps at some points its cliched and the movie was meant for kids (It came from Nicklodeon). But all that Gore Verbinski did was none of that. It felt quite matured even. The values and the morals to be taught to all of us, and not just kids. Kids wouldn't get bored because of its fast pace and people would be thrilled and cheering for Rango.

So from a passable script to a wonderful direction, don't give this a miss. The score plays out well and you would feel satisfied of the story. But it might be a shame if the movie wants to have a sequel later, since it is done just fine.

Kyo's Score: 8.5/10. A surprising fun time. It really was.

True Grit: Movie Review

I like the gunshot on the poster. It somehow looks cool and fitting to the poster. Its more like a throwback to the old days where Western posters would just be something so simple. And wanted posters are even worst. But regardless of the posters you see, True Grit is something you must see. Especially with its breathtaking shots.

The story begins with Mattie Ross (An amazing Hailee Steinfeld) handling the funeral of his father. Knowing the murderer, she goes to Marshall Rooster Cogburn (A well done Jeff Bridges) in search of Tom Chaney (Totally underutilized Josh Brolin). Along the way, they were met with a Texas Ranger of Lebouf (Matt Damon) and the three set to find a little girl's revenge.

Does the story sound basic to you? Cliche? Well, it could be since its a remake of the original True Grit also of the same story. But is it satisfying? Thanks to the Jeff and Hailee, hell yes. Hailee steals every scene available and you will marvel at her with the fact that she's so young and so matured for her role (She's 14 when she shot the movie).

The script and the shots were even something that I couldn't expect to be such a miracle either. Witty and beautiful, great combo. Score wasn't that mesmerizing or memorable sadly.

But the lowest point is seeing how Matt Damon came out as average and Josh Brolin was totally underutilized for his role. Its like he could have done something else better instead though.

I think I would have said as much as I need already. Stop my reading and go!

Kyo's Score: 9/10. Good old Westerns always excite me. :D

The King's Speech: Movie Review

Ah... What a great feeling to know The King's Speech is totally uncensored and totally given a chance to be aired in Malaysia. And even better to know it won the Oscar for Best Picture. That's certainly something. And nonetheless, the award is deserving. :D

Before he was King George 6th (A well deserved win for Colin Firth), he was the Duke of York. Before he even was the Duke of York, he was, a stammer. A very bad stammer. And imagine the fact that a King would stammer when giving his speech. Actually, I'm even surprised he has a wife (A very lovely Helena Bonham Carter). But due to this, he went into so much of professional help, but to no avail, until, came Lionel Logue (A wonderfully constructed Captain Barbossa and totally mesmerizing. Its Geoffrey Rush lah). Not only did Logue managed to make Bertie (King George's real name of Albert) to forget he had stammer problems, Logue was even knighted for his help to the King. This, is his journey to the speech he will deliver during the War against Hitler.

And what a wonderful journey it is. Delivered in such finesse (I still think Darren should win best Director though) and charm that makes you feel at home. The moment you see the Duke of York stammer you can understand that it felt so real, everyone was not confident of him at all. All thanks to the marvelous Colin Firth portraying how stammering is such an issue, not only to a king, but even to a common man.

The script is so witty that it is really on par with The Social Network. So both won no doubt. The cinematography is at times however, hit and miss. The reason being that most shots want you to know that the characters are thinking of something (Placed on far left or right), but some are ruined by over close up.

And I think that's the only flaw of the whole movie. Not only does it presents a witty script, it is accompanied by a simple yet truly lovely score that warms your heart. Everyone played a lovely role and it makes for a fitting place for every character to be. The questions and ethical issues posed are even wonderful enough that it gives you moments to think. And I just really love the script. You'll find yourself loving that cursing is a wonderful way of curing stammers. but i 'll leave the rest of the movie for your viewing.

Enough of my chitchat. If you hate movies with long talks, give this a miss. But if you want your heart to soar high, give it a go.

Kyo's Score: 9.5/10. WOOT!

Black Swan: Movie Review

Creepy, Brutal, Honest, and most of all, REAL. This is Black Swan. Humanity's most depressing and most utterly real depiction of insanity and how far the human capacity can take you. And for such a dark, depressing, horrifyingly splendid story to be told by Natalie Portman under the helm of Darren Aronofsky (I thank you sir for giving me The Wrestler. Truly I do), this is not something you want to miss.

Nina Sayers is proficient in ballet. She works in a theatrical company that gave her a shot as the Swan Queen of a play called Swan Lake. But the story is a dark one. A princess was cursed into a White Swan and only true love's kiss can break the spell. However, her identical twin Black Swan seduces the prince who will never be with her anymore. And so, she kills herself. While that is the play, Nina's story is somewhat more, psychotic and truly gripping. This is the story of one who strives for perfection, and at the worst part, gets it.

I think Darren has really done, again, another fantastic job. Hot of the heels from the Wrestler and backed by an awesome Mickey Rourke, its a like a guy project that now turns into a girl project, and with such finesse displayed. Shots are amazing, creepy, haunting, and wonderful while the script is so simple that it does not need any convolution inside.

And I think Natalie Portman's performance has been spoken to death. But if you were to ask me, something does not feel right. Perhaps its a little feeling that I wanted more out of her (Like Nicole Kidman for Rabbit Hole instead) but this is still an Oscar worthy nominee performance. Truly something you do not want to miss.

Aside from how I wanted Natalie to do a lot more in this movie, it seems to be my only gripe. Much of Nina's relationship with her mother is not fully explained but if you were to take it plainly, there's much to expand. There's a lot more that could be told.

And now, to the SPOILERS PART.

Truly, this is how we all strive to be in our perfectionist mode. And it does not help when you have a psychotic tendency to meddle yourself in schizophrenia. But everything about the movie has been explained since the beginning: In order to be perfect, you must let yourself go. Which is why exactly it was correct for her to want the part of White and Black Swan together that she ended, by stabbing herself. Only when she realized who she had stabbed in the first place that she decided (yes, DECIDED) to bleed. The human brain is much powerful than you can expect for sure.

Now through the journey you will be greeted by how evil we all are. In order to gain something, we lose something. The best part was how Thomas displayed such a wonderful display of wanting Nina that bad but he was actually trying to make Nina lose herself. That was wonderful. Such trickery that the audience wants to know what have they been lied to. I hate to say it, but this is really where sex played such a huge role, that it worked. And I oppose having sex scenes in movies since they can always find another way to do this.

To me, I laughed because I understood. And that's creepy. Because how far we are willing to go for human perfection without even being called or labelled as evil to others is what all of us has inside. the idea has always been to acknowledge that we are our own worst enemy. And it is something neither of us are willing to change with.

Kyo's Score: 9.5/10. When bars are raised, so is the score. This would've been perfect if it was me reviewing a few years back though.

Marvel vs Capcom 3: PS3 Game Review

Above is the cover for the Japanese version, and its much better than the US version. Lucky for R3 buyers, they get double cover. So we won in that respect. For the game however, its sort of a hit and miss.

Marvel Clashes Again With Capcom. This was a long time coming since fans have waited for 10 years for this to come out. Was done as an April Fool Joke also before. So when last year it was announced, everyone in the fighting community shat bricks.

What's good is that this game has 2 modes, offline and online. Offline having a few extras like arcade which gives you an ending, depending on which character you use to beat Galactus as the final boss. Mission mode where you get to practice combos and learn some new combos even. Training mode is, as it is. And versus for offline multiplayer.

I'm not sure where to start, so lets go with the players first. The fighters are all... ok. Some feel overpowered but its not a feeling of broken. You have guys like Thor being slow but supremely powerful, or even Dante and Wesker as S tiered characters. 36 of them (4 needs to be unlocked) are available in disc, but I can't help but feel that its just too low, considering how Capcom is intending to release more DLCs of characters soon. I always believed that if you want to make a game right, give us the full thing.

But the main issue is how battles are fought. You have 6 buttons. Light, Medium, Strong attacks, Specials to launch enemies for air combos, and partner 1 and 2 for assist. And it is WAY too easy to execute combos. Frankly, even Tatsunoko Vs Capcom is much harder than this. So its very easy to pick up and play, but mastering it may be a different question. But that being said, after playing this for a while you just know that you can master it in a short duration of time. Gone are the days where executing combos would be magnificent (MvC. No. Not even MvC 2.).

Also, my other gripe is the fact that the health bar feels too low for medium. MvC2 used to be much much longer. yeah, you can change, but it still does not take away the fact that the fights with your fave characters ends in 15 seconds if you're that good in exploiting.

Graphics are ok if you ask me. Nothing mesmerizing though. Music... is a hit and miss. While I love remixes from the characters (Iron Man and Cap America still reigns), the character select song left much to be desired. I think Capcom forgot this is not Street Fighter 4, but rather is MvC. Those 2 are very different where this is all about good fun.

But its not saying that this game is not fun. it just feels, cheap. Thank God for the low price of RM 130 though. If not, I may be screaming.

Good to have story endings where MvC2 lacked. but hated the fact that I know this game can pack a lot more stuffings, but Capcom decides not to.

Online is a problem. Some games just feels horribly laggy. The best part though, is that if you're having a laggy connection, you can train your input settings in Training mode. Quite nifty, but wait til you get a disconnect and then you're screwed.

Verdict:

It is a fun game, nonetheless. but there is much left to be desired. I feel like i have the same problem when i played KOF XII on PS3. There's just so much to be desired to put it on par with other older fighting games. Long time fans may find a bit of good time to be had, but new players may turn them off.

Kyo's Score: 7.5/10. This is what you get when you don't release a full game when it should be. There's just too much left to that you know Capcom is going to steal your money.

Graphics: Nothing extraordinary.

Story: There's an ending for every character. So beat them to know their story.

Gameplay: Leaves much to be desired although you can still have a good time with the normal fighting.

Replay value: 360 missions to complete, online fights, constant update of character DLCs, if you love this then you'll be here for a long... time. :D

I am Number Four: Exclusive Movie Review

After winning free movie tickets (Credits to Afdzal for giving me the opt. :D) to this movie, I was quite excited. Buzzes in the country were illuminated (pun intended) because of the special mention of Malaysia. But to tell you the truth, the Malaysia part was not even shown, just written. But back to the movie, this is not that bad of an attempt nor effort. Its quite good, even if you have to ponder certain things in this soon to be franchise movie. I hope.

Four is an alien from another planet. And the bad guys are chasing after him. There's 9 of them on Earth, and the Mogs are chasing them one by one. Weirdly, in order. Why? Don't ask because I have no idea. So with 3 dead, Four is now the focus. As he runs from... where did he run again from to Paradise, Ohio, he's constantly being hunted. Protected by his guardian Henri (Cool Timothy Olyphant), witnessed by unlikely friends Sarah (Quinn from Glee) and Sam (Dad went missing because of aliens), they are now on the run hoping to beat the Mogs out of Earth and further save their lives.

The movie is quite promising, and its not that bad of an effort. nitty gritty details can make you feel that its trying so hard to be a detailed movie (MJ's song that he watches you is the ringtone from Henri's calls), it leaves a lot to be answered. So you'd feel bad if you watched the movie for a story. Just grasp for a simpler premise of what is being established and you should be fine.

Shots were so so. Nothing astounding. Seems also to be borrowed by Assassin's Creed (I know how to "blend in". Puts up hoodie. and Leap of Faith). And other teenager elements that is really hit and miss. Nice job on photography segment, but still does not make you feel connected to the movie.

Score is so so also. So not much to hope for.

What bugs me is that the script is weak, the action choice is hampering (Super powered people against plasma guns. The heck?), the actors and actresses were not that inspiring (Sarah did not even have any interest in Four, AT ALL), writers did Smallville (Superman elements entirely visible), and questions did not answer that much. There's just so much left to for you to wonder that if you really did go in with high hopes, you may be horribly disappointed.

So leave your brains at the door and hope for the sequel to come. Or at least sleep in the first few bits and only wake up until the last bits. Your call.

Kyo's Score: 6.5/10. THANKING GOD IT IS FREE. :D

Black Eyed Peas' The Beginning: Music Album Review

Motivations to get this album is really about The Time (Dirty Bit). Reason is that it brings to you the song Time of My Life which will remain as an all time classic (also thanks to Dirty Dancing which I still want to watch. Patrick Swayze...). But a closer look into the album and you might find something you like.

Its start with The Time. And progresses to bring you some older tunes. Its like using older songs as base and remixed into a newer generation. So there's still a feel of the 80s and 70s in the tracks. And it progresses to make you go "Hey I know that tune!". To some, it may be a cheap technique and I would agree too. Because it feels that its not an original album. But looking at the title of the album, perhaps these songs are influences to BEP. And they're looking to pay tribute to such.

However, much can be said that its not that catchy as previous renditions of BEP. Nonetheless its fun and captures the BEP essence, but not as good as Elephunk (which is still the best). So if you're looking to chill with the album, you may just want to have the Time only.

Some personal recommendations of mine include: The Time (Dirty Bit), Love You Long Time, Someday, Do It Like This. That should be it.

Recomendation: If you love taking a stroll down memory lane in a Hipper beat, this might be the album for you. If not, save the classics as it is.

No Strings Attached: Movie Review

Friends with Benefits. That's a much milder term. Did you know such a thing happens also in Malaysia? Well, it does and it is a little creepier. Then again, blame the Malays for being rude and thinking free sex is a good idea. Both men and women. But going back to the movie, it does not really do a good job.

There's Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher with a young chick. :P). Two friends. Who Adam has basically tried to finger and get in a date with for... I think its 14 years. Well, after his ex girlfriend is now with... his dad, he runs into a drunk rampage, goes of passing out in front of Emma and ends up sleeping with her. And that happened after he woke up. Which is awkward. So the two agree to be sex buddies without emotional attachment. But seriously, that does not happen. And so was its typical ending.

Much about the movie is all about exploring weird ideas. Like, playing 99 Problems from Jay-Z into Country music. Or Don't Cha in some El Mariachi Mexico trumpet style. Or carrots instead of flowers for a date. Shaved carrots. Yeah. I know.

The script is bland though. Music is awkward. haha. Shots is typical. But you ask yourself certain questions that you don't want to face. In the end, the idea is to ask yourself " Do you want to get hurt in a relationship or not?". And that's it.

Not good. But if you're watching for Ashton, then maybe its ok lah. Not that bad.

Kyo's Score: 3/10.

Mr. And Mrs. Incredible: Movie Review

Been a while since I wanted to do a review. But at least this one deserves it. Filled with so nice moments and a very lovely and compatible on screen chemistry between Louis Koo and Sandra Ng, this movie totally gave me a nice moment. Its like watching The Incredibles, but without the kids. But sadly, the ending was not really up to the momentum built since the beginning.

You have Aroma Woman (Sandra Ng, actually the direct translation is Red something, but beats me on why its called Aroma Woman) and Gazer Warrior (Louis Koo) retiring in a peaceful village 10 years ago. They were 2 of the best superheros protecting China from domestic threats (Gazer Warrior at least. Aroma Woman was hell bent on protecting women around the world. haha). Until the whole of China developed into 2 factions and wanted the both of them to fight to see who's the best. They instead escaped, got married and here they are. Happy. But when an official wants to hold a tournament to unify the sects and disciplines of Martial arts, they become suspicious of the event. The two are forced out of retirement to fight against a bigger threat.

Now what made this movie truly lovable, was actually Louis Koo and Sandra Ng. Two superheroes, but facing problems as humans. But make no mistake, they are happy with each other. And never have they fought one another. Both understanding and communicating. Perhaps it sounds too unrealistic for a couple to be as such, but you could really sense their happiness. At least that's what I saw. Sandra Ng was being her usual confident borderlining confident female character she always has and I can't imagine another woman being able to take her role. Louis Koo was charming as usual so there's no complaint with that.

The movie touches on many of the parts of the perfect married life. And how double teaming with your partners brings the best result. OF course there's conflict from everyone around you, but hey, as long you have your partner, all is good.

The other lovable thing were the parody of crimes done. Bank robbery with a modern steel vault in historic China. It makes you wonder who stole who's idea at times. Also, remember how you signal for Batman in Gotham? Well, in China, they do it with lanterns. Yup. Lanterns. The ones where you write wishes on. Even haggling for a house is very entertaining.

The script does a wonderful job to pull the two together. The shots were done nice. Occasional CG was used to make it feel like its a comic superhero thingy going on, but does its job.

The only hampering part was that the ending was a little of a letdown. Its typical, but it does not give a feeling and a sense of satisfaction seeing as the pieces that fall into the plot is a little uneven.

Its a weird choice of a movie for Valentine's, but I highly recommend it if you want to see how lovable the two can be. But that would be your only focus for the movie. Everything else, meh.

Kyo's Score: 7/10. Thank God a good Chinese movie. FINALLY.