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!