If you think Liam Neeson's debonair appeal and deep voice is growing on you, Unknown is definitely a movie not to miss out on. Although some have said that seeing the trailer would be the most epic mistake you'd do before watching it, it wasn't actually a dead giver. I've seen the trailer and wasn't surprised it had more twists in the ending after watching the full-length of the movie.
Unknown is about a man claiming his identity was stolen after being in an accident that made him forget the most significant truth of who he was. Fortunately, he meets people in the way who believe in him, which leads him to discover an international disaster about to happen. Although I am aware that Mr. Neeson is not the type to accept roles of simple/comedic movie plots, I was still surprised on the unveiling of the conspiracy that was within.
With Neeson in a film, the leading ladies are quite a sight for sore eyes. They may not have the figure of the sexy Angelina Jolie, but what they lack in voluptuousness they make up in hard-to-forget beautiful faces.
Overall, Unknown was a good movie to watch. It may not be as heart-wrenching as Rise of the Planet of the Apes or as heroic as Captain America, but for those already into the cat-and-mouse chase and action thriller genre, Unknown is worth the ticket.
Rotten Tomatoes wasn't short of approval when it gave Crazy, Stupid, Love a mark of freshness from its critics. It was funny, smart, romantic, and has a lesson worth sharing about dating, sex and picking up strangers from a bar.
My beau and I were both laughing at how their predicament sounds like what we were going to experience after 20 years of being married. I couldn't help but look at him and smile while watching Steve Carell getting out of the car while Julianne Moore was still pouring her heart out. Seriously, how hard is it for men to find a little time to listen. It was pretty obvious that Emily (Julianne Moore) wasn't really intent on asking for the divorce. She probably just felt that she had to say something stronger to provoke Cal's feelings.
I've enjoyed watching Emma Stone in Easy A, it's not a surprise her role in here would be something of sexual nature. Still, I did enjoy her date with Ryan Gosling. The "Seriously!?! It's like your Photoshopped scene!" was one of the best parts in the movie. And here's one of those quotes I loved hearing.
Jacob: Are you Steve Jobs? Cal: What? Jacob: Hold on a second. Are you the billionaire owner of Apple Computers? Cal: No. Jacob: Oh. Okay. Well, in that case, you got no right to wear New Balance sneakers ever.
The Weaver's son Robbie was great at giving advices for his parents and his passionate enthusiasm to woe his babysitter Jessica was creepy yet sweet.
Overall, it's definitely one of those movies worth watching with a spouse, a partner or some friends.
Today, I'm going to combine two movies in one article. Although I did have a dilemma as whether to combine Losers and Colombiana (overloaded with Zoe Saldana's sexiness), I finally decided otherwise. Why? Because of the following reasons:
A. Both movies were action packed. B. Both did not lack the handsome young heartthrob namely Bradley Cooper and Chris Evans C. They were both lead by extraordinary men (Liam Neeson and Jeffrey Dean Morgan) D. Both scored poorly in the reviews most likely for having been compared to their originals. E. Both had fine lady leads that probably made some guys drool. F. And lastly, both had its charming moments although the other had been teeming with dark jokes and obvious incompetence that made it more hilarious than the other.
If you've been reading my previous reviews, I wouldn't be surprised if someone would comment that I don't usually depreciate a movie. Well, I'm pretty guilty of mostly reviewing only movies I love. The A-Team
Starred by Liam Neeson as their boss Col. "Hannibal" Smith, the team's specialty is Special Forces ops. I'm no military buff but there was no need for any military knowledge to understand the gist of the story. It already stood out with its characters' colorful chemistry. Director Carnahan made no mistake selecting Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as Liam Neeson's subordinates.
Before I knew that the A-Team had already existed in the 80s, I told myself B.A. reminded me of Mr. T. The movie made me curious enough as to seek answers to what all the ruckus was about the 80s series. I Wiki-ed it and it did not catch me by surprise that Mr. T. was the original B.A.
I may no further expand my interest in talking about Jessica Biel, but let it be known that I am a fan of hers. I liked her in Blade, Stealth and 7th Heaven. Her beauty is simple and not so voluptuous compared to Angelina Jolie.
No, this is not a comparison between Jessica Beal and Angelina Jolie. Neither is it between Liam Neeson and Sean Connery. It's just one of those hilarious scenes I found. I'm sure some of you are familiar where this came from.
While watching the movie, I was questioning my friend if it were possible for Liam Neeson to be the next Sean Connery. He does, after all, have the same of skill set and vocal chord range, even though I've rarely seen Mr. Neeson starring in romantic films. My friend looked at me with the widest of eyes feeling exasperated. His words definitely explained why, "Liam Neeson is Liam Neeson. Sean Connery is Sean Connery. Both are different men and no one can be the next Sean Connery so as the next Liam Neeson. They both have made a name for themselves already." I had to suppress a chuckle at my friend's allegiance to the two men.
The Losers
Doing Special Ops was just part of The Losers story. Someone was out there for revenge. They also had a peculiar choice for a bad guy to mess with. He killed someone who made the tiniest mistake.
Chris Evan partially plays a concerned uncle rooting for his nieces soccer game. He also has no sense of charisma which makes this movie more hilarious.
"Go Petunias!"
Jeffrey Dean Morgan was one tough boss. It's a surprise why no one else has bothered to give him more action roles. As Clay in this particular movie, one of his weaknesses had been dating bad women- with his boys reminding him of one who specifically wanted to blow him up. Meeting Zoe Saldana had been bad news for them. But her offering them a way to come back to their country and clear their names was a chance difficult to pass up.
One of the movie's saving grace. I hope the video above hasn't spoiled the entire plot as to decide not to watch it. The Losers had its funny moments.
It took me some time to write this review because I had to go to Youtube to pick trailers. While doing so, I couldn't help but check out some new zombie movies. I'm a sucker for zombie flicks but never had the guts to do a review about it because I'd have to watch them all over again and I didn't like Shaun of the Dead which have had outstanding reviews as almost everybody who watched it just loves Shaun, even Romero himself.
For those who've read this, most are wondering why I don't like comparing movies to their origins. Most critics have been bitter in commenting how the original should sue the movie for giving it a bad rep or for deviating from what was expected of it. I'm particularly guilty of such in doing The Last Air Bender. However, I'd just like to make it clear that if a movie could stand alone and please people enough, then it passes for me. In a sense, the remake may have just been that bridge for that person to get interested in its parent series, book, or movie.
Saturdays are usually the most tiring days of the week especially since I love going out and watching a movie or two. But my beau is out of town and I'm left alone without anything to do other than enjoy facing my computer all day. Instead of doing the usual, I watched two movies which I know he wouldn't mind missing out on.
Bring It On: All or Nothing
Ever since I've watched Heroes, saving the cheerleader saves me from boredom. I've found Hayden Panettiere appealing to the eye. Although I haven't seen "I Love You, Beth Cooper" yet, I don't think I'd be so giddy to watch it.
The third Bring It On film is as always about a cheerleader. You'd think they'd do something new this time but it's still about teenage girls having teenage problems. I'm not against watching it, but I think becoming like most movie critics... bitter. One things for sure, Bring It On takes it a point to make the movie racially diverse as possible. And I do like how they always make the Latinas sassy in their roles.
One of the best krumping I've seen in Youtube. Just check on the first couple of minutes with the guy in white performing.
It's always the white pretty obnoxious girls who lose the competition. Why am I not surprised? At leas,t I learned a new term. It's about the overly snappy and insanely energetic dance style called krumping.
The Prince and Me
I though I hadn't seen this yet, so I viewed it again- recalling the ending when the movie was halfway done. It's a typical Cinderella story with a not so typical happy ending. I'm agreeing with the online critics on this. It doesn't bring much on the table other than a movie to kill time and a prince's accent that had been captivating.
I used to idolize Julia Stiles, but she's not as charming as Heigl. It made me recall how awful she felt when one of the MTV announcers declared the name Julia as the winner but later added Roberts as the last name.
Starring as the rebellious Prince Edvard in The Prince and Me, Luke Mably is also the vampire Dylan Radcliffe in The Gates and Doctor Simon Hill in Combat Hospital.
I did, however, like her in Save the Last Dance, because the girl had talent (but don't they all do?) and it was about an interracial romance. I also remember watching her in "10 Things I Hate About You", it was the first time I saw how charismatic Heath Ledger could be (RIP).
Ever had that feeling that you're in that part of your life that there's no return? You've grown too old or you've gone too far doing a certain thing that it's so hard to just quit and figure out attain your dream life.
Starring Aaron Eckhart, Meet Bill is like an American Beauty with a happier ending. My shortest description of it is, it's about a miserable man on his prime eventually realizing his self worth and what he wants for himself in a feel good movie that gives inspiration to those who still feels at a loss.
SPOILER ALERT
I watched it at a friend's house and I couldn't help but review it since it's now one of my inspirational films. Bill is the type of person who is like most of us- lost and without an idea of how to get what he really wants in life.
Of course, we want money, security and a sense of accomplishment, but most of us have just been stuck wondering when and how we can get that big break. To add to our confusion, we experience constant obstacles such as the job which we don't love or a person who keeps on trampling us because they see our vulnerability. That is how Bill felt. He had issues with his wife and her family because they always belittled him.
Everything else in his life worsens at a point in the story. Bill meets a free spirited boy who becomes his friend and life teacher. He eventually gets back up by starting to rebuild his physical self confidence.
Ever wondered how he'd look like in pink underpants? Now's your chance!
Just a side note, a number of star performances I've noticed in this film is that of Logan Lerman (who I usually call Percy in my reviews), Jessica Alba, Kristine Wiig and the charmingly hot Timothy Olyphant.
It's a good thing I don't follow online reviews all the time because they were wrong about Conan. Although they were right about Jason Momoa's acting which had been exceptionally barbaric (and I say that as a compliment), the movie wasn't as awful as they'd say it would be. It may have lacked the adventure expected of it, but seriously... don't you think the term barbaric should attribute to most of the scenes in this story. The point is, Lionsgate had already implicated that it was going to be all about vengeance and defeating a villain who was obsessed with power. The one liners and not so deep conversations should have already made that clear.
It's funny that even though most of the time, my eyes widened or squinted when there was blood or gore which makes up 60% of the entire movie, I still enjoyed it. Those critics talk too much about how it was as hollow and without much of a storyline. Come on people, it's Lionsgate. What did you expect? Something close to Rise of the Planets of the Apes?
As for Jason Momoa, who I've always wanted to see portraying someone other than the Dothraki king Khal Drogo, his role here made him look less serious and more playful. He was more of a boy wielding a sword skillfully than the barbaric powerful slasher and basher (which the movie did not lack, as well). And I give him credit for wielding dual swords which I had not seen Arnold do. I suppose, had it not been for Jason's charisma, I wouldn't have enjoyed the movie as much.
Overall, I felt the movie was meant more for people who just prefer to enjoy films for the sake of its visual artistry and Hellenic action scenes (Don't forget the gore! Don't forget the gore!). If you're the type of person, who appreciates rage, brutality, blood and gore, Conan the Barbarian is the film for you. But if you're into substance, drama and adventure, although it does provide some of those, better not get your hopes up.
I forgot to mention how scary Rose McGowan looked. I didn't realize it was her until a little later in the movie. To think I'd been telling myself, "Hmm, her voice really sounds familiar."
Starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, the title says it all. They meet, become friends and end up enjoying casual sex with each other. There's a bluntness in their relationship which conservative couples seldom share-if not at all. It's true though. In life. we date with people and soon enough we allow them in our lives but we don't fully disclose our secrets immediately, especially regarding the more physical aspect of the relationship.
At first dates, we tend to look and act our best because attraction is a key to a budding relationship. It is funny how sex for the first time tend to be awkward especially when everybody has their own special quirk. Friends with Benefits went past that in the first minutes as they both immediately expressed what they disliked and liked during sex. If only life were an open book that a person can easily ask or request what they want to be done to cater one another's needs.
One of the scenes I consider smart and funny was when Mila asked why they never made a movie after the big kiss, Justin answers that it's called porn. As a whole, Friends with Benefits is funny and does not lack short of naked truths that apply to this ever changing reality (although we've seen these types of relationships all over Hollywood films nowadays). This was no "prince sweeping the princess off her feet" movie but the way the it ended was romantic in a sense.
100 Girls, now somewhat considered an oldy, had spunk. This is what a not-so-ordinary-teen-movie should be. It had sex, humor and intelligible conversations that only an articulate writer could produce. The realizations between men and women were almost as true as it gets. And in the end, Jonathan Tucker gets his girl (all the girls, if I had a say in it).
There was a play of words that I don't hear often. The actors and actresses played distinct roles that no one and another is the same or boring for that matter. The virgin vault was filled with women of different walks of life: the hot, the slut, the lesbian and the unattractive. All of them eventually succumbing to the blunt sweetness and smart comprehension of the male protagonist.
It's not for everybody, that's for sure. But it does give solid real-world education of how teen emotions work and how it should be understood in a word for word description.
...We didn't lay down any rules... Maybe that was the problem. There were no rules between men and women and this lack of rules made girls and especially us guys like these Foosball players. We had giant steel stakes through our hearts and we're spinning out of control... there's no clearly defined rules between men and women and each side think they're playing fair and each side think they're being cheated. Maybe this is why men and women have the innate ability to bring up the poison in one another...
And in the end, an inspiring thought came to light through our protagonist's selective speech.
... I think part of the problem is feminist. There's just to many 'ist' in the world- feminist, chauvinist, capitalist, communist, racist, sexist. These are all groups that fight one another instead of trying to understand one another. I think the only 'ist' there should be is humanist...
Disney's teen movie sparkle seems to have faded through out the decade. I had been wondering if the movie itself had been direct-to-dvd because of the not so many articles found in the web regarding it. It's cute and funny at times. There are certain characters and scenarios that may have been original but otherwise, it's the same old same old.
What happened to the likes of Princess Diaries or Lizzie McGuire? Disney has an abundance in talented young people to cast their movies but the problem is, they seem to have lacked the writers to think of plots and stories that extend the imagination to Walt-Knows-Where.
The racial variety of actors and actresses and the no longer mandated stereotype of a cast (which we've been seeing in old films as either super duper pretty, sexy or hot) is a breath of fresh air. I'm glad that in this films, youth are being taught that they no longer need genes to have that inner spark nor do they need to be defined by school's previously well-known hierarchy of popularity.
Overall, it's a good Saturday night movie. I won't prolong this review for possible acting geniuses to watch out for as they were, after all, picked by Disney. Finally, as for that person whose beauty still lingers in my mind (and I'm 100% pure female), this picture is the most natural and prettiest I found of her.
At the moment, I'm not sure of how old Danielle Campbell exactly is because I'm not that big of a fan but according to sources, she's about 15-17 years old. She seems to have a great career ahead of her and I wish her my sincerest luck. I just hope she doesn't put much make up on because she looks good the way she is in this picture.
With a US Box Office of 54 Million and a handful of good reviews, who wouldn't be tempted to watch the movie themselves.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (which I shall now call Rise in this entire article) was one hell of a good movie. It's a cocktail bowl of sci-fi, action, and drama in one single film. It honestly made me remember Twilight when Caesar was climbing up the tree, The Patriot when he had rode the horse and signaled an attack, King Kong when the Gorilla leaped through the air and a whole lot of Jane Goodall series. And at the end of this roller coaster ride, you'll have to recall having doubts on where your allegiance lies. Are you for the apes or the humans?
At the moment, the intensity and greatness of the movie to me is still a confusion. I have no idea where to start. The cinematography was stunning. The way they took advantage of advanced performance capture technology used in Avatar and Lord of the Rings at its fullest deserve nothing less than an A-score. There were scenes that I imagined wouldn't have looked as effective as it did if they had not filmed it in the position they did, such as when the apes leaped through the neighborhood where the leaves were falling. The simplicity in the apes' gestures and sign language was as realistic as it got. I'm not a primatologist but it looked close enough to those I see in Nat Geo. And if there were illogical occurrences in such film, Rupert Wyatt and WETA Digital made sure that it would be unnoticeable by keeping the scenes breath-taking and emotionally captivating .
Jane Goodall, one of the world's famous primatologist, is known for her interactions with chimpanzees.
As for the non-primate interactions in Rise, John Lithgow as James Franco's father stirred emotions in me that made me struggle not to cry in various scenes of his frustrations and illness-ridden role. They all had chemistry and not the love type. Anger, fear, abandonment, loneliness, dominance, aggressiveness, camaraderie, leadership and kinship are only a part of the emotions depicted in the almost 120 minute show.
With Andy Serkis' Interview
Andy Serkis, the person behind Caesar's appearance, played his role with soulfulness and heart no holds barred. Another triumph for the pioneer in this technology with a portfolio including his portrayal or Gollum and King Kong. He's definitely someone I shall include in my TO WATCH OUT FOR list.
I'm definitely expecting a sequel on this movie. Especially when in the end of the film, there was still the bothering issue of nose bleeds somewhat depicting a Contagion or Outbreak possibility.
