The movie event of the month and besides that disappointing HP3. Heard the SFX is awesome. The villain doesn't seem as exciting. Thinking serious of watching the 1st show in Singapore. 4 pm on 30 Jun. I hope on that day my schedule will not be so hectic. Well, all worries aside.
Anyway, I did not like Spidey 1. I watched it in Taiwan, my only show watched overseas, after my reservist training. It is fun. We went to this cineplex which look like our GV cinemas. Only that they have more than 10 cinema halls! We watched the midnight show, adding on the excitement of a new cinema-going experience and the thought of going back home.
Oh yes, why I do not like it? Too comic-like. Maybe that is the charm for alot of fans. A simple plot. A simple romance subplot. The final showdown with the villian is disappointing too.
Still, this is Spiderman 2. For a movie fan, it is a must-see. I shall not let Spidey 1 bother me much.
A new kind of movie-going experiences. Singapore Film Society, French Embassy, Singapore History Museum and Golden Village organised this animated shorts festival.
Cool!
Watching 4 award-winning shorts.
1)Harvie Krumpet Directed by Adam Elliot Narrated by Geoffrey Rush Australia, 2003, English, Animation (Comedy), 23 minutes
Awards Academy Awards (Oscars) 2003: Best Animated Short Sundance Film Festival 2004: Short Filmmaking Award - Honourable Mention
2) My Life as McDull Directed by Toe Yuen Hong Kong, 2001, Cantonese with English and Chinese subtitles, Animation (Drama), 75 minutes Format: 35 mm Rating: G
Awards Hong Kong Int'l Film Festival 2002: FIPRESCI Prize Golden Horse Awards 2002: Best Animated Feature
3) Father and Daughter Directed by Michael Dudok de Wit UK/ Belgium/ Netherlands, 2000, Animation (Drama), 8 minutes
Awards Academy Awards (Oscars) 2001: Best Animated Short BAFTA Awards 2001: Best Short Animation
4) The Monk and the Fish (a.k.a. Le Moine et le poisson) Directed by Michael Dudok de Wit France, 1994, Animation (Musical Comedy), 6 minutes
Awards Cesar Awards 1995: Best Animated Short Academy Awards (Oscars) 1995: Nominated for Best Animated Short BAFTA Awards 1995: Nominated for Best Short Animation
Expected rating for all: B+ (I really don't know what to expect.)
For more information, please click at the link below. http://www.sfs.org.sg/2004/06animation.html
I might as well be climbing up the wall out of boredom... I am actually looking forward so much to this small critics' darling (sadly Uncle Ebert doesn't really like it). It sure sounds like a horror movie. Not too far off I guess, it is about this 'evil' father bringing his sons for a fishing trip after a long absence. BTW I am sucker for award-winning foreign films since Cinema Paradiso. A must-see for me.
Alliance Francaise is screening this movie in July! At this time when strangely there aren't many better movies, I am enthralled to know this piece of good news! It may not be nominated at the Oscars, but the controversial title and its win at Golden Globe make this a must-see for me.
Synopsis taken from alliancefrancaise.org.sg : This film won the Oscar for Best Feature Documentary in 2002 for its compelling account of a reopened murder case that involved a potentially incorrect suspect and shocking tales of police corruption. Brenton Butler, a 15-year-old African-American accused of murdering a woman in Florida, was condemned by everyone involved with the case, but Butler's lawyer eventually reopened the investigation and found some crucial evidence to support his client’s innocence.
A must-see! I think I am totally for documentary films these days. If a movie is made based on the true incidents, much of the authenticity will be compromised. Nothing beats a story from the horse's mouth. Too bad I have to wait till late Sept to catch this.
I know it. There is potential market for documentary films. All thanks to Roger Moore. Super Size Me is showing and now Cathay is bringing in Spellbound. It is an Oscar winning and about bright kids aspiring to be the National Spelling Bee. Sounds boring but a must-see for the prestige it garners.
TOUCHING THE VOID and AILEEN: LIFE AND DEATH OF A SERIAL KILLER
The annual British Film Fest is here again. Catching the festival's two documentary films. They seem to form a trend already. Frankly speaking, I hardly heard anything about the films, except Charlize's Theron's Monster is based on the later. Watching them for the very good reviews. Hope I can agree with the critics.
How I love stories with a big twist in the end. M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense started this trend. For that I have to respect this man. His movies' payoff may not really be always satisfactory but I think no one can deny he is damn damn good master of suspense. With all respect to Hitchcock, M. Night Shyamalan is better.
I am very looking forward to THE VILLAGE 'cos I think this is going to be a very clevel horror movie. The trailer looks very promising.
Actually I just know it is about a life story of a monk. Sounds boring already? Well with the praises heaping on the movie, it is worth a bet. The only thing I am uncomfortable is it comes from the same director of that sick sick sick THE ISLE.
M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" is, indeed, one of the year's most highly anticipated movies. The trailer, like you said, looks very promising. But, early audience reviews are mixed. Some fans lamented the lack of any real suspense and others griped about the predictability of the 'twist' ending...let's just hope they are all wrong :-X
I saw the movie poster first at Suntec Eng Wah cinemas on last Sunday. I couldn't believe my eyes that this movie appeared in the papers today and it is going to open this Friday!
This is the documentary that till this day, making headlines on almost every other day.
First, naturally, the celebrities and the anti-Bush people praised sky-high this gutsy film.
Then, somehow at the same time, bashing started, some from the film critics, stating it is very biased.
Then, Ray Bradbury wanted to sue Mike Moore over the copyright of the title. Ray had a book years back called FAHRENHEIT 451.
Then the Osama family said they like the movie but they laughed at the untrue statements.
If you check out the imdb.com news, there is still the latest hoo-ha. Something about Mike Moore doctoring the newspaper headlines which appeared in the film.
It is hot hot and hot! They can even make another documentary following the controversies after controversies about this documentary.
Any film buff who misses this should burn in hell. Ok ... I got carried away...
Talking about film buffs burning in hell, I should be first. Michael Moore!!! NOT Roger Moore. (Scroll up please)
Oh my god, is there a brown paper bag?! For goodness sake, can someone, anyone, just pass me one? QUICK!
The name Michael Mann alone can draw me into the cinema. Tom Cruise too? These two hardly fails to deliver. Just tell me when? And I am not even interested to know the story.
Not to be confused with Albert Brooks' MOTHER. It is darker tale. A granny sleeps with a man half her age who also sleeps with her daughter. A Spanish skin flick? Nope. It is from the director who made that aw-so-sweet NOTTING HILL and then that surprisingly well-written morality play CHANGING LANES. Got a good feeling that Roget Michell is getting better.
It doesn't hurt that the reviews are very positive.
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks again. Who cares about the story? It has a seal of satisfaction guaranteed. Name one recent bad movie they made recently. You tell me. You tell me.
As a teacher, this seems to be a must-see movie for me. Good box office results. Gaining good word of mouth. It is in French so kinda save of the Hollywood-like schmaltz. I see perfectly no harm in watching this.
Showing at Alliance Francaise next week. A funny yet mesmerizing documentary that chronicles the lives of five film-obsessed New Yorkers? Sounds like a movie made for me. Hee...
Uncle Ebert gives ***1/2 and that James guy (aka James Berardinelli) named this as one of the top 10 movies in 2002. Ok. I say I go for this. Anyway it is free at Alliance Francaise for SFS members. Oh, I am such a sucker for films recommended by my two idols and ... freebies. Still, won't pin too much hopes on this one.
The poster caught my attention. US is releasing this foreign movie which is quite a big deal. It comes from the director of CENTRAL STATION and BEHIND THE SUN which I like alot.
From sfs.org.sg: It's like a rare Harley Davidson -- a model film whose bodywork glistens in the Latin sunshine. Director Walter Salles (CENTRAL STATION, BEHIND THE SUN) proves yet again his ability to encapsulate the universal within a small tale about two adolescent males riding from Buenos Aires to Peru on a decrepit Norton 500. The chapters of their travels, punctuated by a series of spectacular crashes, dictate a journey from boyish freedom and narcissism to morality and manhood. Salles takes the audience on a journey that clocks up its mileage in humour, humanity and a consummate handling of cinematography and characterisation.
Oliver Stone is the main reason. Historical epic is the second. Possibly of watching it free is third. Ok, Farrell is fourth, for being another good actor with bad reputation.
I will be collecting free tickets to this show. Wish me luck. Let's relive those days of lining up for free tickets! Gee... did I just say that? Well, call me whatever you want.
A controversial documentary. Law suits flying at the director. About a very powerful corrupted person of the maker's country. Number 1 at the box office. Received an award at a prestigious film festival. Nope, not Fahrenheit 9/11. Guess again?
I have to see this movie. I have no choice. It is like opium. You just won't want to miss this one too. I may not like it. I may find it pretentious or too arty-farty. I have no choice. Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. Again. I still have no choice. I may not understand the movie too. It is set in the future and has a weird plot. Will I understand? What if I don't understand? What if I don't like it? I don't care because I don't have a choice. It is Wong Kar Wai. I have no choice.
It is the main highlight of this year's French Film Festival. Maggie named Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival. I will feel dirty if I don't catch this. Just kidding...
Expected Rating: C (I still remember I don't like Irma Vep, you see.)
I saw the trailer and I do not really like action thriller. But I like JSA, the director's previous effort. In fact, I like it so much that I gave an A grade. Bagged the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Cannes? Alright, should make this a must-see too.
Last year, caught the Oscar-nominated THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL and THE GRANDFATHER. Both so-so. This year, got three on my plate. Hope all are at least satisfying. All are critics' favourites, with blessings from Uncle Ebert too.
The Son (Le Fils) from Belgium Twin Sisters (De Tweeling) from The Netherlands Evil (Ondskan) from Sweden Expected Rating for all: B+
Last year, I remember I did not catch any. This year, just two free movies at Japanese Association.
Not many reviews on the net but judging from the synopsis, sounds kind of heart-warming. Both from the same director who made THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI. A samurai flick which I awarded an A- last year.
The Yellow Handkerchief (Shiawase No Kiiroi Hankachi)
I am rather reluctant to put this on my list. I mean I like FINDING NEMO so much that I think another fish tale will not be as good. Well for the star-studded cast and the trailer does look very funny.
No wonder I cannot find this title at us.imdb.com. It is made by our neighbour, the Malaysia. Aunty Ong Sor Fern recommends this. Well. I am always game for something fresh and I can trust Aunty Ong, though I still cannot forgive her for going ga-ga over TROY just because Brad Pitt bares all.
Like the title already. I thought it would another exotic human drama from some corner of the world. Nope. Another documentary. Good. Make it another educational lesson for me. I know peanuts about camels, let alone those which weep.
Comment j'ai tué mon père (How I Killed My Father) Uncle Ebert gave this movie 3 1/2 stars. Anyway while many movies will be granted general screening, this one is not. Worth the money la. Expected Rating: B
Monsieur N. Referring to Napoleon himself. Costume historical epic is always to my liking. Anyway while many movies will be granted general screening, this one is not. Worth the money la. I know. I just said that. Expected Rating: B
Like the title already. Read some reviews and the film looks promising. Exploring depths of two dysfunctional souls. Sounds like my kind of movie. Ong Sor Fern warns that the movie is sleep-inducing. For me, it is that lousy Lido cinema that I am more afraid of.
Not expecting alot from this one. For Ashley Judd. For the songs which are well-liked by many but totally unheard of for me and also to know who the hell is this Cole Porter?
I can't wait to see this! I like the teaser trailer already. It has a very very funny and interesting story concept. Real problems for superheroes. Haaa... Sounds good already.
Part of the Asian Media Showcase at GV Marina. Don't know why it is not listed in the programme sheet.
Anyway SFS gave me a free ticket to watch this. Read the synopsis. A violent man wreaking havoc in his family. He is played by that blind swordsman, Beat Takeshi. Sure very violent.
Don't know what to expect but sounds like a good family drama.
It has been a while... This month is really dead. I can only remember watching ALEXANDER and there is no more on my must-see list.
NOBODY KNOWS
Well missed this at a festival held earlier this month. Thank goodness, I checked and was told that this movie would be released in general cinemas after all. What a relief.
What is the big deal? The young japanese actor beat Tony Leung to a Best Actor award at the Cannes. A much talked-about tearjerker about siblings looking after themselves when they are abandoned. That is all I know but for all the hype, I will see this.
Expected Rating: A- (let's be a little 'adventurous')
Haaa... after SHAOLIN SOCCER (and years of stress), I learn to welcome Stephen Chow's movies.
This one has a very cute setup. Stephen plays a timid killer who is in turn trashed by deceivingly helpless townfolks.
The special effects are first rate, with full backing from Columbia Pictures. But, I am waiting for the same funny antics to blow me away, like in SHAOLIN SOCCER.
Rating: A- (let's again be a little 'adventurous', haaa...)
Long long movie. Gee... how I dread long movies. Make sure the story justify the running time. Any high hopes for the movie? Not really. Watching it for Marty and the early Oscar buzz.
Expected Rating: C (Haaa... just want to be 'funny')
For Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. For all the fuss about it. A critic's darling so far and most likely a few Oscar noms on the way. Already a best picture named by National Board of Review.
Never like the title. Hilary Swank's recent wins almost confirm she will win again this year. Strangely, the buzz on that foreign actress has been overshadowed by Ms Swank all of the sudden. Morgan Freeman is nominated again but I am very curious how is Clint Eastwood nominated. I would love to see Liam Neeson in his place instead.
A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT (Un long dimanche de fiançailles)
Saw the trailer and like it. Looks like another AMELIE. The film is deemed too Hollywood to be running for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars. Strange. Got a strong good feeling about this movie. Most French movies are horrible but I like AMELIE so I should like this too.
I know nothing much of the film. I just know that Kevin Bacon plays a pedophile and his performance is very good. For his performance and the the taboo suject matter, it is worth a viewing.
Uncle Roger's 4-star rating for this movie caught my attention. 91% at the rottentomatoes.com. Please, it is a long drought! The last time I was keen about a movie, it was IN GOOD COMPANY. A disappointment. I hope this children movie will live up to its good reviews.
From the same makers who brought us THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI. I am keen already as I remember I render the film a distinction. A slow-moving but mediative movie about the plight of a foresaken samurai. THE HIDDEN BLADE has a similar storyline but read the execution will be different. Still with its 132-min running length, better watch it when I am not tired.
Featuring three Oscar alumni, Sean Pean, Naomi Watts and Don Cheadle. I am watching it just for their performances. Read the storyline and it seems dark. I got a feeling even if the movie doesn't work out, the performances should make up for it.
Never a fan of Star Wars. Entertaining but too pompous. What is the buzz? Even the loyal fans are getting tired of the Star Wars movies. If you see this title here, I am planning to watch this. Why? I have come so far not to miss this one. The last one! Sounds like I am torturing myself. Call it a duty I have to fulfill. Hopefully, this last instalment will turn out to be something good. Anyway, it is already good news that this is the last star Wars movie. Okay. Enough bashing. Hee.
This is one prequel I will welcome. Christopher Nolan is in the director's chair this time. I like his MEMENTO and INSOMNIA. As long as it is not Joel Schumacher who single-handedly kills off the Batman movies, almost. A new batman too and it deals more with his dark roots. I am intrigued.
The original is pathetic. I am dead sure Steven Spielberg will do justice to the novel. Hopefully, not only in the SFX department. Give us another great sci-fi thriller like JURASSIC PARK, E.T., A.I., MINORITY REPORT, CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE THIRD KIND etc. Hmmm... given the impressive credentials, this movie is bound to be very good. Not?
Got a free ticket to catch this a few days back via a contest by SFS. Know nothing about this movie, except that it is made of three shorts, directed by Wong Kar Wai, Steven Soderbergh and this award-winning Italian director, Michelangelo Antonioni, whom I am not familiar with.
Heard from a friend that Gong Li had a very very sexually suggestive scene with Zhang Zheng.
Before I saw THE INTERPRETER, I saw the trailer and then in the movie itself, I saw the title on one of the country plates in the General Assembly. So, Madagascar is a country.
The cartoon looks very hilarious and the cast is really promising. Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Ben Stiller and Cedric the Entertainer.
Don't play basketball, not even a fan of basketball, let alone a basketball fanatic and surely don't know much about Yao Ming. But I am a big supporter of documentary films and rottentomatoes.com shows a healthy sign of 72% fresh. Worth a bet.
To see or not to see? This is probably one of the few movies that made me have so many second thoughts. If you see it here, I've finally made up my mind. Uncle Roger Ebert doesn't like it. ST's Ong Sor Fern likes it. A colleague, whose husband is a fan of the book series, loves it. She said it has the style that of Monty Python. Not a good sign but she managed to make me feel that there could be something deeper in the Monty Python's movies. What the heck. Go for it. Anyway, I will be watching it for free.
Screened here as part of the SINGAPORE FANTASTIC FILM FESTIVAL. Saw the trailer some time back and it looks mind-blowing cool. Uncle Roger likes it so I am keen too. Know nothing much about it but isn't that as thrilling?
So far not a single bad review about this directorial debut of Paul Haggis who wrote MILLION DOLLAR BABY. I heard it will touch on many racial issues. It is a taboo subject and I would love to see how this is done sensitively. Expected rating: A-
Johnny Depp looks creepy but the collaboration of him and Tim Burton hardly ..., makes that never, went wrong. Not really a fan of Raoul Dahl but always a fan of Tim Burton. Expected rating: B+
All I know it is about alien abduction of two boys. Good reviews so far, even three and half stars from Uncle Roger. Saw the trailer the other day. It looks like a home video. Never really like the feel of a home video. Well, for the fair share of praises. Expected rating: B (may be too indie for me)
Tsui Hark used to be my idol. I do see him as Asian's answer to Steven Spielberg. I love his GREEN SNAKE, ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA, BUTTERFLY LOVERS, SWORDSMAN and even a little-known movie called BLADE. His martial arts scenes are truly awe-inspiring! Then over the years, he jsut lost it all. In the papers, he may say he has not lost his touch but the sad fact is he did... I am keen to watch SEVEN SWORDS because it reminds me so much of his better earlier films. But I am doubtful that it can be his comeback film. Just a gut feeling. I may like the art direction and cinematography. One more thing. The running length of 150 minutes long! If it is a failure, it sure adds on to the torture.
I am gonna say this again. Love documentary films. Read in the papers that this small film is doing very well in the States, standing shoulder to shoulder to the big summer blockbuster films. The good news is it is opening in Singapore on 28th August.
Always have this idea that this is one 'clean' movie from Tsai Ming Liang. Turns out, it also has some very controversial sex scenes. So real that questions of whether the actors did it for real are raised. Three minutes are cut from the Singapore's version. Damn! I hope the story is still coherent afterall. I always find Tsai Ming Liang's movies very weird but somehow still like its quirkiness. Rating: B
RED EYE Alan asked me one day to check out the trailer. Indeed, the trailer is one of the best I have seen. Go, check it out yourself. It is not about the special effects or scare tactics (this is afterall directed by Wes Craven) but I am very surprised that in a trailer, there is a twist in the end. What it seems to be is not what it is in the end.
Rachel McAdams is receiving good reviews for this thriller and I really hope this movie will finally confirm that she is really a credible actress.
I do not know much about the story. Which is a good thing. I will sit back and enjoy all the surprises that spring up into my face and thrill myself silly.
While most people flocked to watch the local horror film, THE MAID, I am eyeing the other local film, PERTH. At least it stars a very respectable local actor, Lim Kay Tong. If only he has connections with Hollywood, he is bound to be as big as Robert De Niro or Harvey Keitel.
He is mentioned that he looks like a local Harvey Keitel playing the Robert De Niro's character in TAXI DRIVER.
Heard the last scene is very violent. I hate violence in movies. Don't get me wrong. I am not so righteous. I will squirm at scary scenes.
The bad thing is... there is hardly any review of this movie. Totally overshadowed by THE MAID, which I believe should be a lesser movie than this one.
An Oscar nominee for BEST FOREIGN FILM. That is good enough for me to want to see this. The reviews are so-so only. Not even generating enough buzz. Well, not pinning too much hope. Just curious what is so good about it that it is being singled out as one of the best 5 foreign imports.
It has been 'akan datang' for so long, I didn't even notice it has opened finally.
Possible Oscar contender, given the good reviews about how uplifting the true story is. Russell Crowe turns in a good performance as well. Well, much expected that. Aside from the bad press, he is nevertheless one of the best around.
But the running length of about 140 minutes can be really scary. Must not see this on a tired day.
A remake of another classic. I have always borne this bias that remakes can never be as good as the original. But I am wrong in a couple of instances. OCEAN'S ELEVEN remains as an excellent example why some movies need a remake.
I have high hopes for this remake too. Mostly it is because Oscar-winner Roman Polanski directed this. And Ben Kingsley's performance in the trailer is shouting "Oscar" out loud already.
The trailer made me laugh so hard. I have a good feeling about this toon. Plus the chicken is really darn nerdy and cute. When he prances to the dance hits, the whole world will stop and just watch and then burst out laughing.
I just hope it comes with a cute and sweet story too.
Checked out the imdb. Nine movies and miniseries based on this Jane Austen's novel already. Excluding this one.
Why am I still keen to see this?
I don't read novels and so I am clueless about what the story is going to be like.
It doesn't hurt that sweet-faced Keira Knightley is starring in it. Matthew MacFadyen from IN MY FATHER'S DEN has a moving performance and hence looking forwad to seeing him again.
David Cronenberg's latest offering has none of the creepy images. Oscar buzz is generating already. Uncle Roger has alot of good things to say about it. Seems like another thought-provoking pyschological thriller. Love thought-provoking movies. Heard there is a twist in the end too. Love the title too. Oh my, I am already head over heels over this movie.
France's submission for the next Oscar's Best Foreign Film. In the past, I will be very keen to watch any foreign film submitted to run for Oscars but ... fact is, they are only submitted for nomination and that doesn't say anything about the quality of the movie.
After that very disappointing BON VOYAGE from France, that advertising statement will not have any effect on me. Hence, I passed WARRIORS OF HEAVEN AND EARTH and THE PROMISE. BE WITH ME is another example why submission to Oscars means nothing much.
But watching the trailer, I have a good feeling about this movie.
Hope I am right about this and may the deserving movies be in the Oscars race. The worst nightmare is to see BE WITH ME running for Oscars.
Expected Rating: B (still having a teeny weeny bit of reservation)
Saw the poster first like half a year ago. Wow. I was very impressed by it. It guarantees a very exquisitely beautiful fantasy film.
Saw the trailer and again impressed by it. The SFX in Chinese movies has improved in leaps and bounds. Pun intended.
But after watching it over and over again in the MRT, it seems that the exaggeration of the visuals can be very annoying. My annoyance comes full bloom when I read the plot online on the movie billboard. What a cheesy story!
Unpleasantly surprised to find that this movie is nominated in the Golden Globes, running for Best Foreign Film.
Pleasantly surprised to know that SFS is offering this movie at the next bi-weekly free movie screening. What's the loss?
I am watching this ... even though I am very doubtful.
Love the Wallace & Gromit shorts. Not a single bad review so far for Nick Park's latest offering which took 5 years to make! The stop-motion claymation is a far cry from the SFX-crazy Hollywood animated films.
The plot sounds silly but fun. Even though I think the DVD is out, I would like to watch this so that I can secure a place in my top-20 list for the film.
Before BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN comes to our screens (or maybe it never will), I am glad that this early Oscar buzz-generating indie will be showing in Singapore right before the close of 2005.
Will be paying $9.50 for watching it at Lido at the sneak previews. It is my common practice to catch any worth-seeing movies before the year ends so that it will be 'eligible' to be mentioned in my year-end movie report card.
Hopefully, BROKEN FLOWERS will be included in it and definitely hope that the money is not wasted. This will mark one of the rare occasions where I need to pay for a movie. Ha!
Rather good reviews overall. Directed by Curtis Hanson who also helmed 8 MILE, a movie which I thought I did not like but enjoy it nonetheless. Hopefully, he can surprise me again with IN HER SHOES. Well, if all things fail, there are Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine, two very competent actresses. And of course a scene of Cameron Diaz suntanning topless doesn't hurt at all.
Alas, this much-anticipated is receiving bad reviews. Seriously bad. About 30% fresh only at rottentomatoes.com. Does that deter me from watching this. Nope! For Zhang Ziyi. For Gong Li and her "I am gonna destroy you!" The reviewers complain the movie is too melodramatic. Not necessarily a bad thing if it is also very beautifully filmed.
As a Maths teacher, I am not so positive about a movie about a mathematician. Sure, it is a subject I love to teach but a life of a mathematician sounds boring. But it is generating early Oscar buzz so it is worth seeing. Or at least mathematically logical.
Not so great reviews from the professional film critics but very enthusiastic reviews from viewers. Strangely, this movie is called by many names, GREEN STREET, GREEN STREET HOOLIGANS, HOOLIGANS and FOOTBALL HOOLIGANS in Singapore. One reviewer compared this to FIGHT CLUB. Hmmm... should not be that bad then.
During the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, eleven Israeli athletes are taken hostage and murdered by a Palestinian terrorist group known as Black September. In retaliation, the Israeli government recruits a group of Mossad agents to track down and execute those responsible for the attack.
This summary taken from us.imdb.com has already aroused interest in this movie. Steven Spielberg directs. That is a seal of guarantee of good quality.
Another movie that generates very early Oscar buzz. For that, I am seeing this. Gee... I am sounding more and more shallow. Well, at least there is a guarantee that it cannot be so far from being very bad and hence that means I will not be wasting money on a lousy movie.
100 Comments:
Spiderman 2
The movie event of the month and besides that disappointing HP3. Heard the SFX is awesome. The villain doesn't seem as exciting. Thinking serious of watching the 1st show in Singapore. 4 pm on 30 Jun. I hope on that day my schedule will not be so hectic. Well, all worries aside.
Anyway, I did not like Spidey 1. I watched it in Taiwan, my only show watched overseas, after my reservist training. It is fun. We went to this cineplex which look like our GV cinemas. Only that they have more than 10 cinema halls! We watched the midnight show, adding on the excitement of a new cinema-going experience and the thought of going back home.
Oh yes, why I do not like it? Too comic-like. Maybe that is the charm for alot of fans. A simple plot. A simple romance subplot. The final showdown with the villian is disappointing too.
Still, this is Spiderman 2. For a movie fan, it is a must-see. I shall not let Spidey 1 bother me much.
Expected rating: B+
Thursday, June 10, 2004 9:56:00 AM
B+ was incidentally the grade I gave the first Spidey movie :P
Thursday, June 10, 2004 1:00:00 PM
ANIMATION NATION 2004
A new kind of movie-going experiences. Singapore Film Society, French Embassy, Singapore History Museum and Golden Village organised this animated shorts festival.
Cool!
Watching 4 award-winning shorts.
1)Harvie Krumpet
Directed by Adam Elliot
Narrated by Geoffrey Rush
Australia, 2003, English, Animation (Comedy), 23 minutes
Awards
Academy Awards (Oscars) 2003: Best Animated Short
Sundance Film Festival 2004: Short Filmmaking Award - Honourable Mention
2) My Life as McDull
Directed by Toe Yuen
Hong Kong, 2001, Cantonese with English and Chinese subtitles, Animation (Drama), 75 minutes
Format: 35 mm
Rating: G
Awards
Hong Kong Int'l Film Festival 2002: FIPRESCI Prize
Golden Horse Awards 2002: Best Animated Feature
3) Father and Daughter
Directed by Michael Dudok de Wit
UK/ Belgium/ Netherlands, 2000, Animation (Drama), 8 minutes
Awards
Academy Awards (Oscars) 2001: Best Animated Short
BAFTA Awards 2001: Best Short Animation
4) The Monk and the Fish
(a.k.a. Le Moine et le poisson)
Directed by Michael Dudok de Wit
France, 1994, Animation (Musical Comedy), 6 minutes
Awards
Cesar Awards 1995: Best Animated Short
Academy Awards (Oscars) 1995: Nominated for Best Animated Short
BAFTA Awards 1995: Nominated for Best Short Animation
Expected rating for all: B+
(I really don't know what to expect.)
For more information, please click at the link below.
http://www.sfs.org.sg/2004/06animation.html
Thursday, June 10, 2004 6:33:00 PM
THE RETURN
I might as well be climbing up the wall out of boredom... I am actually looking forward so much to this small critics' darling (sadly Uncle Ebert doesn't really like it). It sure sounds like a horror movie. Not too far off I guess, it is about this 'evil' father bringing his sons for a fishing trip after a long absence. BTW I am sucker for award-winning foreign films since Cinema Paradiso. A must-see for me.
Expected Rating: B+
Thursday, June 17, 2004 10:55:00 PM
It won the Discovery of The Year Award at the 2003 European Film Awards, I think.
Friday, June 18, 2004 12:14:00 PM
OSAMA
Alliance Francaise is screening this movie in July! At this time when strangely there aren't many better movies, I am enthralled to know this piece of good news! It may not be nominated at the Oscars, but the controversial title and its win at Golden Globe make this a must-see for me.
Expected Rating: A-
Sunday, June 20, 2004 7:48:00 AM
UN COUPABLE IDÉAL
(Murder on a Sunday Morning)
Synopsis taken from alliancefrancaise.org.sg :
This film won the Oscar for Best Feature Documentary in 2002 for its compelling account of a reopened murder case that involved a potentially incorrect suspect and shocking tales of police corruption. Brenton Butler, a 15-year-old African-American accused of murdering a woman in Florida, was condemned by everyone involved with the case, but Butler's lawyer eventually reopened the investigation and found some crucial evidence to support his client’s innocence.
A must-see! I think I am totally for documentary films these days. If a movie is made based on the true incidents, much of the authenticity will be compromised. Nothing beats a story from the horse's mouth. Too bad I have to wait till late Sept to catch this.
Monday, June 21, 2004 2:01:00 PM
SUPER SIZE ME
Yes! It is coming. The documentary film they have been talking about. I hope that Roger Moore's anti-Bush movie will arrive here soon.
I really believe there will be a new market for documentary films.
Saturday, June 26, 2004 5:25:00 PM
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BED
A sex musical? Cool. Frankly speaking it has been a long time since I last saw a critically acclaimed flesh parade. haaa...
Rating: B
Saturday, July 03, 2004 8:43:00 AM
CONNIE AND CARLA
Straight girls playing drag queens. Like the idea already. The trailer is promising. Bad reviews but got a good feeling.
Expected Rating: B
Sunday, July 11, 2004 8:36:00 AM
SPELLBOUND
I know it. There is potential market for documentary films. All thanks to Roger Moore. Super Size Me is showing and now Cathay is bringing in Spellbound. It is an Oscar winning and about bright kids aspiring to be the National Spelling Bee. Sounds boring but a must-see for the prestige it garners.
Sunday, July 11, 2004 8:43:00 AM
HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS
Zhang Yimou directs and starring Andy, Ziyi and Takeshi. Must-see but not really excited about it after that pompous HERO.
Expected Rating: B
Sunday, July 11, 2004 8:43:00 AM
TOUCHING THE VOID and AILEEN: LIFE AND DEATH OF A SERIAL KILLER
The annual British Film Fest is here again. Catching the festival's two documentary films. They seem to form a trend already. Frankly speaking, I hardly heard anything about the films, except Charlize's Theron's Monster is based on the later. Watching them for the very good reviews. Hope I can agree with the critics.
Expected Rating: B and B+ respectively
Saturday, July 24, 2004 10:40:00 PM
THE VILLAGE
How I love stories with a big twist in the end. M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense started this trend. For that I have to respect this man. His movies' payoff may not really be always satisfactory but I think no one can deny he is damn damn good master of suspense. With all respect to Hitchcock, M. Night Shyamalan is better.
I am very looking forward to THE VILLAGE 'cos I think this is going to be a very clevel horror movie. The trailer looks very promising.
Expected Rating: B+
Sunday, July 25, 2004 7:56:00 PM
BOM YEOREUM GAEUL GYEOUL GEURIGO BOM
(Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring)
Actually I just know it is about a life story of a monk. Sounds boring already? Well with the praises heaping on the movie, it is worth a bet. The only thing I am uncomfortable is it comes from the same director of that sick sick sick THE ISLE.
Expected: B-
Sunday, July 25, 2004 8:01:00 PM
M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" is, indeed, one of the year's most highly anticipated movies. The trailer, like you said, looks very promising. But, early audience reviews are mixed. Some fans lamented the lack of any real suspense and others griped about the predictability of the 'twist' ending...let's just hope they are all wrong :-X
Tuesday, July 27, 2004 1:28:00 AM
FAHRENHEIT 9/11
I saw the movie poster first at Suntec Eng Wah cinemas on last Sunday. I couldn't believe my eyes that this movie appeared in the papers today and it is going to open this Friday!
This is the documentary that till this day, making headlines on almost every other day.
First, naturally, the celebrities and the anti-Bush people praised sky-high this gutsy film.
Then, somehow at the same time, bashing started, some from the film critics, stating it is very biased.
Then, Ray Bradbury wanted to sue Mike Moore over the copyright of the title. Ray had a book years back called FAHRENHEIT 451.
Then the Osama family said they like the movie but they laughed at the untrue statements.
If you check out the imdb.com news, there is still the latest hoo-ha. Something about Mike Moore doctoring the newspaper headlines which appeared in the film.
It is hot hot and hot! They can even make another documentary following the controversies after controversies about this documentary.
Any film buff who misses this should burn in hell. Ok ... I got carried away...
Talking about film buffs burning in hell, I should be first. Michael Moore!!! NOT Roger Moore. (Scroll up please)
Oh my god, is there a brown paper bag?! For goodness sake, can someone, anyone, just pass me one? QUICK!
Expected Rating: A-
Wednesday, August 04, 2004 4:21:00 PM
COLLATERAL
The name Michael Mann alone can draw me into the cinema. Tom Cruise too? These two hardly fails to deliver. Just tell me when? And I am not even interested to know the story.
Expected Rating: B+
Sunday, August 08, 2004 3:56:00 PM
OPEN WATER
BLAIR WITCH meets JAWS? No special effects and all real sharks? It is a retort to SFX-obsessed Hollywood. EW gave it an A.
The running length is slightly more than 1 hour. Good. Short and sweet. Chop chop. Hee, no pun intended.
Expected Rating: B+
Sunday, August 22, 2004 7:57:00 AM
THE MOTHER
Not to be confused with Albert Brooks' MOTHER. It is darker tale. A granny sleeps with a man half her age who also sleeps with her daughter. A Spanish skin flick? Nope. It is from the director who made that aw-so-sweet NOTTING HILL and then that surprisingly well-written morality play CHANGING LANES. Got a good feeling that Roget Michell is getting better.
It doesn't hurt that the reviews are very positive.
Expected Rating: B+
Sunday, August 22, 2004 8:09:00 AM
THE TERMINAL
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks again. Who cares about the story? It has a seal of satisfaction guaranteed. Name one recent bad movie they made recently. You tell me. You tell me.
Rating: A-
Wednesday, September 01, 2004 11:17:00 PM
LES CHORISTES
As a teacher, this seems to be a must-see movie for me. Good box office results. Gaining good word of mouth. It is in French so kinda save of the Hollywood-like schmaltz. I see perfectly no harm in watching this.
Expected Rating: B+
Wednesday, September 01, 2004 11:22:00 PM
CINEMANIA
Showing at Alliance Francaise next week. A funny yet mesmerizing documentary that chronicles the lives of five film-obsessed New Yorkers? Sounds like a movie made for me. Hee...
Expected Rating: B
Thursday, September 02, 2004 7:58:00 AM
READ MY LIPS
Uncle Ebert gives ***1/2 and that James guy (aka James Berardinelli) named this as one of the top 10 movies in 2002. Ok. I say I go for this. Anyway it is free at Alliance Francaise for SFS members. Oh, I am such a sucker for films recommended by my two idols and ... freebies. Still, won't pin too much hopes on this one.
Expected Rating: B
Thursday, September 02, 2004 8:05:00 AM
THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES
The poster caught my attention. US is releasing this foreign movie which is quite a big deal. It comes from the director of CENTRAL STATION and BEHIND THE SUN which I like alot.
From sfs.org.sg:
It's like a rare Harley Davidson -- a model film whose bodywork glistens in the Latin sunshine. Director Walter Salles (CENTRAL STATION, BEHIND THE SUN) proves yet again his ability to encapsulate the universal within a small tale about two adolescent males riding from Buenos Aires to Peru on a decrepit Norton 500. The chapters of their travels, punctuated by a series of spectacular crashes, dictate a journey from boyish freedom and narcissism to morality and manhood. Salles takes the audience on a journey that clocks up its mileage in humour, humanity and a consummate handling of cinematography and characterisation.
Expected Rating: B+
Thursday, September 02, 2004 11:30:00 AM
SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW
The poster got my attention. Entire film shot against a blue screen? Law and Paltrow? I got a good feeling about this fantasy sci-fi flick.
I will be collecting free tickets to this show. Wish me luck. Let's relive those days of lining up for free tickets!
Expected Rating: B
Monday, September 13, 2004 10:50:00 PM
ALEXANDER
Oliver Stone is the main reason. Historical epic is the second. Possibly of watching it free is third. Ok, Farrell is fourth, for being another good actor with bad reputation.
I will be collecting free tickets to this show. Wish me luck. Let's relive those days of lining up for free tickets! Gee... did I just say that? Well, call me whatever you want.
Expected Rating: B+
Monday, September 13, 2004 10:56:00 PM
IMELDA
A controversial documentary. Law suits flying at the director. About a very powerful corrupted person of the maker's country. Number 1 at the box office. Received an award at a prestigious film festival. Nope, not Fahrenheit 9/11. Guess again?
Expected Rating: B
Monday, September 13, 2004 11:05:00 PM
2046
I have to see this movie. I have no choice. It is like opium. You just won't want to miss this one too. I may not like it. I may find it pretentious or too arty-farty. I have no choice. Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. Again. I still have no choice. I may not understand the movie too. It is set in the future and has a weird plot. Will I understand? What if I don't understand? What if I don't like it? I don't care because I don't have a choice. It is Wong Kar Wai. I have no choice.
Ok, your turn!
Expected Rating: C
Monday, September 13, 2004 11:15:00 PM
CLEAN
It is the main highlight of this year's French Film Festival. Maggie named Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival. I will feel dirty if I don't catch this. Just kidding...
Expected Rating: C (I still remember I don't like Irma Vep, you see.)
Monday, September 13, 2004 11:33:00 PM
OLDBOY
I saw the trailer and I do not really like action thriller. But I like JSA, the director's previous effort. In fact, I like it so much that I gave an A grade. Bagged the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Cannes? Alright, should make this a must-see too.
Expected Rating: B
Tuesday, September 21, 2004 11:24:00 PM
THE 14th EUROPEAN UNION FILM FESTIVAL
Last year, caught the Oscar-nominated THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL and THE GRANDFATHER. Both so-so. This year, got three on my plate. Hope all are at least satisfying. All are critics' favourites, with blessings from Uncle Ebert too.
The Son (Le Fils) from Belgium
Twin Sisters (De Tweeling) from The Netherlands
Evil (Ondskan) from Sweden
Expected Rating for all: B+
Friday, September 24, 2004 9:50:00 PM
TOKYO STORIES: THE JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 2004
Last year, I remember I did not catch any. This year, just two free movies at Japanese Association.
Not many reviews on the net but judging from the synopsis, sounds kind of heart-warming. Both from the same director who made THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI. A samurai flick which I awarded an A- last year.
The Yellow Handkerchief
(Shiawase No Kiiroi Hankachi)
My Sons
(Musuko)
Expected Rating: B+
Friday, September 24, 2004 10:01:00 PM
SHARK TALE
I am rather reluctant to put this on my list. I mean I like FINDING NEMO so much that I think another fish tale will not be as good. Well for the star-studded cast and the trailer does look very funny.
Expected Rating: B
Thursday, September 30, 2004 9:51:00 PM
WIMBLEDON
Know nothing much about tennis. But I got a thing for autobiographical epics and a rather strong good feeling too.
Expected Rating: B
Thursday, September 30, 2004 10:10:00 PM
MARIA FULL OF GRACE
Another I-dunno-much-about-it-but-got-a-good-feeling movie.
Expected Rating: B
Thursday, September 30, 2004 10:15:00 PM
SEPET
No wonder I cannot find this title at us.imdb.com. It is made by our neighbour, the Malaysia. Aunty Ong Sor Fern recommends this. Well. I am always game for something fresh and I can trust Aunty Ong, though I still cannot forgive her for going ga-ga over TROY just because Brad Pitt bares all.
Expected Rating: B+
Saturday, October 02, 2004 7:05:00 AM
VANITY FAIR
I don't like MONSOON WEDDING. It is surely overrated when I see it as basically a movie with a veil-thin story.
But... I like Mrs Phillippe. She is a good actress, even in LEGALLY BLONDE. Uncle Ebert likes it.
I am torn between two choices. To catch or not to catch. Well if you see me wondering into this section, I have more or less decided.
I am going to bet on this one. Anyway, the title sounds nice too. Right not?
Expected Rating: B-
Saturday, October 02, 2004 7:13:00 AM
OPEN YOUR EYES
Spanish Version of VANILLA SKY? Hated that movie. Mr Cruise's first serious art-farty movie turns out to be an ego trip.
Yup. VANILLA SKY is a remake of this one. There are not many good remakes and I have good vibes about this one already.
Expected Rating: B- (But I still cannot forget VANILLA SKY)
Saturday, October 02, 2004 7:21:00 AM
THe STORY OF THE WEEPING CAMEL
Like the title already. I thought it would another exotic human drama from some corner of the world. Nope. Another documentary. Good. Make it another educational lesson for me. I know peanuts about camels, let alone those which weep.
Expected Rating: B
Sunday, October 10, 2004 8:24:00 AM
20th French Film Festival
Comment j'ai tué mon père (How I Killed My Father)
Uncle Ebert gave this movie 3 1/2 stars. Anyway while many movies will be granted general screening, this one is not. Worth the money la.
Expected Rating: B
Monsieur N.
Referring to Napoleon himself. Costume historical epic is always to my liking. Anyway while many movies will be granted general screening, this one is not. Worth the money la. I know. I just said that.
Expected Rating: B
Thursday, October 28, 2004 7:38:00 PM
THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR
Like the title already. Read some reviews and the film looks promising. Exploring depths of two dysfunctional souls. Sounds like my kind of movie. Ong Sor Fern warns that the movie is sleep-inducing. For me, it is that lousy Lido cinema that I am more afraid of.
Expected Rating: B
Monday, November 01, 2004 1:19:00 AM
DE-LOVELY
Not expecting alot from this one. For Ashley Judd. For the songs which are well-liked by many but totally unheard of for me and also to know who the hell is this Cole Porter?
Expected Rating: B
Monday, November 01, 2004 1:21:00 AM
THE INCREDIBLES
I can't wait to see this! I like the teaser trailer already. It has a very very funny and interesting story concept. Real problems for superheroes. Haaa... Sounds good already.
Expected Rating: A
Monday, November 08, 2004 9:54:00 PM
BLOOD AND BONES
Part of the Asian Media Showcase at GV Marina. Don't know why it is not listed in the programme sheet.
Anyway SFS gave me a free ticket to watch this. Read the synopsis. A violent man wreaking havoc in his family. He is played by that blind swordsman, Beat Takeshi. Sure very violent.
Don't know what to expect but sounds like a good family drama.
Expected Rating: B-
Tuesday, November 30, 2004 4:49:00 PM
It has been a while... This month is really dead. I can only remember watching ALEXANDER and there is no more on my must-see list.
NOBODY KNOWS
Well missed this at a festival held earlier this month. Thank goodness, I checked and was told that this movie would be released in general cinemas after all. What a relief.
What is the big deal? The young japanese actor beat Tony Leung to a Best Actor award at the Cannes. A much talked-about tearjerker about siblings looking after themselves when they are abandoned. That is all I know but for all the hype, I will see this.
Expected Rating: A- (let's be a little 'adventurous')
Monday, December 20, 2004 10:51:00 PM
KUNG FU HUSTLE
Haaa... after SHAOLIN SOCCER (and years of stress), I learn to welcome Stephen Chow's movies.
This one has a very cute setup. Stephen plays a timid killer who is in turn trashed by deceivingly helpless townfolks.
The special effects are first rate, with full backing from Columbia Pictures. But, I am waiting for the same funny antics to blow me away, like in SHAOLIN SOCCER.
Rating: A- (let's again be a little 'adventurous', haaa...)
Monday, December 20, 2004 10:58:00 PM
THE AVIATOR
Long long movie. Gee... how I dread long movies. Make sure the story justify the running time. Any high hopes for the movie? Not really. Watching it for Marty and the early Oscar buzz.
Expected Rating: C (Haaa... just want to be 'funny')
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 12:09:00 AM
KINSEY
Watching for the Oscar buzz too? Sounds very controversial. Good word of mouth. Let's talk about sex.
So short? Am I being too shallow?
Expected Rating: A (We are talking about sex here, man:)
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 12:11:00 AM
HOTEL RWANDA
The plot summary sounds very moving. Could be another SCHINDLER'S LIST? I love movies such as this. Move me and make me cry.
Expected Rating: A
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 12:14:00 AM
FINDING NEVERLAND
For Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. For all the fuss about it. A critic's darling so far and most likely a few Oscar noms on the way. Already a best picture named by National Board of Review.
Expected Rating: A-
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 12:18:00 AM
RAY
For Jamie Foxx. For Jamie Foxx. For Jamie Foxx. For Jamie Foxx. Need I go on? For Jamie Foxx. For Jamie Foxx.
Expected Rating: B (this is meant for the movie only)
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 12:22:00 AM
BAD EDUCATION
What with Pedro Almodóvar? He is over-rated. Very much. Never like his movies. Morbid, twisted and perverted. Stop telling me that is art.
Expected Rating: C
Friday, February 04, 2005 12:14:00 AM
MILLION DOLLAR BABY
Never like the title. Hilary Swank's recent wins almost confirm she will win again this year. Strangely, the buzz on that foreign actress has been overshadowed by Ms Swank all of the sudden. Morgan Freeman is nominated again but I am very curious how is Clint Eastwood nominated. I would love to see Liam Neeson in his place instead.
Expected Rating: B
Tuesday, February 08, 2005 11:16:00 PM
A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT (Un long dimanche de fiançailles)
Saw the trailer and like it. Looks like another AMELIE. The film is deemed too Hollywood to be running for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars. Strange. Got a strong good feeling about this movie. Most French movies are horrible but I like AMELIE so I should like this too.
Expected Rating: A-
Tuesday, February 08, 2005 11:20:00 PM
HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE
I love Hayao Miyazaki's PRINCESS MONONOKE! I prefer it to SPIRITED AWAY which I think is weaker and less organised in the story.
Heard from my movie buddy, Alan, that this movie is just so-so. To hear this from him who is so supportive of Hayao Miyazaki means really bad news.
I cannot say I am not affected and I have lowered my expectations.
Expected Rating: C+ (same as Alan's grade)
Thursday, February 10, 2005 9:38:00 PM
THE WOODSMAN
I know nothing much of the film. I just know that Kevin Bacon plays a pedophile and his performance is very good. For his performance and the the taboo suject matter, it is worth a viewing.
Expected Rating: B
Saturday, February 19, 2005 11:38:00 PM
IN GOOD COMPANY
If you take away the words, "from the director of ABOUT A BOY", most probably I will pass the movie right away.
ABOUT A BOY is a very good comedy. Very funny, witty and comes with a good heart.
The critics and Alan love it too. The hopes are up, up and up.
Rating: A
Tuesday, March 15, 2005 11:30:00 PM
MILLIONS
Uncle Roger's 4-star rating for this movie caught my attention. 91% at the rottentomatoes.com. Please, it is a long drought! The last time I was keen about a movie, it was IN GOOD COMPANY. A disappointment. I hope this children movie will live up to its good reviews.
Rating: A
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 11:11:00 PM
THE HIDDEN BLADE
From the same makers who brought us THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI. I am keen already as I remember I render the film a distinction. A slow-moving but mediative movie about the plight of a foresaken samurai. THE HIDDEN BLADE has a similar storyline but read the execution will be different. Still with its 132-min running length, better watch it when I am not tired.
Rating: B+
Saturday, April 23, 2005 3:25:00 PM
ASSASINATION OF RICHARD NIXON
Featuring three Oscar alumni, Sean Pean, Naomi Watts and Don Cheadle. I am watching it just for their performances. Read the storyline and it seems dark. I got a feeling even if the movie doesn't work out, the performances should make up for it.
Rating: B
Saturday, April 23, 2005 3:36:00 PM
STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH
Never a fan of Star Wars. Entertaining but too pompous. What is the buzz? Even the loyal fans are getting tired of the Star Wars movies. If you see this title here, I am planning to watch this. Why? I have come so far not to miss this one. The last one! Sounds like I am torturing myself. Call it a duty I have to fulfill. Hopefully, this last instalment will turn out to be something good. Anyway, it is already good news that this is the last star Wars movie. Okay. Enough bashing. Hee.
Expected Rating: C
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 11:43:00 AM
BATMAN BEGINS
This is one prequel I will welcome. Christopher Nolan is in the director's chair this time. I like his MEMENTO and INSOMNIA. As long as it is not Joel Schumacher who single-handedly kills off the Batman movies, almost. A new batman too and it deals more with his dark roots. I am intrigued.
Rating: B+
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 11:48:00 AM
WAR OF THE WORLDS
The original is pathetic. I am dead sure Steven Spielberg will do justice to the novel. Hopefully, not only in the SFX department. Give us another great sci-fi thriller like JURASSIC PARK, E.T., A.I., MINORITY REPORT, CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE THIRD KIND etc. Hmmm... given the impressive credentials, this movie is bound to be very good. Not?
Rating: A-
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 12:00:00 PM
EROS
Got a free ticket to catch this a few days back via a contest by SFS. Know nothing about this movie, except that it is made of three shorts, directed by Wong Kar Wai, Steven Soderbergh and this award-winning Italian director, Michelangelo Antonioni, whom I am not familiar with.
Heard from a friend that Gong Li had a very very sexually suggestive scene with Zhang Zheng.
Rating: B
Saturday, May 21, 2005 7:55:00 PM
MADAGASCAR
Before I saw THE INTERPRETER, I saw the trailer and then in the movie itself, I saw the title on one of the country plates in the General Assembly. So, Madagascar is a country.
The cartoon looks very hilarious and the cast is really promising. Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Ben Stiller and Cedric the Entertainer.
Rating: B+
Saturday, May 21, 2005 8:13:00 PM
THE YEAR OF YAO
Don't play basketball, not even a fan of basketball, let alone a basketball fanatic and surely don't know much about Yao Ming. But I am a big supporter of documentary films and rottentomatoes.com shows a healthy sign of 72% fresh. Worth a bet.
Expected Rating: B
Tuesday, June 07, 2005 11:05:00 PM
THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY
To see or not to see? This is probably one of the few movies that made me have so many second thoughts. If you see it here, I've finally made up my mind. Uncle Roger Ebert doesn't like it. ST's Ong Sor Fern likes it. A colleague, whose husband is a fan of the book series, loves it. She said it has the style that of Monty Python. Not a good sign but she managed to make me feel that there could be something deeper in the Monty Python's movies. What the heck. Go for it. Anyway, I will be watching it for free.
Expected Rating: D (just for laughs)
Tuesday, June 07, 2005 11:13:00 PM
KONTROLL
Screened here as part of the SINGAPORE FANTASTIC FILM FESTIVAL. Saw the trailer some time back and it looks mind-blowing cool. Uncle Roger likes it so I am keen too. Know nothing much about it but isn't that as thrilling?
Expected Rating: B+
Tuesday, June 07, 2005 11:24:00 PM
CRASH
So far not a single bad review about this directorial debut of Paul Haggis who wrote MILLION DOLLAR BABY. I heard it will touch on many racial issues. It is a taboo subject and I would love to see how this is done sensitively.
Expected rating: A-
Saturday, July 16, 2005 3:03:00 PM
CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Johnny Depp looks creepy but the collaboration of him and Tim Burton hardly ..., makes that never, went wrong. Not really a fan of Raoul Dahl but always a fan of Tim Burton.
Expected rating: B+
Saturday, July 16, 2005 3:05:00 PM
MYSTERIOUS SKIN
All I know it is about alien abduction of two boys. Good reviews so far, even three and half stars from Uncle Roger. Saw the trailer the other day. It looks like a home video. Never really like the feel of a home video. Well, for the fair share of praises.
Expected rating: B (may be too indie for me)
Saturday, July 16, 2005 3:13:00 PM
SEVEN SWORDS
Tsui Hark used to be my idol. I do see him as Asian's answer to Steven Spielberg. I love his GREEN SNAKE, ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA, BUTTERFLY LOVERS, SWORDSMAN and even a little-known movie called BLADE. His martial arts scenes are truly awe-inspiring! Then over the years, he jsut lost it all. In the papers, he may say he has not lost his touch but the sad fact is he did... I am keen to watch SEVEN SWORDS because it reminds me so much of his better earlier films. But I am doubtful that it can be his comeback film. Just a gut feeling. I may like the art direction and cinematography. One more thing. The running length of 150 minutes long! If it is a failure, it sure adds on to the torture.
Expected Rating: B-
Friday, July 29, 2005 11:55:00 PM
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS
I am gonna say this again. Love documentary films. Read in the papers that this small film is doing very well in the States, standing shoulder to shoulder to the big summer blockbuster films. The good news is it is opening in Singapore on 28th August.
Expected Rating: A-
Saturday, July 30, 2005 12:00:00 AM
THE WAYWARD CLOUD
Always have this idea that this is one 'clean' movie from Tsai Ming Liang. Turns out, it also has some very controversial sex scenes. So real that questions of whether the actors did it for real are raised. Three minutes are cut from the Singapore's version. Damn! I hope the story is still coherent afterall. I always find Tsai Ming Liang's movies very weird but somehow still like its quirkiness.
Rating: B
Saturday, July 30, 2005 12:12:00 AM
RED EYE
Alan asked me one day to check out the trailer. Indeed, the trailer is one of the best I have seen. Go, check it out yourself. It is not about the special effects or scare tactics (this is afterall directed by Wes Craven) but I am very surprised that in a trailer, there is a twist in the end. What it seems to be is not what it is in the end.
Rachel McAdams is receiving good reviews for this thriller and I really hope this movie will finally confirm that she is really a credible actress.
I do not know much about the story. Which is a good thing. I will sit back and enjoy all the surprises that spring up into my face and thrill myself silly.
Expected Rating: A-
Sunday, August 28, 2005 8:35:00 AM
PERTH: THE GEYLANG MASSACRE
While most people flocked to watch the local horror film, THE MAID, I am eyeing the other local film, PERTH. At least it stars a very respectable local actor, Lim Kay Tong. If only he has connections with Hollywood, he is bound to be as big as Robert De Niro or Harvey Keitel.
He is mentioned that he looks like a local Harvey Keitel playing the Robert De Niro's character in TAXI DRIVER.
Heard the last scene is very violent. I hate violence in movies. Don't get me wrong. I am not so righteous. I will squirm at scary scenes.
The bad thing is... there is hardly any review of this movie. Totally overshadowed by THE MAID, which I believe should be a lesser movie than this one.
Expected Rating: B
Sunday, August 28, 2005 9:06:00 AM
BE WITH ME
First thing first. Not to be mistaken with BE WITH YOU, that hopelessly mushy Japanese romantic drama.
Heard it received standing ovation at the hard-to-please Cannes audience. Wonder why it takes the movie so long to be screen at our own hometown.
Heard there is a lesbian scene. I think it generates more talk than the fact that the story is inspired by this blind woman called Theresa Chan.
Watching it with Alan. Hopefully, it will not disappoint us both.
Expected Rating: B
Saturday, September 10, 2005 1:02:00 AM
AS IT IS IN HEAVEN
An Oscar nominee for BEST FOREIGN FILM. That is good enough for me to want to see this. The reviews are so-so only. Not even generating enough buzz. Well, not pinning too much hope. Just curious what is so good about it that it is being singled out as one of the best 5 foreign imports.
Expected Rating: B-
Saturday, September 17, 2005 10:29:00 PM
CINDERELLA MAN
It has been 'akan datang' for so long, I didn't even notice it has opened finally.
Possible Oscar contender, given the good reviews about how uplifting the true story is. Russell Crowe turns in a good performance as well. Well, much expected that. Aside from the bad press, he is nevertheless one of the best around.
But the running length of about 140 minutes can be really scary. Must not see this on a tired day.
Expected Rating: B
Saturday, September 17, 2005 10:33:00 PM
THE 40 YEAR-OLD VIRGIN
Most probably it is AMERICAN PIE for the middle-aged. I will definitely pass this. Sex comedies? Can't be in a form of very bad taste.
But wait.
Uncle Roger loves it and so do many film critics. Generally good reviews. They even say it is sweet and thoughtful.
Well. I am in! Not literally, of course!
Expected Rating: A-
Sunday, October 16, 2005 10:00:00 AM
OLIVER TWIST
A remake of another classic. I have always borne this bias that remakes can never be as good as the original. But I am wrong in a couple of instances. OCEAN'S ELEVEN remains as an excellent example why some movies need a remake.
I have high hopes for this remake too. Mostly it is because Oscar-winner Roman Polanski directed this. And Ben Kingsley's performance in the trailer is shouting "Oscar" out loud already.
Expected Rating: A
Friday, November 04, 2005 1:21:00 PM
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
The only reason I am watching this is I have seen the other Harry Potter movies.
I will most probably be wowed by the special effects again but I will forget about the story shortly afterwards.
Plus the kids have grown uglier over the years.
Expected Rating: C
Friday, November 04, 2005 1:24:00 PM
CHICKEN LITTLE
The trailer made me laugh so hard. I have a good feeling about this toon. Plus the chicken is really darn nerdy and cute. When he prances to the dance hits, the whole world will stop and just watch and then burst out laughing.
I just hope it comes with a cute and sweet story too.
Expected Rating: B+
Friday, November 04, 2005 1:27:00 PM
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Checked out the imdb. Nine movies and miniseries based on this Jane Austen's novel already. Excluding this one.
Why am I still keen to see this?
I don't read novels and so I am clueless about what the story is going to be like.
It doesn't hurt that sweet-faced Keira Knightley is starring in it. Matthew MacFadyen from IN MY FATHER'S DEN has a moving performance and hence looking forwad to seeing him again.
Expected Rating: B+
Friday, November 04, 2005 1:38:00 PM
A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE
David Cronenberg's latest offering has none of the creepy images. Oscar buzz is generating already. Uncle Roger has alot of good things to say about it. Seems like another thought-provoking pyschological thriller. Love thought-provoking movies. Heard there is a twist in the end too. Love the title too. Oh my, I am already head over heels over this movie.
Expected Rating: A-
Friday, November 04, 2005 1:45:00 PM
KING KONG
Peter Jackson. LOTR. Peter Jackson. LOTR. Peter Jackson. LOTR. Ok... it is needless to say more.
Expected Rating: A
Friday, November 04, 2005 1:46:00 PM
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
A colleague told me half a year back that the C.S. Lewis' book is going to be made into a movie.
Heard of the title but know nothing about it. My colleague told me it is not an easy book to read even though it is a kiddie fantasy book.
Trailer looks impressive. Another movie which seems to aspire to emulate LOTR.
Expected Rating: B+
Saturday, December 10, 2005 8:23:00 AM
MERRY CHRISTMAS (JOYEUX NOËL)
France's submission for the next Oscar's Best Foreign Film. In the past, I will be very keen to watch any foreign film submitted to run for Oscars but ... fact is, they are only submitted for nomination and that doesn't say anything about the quality of the movie.
After that very disappointing BON VOYAGE from France, that advertising statement will not have any effect on me. Hence, I passed WARRIORS OF HEAVEN AND EARTH and THE PROMISE. BE WITH ME is another example why submission to Oscars means nothing much.
But watching the trailer, I have a good feeling about this movie.
Hope I am right about this and may the deserving movies be in the Oscars race. The worst nightmare is to see BE WITH ME running for Oscars.
Expected Rating: B (still having a teeny weeny bit of reservation)
Saturday, December 10, 2005 4:48:00 PM
THE PROMISE
Saw the poster first like half a year ago. Wow. I was very impressed by it. It guarantees a very exquisitely beautiful fantasy film.
Saw the trailer and again impressed by it. The SFX in Chinese movies has improved in leaps and bounds. Pun intended.
But after watching it over and over again in the MRT, it seems that the exaggeration of the visuals can be very annoying. My annoyance comes full bloom when I read the plot online on the movie billboard. What a cheesy story!
Unpleasantly surprised to find that this movie is nominated in the Golden Globes, running for Best Foreign Film.
Pleasantly surprised to know that SFS is offering this movie at the next bi-weekly free movie screening. What's the loss?
I am watching this ... even though I am very doubtful.
Expected Rating: F (for the fun of it :P)
Thursday, December 15, 2005 11:23:00 PM
WALLACE & GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT
Love the Wallace & Gromit shorts. Not a single bad review so far for Nick Park's latest offering which took 5 years to make! The stop-motion claymation is a far cry from the SFX-crazy Hollywood animated films.
The plot sounds silly but fun. Even though I think the DVD is out, I would like to watch this so that I can secure a place in my top-20 list for the film.
Expected Rating: A
Thursday, December 29, 2005 10:00:00 PM
BROKEN FLOWERS
Before BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN comes to our screens (or maybe it never will), I am glad that this early Oscar buzz-generating indie will be showing in Singapore right before the close of 2005.
Will be paying $9.50 for watching it at Lido at the sneak previews. It is my common practice to catch any worth-seeing movies before the year ends so that it will be 'eligible' to be mentioned in my year-end movie report card.
Hopefully, BROKEN FLOWERS will be included in it and definitely hope that the money is not wasted. This will mark one of the rare occasions where I need to pay for a movie. Ha!
Expected Rating; B
Thursday, December 29, 2005 10:06:00 PM
IN HER SHOES
Rather good reviews overall. Directed by Curtis Hanson who also helmed 8 MILE, a movie which I thought I did not like but enjoy it nonetheless. Hopefully, he can surprise me again with IN HER SHOES. Well, if all things fail, there are Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine, two very competent actresses. And of course a scene of Cameron Diaz suntanning topless doesn't hurt at all.
Expected Rating: B+
Sunday, January 01, 2006 12:08:00 AM
MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA
Alas, this much-anticipated is receiving bad reviews. Seriously bad. About 30% fresh only at rottentomatoes.com. Does that deter me from watching this. Nope! For Zhang Ziyi. For Gong Li and her "I am gonna destroy you!" The reviewers complain the movie is too melodramatic. Not necessarily a bad thing if it is also very beautifully filmed.
Expected Rating: A-
Sunday, January 01, 2006 12:16:00 AM
PROOF
As a Maths teacher, I am not so positive about a movie about a mathematician. Sure, it is a subject I love to teach but a life of a mathematician sounds boring. But it is generating early Oscar buzz so it is worth seeing. Or at least mathematically logical.
Expected Rating: B
Sunday, January 01, 2006 12:18:00 AM
WALK THE LINE
A biopic about Johnny Cash whom I have not even heard of before. I am watching this because of the good word-of-mouth.
Expected Rating: C
Sunday, January 01, 2006 12:26:00 AM
FOOTBALL HOOLIGANS
Not so great reviews from the professional film critics but very enthusiastic reviews from viewers. Strangely, this movie is called by many names, GREEN STREET,
GREEN STREET HOOLIGANS, HOOLIGANS and FOOTBALL HOOLIGANS in Singapore. One reviewer compared this to FIGHT CLUB. Hmmm... should not be that bad then.
Expected Rating: B+
Sunday, January 01, 2006 12:44:00 AM
MUNICH
During the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, eleven Israeli athletes are taken hostage and murdered by a Palestinian terrorist group known as Black September. In retaliation, the Israeli government recruits a group of Mossad agents to track down and execute those responsible for the attack.
This summary taken from us.imdb.com has already aroused interest in this movie. Steven Spielberg directs. That is a seal of guarantee of good quality.
Expected Rating: A-
Sunday, January 01, 2006 12:51:00 AM
JARHEAD
Another movie that generates very early Oscar buzz. For that, I am seeing this. Gee... I am sounding more and more shallow. Well, at least there is a guarantee that it cannot be so far from being very bad and hence that means I will not be wasting money on a lousy movie.
Expected Rating: B+
Sunday, January 01, 2006 12:55:00 AM
THE CONSTANT GARDENER
A political thriller. Sounds very very heavy-going. Not really my cup of tea already. Highly possible Oscar contender. Okay. Take a look then.
Rating: B
Sunday, January 01, 2006 12:58:00 AM
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